Radiology of the orbital apex

The orbital apex, formed by the superior orbital fissure and optic canal, is the cross-road between the orbit and the intracranial structures. Pathological processes may extend intracranially via the superior orbital fissure and vice versa. In addition to intrinsic soft tissue lesions, various pathological processes may involve the surrounding osseous anatomy. Malignant lesions arising from adjacent structures or from haematogeneous metastasis may also infiltrate this region.