Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

    Background and Aimi: Complication of sinusitis is a medical emergency. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of sinusitis in patients admitted with orbital and intracranial infections.

Patient and Methods: A descriptive-retrospective study was conducted from March 2000 to Feb 2004 on 74 pediatric patients admitted with intracranial and orbital infections. Patient information was analysed by t-test.

Results: Out of 74 patients studied, 17 (22.9%) were diagnosed with sinusitis. Sinusitis was observed in 53.85% and 16.39% of children with orbital and intracranial infections, respectively. Meningitis was the most common intracranial complication (80%). The most common involved sinus was Maxillary Sinus (58.8%). The most common age group For association of sinusitis with orbital and introcranial infection was between 5-11 years.

Conclusion: Association of sinusitis, especially with orbital infection in clidren is common. We recommend sinus imaging in any pediatric patient with orbital infection.