Orbital neurofibromatosis presenting as pulsating enophthalmos

Abstract

The authors describe a case of a 20-year-old-girl with neurofibromatosis presenting as apparent enophthalmos. Hertel exophthalmometry showed 2 mm enophthalmos on the left side. The upper sulcus was deeper on the left than on the right side and the lower eyelid laterally was not in contact with the globe. The computed tomography (CT) scan, however, demonstrated forward displacement of the left globe with herniation of the brain tissue through a defect in the sphenoid bone. A review of the literature and an explanation of this simulated phenomenon are given.

Key Words:

• Pulsating enophthalmos
• neurofibromatosis
• computed tomography
• simulated phenomenon