[Diagnosis and management of the tumors of extraocular muscles]

To evaluate the spectrum, clinical features, diagnostic methods and treatment of the tumors of extraocular muscles.

In a retrospective case series study,the records of 11 consecutive cases with tumors of the extraocular muscles confirmed by pathologic examination were analyzed with special attention to the clinical manifestations, imaging findings, treatment and prognosis.

There were fibromatosis in 3 cases, intermuscular hemangioma and granular cell tumor both in 2 cases, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, rhabdomyosarcoma, T cell lymphoma and metastatic adenocarcinoma all in 1 case. The most frequent symptoms were limited ocular movement, exophthalmos and ocular displacement. In respect to images of computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, the configuration of the extraocular muscles with tumors demonstrated 3 patterns, fusiform, globular and irregular. The tumors that involved inferior, medial and lateral rectus muscles, and inferior oblique muscle, their maximal diameters all exceeded 1 cm. Depending on the involved muscles, different operative approaches were applied. The choice of treatments was determined by the pathology of the tumors.

The spectrum, clinical features and imaging findings of the tumors of extraocular muscles are unique. Earlier biopsy is important. The prognosis is correlated with treatments and the characteristic of tumors.