Eyelid arteriovenous malformation treated with embolization leading to a branch retinal artery occlusion

BACKGROUND: Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are serious vascular abnormalities that rarely affect the eye. However, documented cases of eyelid AVMs have been reported to occur spontaneously or after trauma. Treatment for AVMs, which generally include embolization and resection, can also pose a risk to a patient's life and vision. CASE REPORT: This report describes a 21-year-old man who experienced multiple branch artery occlusions resulting in severe visual field defects after treatment for an eyelid AVM. CONCLUSION: Eyelid AVM is a rare but potentially serious condition that should be considered a differential when a patient presents with a new-onset swollen lid. Physicians and patients must also be aware of potential risks involved in the treatment of this condition, especially if select embolization is to be performed. Optometry 2011;82:744-750