Congenital orbital varices causing extreme neonatal proptosis

PURPOSE: To report a 6-week-old male with extreme proptosis caused by thrombosed orbital varices. METHODS: A 6-week-old male presented with advanced proptosis of his left eye. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging studies of the orbits revealed a heterogeneous cystic mass that filled the entire left orbit. Extreme proptosis and corneal exposure prompted urgent surgical excision of the mass. Histopathologic review of the lesion was consistent with orbital varices. CONCLUSIONS: Although orbital varices usually are found in adults, they should be considered in the differential diagnosis of orbital lesions in children. Observation is usually warranted, but surgical intervention may be necessary in advanced cases.