[An ophthalmological complication of cherubism]

Cherubism is a rare familial fibro-osseous lesion usually observed in children. The diagnosis is clinical and radiological. Outcome is generally favorable, but with a risk of ophthalmologic complications, especially lower eyelid retraction, proptosis, diplopia, displacement of eyeball and loss of visual acuity. Clinicians must be aware of these complications for proper detection and specific treatment.

We report a case of cherubism observed in a 10-year-old boy who presented exophthalmia with reduced visual acuity on the right due to reduction of the volume of the orbital cavity and compression of the optic nerve. Partial maxillectomy was required for decompression.

Cherubism can lead to various types of ophthalmologic complications. Exophthalmos and loss of visual acuity due to compression of the optic nerve are the most common. Surgery is generally not required, but can become crucial in selected patients.