Haemangioma of the orbit. Case causing periodic venous obstruction and exophthalmos treated successfully by a posteriorly placed orbital decompression.

HAEMANGIOMAS are well-known formations; they occur all over the body although they are exceedingly rare in the orbit. It is not our intention here to discuss the pathology of these neoplasms or malformations, as this has already been done adequately by Ewing (1940), Boyd (1947), and Willis (1948). For a comprehensive bibliography on orbital tumours and, in particular, on orbital haemangiomas, reference should be made to Reese's (1963) textbook Tumors of the Eye. Our object in reporting this case is to illustrate certain special features of these formations. Also, we have had the opportunity of observing the clinical behaviour of this particular patient over a period of eighteen years. A specially designed posteriorly placed decompression was carried out to overcome venous obstruction at the sphenoidal fissure.