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Archivos de la Sociedad Española de Oftalmología (English Edition) Beyond the orbit: Odontogenic cellulitis with an unusual retinal complication
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107
Clinical Case
Available online 20 March 2026

Beyond the orbit: Odontogenic cellulitis with an unusual retinal complication

Más allá de la órbita: celulitis odontogénica con inusual complicación retiniana
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107
V.M. Asensio-Sánchez
Servicio de Oftalmología, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
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Abstract

We present an unusual clinical case of odontogenic orbital cellulitis (OOC) complicated by a serous macular detachment (SMD), an extremely rare association. A 61-year-old patient presented with blurred vision, severe ocular pain, and proptosis. Imaging studies revealed orbital cellulitis secondary to an apical abscess of an upper molar. Although retinal involvement is uncommon in OOC, in this case the SMD represented an atypical and striking manifestation, highlighting the importance of considering unusual retinal complications in orbital infections. Combined treatment with intravenous antibiotics and corticosteroids, along with dental extraction of the infectious focus, led to resolution of both the orbital inflammation and the SMD. A multidisciplinary approach between ophthalmology and dentistry was crucial, with complete visual and anatomical recovery observed at 18 months of follow-up.

Keywords:
Odontogenic orbital cellulitis
Serous macular detachment
Dental abscess
Corticosteroids
Differential diagnosis
Resumen

Presentamos un caso clínico inusual de celulitis orbitaria de origen odontogénico (COO) complicada con un desprendimiento seroso macular (DSM), una asociación extremadamente rara. Un paciente de 61 años acudió por visión borrosa, dolor ocular intenso y proptosis. Las pruebas de imagen revelaron una celulitis orbitaria secundaria a un absceso apical de un molar superior. Aunque la afectación retiniana no es habitual en la COO, en este caso el DSM representó una manifestación atípica y llamativa, reforzando la importancia de considerar complicaciones retinianas poco frecuentes en infecciones orbitarias. El tratamiento con antibióticos y glucocorticoides intravenosos, junto con la extracción del foco odontogénico, permitió la resolución del proceso inflamatorio y del DSM. Se destacó la necesidad de un enfoque multidisciplinario entre oftalmología y odontología, y se observó recuperación completa visual y anatómica durante el seguimiento de 18 meses.

Palabras clave:
Celulitis orbitaria odontogénica
Desprendimiento seroso macular
Absceso dentario
Glucocorticoides
Diagnóstico diferencial

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