Eosinophilic granuloma of the orbit with spontaneous healing

Abstract

A 13-year-old boy presented with a 2-month history of swelling of the right upper eyelid and displacement of the right eye. Computed tomography (CT) showed a tumor in the right orbit and a large osteolytic defect of the orbital frontal bone. At surgery a yellowish-tan mass was found replacing the orbital roof and abutting the dura. Incisional biopsy established the diagnosis of eosinophilic granuloma. In the absence of further therapy, the mass resolved, and the bony defect completely reossified within 14 months. During more than 2 years of follow-up, there has been no evidence of local recurrence or systemic disease. This case demonstrates that eosinophilic granuloma may resolve spontaneously with healing of bony defects, thus eliminating the need for adjunctive resection or radiation therapy in selected patients.