Orbital nodular fasciitis simulating a dermoid cyst in an 8-month-old child. Case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Purpose: To report a clinicopathologic correlation of orbital nodular fasciitis that simulated a dermoid cyst in an infant and to review the literature on orbital nodular fasciitis.

Method: Case report; literature review.

Results: A progressively enlarging subcutaneous mass superotemporal to the right eye that clinically resembled a dermoid cyst developed in an 8-month-old boy. Magnetic resonance imaging disclosed an enhancing, circumscribed, solid, soft-tissue mass in the anterior part of the orbit superotemporally. The tumor was removed intact by a superolateral orbitotomy. Histopathologic and immunohistochemical studies revealed findings consistent with nodular fasciitis, a pseudoneoplastic lesion marked by a proliferation of myofibroblasts.

Conclusions: Although nodular fasciitis in the ocular region usually occurs in adults and older children, it should also be considered in the differential diagnosis of orbital or adnexal masses in infants.