Orbital lymphangioma. Correlation of magnetic resonance images and intraoperative findings.

BACKGROUND

Orbital lymphangiomas generally are invasive, slow-growing lesions that can produce proptosis, motility impairment, and compressive optic neuropathy. Successful surgical management requires detailed preoperative radiologic imaging with the capacity to determine the location and size of the tumors, the presence of cystic or solid components, and extent of infiltration of the tumor into normal orbital structures.

METHODS

The records of 12 patients with orbital lymphangioma were reviewed with attention to the clinical, radiologic, operative, and histologic findings.

RESULTS

Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) produced highly detailed renderings of the orbital mass that were both diagnostic and predictive of the intraoperative findings. Magnetic resonance imaging was particularly sensitive to the presence of cysts within the tumor and was able to predict the contents of the cysts.

CONCLUSION

Using preoperative MRI, a more detailed and accurate surgical plan can be formulated than with any other noninvasive technique.