Pediatric orbital subperiosteal abscess outbreak in Iran: characteristics and causes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate demographics, characteristics, and management of pediatric patients with subperiosteal abscesses (SPA) secondary to orbital cellulitis and discuss the etiology of a dramatic rise in SPA. METHODS: Data were gathered by retrospective chart review of patients admitted to a tertiary referral eye hospital (Farabi Eye Hospital) diagnosed with orbital cellulitis with subperiosteal abscess from October 2022 to March 2023 (six months). Data on demographic information, clinical examination, radiographic evidence of sinusitis, orbital cellulitis, SPA, surgical and non-surgical management taken, isolated bacteria, and duration of hospital stay were gathered. RESULTS: 24 patients were admitted during these six months, with a diagnosis of orbital SPA secondary to paranasal sinusitis, confirmed by an orbital Computed Tomography (CT) scan. The age range was 11 months to 16 years. 75% of patients were male. All patients had a history of flu-like illness before developing orbital cellulitis. All patients had concurrent sinusitis, and 18 underwent initial surgical abscess drainage. The ethmoid sinus was the most involved, and most patients had a medially located SPA. Abscess volume ranged from 0.78 to 7.81 cm3 (mean: 3.52 cm3). One patient had concurrent central retinal artery occlusion due to orbital cellulitis. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we report a dramatic increase in the incidence of SPA referred to our hospital. Larger abscess volumes and an increased number of cases that needed initial surgical drainage are also of note. An influenza outbreak in the autumn and winter, undiagnosed Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, increased antimicrobial resistance due to excessive off-label use of antibiotics during the COVID-19 pandemic, and more virulent bacterial infections are the most probable hypotheses to justify this observation.

Microbiology and Antibiotic Resistance Profiles of Orbital Subperiosteal Abscesses: A Comparison of Pediatric, Adolescent, and Adult Populations.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the microbiology and antibiotic resistance profiles of orbital subperiosteal abscesses (SPA) among 3 age cohorts. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care center through a medical record search to identify patients with orbital cellulitis and SPA on imaging from January 1, 2000 to September 10, 2022. Patients were categorized into pediatric (<9 years old), adolescent (9-18 years old), and adult (>18 years old) cohorts. Primary outcomes included culture and antibiotic susceptibility results. Secondary outcomes included antibiotic therapy and surgical intervention. RESULTS: Of the 153 SPA patients included, 62 (40.5%) were in the pediatric cohort (4 months-8 years, mean 5.0 ± 2.7), 51 (33.3%) were adolescent (9-18 years, 12.7 ± 2.8), and 40 (26.1%) were adult (19-95, 51.8 ± 19.3). Viridians group Streptococci were the most frequent organisms isolated across groups. The anaerobic infection rate was higher in the adult compared to the pediatric group (23.0% vs, 4.0%, p = 0.017), while that of the adolescent did not differ significantly from either. Pediatric patients carried a lower rate of clindamycin resistance than adolescent and adult cohorts, who shared similar rates (0 vs. 27.0% and 28.0%, respectively; p = 0.016). There were progressive increases in duration of intravenous antibiotic therapy ( p < 0.195) and rate of surgical intervention ( p < 0.001) going from younger to older cohorts. CONCLUSION: Organisms isolated from orbital SPA from the past 2 decades demonstrate a predominance of Streptococcal species. Older age may be associated with anaerobic infection, clindamycin resistance, and more aggressive management. Adolescent infections are more similar to adult rather than pediatric counterparts but may require less aggressive management than the former.

Effect of periosteal reaction in medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw on treatment outcome after surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical treatment in patients with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is superior to conservative treatment. However, treatment outcome in patients with periosteal reaction (PR) was significantly poorer than that of those without PR. The purpose of this retrospective study was to analyze the pathophysiology and clinical significance of PR in MRONJ. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Out of 181 patients with MRONJ undergoing surgery, 38 patients with PR were enrolled in the study. CT examinations, histological examinations, and bacteriological examinations using real-time polymerase chain reaction were performed, and the relationship among the opted surgical method, CT findings, and treatment outcome was investigated. RESULTS: The pattern of PR was classified into three types: type 1, new bone is formed parallel to the mandible, and no gap was evident between the mandible and new bone; type 2, new bone is formed parallel to the mandible, and a gap was evident between them; type 3, an irregular shape. Histological examinations revealed inflammatory tissue in the area visualized as a gap on CT. Bacteriological examination showed the presence of bacteria in the type 2 or type 3 PR. Complete cure was observed in 21 of 38 (55.3%) patients, which was lower than the cure rate of 73.4% in 143 patients without PR. The cure rate was significantly lower in cases with type 3 PR or with persistent osteolysis. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that complete resection of both osteolytic area and type 3 PR is necessary to obtain complete healing in patients undergoing marginal mandibulectomy.

Acute mastoiditis in infants aged six months or younger.

OBJECTIVE: Bibliographic data for the management of acute mastoiditis in infants aged six months or less are very limited. This study investigated the presenting symptomatology, diagnostic and treatment options, and final outcomes in this age group. METHOD: A retrospective review was conducted of all infants aged six months or less suffering from acute mastoiditis, admitted to our department between 2007 and 2017. RESULTS: Eleven infants were identified. All of them developed the typical symptomatology of acute mastoiditis, while a higher rate of subperiosteal abscess formation was observed. Imaging was necessary in three cases only. Parenteral antibiotics and myringotomy were applied in all infants. A drainage procedure was also included in the infants with a subperiosteal abscess. Antrotomy was reserved for non-responsive cases. No intracranial complications were observed. All infants were cured without further complications or sequelae. CONCLUSION: Acute mastoiditis in infants aged six months or less can be safely diagnosed and treated using a standardised algorithmic approach, similar to that used for older children.

Yaws Osteoperiostitis Treated with Single-Dose Azithromycin.

AbstractThe etiologic agent of yaws, Treponema pallidum subsp. pertenue, causes a multistage infection transmitted by nonsexual contact with the exudates from active lesions. Bone lesions in the form of osteoperiostitis are common and occur in numerous bones simultaneously in early stages. Although a multinational eradication campaign with mass administration of intramuscular benzathine benzylpenicillin in the 1950s greatly reduced its global incidence, a resurgence of yaws has occurred since around 2000 in western and central Africa and the Pacific Islands. The finding that a single oral dose of azithromycin (30 mg/kg) was as effective as benzathine benzylpenicillin prompted renewed interest by World Health Organization in 2012 toward eradication of this infection by 2020. We previously reported the excellent response to benzathine benzylpenicillin therapy for yaws osteoperiostitis. Herein, we document a confirmed case of yaws with osteoperiostitis successfully treated with single-dose azithromycin and discuss the pathology of yaws periostitis and comment on the implications of this in light of the new campaign toward yaws eradication.

Characteristics of superior orbital subperiosteal abscesses in children.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Superior pediatric orbital subperiosteal abscesses (SPAs) are less common than medial ones, and clinical features specific to patients with superior SPAs have not been well defined. Clinical characteristics between patients with superior and medial SPAs are compared to determine whether superior location is a risk factor for surgical intervention. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: The target population consisted of patients diagnosed with an SPA and seen by the pediatric otolaryngology service at a tertiary children's hospital between January 2010 and October 2014. Imaging characteristics including proptosis, hypoglobus, intraorbital air, and abscess volume as well as treatment interventions were reviewed. RESULTS: Forty patients between 5 and 17 years of age treated for an orbital SPA were identified. Thirteen patients were identified as having superior SPAs; 27 had medial SPAs. The average ages in the two groups were 10.92 and 9.26 years, respectively. The odds ratio for surgical treatment per each increasing year of age was 1.5 (P = .004). The proportion of patients requiring surgery was significantly different between the groups (12/13 superior vs. 13/27 medial, P = .01). The predominant organism group cultured in surgical patients was Streptococcus anginosus (8/24, 29.17%). Superior SPA patients had significantly more proptosis, hypoglobus, and abscess volume on computed tomography scan. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with superior SPAs may present with more advanced disease, leading to a higher rate of characteristics such as proptosis, hypoglobus, and intraorbital air, factors that would predispose to surgical drainage. We found that abscess volume was the most predictive of surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 127:735-740, 2017.

Orbital Cellulitis and Subperiosteal Abscess: A 5-year Outcomes Analysis.

PURPOSE: Orbital cellulitis and subperiosteal abscess (SPA) are historically associated with poor outcomes. We seek to characterize current associations with abscess formation, surgical failure and vision loss. METHODS: All cases of orbital cellulitis presenting to an affiliated hospital between April 2008 and 2013 were critically reviewed. RESULTS: Thirty patients met inclusion criteria. Average age was 28.7 ± 24.4. The male to female ratio was 2:1. Abscesses were identified in 56.7% of patients. Adults were less likely than children to present with abscesses (28.6% vs. 81.3%, p = 0.008). Of the other factors analyzed, only antibiotic use before admission (70.5% vs. 23.1%, p = 0.03) and maximum restriction (-2.5 ± 1.2 vs. -0.9 ± 0.7, p = 0.008) were associated with SPA. Temperature at presentation (37.9 ± 0.9 vs. 37.1 ± 0.4, p = 0.04), relative proptosis (5.8 ± 3.3 mm vs. 2.1 ± 1.1, p = 0.002) and abscess volume (4.3 ± 1.3 mm(3) vs. 0.7 ± 0.5 mm(3), p = 0.0004) were associated with progression to surgery. Reoperation was required in 26.7% of patients. Of these, two-thirds had combined superior/medial abscesses that re-accumulated after isolated endonasal surgery. Two of the 3 patients with profound vision loss had a dental etiology. CONCLUSIONS: Only young age, prior antibiotics and degree of restriction predicted the presence of an abscess. Re-accumulation was more common than anticipated, and drainage of superior/medial abscesses by endoscopic surgery alone had the strongest association with surgical failure. Patients with odontogenic abscesses must be treated with particular caution.

Mastoid subperiosteal abscess as a first sign of unnoticed cholesteatoma in children.

AIM: To present children who underwent mastoidectomy for congenital cholesteatoma presented as a subperiosteal abscess. RESULTS: All seven children (age range 7-14 years, six boys) presented with retroauricular swelling, erythema and fluctuation in the mastoid area, and one child also had a mastoid-cutaneous fistula. Five children had otorrhoea, while the other two had normal-appearing tympanic membranes. None of the children had a history of middle ear disease. Four children were treated with antibiotics for a recent episode of otitis media prior to admission. The main findings at surgery were pus, granulations and erosion of the mastoid cortex. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus sp. were isolated from the abscess in two patients, and the other five cultures were negative. All the patients demonstrated some degree of hearing impairment after surgery. CONCLUSION: Surgical eradication of a mastoid SA in older children is essential as it may be the first indication of an underlying CC.

Group C streptococcal subperiosteal abscess of the orbit.

Group C Streptococcus is a well recognised pathogen in acute pharyngitis and sinusitis. To our knowledge group c streptococcus has not been reported to cause orbital cellulitis or subperiosteal abscess. We wish to report a case of a child with orbital subperiosteal abscess caused by Group C streptococcus.

Climate and New World periosteal reaction patterns: implications for migration routes into the western hemisphere.

The presence of the diseases yaws and bejel are indicated by periosteal reaction patterns. The distributions of these two diseases in ancient North American human populations show evidence of climatic influence. Those ancient populations lacking either yaws or bejel (the null periosteal reaction pattern) can be found in the coldest parts of the Cold Winter Regions. Those populations with yaws (the poly-ostotic periosteal reaction) can be found in the milder portions of the Cold Winter Regions. The populations with bejel (the pauci-ostotic periosteal reaction) are found either outside of or marginal to Cold Winter Regions. The Bering Strait area is considered to be the gateway to the ancient New World. The cold climates present in this area should have influenced the routes available for the diseases to spread from population to population or by migration of infected populations into the Western Hemisphere. It is suggested that the coastal route with its milder maritime climate was the route taken by yaws when it entered the New World. The presence of bejel in ancient North America presents a conundrum. The climate would have blocked the spread of the disease from Siberia to Alaska in either Late Glacial or Holocene times. This suggests that our present view of migration routes is incomplete.

Activation of the acquired immune response reduces coupled bone formation in response to a periodontal pathogen.

Osteoimmunolgy involves the interaction of the immune system with skeletal elements. This interaction can lead to the formation of osseous lesions. To investigate how the acquired immune response could contribute to osteolytic lesions, we injected the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis adjacent to calvarial bone with or without prior immunization against the bacterium. Activation of the acquired immune response increased osteoclastogenesis and decreased coupled bone formation. The latter was accompanied by an increase in nuclear translocation of the transcription factor FOXO1 in vivo, increased apoptosis of bone-lining cells measured by the TUNEL assay and number of activated caspase-3 positive cells and a decrease in bone lining cell density. Further studies were conducted with MC3T3 osteoblastic cells. Apoptosis and increased FOXO1 DNA binding activity were induced when a combination of cytokines was tested, IL-beta, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma. Knockdown of FOXO1 by small interfering RNA significantly reduced cytokine stimulated apoptosis, cleaved caspase-3/7 activity and decreased mRNA levels of the proapoptotic genes, TNF-alpha, FADD, and caspase-3, -8, and -9. These results indicate that activation of the acquired immunity by a periodontal pathogen reduces the coupling of bone formation and resorption. This may occur by enhancing bone lining cell apoptosis through a mechanism that involves increased FOXO1 activation. These studies give insight into inflammatory bone diseases such as periodontal disease and arthritis were the formation of lytic lesions occurs in conjunction with deficient bone formation and activation of an acquired immune response.

Medical and surgical management of subperiosteal orbital abscess secondary to acute sinusitis in children.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the presentations and outcomes of pediatric subperiosteal orbital abscesses (SPOA) secondary to acute sinusitis. STUDY DESIGN: Case series SETTING: Tertiary children's hospital. PATIENTS: Forty-three admissions diagnosed with SPOA by clinical presentation and contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) were retrospectively reviewed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical presentations, CECT dimensions, treatment, outcomes, and microbiology. RESULTS: Eighteen/43 (42%) patients resolved their infection with medical management only, including five children older than nine. Twenty-five/43 (58%) children underwent surgical drainage. Purulence was identified in 22 of 25 surgical patients, and the most common organism was Streptococcus milleri (7 patients). Compared to 22 patients with drained purulence, the 18 patients with abscesses managed medically had significant differences for: chemosis in 2/18 (11.1%) versus 14/22 (63.6%, p=0.001), proptosis in 10/18 (55.6%) versus 20/22 (90.9%, p=0.025), elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in 0/18 (0%) versus 11/22 (50%, p<0.001), severe restriction of extraocular movements in 1/18 (5.6%) versus 12/22 (54.5%, p=0.002), and length of stay (4.3 versus 5.8 days, p=0.038). The dimensions of medial SPOA managed medically were significantly smaller on CECT compared to surgically drained purulent SPOA: width (0.25 versus 1.46cm, p<0.001), height (0.73 versus 1.35cm, p=0.002), and length (1.1 versus 1.86cm, p=0.004). Persistent morbidities occurred in no patients managed medically and in 2/25 (8%) managed surgically. CONCLUSIONS: Children with small medial SPOA without significant ocular signs may be managed medically with favorable outcomes. Proposed criteria for medical management of medial SPOA include: (1) normal vision, pupil, and retina; (2) no ophthalmoplegia; (3) IOP<20mmHg; (4) proptosis of 5mm or less; and (5) abscess width of 4mm or less. In contrast to prior series, older children with SPOA were managed successfully with medical therapy.

Postauricular needle aspiration of subperiosteal abscess in acute mastoiditis.

To test the hypothesis that subperiosteal abscess, a complication of acute mastoiditis, can be treated equally well by needle aspiration as by cortical mastoidectomy, we performed a retrospective analysis of 78 pediatric patients hospitalized between 1995 and 2003 and performed an analysis of published data on types and outcomes of treatment approaches for acute mastoiditis. Postauricular pus aspiration resolved the subperiosteal abscess in 14 of 17 patients. The length of the hospital stay of patients who underwent aspiration was shorter than that of patients who underwent cortical mastoidectomy. We conclude that postauricular pus aspiration, a simple and minimally invasive procedure, is an effective treatment modality for subperiosteal abscess. Mastoidectomy should be reserved for nonresponsive cases or those with more serious complications. Broad-spectrum antibiotics, myringotomy with daily toilet of the ear, and postauricular aspiration, when required, minimize the indications for surgery and reduce the hospital stay.

Mastoid subperiosteal abscess: a review of 51 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To present a large study on subperiosteal abscess (SA) that represents the most frequent complication of acute mastoiditis. METHOD: A retrospective study was conducted on 49 patients who underwent mastoidectomy for SA. RESULTS: The patients ranged in age from 8 months to 21 years. Two patients were re operated on the same side due to recurrent abscess. Forty-five percent of the patients were treated using antibiotics at home and 58.8% of patients had no history of middle ear infection prior to admission. CT underestimated abscess in two patients who were operated on based on their clinical signs. Perisinus abscess was drained during mastoidectomy in one child. Purulent discharge was obtained from the abscess in 41 cases. The most common isolated pathogens were Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. Cholesteatoma was found during mastoidectomy in six patients (11.3%). Twenty-four patients (49%) developed postoperative sequela including various middle ear infections, mastoiditis, recurrent SA and impaired hearing. CONCLUSIONS: Mastoid SA is a unilateral mainly children's disease that can recur. Cholesteatoma can associate the abscess and could be found in older children and recurrent abscess. High morbidity rate requires long-term follow-up for these patients.

Pott's puffy tumor of the vertex years after trauma in a diabetic patient: case report.

Pott's puffy tumor is a rare clinical entity characterized by subperiosteal abscess associated with osteomyelitis. It is usually seen as a complication of frontal sinusitis or trauma. This is the unique report of a Pott's puffy tumor located over the vertex of a type 1 diabetic patient with an unusual latency of 14 years following injury. A 27-year old man presented with pain and a soft swelling on his vertex. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated subperiosteal abscess in the vertex region associated with dural thickening and perisinusal irregularities of epidural space. Further history revealed that he had a trauma to the same location when he was 13 years old. Considering possible complications due to proximity of the lesion to the sagittal sinus, we retrained from aggressive surgical interventions. We treated our patient with a simple surgical abscess drainage followed by prolonged use of antibiotics and achieved complete therapy. The cellular and humoral elements of the immune system may be disrupted in diabetic patients resulting in such atypical courses and complications of infections. We want to emphasize both importance of the prompt diagnosis of Pott's puffy tumor as intracranial invasion may cause severe neurologic problems, and importance of a surgical intervention tailored for the individual lesion.

Bacteriology of mastoid subperiosteal abscess in children.

OBJECTIVE: Subperiosteal abscess (SA) is the most frequent complication of acute mastoiditis (AM). Of pathogens cultured from the external auditory canal or middle ear during myringotomy, 15% may be different from microorganisms isolated from the SA. We suggest, therefore, that only cultures obtained from the abscess cavity can truly reflect the bacteriology of this complication of AM. The purpose of our study was to analyze the infectious agents which cause SA and mastoid cortex erosion in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The medical records of 35 children who underwent mastoidectomy for SA between May 1984 and April 2002 were evaluated. RESULTS: Mastoid cortex erosion was found at surgery in 72.7% of abscesses Purulent discharge was obtained from the SA cavity in 28 cases. The commonest pathogens isolated in these cases, as well as in 18 cases of mastoid cortex erosion, were Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes, followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae. Hemophilus influenzae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Sterile culture was found in 25% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Mastoid SA is a unilateral disease that can recur. Early administration of anti-Staphylococcus medications should be considered for patients with SA as a complication of AM.

Experimentally induced rhinosinusitis in rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to develop an experimental rhinosinusitis model by using bacteria-added absorbable material for temporary ostial obstruction. METHOD: Absorbable gelatin sponge was inserted between the endoturbinals and the ostium of the sinus. In the first group, the effects of surgical procedure and Gelfoam on ostial mucosa were examined macroscopically. In the second group Gelfoam was moistened with Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923). The sinuses of rabbits were examined by coronal com puted tomography before each surgical procedure and sacrifice. The animals were sacrificed at the first, second, fourth eighth, and tenth weeks. Histologic and microbiologic examinations were performed. RESULTS: In the first group, fibrotic bands and adhesions were observed between the ostium of the maxillary sinus and the endoturbinals in the first and second week. In the second group, a thick purulent discharge that invariably filled the sinuses of the inoculated side was seen after the first week of induction, and opacity, which was determined radiologically, did not disappear until the end of the study. CONCLUSION: In this study, an experimental rhinosinusitis model was accomplished. It is currently believed that obstruction of the ostium with mucosal edema, polyps, or tumour leads to maxillary sinusitis. In this model, the pathogenesis of human sinusitis was imitated by temporary occlusion of the ostium with bacteria-added Gelfoam. This model can be used in further studies to explore the role of the ostium in the pathogenesis of sinusitis.

Orbital subperiosteal hematoma, cholesterol granuloma, and infection. Evaluation with MR imaging and CT.

Orbital subperiosteal space, a potential space, is an important entity due to its unique anatomy and susceptibility to various pathologic processes. CT scan and MR imaging are important tools in the diagnosis of orbital subperiosteal hematomas, cholesterol granulomas, and infections. MR imaging has emerged as the modality of choice in the evaluation of hematomas and infections of this space due to its multiplanar capability and various imaging sequences giving better information. High-resolution CT scan offers good differentiation in most of these cases. Osseous changes in a cholesterol granuloma is better seen in CT scan, although MR imaging offers better differentiation from epidermoid or dermoid cysts and other subperiosteal process, as well as lacrimal fossa lesions. Subperiosteal abscesses are best evaluated using MR imaging.