Calcified schwannoma of the orbit and differential diagnosis of orbital calcification.

Abstract

Calcified schwannoma of the orbit is rarely reported in the world literature. A 38-year-old Chinese male presented with a 5-year history of slow progressive left-sided axial proptosis. A smooth, retrobulbar and intracornal mass with central calcification and high internal reflectivity was found on computed tomography and sonographic study. From the clinical and radiologic features, the presumptive diagnosis of orbital cavernous hemangioma or meningioma was made and orbitotomy with tumor exicision was performed. Tumor excision revealed the rare diagnosis of calcified schwannoma. The differential diagnoses of a calcified orbital mass and the radiologic and clinical findings of the calcified schwannoma are described and discussed.