Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2025
10:14
Author Spotlight: Ex Vivo OCT-Based Multimodal Imaging of Human Donor Eyes for Research into Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Published on: May 26, 2023
3.4K
Chorio-Retinal Folds Associated With Orbital Cavernous Venous Malformations
Kaveh Vahdani1, Geoffrey E Rose
1Orbital Service, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|February 2, 2023
Summary
Chorio-retinal folds (CRFs) are associated with larger orbital cavernous venous malformations (OCVMs) and can persist post-surgery. Earlier surgical intervention may be beneficial for patients with CRFs and induced hyperopia.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Vascular Malformations
- Ophthalmic Imaging
Background:
- Orbital cavernous venous malformations (OCVMs) are vascular anomalies that can lead to various ophthalmic complications.
- Chorio-retinal folds (CRFs) are a potential finding associated with orbital masses, but their incidence and impact in OCVMs require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of clinically detectable chorio-retinal folds (CRFs) in patients with orbital cavernous venous malformations (OCVMs).
- To assess the association between CRFs and OCVM characteristics, including position and volume.
- To evaluate visual outcomes and the persistence of CRFs and induced hyperopia after surgical excision of OCVMs.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of case notes and imaging for 402 patients with OCVMs.
- Statistical analysis to estimate odds ratios for CRFs based on OCVM location and volume.
- Comparison of visual acuity, refractive error, proptosis, and ocular motility between patients with and without CRFs, both pre- and post-operatively.
Main Results:
- CRFs were detected in 21% of patients (83/402).
- CRFs were significantly associated with larger OCVM volume (median 3.85 ml vs. 1.92 ml) and intraconal/midorbital location.
- Patients with CRFs exhibited greater exophthalmos, more frequent eye movement restriction, and disc swelling; induced hyperopia was also more common (76% vs. 12%).
- Postoperative visual acuity improved or remained unchanged in 88% of eyes with CRFs and 83% without.
- Induced hyperopia persisted in 39% of all operated patients, and 41% of CRFs remained detectable post-surgery.
Conclusions:
- CRFs occur in approximately 25% of mid-intraconal OCVMs and are linked to larger malformation size and specific locations.
- Despite surgical excision, a significant proportion of patients retain induced hyperopia, and CRFs can persist, potentially impacting visual function.
- Earlier surgical intervention may be advisable for patients with OCVMs presenting with CRFs and/or induced hyperopia to optimize visual outcomes.
