Computerized Tomography-Guided Core-Needle Biopsy of Orbital Space-Occupying Lesions: A Case Series

To describe our experience in performing biopsy of post-septal orbital masses with core needle under computerized tomography guidance (CT-CNB).

The medical records of all patients who underwent this procedure were reviewed. The procedure was performed under local anesthesia on a day case basis under a peribulbar block. A planning non-contrast computerized tomography (CT) scan of the orbits was performed to localise the mass. A 6-cm 18-G Temno Evolution® semi-automated biopsy needle was inserted through the skin into the orbit. Prior to further advancement of the needle, a low-dose CT limited to the previously determined plane was performed to confirm its position. The needle was then advanced, and the cutting needle was deployed to obtain the biopsy.

Five patients who underwent CT-CNB were identified. The CNB was successful in 4 patients and revealed a metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, a metastatic neuroendocrine tumour, and orbital inflammatory disease. The biopsy failed in the fifth patient when the needle failed to penetrate the tumour despite good localisation on CT. He was eventually diagnosed with fibrous meningioma of the greater wing of sphenoid on open biopsy. None of the patients had any complications other than peri-ocular bruising which was present in all of them.

CT-CNB of mass lesions located in the lateral aspect of the orbit can be an alternative to open biopsy in selected cases. It avoids major surgery and allows the use of radiotherapy, if required, without any delay.