Imaging diagnosis and evaluation of orbital cavernous hemangioma

Objective To compare the efficacy of MRI, CT, and ultrasonography for the diagnosis of orbital cavernous hemangioma. Methods MRI, CT, and ultrasonic examinations were performed in 21 cases of cavernous hemangioma. The results were compared. Results Ultrasonography could reveal the histopathological types of the tumor, but MRI and CT could demonstrate the benign features of the tumor. Final diagnosis of most orbital cavernous hemangiomas could be made according to the imaging and clinical manifestations. Both MRI and CT were helpful for the localization of the tumor. However, MRI could clearly reveal the relationship of the tumor with the optic nerves and the characteristics of “progressive enhancement”. Conclusion MRI is much superior to CT both in lesion localization and qualitative diagnosis. Ultrasonography may be also important in the qualitative diagnosis of the tumor.