Orbital abscess due to acute ethmoiditis in a neonate

Orbital complications due to ethmoiditis are not uncommon in children. Howe ver, they are very rare in infants. A case of orbital abscess due to acute ethmoiditis in a 10 days old boy is reported. Causative microorganisms isol ated from the operated specimen were Staphylococcus aureus and aspergillosi s. Successful outcome was achieved following antimicrobial therapy, externa l ethmoidectomy, and surgical drainage of the abscess. The aetiopathogenesi s and management of this clinical entity is discussed, with a brief review of the literature. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserv ed.