The value of orbital echography in orbital practice

Twenty-three consecutive patients with orbital masses who were referred to a major medical center and later had biopsies underwent ophthalmic echographic evaluation. The efficacy of orbital echography was compared with both the clinical evaluation and other orbital imaging methods (computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging). Echography was successful in all patients (100%) in detecting the orbital mass. The diagnosis was accurate in 18 of 22 patients (82%) echographically, 12 of 14 patients (86%) clinically, and 11 of 13 patients (85%) radiologically when a short differential was attempted. If all the patients examined were considered, echographic evaluation arrived at an accurate diagnosis in 18 of 23 patients (78%), clinical impression was accurate in 12 of 23 patients (52%), and radiologic evaluation was accurate in 11 of 20 patients (55%). In three patients, echography was the only imaging method used. The role of ophthalmic echography in the diagnosis of orbital masses is discussed.