A cavernous hemangioma may occur in the orbit and can affect ocular function if large enough.
The changes are almost always unilateral.
Most are located within the intraconal compartment, usually in the lateral aspect (Anand).
Most common clinical findings:
(1) gradually progressive proptosis
(2) gradually progressive visual disturbance
Other findings may include:
(3) lump
(4) lid swelling
(5) motility deficit with or without diplopia
(6) occasionally papilledema
(7) occasionally ptosis
(8) occasionally orbital pain
(9) rarely periorbital ecchymosis
Imaging studies are usually diagnostic:
(1) ultrasonography
(2) CT or MRI
Rarely the cavernous hemangioma may exist with other vascular malformations of the orbit (arteriovenous malformation, venous malformation, lymphangioma, etc)
Surgical approaches are usually by lateral or anterior orbitotomy.
