Proptosis after retrobulbar corticosteroid injections

Purpose: This report describes the clinical, radiographic, and histopathologic findings in patients with proptosis secondary to lipomatosis after retrobulbar corticosteroid injection. Design: Retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series and review of the literature. Methods: Five patients who developed symptomatic unilateral proptosis after steroid injection were studied and the literature was reviewed. Results: No previous description was found in the literature. All five cases were studied with computed tomography, and two cases were confirmed with histopathology. No fibrosis or granulomatous inflammation was identified. Conclusions: Orbital lipomatosis is a potential complication of retrobulbar steroid injections. Symptomatic relief can be provided by a transconjunctival approach to the lower lid fat compartment. Ophthalmology 2003; 110:443-447 (C) 2003 by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.