Orbital imaging.

Appropriate axial or coronal computed x-ray tomography is the most inexpensive method to reliably supply detail in orbital disease. Magnetic resonance imaging can provide additional information and may be characteristic in some conditions. Magnetic resonance imaging is imperative for detailed imaging of disease at the orbital apex, optic canal, or chiasm. Color-coded Doppler ultrasonography allows examination of physiological blood flow within orbital vasculature and recent reports have reported the changes of flow in various orbital diseases. Limited results with computed tomographic or video-radiographic investigation of lacrimal outflow obstruction have been presented in several articles, although it remains doubtful whether these techniques are superior to the cheaper, more readily available, conventional macrodacryocystography. Endoscopy of the lacrimal drainage system is proving to be an interesting research tool, but is of uncertain applicability in the treatment of disease.