A rare case of an idiopathic extraocular muscle abscess

Abstract

Diplopia has a diverse range of ophthalmological, neurological, autoimmune, neoplastic and infectious causes. However it is very rare for an extraocular muscle abscess to occur. A skeletal muscle abscess usually occurs in the thigh and trunk muscles and is most commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus.1 The purpose of this case report is to describe this condition we came across in our eye casualty department in a healthy teenager who presented with painful diplopia and this was due to a lateral rectus muscle abscess. Complete resolution of the diplopia occurred by 6 weeks from starting treatment. The possible aetiologies and possible complications of such a condition are then discussed. An idiopathic extraocular muscle abscess is a rare condition which should be included in the differential diagnosis of a patient presenting with painful double vision.