B-scan ultrasonic evaluation of a dilated superior ophthalmic vein in orbital and retro-orbital arteriovenous anomalies.
All patients between 1977 and 1982 who presented with unilateral exophthalmos were evaluated with contact B-scan ultrasonography. Of these, eight patients were diagnosed as having retro-orbital or orbital arteriovenous anomalies (two carotidcavernous sinus fistulas, four dural arteriovenous malformations, and two orbital arteriovenous malformations). On B-scan ultrasound, all of these patients demonstrated a dilated superior ophthalmic vein. None of the other patients with unilateral proptosis demonstrated this finding. With recent advances in treatment of these conditions, early diagnosis becomes increasingly important. Contact B-scan ultrasonography (which is widely available, convenient, and expedient) can be used for early diagnosis of arteriovenous anomalies in the orbit and cavernous sinus areas. Other ultrasonic techniques such as A-scan, standardized A-scan, or immersion B-scan, are equally reliable in the recognition of a dilated superior orbital vein. In the authors' opinion, however, these are less convenient, more time consuming, and require more expertise for similar results.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004388:Dura Mater / Q000098:blood supply; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D002538:Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009915:Orbit / Q000098:blood supply*; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014680:Veins