What does OTEF (Orbital/Temporal Extra‑ocular Findings) refer to on a brain CT?

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Last updated: February 12, 2026View editorial policy

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OTEF in CT Brain: Definition and Clinical Context

I cannot find any established medical terminology or acronym "OTEF" in the provided evidence or standard radiology literature related to CT brain imaging.

What You May Be Looking For

If you are asking about orbital and temporal findings on CT brain, the evidence describes several key structures and pathologies that are routinely evaluated:

Orbital Findings on CT

  • CT orbit without contrast with thin-section multiplanar reconstructions is the gold standard for evaluating orbital pathology, with 94.9% sensitivity for detecting intraorbital foreign bodies 1, 2, 3
  • Key orbital structures assessed include: bones, anterior chamber, lens, posterior globe structures, intraconal orbit, neurovascular structures, and extraocular muscles/extraconal orbit 4
  • Common traumatic orbital findings include proptosis, vascular congestion, extraocular muscle enlargement, and enlarged superior ophthalmic veins 5

Temporal Region Findings on CT

  • The temporal bone and greater wing of the sphenoid are routinely evaluated for fractures and erosive lesions 6
  • Temporal lobe pathology may be assessed when intracranial extension of orbital disease is suspected 5

Common Pitfalls

  • OTEF is not a recognized radiology acronym in ACR guidelines or standard CT brain reporting terminology 5, 1, 2, 3
  • If this term is being used locally at your institution, clarify its meaning with your radiology department, as non-standard abbreviations can lead to miscommunication and patient safety issues 4

Alternative Possibilities

  • You may be referring to "orbital/temporal extra-axial findings" or "orbital/temporal extra-ocular findings", though neither is standard terminology 5, 4
  • Consider whether the term refers to a specific institutional protocol or reporting template unique to your facility 7

Recommendation: Contact your radiology department directly to clarify this acronym, as it does not appear in published guidelines or peer-reviewed literature on CT brain or orbital imaging 5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 7.

References

Guideline

CT Orbit Imaging for Metal Foreign Bodies in the Eye

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

Guideline

Severe Eye Trauma Definition and Management

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2026

Guideline

Best Imaging Study for Periorbital Fracture

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Orbital histiocytosis X.

AJNR. American journal of neuroradiology, 1995

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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