The transconjunctival approach to a large retrobulbar cavernous hemangioma of the orbit

ABSTRACT

Cavernous hemangiomas are one of the most common benign tumors of the orbit in adults. We report a case of a longstanding retrobulbar hemangioma that was removed successfully through a temporal transconjunctival approach combined with lateral canthotomy. A 45-year-old female patient, with a 15-year history of slowly progressive proptosis and decreased visual acuity of the left eye, had a corrected visual acuity of finger count at 50 cm OS, compared with 1.0 OD. Exophthalmometry by the Nagle's method measured 15 mm OD by 26 mm OS. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a well-encapsulated retrobulbar main mass, 2.3 x 3.0 x 3.7 cm in size along with multiple small satellite nodules that were displacing the optic nerve and globe superiorly. The tumors were removed through a superotemporal transconjunctival approach combined with lateral canthotomy. Pathological examination revealed an intraorbital cavernous hemangioma. The patient was free of visible scars, proptosis and any other noticeable complications at her last follow-up, 6 months after surgery.