Imaging of orbital myositis in Crohn's disease

Orbital myositis (OM) is defined as a nonspecific localized orbital inflammatory process in which one or more of the extraocular muscles are involved. Clinically, it is characterized by acute pain exacerbated by eye movements. Diagnosis is based on history, clinical manifestations, and therapeutic response to steroids. Histologically, OM is characterized by polymorphous infiltration of inflammatory cells and varying amounts of fibrosis. Pathogenesis is unknown, but is probably related to underlying immune-mediated processes. Various inflammatory diseases have been associated with OM, and inflammatory bowel disease is an uncommon cause. We describe a patient with recurrent OM and recurrent Crohn's disease. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.