Cavernous venous malformation of the orbit: Case report and review of literature

Abstract

Cavernous venous malformation of the orbit (CVM) is a benign, vascular-derived lesion, with slow venous flow. Epidemiologically, it occurs more often in women with peak incidence during the fourth and fifth decades of life. These lesions can be asymptomatic, being discovered unintentionally in imaging exams or symptomatic, indicated mainly by the presence of proptosis, diplopia, and visual disturbances by optic nerve compression. Imaging techniques contributes greatly in the diagnosis of CVM, helping to differentiate this benign lesion from malignant one. CT and MRI scans allow a precise diagnosis to be made in the vast majority of cases. Surgical treatment is required in case of symptomatic lesions, the vital and functional prognosis is generally good, and the recurrence is almost exceptional. We report a 47-year-old patient with progressive left proptosis secondary to orbital cavernous venous malformation.