Clinico-radiological findings of neuroendocrine tumour metastases to the orbit

ABSTRACT

Purpose

We present the clinico-radiological findings of neuroendocrine tumour metastases to the orbit.

Methods

This was a multicentre, retrospective study of patients with neuroendocrine tumour metastases to the orbit. Data was collected from medical records across five different sites within Australia and the United Kingdom.

Results

Nine patients (eleven lesions) were identified. The most common presenting complaint was diplopia (5/9, 56%). Disease occurred bilaterally in two patients. Seven patients (78%) had extraocular muscle involvement. The lateral recti (4/9, 44%) and superior recti (2/9, 22%) were the most commonly affected. Ocular presentation preceded primary tumour diagnosis in three patients (33%). On orbital imaging, metastases were most commonly reported as well circumscribed, ovoid or round, heterogeneous, contrast-enhancing masses. Features of intralesional haemorrhage and bony invasion are uncommonly reported.

Conclusions

Neuroendocrine tumour metastasis to the orbit is uncommon. Metastases have a propensity for the extraocular muscles, commonly presenting as heterogeneous, well circumscribed, contrast-enhancing lesions on neuroimaging. New ocular symptoms, a history of neuroendocrine tumours, and these radiological findings, should lead to high clinical suspicion of metastatic disease. Atypical findings warrant biopsy to exclude other causes of orbital lesions.

KEYWORDS:

• Neuroendocrine tumour
• orbital
• metastases
• carcinoid

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.