[Computerized tomography in the assessment of orbital lesions]

Intraorbital and periorbital structures can be examined very accurately by computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. On the basis of the data acquired during axial (or coronal) CT examination, reformations in any given plane are possible and the relations between a space-occupying lesion and intraorbital structures such as the globe, optic nerve, or extraocular muscles can be clearly demonstrated, as shown by several examples. The main advantage of CT over MRI is the shorter examination time. Hence CT is currently to be preferred for initial examinations.