Magnetic resonance imaging of the orbit, Part 2: Characterization of orbital pathologies

Abstract

In this article we focus on a systematic approach to assess common orbital lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The identification of the probable compartment or structure of origin helps narrow the differential diagnosis of a lesion. Analyzing the morphology, appearance, and signal intensity on various sequences, the pattern, and degree of contrast enhancement are key to characterize lesions on MRI. Imaging features suggesting cellularity and vascularity can also be determined to help plan for biopsy or surgery of these lesions. MRI can also distinguish active from chronic disease in certain pathologies and aids in selecting appropriate medical management. MRI may thus serve as a diagnostic tool and help in guiding therapeutic strategies and posttreatment follow-up.

A Recurrent Orbital Hemorrhage in an Older Adult

“…MRI is needed to differentiate between a vascular or tissular lesion. The isointensity of the lesion in T1- and T2-weighted images (Figure 1) is in favor of a tissular lesion; a vascular or cystic lesion would be hyperintense on T2-weighted images . These findings support a retrobulbar tumor surrounding the optic nerve.…”

Rhino-Orbital Cerebral Mucormycosis in a Patient With Diabetic Ketoacidosis: A Case Report and Literature Review

“…Due to the close anatomical proximity, it is necessary to distinguish OAS from superior orbital fissure syndrome (SOFS) and cavernous sinus syndrome (CSS). OAS is characterized by the involvement of cranial nerves II, III, IV, VI, and V1 ( 24 ). The involvement of the optic nerve differentiates OAS from the other two.…”

Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Clinical Care for Uveal Melanoma Patients—A Systematic Review from an Ophthalmic Perspective

“…As opposed to retinal detachment, all UM, but also retinoblastomas and haemangiomas, enhance after contrast administration [11,28,74,77,78]. These characteristics are an important first step to differentiate UM from accompanying phenomena, such as detachments of the retina and choroid, which can be identified based on signal intensity and morphology [22,79]. The signal intensity of retinal detachment varies based on its contents [11] and can have a similar signal intensity as the UM on non-enhanced scans (Figure 2A,B, arrow).…”