Question

Which of the following findings in a patient with periorbital erythema and swelling would be more consistent with an orbital cellulitis than preseptal cellulitis?

1) Severe pain with eye movement
2) Conjunctival injection
3) Proptosis
4) Systemic symptoms such as fever or malaise
5) All of the above

Answer 1

Proptosis is a finding in a patient with periorbital erythema and swelling that is more consistent with orbital cellulitis than preseptal cellulitis. Therefore, the correct answer is option 3)Proptosis.Conjunctival injection and systemic symptoms can be present in both types of cellulitis.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a patient with periorbital erythema and swelling, the finding of proptosis would be more consistent with an orbital cellulitis than preseptal cellulitis. Proptosis refers to forward displacement of the eyeball, which can be seen in cases of orbital cellulitis due to the presence of an abscess or inflammation behind the eye.

Severe pain with eye movement and systemic symptoms such as fever or malaise can also be seen in both orbital and preseptal cellulitis. However, the presence of conjunctival injection is often more characteristic of preseptal cellulitis, where the infection is limited to the anterior portion of the eyelid.Therefore, the correct answer is 3) Proptosis.