Orbito-palpebral emphysema due to ethmoidal fracture

Background: Orbito-palpebral emphysema is a frequent pathological entity du e to head injury. We report on a patient and correlate the clinical view an d computer tomography findings. Case report: A 17-year-old male was referred to our hospital after a blunt trauma to his head. Visual acuity was 1,0. Diplopia, restricted motility an d exophthalmus about 4 mm were found. Conclusion: If swelling of the lid is found orbito-palpebral emphysema shou ld be thought of to initiate appropriate therapy to avoid possible severe c omplications, for example, occlusion of the retinal central artery.