Orbital Cholesterol Granuloma: A Rare Case Report

Abstract

Orbital cholesterol granuloma is a rare entity which can cause proptosis, diplopia and extraocular movement restriction. It is often mistaken for other entities such as epidermoid, dermoid cysts and lacrimal gland tumours. Hereby, authors report a case of a 36-year-old male, who presented with proptosis of right eye and diplopia on upward gaze. Computed Tomography (CT) scan showed an extraconal lesion in superotemporal compartment of right orbit with erosion of bony wall. On imaging findings, epidermoid and dermoid cysts were considered as probable diagnoses. On histology, the lesion showed cholesterol clefts, foamy and haemosiderin laden macrophages and foreign body giant cells. Lesion was diagnosed as cholesterol granuloma. While being very rare at this site, this lesion carries a good prognosis with complete surgical excision. Patient showed marked postoperative improvement and was asymptomatic at discharge.

Keywords

• cholesterol clefts
• dermoid
• extraconal
• orbit
• proptosis