Orbital Lymphangioma: Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes of 12 Cases

PURPOSE: To report the patient characteristics and treatment outcomes in 12 cases of orbital lymphangioma. METHODS: In this study, orbital lymphangioma was diagnosed based on clinical, radiologic (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging), and histologic findings when possible. Patients whose vision was not compromised by orbital lymphangioma, or that did not have increased intraocular pressure (IOP), received oral corticosteroids. Orbital lymphangioma that affected vision or increased IOP was treated by surgery, which included aspiration of blood or partial resection with or without injection of a sclerosant. RESULTS: Four patients without compromised vision responded well to oral corticosteroids. Eight patients with compromised vision underwent some form of surgery. Bleeding recurred in three patients after aspiration of blood and in two after partial resection and intralesional injection of a sclerosant. Overall, five patients were treated successfully by aspiration of blood, intralesional injection of a sclerosant, and application of continuous negative pressure by appropriate drainage. Partial resection was successful in two patients with organized hematoma. CONCLUSIONS: Orbital lymphangioma that does not compromise vision can be treated medically using oral corticosteroids. Patients with threatened vision or elevated IOP due to acute hemorrhage should be treated by aspiration of blood, intralesional injection of a sclerosant, and application of continuous negative pressure. Partial resection may be effective only in patients with organized hematoma.