[Orbito-palpebral emphysema due to ethmoidal fracture].

BACKGROUND

Orbito-palpebral emphysema is a frequent pathological entity due to head injury. We report on a patient and correlate the clinical view and 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 and exophthalmus about 4 mm were found.

CONCLUSION

If swelling of the lid is found orbito-palpebral emphysema should be thought of to initiate appropriate therapy to avoid possible severe complications, for example, occlusion of the retinal central artery.