Differential Diagnoses of Diseases Involving the Extrinsic Ocular Musculature ­ A Pictorial Essay

Introduction There are some inflammatory, infectious, and neoplastic diseases affecting the extrinsic orbital musculature (EOM) that present with pain, decreased visual acuity, and proptosis. Imaging is fundamental to the differential diagnoses of these diseases with similar clinical presentations. The present case series report has as main objective to illustrate and discuss the main pathologies that affect the orbit. Material and Methods The present series of cases discusses the main pathologies that can affect the extraocular musculature that can be characterized by computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using cases from our institution. Results and Discussion The present study compiled several cases of ophthalmopathy from our institution to illustrate and address some of these pathologies, such as orbital lymphoma, Grave disease, metastases, periorbital cellulitis, and idiopathic orbital inflammatory syndrome. The diseases are discussed according to the presentation of clinical cases with emphasis on the main imaging findings of each pathology. Conclusion Computed tomography and MRI can help in the diagnosis and follow-up of the diseases that affect the EOM. We must be conversant with the main characteristics of the pathologies presented in the present case series report, since such findings together with clinical data can confirm the diagnosis of these diseases or at least help to narrow the differential diagnoses.

Miositis orbitaria, una causa de oftalmoplejia dolorosa en pediatría / Orbital myositis, a cause of pediatric painful ophthalmoplegia

INTRODUCCIÓN: La miositis orbitaria (MO) es un proceso inflamatorio grave de etiología desconocida que compro mete los músculos extraoculares. La presentación en edad pediátrica es rara y con frecuencia afecta a más de un individuo de una familia, lo que sugiere algún grado de predisposición genética. OBJETIVO: Describir un caso de miositis orbitaria de presentación en edad pediátrica, sus características clínicas, y la utilidad de la imagen por resonancia magnética para la confirmación del diagnóstico. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente femenina de 13 años que presenta cefalea aguda, dolor periorbitario derecho, exacerbado con los movimientos oculares y visión borrosa a quien se le realizaron estudios para miopatía tiroidea, enfermedades infecciosas, autoinmunidad y cáncer que fueron negativos. En la imagen por resonancia magnética se evidenció miositis del músculo recto medio derecho, sin evi dencia de neuritis óptica. Recibió tratamiento con glucocorticoides sistêmicos intravenosos seguido de esteroides orales con mejoría clínica completa. CONCLUSIONES: La MO tiene etiología desconocida, y puede tener un curso maligno. Dada su presentación clínica inespecífica, el estudio diagnóstico diferencial debe ser amplio, y su estudio debe considerar realizar resonanacia magnética. El inicio temprano del tratamiento con esteroides evita el daño permanente de los músculos extraoculares.

INTRODUCTION: Orbital myositis (OM) is a serious inflammation of extraocular muscles with unknown etiology. Pe diatric presentation is rare and often affects more than one individual in a family, suggesting a genetic predisposition. OBJECTIVE: To describe a pediatric case of orbital myositis, its clinical characteristics, and the usefulness of MRI for confirming the diagnosis. CLINICAL CASE: A 13-year-old female patient presenting with acute headache, right periorbital pain, exacerbated by eye movements, and blurred vision. We ruled out thyrotoxic myopathy, infectious diseases, autoimmunity, and malignancy. An MRI showed right medial rectus muscle myositis and no evidence of optic neuritis. She was treated with intravenous systemic glucocorticoids followed by oral steroids with complete clinical resolution. CONCLUSIONS: OM has unknown etiology and can present a malignant course. Due to its unspecific clinical presentation, a comprehensive differential diagnosis should be made and it should consider performing MRI. Early treatment avoids permanent damage of extraocular muscles.