ORBITAL AND ADNEXAL PATHOLOGY AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

Computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging scans have breathe d new life into anatomic studies and clinical correlations of structur e and function of the eyelid and orbit. Hydroxyapatite orbital implant s promise better cosmetic results, but we are only beginning to unders tand how they are integrated within orbital tissues and how to enhance this integration. Three more cases of phacomatous choristoma, a rare tumor of lens anlage, have been studied, and one has been characterize d by immunohistochemical staining. Adenoid cystic carcinoma is the mos t common epithelial malignancy of the lacrimal gland, and is associate d with a high mortality, especially when a basaloid pattern is promine nt. Complete excision with radiation may have a higher cure rate. Muco rmycosis, a devastating complication of diabetes mellitus and other ch ronic diseases, can cause an orbital apex syndrome, with ophthalmopleg ia and decreased vision. Fine-needle biopsy can help to establish the diagnosis.