Enlarged Superior Ophthalmic Vein Research Articles

Neglected Superior Ophthalmic Vein Enlargement before Delayed Symptom of Carotid-Cavernous Fistula in a Blowout Fracture: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) is a rare condition. However, it should be suspected when there are traumatic facial fractures, because if not diagnosed, it can lead to permanent damage such as blindness. Traumatic CCF often presents delayed symptoms, and delayed diagnosis without prompt treatment can lead to permanent injuries in optic and cranial nerves III, IV, V, and VI as well as intracranial hemorrhage. The routine initial modality for patients with suspected facial bone fractures is noncontrast computed tomography (CT) to identify any fracture lines and check for intracranial hemorrhage. We report a post-traumatic CCF case with a 4-day symptom delay, where left superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) enlargement was observed on the routine noncontrast facial CT with ipsilateral orbital wall fracture. When the patient first presented to the emergency room (ER), we did not detect vein enlargement on CT. Afterwards, the patient developed delayed symptoms of CCF and was readmitted to the ER. When we reanalyzed the first CT scan, an enlarged SOV was confirmed. The diagnosis was confirmed via magnetic resonance imaging angiography, and the patient was successfully treated with embolization of the fistula. Thus, we recommend reviewing ophthalmic vein enlargement that is readily identifiable through noncontrast CT for patients injured by craniofacial trauma to suspect the presence of delayed CCF at their initial presentation.

Clinical, Radiological, and Histopathological Findings of Post-Exenterated Mucormycosis Specimens

Introduction: A sharp upsurge in the number of coronavirus disease-associated mucormycosis cases was noted during the second wave of coronavirus disease in India. The fungal hyphae spread from the nasal mucosa, orbit to the brain, hence otherwise called rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM). Prompt diagnosis and early initiation of treatment with amphotericin B, aggressive surgical debridement of the PNS, and orbital exenteration, where indicated, are essential for successful outcome. This study is done to enumerate the clinical, radiological, and histopathological findings of post-exenterated specimens of ROCM. Methods: This is a non-randomized cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary care center. Ten post-exenterated specimens were examined histopathologically for the involvement of the central retinal artery, superior ophthalmic vein (SOV), optic nerve, muscle, and orbital fat showing necrosis. Clinical findings of these 10 patients were studied retrospectively for visual loss, proptosis, extraocular movements for muscle involvement, scleral necrosis, and fundus findings for artery or vein occlusions. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings like the number of orbital quadrants showing soft tissue thickening or tissue enhancement, diffusion restriction in the optic nerve, soft tissue enhancement seen at the orbital apex or superior orbital fissure, loss of flow void in the left internal carotid artery, enlargement of the SOV containing filling defect on post-contrast images were noted. Results: Optic nerve involvement was seen in 100% patients clinically, 70% on MRI, and 50% on histopathological examination (HPE). Muscle involvement was seen in 100% patients clinically, 90% on MRI, and 80% on HPE. None of the patients had scleral necrosis clinically. Scleral tenting was seen in 20% patients on MRI and 20% on HPE. Clinically, central retinal artery involvement was seen in 40%, and cilioretinal artery involvement was seen in 10%. MRI could not give much information on artery involvement. Clinically, none of them had central retinal vein occlusion. 20% had an enlarged SOV seen on MRI. HPE showed vascular involvement in 90% of the specimens. Conclusion: Clinical, radiological, and histopathological findings play a major role in the diagnosis, staging, and follow-up of ROCM.

Atypical Presentation of Direct Carotid Cavernous Fistula

An atypical case of carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) is presented which was challenging to diagnose even with investigations. A 50-year old female, presented with complaints of increasing chemosis, diplopia and proptosis of her right eye following a fall from stairs. Her IOP was 32 mm Hg in right and 18 in left eye. Absence of other classic clinical signs like bruit/thrill of carotid cavernous fistula led to difficulty in diagnosing. There was absence of radiological evidence like enlargement of superior ophthalmic vein on MRI, MRV and MRA. We started symptomatic treatment for increased IOP and exposure keratopathy. Right sided CCF diagnosis was confirmed on CT angiogram and Digital Subtraction Angiography. Coil embolization was done which resulted in symptomatic and clinical relief. Carotid cavernous fistula with absence of typical signs is sometimes challenging to diagnose and treat. Importance of Digital Subtraction Study and CT Angiogram is highlighted.

Superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis post manual carotid compression for indirect carotid-cavernous fistula

ABSTRACT Purpose To report 5 cases of superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis (SOVT) following intermittent manual carotid compression (IMCC) for indirect carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) and to outline the management. Methods Retrospective observational case series of all patients who developed SOVT secondary to IMCC for indirect low flow CCF’s at a tertiary care center. The demographic profile, clinical, imaging findings, treatment, and outcomes were studied. Results The mean age at presentation was 60.2 years (Range: 42–87 years). Four patients were male. All patients had a unilateral presentation. The mean time interval between starting IMCC and the development of SOVT was 1.18 months (Range: 0.25–3 months). Acute exacerbation of proptosis and chemosis associated with a decrease in vision was the presenting feature in all the patients. The mean visual acuity at presentation was 0.89 on the logMAR scale. The causes of reduced visual acuity were venous stasis retinopathy (n = 4) and compressive optic neuropathy (n = 1). Magnetic resonance imaging revealed enlarged superior ophthalmic vein with absent flow voids and post-contrast filling defects. Four patients received anticoagulation treatment with subcutaneous injection of enoxaparin 1 mg/kg twice daily for 5 days followed by oral warfarin 5 mg once daily along with oral steroids. Complete recovery of SOVT was noted in all patients at a mean duration of treatment of 0. 75 months (Range: 0–2 months). Conclusion SOVT is a rare but possible complication in patients on IMCC for indirect CCF, and hence warrants close follow up. Early diagnosis and prompt management will help in preventing complications like permanent vision loss.

Quantification of the Asymmetry between Right and Left Cerebral Lateral Ventricles by Indexing Methods

To retrospectively analyze hydrocephalus and lateral ventricular asymmetry by measuring the midline shift, Evans index, right and left semi-Evans index, Right and left semi-callosal angles, superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) diameters, and to compare these findings with the control group. The study included 93 cases with hydrocephalus, 80 cases with asymmetrical lateral ventricles (ALV) and 83 control cases with normal findings who had cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in our institute between the years 2011 and 2016. A senior and junior radiologist analyzed the images and performed the measurements, and the results were compared. The cut-off points for the Evans index and right and left semi-Evans indexes for differentiating hydrocephalus and ALV were calculated as 28.68%, 30.77%, and 30.88%, respectively. The septum shift degree was significantly higher in the ALV group compared to the control group (P = 0.010; P < 0.05). ALV or hydrocephalus were not found to be associated with SOV enlargement. The SOVs were not found to be enlarged ipsilateral to asymmetrically enlarged lateral ventricle. Lower Evans and right and left semi-Evans indices are seen in ALV. Despite some limitations, the Evans index could still be used to differentiate hydrocephalus and ALV. Mild ALV is mostly associated with an off-midline septum. SOV diameter and enlargement are not indicators of hydrocephalus or ALV.

Superior ophthalmic vein and ophthalmic artery in immediate evaluation after endovascular treatment of carotid-cavernous fistulas.

PurposeTo validate superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) and ophthalmic artery (OA) usefulness in immediate evaluation of new endovascular approaches to treat carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs).Material and methodsA retrospective review of 597 intracerebral malformation embolisations yielded 40 embolisations of CCF in the treatment of 18 patients. Two interventional radiologists performed detailed radiological angiographic assessments.ResultsMean age at initial admission was 58.9 years (SD 18.5 years, range 24-85 years). Patients presented with: chemosis (50%), ocular bruit (50%), exophthalmos (61%), diminished visual acuity (77.8%), headache (16.7%), and intracerebral haemorrhage (5.55%), and 5.55% were asymptomatic. Unilateral fistulas (10-55.5%) showed more diversified venous drainage pattern than bilateral ones (8-44.4%). There were statistically significant differences in post-traumatic and spontaneous CCF regarding age (p = 0.036), type of fistula (p = 0.0008), and presence of pseudoaneurysm (p = 0.036). 77.8% of patients had increased ipsilateral SOV diameter. SOV enlargement was not associated with type of fistula, history of trauma, or degree of exophthalmos. Ipsilateral ophthalmic artery was visible in all patients on both pre- and postprocedural angiography on lateral projection. Pre- and post-procedural SOV diameter was significantly different. Internal carotid artery patency was 100%, while the overall final angiographic or clinical success was 85.7%. We had three cases of peri-procedural complications.ConclusionsWe reported changeable dynamics of SOV and OA after endovascular treatment of CCFs and proved the feasibility of coils and Onyx-18 in the treatment thereof.

Reversible Dilation of the Superior Ophthalmic Vein in Intubated Patients.

Superior ophthalmic vein enlargement has typically been associated with increased intracranial or orbital pressure. This study evaluates the incidence of superior ophthalmic vein enlargement in intubated patients without pre-existing intracranial or intraorbital pathologies. Two cohorts (patients with trauma and epilepsy patients undergoing stereotactic intracranial lead placement) who underwent CT while intubated and shortly following extubation and a cohort of 30 outpatients with a history of headache and normal head CT findings (healthy controls) were included. The superior ophthalmic vein diameter was measured on all scans. Seventy patients intubated for trauma and 45 patients with intraoperative CT were included (n = 115). While intubated, 66% of the total sample had at least unilateral superior ophthalmic vein dilation of >2.5 mm and 48% had bilateral dilation. Fifty-seven percent of patients with trauma and 84% of intraoperative patients with dilated superior ophthalmic veins showed reversal of mean superior ophthalmic vein dilation to <2.5 mm on postextubation CT. The mean superior ophthalmic vein diameter decreased an average of 1.2 mm following extubation. Changes in superior ophthalmic vein diameter between intubated and extubated states were statistically significant (P < .001). Differences between the control group and the extubated subjects were not statistically significant (P = .21). Bilateral dilation of the superior ophthalmic vein is common in intubated patients and usually reverses following extubation. In the appropriate clinical setting, this knowledge will prevent misinterpretation of prominent superior ophthalmic veins as automatically indicative of an underlying pathology.

Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis in Children: Imaging Characteristics and Clinical Outcomes.

Cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) is a rare life-threatening cerebrovascular disease known to cause carotid artery narrowing (CAN) and arterial ischemic stroke. The imaging features of CST and related complications have been reported in adults, but rarely in children. We performed a retrospective review of children with imaging confirmed CST from 2003 to 2014, describing presenting symptoms, imaging findings, and treatment. Ten patients with CST were identified. All had CAN and 6 of 10 developed infarcts. Of 8 patients treated with anticoagulation therapy, 3 developed new infarcts. None required discontinuation of anticoagulation therapy because of bleeding. Visual impairment secondary to infectious neuritis was common. Imaging characteristics include cavernous sinus expansion, filling defects, restricted diffusion, arterial wall enhancement, empyema, superior ophthalmic vein enlargement and thrombosis, orbital cellulitis, and pituitary inflammation. CAN resolved in 60% of cases. Outcomes were mostly good, with a modified Rankin Scale score of ≤1 for 7 of 10 patients at discharge and 1 death. CAN and infarcts were common in this modest cohort of children with CST. Despite the high incidence of CAN and infarction, outcomes were often favorable. Although this is the largest cohort of childhood CST reported to date, large multicenter cohorts are needed to confirm our findings and determine the preferred therapeutic strategies for childhood CST.

Superior Ophthalmic Vein Enlargement and Increased Muscle Index in Dysthyroid Optic Neuropathy

To compare superior ophthalmic vein diameter and extraocular muscle index in patients with thyroid eye disease with or without optic neuropathy. High-resolution CT scan images of 40 orbits of 20 patients with history of thyroid eye disease (with or without optic neuropathy), who underwent orbital decompression surgery from January 2007 to November 2009, were retrospectively reviewed. Superior ophthalmic vein diameter was measured in coronal and axial planes. Extraocular muscle index was calculated according to the method proposed by Barrett et al. The clinical diagnosis of optic neuropathy was based on characteristic signs that included afferent pupillary defect, decreased visual acuity, visual field defects, and dyschromatopsia. Orbits were divided in 2 groups based on presence or absence of optic neuropathy. Superior ophthalmic vein diameter was significantly higher in orbits with concomitant optic neuropathy (mean 2.4 ± 0.4mm, p < 0.0001). Increased muscle index was also related to optic neuropathy (mean 57.9% ± 5.7%, p = 0.0002). Muscle index greater than 50% was present in all patients with dysthyroid optic neuropathy. This study suggests that patients with thyroid eye disease with enlarged superior ophthalmic vein and increased extraocular muscle index are more likely to have concomitant optic neuropathy.

Spontaneous Dural Cavernous Fistula in Infancy

A 4-month-old boy presented with the sudden onset of proptosis and dilated episcleral veins. CT revealed an enlarged superior ophthalmic vein and diffusely thickened extraocular muscles. MRI and angiography confirmed a dural middle meningeal--cavernous sinus fistula. Embolization was performed leading to successful resolution of the patient's signs and symptoms. Spontaneous atraumatic arteriovenous cavernous fistulae in infancy are extremely rare, but should be included in the differential diagnosis of infants with orbital congestion. Appropriate treatment leads to prevention of amblyopia, glaucoma, and anisometropia.

Unusual orbital invasion by a giant prolactinoma

Intra-orbital extension of giant pituitary adenomas is an extremely uncommon event. We describe the imaging appearances of a giant prolactinoma presenting with proptosis owing to an unusual pattern of intraorbital extension and extensive skull base involvement. The CT and MRI findings of a middle-aged man presenting with proptosis are described. The orbital component of the tumour closely resembled a dilated superior ophthalmic vein on CT, which was subsequently clarified on MRI. The patient was treated with cabergoline, with good clinical and radiological recovery. In conclusion, radiologists should be wary of such an unusual pattern of intraorbital extension of giant pituitary adenomas, which may mimic an enlarged superior ophthalmic vein on axial CT imaging. MRI is the best tool for evaluating skull base and orbital invasion.

Intraorbital Arteriovenous Fistula Secondary to Penetrating Injury.

To describe the clinical and radiologic features and management of an intraorbital arteriovenous fistula secondary to penetrating injury. Interventional case report and literature review. We describe a 13-year-old girl with a history of penetrating orbital injury who presented with proptosis, eyelid hyperemia, and orbital venous congestion. Computed tomography showed a large foreign body in the superiormedial orbit and an enlarged superior ophthalmic vein (SOV). Doppler ultrasonography revealed arterialized flow in the SOV. Removal of the foreign body did not alter the orbital symptoms. Carotid angiography disclosed a fistula between the ophthalmic artery and the SOV. The patient underwent an attempted coil embolization of the fistula through the femoral vein, which was unsuccessful, but she developed profound thrombosis of the SOV, which propagated through the orbital venous system. Although orbital venous congestive symptoms were acutely exacerbated, they regressed spontaneously within 1 month. The patient was followed for 23 months without recurrence. Penetrating injury of the orbital apex may lead to the formation of an arteriovenous fistula, transvenous embolization of which may be complicated by thrombosis of the SOV. In our case, this unintentional result facilitated the resolution of the fistula.

Diagnostic yield for neuroimaging in patients with unilateral eye or facial pain

Background: The neuroimaging evaluation of isolated pain in or around the eye has not been studied previously.We report the low diagnostic yield of neuroimaging in patients who have a normal ocular examination and unilateral eye pain or facial pain predominantly affecting the eye. Methods: Retrospective review of patients referred to 3 neuro-ophthalmology practices for unexplained pain in or around the eye. Inclusion criteria were adults with isolated unilateral eye/facial pain, neuroimaging, and a normal eye exam. Exclusion criteria were symptoms typical of a defined pain syndrome (e.g., trigeminal neuralgia or giant cell arteritis), and exam findings that would account for the pain. Results: One hundred and twenty-seven (127) of the 760 reviewed patients met study criteria, and underwent MRI (75) or CT (34) scans, or both (18). Imaging was normal in 106 (83%). Abnormalities ( n = 21) on imaging (17%) included nonspecific T2-weighted hyperintensities (10), sinusitis (5), superior ophthalmic vein enlargement (1), pontine lacunar infarct (1), Chiari malformation (1), thalamic mass (1), old occipital stroke (1), and focal enlargement of the third cranial nerve (1). Interpretation: Although imaging showed abnormalities in 17% of cases of isolated pain in or around the eye, only 2 abnormalities were believed to be possibly related to the pain and only I case was probably related.The diagnostic yield of neuroimaging in patients with a normal examination and isolated, unilateral eye/facial pain referred to a neuro-ophthalmologist is low.

Lower Lid Epiblepharon as the Presenting Feature of Spontaneous Dural Carotid Cavernous Fistula in an Asian Patient

Lower lid epiblepharon is a relatively common problem among young Asian patients. Occasionally, it may be secondary to underlying orbital pathology. We report a 33-year-old Chinese patient with a dural carotid cavernous fistula who presented with an ipsilateral lower lid epiblepharon in the absence of any other significant signs. After a recurrence following primary corrective lid surgery, she was investigated further because of mild ipsilateral proptosis. CT-scans of the orbit revealed an enlarged superior ophthalmic vein and a dural carotid cavernous fistula was confirmed on angiography. Subsequent embolisation of the fistula led to resolution of the proptosis as well as the epiblepharon. We believe that extension of orbital fat to the inferior tarsal border in Asian eyelids together with a poorly fixed anterior lamella contributes to the occurrence of epiblepharon when the Asian orbit becomes congested. The new onset of such features in the Asian patient should lead one to suspect underlying orbital pathology, even in the absence of other, more classic signs.

MRI diagnosis of carotid cavernous fistula: a report of 12 cases

目的 分析颈动脉海绵窦瘘(CCF)的MRI表现及诊断价值.方法 搜集近年有完整临床资料的CCF 12例进行MRI表现的回顾性分析.其中男8例,女4例;外伤性CCF 11例,自发性1例,均由DSA造影证实.结果 MRI主要表现为:(1)眼球突出11例;(2)海绵窦扩大12例;(3)眼上静脉扩张、迂曲 11例,蝶顶窦和大脑中、浅静脉扩张2例,岩上窦和岩下窦扩张2例,眼下静脉和眼睑静脉扩张 1例;(4)眼外肌增粗3例;(5)脑萎缩3例,脑水肿和脑出血2例.结论 MR检查是一种无创伤的诊断CCF的方法,具有准确、方便、特异性高等优势,能明确病变部位及程度,但应进行必要的鉴别诊断。

Carotid Artery Fistula after Cataract Surgery

To determine carotid cavernous fistula associated with choroidal detachment after cataract surgery. A 77-year-old woman underwent cataract surgery in both eyes. Postoperatively, proptosis and dilation of episcleral vessels in her left eye occurred and gradually increased. One month later, choroidal detachment developed in her left eye. Computed tomography showed an enlarged superior ophthalmic vein. Selected cerebral angiography showed fistulas between the megingeal branches of both the internal and external carotid arteries and the cavernous sinus. After the neurosurgical treatment, these symptoms disappeared. The development of carotid cavernous fistula after cataract surgery, as demonstrated in our patient, may be uncommon. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 1998;30:160-162.] Carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) is an abnormal communication between the internal carotid artery and the cavernous sinus. Ocular manifestation of the fistula includes proptosis, pulsation of the globe, orbital bruit, episcleral vein dilation, and chemosis. CCF is divided into spontaneous or traumatic by cause and direct or dural by angiographic findings. To our knowledge, CCF development after cataract surgery may be uncommon. We recently examined a patient with such a condition.

Abnormal ophthalmic veins: differential diagnosis and management using color Doppler imaging

Objective: To evaluate the role of color Doppler imaging (CDI) in the diagnosis and management of patients with abnormal ophthalmic veins. Design: Records from patients with suspected abnormalities of ophthalmic veins who had been studied with color Doppler imaging were reviewed. Patients and methods: Twenty-three patients had abnormalities of their superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) due to anomalous SOV enlargement, carotid cavernous fistula (CCF), dural shunt, tumor, or Graves’ disease. Color Doppler imaging of the orbits was obtained initially and as needed during the course of each case. Abnormalities of superior ophthalmic vein included velocity greater than 8.26 cm/sec, anteriorly directed blood flow, and/or pulsatile waveform. Results: Incidental enlargement of SOV was associated with normal waveform velocity on CDI. Of three patients with CCF, two showed high velocity in one or both SOVs which resolved after embolization. One patient with a dural shunt had high SOV velocity. Four patients with clinical and CDI findings typical of dural shunt improved spontaneously and did not need angiography. Two patients with orbital tumors and one with intracranial tumor had evidence of increased venous outflow through the SOV. Two patients with Graves’ disease showed mild to moderate increase in SOV velocities. Conclusions: CDI is especially helpful in the diagnosis of incidental SOV enlargement and in management of low flow dural shunts.

Bilateral Superior Ophthalmic Vein Enlargement Associated with Diffuse Cerebral Swelling. Report of 11 cases

Bilateral superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) enlargement has rarely been shown to occur in patients with septic and aseptic cavernous sinus thrombosis, Graves' disease due to obstruction of the SOV by enlarged extraocular muscles, or carotid-cavernous fistulas caused by retrograde flow. The authors describe 11 patients with bilateral SOV enlargement associated with cerebral swelling as detected by computerized tomography scanning. The bilaterally enlarged SOVs returned to a normal size following resolution of cerebral swelling and elevated intracranial pressure. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of bilateral SOV enlargement associated with diffuse cerebral swelling that subsequently resolved after treatment of the cerebral edema. The authors believe that the bilateral SOV enlargement was caused by mechanical cavernous sinus venous stagnation due to cerebral swelling, a syndrome that occurs more commonly than currently appreciated.

Bilateral superior ophthalmic vein enlargement associated with diffuse cerebral swelling.

✓ Bilateral superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) enlargement has rarely been shown to occur in patients with septic and aseptic cavernous sinus thrombosis, Graves' disease due to obstruction of the SOV by enlarged extraocular muscles, or carotid—cavernous fistulas caused by retrograde flow. The authors describe 11 patients with bilateral SOV enlargement associated with cerebral swelling as detected by computerized tomography scanning. The bilaterally enlarged SOVs returned to a normal size following resolution of cerebral swelling and elevated intracranial pressure. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of bilateral SOV enlargement associated with diffuse cerebral swelling that subsequently resolved after treatment of the cerebral edema. The authors believe that the bilateral SOV enlargement was caused by mechanical cavernous sinus venous stagnation due to cerebral swelling, a syndrome that occurs more commonly than currently appreciated.

Differential Diagnosis of the Enlarged Superior Ophthalmic Vein

Enlargement of the superior ophthalmic vein (SOV), although usually considered a sign of carotid-cavernous fistula, may be found with other disorders. Patients with Graves orbitopathy, orbital pseudotumor, and a parasellar meningioma as the cause of an enlarged SOV as seen on computed tomography are discussed.