Pulsating enophthalmos in association with an orbital varix

Abstract

We report a case of pulsating enophthalmos secondary to orbital varix associated with orbital bony defects. A 64-year-old female with pulsating enophthalmos of the right eye was found to have a right orbital mass with bony defects of the orbit. Valsalva maneuver failed to induce proptosis. The diagnosis of orbital varix was confirmed by exploratory orbitotomy. During general anesthesia for orbitotomy, proptosis of the right eye was noted. Ophthalmologists should be aware of the association between orbital varices and cranial bony defects and encephaloceles. Proptosis induced by general anesthesia and positive pressure ventilation suggests an underlying distensible venous anomaly.