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"Pneumofornix" (air under the eyelid): a normal finding
B C Patel1, E Elahi, R L Anderson
1John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City 84132, USA.
Ophthalmic Surgery and Lasers
|June 1, 1997
Summary
Normal air bubbles in the eyelid region, previously undescribed, were identified in computed tomography (CT) scans of both healthy orbits and those with thyroid orbitopathy. Awareness of these normal air pockets is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Radiology
- Anatomy
Background:
- Normal air pockets under the eyelids have not been previously documented in medical literature.
- Distinguishing normal anatomical variations from pathological findings is essential in orbital imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and patterns of normal air bubbles in the eyelid region.
- To assess the presence of these air bubbles in both healthy individuals and patients with thyroid orbitopathy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of computed tomography (CT) scans from 126 normal orbits.
- Evaluation of CT scans from 36 orbits of patients diagnosed with thyroid orbitopathy.
- Assessment of axial and coronal views for the presence and location of air bubbles.
Main Results:
- Well-defined medial or lateral air bubbles were observed in 22% of normal orbits and 39% of thyroid orbitopathy orbits.
- Oval central or paracentral air bubbles in the superior or inferior fornix were present in 15% of normal orbits and 28% of thyroid orbitopathy orbits.
- These findings suggest a notable incidence of air bubbles in the periorbital region.
Conclusions:
- Normal air bubbles in the eyelid region are a discernible finding on CT scans.
- Understanding the prevalence and typical appearance of these air bubbles aids in differentiating them from pathological air collections.
- This knowledge is vital for accurate interpretation of orbital imaging, particularly in conditions like thyroid orbitopathy.