Exophthalmos is associated with a broad range of disorders. Some of these may cause pulsations of the globe.
Mechanisms include:
(1) pulsating blood flow
(2) bony defect of the orbit
Conditions associated with pulsating exophthalmos:
(1) neurofibromatosis (von Recklinghausen disease, other)
(2) carotid-cavernous sinus fistula
(3) mucocele
(4) posterior orbital meningoencephalocele or encephalocele
(5) blow-out fracture of the roof of the orbit
(6) orbital varix
(7) orbital aneurysm
(8) dermoid cyst
(9) malignancy in the orbit
(10) post-traumatic orbital apex syndrome
