The inferior ophthalmic vein runs along the floor of the orbit receiving tributaries from the inferior rectus and inferior oblique muscles, the lacrimal sac, and the lower eyelid. It communicates anteriorly with the facial vein and the pterygoid venous plexus via the inferior orbital fissure, and joins the superior ophthalmic vein or drains independently into the cavernous sinus through the superior orbital fissure.
The inferior ophthalmic vein's connection with the pterygoid plexus via the inferior orbital fissure creates a venous communication between the deep face and the cavernous sinus. In low-flow carotid-cavernous fistulae (indirect CCF from dural AV fistulae), arterialized blood from the cavernous sinus may drain anteriorly through both ophthalmic veins, producing bilateral chemosis and proptosis. Embolisation of indirect CCF sometimes requires access via the inferior ophthalmic vein approach through the inferior orbital fissure.
Low-flow dural carotid-cavernous fistulae produce arterialized venous congestion that drains anteriorly through the inferior ophthalmic vein to the pterygoid plexus and the facial vein, causing unilateral or bilateral conjunctival injection, chemosis, and mild proptosis often mistaken for chronic conjunctivitis.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
