Orbital apex syndrome

Surv Ophthalmol. 1987 Sep-Oct;32(2):136-40. doi: 10.1016/0039-6257(87)90106-8.

Abstract

A case is presented of a 16-year-old anticoagulated, immunocompromised male presenting with a blind, proptotic left eye, total ophthalmoplegia, and central retinal artery occlusion. Ophthalmic examination revealed other features of the orbital apex syndrome. Mucormycosis misdiagnosed as a traumatic orbital hemorrhage led to the patient's death. In this review, differential diagnosis of the orbital apex syndrome (loss of cranial nerves II, III, IV, ophthalmic division of V, and VI) is outlined, and features, diagnosis, and treatment of mucormycosis are discussed. Although mucormycosis is most commonly seen in diabetics, it should be considered in any immunocompromised patient presenting with the constellation of features of orbital apex syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Amphotericin B / therapeutic use
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mucormycosis* / complications
  • Mucormycosis* / drug therapy
  • Myocarditis / complications
  • Orbital Diseases / complications
  • Orbital Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Orbital Diseases / etiology*
  • Orbital Diseases / pathology
  • Syndrome
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Amphotericin B