Recurrent unilateral periorbital cellulitis in a pediatric patient--an anatomic abnormality.

A 2-year-old male, otherwise healthy, suffered a total of 7 episodes of recurrent right-sided periorbital celluitis (POC) which began at 11 months of age. Five of the 7 episodes of right eye swelling/erythema required hospital admission for intravenous antibiotics. Imaging studies demonstrated a well-defined dehiscence in the lamina papyracea. Endoscopic sinus surgery was performed and an abnormal uncinate process was visualized, fused to the lateral nasal wall and ethmoid bulla. Post-operatively, the patient had no further infections. Nasal endoscopy and high-resolution imaging in pediatric patients with recurrent POC could identify those who would benefit from early surgical intervention.