Choroidal folds and refractive errors associated with orbital tumors. An analysis

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging
• Oncology

Background:

• Unilateral exophthalmos is often caused by orbital tumors.
• Understanding the relationship between tumor characteristics and ocular findings is crucial for diagnosis and management.
• Choroidal folds are a potential sign of orbital pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between orbital tumor location and the presence and pattern of choroidal folds.
• To correlate tumor characteristics with refractive errors in patients with unilateral exophthalmos.

Main Methods:

• Fundus photography and fluorescein angiography were performed on 20 patients with unilateral exophthalmos.
• Computed tomography (CT) was used to determine tumor location.
• B-scan ultrasonography and surgical exploration were also utilized.
• Refractive errors were compared between involved and uninvolved eyes.

Main Results:

• Choroidal folds were observed in 15 out of 20 patients.
• Folds were more common with increased exophthalmos and anteriorly located tumors.
• The pattern of choroidal folds often indicated the tumor's intraorbital position.
• Intraconal tumors were associated with a hyperopic shift, while extraconal tumors correlated with astigmatic errors.

Conclusions:

• Choroidal folds are a significant finding in patients with orbital tumors and exophthalmos.
• Tumor location and degree of exophthalmos are key factors influencing choroidal fold development.
• The characteristics of choroidal folds and associated refractive errors can provide clues to tumor location (intraconal vs. extraconal).