Orbital spindle cell hemangioma with acute presentation

Abstract

We report an unusual presentation of an orbital spindle cell hemangioma in a 40-year-old male, who noted sudden redness and swelling of the left eye on waking up. On examination, the patient was found to have edema of upper eyelid edema, periorbital ecchymosis, and subconjunctival hemorrhage in the left eye at presentation. On treatment with topical medications, patient had transient symptomatic relief; however, he later developed blurring of vision. When seen 10 days later, the patient's left eye showed axial proptosis. Radiological investigations revealed an intraconal soft tissue mass in the left medial rectus. Emergency orbital decompression with mass excision was done; histopathological examination of the excised mass revealed spindle cell hemangioma. Postsurgery patient had complete restoration of vision. To our knowledge, an acute presentation of an orbital hemangioma with subconjunctival hemorrhage and periorbital ecchymosis, visual loss doesn't occur commonly; hence, such presentations have to be reviewed with care.