To Establish the Distinct Advantages of Various Imaging Modalities in Orbital Diseases over One Another

A study of the role of Radiological imaging in orbital masses was carried out by various imaging modalities like plain X-ray, Ultrasonography, CT & MRI. The eye contains a variety of structures which can give rise to swelling (exophthatmos) which may be a cause for a diagnostic dilemma. Such swellings may also be caused by extra orbital masses which invade the orbit secondarily. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES of the study were as follows, (1) To study the age and sex distribution of orbital diseases. (2) To study the incidence of orbital diseases. (3) To study the role of USG as a diagnostic modality of orbital pathologies. (4) To study the role of CT scan as a diagnostic modality of orbital pathologies, (5) To study the role of MRI as a diagnostic modality of orbital pathologies. (6) To compare the role of various imaging modalities in orbital pathologies. MATERIAL AND METHODS During the period of May 2005 to October 2007, a prospective study of 50 patients was carried out. Each patient was studied in detail with relevant clinical history, examination and laboratory investigations. Cases were selected from cases referred to CT SCAN and MRI CENTRE and they underwent USG scanning for comparison. Pseudotumour was found to be the commonest pathology in adults. The most common intra ocular tumour in childhood is retinoblastoma. In case of proptosis, USG is very helpful before other imaging modalities are undertaken and can provide information regarding solid / cystic tissue characterization. USG could well demonstrate orbital spread. However it had limitation in diagnosing extra orbital spread. CT and MRI have a definite edge over USG in such cases.