Background: In orbital myositis, painful diplopia develops owing to an enla
rgement of the extraocular muscles. Diagnosis is established based on histo
ry, clinical manifestations, and therapeutic response to steroids, with the
findings of magnetic resonance imaging providing additional information.
Observation: We observed a family in which 4 members had an ophthalmopathy
suggestive of orbital myositis. The affected members are a sibling pair (fe
male and male) and 2 children of the brothers of their father's father.
Conclusion: The familial incidence suggests a potential genetic predisposit
ion in the development of orbital myositis.