Orbital pulsatile metastasis as initial presenting sign of metastatic clear cell renal carcinoma

We present the case of a 56 year-old male with a pulsating lesion in the temporal region of the left orbit as presenting sign of a renal cell carcinoma. A review is also presented of all cases of orbital metastases diagnosed in our hospital between 1957 and 2012.

Carcinoma is the most common malignancy involving the kidney but, only rarely does it metastasize to the orbit. As these tumors can be confused with other amelanotic or vascular tumors, a high index of suspicion is required for early detection and management of the primary tumor.