Key points Definition: Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland (ACC LG) is a rare form of adenocarcinoma causing an extraconal, unencapsulated malignancy, usually arising from the lacrimal gland’s orbital lobe. Synonym: cylindroma. Classic clue: A middle aged woman presents…
Key points Definition: Lacrimal gland dermoids (LGDs) represent congenital, non-neoplastic choristomas, containing cytologically normal tissue not normally found at that location. Synonym: anterior orbital dermoid (AOD). Classic clue: Young child presents with smooth scalloping of orbital wall by adjacent unilateral…
Key points Definition: Malignant lymphoma of the lacrimal gland is relatively rare and is more prevalent in elderly women. Synonym: Primary lacrimal gland lymphoma. Classic clue: Patient presents with painless proptosis, showing nearly symmetrical bilateral lacrimal gland enlargement with smooth,…
Key points Definition: Bilateral lacrimal gland enlargement secondary to sarcoidosis, a systemic idiopathic inflammatory granulomatous disease. Classic clue: Bilateral lacrimal gland enlargement in a patient with “dry-eye” symptoms and known (or findings consistent with) sarcoidosis. Despite decades of delving into…
Key points Definition: Infiltration of the optic nerve (ON) is a rare entity important to recognize in patients with leukemia, as early diagnosis and treatment are the only hope for prevention of blindness. Synonym: ON infiltration by leukemia. Classic clue:…
Key points Definition: Optic nerve neuritis (ONN) is inflammation of the optic nerve (ON), which may cause sudden painful, partial or complete visual loss, for a variety of reasons. Classic clue: Young woman presenting with painful eye movement, decreased visual…
Key points Definition: Idiopathic orbital pseudotumor (IOP) is a nonmalignant, nongranulomatous extraocular orbital and adnexal space-occupying lesion simulating neoplasm without associated local or systemic etiology. Synonyms: Idiopathic orbital inflammation (IOI), idiopathic orbital inflammatory disease, nonspecific orbital inflammation (NSOI). Classic clue:…
Key points Definition: An autoimmune inflammatory disorder affecting the orbit with leukocytic infiltration causing erythema, edema, conjunctivitis, and upper lid retraction. Synonyms: Graves ophthalmopathy, thyroid orbitopathy, thyroid eye disease (TED), thyroid associated orbitopathy (TAO). Classic clue: Bilateral extraocular muscle (EOM)…
Key points Definition: Optic disc drusen (ODD) are tiny yellow or white globules of hyaline-like material deposited on or below the surface of the optic disc, which progressively calcify producing visual field defects. Also known as optic nerve head drusen…
Key points Definition: Cataracts cloud the normally clear ocular lens, block the passage of light to the retina, and cause decreased vision and blindness if untreated. Classic clue: An elderly patient who complains of night “glare” and decreasing vision, with…