Summary
Background Dilated episcleral vessels may be observed in patients with orbital tumors, carotid-cavernous-sinus
fistula and other orbital obstructive lesions. As an idiopathic phenomenon dilated
episcleral vessels may be associated with secondary open-angle glaucoma.
Patient We report on a 59-year-old patient with a history of secondary open-angle glaucoma
and dilated episcleral vessels for 5 years (Radius-Maumenee syndrome).
Results In these patients, the pressure of the episcleral vessels is elevated and therefore
the outflow from Schlemm's Canal is reduced. This leads to elevated intraocular pressure
and secondary glaucoma.
Conclusion Treatment options in this condition include medication to lower the intraocular pressure
or microsurgical sinusotomy to reduce the pressure-gradient from Schlemm's Canal to
the episcleral vessels.
Schlüsselwörter
Idiopathische episklerale Venenstauung - Radius-Maumenee-Syndrom - sekundäres Offenwinkelglaukom
- Sinusotomie
Key words
idiopathic episcleral vessel-dilatation - Radius-Maumenee syndrome - secondary open-angle
glaucoma - sinusotomy
