MRI in Diagnosis of Orbital Masses

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the role of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in diagnosis of different orbital masses and their advantages over conventional magnetic resonance imaging.

Methods: The study included 32 patients presenting with proptosis. Every patient was subjected to a clinical examination; conventional MRI “T1 weighted, T2 weighted, and post-contrast T1 weighted if needed;” diffusion-weighted MRI; and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Orbitotomy was performed, the orbital mass was excised, and histopathological examination was performed.

Results: Diffusion-weighted MRI can be used to differentiate between benign lesions and malignant tumors in 75% of cases; however, overlap occurred in 25% of cases with benign tumors showing restricted diffusion while proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy could differentiate between benign and malignant tumors in 93.7% of cases.

Conclusion: Diffusion-weighted MRI and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy increased the accuracy of diagnosis of orbital masses through giving in vivo tissue characterization; with magnetic resonance spectroscopy being more accurate.

KEYWORDS::

• Magnetic resonance imaging
• Orbital masses

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors would like to acknowledge Mansoura University Ophthalmic Center for its financial support. They would also like to thank Taha Baker for his care and diligence during the writing of this article.

Declaration of interest: None of the authors has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned. The authors alone are responsible for the content of the paper.