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Proptosis after retrobulbar corticosteroid injections
Omesh P Gupta1, James R Boynton, Paul Sabini
1School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.
Ophthalmology
|February 13, 2003
Summary
Retrobulbar corticosteroid injections can cause orbital lipomatosis, leading to proptosis. Surgical intervention via a transconjunctival approach to the lower lid fat compartment offers symptomatic relief for this rare complication.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery
Background:
- Retrobulbar corticosteroid injections are commonly used for various ophthalmic conditions.
- Potential complications, though rare, warrant thorough investigation.
Observation:
- Five patients presented with symptomatic unilateral proptosis following retrobulbar corticosteroid injections.
- Computed tomography (CT) was used for radiographic assessment in all cases.
- Histopathologic examination was performed in two cases.
Findings:
- The study identified orbital lipomatosis as a previously undescribed complication.
- No evidence of fibrosis or granulomatous inflammation was found in the examined cases.
- CT imaging revealed characteristic findings of lipomatosis in all affected patients.
Implications:
- Orbital lipomatosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of proptosis after retrobulbar steroid injections.
- A transconjunctival approach to the lower lid fat compartment is a viable surgical option for symptomatic management.
- This finding highlights the importance of monitoring for uncommon adverse effects of corticosteroid therapy.