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Post-traumatic orbitorrhea: An underestimated life-threatening complication following anterior skull base fractures.

Arnaud MartelNassim BougaciJacques LagierFabien AlmairacArnaud Dagain
Published in: European journal of ophthalmology (2019)
Orbitorrhea is defined as a leak of cerebrospinal fluid from a cranio-orbital fistula. It is usually related to anterior skull base trauma. Orbitorrhea is an exceptional and life-threatening condition which should be promptly managed. We herein report the case of a right post-traumatic orbitorrhea following anterior skull base trauma. Conservative treatment was initially attempted. At 6 weeks, recurrence was noted, and the patient underwent neurosurgical management. A few months later, a secondary upper lid retraction was diagnosed and treated by full-thickness skin graft with favourable outcome. To our knowledge, fewer than 30 cases have been previously reported. Ophthalmologists should be aware of this life-threatening condition which could be underestimated.
Keyphrases
  • cerebrospinal fluid
  • healthcare
  • trauma patients
  • optical coherence tomography
  • combination therapy
  • newly diagnosed
  • free survival
  • wound healing
  • smoking cessation
  • preterm birth