Early postcontusion eyeball circulation as evidenced by color Doppler mapping

Early postcontusion hemodynamic disorders were studied, by analyzing the results of color Doppler mapping. The study included patients aged 10 to 45 years with moderate and severe postcontusion retinal changes and a visual acuity of 0.8 to 0.01. Color Doppler mapping was used to visualize blood flow in the ophthalmic artery, central retinal artery, and posterior short ciliary arteries. Preliminary studies revealed circulatory changes in the ophthalmic arterial system in the early postcontusion period. In severe macular and optic nerve lesions, a significant reduction in blood flow was detectable in all the vessels under study, but there was its more pronounced reduction in the central retinal artery and posterior short ciliary arteries, which directly corrected with the found retinal changes since these arteries are the only source of retinal circulation.     

Is atropine efficient in para-bulbar injections?

Supposing the fact that atropine has antispastic effect on blood vessels, we studied the variation of blood flow in ophthalmic artery, central retinal artery and ciliary arteries, by Doppler ultrasound. We used 1 ml Atropine 1@1000 in parabulbar administration to 17 eyes with neuro-retinal diseases and the arterial flow was registered for 3 times: before the injection, at 15 and respective 30 minutes after administration. The results were processed using t-Student method. The atropine effect seemed to be more intensive 30 minutes after administration on central retinal artery.     

A case of ophthalmic artery obstruction following autologous fat injection in the glabellar area

We report a case of blindness due to occlusion of the ophthalmic artery following injection of autologous fat into the glabellar region for cosmetic surgery. A 30-year-old woman underwent aspiration of autologous fat from her gluteal region and injection of it into her breasts, nose, and glabellar area. At the time of injection into the glabellar area, she suffered nausea, pain, and visual loss in her right eye. She consulted an ophthalmologist. The first examination revealed that her right eye had loss of light perception, widespread retinal whitening, and obstruction of the retinal vessels of the fundus. It was suspected that she had occlusion of the central retinal artery, and drip infusion of urokinase and hyperbaric oxygen therapy were implemented. Since no improvement was seen, she was referred to Shinshu University hospital. Fundoscopy showed remarkable edema of the entire right retina and whitened retinal vessels. Fluorescein angiography showed no filling of the right retinal arterioles. Cerebral angiography showed complete obstruction of the right ophthalmic artery at its bifurcation. Subsequent administration of urokinase and corticosteroid had no effect. We considered that occlusion of the ophthalmic artery happened when autologous fat was injected into the glabellar area.     

Effect of intravenous droperidol on intraocular pressure and retrobulbar hemodynamics

PURPOSE: Topically-applied dopamine antagonists reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) and inrease retinal blood flow in animal models. We examined the acute effects of intravenous infusion of a dopamine blocker (droperidol) on these parameters in healthy humans. METHODS: Sixteen subjects free from ocular or systemic disease (mean age 33 +/- 10 yrs) received either 5 mg i.v. droperidol over 5 minutes, or i.v. saline placebo in double-masked fashion. IOP was determined 30 and 60 minutes later, while color Doppler imaging was used to determine flow velocities in the ophthalmic, central retinal, and nasal and temporal posterior ciliary arteries 60 minutes after drug infusion. RESULTS: 30 minutes after drug infusion, IOP was reduced 6.0 mmHg as compared with baseline (p<0.001); after 60 minutes, IOP remained reduced by 3.7 mmHg (p<0.001). Placebo had no effect on IOP. While droperidol slightly elevated blood pressure and increased the calculated ocular perfusion pressure, the drug reduced visual acuity and contrast sensitivity (p<0.05). Droperidol elevated peak systolic velocity in the central retinal and nasal posterior ciliary arteries, without changing end-diastolic velocity or the resistance index in either of these vessels. Droperidol had no effect on flow velocities in the ophthalmic artery or the temporal posterior ciliary artery. CONCLUSIONS: The rapid and marked ocular hypotension resulting from intravenous droperidol suggests that this agent may prove useful in the management of acute ocular hypertension. The retrobulbar changes consequent to the ocular tension reduction likely represent autoregulatory responses to altered ocular perfusion pressure.     

Acute visual loss after preoperative embolization of an ethmoidal metastasis

An unintentional embolization of retinal arteries is rare and has been documented as a complication after embolization of arteries supplying head and neck tumors. However, occlusion of the central retinal artery with severe loss of vision has never been reported to be a complication from embolization of tumor-supplying ethmoidal branches of the ophthalmic artery. A 40 year-old male patient with a history of right nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma underwent preoperative radiological embolization of an ethmoidal metastasis after having experienced a life-threatening sinus bleeding. Repeated probing of the ophthalmic artery with an endovascular microcatheter for particle embolization of the tumor-supplying arteries was performed under anticoagulation with heparin. Postoperatively, a standard ophthalmological examination including extended vascular evaluation by angiography was performed. After extended probing of the ophthalmic artery a marked reduction in its blood flow occurred. Despite post-interventional imaging showing persisting perfusion of the central retinal and ciliary arteries, the patient developed complete loss of vision on this side four days later. At this time fundoscopy and fluorescein angiography revealed a recanalized central artery occlusion, while indocyanin angiography showed infarctions of the choroid. Radiological intervention via the ophthalmic artery can result in complete loss of vision, even after limited and transient obstruction of the vessel.     

Retinal arterial occlusion in Takayasu's arteritis

Takayasu's arteritis is an auto-immune disorder of the large and medium-sized arteries, commonly involving the heart and its main vessels. It is now recognised that the inflammatory process of the large arteries affects regions of the walls supplied by the vasa vasorum, suggesting that primary small vessel involvement may contribute to the development of the clinico-pathological features of Takayasu aorto-arteritis. Classical ophthalmic features of the disease result from reduced ocular perfusion, which manifests as hypoxic retinal changes such as microaneurysms, arterio-venous anastomosis and non-perfused areas. Branch retinal artery occlusion has not been previously described in this condition. This case illustrates retinal arterial occlusion as the presenting feature of Takayasu's arteritis.     

Acute IOP elevation with scleral suction: effects on retrobulbar haemodynamics.

AIMS/BACKGROUND: Mechanical and vascular factors may both contribute to glaucoma. This study investigated the relation of mechanical to vascular factors by examining how acute IOP elevation altered flow velocities in the central retinal and ophthalmic arteries. METHODS: IOP was elevated from a baseline near 14 to approximately 45 mm Hg using suction ophthalmodynamometry. During recovery from scleral suction, IOP fell to near 8 mm Hg. At each IOP, peak systolic and end diastolic velocities (PSV and EDV) were measured in the central retinal and ophthalmic arteries using colour Doppler imaging (Siemens Quantum 2000). Eleven healthy people served as subjects. RESULTS: Acute elevation in IOP had no effect upon PSV, EDV, or the derived resistance index in the ophthalmic artery: flow velocities in this vessel were identical at IOP of 8 mm Hg or 45 mm Hg. In contrast, in the central retinal artery, PSV and EDV fell, and the resistance index rose, in steady progression as IOP was acutely elevated (each p < 0.01). At IOP of 45 mm Hg, EDV was virtually absent and the resistance index was very nearly 1.0. CONCLUSION: Ophthalmic arterial haemodynamics are unrelated to acute fluctuations of the IOP over a wide range, suggesting that ocular hypertension itself cannot induce vascular dysfunction in this artery. In contrast, flow velocities in the central retinal artery were highly IOP dependent, implying that haemodynamic and mechanical factors are closely linked in this vascular bed.     

Retinal branch artery occlusion following injection of hyaluronic acid (Restylane)

The authors report a retinal branch artery occlusion occurring after facial injection of a dermal filler. The superior temporal artery showed occlusion due to a clearly visible long and fragmented embolus suggestive of gel and clearly distinguishable from calcific or cholesterol emboli. The authors suppose that hyaluronic acid gel was embolized in the patient. The embolized material is supposed to enter the ocular circulation through retrograde arteriolar flow after intra-arterial injection into one of the peripheral branches of the ophthalmic artery. If there is any evidence of a visual problem after facial injection of a dermal filler, prompt consultation of an ophthalmologist is recommended.     

Arterial blood flow characteristics in central retinal vein occlusion and effects of panretinal photocoagulation treatment: an investigation by colour Doppler imaging

AIMS: To determine whether an increase in vascular resistance in the central retinal and ophthalmic arterial circulations contributes to the development of central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), or haemodynamic alterations in central retinal and ophthalmic arteries occur secondary to the vein occlusion as increased intravascular pressure is transferred through the capillary bed to the arterial side and the effect of panretinal photocoagulation treatment on these circulations in ischaemic cases. METHODS: The ophthalmic and central retinal arteries of the affected and non-affected eyes of 20 patients with non-ischaemic CRVO, 13 patients with ischaemic CRVO, and 22 control subjects were investigated by colour Doppler imaging. Panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) treatment was applied to the eyes with ischaemic CRVO. Maximum and minimum blood flow velocities, and resistivity indexes were calculated in the affected and healthy eyes of patients and in the control eyes. RESULTS: Average blood flow velocity in the central retinal and ophthalmic arteries of patients with non-ischaemic CRVO did not differ from their fellow eyes, but a significantly lower average blood flow velocity was found in the ophthalmic and central retinal arteries of the patients with ischaemic CRVO compared with their fellow eyes. Patients with ischaemic CRVO had significantly lower blood flow velocities in their ophthalmic and central retinal arteries than non-ischaemic cases that were further reduced following PRP treatment. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that impaired arterial blood flow observed in patients with CRVO may be partly related to secondary changes in the retrobulbar arterial circulation as a result of enhanced arterial resistance following CRVO. These data also demonstrate that PRP treatment decreases retinal and ophthalmic blood flow velocities in patients with ischaemic CRVO.     

Color Doppler imaging of the retrobulbar circulation in non-exudative and exudative age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE: To study ocular perfusion in the ophthalmic artery, central retinal artery, nasal and temporal posterior ciliary : arteries in non-exudative and exudative age-related macular degeneration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty five subjects with non-exudative age-related macular degeneration were compared to twenty five subjects with exudative age-related macular degeneration and to twenty five age-matched control subjects. Color Doppler imaging measured peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end diastolic velocity (EDV) in the ophthalmic artery, central retinal artery, nasal and temporal posterior ciliary arteries of one eye. The resistivity index (RI) and the pulsatility index (PI) were calculated. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences between: subjects with non-exudative age-related macular degeneration and subjects with exudative age-related macular degeneration in EDV, RI and PI in the ophthalmic artery and PSV in the temporal posterior ciliary artery, subjects with non-exudative age-related macular degeneration and control subjects in RI in central retinal artery, subjects with non-exudative age-related macular degeneration and control subjects in RI and PI in nasal posterior ciliary artery, subjects with exudative age-related macular degeneration and control subjects in PI in nasal posterior ciliary artery. CONCLUSIONS: The study results showed reduced ocular blood flow in patients with non-exudative age-related macular degeneration compared to patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration and to control subjects. The higher RI in central retinal artery in non-exudative age-related macular degeneration compared to control subjects, suggest there may be a more generalized perfusion abnormality beyond the choroid.     

Microvasculature of the rat optic nerve head.

PURPOSE: To describe the arterial blood supply, capillary bed, and venous drainage of the rat optic nerve head. METHODS: Ocular microvascular castings from 6 Wistar rats were prepared by injection of epoxy resin through the common carotid arteries. After polymerization, tissues were digested with 6 M KOH, and the castings washed, dried, and coated for scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Immediately posterior to the globe, the ophthalmic artery trifurcates into the central retinal artery and two posterior ciliary arteries. The central retinal artery directly provides capillaries to the nerve fiber layer and only contributes to capillary beds in the neck of the nerve head. The remainder is supplied by branches of the posterior ciliary arteries that are analogous to the primate circle of Zinn-Haller. Arterioles arising from these branches supply the capillaries of the transitional, or laminar, region of the optic nerve head. These capillaries are continuous with those of the neck and retrobulbar optic nerve head. All optic nerve head capillaries drain into the central retinal vein and veins of the optic nerve sheath. A flat choroidal sinus communicates with the central retinal vein, the choriocapillaris, and with large veins of the optic nerve sheath. CONCLUSIONS: The microvasculature of the rat optic nerve head bears several similarities to that of the primate, with a centripetal blood supply from posterior ciliary arteries and drainage into the central retinal and optic nerve sheath veins. Association of nerve sheath veins with the choroid represents an important difference from the primate.     

Bilateral ophthalmic artery occlusion in rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis

PURPOSE: To report a case of bilateral ophthalmic artery occlusion in rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis. METHODS: Reviewed clinical charts, photographs, and fluorescein angiography RESULTS: An 89-year-old man with poorly controlled diabetes developed sudden bilateral ptosis, complete ophthalmoplegia of the right eye, and superior rectus palsy of the left eye. Brain and orbit magnetic resonance imaging showed midbrain infarction and mild diffuse sinusitis. On the 2nd day of hospitalization, sudden visual loss and light reflex loss developed. There were retinal whitening, absence of retinal arterial filling, and a total lack of choroidal perfusion on fluorescein angiography of the right eye. The left eye showed a cherry red spot in the retina and the absence of retinal arterial filling and partial choroidal perfusion on fluorescein angiography. On rhinologic examination, mucormyosis was noticed. Despite treatment, visual acuity and light reflex did not recover and he died 4 days after admission. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral ophthalmic artery occlusion can occur in rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis.     

Iatrogenic ophthalmic artery occlusion and retinal artery occlusion

Iatrogenic ophthalmic artery occlusion (IOAO) is a rare but devastating ophthalmic disease that may cause sudden and permanent visual loss. Understanding the possible etiologic modalities and pathogenic mechanisms of IOAO may prevent its occurrence. There are numerous medical etiologies of IOAO, including cosmetic facial filler injection, intravascular procedures, intravitreal gas or drug injection, retrobulbar anesthesia, intraarterial chemotherapy in retinoblastoma. Non-ocular surgeries and vascular events in arteries that are not directly associated with the ophthalmic artery, can also cause IOAO. Since IOAO has a limited number of treatment modalities, which lead to poor final visual prognosis, it is imperative to acknowledge the information regarding medical procedures that are etiologically associated with IOAO. We accumulated all searchable and available IOAO case reports (our cases and previous reported cases from the literature), classified them according to their mechanisms of pathogenesis, and summarized treatment options and responses of each of the causes. Various sporadic cases of IOAO can be categorized into three mechanisms as follows: intravascular event, orbital compartment syndrome, and increased intraocular pressure. Embolic IOAO, which is considered the primary cause of the condition, was classified into three subgroups according to the pathway of embolic movement (retrograde pathway, anterograde pathway, pathway through collateral channels). Despite the practical limitations of treating spontaneous (non-iatrogenic) retinal artery occlusion, this article will contribute in predicting and improving the prognosis of IOAO by recognizing the treatable factors. Furthermore, it is expected to provide clues to future research associated with the treatment of retinal artery occlusion.     

Estrogen-replacement therapy: effects on retrobulbar hemodynamics

PURPOSE: Estrogen-replacement therapy causes vasodilation and increased blood flow in major peripheral arteries. We examined the role that estrogen may play in enhancing perfusion within the watersheds of several major and minor retrobulbar arteries. METHODS: Postmenopausal women receiving estrogen-replacement therapy (n = 16) were compared with both age-matched women not receiving estrogen (n = 16) and with young women (n = 20). Studies involved color Doppler imaging analysis of flow velocities measured in the ophthalmic, central retinal, and nasal and temporal posterior ciliary arteries. RESULTS: In the ophthalmic artery, young women and postmenopausal women receiving estrogen exhibited reduced resistance indexes as compared with postmenopausal women not receiving estrogen (each P <. 001). In contrast, flow velocities in the central retinal artery were similar among the three groups of women. In the posterior ciliary arteries, a different pattern emerged: young women, as compared with either group of postmenopausal women, showed greater peak systolic and end-diastolic velocities at similar resistance index (each P <.05). CONCLUSIONS: Estrogen-replacement therapy in postmenopausal women apparently helps reduce vascular resistance distal to the ophthalmic artery to levels matching those of young women. However, estrogen replacement has little impact on flow velocities in the posterior ciliary arteries. In those vessels, aging per se may reduce perfusion, potentially contributing to the age-dependent risk of major eye diseases, such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.     

Ocular complications associated with retrobulbar injections

The authors describe six complications, of retrobulbar injections documented by fundus photography and fluorescein angiography. These include (1) injection of corticosteroid into the posterior ciliary arterial circulation resulting in emboli in the vasculature of the choroid and the optic nerve head; (2) injection of corticosteroid into the ophthalmic artery resulting in emboli in both the choroidal and retinal circulations; (3) presumed injection of lidocaine and air into the optic nerve sheath adjacent to the globe with extension anteriorly into the subretinal space and the space between the posterior vitreous and the internal limiting membrane; (4) occlusion of the central retinal artery without an associated retrobulbar hemorrhage; (5) trauma to and partial injection of lidocaine in the central retinal artery with embolization into the retinal circulation; and (6) presumed injection of lidocaine into the optic nerve sheath producing a combined central retinal vein and artery occlusion. Alternative techniques that might decrease the incidence of complications associated with retrobulbar injections are discussed.     

Bilateral glaucomatous optic neuropathy in Takayasu's disease without cervical arterial stenosis

PURPOSE: Although significant decrease in retinal perfusion is usually not observed before all of the cervical arteries became markedly narrowed in patients with Takayasu's disease (TD), we present bilateral glaucomatous optic neuropathy in a patient with TD without any cervical arterial stenosis. METHODS: Ophthalmoscopic examination disclosed glaucomatous optic neuropathy in both eyes with 7/10-cup/disc ratio in the right eye and 9/10 in the left eye. Left subclavian selective arteriographic examination demonstrated segmental high-grade stenosis, namely 90 percent stenosis in the mid portion of the left subclavian artery. Arteriography, digital subtraction angiography (DSA), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and color Doppler sonography revealed patent cervical, carotid interna, ophthalmic, retinal and posterior ciliary arteries. RESULTS: Patient was followed up for 48 months with frequent intervals and there was no deterioration of visual acuity, visual field and optic neuropathy without any antiglaucomatous treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Although it is a known fact that classical ophthalmic manifestations of the TD occur only when major cervical arteries are occluded, no occlusion was observed in this patient with bilateral optic atrophy. The optic nerve damage is caused by various factors, but these factors require much elucidation before the optic neuropathy can be understood.     

Blood flow parameters in ocular vessels of patients with glaucoma

PURPOSE: To determine Doppler flow parameters in ocular vessels of glaucomatous patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 38 glaucomatous patients, aged 64 +/- 16, and 57 healthy volunteers were examined with 7.5 MHz linear-array probe. Consistently identified arterial structures included ophthalmic artery, central retinal artery and short posterior ciliary arteries. The peak systolic, end-diastolic and mean velocities were measured from Doppler spectra. Resistance and pulsatility indices were also determined. RESULTS: End-diastolic and mean velocities in central retinal artery of glaucomatous eyes were: 1.5 +/- 1.9 cm/s, 4.0 +/- 2.0 cm/s, whereas in healthy eyes they were significantly higher: 3.5 +/- 1.0 cm/s, 5.4 +/- 1.5 cm/s, respectively. These velocities in short posterior ciliary arteries in glaucomatous patients were significantly lower: 2.4 +/- 2.3 cm/s, 5.6 +/- 2.2 cm/s, comparing to healthy subjects: 4.8 +/- 1.7 cm/s, 7.3 +/- 2.2 cm/s. Resistance and pulsatility indices in central retinal artery and short posterior ciliary arteries were significantly higher in the group of patients: RI = 0.85 +/- 0.18, PI = 2.11 +/- 0.92--in central retinal artery and RI = 0.81 +/- 0.18, PI = 1.96 +/- 0.91--in short posterior ciliary arteries, comparing to healthy subjects: RI = 0.61 +/- 0.08, PI = 1.20 +/- 0.17--in central retinal artery, RI = 0.61 +/- 0.09, PI = 1.13 +/- 0.18--in short posterior ciliary arteries. Impedance indices were increasing progressively with intraocular pressure elevation. There were no significant differences of Doppler blood flow parameters in ophthalmic artery between patients and control group. CONCLUSIONS: Blood flow velocities in central retinal and short posterior ciliary arteries are lower, and resistance and pulsatility indices are higher in glaucomatous eyes in comparison to healthy subjects, whereas in ophthalmic artery doppler parameters are similar in both groups.     

青光眼与视网膜缺血性疾病分析

目的 探讨青光眼与视网膜缺血性疾病间的关系.方法 回顾因眼底疾病就诊,同时发现青光眼的患者7例,分析其导致眼底缺血的病因.结果 就诊时眼底病诊断为视网膜静脉阻塞4例,缺血性视神经病变者2例,低灌注视网膜病变1例.经颅多普勒超声检查显示均无明显颈内、颈总动脉阻塞.双眼眼动脉血流速度无明显差异.结论 青光眼高眼压可导致眼压与睫状后动脉压、视网膜中央动脉压的平衡失调,导致眼部血流灌注不足,出现缺血性视神经视网膜病变.因此,当患者发生缺血性视神经视网膜病变时,不可忽视青光眼的可能.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the relationship between glaucoma and retinal ischemic diseases. Methods Review 7 cases of retinal ischemic diseases, in which we also diagnosed as glaucoma. Analyze the causes of ischemia. Results In the 7 cases, 4 were retinal vein obstruction, 2 were ischemic optic neuropathy, and I was hypoperfusion retinopathy. Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography exhibited no obvious occlusion in intemal and common carotid artery. There was no significant difference in blood velocity between the ophthalmic arteries. Conclusions Intraocular hypertension causesdisequilibrium among intraocular pressure, the blood pressure of posterior ciliary arteries and central retinal arteries. Subsequently, ocular perfusion decreases and ischemic optic neuropathy and retinopathy tum out. Therefore, when ischemic optic neuropathy and retinopathy occurring, probability of glaucomacannot be ignored.     

Arterial blood supply and innervation of the rectus muscles of the eyeball

The authors report on the arterial blood supply and the innervation of the rectus muscles of the eyeball from human orbital dissections. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Hundred human orbits were dissected using a superior approach after arterial injection with colored latex. The different arterial pedicles for each muscle were noted and the nervous supply was studied. RESULTS: The arterial blood supply of the rectus muscles comes from different branches of the ophthalmic artery, usually the inferior muscular artery, the lacrimal artery, the superior muscular artery when it exists, and by small branches arising from the ophthalmic artery. The superior rectus is supplied by branches of the ophthalmic artery and the lacrimal artery (1 to 5 pedicles). The medial rectus is supplied by branches of the ophthalmic artery and the inferior muscular artery (5 to 9 branches). The inferior muscle rectus is principally supplied by the inferior muscular artery (4 pedicles) and the lateral muscle is supplied by the lacrimal artery or the lateral muscular artery (3 to 6 branches). For innervation, the abducens nerve supplies the lateral rectus; the other muscles are supplied by the oculomotor nerve whose superior branch supplies the superior rectus and whose inferior branch, supplies the inferior and medial rectus. DISCUSSION: The arterial blood supply is variable. The arteries which lie near the rectus muscles usually supply one or more branches to the muscles. The arteries go into the muscles through their conal side. This arterial supply is at the posterior part of the muscle. Innervation, in contrast, is very constant and fixed. CONCLUSION: The arterial blood supply to the rectus muscles is variable but always substantial. The pedicles are numerous, often 3 to 5 for each muscle. Innervation is fixed and constant.     

Orbital exenteration after transarterial embolization in a patient with Wyburn-Mason syndrome: Pathological findings

BACKGROUND: We present the pathological findings at orbital exenteration in a patient with Wyburn-Mason syndrome who underwent transarterial embolization. CASE: A 31-year-old man with a 10-year history of gradual exacerbation of left exophthalmos and left cheek swelling was found to have facial and orbital arteriovenous malformations on the left side. There was no vascular malformation in the brain. The feeding arteries derived from the left internal maxillary artery, facial artery, and ophthalmic artery. He underwent several courses of transarterial embolization of the feeding arteries from the left internal maxillary artery and then from the facial artery, resulting in no reduction of the arteriovenous malformation. He finally elected to undergo ophthalmic artery embolization in the expectation of a reduction and with the understanding that he would lose sight in his left eye. Two years later, he requested lid-sparing orbital exenteration and reconstruction with cutaneous flap transfer and prosthesis for cosmetic reasons. OBSERVATIONS: Pathologically, orbital vascular channels of varying sizes were filled with embolizing glue and had degenerating vascular wall cells surrounded by inflammatory cell infiltration. The central retinal artery in the optic nerve was also filled with the embolizing glue, and the retina lost the ganglion cell layer and inner nuclear layer but maintained the outer nuclear layer and outer segments. CONCLUSIONS: Marked anastomoses and hence incomplete embolization among the feeding arteries of facial and orbital vascular malformations in Wyburn-Mason syndrome do not respond well to attempts at feeding vessel embolization, which result in unsuccessful closure of the malformation.