Key points Definition: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lacrimal sac is an uncommon but deadly cause of abnormal unilateral tearing, which when not promptly diagnosed and treated can lead to local invasion and death. Classic clue: A patient presents…
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…