Orbital Emphysema and Pneumocephalus Caused By Air Gun: Case Report

Abstract

Orbital emphysema is a condition occurring as a result of air escape into the orbital cavity due to direct or indirect trauma. Twelve-year-old boy was admitted to our clinic with the complaint of trauma of high-pressure air gun in the left eye occurred during joking. In the ophthalmologic examination of the patient, the visual acuity was found to be 20/20 in both eyes. Intraocular pressure was normal. In the anterior segment examination, swelling around the left eye, proptosis, crepitation, tenderness, and pain were present. In the slit-lamp examination, wide subconjunctival emphysema, subconjunctival hemorrhage at 4-5 o'clock position and about 2-mmlaceration in the conjunctival fornix of the same area were found. Posterior segment examinations of the both eyes were normal. On the physical examination, swelling with crepitation was present on the left side of the face, temporal region and the hairy scalp over the ear. Emphysema and pneumocephalus were detected in the retro-orbital region on the computed tomography examination. Topical antibiotic drops and ointment were given to the patients and prophylactic oral antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatment were given by department of neurosurgery.