Abstract: Objective To investigate the clinical manifestation and treatment methods of orbital complications following acute rhinosinusitis in children. Methods The clinical data of 16 children with orbital complications secondary to acute rhinosinusitis were retrospectively analyzed. After diagnosis, all the children were treated with drugs. For the children with impaired vision due to orbital cellulitis complicated by optic neuritis, emergency operation was performed. If the symptoms of children with subperiosteal abscess of the orbit were not improved after administration of drugs, the surgery was conducted immediately. Results Among 16 children, 7 with subperiosteal abscess of the orbit were cured by sinus opening plus drainage for subperiosteal abscesses. Of the 2 with impaired vision due to orbital cellulitis complicated by optic neuritis, one had the vision recovered, while the other only had light sensation. Seven children with orbital cellulitis and preseptal cellulitis were also cured after administration of drugs. Conclusion Orbital complications following acute rhinosinusitis in children are characterized by complicated clinical manifestations and rapid progression, so they should be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. The ophthalmologists and paediatricians should attach more importance to orbital complications owing to the presence of their initial symptoms around eyes. Both orbital cellulitis and preseptal cellulitis can be cured after administration of drugs, and surgery should be performed as soon as possible if subperiosteal abscesses and orbital cellulitis complicated by optic neuritis occur.

Key words: Acute rhinosinusitis, Orbital complications, Subperiosteal abscess