Infarction of the orbit and paranasal sinuses in sickle cell disease

We have reported the case of a 19-year-old black man with sickle cell disease who had swelling over the right frontal and periorbital areas. Plain roentgenograms and CT scans were consistent with frontal sinus disease. At trephination, however, sterile liquescent blood clot was found in the frontal sinus. Awareness of the orbital apex syndrome and infarction of the orbit and sinuses in patients with sickle cell disease is necessary to prevent misdiagnosis of these conditions as suppurative sinusitis.