Magnetic resonance imaging in ocular and orbital tumours

Abstract

Twenty-six patients with an intraocular tumour were examined with the MRI. Eighteen of these cases were diagnosed as a melanoma and MRI predicted correctly the absence of extraocular tumour extension; eight cases were recognized as melanoma simulating lesions. In 16 out of the 18 melanoma cases MRI detected the tumour accurately, in 13 cases even excellent images were obtained. MRI gave more accurate information about the relation of the tumours with intraocular structures and extraocular tissue than ultrasonography and CT scan. In several cases MRI could distinguish retinal detachment and details around the tumour. In 11 cases these findings were confirmed by histology. In an investigation of orbital disorders with MRI this method could give additional information in comparison with the combination of ultrasonography, CT scan and fine needle aspiration cytology. More important, however, is the MRI in the differentiation of neuro-ophthalmic aspects of orbital diseases.