Emergent Needle Aspiration of an Orbital Subperiosteal Hematoma.

BACKGROUND: Delayed presentation of orbital trauma as an acute subperiosteal hematoma. CASE REPORT: A 12-year-boy developed sudden painful abaxial proptosis of the left eyeball 15 days after blunt trauma over the forehead. On contrast-enhanced computed tomography, a heterogeneous, hypodense, non-enhancing mass with biconvex contour was seen adjacent to the orbital roof. Direct needle drainage was performed and about 10 mL dark blood was aspirated. Proptosis reduced immediately and resolved completely at 2 weeks follow-up. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Sudden proptosis with no immediate history of trauma can be alarming for the emergency physician. Familiarity with this clinical entity and early drainage can decrease morbidity.