Acute periocular haemorrhage associated with severe proptosis as a presenting sign of orbital tumours

ABSTRACT

Periocular haemorrhage without a preceding history of trauma, and in the absence of vascular malformations is rare. While acute proptosis is well described in the setting of orbital pathology, accompanying periocular haemorrhage has been rarely reported. We describe three cases with these concomitant presenting signs in orbital malignancies – metastatic small cell bladder carcinoma, haemangiopericytoma (solitary fibrous tumour) and myeloma. Clinical photographs and radiology are presented with review of the current literature. All cases had an associated rapid onset of severe proptosis and co-existing periocular bruising on the same side. The presence of ecchymosis of the eyelids in addition to proptosis without a history of trauma warrants thorough investigation to rule out underlying potential sight and life threatening illness.

KEYWORDS:

• Bruising
• ecchymosis
• orbital
• spontaneous
• tumour

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