A case series: 3-dimensional computed tomographic study of the superior orbital vessels: Superior orbital arcades and their relationships with the supratrochlear artery and supraorbital artery.

BACKGROUND

Vascular complications from periorbital intravascular filler injection are major safety concerns.

OBJECTIVE

To thoroughly describe the superior orbital vessels near the orbital rim and propose considerations for upper eyelid and forehead injections.

METHODS

Fifty-one cadaver heads were infused with lead oxide contrast media through the external carotid artery, internal carotid artery, and facial and superficial temporal arteries. Computed tomography (CT) images were obtained after contrast agent injection, and 3-dimensional CT scans were reconstructed by using a validated algorithm.

RESULTS

Eighty-six qualified hemifaces clearly showed the origin, depth, and anastomoses of the superior orbital vessels, which consistently deployed 2 distinctive layers: deep and superficial. Of all hemifaces, 59.3% had deep superior orbital vessels near the orbital rim, including 44.2% with deep superior orbital arcades and 15.1% with deep superior orbital arteries, which originated from the ophthalmic artery. Additionally, 97.7% of the hemifaces had superficial superior orbital arcades, for which 4 origins were identified: ophthalmic artery, superior medial palpebral artery, angular artery, and anastomosis between the angular and ophthalmic arteries.

LIMITATIONS: The arterial depth estimated from 3-dimensional CT needs to be confirmed by standard cadaver dissection.

CONCLUSION

This study elucidated novel arterial systems and proposed considerations for upper eyelid and forehead injections.