Learning objectives
•Review the orbital anatomy on CT and MRI to be able to classify orbital masses.
•Highlight image findings which may be useful to establish a differential diagnosis between benign and malignant lesions.
•Analyze radiological findings in common and rare orbital masses as well as pitfalls.
Background
Orbital masses are often challenging for radiologists due to their variable imaging appearance and their multiple etiologies.
Possible etiologies include benign and malignant neoplasms,
vascular lesions,
congenital lesions,
inflammatory-infectious lesions and miscellanous etiologies.
Biopsy requires highly experienced surgeons and is not exempt of morbidity for the patient.
Imaging has a major role in the diagnosis process.
Radiologists must be aware of key imaging features that may help to differentiate benign and malignant lesions and give a diagnostic approach.
CT is the first imaging modality to...
Findings and procedure details
We illustrate orbital pathology from patients who presented in our radiology department with orbit related symptoms since 2001.
IMAGING PROTOCOLS
Ocular ultrasoundis used to discover ocular pathology.
CT technique consisted on lateral scanogram and contiguous 2 mm thickness sections at 1 mm interval for both axial and coronal planes prior to and after administration of non-ionic intra venous contrast media (2 cc/kg).
Patients images were assessed in soft tissue and bone window.
MRI protocol included axial and coronal T1 & T2WI sequences,
axial STIR &...
Conclusion
•Orbital masses are often challenging for radiologists due to wide range of etiologies and appearances.
•Knowledge of orbital anatomy is essential.
•This pictorial review aims to provide radiologists a summary of the key imaging features which may help to differentiate benign and malignant lesions and thus,
avoid unnecessary biopsy procedures.
References
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Kapur R,
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MR imaging of orbital inflammatory syndrome,
orbital cellulitis,
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Uehara F,
Ohba N.
Diagnostic imaging in patients with orbital cellulitis and inflammatory pseudotumor.
Int Ophthalmol Clin 2002;42(1):133–42.
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Som P,
Curtin H.
Head and neck imaging; 2011.
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Yuen SJ,
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Archiv Ophthalmol 2003;121(4):491–9.
•5.
Cytryn AS,
Putterman AM,
Schneck GL,
Beckman...