Orbital lymphangiomas: clinical, radiologic, and pathologic characteristics

Abstract

To assess the value of computed tomography (CT) in evaluation of orbital lymphangioma, the CT findings in 11 patients were retrospectively analyzed and correlated with the clinical, hemodynamic, surgical, and pathologic findings. The lesions were classified by location in three categories: superficial (n = 1), deep (n = 6), or combined (n = 6); the latter were evident earlier in life. The CT findings correlated well with the surgical and histologic findings. Orbital lymphangiomas were poorly defined lesions that crossed anatomic boundaries such as the conal fascia and orbital septum. Some degree of enhancement was the rule, ranging from scattered patchy areas to enhancement of the majority of the lesion. Areas of hemorrhage caused cystlike masses with rim enhancement. Preoperative identification of the vascular enhancing component at CT examination enables the surgeon to resect this area to prevent postoperative hemorrhage. High-resolution CT is of great value in the diagnosis and preoperative treatment planning of orbital lymphangioma.