Extraconal Orbital Cavernous Venous Malformations: An Incidental Finding

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Vascular Surgery
• Radiology

Background:

• Cavernous venous malformations (CVMs) are the most frequent benign vascular anomalies in the adult orbit.
• Typically, CVMs occur within the intraconal space, while extraconal locations are rare.
• Extraconal orbital CVMs are infrequently documented, often in isolated case reports or small series.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case of an uncommon extraconal orbital CVM.
• To emphasize the importance of thorough periocular examination for incidental findings.
• To contribute to the limited literature on extraconal orbital CVMs.

Main Methods:

• A 48-year-old female patient presented with decreased near vision.
• Contrast-enhanced orbital computed tomography revealed a well-defined extraconal lesion.
• Surgical excision via anterior orbitotomy followed by histopathological confirmation.

Main Results:

• The lesion was identified as an extraconal orbital CVM in the inferolateral compartment.
• The patient's presentation was incidental, with a painless lower eyelid swelling.
• Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of CVM.

Conclusions:

• This case underscores the rarity of extraconal orbital CVMs.
• Incidental detection highlights the value of comprehensive ocular and periocular examinations.
• Further case presentations are needed to better understand extraconal orbital CVMs.