[Orbital varix presenting with enophthalmos. A case report]

We report a 23-year-old patient, presenting with enophthalmos in the left eye. The ophthalmologic examination was normal, except a 3-mm enophthalmos measured using the Hertel's exophthalmometer and an intermittent proptosis observed through the Valsalva maneuver. Orbital imaging tests disclosed a retroocular vascular lesion. A carotis arteriography was performed, and it revealed a tumor with vascular elements presumed to be orbital varix. Ultrasound Doppler examination showed a nonechogenic lesion with an increasing volume during Valsalva. Based on these findings, the tumor was diagnosed as orbital varix. We decided to manage the patient conservatively, in the absence of complications such as proptosis with corneal exposure, optic nerve compression, or esthetically unacceptable appearance. Orbital varix is a vascular anomaly, accounting for 2 % of orbital tumors. It generally presents with an intermittent exophthalmos or orbital hemorrhages. The development of enophthalmos associated with varices, such as reported in our case, is rare.

Split-cord malformation and accompanying anomalies

OBJECTIVE

To present the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearances of spinal split-cord malformation (SCM) and to investigate the various types of congenital spinal disorders associated with SCM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MR examinations of 23 patients with SCM were carried out in our hospital between June 2002 and May 2007 and retrospectively analysed.

RESULTS

Nineteen (82.6%) patients were diagnosed as type I SCM, while four (17.4%) were diagnosed as type II SCM. The most commonly involved site of SCM was the dorsolumbar area (47.8%) while cervical involvement was the least common (4.3%). No accompanying congenital spinal disorders were detected in four patients (17.4%). In 19 patients (82.6%), congenital spinal disorders accompanying SCM were detected, the most common of which was a low-lying cord, found in 14 patients (60.9%). Other anomalies included hydromyelia in seven patients (30.4%), lipoma in six (26%), meningomyelocele in four (17.4%), thick filum in three (13%) and dermoid cyst in three (13%).

CONCLUSION

In preoperative planning for SCM, its characteristics and those of the accompanying anomalies should be determined. MRI is a valuable tool for making such determinations.

Persistent Hypoglossal Artery Associated with a Ruptured Ipsilateral Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Aneurysm

A rare case of persistent hypoglossal artery in conjuction with a ruptured aneurysm at the left proximal posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) is presented. A ruptured PICA aneurysm was successfully treated by endovascular occlusion of the aneurym with coiling.