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Objective: Presentation of acute retrobulbar subperiostal hemorrhage (hematoma) in the course of delivery. The occurrence, possible threats and recommended methods of treatment are described. Introduction: Acute retrobulbar hemorrhage is always a serious condition. Even if not connected with other ocular trauma, it could cause permanent blindness. The reason is based on constriction of the eye, decreasing of the blood supply and thus disruption of the oxygen supply to sensitive retinal tissues. After a short time, these tissues start to deteriorate and lose their natural function. This event is often connected with exophthalmia and diplopia. The primary diagnostic procedure is to measure intraocular pressure (IOP). Even if the ideal diagnostic tools are not accessible, performing a lateral canthotomy (event. with inferior cantholysis) is recommended to relieve IOP in acute situations. Normal intraocular pressure is considered to be 8-21 mmHg. Case report: Our 29-year-old female patient was in the second stage of delivery and suddenly got retrobulbar hemorrhage, resulting in exophthalmia and diplopia. Her baby was delivered shortly after the event. The following delivery course was normal, including her perineum repair and puerperium. Our patient was fortunate because her visual acuity and IOP were normal. Therefore, we chose an observational treatment strategy. After 5 weeks, we noted successful disintegration of the hematoma and decreased exophthalmia and diplopia without other consequences. Conclusion: We described retrobulbar subperiostal bleeding in our patient in the course of delivery. We depicted possible threats that could result in blindness and described recommended methods of treatment. Even if such a situation is extremely rarely, we believe that knowledge of these guidelines could help medical professionals broaden their treatment options. This particularly occurs when a trained eye surgeon is not available.

Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: None declared.

Introduction: Retrobulbar hemorrhage (RBH) is a rare complication of facial trauma that can lead to dangerous orbital compartment pressures and must be rapidly recognized to prevent permanent vision loss. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) offers a rapid modality for evaluating a wide variety of ocular pathologies, and prior case reports demonstrate the ability of clinicians to recognize RBH using ultrasound. This study aimed to assess the ability of clinicians at various stages of training to identify a RBH using POCUS in a cadaveric model. Clinicians also were assessed for self-reported comfort using ultrasound for ocular pathology before and after the study., Methods: Participants included 17 physicians who evaluated 10 eyes (from five cadavers) that were independently randomized to have either a modeled RBH or no hemorrhage. Participants' final diagnosis of each eye was recorded (RBH present or not), and participants also completed pre- and post-activity surveys., Results: The overall sensitivity and specificity to correctly diagnose retrobulbar fluid was 87% and 88%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity were higher after excluding clinicians in their early phase of training. Additionally, self-reported comfort level with ocular ultrasound was significantly improved by this activity., Conclusion: Emergency physicians at a variety of training levels can correctly identify a cadaveric model of retrobulbar hemorrhage. Use of this cadaveric model can improve exposure of clinicians to the appearance of a rare but vision-threatening ocular pathology such as RBH.

Purpose: The authors present the largest series of patients to date of spontaneous hemorrhage in relation to extraocular muscles (EOMs)., Methods: Observational retrospective case series. Institutional review board approval was obtained., Results: Eighteen patients with a mean age of 71 years presented with 20 episodes of spontaneous orbital hemorrhage closely related to an EOM. Most patients woke with unilateral proptosis, pain, and diplopia. Vision was impaired in 25%. Imaging identified a characteristic well-circumscribed hematoma arising within the muscle sheath or intermuscular septum. Three episodes required surgical drainage. All patients had good recovery of vision., Discussion: The authors describe a distinct clinical entity of idiopathic hemorrhages related to EOMs. No patient had an underlying vascular malformation or other lesion. The authors demonstrate that a proportion of these patients have vascular risk factors, namely, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and antiplatelet use. This study suggests that inferior rectus is the most commonly affected EOM and shows that it is the muscle sheath or intermuscular septum of inferior rectus that is involved, rather than the muscle belly. Most patients can be managed conservatively with good visual outcomes. However, there were 3 exceptional cases that required surgical intervention., Conclusions: The findings that spontaneous orbital hemorrhages related to EOMs have certain predisposing factors, a characteristic radiological appearance, and a typically benign course will be helpful for clinicians in the management of this condition.

This article evaluates the use of a "canthal cutdown" technique in orbital compartment syndrome in a cadaveric model. Twelve cadaver orbits were used to simulate orbital compartment syndrome using a blood analog solution. Two pressure probes, in different orbital locations, were used to monitor orbital pressure. Pressure was monitored during successive procedures: canthotomy, cantholysis, and canthal cutdown. Orbits were then re-injected with solution, simulating an active orbital hemorrhage, and pressure measurements were recorded over a 10-minute duration. No statistically significant difference was found between the two orbital pressure monitoring devices at each measurement point (p = 0.99). Significant pressure reductions, for both probes, were observed after canthal cutdown compared to initial measurement after injection of 20 mL blood analog (p < 0.001 and p = 0.005). When comparing the orbital pressure following canthotomy and inferior cantholysis versus canthal cutdown, the cutdown procedure provided an additional 74% in orbital pressure reduction (p =0.01). After re-injection of 10 mL of solution and 10 minutes of egress, pressure returned to baseline (probe 1: baseline 7 mm Hg vs. post-cutdown at 10 minutes 7 mm Hg; p = 0.83; and probe 2: 5 mm Hg vs. 5 mm Hg; p = 0.83). The canthal cutdown technique provides further reduction in orbital pressure versus canthotomy and cantholysis alone. The technique may be effective for treatment of static orbital compartment syndrome and temporizing treatment of compartment syndrome from active orbital hemorrhages.

Traumatic asphyxia is a rare condition that occurs after compressive thoracoabdominal trauma, which is characterized by subconjunctival hemorrhage, cervicofacial cyanosis, edema and petechiae. Serious life-threatening thoracic and abdominal injuries may coexist. After conservatory treatment in most cases complete recovery is achieved, but in isolated cases permanent neurological lesions may occur. We present the case of the 39-year-old male patient who suffered a compressive thoracoabdominal trauma. The physical examination showed the characteristic "ecchymotic mask". After surgical treatment of the abdominal injuries and intensive therapy the patient was discharged with permanent vision loss. The high retrograde venous pressure in the head and neck may be associated with neuronal ischemia, which can lead to irreversible optic nerve atrophy. It is therefore important to carry out an early, routine and complete ophtalmologic examination, especially in the intubated and poorly cooperative patients. Orv Hetil. 2017; 158(22): 864-868.

Midface fractures usually affect the orbital cavity. This trauma may result in severe and rare consequences such as retrobulbar hemorrhage. This condition requires immediate diagnosis and early intervention to avoid blindness. The treatment usually requires evaluation of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. This patient report aims to describe a facial trauma resulting in blindness after 4 days. An 83-year-old woman fell and hit her face on the floor. The initial evaluation only found a contusion on her left orbit, and an ophthalmologic examination was not made. After 72 hours, the patient searched for the oral and maxillofacial surgeon, showing blindness of her left eye. Despite the treatment, the vision was not recovered. Blindness can become irreversible 90 minutes after trauma, and this condition must be treated as an emergency.

Injuries to the eye and its adnexa are common in head and neck trauma centers. An ophthalmologist experienced in ocular traumatology is not always available. Therefore, every emergency physician should be familiar with the basic evaluation, triage, and management of ocular trauma. Above all, the identification of a need for immediate treatment should be implemented in the algorithm of an emergency room, especially in a head and neck trauma center, to reduce the risk of a devastating loss of vision. This article formulates the different types of ocular trauma and their required first-line therapy., (Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.)

We report the case of a patient who underwent third time revision of double heart valve replacement. Mediastinal dissection for right atrium cannulation was complicated by laceration of the superior vena cava; this required temporary rescue clamping of the vessel. The patient suffered complete visual loss related to bilateral retrobulbar haematoma. Acute elevation of superior vena cava pressure due to vascular clamping and administration of large amounts of fluid through the central venous jugular catheter could have caused the postoperative visual loss.

A 31-year-old African-American woman with a medical history of well-controlled hypertension sought treatment for recurrent, monthly, unilateral orbital and subconjunctival hemorrhage for 1 year. The episodes were cyclical and coincided with the timing of her menstrual cycle. Examination findings included right periorbital fullness and subconjunctival hemorrhage. Extensive serologic and radiographic workup ruled out other potential causes of recurrent orbital hemorrhage. The patient was diagnosed with orbital vicarious menstruation and treated with oral contraceptive pills, with marked clinical improvement.

Background: As the use of bedside emergency ultrasound (US) increases, so does the need for effective US education., Objectives: To determine 1) what pathology can be reliably simulated and identified by US in human cadavers, and 2) feasibility of using cadavers to improve the comfort of emergency medicine (EM) residents with specific US applications., Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional survey study assessed utility of cadaver simulation to train EM residents in diagnostic US. First, the following pathologies were simulated in a cadaver: orbital foreign body (FB), retrobulbar (RB) hematoma, bone fracture, joint effusion, and pleural effusion. Second, we assessed residents' change in comfort level with US after using this cadaver model. Residents were surveyed regarding their comfort level with various US applications. After brief didactic sessions on the study's US applications, participants attempted to identify the simulated pathology using US. A post-lab survey assessed for change in comfort level after the training., Results: Orbital FB, RB hematoma, bone fracture, joint effusion, and pleural effusion were readily modeled in a cadaver in ways typical of a live patient. Twenty-two residents completed the pre- and post-lab surveys. After training with cadavers, residents' comfort improved significantly for orbital FB and RB hematoma (mean increase 1.6, p<0.001), bone fracture (mean increase 2.12, p<0.001), and joint effusion (1.6, p<0.001); 100% of residents reported that they found US education using cadavers helpful., Conclusion: Cadavers can simulate orbital FB, RB hematoma, bone fracture, joint effusion, and pleural effusion, and in our center improved the comfort of residents in identifying all but pleural effusion., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Vitamin K antagonist (VKA) treatment is associated with significant risks and requires strict monitoring by measuring the international normalized ratio (INR), either by conventional methods or by self-measurement under medical supervision. We present a case of blindness occurring secondary to a moderate head injury, in a pediatric setting with no VKA therapeutic education., Case Report: A 7-year-old child with a single ventricle had been operated on for a total cavopulmonary shunt at the age of 5 years. He took VKA therapy with an INR target between 2 and 3. After a head trauma, he had a frontal hematoma. His parents did not request a medical exam and did not check his INR. Six days after the injury, the INR was 2.23. The parents went to the emergency ward because the child had bilateral orbital hematoma. At admission, the INR was 5.6. The orbital hematoma was surgically evacuated in the emergency setting. Unilateral blindness occurred and remains a sequelae of the overdose., Comments and Conclusion: VKA treatment requires close supervision to prevent overdose, whose complications such as internal bleeding can have terrible consequences such as the case of blindness reported herein. This case report is a strong argument in favor of an educational program for children with VKA treatment., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Background: Although rare, instances of visual loss after cosmetic blepharoplasty have been previously reported in the literature., Objectives: The goal of this study is to summarize the existing literature and report the results of a physician survey in order to provide appropriate guidelines for preventing, diagnosing, and treating this unfortunate complication., Methods: A 13-question survey was sent to all members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (BAAPS). Surgeons were queried about their number of years in surgical practice, their average annual caseload of blepharoplasties, and the number of cases of visual loss. The survey also contained questions about the type of anesthesia administered, surgical technique, the presence of risk factors or comorbidities in patients, symptoms, time of presentation, management, and final outcome., Results: A total of 648 responses were received from ASAPS members and 72 from BAAPS members. The overall number of blepharoplasties reported by these respondents was 752,816. Thirty-nine cases of visual loss were reported: 25 permanent and 14 temporary. According to this, the overall incidence of visual loss following blepharoplasty was calculated at 0.0052% (five of 100,000 cases, or one in 20,000). Permanent visual loss was calculated at 0.0033% (three in 100,000, or one in 30,000) and temporary visual loss at 0.0019% (two in 100,000, or one in 50,000). The most common symptoms in affected patients were pain and pressure. Development of symptoms was reported to occur within the first 24 hours, with two peaks: intraoperative to one postoperative hour, and six to 12 postoperative hours. Hypertension was the most common risk factor for postoperative visual loss. Retrobulbar hemorrhage was reported to be the main cause of blindness. The most common management technique reported was orbital decompression, followed by steroids and canthotomy., Conclusions: According to this study, blindness after blepharoplasty is a rare event. However, every step should be taken to prevent it. Prevention should begin in the preoperative period and should continue intraoperatively and postoperatively. Once the diagnosis of impending visual loss is made, it should be treated as a true surgical emergency, since early treatment has proven beneficial.

Retrobulbar hemorrhage and permanent visual loss are rare presentations following traumatic asphyxia. In this case, bilateral permanent visual disturbance developed in a woman after chest-crushing trauma without direct trauma to the orbits. A computed tomography scan confirmed bilateral retrobulbar hemorrhages. An ophthalmologic exam revealed bilateral subconjunctival hemorrhages and severe lid edema. Despite high-dose steroid therapy, visual recovery was limited, and optic nerve atrophy developed. Ischemia of the optic nerve associated with retrobulbar hemorrhage may be postulated as one of the causes of permanent visual impairment following traumatic asphyxia.

Retrobulbar haemorrhage (RBH) is a well described condition which is said to be a common cause of acute proptosis following trauma, but the evidence for this is not strong. The authors reviewed 186 publications on the subject, finding 82 cases of RBH related to trauma. This analysis suggests that in over half of the cases described, RBH was never proven conclusively. In the authors' experience RBH is not a common cause of acute proptosis following trauma and other causes need to be considered if patients are to be managed appropriately., (Copyright © 2010 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In the author's department, 5 patients developed retrobulbar hemorrhage from the 199 patients with midface fractures, between August 2007 and March 2010 (2.5%). 4 of these patients became irreversibly blind on the affected eye. With timely treatment, one patient avoided blindness. The author presents a retrospective analysis of the patients from different departments with midface/orbital fractures and blindness. Bleeding and oedema behind the eyeball due to midface/orbital fractures in the relatively non-expandable orbit results a quick elevation of orbital pressure and consequently diminished circulation, ischemia, and later necrosis of the optic nerve (orbital compartment syndrome) with irreversible blindness. Immediate medical (high dose of intravenous steroids, mannitol, acetazolamide) and surgical intervention (lateral canthotomy, cantholysis, orbitotomy) on noticing the signs (proptosis, ecchymosis, ophthalmoplegia, mydriasis) and symptoms (pain, diplopia, decreased visual acuity, blindness), of a retrobulbar hemorrhage could theoretically give a chance to save the affected eye. Treatment started beyond 20 minutes of onset of blindness, might not revert the vision. Unfortunately, the description and treatment of the retrobulbar hemorrhage and the orbital compartment syndrome is not within the curriculum of the medical university, thus young colleagues could have vague idea about the diagnosis, the urgency and the treatment - as shown in these cases. With the introduction of these cases the author would like to highlight the signs, symptoms and necessary treatment. Knowledge of the disease could also increase the detected number of retrobulbar hemorrhages, which might be less rare than we think. Including the disease into the medical curriculum and postgraduate trainings could help to reduce the number of sad cases in the future.

Retrobulbar hemorrhage is an uncommon, but potentially devastating complication associated with facial trauma. It can rapidly fill the orbit and cause an "orbital compartment syndrome" that subsequently cuts off perfusion to vital ocular structures, leading to permanent visual loss. Treatment must be initiated within a limited time in order to prevent these effects; however, specialty consultation is not always available in remote field environments. This article addresses the mechanism, diagnosis, and treatment ofretrobulbar hemorrhage via lateral canthotomy and cantholysis, and recommends that 18D medical sergeants be properly trained to evaluate and perform this sight-saving procedure in emergent settings where upper echelons of care are not immediately available.

Introduction: Compressive-orbital haematoma is a rare, but dreaded, complication in facial traumatology., Observation: The authors report a case of postoperative blindness after a delayed procedure for an orbit-floor fracture, complicated by Methylbacterium mesophilicum septicemia. Three surgical procedures were performed, simple drainage, down fracture of the orbit floor, and osteotomy of the zygoma, without any improvement., Discussion: The role of M. mesophilicum in a major coagulation deficiency is discussed. Decompressive-orbital procedures are reviewed and discussed for this special case.

Purpose: To review the nature and outcomes of acute severe proptosis in patients after craniofacial trauma, over a 6-year period., Patients and Methods: These were identified prospectively. The mechanism of injury, nature of the proptosis, and visual outcomes in each case were reviewed. Review of the literature was undertaken., Results: In all cases proptosis, was secondary to retrobulbar edema and not hemorrhage., Conclusions: Many cases of "retrobulbar hemorrhage" may, in fact, be secondary to edema. This has significant implications when managing the proptosed eye on an emergent basis. Possible reasons for poor outcomes are discussed. A number of unanswered questions arise from this review.

Mucormycosis is harmless to a healthy person, but can cause opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients, and once it has invaded internal organs is frequently fatal. Traumatic optic neuropathy is a rare complication of maxillofacial trauma. Management is controversial, and there are no treatment guidelines in the literature. The main methods of treatment of this condition employed today are high-dose corticosteroids and surgical optic nerve decompression, either alone or in combination. In this case, the patient was in good health, but received high-dose corticosteroids for 2 weeks, which temporarily diminished immune response and permitted the development of mucormycosis.

The authors present a case of bilateral sequential extraocular muscle haematoma, for which no apparent cause has been identified despite extensive investigation, and which resolved without persisting morbidity. As far as the authors are aware, this is the first bilateral case to be reported.

Delay in diagnosis and treatment of an elderly woman with a malar fracture that caused retrobulbar haemorrhage resulted in complete loss of vision in the right eye.

Dacryocystectomy is the surgery of choice for elderly patients with chronic dacryocystitis with a fibrotic sac. Although a simple procedure, it can cause serious complications (however rare) such as visual impairment. A 65-year-old woman who underwent bilateral dacryocystectomy is described. On the first postoperative day, she complained of pain in her left eye. Her visual acuity was light perception in the left eye. Computed tomography scan of the orbit revealed a retrobulbar hematoma on the left eye. The hematoma was drained, but the patient did not regain vision. A rare complication of visual loss following dacryocystectomy is described.

A healthy 45-year-old man had a retrobulbar hemorrhage 9 days after cosmetic upper eyelid blepharoplasty that resulted in permanent visual loss. After performing a left lateral canthotomy and cantholysis, intraocular pressure returned to normal and vision improved from no light perception to 20/40; however, the patient did have permanent visual field loss. To our knowledge, this is the longest period of time after blepharoplasty that a retrobulbar hemorrhage occurred. Ophthalmologists should have a heightened level of suspicion 1 to 2 weeks after surgery.

Purpose: To report 6 patients with spontaneous orbital hemorrhage in relation to the inferior rectus muscle., Design: Retrospective observational case series., Participants: Six patients with acute onset orbital pain, diplopia, and proptosis referred to the orbital clinic at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, January 1995 through December 2004., Methods: Review of clinical history, imaging studies, and follow-up., Main Outcome Measures: Resolution of proptosis and diplopia and imaging studies of the orbit, including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or both., Results: Six patients (4 men, 2 women; mean age, 68 years) were referred with acute onset of unilateral proptosis and diplopia. None of the patients had a history of bleeding disorder. Visual acuity and intraocular pressure were normal; 3 patients showed marked limitation in upgaze on the affected side. Imaging studies of the orbit by CT, MRI, or both showed inferior orbital hemorrhage either within (4 patients) or adjacent to (2 patients) the inferior rectus muscle, possibly within the muscular sheath. Symptoms resolved completely in all but 1 patient, who had persistent diplopia in extreme upgaze. Follow-up CT, MRI, or both showed complete resolution in 3 patients and mild persistent inferior rectus muscle thickening in 2 patients., Conclusions: Acute onset proptosis and diplopia may be secondary to spontaneous orbital hemorrhage within the inferior rectus muscle or its sheath with no other orbital or systemic pathologic features. Symptoms resolved spontaneously over the course of days to weeks, and orbital imaging showed complete resolution or mild persistent enlargement of the muscle without significant symptoms.

We describe a rare case of traumatic subperiosteal orbital hematoma in a child, with intracranial hemorrhagic complication. Subperiosteal hematoma are the more infrequent occurrences among intraorbital hemorrhagic lesions and can be also associated with intracranial extradural hematoma in patients with orbital roof fracture. Here, we describe a case without roof fracture but with a never-before described intracranial subdural hematoma. The patient underwent computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, in an acute state, and later, a radiologic diagnosis of percutaneous drainage of the hematoma was mad. MRI was more sensitive and specific in the evaluation of the intracranial and intraorbital complication.

Purpose: Changes in the optic nerve due to the breakdown of blood elements and the effect of deferoxamine on these changes were evaluated., Methods: The study group consisted of 12 rabbits. Three rabbits were used as control. In Group I, three rabbits had bilateral retrobulbar haematoma induced. In Group II, three rabbits had bilateral retrobulbar haematoma induced and were given systemic deferoxamine. In Group III, three rabbits were only given deferoxamine. At day 21, all the rabbits underwent bilateral enucleation and specimens from the orbital fat tissue were removed for light microscopic examination. The optic nerves were examined by light and electron microscopy., Results: Light microscopic examination of the optic nerves did not reveal significant differences among the groups. Electron microscopy revealed ultrastructural changes in Group I. There were no significant pathological findings observed in Groups II or III. There was abundant iron pigment in the orbital fat tissue of Group I, but only a small amount in Group II., Conclusion: Systemic deferoxamine treatment is effective in preventing degenerative changes in retrobulbar haema-toma.

Byler's disease is an autosomal recessive condition characterized by intrahepatic cholestasis, progressive fibrotic changes and finally cirrhosis that leads to death during childhood. This is a report of a six-year-old girl with Byler's disease and retrobulbar hematoma as a result of trauma who underwent enucleation and implantation. This case report describes the anesthetic features of a patient with Byler's disease in which anesthetic agents with no or minimal hepatotoxic effect should be used to avoid deterioration of liver function.

Purpose: To describe the incidence and patterns of orbital and adnexal injuries in patients with open-globe injuries., Methods: Charts of 300 consecutive patients with open-globe injuries presenting to the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary were retrospectively reviewed. The data were analyzed with respect to the type of open globe (penetrating, perforating, or rupture) and location (zone) of globe injury. Each of these subgroups was then evaluated for the absence (group 1) or presence (group 2) of coexisting orbital and/or adnexal injury. Visual acuity at presentation was compared between the two groups., Results: Orbital and adnexal injuries were present in 25.7% of patients with open globes. The most common concurrent injuries were lacerations of the eyelid, orbital fracture, and retrobulbar hemorrhage. The mechanisms of globe injury differed significantly between groups 1 and 2. Penetrating injuries accounted for 82.1% of group 1 but only 49.3% of group 2 patients, whereas rupture occurred more frequently in group 2 (48.1%) than in group 1 (17.0%) patients. Orbital and adnexal injuries were associated with poorer visual acuity at presentation, probably because of the high incidence of posterior globe injuries in these patients., Conclusions: Orbital and adnexal injuries were observed in 25.7% of patients who sustained trauma that resulted in open globes. Concurrent injury to these extraocular structures is associated with worse visual acuity at presentation and an increased likelihood of posterior globe injuries.

Introduction: Afferent disorders of the visual system are a potential consequence following orbital trauma. The aim of this study was to investigate the tolerance of neurons in the retinal ganglion cell layer to acute expanding retrobulbar lesions., Material and Methods: In 42 male albino rats, intraorbital haemorrhage was simulated by transconjunctival insertion of a retrobulbar micro-balloon (filling volume 0.2-0.5 ml, duration of lesion 60 or 90 min). Neurodegeneration in the retinal ganglion cell layer was investigated by measuring the mean total neuron number and the mean neuron size., Results: Increased retrobulbar volumes of 0.3 ml for 60 min led to a decrease in a number of neurons by 14.5% and in size of the neurons by 1.7%. Prolongation of the trauma to 90 min resulted in a decrease in number of neurons by 48.3% and in reduction of size of neurons by 22.1%. In contrast, a retrobulbar filling volume of 0.5 ml for 60 min resulted in a decrease in number of neurons by 11.4% and in size of neurons by 6.7%., Conclusion: The duration of a retrobulbar lesion leading to subsequent retinal ischaemia seems to be more important for neuron survival than the exerted pressure (once it is greater than a critical point for producing retinal ischaemia). The results strengthen the need for emergency treatment in cases of retrobulbar haemorrhage., (Copyright 2002 European Association for Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.)

Traumatic retrobulbar hemorrhage may result in acute loss of vision that is reversible when recognized and treated promptly. A case of traumatic retrobulbar hemorrhage is presented. The technique of emergent orbital decompression by lateral canthotomy and cantholysis is described. The anatomy of the lateral canthus and the surgical procedure are illustrated by gross dissection.

Purpose: Nontraumatic subperiosteal orbital hemorrhage (NTSOH) has been reported rarely in association with sudden elevation of cranial venous pressure, generalized diseases with bleeding diatheses, and paranasal sinusitis. To define more clearly the clinical and imaging characteristics of NTSOH, we evaluated nine cases seen by the authors and reviewed previous case reports., Design: Retrospective, noncomparative case series., Participants: Nine patients (10 eyes) with NTSOH., Intervention: All patients underwent computed tomography scans of the orbits. Patients with typical clinical and imaging features and normal visual function were observed. Those with an uncertain diagnosis or visual compromise underwent surgical drainage of the hematoma., Main Outcome Measures: Resolution of proptosis, diplopia, lid swelling, and ptosis., Results: Nine patients ranging from birth to 73 years of age were identified. All were females. The lesions were located superiorly in eight patients (one patient had bilateral lesions) and medially in one patient. Most were associated with sudden elevation in venous pressure (vomiting, strangulation, straining), and most required no surgical intervention. The bilateral case occurred in the setting of disseminated intravascular coagulation and was the only case associated with visual loss possibly resulting from ischemic optic neuropathy., Conclusions: Nontraumatic subperiosteal orbital hemorrhage may occur at any age, usually secondary to sudden elevation in venous pressure. It is nearly always superior. The clinical and radiologic features are sufficiently characteristic to allow conservative treatment in the absence of visual compromise.

The aim of this presentation is to report a combined form of vascular malformation of the orbit. A 2-year-old girl had a four-month history of severe proptosis in the right eye. The patient had intermittent proptosis in association with a common cold. The globe was displaced downward and extraocular motility was markedly limited. Multiple intraconal and some extraconal cysts were removed with transcutaneous transseptal anterior orbitotomy. Histological examination showed several characteristics of vascular anomaly. There were malformatively dilated veins intermingled with dilated lymphatic channels, focal cavernous and capillary hemangiomatous features. This combined form of vascular anomaly can be presented as a venous lymphatic malformation associated with hemangiomatous features.

Purpose: To report a case of severe bilateral proptosis resulting from orbital hemorrhage in a newborn and to discuss the differential diagnoses and management., Method: Case report of a 13-day-old male infant with bilateral proptosis since birth. The proptosis was monitored with clinical examinations and computed tomography as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and it was managed with antibiotic ointment and patching. The MRI scans demonstrated bilateral subperiosteal orbital hemorrhage., Results: Proptosis decreased, and there was successful, complete recovery without untoward sequelae in 14 days; follow-up indicated no late complications at age 1 year., Conclusion: Spontaneous orbital hemorrhage, unilateral or bilateral, is uncommon in an otherwise healthy newborn without apparent history of birth trauma. Magnetic resonance imaging scans are helpful in making the diagnosis of subperiosteal hemorrhage, and conservative management is advised.

Purpose: To establish the incidence of underlying orbital vascular anomalies, the presence of systemic associations and predisposing factors, the natural history and appropriate management of patients with non-traumatic orbital haemorrhage presenting in an orbital clinic., Methods: The records of 115 patients with a diagnosis of non-traumatic orbital haemorrhage were reviewed with regard to clinical findings, investigations, management and outcome., Results: Associated orbital vascular malformations were present in 104 patients (90%). Thirteen (11%) had additional or other predisposing factors (childbirth, prolonged headstands, hypertension or coagulopathies). Six patients (5%) had no predisposing factor. Acute onset painful proptosis, associated with lid swelling or a mass, was the most common presentation. Visual acuity was reduced in 37 patients (32%) at presentation. Excluding eight patients (7%) who underwent surgery for optic nerve compression, spontaneous resolution of the haemorrhage was complete in 62%, partial in 27%, while 4% had no resolution. Final visual acuity was reduced in 23 patients (20%)., Conclusion: The majority of bleeds are associated with some form of orbital vascular anomaly. Where no such anomaly can be demonstrated a search for an underlying systemic cause should be performed. Haemorrhages in the young were usually localized whereas those in older patients were diffuse. Orbital imaging, with a combination of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, was helpful in the assessment of these lesions. Most bleeds are venous and self-limiting. Surgical intervention was rarely necessary and should be confined to those with optic nerve compromise or a localized lesion which persists.

Two clinical cases are displayed, age over 70, with multiple vascular risk factors; following the retrobulbar injection performed for cataract surgery, retrobulbar hematoma and ischemic anterior neuropathy developed as complications. Pathogenesis of the optic ischemic anterior neuropathy may be explained by changes of a precarious hemodynamic balance and witch was previously settled, due to mechanic compression and increase of the intraocular pressure, which lead to the decrease of the blood pressure and implicitly to the development of optic neuropathy.

Retrobulbar haemorrhage (RBH) occurs in a variety of situations. It can complicate facial fractures, orbital surgery and retrobulbar injections and can occur spontaneously. It is relatively uncommon and sight-threatening RBH is even less common. If not detected early enough it can lead to devastating loss of vision. We have collected five cases of acute RBH, following trauma, associated with a profound reduction in vision. In each case a permanent loss of vision was avoided using a lateral canthotomy and inferior cantholysis approach to obtain urgent orbital decompression.

A case of large fronto-temporo-parietal epidural hematoma associated with ipsilateral retrobulbar hematoma is reported. A 24-year-old man soon after a head injury due to a traffic accident became comatose with anisocoria and hemiplegia and developed exophthalmos, conjuctival chemosis, downward and lateral displacement of the eyeball. CT scan of the brain and the orbit showed the large epidural clot communicating with an ipsilateral retrobulbar hematoma through a sphenoid bone fracture. The patient underwent emergency surgery. Postoperatively, he improved and was discharged in good conditions. On follow-up one month later he was symptoms free. The available literature is reviewed: our case seems to be the fifth reported.

We present a case report of a neonate with congenital subperiosteal orbital haematoma presenting with unilateral proptosis with review of current literature. The baby made an uneventful recovery following surgical drainage of the haematoma. This is the second report of orbital haematoma presenting at birth. Orbital haematoma should be considered in the newborn with unilateral proptosis. Early detection with computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is required to determine the need for surgical drainage.

The goal of the study was to determine, using a nonhuman primate (NHP) model, the minimum duration of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) (induced by an inflated catheter) necessary to produce significant visual system deficits. In Old World monkeys (Macaca mulatta), a catheter was placed retrobulbarly in one orbit and inflated with saline for either 180 min (10 monkeys) or 240 min (six monkeys subjects). Baseline color fundus photographs, monochromatic photography, fluorescein angiography, and IOP measurements were performed preoperatively and at either 2, 4, or 6 weeks postoperatively on both eyes of each monkey prior to killing and histological analysis. Optic neuropathy was demonstrated in eight of these NHPs. In the two most severe cases (240 min inflation condition), complete nerve fiber atrophy with central retinal artery occlusion was observed. Sector nerve fiber atrophy, extending from the temporal disc to beyond the macula, was noted in the other six monkeys, five of which were in the 180 min inflation condition. Thus, optic neuropathy, sufficient to produce visual loss, was noted following increased IOP (> or = 50 mm Hg) for 180 min or 240 min. These data emphasize the need for timely intervention to mitigate the potential detrimental effects of retrobulbar hemorrhage when it occurs in humans.

Retrobulbar haemorrhage is a rare complication of orbital injury or surgery. After injury the first clinicians to see these patients are often the staff of accident and emergency departments. This survey was instigated after several patients had been referred to our care irreversibly blind. A multiple choice questionnaire was devised and sent to 90 doctors working in accident and emergency departments in Scotland. A total of 57 (63%) were returned of which 55 were complete enough to analyse. The range of respondents was: consultants (n = 6), associate specialists (n = 3), senior registrars (n = 3), registrars (n = 4), senior house officer (n = 35), and clinical assistants (n = 4). Twenty nine of the 35 senior house officers (83%) were unable to diagnose and treat retrobulbar haemorrhage. Most consultants, senior registrars, registrars and associate specialists were significantly better in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition (P = 0.001). We conclude that there is an unacceptably high incidence of blindness as a result of inappropriate diagnosis and treatment of retrobulbar haemorrhage. We have therefore designed a protocol for accident departments which should help reduce the incidence of blindness.

In this paper we present a case of a 60-year-old patient with labile hypertension, who was admitted to hospital because of unilateral exophthalmus and loss of vision of the left eye. During the hospitalization basic laboratory investigations, USG and NMR of orbits and arteriography of internal carotid arteries were carried out. Body temperature and arterial blood pressure were monitored. Leucocytosis and high values of arterial blood pressure in the early hours of the morning were found. Accessory investigations didn't explain the cause of exophthalmus. Repeated NMR of orbits showed image characteristic for retrobulbar haemorrhage in the left orbit. During the hospitalization hypotensive, anti-inflammatory and oedema-reducing treatment was administered, without surgical intervention. This case demonstrates that modern diagnostic investigations must be preceded by precise history taking concerning the early symptoms of the disease, its course and accompanying systemic diseases. Although spontaneous retrobulbar haemorrhages occur rarely, they must be taken into consideration in differential diagnosis of unilateral exophthalmus, especially in elderly patients with atherosclerosis and hypertension.