Computed Tomographic Localization for Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy of Orbital Tumors

Abstract

Fine needle aspiration biopsy techniques were applied to the evaluation of human orbital masses. Ultrasound and CT [computed tomography] examination were useful in accurately localizing and characterizing such lesions prior to biopsy. Small retrobulbar tumors may be difficult to biopsy using blind needling, despite accurate localization. Preliminary studies on cadaver orbits confirmed that successful biopsy of the normal optic nerve could be accomplished using direct CT guidance. The technique was applied to 2 patients with monocular blindness due to small infiltrating optic nerve tumors and a histologic diagnosis was obtained in each case. This low morbidity procedure though applicable to only a small group of patients may spare them the morbidity of an orbitotomy of craniotomy.