Imaging of Painful Ophthalmologic Disorders

Cross-sectional imaging with computed tomography (CT) and MRI are diagnostic examinations useful in the diagnosis of painful ophthalmologic disorders and their potential complications. CT is a first-line imaging study for suspected orbital infections, particularly useful in differentiating preseptal cellulitis and orbital cellulitis and detecting complications such as orbital abscess. When compared with CT, MRI is better for orbital soft tissue evaluation, particularly useful for optic neuritis, ocular diseases such as endophthalmitis, and invasive fungal rhinosinusitis with orbital involvement. CT angiography is the preferred noninvasive imaging modality for the detection and classification of carotid cavernous fistula.