Computed tomography of the orbit.

Computed tomography has become accepted as the key modality in orbital radiography. Good technique with axial and coronal positioning on high-resolution scanners provides excellent imaging of major orbital structures, including the globe, ocular muscles, optic nerve, and major vessels. Examinations may be tailored specifically for orbital diagnosis or may be appropriately incorporated in scanning of the head. Sufficient data are provided by CT for accurate detection and, in many instances, diagnosis of tumor. Findings may help differentiate inflammatory conditions, endocrine ophthalmopathies, and neoplasm. The CT examination is also of assistance in evaluating facial and orbital trauma and in demonstrating the presence of a pathologic process in the periorbital regions.