Radiological diagnosis of orbital tumours.

Abstract

Apart from plain X-rays of the orbit, the principal radiological methods of examination of exophthalmos are: orbital phlebography, carotid arteriography and, recently, computer tomography. The value of each of these methods is discussed with reference to four patients suffering from exophthalmos of varying aetiology. Computer tomography supplies the most comprehensive information on localization and extent of retro-orbital processes as causes of exophthalmos. Phlebography would seem to be the method of choice in demonstrating processes close to the osseous boundaries of the orbit. Information on the aetiology of retro-orbital processes is rarely obtained by radiological methods. In this respect carotid arteriography would seem to make the most important contribution.