Case of the Week
Section Editors: Matylda Machnowska1 and Anvita Pauranik2
1University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
2BC Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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January 19, 2009
Orbital Varix
- Orbital varices are characterized by proliferation of postcapillary venous elements and dilatation of one or more of the valveless orbital veins. These changes are believed to arise secondary to a congenital weakness in the walls of orbital veins.
- Imaging reveals mild enlargement of the involved veins or an orbital mass. A varix can be well circumscribed, tubular, or a tangled mass of vessels. Varices classically demonstrate avid contrast enhancement. Focal calcifications (representing phleboliths) may be detected.
- Orbital varices often freely communicate with regional veins and may enlarge with provocative techniques (such as Valsalva maneuver or prone position).
- Orbital varices are the most common cause of spontaneous orbital hemorrhage.