Computed tomography of lymphoproliferative disease of the orbit. Report of 50 patients

Orbital lymphoproliferative disease is one of the most common causes of exophthalmos and palpable masses in the anterior part of the orbit. Axial and coronal computed tomography (CT) is the method of choice for localizing the lesion and determining the extent of involvement. The CT features are non-specific but are highly suggestive in the proper clinical setting. The most important CT findings consist of: round, oval or elongated lobular masses, commonly in the extraconal space, with intraconal extension in large tumors. In some lesions, linear infiltrates radiate from the bulk of the mass into the adjacent fascial compartments. Tumors in proximity to the globe, wrap around the scleral-uveal coat causing no indentation but displacement of the globe from the mass effect. Similar molding occurs along the orbital walls, especially laterally from extraconal lesions. Bone destruction or remodeling of bone is rarely seen in orbital lymphoma. No diagnostic enhancement patterns were observed following contrast infusion. The majority of lymphoid tumors were situated anteriorly and superiorly.