Objective: To evaluate the clinical, radiological, and histopathological features, treatment, and outcome of a series of orbital venous flow malformations (OVMs) with the aim of delineating a more systematic approach for treatment.
Methods: A 38-year retrospective review of 22 patients with OVMs followed up at 1 institute.
Results: Eighteen of 22 patients (13 women and 9 men) showed clinical or radiological evidence of distensibility. The mean age at the initial manifestation was 28.3 and 50.7 years in patients with distensible and nondistensible OVMs, respectively. Eight patients (36.3%) had deep orbital lesions, 6 (27.3%) had superficial orbital lesions, and 8 (36.3%) had combined orbital lesions. All 3 patients with deep nondistensible OVMs had a sudden onset of proptosis and pain or diplopia secondary to thrombosis or hemorrhage. Seventeen patients required treatment. All 4 nondistensible lesions were treated by surgical excision. A variety of techniques were used to treat distensible OVMs including carbon dioxide laser ablation, percutaneous alcohol sclerotherapy, or embolization with Guglielmi detachable coils after surgical exposure and surgical excision. Of the 14 patients with follow-up, 8 had complete resolution of the signs and symptoms and 6 patients showed marked improvement following surgery. Mean follow-up was 57.8 months.
Conclusion: If intervention is indicated, less invasive methods such as carbon dioxide laser ablation and percutaneous alcohol sclerotherapy for superficial and combined orbital lesions and endovascular treatment by Guglielmi detachable coil embolization for deep orbital lesions should be considered before proceeding with more invasive procedures.