Which diagnostic tool is commonly used to assess orbital cellulitis?

The most effective diagnostic tool for assessing orbital cellulitis is a CT scan. This imaging technique is particularly valuable because it can provide detailed cross-sectional images of the orbit, allowing healthcare professionals to visualize the extent of infection, identify any associated complications such as abscess formation, and differentiate orbital cellulitis from other conditions, such as preseptal cellulitis or ocular conditions.

A CT scan can reveal swelling of the extraocular muscles, fat stranding in the orbit, or even the presence of pus, which are crucial findings in the diagnosis and management of orbital cellulitis.

While X-rays, blood tests, and ultrasound can have their roles in certain situations, they do not offer the same level of detail and assessment for conditions within the orbit. For example, X-rays might miss subtle changes in the soft tissue, and blood tests can indicate the presence of infection but do not provide direct visualization of the condition. Ultrasound can be helpful in assessing superficial lesions or guiding interventions but is not the standard imaging modality for diagnosing orbital cellulitis. Thus, the CT scan is the preferred diagnostic tool in this context.