helpsimple searchclear selectionselect all
Dictionary assisted search
All words
Any word/input
Exact phrase
in these
lexical topics:
  • Physics, Techniques and Procedures
  • Normal Anatomy
  • Musculoskeletal Imaging
  • Breast Imaging
  • Gastrointestinal Imaging
  • Urogenital Imaging
  • Chest Imaging
  • Cardiovascular Imaging
  • Neuroradiology
  • Head and Neck Imaging
  • Paediatric Imaging
 
 
 
Paediatric Imaging

Foreign body, orbital

Orbital foreign bodies may be intra- or extra-ocular. Imaging depends on the nature of the suspected foreign body as magnetic resonance is an absolute contraindication if the foreign body is ferromagnetic. The most frequent foreign bodies in children are glass, metallic fragments, pieces of stick and air gun pellets. Glass is seldom sufficiently large or dense to be radio-opaque. The degree of damage done by the foreign body depends on the location and the entrance velocity.

Imaging is directed to locating the foreign body and its relation to the optic nerve and globe. Plain radiographs with eyes looking upwards and downwards have traditionally been done for opaque foreign bodies, the particle being intraglobar if it moves. Ultrasound is the preferred imaging as it will detect non-opaque as well as opaque foreign bodies, both of which show as echobright lesions, together with any vitreous haemorrhage or retinal damage. CT is also used, in particular in the location of extraocular foreign bodies. Penetrating orbital foreign bodies require imaging of the brain to assess associated damage.

HC