Superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis associated with severe facial trauma: a case report

INTRODUCTION: Superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis is a rare entity, but is associated with significant morbidities. We describe a case in which superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis occurred shortly after severe facial trauma. CASE PRESENTATION: A 77-year-old Japanese man was transferred to our tertiary hospital after a motor vehicle accident. Le Fort III facial bone fractures and a minor cerebral contusion were detected. Follow-up computed tomography scans detected dilatation of his left superior ophthalmic vein on day 3 and thrombosis on day 12; however, no causative carotid cavernous fistula was observed. As he did not present with any symptoms other than slight conjunctival congestion, a conservative management strategy was adopted along with anticoagulant therapy against deep venous thrombosis. The superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis resolved spontaneously and the conjunctival congestion also improved. CONCLUSIONS: Superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis should be taken into consideration and managed properly after severe facial injuries, and further investigation of its cause is necessary to prevent morbidities.