Odontogenic Orbital Inflammation: Clinical and CT Findings—Initial Observations

Purpose: To retrospectively review computed tomographic (CT) and clinical findings in patients with odontogenic orbital infection. Materials and Methods: Approval from the institutional review board was obtained for chart and scan review, and informed consent was waived for this HIPAA-compliant study. Five patients, two male and three female (median age, 37 years; age range, 13–55 years), who had odontogenic orbital cellulitis underwent clinical evaluation, CT scanning, and treatment. CT findings, including periapical lucency suggesting abscess, sinus opacification, and the route of spread of infection, were analyzed in each patient. Imaging, clinical, and surgical findings, including the initial clinical diagnosis and the presence of a periapical abscess at surgery and at pathologic examination, were compared. Results: Periapical lucency and sinus opacification were seen in all patients. The route of infection spread was through either the premalar soft tissues or the maxillary sinuses. The odontogenic o...