Non-traumatic orbital haemorrhage.

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.