Role of positive contrast orbitography in diagnosis of unilateral proptosis

ABSTRACT

The success of surgical removal of orbital tumours depends on pre-operative appraisal of the site, size and nature of the mass. Accurate clinical evaluation may be impossible in deeply seated retro-bulbar lesions, and even in superficial lesions with possible posterior extenion. Knowledge gained from plain radiography of the orbital space occupying lesions has its limitations. The changes that can be seen are; soft tissue shadow, bony erosions, osteoporosis, sclerosis or changes in the size of the orbit or orbital foramen. These suggestive changes were seen in 69% of the cases [Pfeiffer, 1943]. Most authors gave lower figures for diagnostic data gained from plain radiography; 46% by Mortada [1968] and 41% by Labib et al. [1970]. Those changes, mentioned above, are not specific and cannot indicate the exact site, size or nature of the tumour [Lombardi, 1971], particularly in cases of angioma of the orbit [Labib et aI., 1970]. The aim or this paper is to discuss the role of positive contrast orbitography in diagnosis and management of orbital space-occupying lesions