Orbital emphysema following a sneeze

Case contributed by Amrita Kalantri
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

The patient presented with acute swelling in the region of the left orbit after a sneeze.

Patient Data

Age: 40 years
Gender: Male

Axial and coronal CT sections

ct

Axial CT sections at the level of the orbits demonstrate a focal defect in the left lamina papyracea. Multiple air foci are seen within the left orbit predominantly the preseptal compartment.

Case Discussion

Orbital emphysema can occur as a consequence of sudden increase in intraorbital pressure. The lamina papyracea is the thinnest wall of the orbit and gives way resulting in a blow out fracture

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