[Management of orbital cavernous hemangioma - evaluation of surgical approaches: report of 43 cases]

Gamma knife radiosurgery for orbital cavernous hemangioma: a systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) for orbital cavernous hemangioma (OCH) has emerged as a promising method due to its significant clinical improvement and low incidence of complications. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of GKRS for the treatment of OCH.

METHODS

In accordance with the PRISMA framework, we searched PubMed, Cochrane Central, and Embase for studies reporting outcomes of GKRS for OCH. Studies reporting complications, visual improvement, proptosis, tumor reduction rate, and tumor progression rate for OCH following GKRS were included.

RESULTS

Six studies, out of 1856 search results, with 100 patients were included. Among them, only 5 minor complications were related to GKRS, including 3 with orbital pain and 2 with periorbital chemosis. Thus, the complication rate was 13% (95% CI, 7-25%). Visual acuity and visual field improvement rates after GKRS were 80% (95% CI, 63-96%) and 71% (95% CI, 47-95%) respectively. Proptosis improved in 94% of cases (95% CI, 83-100%). The tumor reduction rate was 77% after GKRS (95% CI, 69-85%).

CONCLUSION

GKRS for OCH appears to be a safe technique, as evidenced by the rate of clinical improvement and radiological improvement. However, studies are limited by an absence of a control group. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the relative efficacy of GKRS as compared with alternative surgical modalities for OCH.

Clinical features and surgical management of traumatic acquired isolated superior rectus palsy

PURPOSE

Isolated acquired superior rectus palsy (ASRP) is extremely rare. The goal of this report is to describe the clinical manifestations and surgical protocols for treatment of isolated traumatic ASRP.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational case series.

METHOD

Records of patients presenting with traumatic isolated ASRP from 2011 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Variables analyzed included nature of the damage, ocular alignment, ocular motility, binocular vision, fundus photography, imaging and surgical treatment.

RESULT

Of the 23,498 strabismus surgeries performed, 16 (0.07%) were identified as being attributable to traumatic isolated ASRP. Iatrogenic injury during orbital/brain tumorectomy was the most common cause for ASRP, followed by injury resulting from a sharp object, blunt instrument, car accident, dog bite, accidental fall and explosion. The main clinical features were hypotropia and deficient supraduction of the affected eye, accompanied by exotropia, extorsion, decreased vision and ptosis. The imaging examination showed the superior orbital wall fracture in 3 cases and superior rectus rupture in 7 cases. Inferior rectus recession and/or superior rectus resection comprised the major surgical procedures employed for these cases. Vertical deviations were reduced from 45.60 ± 17.52 PD preoperatively to 12.20 ± 12.97 PD postoperatively after an average of 22.70 months at follow-up, with a success rate of 50%.

CONCLUSION

Traumatic isolated ASRP comprised only 0.07% of cases receiving strabismus surgery at our hospital. Orbital imaging is essential to identify whether muscle rupture, orbital fractures and/or other possible disorders are present. Superior rectus resection and inferior rectus recession represented the most frequently used surgical procedures.

Isolated cavernous venous malformation of the eyelid

Cavernous hemangioma, currently known as "cavernous venous malformation," is a common, benign, non-infiltrative, slowly progressive vascular malformation of the orbit presenting in adults. We report the case of a 9-year-old girl who presented with a painless palpable mass over the right upper eyelid of 7 years' duration. A computed tomography scan of the orbits revealed a heterogeneously enhancing, well-circumscribed mass in the right upper eyelid with no orbital extension. A transcutaneous excisional biopsy with histopathology disclosed cavernous venous malformation. The majority of cavernous venous malformations are intraconal and present in the fourth to fifth decade of life.

Pupillary Abnormalities After Excision of Orbital Cavernous Venous Malformations

AIMS

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and recovery rate for pupillary abnormalities after excision of orbital cavernous venous malformations (OCVMs).

METHODS

Retrospective case-note and imaging review for patients with OCVMs, with an estimation of odds ratios (ORs) in relation to the position of the mass and surgical approach.

RESULTS

The 287 included patients (176 female; 61%) presented at a mean age of 46.5 years: 243/287 (85%) OCVMs were intraconal, 253/287 (88%) located in the posterior two-thirds of the orbit, and 29/287 (11%) wedged tightly in the apex. Pupillary changes-varying from minor sectoral paresis (only evident on slit-lamp examination) to a marked mydriasis-were noted in 21% (60/287) of patients and were strongly associated with removal of intraconal (60/243 [25%]; p < 0.001), apical (14/29 [48%]; OR, 4.3; p < 0.001), inferior or inferotemporal (41/105 [39%]; OR, 5.5; p < 0.001) masses. Lateral approaches-either with (23/129; 18%) or without (30/71; 42%) osteotomy-were associated with 88% (53/60) of all abnormalities (OR, 4.1; p < 0.001). Where known, the abnormalities improved in 43/50 (86%), although 15/43 (35%) had a persistent tonic pupil.

CONCLUSION

Pupillary abnormalities after excision of OCVMs can occur in up to a quarter of intraconal lesions-particularly those located inferotemporally or inferiorly-and in about a half of apical lesions. Lateral or inferolateral orbital approaches that disrupt the inferior intraconal fat appear to be associated with a higher risk. Most changes resolve or improve markedly, although a third of those affected may have a persistent tonic pupil.

Prognosis Analysis and Clinical Features of Orbital Cavernous Venous Malformations With Refractory Insidious Onset

Objective

The present study aims to analyse the clinical presentation, treatment and prognosis of a group of patients with orbital cavernous venous malformation (OCVM) with an insidious onset.

Method

The clinical data of 35 patients with OCVM treated at our centre between 2003 and 2020 were retrospectively analysed. The OCVMs were classified as one of six types (I–VI) according to the orbital position of the tumour. The clinical characteristics, treatment methods and follow-up results were recorded.

Results

A total of 35 patients with OCVM under the optic nerve sheath in the orbital apex area or the common tendon ring (Types I and II) were included in the present study. In 20 cases (57.1%), patients were misdiagnosed with optic neuritis, and in 20 cases (57.1%), the tumour was not identified based on imaging. The presentation was acute or subacute in 23 cases (65.7%). All patients underwent surgery: transnasal surgery in 22 cases (62.9%) and craniotomy in 13 cases (37.1%). A total of 9 patients (25.7%) experienced postoperative complications, and 17 patients (48.6%) experienced vision improvement. The average patient age at first diagnosis was 43.3 ± 10.3 years, and the median follow-up period was 64.5 months. Overall, 14 patients (40%) experienced postoperative complications: postoperative blindness in 6 cases, postoperative vision loss in 8 cases and orbital apex syndrome in 7 cases.

Conclusion

Patients with Type I and Type II OCVMs are the most complex cases. They have an insidious onset and are associated with a high rate of misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis. Acute and subacute decreases in visual acuity are mainly caused by OCVM haemorrhage. The difficulty of surgical treatment and the poor prognosis of postoperative vision are characteristics of this tumour. Transnasal surgery and craniotomy can be used to remove OCVMs located in the common tendon ring or optic canal as well as those involving the intracranial area through the supraorbital fissure. Meanwhile, the orbital approach (orbitotomy) has proven to be an effective method of treating OCVMs not involving the deep orbital apex and intracranial area.

Stereotactic gamma knife radiosurgery for orbital cavernous hemangioma: clinical outcome and visual function protection

PURPOSE

Although rare, orbital cavernous hemangioma (OCH) is the most common benign orbital neoplasm in adults and may cause vision disturbance or loss due to optic nerve compression. The conventional treatment is surgical excision, which carries a risk of intraoperative nerve damage, whereas gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) can be a safe and effective alternative. Herein, we report the results of four patients with OCH treated with GKRS, and describe the method of treatment including the optic nerve protection.

METHODS

This retrospective study included four consecutive patients (three women, one man; mean age: 50 ± 14.7 years) with OCH treated with single-session GKRS between 2014 and 2020. Three patients had decreased visual acuity. During GKRS, the prescription dose delivered to the tumor margin was 12 Gy at the 55-58% isodose line. The dose to the optic nerve margin was < 12 Gy. Follow-up included sequential magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ophthalmological examinations at 6-month intervals.

RESULTS

The median follow-up period was 29.5 ± 23 months (range, 12-63 months). After GKRS, three patients with visual dysfunction had substantial vision improvement; the fourth patient continued to have normal vision without deterioration. Radiological outcomes after GKRS indicated an average tumor shrinkage of 70% ± 10.6% at the 6-month follow-up and 83% ± 2.64% at the 1-year follow-up. No adverse radiation effects were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

GKRS for OCH achieved favorable clinical outcomes, with substantial tumor volume reduction. OCH can be diagnosed based on characteristic MRI findings. GKRS may be considered a treatment option for OCH in selected cases.

Unusual Subcutaneous Presentation of Cavernous Hemangioma in the Lower Eyelid

Purpose

To report a patient with cavernous hemangioma (CH) presenting as a "subcutaneous" lower eyelid mass.

Case report

A 37-year-old man presented with a painless and palpable mass over the right lower eyelid for two years prior to referral. Computed tomography scan revealed a well-defined, lobulated mass located in the mid and lateral portion of the lower eyelid that extended posteriorly to the anterior orbital space. A transcutaneous excisional biopsy was performed. Histopathologic findings of the tumor confirmed CH. Most CHs are intraconal lesions, making our case an unusual presentation for this condition.

Conclusion

Purpose

Case report

CH may present superficially in the eyelid and anterior orbital area and thus, although this location is not common, it should be kept in mind as a differential diagnosis for any well-defined eyelid tumor.

[The transpalpebral keyhole approach in surgery of orbital cavernomas: a case report and literature review]

AIM

Currently, there are many different surgical approaches to orbital pathology. This pathology rarely occurs in neurosurgical practice, and neurosurgeons have often used approaches that can be accompanied by negative cosmetic and functional outcomes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We present a case report of orbital cavernoma removal via a minimally invasive approach.

RESULTS

The presented case demonstrates successful removal of orbital cavernoma using the transpalpebral approach: a skin incision along a natural fold of the upper eyelid and orbitofrontal keyhole craniotomy. In the postoperative period, existing symptoms regressed; the patient assessed the cosmetic effect as excellent.

CONCLUSION

The transpalpebral keyhole approach can be an excellent alternative to traditional approaches to orbital cavernomas. This approach demonstrated its efficacy and safety in skull base surgery and provided excellent functional and cosmetic outcomes.

[Orbital hemangiomas: capabilities of modern neuroradiological diagnostics]

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In the period from 2010 to 2016. 14 patients with cavernous hemangioma (CH) and 2 patients with capillary hemangioma (CapH) of the orbit were examined. The age of CH patients varied from 17 to 67 years (median, 53 years); 8 females and 6 males. The age of CapH patients was 35 and 54 years. All patients underwent surgery with subsequent histological verification. CT-perfusion was performed in 10 CH patients and 2 CapH patients according to a developed low-dose protocol (80 kV, 200 mAs, t_scan=40 s) with allowance for a target localizer (80 kV, 120 mAs) and at a maximum radiation dose of not more than 4.0 mZv. Neoplasm microcirculation was quantitatively assessed by calculating hemodynamic parameters: blood flow velocity (BFV), blood volume (BV), and mean transit time (MTT). MRI without and with contrast enhancement was performed in 11 CH patients and 2 CapH patients according to the ophthalmologic protocol (Signa GE, 3.0 T) accepted at the Institute: without contrast enhancement - T1, T2, and T2-FLAIR modes, T1 and T2 with a Fat Sat technique at a scan thickness of 3 mm, and DWI MRI; contrast enhancement - T1 (three projections) mode, including the Fat Sat technique. SWAN (n=2) and non-contrast MR perfusion ASL (n=3) were also used. Diffusion-weighted images (DWI) were processed with calculation of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ACD).

RESULTS

In all CH patients, CT-perfusion revealed low perfusion parameters of blood flow: BV_CH=0.86±0.37 mL/100 g, BFV_CH= 4.89±2.01 mL/100 g/min with a high mean transit time MTT_CH=10.13±3.05 s compared to the same parameters of blood flow in the normal white matter: CBV_NormWM=1.63±2.22 mL/100 g, CBFV_NormWM=9.72±3.13 mL/100 g/min, and MTT_NormWM=6.76±2.78 s. In CapH cases, significantly increased blood flow velocity and volume values and a low MTT value in the tumor were observed: BV_CapH=10.30±4.10 mL/100 g, BFV_CapH=119.72±53.13 mL/100 g/min, and MTT_CapH=4.35±1.79 s. In the case of orbital hemangiomas, optimal MRI modes were T1 and T2 with the Fat Sat technique, a scan thickness of 3 mm, and intravenous contrast enhancement. The revealed pattern of contrast agent accumulation by CH, initially in the central part and then in the periphery, may be a useful radiographic sign in the differential diagnosis with other orbital tumors.

CONCLUSION

Modern CT- and MRI-based diagnostics of orbital hemangiomas provides not only the exact location, size, and spread of the lesion but also reveals the characteristic structural features of these tumors, and the use of perfusion techniques visualizes hemodynamics of the tumors. CT-perfusion-based hemodynamic parameters of cavernous hemangiomas typical of this type of hemangiomas may be used in the differential diagnosis with other tumors of this location. The use of contrast enhancement and the Fat Sat technique with a scan thickness of not more than 3 mm is optimal for MRI diagnostics of orbital hemangiomas.

Cavernous venous malformation (cavernous hemangioma) of the orbit: Current concepts and a review of the literature

The cavernous venous malformation of the orbit, previously called cavernous hemangioma, is the most common primary orbital lesion of adults. Cavernous venous malformation occurs more often in women and typically presents in the fourth and fifth decades of life. It is a benign vascular malformation characterized by a well-defined capsule and numerous large vascular channels. The most common sign of cavernous venous malformation is progressive axial proptosis from the preferential involvement of the intraconal orbital space. Optic nerve damage and other signs of orbital pathology may be present, with a variable degree of visual impairment. The combination of ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging leads to an accurate diagnosis in the vast majority of cases. Surgical and nonsurgical treatments are required in case of symptomatic lesions, with a characteristic multidisciplinary management influencing optimal outcome. Orbitotomy represents the traditional surgical approach. Recently, the endoscopic transnasal approach to the orbital cavity has gained interest, representing a feasible and safe, less-invasive surgical technique for the management of cavernous venous malformation.

[Surgical approaches of tumors of the posterior cone of the orbit]

The surgical management of posterior orbital tumors is complex because it is an anatomical area located at the borders between the face and the skull base. The goal of the procedures carried-out in this area is to resect the tumor while preserving vision by using the safest possible approach. The aim of our work was to determine, in the light of our experience and of a review of the literature, the advantages and drawbacks of the numerous approaches described.