Orbital compartment syndrome caused by intraorbital bacitracin ointment after endoscopic sinus surgery

PURPOSE: To present an unusual case of orbital compartment syndrome after e ndoscopic sinus surgery. METHODS: Case report, RESULTS: Acute proptosis, chemosis, decreased vision, and ophthalmoplegia w ere found immediately after endoscopic sinus surgery. Ophthalmologic evalua tion showed a tense orbit, and intraocular pressure increased to 54 mm Hg, Treatment was initiated and the intraocular pressure dropped. Computed tomo graphy (CT) revealed the presence of bacitracin ointment in the orbit. CONCLUSION: Ophthalmic complications after sinus surgery are well identifie d. Postoperative orbital compartment syndrome may be caused by retrobulbar hemorrhage, edema, air (emphysema), or foreign material. Zn this case, the findings were caused by inadvertent injection of bacitracin ointment into t he orbit. (C) 2000 by Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.