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Orbital pseudotumor - Overview

Alternative Names

Idiopathic orbital inflammatory syndrome (IOIS)

Definition of Orbital pseudotumor:

The orbit is a bony, pyramid-shaped cavity in the skull. It contains and protects the eyeball and related structures. Orbital pseudotumor is a swelling of the orbital tissues behind the eye, but unlike cancerous tumors, it cannot invade other tissues or spread elsewhere.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause is unknown. It most commonly affects young women, although it can still occur at any age.

Skull anatomy

Reviewed last on: 8/22/2008
Paul B. Griggs, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Fay A. Diseases of the Visual System. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 449.

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