CT and ultrasound in the diagnosis of cavernous hemangioma and lymphangioma of the orbit.

Eighteen cases of cavernous hemangioma and seven cases of lymphangioma of the orbit were evaluated with regard to contrast enhancement, hemogeneity, type of margin, anatomic location, and associated changes in he bone. Hemangiomas usually demonstrated homogeneous contrast enhancement, a relatively smooth margin, intraconal location, with occasional extension to the orbital apex, and focal bone expansion. Lymphangiomas showed either minimal heterogeneous or absence of contrast enhancement, irregular margins, and anterior and posterior locations. Ultrasonography of hemangiomas showed high amplitude and closely packed echoes from vessel walls adjacent to blood-filled spaces. Lymphangiomas had a similar ultrasound pattern, but with very wide separation of echoes due to larger fluid lakes.