Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Non-traumatic Orbital Pathologies: An Observational Cross Sectional Study

Background: Orbital lesions form a wide range of pathologies, that create challenges in diagnosis, management and treatment. The high-resolution soft tissue detail provided by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has allowed for better lesion characterization. MRI is also important in the detection of extent and localization of orbital diseases. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the profile of orbital lesions on MRI in non-traumatic orbital pathologies. The objectives of this study were to examine the MRI characteristics of common diseases arising from or extending into the orbit to aid in the correct diagnosis of orbital lesions. Material and Methods: The patient data was collected from GMC Jammu over a period of one year. The study comprises of 50 patients with symptoms of proptosis, orbital swelling, diminution of vision; referred from ophthalmology department of GMC Jammu. MRI examination was performed on Siemens Magnetom Symphony 1.5 Tesla machine and the cases were studied to determine the imaging features of various orbital pathologies on MRI. All patients were evaluated for the clinical symptoms and were also subjected to other routine investigations. Results: The most common presenting symptom was diminution of vision (66%) followed by proptosis (50%). Most commonly encountered lesions were infective and inflammatory lesions, contributing 60% of total lesions. Various other lesions encountered were coloboma, orbital lymphoma, vascular hemangiomas and thyroid ophthalmopathy. Conclusion: MRI is valuable for determining the extent of disease, describing its exact localisation and detecting involved orbital compartments. A compartmental approach to evaluating orbital disease can guide the differential diagnosis.