Orbital masses: CT and MRI of common vascular lesions, benign tumors, and malignancies

Abstract

A wide variety of space occupying lesions may be encountered in the orbit. CT and MR imaging frequently help confirm the presence of a mass and define its extent. Characteristic imaging features may help distinguish among lesions that have overlapping clinical presentations. This review focuses on some of the common orbital masses. Common vascular lesions that are reviewed include: capillary (infantile) hemangioma, cavernous hemangioma (solitary encapsulated venous-lymphatic malformation), and lymphangioma (venous-lymphatic malformation). Benign tumors that are reviewed include: optic nerve sheath meningioma, schwannoma, and neurofibroma. Malignancies that are reviewed include: lymphoma, metastasis, rhabdomyosarcoma, and optic glioma. Key imaging features that guide radiological diagnosis are discussed and illustrated.

Lobular Capillary Hemangioma of the Ethmoid Sinus: A Report of Two Cases

“…Bone destruction was seen in CT scan of our cases. Some believe that bony erosion is due to compression [16] and true bone invasion is rarely seen in LCH [2]. LCH can be difficult to distinguish from a malignant tumor owing to their rapidly growth and bleeding and also other benign tumors.…”

“…LCH of the ethmoid sinus is a rare entity.LCH of the ethmoid sinus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a sinonasal mass since surgery or biopsy can lead to an unexpected loss of large amount of blood. Careful clinicopathological assay assisted by different imaging procedures and a high index of suspicion are needed for a correct diagnosis and well-timed intervention to lessen the morbidity to the patient [2]. Here we describe two cases of LCH of the ethmoidal sinus with a review of literature.…”

Orbital metastasis as initial manifestation of a widespread papillary thyroid microcarcinoma

“…These include benign and malignant neoplasms, vascular lesions, inflammatory diseases, congenital lesions and infections, among other causes 14. Because the patient's history seemed to point to a new growth in the orbital region, congenital lesions could easily be ruled out.…”

Primary orbital tumors: A review of 122 cases during a 23-year period: A histo-clinical study in material from the ENT Department of the Medical University of Silesia

“…Therefore, the orbital cavity is an area of interest of many specialists, including ophthalmologists, ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctors, endocrinologists, neurosurgeons, plastic surgeons, and maxillo-facial surgeons, and the application of many diagnostic methods is needed [7,9–11]. The diagnostics and treatment of the proliferation processes in the eye socket require the close co-operation of the above-mentioned specialists.…”