Otorhinolaryngological spectrum of diseases leading to Ophthalmological presentation in eye out patient department: An overview

Abstract

Orbital complications are not so uncommon in ENT diseases. Being an adjacent structure, orbit is commonly involved which can be further complicated by vision loss and intracranial spread of infection and sometimes mortality. In this scenario proper imaging and and newer generation antibiotics can be a game changer. The study aims to demonstrate Ophthalmological manifestations in relation to otorhinolaryngological diseases. This was a retrospective observational study conducted in Eye outpatient department of Regional Hospital, Himachal Pradesh for the period of 1 year from July 2022 to June 2023. In a retrospective investigation, 28 cases of ophthalmological symptoms with root cause of various ENT disorders, mostly paranasal tumour expansions, nasopharyngeal tumour, and nasal furunculosis, were examined in connection to their age, gender, clinical, radiological, and histopathological profile. The most dependable investigating tool was considered as CT scan. Accordingly medical and surgical treatment were adopted owing to location and disease nature. A good cooperation and follow up is needed between ophthalmologist and otolaryngologist to overcome this challenge. A total of 28 patients who met the eligibility criteria were enrolled in the study. Average age of presentation was 36.2 years with 17 males and 11 females. Proptosis was the most common orbital manifestation found in 32.4% cases (n=9). Lagopthalmos was found in 25% cases (n=7) and preseptal cellulitis was found in 14.28% cases (n=4). Orbital cellulitis and cavernous sinus thrombosis was found in 7.14% cases (n=2). Orbital apex syndrome was found in 3.57% cases (n=1). To save the patient from Ophthalmological morbidity and maybe mortality, a high index of suspicion of early orbital involvement by thorough ENT examination is required. A team effort consisting of ophthalmologist and otorhinolaryngologist, acting jointly is needed in order to identify the underlying disease process and provide the appropriate care.