Orbital and anterior visual pathway infection and inflammation.
BACKGROUND
Orbital and anterior visual pathway infection and inflammation represent approximately 10-15% of all orbital pathology. Both conditions can occur separately but occasionally they can be observed simultaneously.


METHODS
While the diagnosis of infection is usually straightforward, it is important to depict the lesions and to know the potential devastating complications. CT plays an important role in confirming the clinical suspicion of orbital infection.


RESULTS
The diagnosis and differential diagnosis of inflammation is more challenging. Differentiating inflammation from lymphoproliferative diseases and tumours can be difficult.


CONCLUSIONS
MR imaging plays an important role but a dedicated orbital imaging protocol is mandatory.
De Wyngaert
Roel
R
Department of Radiology, University Hospitals K.U. Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
Casteels
Ingele
I
Demaerel
Philippe
P
D015817:Eye Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D009901:Optic Nerve Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D014795:Visual Pathways / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*