Racoon eyes

Raccoon eyes
Synonyms	Periorbital ecchymosis
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Dark circles around the eyes
Complications	N/A
Onset	N/A
Duration	N/A
Types	N/A
Causes	Basilar skull fracture, Neuroblastoma, Amyloidosis
Risks	N/A
Diagnosis	Physical examination, Imaging studies
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Depends on underlying cause
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	N/A
Deaths	N/A

Raccoon eyes, also known as periorbital ecchymosis, is a medical sign characterized by dark circles around the eyes resembling the eyes of a raccoon. This condition is often associated with basilar skull fracture, but can also be seen in other medical conditions such as neuroblastoma and amyloidosis.

Causes

Raccoon eyes are typically caused by bleeding into the soft tissues around the eyes. This can occur due to:

• Basilar skull fracture: A fracture at the base of the skull can lead to bleeding that tracks into the periorbital tissues, resulting in raccoon eyes.
• Neuroblastoma: A type of cancer that can cause raccoon eyes due to metastasis or bleeding.
• Amyloidosis: A condition where abnormal protein deposits can lead to bleeding and raccoon eyes.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of raccoon eyes involves a thorough physical examination and may require imaging studies such as CT scan or MRI to determine the underlying cause. It is important to differentiate raccoon eyes from other causes of periorbital discoloration, such as allergic shiners or trauma.

Treatment

Treatment of raccoon eyes focuses on addressing the underlying cause. For instance:

• In the case of a basilar skull fracture, management may involve observation, surgical intervention, or other supportive measures.
• For neuroblastoma, treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery.
• In amyloidosis, treatment options may vary depending on the type and extent of the disease.

See also

• Battle's sign
• Periorbital hematoma
• Cranial fracture

External links

• Raccoon eyes on WikiMD