Spontaneous subperiosteal orbital hemorrhage following thrombolytic therapy for myocardial infarction

A 60-year-old man experienced right orbital pain, periorbital swelling, and double vision 2 hours after treatment with streptokinase and heparin for myocardial infarction. Orbital CT revealed a right superior subperiosteal orbital hemorrhage. Conservative management in the absence of visual compromise was sufficient, as his symptoms and signs resolved completely in approximately 6 weeks with no recurrence during 6 months of follow-up. This case demonstrates that nontraumatic subperiosteal orbital hemorrhage may occur after thrombolytic therapy for myocardial infarction. Conservative treatment with cold compresses in the absence of visual impairment may be sufficient, as was in our patient and others.