The investigation of proptosis in paediatric practice

A retrospective review of 65 cases of paediatric proptosis presenting to a rural teaching hospital in India, from February 2006 to June 2008. There were 17 cases with orbital cellulitis and 15 with retinoblastoma. We report the history, clinical examination, radiological findings and diagnosis. Most cases had a characteristic history and pathognomonic eye signs. Computer Tomography (CT) correlated with histopathology in most cases. CT is widely available, even within a remote setting, and is a convenient investigation. Thus, a detailed history, clinical examination and CT scan were the most fruitful approach to the diagnosis of childhood proptosis in this series.