Tension pneumo-orbit secondary to minor blunt force trauma.

INTRODUCTION

Tension pneumo-orbit is a rare but eye-threatening sequelae of orbital trauma. Minimal trauma to the lamina papyracea can result in a valve effect leading to rapid-onset proptosis and optic nerve compression in the absence of a haematoma.

CASE REPORT: We describe a case of medial orbital wall fracture in a 35-year-old lady following a minor fall at home. She presented with severe proptosis of the left eye. Imaging showed marked pneumo-orbit, which was managed definitively by endoscopic orbital decompression.

DISCUSSION: Tension pneumo-orbit requires prompt recognition and surgical decompression. An endonasal approach may be used to decompress the orbit via the medial wall.