Orbital vascular lesions: a review of clinical and imaging findings

Abstract

Orbital vascular lesions include vascular malformations and vascular tumors. Overlapping clinical findings and similar imaging features between both types of lesions can lead to misdiagnosis and incorrect treatment choices. Classifying vascular malformations according to the nature of the vascular element(s) involved (artery, vein or lymphatic) facilitates correct lesion recognition, developing a correct differential diagnosis and characterization of findings. Imaging is critical in mapping the extent of these lesions and their response to therapy, both medical and surgical.

Keywords::

• carotid cavernous fistula
• orbital lymphatic malformations
• orbital vascular malformations
• orbital vascular tumors
• orbital venous malformations

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.