High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging of the orbital connective tissue system

A complex system of connective-tissue septa within the orbit has previously been described in serial histologic sections. The present study describes the anatomy of the orbital connective tissue system on high-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) images in vivo. Five volunteers aged 26 to 35 years underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the orbit on a 1 Tesla unit (Impact, Siemens, Germany). T1-weighted coronal images were obtained using a surface coil. Anatomical structures on the MR images were identified by comparison with corresponding histologic sections. On MR images of the anterior orbit, the levator aponeurosis, Lockwood ligament, transverse intermuscular ligament, common sheath, check ligaments, Tenon capsule, intermuscular septa, and palpebral ligaments can be seen. In the mid- and posterior orbit, the intermuscular orbital septa, especially the superolateral septum, the superior ophthalmic vein hammock, and septa of the radial connective tissue system are visualized. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging is capable of delineating the major septa of the orbital connective tissue system.