Results of Intralesional Bleomycin Sclerotherapy for Treatment of Orbital Lymphangiomas at a Tertiary Eye Care Centre in Bangladesh

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the role of intralesional bleomycin injection for the treatment of orbital lymphangiomas.

Methods: This was a prospective interventional case study. Twelve patients diagnosed with orbital lymphangiomas received intralesional bleomycin injection at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg body weight (maximum 15 mg) along with lignocaine 2%. Those who required retreatment were injected at intervals of 4 weeks. The outcome was reviewed radiologically and using serial photographic comparison.

Result: Proptosis and lid swelling were the most frequent presentations. The number of injections ranged from 1 to 3. Fifty percent of our patients showed complete resolution, and the other 50% showed more than 70% resolution as evidenced radiologically and on digital photography.

Conclusion: No significant ophthalmic or systemic side effect was noticed in our study group. Therefore, intralesional bleomycin injection can be considered as first-line therapy for treatment of orbital lymphangiomas.

Keywords: Bleomycin; Lymphangioma; Vascular malformation.