Otolaryngologic manifestations of orbital pseudotumors.

Orbital pseudotumor is believed to be a nonspecific, acute or chronic inflammatory process involving the intraorbital soft tissue. Orbital pseudotumor may masquerade as sinusitis with orbital complications or as a severe upper respiratory tract infection. Five cases are presented to illustrate the difficulties in diagnosis when initial symptoms relate to the upper respiratory system rather than to an isolated orbital mass. In these cases, orbital ultrasound and computed tomograms were helpful in making the diagnosis. Treatment consisted of systemic corticosteroids in four of the five patients. Recognition of early symptoms and findings, along with earlier involvement with the ophthalmologist, will make a more effective treatment regimen possible.