Severe absence of intra-orbital fat in a patient with orbital venous malformation: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND

The orbital venous malformation is quite common in orbital diseases. Clinically, it is usually characterized by proptosis. However, among patients with distensible venous malformations, if the lesions continuously progress, they may induce enlargement of the orbital bone or orbital lipoatrophy, which in turn leads to enophthalmos.

CASE SUMMARY

Here, we report a patient who presented with enophthalmos and had a severe absence of intra-orbital fat secondary to orbital venous malformation. The patient was a 66-year-old female with a 20-year history of enophthalmos. Hertel exophthalmometry readings in a relaxed upright position were 4 mm OD and 13 mm OS with a 97 mm base. It was determined that she had positional “proptosis”. Physical examination also revealed a bulging mass on her hard palate. Computed tomographic scan and magnetic resonance imaging showed an expansion of the right orbit with local bony defects and multiple soft-tissue masses.

CONCLUSION

Long-term lack of awareness about the presence of orbital venous malformations, persistent venous congestion could lead to compression of the orbital fat, which in turn induces atrophy or the absence of intra-orbital fat.

Keywords: Absence of intra-orbital fat; Venous malformation; Enophthalmos; Entropion; Long medical history; Case report

Core Tip: Timely diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent secondary irreversible lesions. In patients with severe orbital venous malformations, delayed diagnosis and treatment may induce atrophy or the absence of intra-orbital fat. This case report provides a cautionary tale for patients with a long history of orbital venous malformations.