Lipodermoid Choristoma

The raised, fleshy lesion over the lateral conjunctiva of this 7-month-old girl's right eye has been present and gradually enlarging since birth. Consultation with a pediatric ophthalmologist yielded a diagnosis of lipodermoid choristoma, a dermoid-type congenital malformation of the conjunctiva or epibulbar region. Histologic examination reveals benign fatty and ectopic lacrimal tissue and epidermal structures.

The raised, fleshy lesion over the lateral conjunctiva of this 7-month-old girl's right eye has been present and gradually enlarging since birth. Consultation with a pediatric ophthalmologist yielded a diagnosis of lipodermoid choristoma, a dermoid-type congenital malformation of the conjunctiva or epibulbar region. Histologic examination reveals benign fatty and ectopic lacrimal tissue and epidermal structures.

Treatment consists of surgical excision of the lesion and is performed mainly for cosmetic reasons. Robert P. Blereau, MD of Morgan City, La, writes that this infant has undergone the procedure and most of the choristoma was excised.