Vascular Anomalies of the Orbit--A Reappraisal

Abstract

The recent International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA) classification of vascular anomalies can be applied to orbital lesions, dividing them into vascular tumors and vascular malformations. Orbital cavernous hemangiomas are probably best considered cavernous venous malformations under this classification. Management of symptomatic lesions can be with surgical excision or stereotactic fractionated radiotherapy in selected cases. Beta-blockers including propranolol and topical timolol maleate represent first-line therapy for infantile hemangiomas, although surgery has a role in selected cases. Orbital venous-lymphatic malformations are problematic but with improved imaging, neuroradiological intervention, and a multidisciplinary approach to management, outcomes are improving.

Keywords: orbit; vascular anomalies.