The role of fine needle aspiration of orbital lesions: A case series

Objective: This paper analyzes a series of ultrasound (US)-guided orbital fine needle aspirations (FNAs) which provide diagnostic information that cytopathologists approaching orbital lesions for the first time can find useful and underlines the importance of teamwork. Study Design: The investigators retrospectively obtained data from 24 consecutive orbital FNAs. For all patients, a complete clinicoradiological database was created. FNAs were performed under US guidance with 25-gauge needles and an aspiration biopsy syringe gun, and sent to the Department of Pathology for examination and data management. Results: The mean age of the patients was 54 years. Imaging studies included US, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scans; 9 lesions involved the right orbit and 15 the left orbit. The mean lesion size was 23.6 ± 7.2 mm. After microscopic examination, 7 smears were labeled as 'nondiagnostic', while in 17 cases a definitive diagnosis was proposed, which always proved to be correct (70.8%, specificity = 100%). Conclusions: The investigators believe that FNA biopsy of orbital masses is a necessary step; its weaknesses lie in the particularly delicate site of sampling and the extreme heterogeneity of lesions. Nevertheless, when orbital FNA is performed within a well-coordinated multidisciplinary team, it is a powerful tool that can be used to define the most appropriate management of these patients.