Computed tomographic evaluation of metatases to the orbit

The computed tomographic (CT) findings in 22 patients with metastases to the orbit were evaluated. All the metastases appeared to be unilateral on CT. Sixty-eight percent of the patients showed evidence of aggressive adjacent bone destruction. Sixty-eight percent of the patients had intracranial metastatic disease, 46% had direct intracranial extension of the tumor, and 23% had CT evidence of separate intracranial metastases. Fifty-nine percent of the orbital metastases were extraconal, 19% were intraconal, and 19% were both intraconal and extraconal; one case of metastases to the globe was detected. All 13 patients examined before and after contrast showed evidence of enhancement.