Clinical and pathologic profile of angiomyxomas of the orbit.
OBJECTIVE
To describe clinical, imaging, and histopathologic features of angiomyxomas of the orbit, which are extremely rare tumors in the orbit.


METHODS
A retrospective review of clinical case records and imaging findings of histopathologically diagnosed cases of angiomyxoma over a period of 8 years (2001-2008). The histopathologic features were studied by routine hematoxylin-eosin staining, special stain (Alcian blue), and immunohistochemistry.


RESULTS
Four cases (2 male and 2 female) with a mean age of 35 years (range, 28-40 years) were diagnosed as angiomyxoma. Two of these were angiomyxomas, and 2 were aggressive angiomyxomas. All patients presented with gradual progressive proptosis. The mean duration of symptoms was 10.5 months (range, 5-24 months). There was associated reduction in the visual acuity in 2 cases. The superior orbit was involved in all 4 patients. CT scan showed a heterogeneously enhancing irregular mass confined to the superior orbit. Surgical removal of the mass was performed in all 4 cases. On follow-up, there was recurrence at 6 months in 1 case, which was histopathologically diagnosed as an angiomyxoma.


CONCLUSIONS
Angiomyxoma is an extremely rare, locally aggressive orbital tumor, occurring in the third to fourth decade of life. Complete excision is the treatment of choice. These tumors are likely to have a recurrence due to their infiltrative growth and require long-term follow-up.
Bajaj
Mandeep S
MS
Paediatric Ophthalmology and Ophthalmoplasty Services, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India.
Mehta
Mridula
M
Kashyap
Seema
S
Pushker
Neelam
N
Lohia
Pawan
P
Chawla
Bhavna
B
Ghose
Supriyo
S
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009232:Myxoma / Q000737:chemistry / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000175:diagnosis; D009918:Orbital Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology
D015415:Biomarkers