Respiratory choristomatous cysts in the temporal orbit

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the clinical and histopathological findings in two patients with cystic lesions located in the temporal orbit.

Methods: Case reports.

Results: Cystic lesions excised from the temporal orbit of two patients were found to be lined with ciliated pseudostratified epithelium, consistent with a choristoma composed of tissue derived from the respiratory system. A review of the literature suggests that this is an uncommon cause of a cystic orbital mass.

Conclusions: Respiratory choristomatous cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic lesions of the temporal orbit.