Lacrimal Fossa Lesions: Pictorial Review of CT and MRI Features

Abstract

A wide range of disease process involve the lacrimal gland/fossa. In this pictorial review, we use histology-proven cases to illustrate conditions that affect the lacrimal gland/fossa. CT and MRI features of neoplastic, inflammatory, infiltrative, and developmental conditions are discussed.

Lacrimal fossa lesions: a review of 146 cases in Egypt

“…Patient history and clinical features are important in the differential diagnosis of lacrimal gland lesions; however, the clinical findings may vary from patient to patient. Orbital imaging is required to confirm the diagnosis and characteristics of the lesion; however it is frequently difficult to differentiate each specific disease on the basis of imaging characteristics alone because of intrinsic similarities 5,6…”

A dry, droopy and dilated eye: a neuro-ophthalmic case with correlation of signs and anatomical tumour spread

“…Presentation of a partial cavernous sinus syndrome or an orbital apex syndrome is common 2 8. Later symptoms include diplopia, epistaxis, sinusitis, Bell's palsy, lacrimal gland swelling and proptosis 1 2 9…”

Orbital Imaging

“…By contrast, other conditions such as carcinoma, inflammatory disease, or lymphoproliferative disorders have a shorter time course and are often painful. 51,52 As alluded to earlier, pleomorphic adenoma has an indolent course, with painless enlargement of the gland. Sudden onset of pain may indicate malignant transformation.…”

“…Various inflammatory or infiltrative lesions comprise the nonepithelial lesions. 51 Alternatively, diseases of the lacrimal gland may be subclassified by clinical presentation. With this approach, benign mixed tumor (pleomorphic adenoma) presents with slow painless enlargement of the gland over several months.…”