Relapsing ophthalmoplegia as a presenting symptom of orbital myositis
Pages, M.; Malanda, G.; Mayembo, M.A.
Revue Neurologique (Paris) 161(2): 224-225
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0035-3787 PMID: 15798524 Document Number: 585584
Introduction. We report a case of orbital myositis revealed by a relapsing and initally painless ophthalmoplegia. Case report. A 50-yearold patient suddenly presented with an isolated palsy of the right lateral rectus muscle which recovered in 3 weeks after a short-lasting corticosteroid therapy but relapsed. Cerebral and orbital imaging were normal. Orbital pain with a fluctuating course occurred 6 months later. Two years after the clinical onset, orbital CT scan revealed a fusiform hypertrophy of the right lateral rectus muscle which was enhanced by contrast. After corticosteroid treatment, the symptoms improved and CT scan became normal. Conclusion. Orbital myositis may not be ruled out in case of painless ophthalmoplegia and systematic and repeated imaging is necessary.