Case Report February 01, 2011 February 01, 2011

Orbital involvement in Rosai-Dorfman disease

DOI: 10.1590/S0034-72802011000100010

Rosai-Dorfman disease or sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy is a rare idiopathic and benign clinical entity, characterized by histiocytic proliferation with linfofagocitosis. It usually presents with cervical lymphadenopathy although extranodal involvement may occur. The orbital region is one of the most common extranodal sites. It is usually a self-limiting disease with spontaneous resolution but surgical excision, corticosteroids and radiotherapy may be necessary. We describe the case of a 29-years-old male patient complaining of an orbital mass sensation for 6 months and a history of previous sinus involvement from Rosai-Dorfman disease. Ophthalmic examination showed proptosis of the right eye and swelling of right lower eyelid. Computed tomography of the orbits disclosed a solid extraconal lesion in the inferior right orbit. After surgical excision there was a significant clinical improvement. Histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of Rosai-Dorfman disease. We also review the clinical picture and differential diagnosis of this condition.