Combined positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging of orbital lymphoma
Brian T Chan-Kai1, Michael T Yen
1Cullen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, 6565 Fannin NC-205, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Purpose:
To report a case of orbital lymphoma with systemic dissemination that was identified and localized by combined positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography.
Design:
Case report.
Methods:
A 75-year-old woman presented with a 6-month history of painless, progressive fullness of her right upper eyelid. A PET/computed tomography was obtained to provide functional and anatomic assessment of the orbits. An orbitotomy was performed with sub-total excision of the lesion to obtain histologic diagnosis.
Results:
The PET/computed tomography scan revealed intensive uptake of tracer in a right orbital mass measuring 2.3 x 1.8 x 2.6 cm. Foci of abnormal tracer uptake were also noted in the right neck, right hilar region, and central abdomen. Histopathologic findings were consistent with follicular cell lymphoma.
Conclusions:
The combination of PET/computed tomography provides accurate and precise information in an expedited manner not offered by alternative imaging modalities. PET/computed tomography imaging should be considered in the evaluation of orbital neoplasms, especially if lymphoma is suspected.
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