Aetiology and management of proptosis in young Jordanians

Sixty-two cases of proptosis in children and adolescents were prospectively evaluated in a specialized practice at Irbid, North Jordan, during the period between 1990 and 1994. Inflammatory orbital conditions were seen in 27 patients (43.5%). The causes of orbital cellulitis were identified in 15 out of 25 cases. Predisposing factors and outcome were analyzed. Vasculogenic lesions were encountered in 15 cases, five of which were subperiosteal orbital haematomas. Twelve cases with structural lesions ranging from a benign cystic dermoid to craniostenosis were managed in various ways. A rare case of primary hydatid disease in the orbit was also seen. Results of surgical treatment and outcome in each condition were assessed. Eight cases (14%) were neoplastic in nature. A rare case of retinoblastoma which presented as orbital cellulitis is included. Orbitotomies were performed for excision biopsy, mass removal and decompression or exenterations of the orbit, with no serious complications. No cases of proptosis owing to thyroid ophthalmopathy or systemic diseases were seen. The relatively low frequency of secondary orbital retinoblastoma among Jordanian children is compared with that in related reports from other countries.