Superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis as an initial manifestation of antiphospholipid syndrome.

PURPOSE: To report an uncommon case of superior ophthalmic vein occlusion secondary to antiphospholipid syndrome.

METHOD: Interventional case report.

RESULT: A 41 year old man who presented with acute proptosis and ophthalmoplegia who was initially treated for orbital cellulitis. His CT scan showed changes consistent of that a superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis. He was managed with high dose intravenous steroid and commenced on anticoagulant therapy. He was subsequently diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome.

CONCLUSION

Although superior ophthalmic vein occlusion is rare it is an important differential. This is the first reported case secondary to antiphospholipid syndrome.