Pupillary Abnormalities After Excision of Orbital Cavernous Venous Malformations.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and recovery rate for pupillary abnormalities after excision of orbital cavernous venous malformations (OCVMs).

METHODS

Retrospective case-note and imaging review for patients with OCVMs, with an estimation of odds ratios (ORs) in relation to the position of the mass and surgical approach.

RESULTS

The 287 included patients (176 female; 61%) presented at a mean age of 46.5 years: 243/287 (85%) OCVMs were intraconal, 253/287 (88%) located in the posterior two-thirds of the orbit, and 29/287 (11%) wedged tightly in the apex. Pupillary changes-varying from minor sectoral paresis (only evident on slit-lamp examination) to a marked mydriasis-were noted in 21% (60/287) of patients and were strongly associated with removal of intraconal (60/243 [25%]; p < 0.001), apical (14/29 [48%]; OR, 4.3; p < 0.001), inferior or inferotemporal (41/105 [39%]; OR, 5.5; p < 0.001) masses. Lateral approaches-either with (23/129; 18%) or without (30/71; 42%) osteotomy-were associated with 88% (53/60) of all abnormalities (OR, 4.1; p < 0.001). Where known, the abnormalities improved in 43/50 (86%), although 15/43 (35%) had a persistent tonic pupil.

CONCLUSION

Pupillary abnormalities after excision of OCVMs can occur in up to a quarter of intraconal lesions-particularly those located inferotemporally or inferiorly-and in about a half of apical lesions. Lateral or inferolateral orbital approaches that disrupt the inferior intraconal fat appear to be associated with a higher risk. Most changes resolve or improve markedly, although a third of those affected may have a persistent tonic pupil.