B-Scan Ultrasonography of Orbital Varices

Summary

Twenty three cases of orbital varices were revealed by contact B-scan ultrasonography, among which 19 were of the primary type and 4 were secondary. This paper describes the special echo patterns seen in primary and secondary orbital varices by the pressure test. The clinical pictures of orbital varices and the key points of the ultrasonic diagnosis are discussed.

Orbital varices can be divided into two types: primary and secondary. The former is a congenital venous malformation, and the latter is caused by either intracranial or intraorbital arteriovenous communication. Orbital venography is employed in the diagnosis of primary varices, while carotid angiography is used to demonstrate secondary varices. Both procedures are painful, although they are effective in detecting the malformed vessels. In our study, 23 cases with suspected intraorbital varices were examined with B-scan ultrasonography. Positive results were obtained in all cases. As a nonpainful method ultra- sonography has advantages, as compared with the conventional painful pro- cedures.