title: [Orbital hematomas].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Orbital hematomas may occur spontaneously, as a result of vascular anomalities, or they may be induced by trauma or occur following paranasal sinus surgery. The retrobulbar hematoma requires special attention because of its potential compression of the optic nerve may compromise vision or cause blindness.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report on four cases: two subperiostal orbital hematomas, a spontaneous retrobulbar hematoma, and one orbital hematoma due to trauma.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In one case a vascular anomality was detected by angiography. Though temporary blindness occurred in this case, it was possible to preserve 30% vision by surgery. An infected subperiostal hematoma was successfully treated using an endonasal approach. Two cases (a traumatic and a subperiostal orbital hematoma) required no operative treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The diagnosis of an orbital hematoma should be made as quickly as possible to permit adequate early therapy. Decrease of vision or blindness caused by orbital hematoma may be improved through a lateral canthotomy as emergency measure and subsequently by draining the hematoma to relieve compression of the optic nerve.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für HNO-Krankheiten, Kopf-, Hals- und plastische Gesichtschirurgie, Kommunikationsstörungen.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Schick
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Weber
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Keerl
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Draf
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rochels
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001165:Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006406:Hematoma / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D009901:Optic Nerve Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D009915:Orbit / Q000098:blood supply; D009916:Orbital Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D009917:Orbital Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D010521:Periosteum / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery
vernacular_title: Orbitale Hämatome.