[Orbital venous varices: modern diagnostic methods and differential diagnosis]

Orbital varix: A rare case of unilateral exophthalmos, case report

The etiologies of unilateral exophthalmos are multiple, rarely represented by an intra- or extra-conical vascular mass. Orbito-palpebral varixes are rare (2% of orbital masses) and represent a main cause of unilateral intermittent exophthalmos, often of an inflammatory nature. We report a Case of right orbito-palpebral varix in a 65-year-old adult, with no particular history, evolving for 2 years. The ophthalmological examination showed a right palpebral mass, extended to the right external canthus, with palpebral collateral circulation, moderate right ptosis with exophthalmos, non-axial, non-pulsatile, without thrill, painless, without complication, without visual deficit. A vascular mass was suspected and MRI revealed a right orbito-palpebral varix with temporal extension, confirmed by ANGIO-MRI. The latter also allowed to search for a cerebral venous malformation, an encephalocele or a bone defect, associated and also to eliminate differential diagnoses (tumor, arteriovenous fistula …). Color Doppler ultrasound in the proclive position confirmed the diagnosis of orbital varices. A preventive low-dose anticoagulant treatment was started to avoid thrombosis, with therapeutic abstention in the absence of complications. A rigorous monthly follow-up in consultation is ensured. Orbito-palpebral varices are characterized by an extensive posterior intra-orbital character, often during their evolution and imposes a strict surveillance. In Case of complication (thrombosis, hemorrhage, pain, compressive signs of the optic nerve), surgical removal or sclerosis of the varix can be envisaged with disappointing results (recurrence, hemorrhage).