Orbital phlebography in the diagnosis of painful ophthalmoplegia

Three cases of painful ophthalmoplegia have been described in which symptoms suggesting a tumor of the orbit justified neuroradiological assessment. Phlebography in each case revealed stenosis of the superior ophthalmic vein in its third portion, and non-opicification of the cavernous sinus. Hirtz incidences revealed contralateral cavernous sinus opacification and venous drainage through the coronary sinus. These neuradiological findings helped to differentiate this syndrome from other affections which have similar signs and symptoms.