Recurrent Orbital Varices Following Surgical Excision With and Without Prior Embolization with n-Butyl Cyanoacrylate – Accepted Manuscript

Abstract: Purpose: To report a series of four recurrent orbital varices following resection, two of which were embolized with cyanoacrylate glue preoperatively.Design: Retrospective case seriesMethods: Charts of all patients seen by a single orbital surgeon from January 1986 to June 2013 with presumed or histologically confirmed orbital varix were reviewed retrospectively. Four patients were identified with recurrence of symptoms following resection of the varix, two following embolization with n-butyl cyanoacrylate, and two via a right frontal craniotomy. Each had initial complete resolution of their symptoms followed by recurrence to a lesser degree. Characteristics and common features in each case were reviewed.Results: Following initial resection these four patients had recurrence of their symptoms within 8 months to 12 years. A common feature among them included an active lifestyle involving significant heavy lifting.Conclusions: Orbital varices may be recurrent, even following n-butyl cyanoacrylate embolization, with repeated Valsalva type maneuvers.