Rapid progression of orbital abscess requiring lateral canthotomy in a pediatric patient.

Subperiosteal abscess (SPA) is a rare complication of acute sinusitis in children that may develop rapidly. In this case report, we describe an 11 year-old boy who presented with a large SPA 2 days after being diagnosed with conjunctivitis. The patient required emergent lateral canthotomy and cantholysis (LCC), IV antibiotics, and emergent surgery. It is crucial that emergency physicians be able to identify and treat this vision-threatening complication.

Occurrence of acute retrobulbar hemorrhage during birth.

OBJECTIVE: Presentation of acute retrobulbar subperiostal hemorrhage (hematoma) in the course of delivery. The occurrence, possible threats and recommended methods of treatment are described. Introduction: Acute retrobulbar hemorrhage is always a serious condition. Even if not connected with other ocular trauma, it could cause permanent blindness. The reason is based on constriction of the eye, decreasing of the blood supply and thus disruption of the oxygen supply to sensitive retinal tissues. After a short time, these tissues start to deteriorate and lose their natural function. This event is often connected with exophthalmia and diplopia. The primary diagnostic procedure is to measure intraocular pressure (IOP). Even if the ideal diagnostic tools are not accessible, performing a lateral canthotomy (event. with inferior cantholysis) is recommended to relieve IOP in acute situations. Normal intraocular pressure is considered to be 8-21 mmHg. Case report: Our 29-year-old female patient was in the second stage of delivery and suddenly got retrobulbar hemorrhage, resulting in exophthalmia and diplopia. Her baby was delivered shortly after the event. The following delivery course was normal, including her perineum repair and puerperium. Our patient was fortunate because her visual acuity and IOP were normal. Therefore, we chose an observational treatment strategy. After 5 weeks, we noted successful disintegration of the hematoma and decreased exophthalmia and diplopia without other consequences. Conclusion: We described retrobulbar subperiostal bleeding in our patient in the course of delivery. We depicted possible threats that could result in blindness and described recommended methods of treatment. Even if such a situation is extremely rarely, we believe that knowledge of these guidelines could help medical professionals broaden their treatment options. This particularly occurs when a trained eye surgeon is not available.

Retrobulbar hemorrhage with orbital compartment syndrome: A rare sight-threatening emergency during air medical evacuation.

Traumatic retrobulbar hemorrhage may be rapidly progressive, converts to a sight-threatening emergency with potentially devastating complications. Assisted-escape systems in fast jet aircraft can lead to the pilot's facial/orbital injuries at any stage of the ejection sequences, which may result in retrobulbar hemorrhage. Orbital traumas are common and rarely result in retrobulbar hemorrhage and orbital compartment syndrome. However, early diagnosis and urgent out-of-the-hospital lateral canthotomy with cantholysis were recommended to save the patient's vision.

Retrobulbar hemorrhage decompression with paracanthal "one-snip" method: Time to retire lateral canthotomy?

Orbital compartment syndrome is a rare but serious condition most commonly as a result of traumatic retrobulbar hemorrhage and must be treated quickly to avoid ischemic damage to the optic nerve and retina. While the previously accepted standard of care for management of this condition has been lateral canthotomy with inferior cantholysis, this procedure can be challenging for physicians to perform given the rarity of the condition and that patients are frequently in significant pain often with significant periocular edema. In this case, orbital compartment syndrome was effectively treated with a paracanthal "one-snip" incision quickly and efficiently in the ED. This procedure offers a more manageable alternative treatment which has been found to produce a satisfactory intraocular pressure reduction in both cadaver models and now a patient with confirmed retrobulbar hemorrhage and resultant orbital compartment syndrome.

Success rates of lateral canthotomy and cantholysis for treatment of orbital compartment syndrome.

PURPOSE: Vision loss after facial trauma can occur from orbital compartment syndrome (OCS). Orbital compartment syndrome is commonly treated surgically with a lateral canthotomy and cantholysis (C&C). Our study investigates success rates of lateral C&C for the treatment of OCS amongst emergency medicine (EM) and ophthalmology providers. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed. Cases were identified and the electronic medical record of patients was interrogated for clinical and procedural information. Success of a lateral C&C was defined as a decrease in intraocular pressure (IOP) to <30 mmHg after the first attempt at the procedure. Inclusion criteria included documentation of a procedural attempt, a pre-procedure IOP >30 mmHg and a post-procedure IOP measurement; or alternatively if no pre-procedure IOP was documented but the IOP was >30 on arrival to the level 1 trauma center. Exclusion criteria included periprocedural use of ocular hypotensive medications and comorbid hyphema. RESULTS: The final analysis included 74 eyes from 64 patients. Emergency medicine providers performed the initial lateral C&C in 68% of cases compared to 32% by ophthalmologists, and success rates were comparable - 68% vs 79.2%, respectively (p = 0.413). Poorer visual outcomes were associated with the initial failure of a lateral C&C and head trauma without an orbital fracture. All patients treated with a vertical lid split procedure met the criteria for 'success' as defined by this study. CONCLUSIONS: The success rate of a lateral C&C is comparable amongst EM and ophthalmology providers. Improved training of physicians on the lateral C&C or other simpler procedures, such as the vertical lid split, could improve outcomes in OCS.

Tension pneumocephalus and bilateral orbital compartment syndrome relieved by lateral canthotomies.

Traumatic tension pneumocephalus and orbital compartment syndrome are rare, tend to be associated with severe craniofacial injuries, and can occur following both blunt and penetrating injury. Early recognition and high index of clinical suspicion are important in both cases. Emergency decompression results in improvement in vast majority of cases.

An Easily Assembled, Low-Cost Model for Lateral Canthotomy Education.

BACKGROUND: Lateral canthotomy is a vision-saving procedure. However, the low incidence of orbital compartment syndrome and the expense of simulators to practice this procedure can lead to low confidence and delays in the performance of the procedure by emergency physicians. DISCUSSION: We used a simple, inexpensive, easily assembled eye model for lateral canthotomy education at a residency program and a national conference obtaining feedback from simulation participants. Residents rated procedure laboratories that included the lateral canthotomy model as 4.9 to 5 (on a 5-point Likert scale, with 5 being the best score). National conference participants rated the model a 9 as a useful training model for practitioners on a 10-point Likert scale. CONCLUSION: This simple task trainer is practical, inexpensive, quickly assembled, and useful as a tool for practicing emergency medicine providers.

A Posttraumatic Dilated, Proptotic Eye Does Not Always Need a Lateral Canthotomy! A Review of Superior Orbital Fissure Syndrome for Emergency Physicians.

BACKGROUND: Superior orbital fissure syndrome (SOFS) is a rare constellation of findings consisting of ophthalmoplegia, ptosis, a fixed dilated pupil, forehead anesthesia, and loss of the corneal reflex. This syndrome, though rare, is most often encountered in trauma with individuals sustaining a facial fracture. CASE REPORT: We present a case of a young woman who was diagnosed with SOFS after a fall in her house, hitting her face on a nightstand. Treatment consisted of high-dose i.v. steroids followed by a taper with close follow-up in the Ophthalmology clinic. We provide a brief review of SOFS, including treatment considerations and follow-up. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: SOFS can be easily overlooked in an individual presenting to the emergency department after facial trauma with proptosis. However, a thorough examination of the eye, visual acuity, and intraocular pressure will focus the physician on SOFS rather than the need for immediate decompression via lateral canthotomy. This report describes a traumatic cause of SOFS, the pathophysiology and treatment, and summarizes existing literature.

Bean Bag Projectile Causing Ocular Compartment Syndrome, Intracranial Hemorrhage, and Facial Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Bean bag rounds are a commonly used nonlethal projectile. Although they are generally reported to cause mild to moderate soft tissue injury, the potential for more serious injuries is only partially explored and may even be underappreciated. Injuries to the face, eyes, and head and their potential to inflict serious consequences, or even fatalities, are not well established. CASE REPORT: We present a case of severe head trauma caused by a bean bag round. Injuries included ocular compartment syndrome, intracranial hemorrhage, depressed skull fracture, and multiple facial fractures. Emergency department management of this patient required lateral canthotomy, intubation for airway protection, and management of suspected elevated intracranial pressure. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Although typically not regarded as serious, injuries caused by bean bag rounds have the potential to threaten life, limb, and vision. Emergency physicians should be aware of these possibilities, especially when the head is impacted, and should be prepared to perform critical actions and emergent procedures as needed. In addition, if not at a major trauma center, the emergency physician needs to be aware of the time-sensitive interventions required prior to transfer.

Efficacy of vertical lid split versus lateral canthotomy and cantholysis in the management of orbital compartment syndrome.

Purpose: To compare the efficacy of the vertical lid split (VLS) to the standard lateral canthotomy and cantholysis (LC/C) for orbital compartment syndrome (OCS) in the cadaveric model.Methods: Simulated OCS was achieved in seven fresh frozen cadaveric orbits. Orbital pressure (OP) was monitored in one control orbit and six interventional orbits. Initial OP was recorded before three right orbits underwent lateral canthotomy with superior and inferior cantholysis, and three left orbits underwent vertical lid split of the upper and lower eyelids. In all 7 orbits, OP was recorded for a total of 16 min. The main outcome measure was the amount of OP reduction at timed intervals.Results: Beginning OP in the control orbit was 109 mmHg, and average initial OP of the LC/C and VLS orbits were 90 and 103 mmHg, respectively. The control orbit maintained high OP without intervention. One minute after LC/C, OP decreased an average of 58.7 mmHg (65.2%; range 48-65 mmHg). One minute following VLS, OP decreased an average of 63 mmHg (61.0%; range 39-102 mmHg). At 16 min, OP reduction in the LC/C orbits averaged 65.3 mmHg (72.6%; range 56-71 mmHg), and OP reduction in the VLS orbits averaged 78 mmHg (75.5%; range 54-121 mmHg). Both interventions produced a comparable reduction in OP.Conclusions: Vertical lid split was found to be as effective as LC/C in reducing OP. The technical simplicity of the VLS lends itself well to utilization by physicians who are unfamiliar with eyelid surgery.

A human cadaveric model for effective instruction of lateral canthotomy and cantholysis.

Purpose: To evaluate a human cadaveric model in improving knowledge and comfort of ophthalmology residents performing a lateral canthotomy/cantholysis.Methods: A prospective study was conducted in ophthalmology residents, who participated in a workshop including an interactive lecture followed by hands-on training on a human cadaver. The lecture consisted of the indications and techniques of lateral canthotomy/cantholysis, along with video-demonstration of proper technique. Residents practiced the procedure on cadavers under faculty supervision. Knowledge and comfort level of conducting the procedure was assessed pre- and post-workshop.Results: Post-workshop, the residents showed a significant improvement in general knowledge regarding the technique of the procedure. Pre-workshop, the average knowledge score was 9 points out of 18 and this improved post-workshop to 12 points out of 18 (p < 0.0001). Residents showed a significant improvement in comfort levels performing the procedure. Using a Likert scale, the average comfort level of performing the procedure rose from 2.5 (Fair) prior to the workshop to 4 (Very Good) post-workshop (p = <0.01). All participants reported an average score of 4.91 (1 = Strongly Disagree, 5 = Strongly Agree) that the human model workshop was clinically applicable to their training and would impact the quality and safety of patient care.Conclusion: The study demonstrated an increase in knowledge and comfort in performing lateral canthotomy and cantholysis using a cadaver model. With the time-sensitive nature of orbital compartment syndrome, it is imperative that physicians are comfortable in performing this procedure to prevent permanent vision loss.

Ocular Compartment Syndrome and Lateral Canthotomy Procedure.

BACKGROUND: Ocular compartment syndrome (OCS) is a serious ophthalmological emergency that should be diagnosed and treated immediately to prevent permanent loss of vision. It is usually caused by a retro-orbital bleed that will subsequently increase intra-orbital pressure and threaten the patient's vision. Lateral canthotomy and cantholysis is a minor bedside procedure using simple equipment that is readily available in emergency departments, and the aim of such a procedure is to free the eye globe from its lateral attachment to the bony orbital wall and allow more eye protrusion and hence reduce intra-orbital pressure and save the patient's sight. The case we present describes a 42-year-old man who presented with facial injuries following an alleged assault and in whom a computed tomography scan of the head showed a retro-orbital hemorrhage. The patient had subtle signs of increased intra-orbital pressure for which lateral canthotomy and cantholysis was indicated. DISCUSSION: OCS is an ophthalmological emergency that can present with subtle signs of increased intraocular pressure that can lead to irreversible loss of vision if not treated with a simple bedside operation called lateral canthotomy and cantholysis within a specific time frame. We explore the pathophysiology and presentation of OCS and how to perform the lateral canthotomy with cantholysis procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The aim of this case presentation is to highlight the importance of diagnosing OCS as an ophthalmological emergency and discuss how to perform the sight-saving procedure.

A Historical Perspective of Lateral Canthotomy and Its Adoption as an Emergency Medicine Procedure.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of orbital compartment syndrome has a rich history rooted in surgery and emergency medicine. It is a rare but acute and vision-threatening condition that most commonly occurs secondary to facial trauma or as a postoperative complication, and was first recognized in 1950. Surgical techniques and medical management were developed and refined soon afterwards to eventually become the modern-day treatment, lateral canthotomy, and inferior cantholysis. OBJECTIVE: This article details the history of orbital compartment syndrome and the evolution of its treatment to the present day. DISCUSSION: Given the time-sensitive nature and acuity of orbital compartment syndrome, lateral canthotomy was adopted by emergency physicians who could perform it more quickly at the bedside. CONCLUSIONS: Lateral canthotomy is a procedure adopted by emergency physicians from the surgical literature. The history of its adoption is a representative example of how emergency medicine evolves as a field.

Management of acute retrobulbar haemorrhage: a survey of non-ophthalmic emergency department physicians.

INTRODUCTION: Acute retrobulbar haemorrhage (RBH) with orbital compartment syndrome is a sight-threatening ophthalmic emergency requiring treatment with lateral canthotomy and cantholysis (LC/C). However, such cases may present to non-ophthalmic emergency departments (ED) out-of-hours, when specialist intervention is not readily available. We completed a survey of ED physicians to explore experiences of RBH and confidence in undertaking LC/C. METHODS: From February to April 2018, an online survey was sent to ED physicians of all training grades in seven UK locations. The survey comprised a case vignette of a patient presenting with clinical features of RBH with orbital compartment syndrome, with multiple choice questions on the diagnosis, management and onward referral of such cases. Additional questions explored the experience of RBH, LC/C and perspectives on current and future training of ED physicians in this area. RESULTS: 190 ED doctors completed the survey (response rate 70%). While 82.8% correctly diagnosed RBH and 95.7% recognised irreversible visual loss as a consequence of untreated RBH with orbital compartment syndrome, 78.7% indicated that they would initially undertake CT imaging rather than performing LC/C. Only 38.9% had previously encountered a case of RBH and only 37.1% would perform LC/C themselves, with 91.4% indicating that this was due to lack of training. 92.2% felt that more training was required for ED physicians in RBH management and performing LC/C. CONCLUSION: While cases of RBH with orbital compartment syndrome are infrequent, it is important that RBH management with the vital, sight-saving skill of LC/C is added to the United Kingdom Royal College of Emergency Medicine training curriculum. At present, though the majority of ED physicians can identify RBH, the minority are willing or able to undertake LC/C, potentially risking irreversible but avoidable visual loss.

Oculocardiac Reflex as a Result of Intraorbital Trauma.

BACKGROUND: The oculocardiac reflex is a decrease in heart rate caused by ocular compression or traction upon the extraocular musculature. Multiple instances of this phenomenon have been described in anesthesia, trauma, craniofacial, and ophthalmology literature, but there is a sparsity of documentation in the emergency medicine literature. CASE REPORT: We describe the observation and management of the oculocardiac reflex in a 26-year-old man with retrobulbar hematoma and intraocular trauma caused by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Prompt recognition of the oculocardiac reflex is important for the emergency physician given the common occurrence of craniofacial trauma and the potentially devastating consequences if not recognized and addressed.

Orbital Compartment Syndrome: Alternative Tools to Perform a Lateral Canthotomy and Cantholysis.

Orbital compartment syndrome acutely threatens vision. Lateral canthotomy and cantholysis ameliorate the compartment syndrome and, to save a patient's vision, must be performed in a timely manner. This requires appropriate tools. In resource-poor settings, the straight hemostat and iris scissors that are generally used for this procedure may be unavailable. In such situations, safe alternatives include using a multitool in place of a hemostat and a #11 scalpel blade instead of the iris scissors. As when using hemostats of varying sizes, the pressure applied to the multitool must be carefully modulated. When using a scalpel blade for the lateral canthotomy, the hemostat arm remains beneath the lateral canthus as a "backstop" to protect deeper tissues. For the cantholysis, use the back of the blade to "strum" for the ligaments, reversing its direction only to cut the ligament when it is identified.

Lateral canthotomy and cantholysis: emergency management of orbital compartment syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Orbital compartment syndrome is a sight-threatening emergency. Vision may be preserved when timely intervention is performed. OBJECTIVE: To present a case of orbital compartment syndrome caused by traumatic retrobulbar hemorrhage and the procedure of lateral canthotomy and cantholysis, reviewed with photographic illustration. DISCUSSION: Lateral canthotomy and cantholysis are readily performed at the bedside with simple instruments. The procedure may prevent irreversible blindness in cases of acute orbital compartment syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency physicians should be familiar with lateral canthotomy and cantholysis in the management of orbital compartment syndrome to minimize the chance of irreversible visual loss.

Trans-tarsal Stair-Step Technique for Lateral Extension of the Transconjunctival Incision: A Technical Note and Case Series.

Background: The transconjunctival approach paired with lateral canthotomy is a commonly used technique for widened exposure of the orbital floor and infraorbital rim. A major drawback of this approach is the severance of lateral canthal ligament fibers, which predisposes to potential postoperative eyelid malpositioning. To avoid these suboptimal aesthetic outcomes, a modification of this approach has been proposed in which the lower eyelid is mobilized with a paracanthal, trans-tarsal stair-step incision. In this pilot study, we describe our experience with the trans-tarsal stairstep incision for lateral extension of the transconjunctival incision and report its outcomes in a Western population. Methods: All patients who underwent facial fracture operative fixation at a single institution by a single senior surgeon were included. Clinical variables were extracted. Patients were stratified by incision type. Results: Compared with patients who underwent subtarsal incision (n = 20) and transconjunctival incision with lateral canthotomy (n = 4), patients who received the trans-tarsal stair-step incision (n = 10) had no incision-related complications or requirements for revision. The most common complications found in the comparison groups were ectropion and hypertrophic or irregular scarring, and 4 patients required revision. Conclusions: Our initial experience with the transconjunctival approach with the trans-tarsal stair-step incision shows promising outcomes. Further study may promote greater utilization of this technique in Western countries.

Fatal Viscerocutaneous Brown Recluse Envenomation With Orbital Compartment Syndrome.

Loxosceles is an arachnid genus comprising several species in the United States, popularly known as brown recluse spiders. The venom is cytotoxic, complex, and has a mixture of many proteins, some of which function as proteases. Envenomation can cause necrotic skin lesions that may become extensive and take many months to heal. Even more rarely, venom may cause systemic effects, leading to widespread hemolysis, coagulopathy, and death. These symptoms typically occur rapidly within 24-48 hours following the bite. We describe a rare case of a 44-year-old male with fatal systemic loxoscelism with orbital compartment syndrome requiring emergent lateral canthotomy and cantholysis.