European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

RAT BITE: AN UNUSUAL CAUSE OF PERIORBITAL CELLULITIS, A CASE REPORT

Rawya Awada MD, Bassem Abou Merhi MD*, Imad Chokr MD, Ghassan Chehab MD, Farah Chehadeh MD

ABSTRACT

Pediatric preseptal (periorbital) and orbital cellulitis are infectious disorders that result in periorbital inflammation. Periorbital cellulitis is an inflammation of the lids and periorbital tissues without signs of true orbital involvement, generally referred to as periorbital or preseptal cellulitis.[1] It is a form of facial cellulitis, common in young children. Rat bite is rarely reported in the literature. Herein, we report a 3 years old girl who was bitten by a rat on her right upper eyelid leading to a diagnosis of periorbital cellulitis, and summarize the definition, manifestations, pathogenesis, complications and treatment. Early diagnosis is necessary due to the compromised prognosis of this disease and the necessity of rapid prompt therapeutic management.

Keywords: Rat bite, periorbital cellulitis, inflammation, abscess.