Findings of CT in orbital dermoid cysts

Abstract

Objective To study the findings of the orbit dermoid and epidermoid cyst on CT, then to reveal the CT characteristics of the disease for diagnosis. Methods To reviewing the CT image of 55 cases, all had proved by histopathology or operation. And to analyze its position, extent, shape, boundary, density, CT value and subsequent changes. Results CT could discover all the lesions. Fifty-three CT findings indicated its histopathology diagnosis and 2 patients with orbit margin fistula lacked CT characteristics. There were 44 cases in the orbit, 2 in the upper inner quadrant, 36 in the upper outer quadrant, 3 in the lower inner quadrant, 3 in the lower outer quadrant, 1 in the muscle cone, 9 in the space between muscle cone and periosteum, 24 in the subperiosteal space, 10 in the bone wall. There were 5 cases in the margo supraorbitalis, 6 under the temporalis.The density of the cysts was heterogeneity, and the CT value was from -158.67Hu to +62.00 Hu. Forty-five cases with typical boll wall changes were found. Conclusions Orbital CT scanning is the effective way in the preoperative diagnosis of orbital dermoid and epidermoid cysts for determining its nature and location. It is helpful to formulating the procedures of operation. Key words: CT; Orbit; Dermoid cyst; Epidermoid cyst