Vascular Lesions of the Orbit in Children

Successful Management of a Large Orbital Hemangioma in an Infant: A Case Report

Orbital hemangiomas are benign vascular tumors commonly affecting infants and young children, often manifesting with proptosis, eyelid swelling, or discoloration. Propranolol has emerged as the primary therapy due to its efficacy in promoting regression and minimizing complications. Here, we present a case of a previously healthy six-month-old male infant with progressive right eyelid swelling and discoloration. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a large orbital hemangioma. The patient was referred to an ophthalmology center where treatment with propranolol resulted in substantial improvement. Early recognition and initiation of propranolol therapy are crucial in managing orbital hemangiomas in pediatric patients. This case underscores the successful outcome achievable with pharmacologic intervention and emphasizes the importance of long-term follow-up for monitoring and optimizing patient outcomes.

[Orbital tumors]

Orbital tumours include a variety of orbital diseases of different origins. In the case of malignant orbital tumours, early detection is important so that treatment can be initiated promptly. Neuroradiological imaging, in particular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), plays an important role in the diagnostic of orbital tumours. In adults, lymphoproliferative diseases, inflammations and secondary orbital tumours are most frequently found, whereas in children mostly dermoid cysts, optic gliomas and capillary haemangiomas are found. Optic glioma is a pilocytic astrocytoma and accounts for two thirds of all primary optic tumours. Optic nerve sheath meningiomas mostly affect middle-aged women. In childhood, retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular tumour. This is an aggressive malignant tumour which can occur unilaterally or bilaterally. Based on the imaging findings, differential diagnoses can usually be easily narrowed down using criteria such as age of manifestation, frequency, localisation and imaging characteristics.

Prevalence and clinical features of orbital vascular anomalies in children

PURPOSE

To report the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and natural history of orbital vascular anomalies diagnosed among children over a 50-year period.

METHODS

The medical records of all patients <19 years diagnosed with any form of an orbital vascular anomaly (OVA) at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota from January 1 1966, through December 31 2015, were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 109 children were diagnosed with OVA during the 50-year period, of which 24 were from Olmsted County, MN, yielding a birth prevalence of 1 in 4,305 live births. The median age at diagnosis for the 109 patients was 1.2 years (range, 0-17.9 years) and 67 (61.5%) were female. Common presenting symptoms included proptosis in 80 (73.4%) patients, abnormalities in skin color in 45 (41.3%) patients, and pain in 18 (16.5%) patients. There were 55 (50.5%) vascular malformations [50 (91%) low-flow lymphatic malformations, 3 (5.5%) high-flow arteriovenous malformations, and 2 (3.5%) low-flow venous malformations] and 54 (49.5%) vascular tumors [53 (98%) capillary hemangiomas and 1 (2%) kaposiform hemangioendothelioma]. During a mean follow-up of 5.95 years (range 0-27.7 years), amblyopia and/or strabismus were diagnosed in 46 (43.4%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Capillary hemangiomas and low-flow lymphatic malformations comprise most of the orbital vascular anomalies in this cohort of children. Amblyopia and strabismus are common sequelae, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate management.

β-Adrenoreceptors as Therapeutic Targets for Ocular Tumors and Other Eye Diseases-Historical Aspects and Nowadays Understanding

β-adrenoreceptors (ARs) are members of the superfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), and are activated by catecholamines, such as epinephrine and norepinephrine. Three subtypes of β-ARs (β₁, β₂, and β₃) have been identified with different distributions among ocular tissues. Importantly, β-ARs are an established target in the treatment of glaucoma. Moreover, β-adrenergic signaling has been associated with the development and progression of various tumor types. Hence, β-ARs are a potential therapeutic target for ocular neoplasms, such as ocular hemangioma and uveal melanoma. This review aims to discuss the expression and function of individual β-AR subtypes in ocular structures, as well as their role in the treatment of ocular diseases, including ocular tumors.

Giant cavernous malformation of the posterior fossa with lymphangiomatous phenotype, associated with orbital venolymphatic anomaly in an 11-month-old patient: case report and literature review

The synchronous presentation of venolymphatic anomalies of the orbit and noncontiguous intracranial cavernous malformations is uncommon. Herein, we present a case of an 11-month-old female patient diagnosed with orbital venolymphatic anomaly associated with a large cavernous malformation in the posterior fossa, who underwent complete surgical resection of the latter. The immunohistochemical analysis was positive for podoplanin, a marker expressed by lymphatic endothelial cells, but not vascular endothelium. This exceptional finding suggests lymphatic involvement in the etiology of the lesion. In our review of the literature, we did not find similar cases in patients under 1 year of age.

Vascular lesions of the pediatric orbit: A radiological walkthrough

Vascular anomalies of the pediatric orbit represent a heterogeneous group that include both vascular tumors and vascular malformations. The disorder may initially be silent and then associated with symptoms and/or function damage, depending on the type of vascular anomaly and its extension. Vascular tumors include benign, locally aggressive (or borderline) and malignant forms while vascular malformations are divided into "simple", "combined" and syndromic, or "low flow" or "high flow". Both entities can arise in isolation or as part of syndromes. In this review, we describe the imaging findings of the vascular lesions of the orbit in the pediatric population, which are key to obtain a correct diagnosis and to guide the appropriate treatment in the light of the new genetic and molecular discoveries, and the role of the radiologist in their multidisciplinary management. We will also touch upon the main syndromes associated with orbital vascular abnormalities.

Clinical and radiographic features of hydrolyzed MIRAgel scleral buckles: A comparative analysis

The MIRAgel (hydrogel) scleral buckle, introduced in the 1980s, was a novel material to repair retinal detachments. It was later discontinued due to the frequency of long-term complications related to buckle hydrolysis and expansion. These complications included pain, limited extraocular motility, and more serious complications such as infection or scleral perforation, which ultimately necessitated surgical extraction as late as 20-30 years after placement. Prompt and proper diagnosis and treatment is often delayed as these buckle-associated complications frequently mimic other orbital pathologies such as tumors or infections. The hydrolyzed MIRAgel buckle exhibits distinct radiographic features that are helpful in arriving at the correct diagnosis, particularly in cases of ambiguous clinical presentation or history. Here, we expand on the previously described radiographic features of hydrolyzed MIRAgel and compare them to features of common, mimicking orbital pathology.

Low-Flow Orbital Venous Malformation Masquerading as Rhabdomyosarcoma

A 15-month-old male was referred for biopsy of presumed rhabdomyosarcoma in the setting of rapidly progressing left-sided proptosis. Examination revealed left periorbital edema and left hypoglobus. MRI revealed a soft-tissue density mass within the left lateral retrobulbar space. Several days later, he developed acute periorbital ecchymosis and increasing edema. With high suspicion for a vascular lesion, a CT scan was performed with dynamic arterial and venous imaging. Central filling was noted in the lateral retrobulbar component with increased enhancement on delayed venous imaging in the middle cranial fossa component favoring the diagnosis of a low-flow orbital venous malformation. In the setting of spontaneous orbital hemorrhage and risk of future vision loss, the decision was made to proceed with a combined neurosurgical approach treating the intracranial component and debulking the orbital component. This case highlights the importance of thorough radiographic evaluation prior to proceeding with a surgical procedure in the appropriate clinical context.

A Case of Intraorbital Intraconal Lymphangioma with Post-traumatic Apoplexy

Orbital lymphangioma is an infrequent benign cystic lesion manifesting in childhood and presenting with slowly progressive proptosis, and restriction of eye movements. Here we report a rare case of 8 year old male patient presenting with unilateral painful proptosis and subconjunctival hemorrhage with decrease of vision and restriction of eye movements. CT scan and MRI were done which revealed an intraorbital and intraconal cystic space occupying lesion. Fronto-orbito zygomatic craniotomy was done for orbital decompression and subtotal excision of tumor and blood evacuation. Histopathological findings were suggestive of lymphangioma.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Orbital Pathologies: A Pictorial Review

Orbital lesions form a wide range of pathologies, that create challenges in diagnosis, management, and treatment. The high-resolution soft tissue detail provided by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has allowed for better lesion characterization. Especially in cases where history and clinical evaluation are insufficient, MRI plays a crucial role. MRI is also important in the detection of the extent of orbital diseases. The aim of this study was to examine the MRI characteristics of common and/or rare diseases arising from or extending into the orbita to aid radiologists in the correct diagnosis of orbital lesions.

Hemangiomas and the eye

Infantile hemangiomas are a common vascular birthmark with heterogeneous presentations and unique growth characteristics with early rapid growth and eventual self-involution. Hemangiomas that develop around the eye have the potential for inducing amblyopia by several mechanisms and may eventually result in permanent visual impairment in otherwise healthy infants. Segmental periocular hemangiomas carry the additional risk of associated structural anomalies and PHACE syndrome. In recent years, the treatment of periocular hemangiomas has been revolutionized by the serendipitous discovery of the effectiveness of beta-blockers (systemic and topical), with most experts viewing these as first-line therapies. The management of periocular hemangiomas should involve a close partnership between an ophthalmologist and dermatologist or other relevant specialists familiar with the unique clinical features, differential diagnosis, treatment approaches, and potential complications.

Periocular hemangiomas and lymphangiomas

Infantile hemangiomas are the most common benign tumor of childhood. Lymphangiomas are benign hamartomatous vascular tumors. Both lesions can be problematic when located in the periocular region. Pediatricians must be familiar with the characteristics of each which would necessitate referral to an ophthalmologist or other subspecialist for evaluation, including obstruction of the visual axis which can lead to amblyopia of the affected eye. Additional potential complications include proptosis, ocular motility limitation, optic nerve injury, and poor eyelid closure with or without corneal surface disease. All children with periocular hemangiomas or lymphangiomas should be referred to an ophthalmologist for further evaluation.

Imaging of adult ocular and orbital pathology--a pictorial review

Orbital pathology often presents a diagnostic challenge to the reporting radiologist. The aetiology is protean, and clinical input is therefore often necessary to narrow the differential diagnosis. With this manuscript, we provide a pictorial review of adult ocular and orbital pathology.

[Orbital neoplasia. Part I: Introduction, vascular and neurogenic tumors]

Tumors of the orbit are rare but the huge variability of clinical symptoms and findings are challenging for the ophthalmologist who is frequently contacted as the first resort. If the patient history and clinical findings are suspicious for an orbital mass the result of the initial examination should allow a rough estimation of localization (intra/extraconal), type of growth (expansive/infiltrative), dignity (vascular/solid etc.) and threat to visual functions. An adequate initial diagnostic pathway enables a precise question to the radiologist to be formulated and selection of the disciplines required for an interdisciplinary workup and therefore for early treatment.

Orbital masses: CT and MRI of common vascular lesions, benign tumors, and malignancies

A wide variety of space occupying lesions may be encountered in the orbit. CT and MR imaging frequently help confirm the presence of a mass and define its extent. Characteristic imaging features may help distinguish among lesions that have overlapping clinical presentations. This review focuses on some of the common orbital masses. Common vascular lesions that are reviewed include: capillary (infantile) hemangioma, cavernous hemangioma (solitary encapsulated venous-lymphatic malformation), and lymphangioma (venous-lymphatic malformation). Benign tumors that are reviewed include: optic nerve sheath meningioma, schwannoma, and neurofibroma. Malignancies that are reviewed include: lymphoma, metastasis, rhabdomyosarcoma, and optic glioma. Key imaging features that guide radiological diagnosis are discussed and illustrated.

Multimodality imaging of the orbit

The role of imaging is well established in the evaluation of orbital diseases. Ultrasonography, Computed tomography and Magnetic resonance imaging are complementary modalities, which allow direct visualization of regional anatomy, accurate localization and help to characterize lesions to make a reliable radiological diagnosis. The purpose of this pictorial essay is to highlight the imaging features of commonly encountered pathologies which involve the orbit.

[Clinical and neuroradiological diagnostics of orbital tumors]

Exophthalmus is the leading sign of space-occupying lesions of the orbit. Patients may further present with lid swelling, impaired ocular motility and optic neuropathy including a relative afferent pupillary defect, compressive optic disc edema or optic atrophy. Orbital tumors can be classified into various categories depending on the etiology, as lymphoproliferative lesions (in particular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma as the most common malignant orbital tumor of adulthood), optic nerve and meningeal lesions, lacrimal gland lesions, secondary orbital tumors which extend to the orbit from neighboring structures and metastases. Slightly less common are vasculogenic and cystic lesions including cavernous hemangioma as the most common benign orbital tumor of adulthood and dermoid cysts as the most common benign orbital tumor of childhood. Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common malignant orbital tumor of childhood but has a low total incidence. Orbital tumors might not only cause symptoms like pain, diplopia and loss of visual acuity but may also lead to esthetically disfiguring changes. Particular attention should be paid to underlying systemic diseases and generalized tumor diseases. This article illustrates the approach to a detailed clinical and neuroradiological assessment which is mandatory for the care of orbital tumor patients.

Orbital lymphatic malformation showing the symptoms of orbital complications of acute rhinosinusitis in children: a report of 2 cases

Orbital lymphatic malformations are benign cystic malformations of the lymphatic system. The present report shows two cases with symptoms of orbital complications of acute rhinosinusitis with proptosis, compressive optic neuropathy, loss of vision and cellulites in children. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a well-demarcated intraorbital mass with heterogeneous signal conformable with lymphatic malformation in both cases. A tumor extirpation was performed via lateral orbitotomy in both cases. Postoperatively the symptoms and especially the loss of vision improved completely. Histological analysis of the surgical specimens verified lymphatic malformations of the orbit. Orbital lymphatic malformations can mimic the symptoms of orbital complications of acute rhinosinusitis. The existence of lymphatic malformation should be considered in every orbital complication of rhinosinusitis in children.

Treatment of deep vascular orbital malformations

OBJECTIVE

In this article, we discuss the clinical features and endovascular and/or surgical treatment of deep vascular orbital malformations.

METHODS

We report on our treatment of 58 cases of vascular malformations of the orbit between 1991 and 2008.

RESULTS

Arterial low flow lesions, such as cavernomas (n=44) were the most common finding. These were treated by complete excision. High flow lesions such as angiomas were less common (n=4). These were treated by the endovascular and/or surgical approach. Venous flow lesions appear as distensible lesions (n=3) or non-distensible anomalies (n=4). Deep venous lesions (n=7) should be treated if they cause severe pain, progressive proptosis, motility disturbances or visual deterioration. No flow lesions include lymphangiomas (n=3). Surgery may be helpful in specific cases with intracystic haemorrhage and progressive proptosis. Patients with severe visual deterioration do not improve, whereas all other symptoms are potentially reversible.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of vascular malformations is required in case of progression of symptoms. In cases of visual deterioration, we generally favour early treatment. The least invasive surgical approach, tailored to the individual patient, should be chosen.

Small cornea with anomalous anterior segment and retinal vasculature associated with lymphangioma

The combination of unilateral smaller cornea, anomalous anterior segment vessels, and abnormal retinal vessel branching was noted in a 6-year-old girl with ipsilateral retrobulbar venous lymphatic malformation. The presence of similar cases in the literature suggests that these contiguous findings together represent a unique malformation association.