Recurrent orbital inflammation from metastatic orbital carcinoid tumor.
OBJECTIVE
To report an unusual clinical presentation for carcinoid tumor metastatic to the orbit.


METHODS
Two adult patients with metastatic carcinoid tumor and unilateral orbital masses are described.


RESULTS
Both patients sought treatment for acute unilateral orbital inflammation. Neuroimaging revealed orbital metastases adjacent to the inflamed adnexal tissue. Based on each patient's description of similar, prior, untreated episodes, minimal medical management was initiated. Resolution of the inflammatory signs was spontaneous in one case and assisted by pulsed, systemic corticosteroids in the second case. Compressive neuropathic vision loss occurred 11 months later in the second case.


CONCLUSIONS
Carcinoid tumor metastatic to the orbit may manifest as recurrent orbital and ocular adnexal inflammation. These signs differ from systemic carcinoid syndrome in that they are unilateral, limited to only the orbital and ocular adnexal soft tissues, and resolve over days. Clinicians must carefully differentiate this manifestation from that of tumor necrosis, adnexal infection, or orbital outlet obstruction. This presentation may result from the spontaneous release of local inflammatory mediators intrinsic to the orbital tumor.
Knox
R J
RJ
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Missouri, Columbia, USA.
Gigantelli
J W
JW
Arthurs
B P
BP
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002276:Carcinoid Tumor / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000556:secondary; D002481:Cellulitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D009877:Endophthalmitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005094:Exophthalmos / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009365:Neoplasm Regression, Spontaneous; D009918:Orbital Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000556:secondary; D012008:Recurrence; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014792:Visual Acuity
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D008775:Methylprednisolone