Acute subperiosteal orbital haematoma following general anaesthesia in the setting of recent trauma

ABSTRACT

Subperiosteal orbital haematoma (SOH) is an uncommon condition that involves bleeding within the potential space between the periosteum and orbital bone. This typically occurs within the superior orbit. If the SOH is large enough it can compress orbital structures and be sight threatening. Therefore, it is important for the clinician to recognize the potential causes for this phenomenon which will help guide the diagnosis. Herein we describe a unique case of unilateral SOH in a 47-year-old male following otherwise uncomplicated general anaesthesia. This occurred 6 weeks after a motorbike accident in which there was no facial/ocular injury. This case report identifies for the first time the potential for a late-onset SOH in the setting of a stressor event. It also highlights the potential for this condition to occur following general anaesthesia in a supine patient having a non-cardiac procedure, previously recognized as a potential stressor.

KEYWORDS:

• Anticoagulation
• general anaesthesia
• nontraumatic orbital haemorrhage
• subperiosteal haematoma
• trauma

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.