[Exophthalmos in children caused by vascular orbital neoformation]

BACKGROUND--Exophthalmos or proptosis may be a result of several causes; when unilateral, it leads to search a variety of orbital tumors. CASE 1--A 2 month-old baby presented with a right exophthalmos which developed within a few days. Computed tomography showed infiltration of the orbit by a mass. Surgical biopsy showed capillary hemangioma. The patient was given prednisone 2 mg/kg/day for 2 months; exophthalmos disappeared within 10 days and the child was normal 7 years later. CASE 2--A 13 year-old boy was examined because he had developed left exophthalmos within 2-3 weeks. Ultrasonography and computed tomography showed an orbital tumor compressing the eye and the optic nerve. This tumor was excised and histological examination showed that it was a thrombotic arterial aneurysm. CONCLUSIONS--Vascular lesions can be responsible for a rapidly developing orbital tumor. Their diagnosis can be difficult and must be made in order to avoid aggressive surgery.