ORBITAL HYDATID CYSTS - 10 CASES

Ten cases of intra-orbital hydatid cysts were operated from January 85 to December 91. The aim of this retrospective study is to show the im portance of this pathology with regard to other intra-orbital expansiv e processes and to discuss the efficiency of neurosurgical approaches. The mean age was 25 years, with 5 women and 5 men. The symptoms consi sted in progressive unilateral exophtalmia in 8 cases and acute one in 2 cases. Visual deterioration was observed in 7 cases : a reduced vis ion acuity in 6 cases and blindness in one case. Fundus occuli showed papilary oedema in 4 cases and optical atrophy in one case. Slight dis turbance of ocular mobility was observed in 5 cases. CT Scan gave posi tive diagnosis and predicted the hydatid nature in 9 cases. Fronto-orb ital approach, taking away the squamous portion of the frontal bone, o rbital are and roof, was made in 9 cases. It permitted to remove the c yst without rupture of the capsule in all cases. Fronto-temporal appro ach was used in one case. The evolution was excellent after 8 months t o 6 years in 4 patients. Five patients were improved with reduction of exophtalmia, stabilisation of visual acuity and eye movements. Blindn ess remained inchanged in one patient.