An Orbital Abscess Caused by Fusobacterium nucleatum Mimicking Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome

<i>Fusobacterium</i> species, particularly <i>Fusobacterium nucleatum</i>, are anaerobic gram-negative bacteria found in the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract. Infections caused by these organisms exhibit diverse clinical manifestations. Here we report a rare case of orbital abscess caused by <i>Fusobacterium nucleatum,</i> which was initially misdiagnosed as Tolosa-Hunt syndrome. The patient was controlled conservatively, and surgical intervention was withheld due to poor prognosis, diabetes, and logistical limitations. This case report highlights the need to consider infection even when imaging and laboratory tests are unremarkable, and to emphasize the importance of close follow-up of orbital abscesses due to its aggressive nature.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-12-13
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.99130
Primary Topic
Otolaryngology and Infectious Diseases
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

An Orbital Abscess Caused by Fusobacterium nucleatum Mimicking Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome

Cureus
Otolaryngology and Infectious Diseases
article

An Orbital Abscess Caused by Fusobacterium nucleatum Mimicking Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome

article en

Abstract

<i>Fusobacterium</i> species, particularly <i>Fusobacterium nucleatum</i>, are anaerobic gram-negative bacteria found in the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract. Infections caused by these organisms exhibit diverse clinical manifestations. Here we report a rare case of orbital abscess caused by <i>Fusobacterium nucleatum,</i> which was initially misdiagnosed as Tolosa-Hunt syndrome. The patient was controlled conservatively, and surgical intervention was withheld due to poor prognosis, diabetes, and logistical limitations. This case report highlights the need to consider infection even when imaging and laboratory tests are unremarkable, and to emphasize the importance of close follow-up of orbital abscesses due to its aggressive nature.

CureusVol. 17(12)
Kyushu University (JP), Kochi Medical School Hospital (JP), Kōchi University (JP)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 33%
Otolaryngology and Infectious Diseases
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