The contribution of X-ray computed tomography to the diagnosis and management of orbital disease

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Abstract
The clinical utility of X-ray computed tomography has been assessed in a series of 541 consecutive high resolution examinations. Diagnostic yield was low in neuro-ophthalmological presentations, e.g., visual impairment, in ocular motor disturbances and papilloedema, unless there was also evidence of orbital disease, and in patients with periorbital pain. In patients with proptosis, palpable masses and orbital inflammation a high yield in terms of morphological data was forthcoming, and a probable diagnosis was made in the majority of cases. However, except by excluding an orbital lesion or by indicating the most suitable site for biopsy, CT rarely made a definitive contribution; a diagnosis at variance with prior clinical or radiological findings and implying different management was made in only 5% of the series.