Imaging presentation of the orbital dermoid

Abstract

Introduction: Orbital dermoid is a congenital benign cystic teratoma (choristoma) that originates from aberrant ectodermal tissue, displacement along embryonic lines of closure, when the suture lines of skull close, epidermal or dermal elements may pinch off and form cysts. Purpose: Describe the imaging presentation of the orbital dermoid. Material and methods: During the last 10 years, 3 cases of dermoid were diagnosed during the imaging examination performed in F. M. C. “Galaxia”. All 3 patients were boys. The age of these children ranged from 3 to 17 years. There were not recorded any family history or action of any harmful factor during pregnancy Results: The volume formation was determined by imaging examination. Radiological examination was relevant in determining a volume formation in the form of dental tissue placed intraorbitally, in 2 cases, as well as intraocular formation, in one case, in all of them the dimensions were less than 1 x 1 cm. In 2 patients the underdeveloped tissue included one tooth and in one person - 2 teeth. All 3 cases were operated outside the Republic of Moldova: surgery was performed to remove the volume formation in patients with extraocular dermoid and secondary plasty. In case of intraocular volume formation, enucleation was performed. Conclusions: In most cases the intraorbital dermoid cannot be directly visualized and requires imaging examination to detect a positive diagnosis. Because visual acuity is affected and considering the risk of malignancy development during life, surgery with dermoid removal is recommended.