CT and MR imaging of the pediatric orbit.
Orbital abnormalities encountered in the pediatric population differ substantially from those found in adult patients. Retinoblastoma, the most serious intraocular tumor, is often difficult to diagnose, but use of computed tomography (CT) (which reveals the characteristic focal calcification) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging allows this tumor to be differentiated from pseudogliomas, such as Coats disease, and retrolental fibroplasia. CT and MR imaging help in the differentiation of orbital cellulitis from preseptal, lacrimal, and eyelid infectious processes and of orbital pseudotumor from Graves disease. In cases of orbital trauma, CT is excellent for detecting orbital fractures and metallic foreign bodies; MR imaging is better for depicting ocular and optic nerve injuries. Both modalities allow the differentiation of rhabdomyosarcoma from dermoid, cavernous hemangioma, and lymphangioma and provide helpful information for the diagnosis of many other tumors. Since CT and MR imaging have widely expanded the capabilities of orbital imaging, it is more important than ever before for radiologists to understand pediatric orbital disease.
Hopper
K D
KD
Department of Radiology, Pennsylvania State University, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey 17033.
Sherman
J L
JL
Boal
D K
DK
Eggli
K D
KD
D005124:Eye Abnormalities / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009915:Orbit / Q000002:abnormalities*; D009916:Orbital Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D009918:Orbital Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010372:Pediatrics; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed