[Histiocytosis X and the orbit in children]

Histiocytosis X, a clinical entity which was not defined and classified exactly so far, is manifested by a varied range of clinical manifestations. In rare instances the affection of the orbit is the only and first symptom of the disease. The authors present an account of three children. In one isolated affection of the orbit with a non-inflammatory swelling of the external portion of the upper eyelid was the first symptom of the disease. In the other two patients with the acute multifocal form of histiocytosis X exophthalmos developed only 3 and 7 months resp. after establishment of the diagnosis. In the discussion of symptoms, the prognosis and treatment the authors are inclined to believe that at present the prognosis of multifocal form of the disease is not always adverse. In the frequently difficult differential diagnosis of orbital lesions histiocytosis X should be considered as one of the possible causes of affections of the orbit in children.