Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology, March 1983, Volume 3, Issue 1

Orbital myositis.

We report five cases of presumed orbital myositis mimicking extraocular muscle motility disturbances and manifesting clinical signs of active inflammation over the involved muscles. Computed tomographic evidence for extraocular muscle enlargement is helpful in confirming the diagnosis. If not present or atypical, another etiology should be sought. All patients responded rapidly and dramatically to systemic corticosteroids. Anterior inflammation may be accompanied by iritis and respond to topical corticosteroids. We believe the diagnosis of orbital myositis may be made on clinical grounds with confirmation by computed tomographic evidence for extraocular muscle enlargement and clinical response to corticosteroids. Biopsy is unnecessary except in atypical cases.