Imaging of orbital trauma

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Ophthalmology
• Trauma Imaging

Background:

• Assessing traumatic orbital injuries presents significant challenges for radiologists, particularly in cases of multi-organ trauma.
• Common injuries include anterior chamber damage, lens trauma, open-globe injuries, ocular detachments, foreign bodies, carotid cavernous fistula, and optic nerve damage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the challenges and recommended imaging protocols for evaluating traumatic orbital injuries.
• To emphasize the role of computed tomography (CT) as the primary imaging modality.

Main Methods:

• Review of common posttraumatic orbital injuries and their assessment challenges.
• Discussion of the utility and contraindications of ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• Recommendation of thin-section axial CT scans with multiplanar reformation as the optimal protocol.

Main Results:

• Computed tomography (CT) is identified as the top choice for evaluating orbital trauma.
• Specific radiological evaluation points include bony orbit, anterior chamber, lens position, posterior globe, and optic nerve complex.
• CT allows for detailed assessment of fractures, herniations, foreign bodies, and vascular/neural structures.

Conclusions:

• Radiologists must systematically evaluate all components of the orbit in cases of trauma.
• CT imaging provides comprehensive assessment of orbital injuries, guiding clinical management.
• Adherence to a standardized CT protocol ensures thorough evaluation of complex orbital trauma.