Spontaneous unilateral exophthalmos after a vaginal delivery

Eur J Ophthalmol. 2021 May;31(3):NP57-NP59. doi: 10.1177/1120672120914534. Epub 2020 Apr 13.

Abstract

Introduction: Spontaneous orbital exophthalmos is an extremely rare incident during a vaginal delivery. In most cases, it is associated with venous malformations and presents spontaneous resolution.

Case description: We report a case of orbital hematoma after vaginal delivery due to a superior ophthalmic vein rupture. The patient presented proptosis of the right eye and diplopia immediately after the delivery and was diagnosed with unilateral orbital hematoma. The patient was given conservative treatment with complete resolution of clinical symptoms 4 weeks after the delivery.

Conclusion: Increased abdominal pressure during a vaginal delivery may lead to a spontaneous orbital hemorrhage.

Keywords: Exophthalmos; orbital hematoma; vaginal delivery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Delivery, Obstetric
  • Diplopia
  • Exophthalmos* / diagnosis
  • Exophthalmos* / etiology
  • Eye Hemorrhage*
  • Female
  • Hematoma / diagnosis
  • Hematoma / etiology
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy