Purpose

To evaluate the association between anatomical and radiologic characteristics of mucoceles with orbital involvement and their ophthalmologic presentation

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Methods

A retrospective observational case series was performed including patients diagnosed with mucoceles with orbital involvement at a tertiary referral center. Demographic characteristics, etiology, anatomical location, imaging findings (bone erosion, intraorbital extension, intracranial extension), ophthalmologic manifestations, surgical approach, and postoperative outcomes were reviewed. The primary outcome was the relationship between anatomical location and orbital manifestations including proptosis, diplopia, ocular displacement, and extraocular motility restriction.

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Results

Thirteen patients were included with a median age of 58 years (range: 24–75); 46.2% were male. Frontal and frontoethmoidal lesions represented the most frequent anatomical locations (53.8%), while 23.1% were secondary lesions associated with previous trauma or surgery. Orbital manifestations were common: ocular displacement or proptosis was present in 69.2%, extraocular motility restriction in 76.9%, and diplopia in 30.8%. Frontal and frontoethmoidal lesions more frequently presented with hypotropia and limitation of elevation, suggesting a characteristic pattern of orbital involvement. Most lesions demonstrated extraconal extension. Surgical treatment achieved clinical improvement in the majority of patients with available follow-up data.

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Conclusion

Mucoceles with orbital involvement demonstrate recognizable clinical-radiologic patterns that appear to be influenced by anatomical location and lesion extension. Frontal and frontoethmoidal lesions showed a tendency toward characteristic ocular displacement and motility abnormalities. Recognition of these patterns may facilitate earlier diagnosis, improve surgical planning, and help identify patients at higher risk of significant orbital involvement.

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Additional Authors

First name	Last name	Base Hospital / Institution
Karen Liliana	Gutiérrez-Verduzco	Fundación Hospital Nuestra Señora de la Luz I.A.P.
Gerardo	Graue-Moreno	Fundación Hospital Nuestra Señora de la Luz I.A.P.
Carlos Alberto	Martínez-Molina	Fundación Hospital Nuestra Señora de la Luz I.A.P.

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