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

## TL;DR

A rare case of an orbital abscess caused by Fusobacterium nucleatum was mistaken for Tolosa-Hunt syndrome, highlighting the importance of considering infections in similar presentations.

## Contribution

This case report presents a rare clinical scenario of Fusobacterium nucleatum causing an orbital abscess mimicking Tolosa-Hunt syndrome.

## Key findings

- The patient was initially misdiagnosed with Tolosa-Hunt syndrome due to similar symptoms.
- Conservative management was chosen over surgery due to poor prognosis and comorbidities.
- The case underscores the aggressive nature of orbital abscesses and the need for close monitoring.

## Abstract

Fusobacterium species, particularly Fusobacterium nucleatum, 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 Fusobacterium nucleatum, 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.