A rare case of arteriovenous malformation of the upper eyelid

Abstract

Arteriovenous malformations (AVM's) are serious abnormalities that very rarely affect the eye. They are due to anomalous communications between the arterial and venous systems without any interposing capillaries. Therapeutic management of orbital AVM is not standardized, and it's most essential to strike a balance between spontaneous and iatrogenic risk of any visual loss. Management has to be very patient-specific and includes observation, embolization, surgical excision or a combined preoperative embolization followed by excision. Surgical intervention can also sometimes lead to life-threatening complications like excessive haemorrhage or cardiovascular instability and /or vision threatening complications like retinal vein occlusions. Here we describe an eyelid AVM in a young lady, with a relatively good vision in the affected eye .She was accurately diagnosed and finally after much deliberation involving multiple specialities was offered a combined embolization followed by complete surgical resection, however she declined any active intervention and is now on a regular follow-up