carcinoid tumor of the ovary with bilateral infiltration of the extraocular muscles: a case report and a brief review of the literature

purpose: we report an unusual case of trabecular carcinoid of the ovary with orbital involvement. methods: we encountered a 49-year-old woman with a complaint of bilateral proptosis. ocular examination revealed severe bilateral proptosis and signs of corneal exposure. orbital ct scan showed massive enlargement of extraocular muscles and optic nerve compression. the patient medical history showed that she have had an ovarian mass for which she was underwent right oophorectomy followed by left oophorectomy and total abdominal hysterectomy. results: histological examination showed trabecular carcinoid in both ovaries. fine needle aspiration from extraocular muscles showed trabecular carcinoid tumor compatible with the primary tumor of the ovary. conclusion: ocular metastases from carcinoid tumors are considered rare. they can be the primary presentation of a carcinoid tumor or develop during the course of the disease. the extent of distant metastases from carcinoid tumors correlates with poor prognosis and survival early detection of metastasis may change the overall management.   iranian journal of ophthalmology 200719(4):39-42