Chronic hematic cyst of the orbit.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Radiology
• Pathology

Background:

• Orbital masses can lead to globe displacement, necessitating accurate diagnosis.
• Differentiating various orbital pathologies is crucial for appropriate patient management.

Observation:

• Four patients presented with chronic hematic cysts causing unilateral globe displacement.
• Symptoms included painless vertical displacement with onset ranging from 3 weeks to 4 years.
• Two patients had a history of prior orbital trauma.

Findings:

• Computed tomography (CT) revealed homogeneous, nonenhancing, subperiosteal masses in the orbit.
• Surgical exploration identified masses with a pseudocapsule but no epithelial or endothelial lining.
• These specific CT and surgical findings are characteristic of chronic hematic cysts.

Implications:

• Understanding the clinical presentation and imaging characteristics of orbital hematic cysts is key.
• CT findings can help distinguish these cysts from other causes of unilateral exophthalmos.
• This knowledge aids in surgical planning and improves diagnostic accuracy for orbital lesions.