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Cervicogenic exophthalmos: Possible etiology and pathogenesis
Chi-Ming Wu1, Hung-En Liao2, Shang-Wei Hsu2
1Orthopaedic Department, Jen-Ai Hospital, Taichung 40041, Taiwan.
World Journal of Clinical Cases
|February 13, 2020
Summary
Unilateral exophthalmos can stem from reflex sympathetic dystrophy, a novel finding in cervicogenic spondylosis. This condition unexpectedly resolved after spinal surgery, offering new insights into exophthalmos causes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Spine Surgery
Background:
- Unilateral exophthalmos typically arises from inflammation, neoplasm, infection, metabolic, or vascular disorders.
- Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) as a cause of unilateral exophthalmos is not previously documented in medical literature.
Observation:
- A 45-year-old female presented with unilateral exophthalmos attributed to RSD.
- The exophthalmos spontaneously resolved two days postoperatively following anterior cervical discectomy and fixation for cervicogenic spondylosis.
Findings:
- The patient experienced complete resolution of unilateral exophthalmos without relapse for seven years post-surgery.
- This case introduces "cervicogenic exophthalmos" as a newly identified clinical entity.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider RSD associated with cervicogenic spondylosis as a potential cause of unilateral exophthalmos.
- This report highlights an unexpected link between spinal pathology and ocular protrusion, expanding differential diagnoses for exophthalmos.
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