Radius-Maumenee syndrome (idiopathic dilated episcleral vessels)

Idiopathic elevated episcleral venous pressure (IEEVP) or Radius-Maumenee syndrome (RMS) is a rare disease without any identified underlying cause. An increasing episcleral venous pressure (EVP) leads to raised intraocular pressure (IOP) and consequently glaucomatous damage of the optic nerve. The objective of this paper is to report this rare condition as well as its clinical management.

During cataract evaluation a 38-year-old female patient referred to redness in her right eye that had started more than 3 years before. The IOP was 22 mmHg in her right eye and 14 mmHg in her left eye, although she was already using Timolol drops. Biomicroscopy revealed diffusely engorged episcleral vessels, without any other relevant findings. Intracranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was normal. For that reason, the diagnosis of RMS was established. After 3 months, the patient remains in use of Timolol and Latanoprost eye drops, with intraocular pressure within normal levels. She continues to be followed up on a regular outpatient basis.

RMS is a diagnosis of exclusion, based on clinical findings and imaging exams. Treatment includes eyes drops and surgery in refractory cases.