The role of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis and therapy monitoring of primary orbit lymphomas

Methods and materials . 15 patients aged between 43 and 72 years were treated because of primary orbit lymphoma. CT and MRI were applied for diagnosis and follow-up. Both tests were performed before and after intravenous contrast administration. Microscopic examination confirmed 5 cases of B-type lymphoma, 5 cases of MALT lymphoma and a single case of lymphocytic lymphoma. Resul ts . In 12 CT examinations the lesion density was almost identical as the density of extraocular muscles. 5 lesions indicated postcontrast enhancement. 3 MRI tests were performed. In both T1and T2-weighted images lesion signal intensity was similar to extraocular muscles intensity. All lesions enhanced after i.v. contrast administration. In 9 cases we observed complete response. In 6 cases we detected residual lesions, stable over a 3 to 8 year follow-up. We didn’t observe recurrence. Conclusions. The diagnosis and follow-up of primary orbit lymphomas can be performed both through computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).