[Idiopathic orbital myositis].
BACKGROUND
Orbital myositis is a subtype of nonspecific orbital inflammation confined to one or more of the extraocular muscles.


METHODS
Three female patients presented presumed orbital myositis, in each of whom the diagnosis was suspected clinically and confirmed by the computed tomography (CT) scan appearances. All presented with orbital pain, diplopia and periorbital edema. All patients responded to systemic corticosteroid with prompt resolution of symptoms and signs, but one patient had recurrent episodes of myositis, leading to the prescription of azathioprine. The clinical and radiological constellation of findings allowing a definitive diagnosis of the nonspecific orbital inflammatory syndrome in most cases is discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
The nonspecific orbital inflammatory syndromes are a heterogenous group of conditions and the CT scan is a valuable tool in differentiating these conditions. Most cases of idiopathic orbital myositis require corticosteroids, but therapeutic alternatives to corticosteroids in refractory diseases are warranted.
Service de médecine interne et maladies infectieuses, hôpital de la Cavale-Blanche, CHU, 29609 Brest, France.
G
G
Le Gal
S
S
Ansart
A
A
Boumediène
J M
JM
Tonnelier
A
A
Tilly-Gentric
Y L
YL
Pennec
D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004172:Diplopia / Q000209:etiology; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D016727:Orbital Pseudotumor / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D013256:Steroids; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D013256:Steroids