Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Orbital Fractures
Published on: May 16, 2025
[Epidemiology of orbital processes in children. 54 cases]
M Belmekki1, M el Bakkali, H Abdellah
1Clinique Universitaire Ophtalmologique B, Hôpital des Spécialités, CHU Ibn Sina, Rabat, Maroc.
Insights
This study reviewed 54 childhood orbital processes in Morocco, finding secondary tumors like retinoblastoma to be the most common cause. These findings highlight unique epidemiological aspects of pediatric orbital diseases in the region.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Oncology
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Orbital processes in children represent a significant diagnostic challenge.
- Understanding the epidemiological characteristics is crucial for effective management.
- Previous studies have not fully captured the specific patterns in Moroccan pediatric populations.
Purpose:
- To investigate the epidemiological features of orbital processes in Moroccan children.
- To identify the primary causes and common clinical manifestations.
- To compare findings with existing international literature.
Summary:
- A retrospective review of 54 pediatric orbital cases (1990-1997) was conducted.
- The mean age was 4.2 years, with a male predominance (36 males, 18 females).
- Proptosis was the most frequent initial symptom (34 cases).
- Secondary tumors, particularly retinoblastoma (13 cases), were the leading cause, followed by rhabdomyosarcoma (9 cases) and orbital hydatid cyst (8 cases).
- Other diagnoses included inflammatory pseudotumors, lymphangioma, capillary hemangioma, chloroma, glioma, and mucocele.
Impact:
- Highlights the predominance of retinoblastoma in Moroccan pediatric orbital cases.
- Provides valuable epidemiological data for regional healthcare planning.
- Contributes to the global understanding of childhood orbital disease variations.
Purpose:
The aim of this work was to study epidemiological aspect of orbital processes occurring in childhood.
Patients And Methods:
Fifty-four cases of orbital processes treated between January 1990 and January 1997 were retrospectively reviewed.
Results:
Mean patient age was 4.2 years (range 1 to 15), 36 were males and 18 were females. Proptosis was the first manifestation in 34 cases, other manifestations were low vision (8 cases), ocular pain (14 cases), inflammatory signs (11 cases), ocular palsy (14 cases). The first cause of these processes was secondary tumors, especially retinoblastoma (13 cases). Other causes were rhabdomyosarcoma (9 cases), orbital hydatic cyst (8 cases), inflammatory pseudotumors (7 cases), capillary hemanigoma (4 cases) chloroma (3 cases), glioma (1 case), lymphangioma (8 cases), and mucocele (1 case).
Discussion:
We emphasize the particular epidemiological aspect of orbital processes in Moroccan children where retinoblastoma predominates and compare our findings with data in the literature.
