Clinical case analysis of orbital inflammatory pseudotumor with COVID-19 infection

Objective To compare the proportion of orbital inflammatory pseudotumor (OIP) among orbital disease cases during the peak of the COVID-19 Omicron wave (December 2022–January 2023) with the corresponding periods of the preceding three years, and to characterize the clinical features of OIP in patients with recent COVID-19 infection. Methods 62 patients diagnosed with orbital diseases from December 2022 to January 2023 were enrolled as the study group. The control group comprised OIP patients from the same months in the previous 3 years. Comparative statistical analysis and descriptive analysis were used to explore the clinical features of OIP. Results The study group had 13 cases (20.97%) of OIP, significantly higher than that of the control group ( P < 0.05). Six cases occurred in the right eye, and seven cases in the left eye, with eight males and five females, aged 16–65. All cases had acute onset clinical features including eyelid swelling (61.54%), conjunctival hyperemia and chemosis (61.54%), ocular motility disorders (53.85%), eye pain (46.15%), diplopia (46.15%), proptosis (23.08%), ptosis (15.38%), and decreased vision (7.69%). OIP was confirmed through ocular ultrasound, orbital CT, and MRI scans. Glucocorticoid therapy resulted in excellent treatment outcomes. Conclusions The proportion of OIP among orbital disease cases presenting to our hospital increased significantly from December 2022 to January 2023 compared with the corresponding periods of the preceding three years, featured with a single-eye onset, no significant difference between the eyes, a slightly higher incidence rate in males than females, and middle-aged prevalence. Patients had acute onset symptoms including eyelid swelling, conjunctival hyperemia and chemosis, ocular motility disorders and eye pain. Glucocorticoid therapy was effective. Considering the study group was relatively small, it requires further research to provide more reliable evidence.