Aetiology and Demographics of Unilateral Proptosis in Benin City

Background: Proptosis is a common presentation with a broad differential diagnosis in an ophthalmic clinic. Although the aetiology of unilateral proptosis is diverse, the impact may be sight-threatening and/or life-threatening if left unaddressed.Objective: To determine the aetiology and demographic pattern of proptosis seen in adult patients at University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) with a view to providing baseline information for improved practice.Study Design: A retrospective chart review.Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of all patients with proptosis at the UBTH eye clinic from January 2008 to December 2014. Information obtained included age at presentation, sex, duration of symptoms before presentation, predisposing factors and ocular and systemic examination investigations.Results: A total of 50 patients who had proptosis were identified during the period under review with a mean age of 37.60 ± 14.25 years. The age range was 17–66 years. There were 27 (54.0%) males and 23 females (46.0%), with a female-to-male ratio of 1:1.2. The common causes of proptosis were infection (orbital cellulitis) 36.0%, neoplasm (28.0%), idiopathic (18.0%), inflammation (12%) and traumatic (6.0%).Conclusion: Orbital cellulitis is the single most common cause of proptosis in this study.