Corpus alienum in de orbita bij een kind

This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of managing pediatric penetrating orbital trauma, especially when the injury is not observed. An 8-year-old girl presented to the emergency department with a laceration of the right upper eyelid after a fall involving a pencil. The initial wound closure was followed by worsening symptoms, including orbital swelling, fever, and vomiting, leading to a suspicion of preseptal cellulitis. Despite intravenous antibiotics and surgical exploration, the condition deteriorated, prompting further investigation. A CT-scan revealed a metallic foreign body, confirmed during subsequent surgery as the back end of a pencil. The object was successfully removed, and the patient’s symptoms gradually improved with additional antibiotic therapy. This case underscores the importance of vigilance in pediatric trauma cases with minimal external injury and the critical role of early imaging to identify hidden foreign bodies. Multidisciplinary collaboration and thorough follow-up are essential to ensure optimal outcomes and prevent complications.

Conflict of interest and financial support: none declared.