Orbital metastases from prostate carcinoma
H. C. Boldt and J. A. Nerad
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City 52242.
Prostate carcinoma was previously thought to be a rare source of orbital
metastasis. We studied a clinical series of eight cases of orbital
metastases from prostate carcinoma. Presenting symptoms included proptosis,
pain, diplopia, eyelid swelling, decreased vision, ptosis, and red eye. The
mean age at onset was 72.1 years. In three of the eight patients,
evaluation of the orbital masses led to the diagnosis of prostate
carcinoma. Of the six patients in whom computed tomography was performed,
four had predominantly osteoblastic lesions. In our experience, the rapid
development of an osteoblastic orbital lesion in an elderly man is highly
suggestive of metastatic prostate carcinoma.
