Beyond the orbit: Odontogenic cellulitis with an unusual retinal complication.

Source: PubMed, NCBI / U.S. National Library of Medicine

Archivos de la Sociedad Espanola de OftalmologiaAsensio-Sánchez V MPublished 5/1/2026Last synced 5/31/2026Status: syncedPMID: 41796738DOI: 10.1016/j.oftale.2026.502489

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.

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