A heart-stopping orbital injury

Pandya, Vivek B; Conway, R Max; Conway, Richard

doi:10.5694/j.1326-5377.2008.tb02095.x

Topics

To the Editor: The oculocardiac reflex is a potentially life-threatening phenomenon requiring prompt recognition and management. It is defined as a 20% or greater reduction in heart rate and/or the presence of arrhythmias during stimulation of the orbital contents.1 It is most commonly encountered in the context of paediatric squint surgery.

1 Sydney Eye Hospital, Sydney, NSW.
2 Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW.

Correspondence: vivekpandya@hotmail.com

Acknowledgements:

Acknowledgement: We thank Mr Douglas Nash for his assistance in image preparation.

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2. Aschner B. Über einen bisher noch nicht beschriebenen Reflex, vom Auge auf Kreislauf und Atmung. Verschwinden des Radialispulses bei Druck auf das Auge [Concerning a hitherto not yet described reflex from the eye on circulation and respiration. Disappearance of the radial pulse with pressure on the eye] [German]. Wien Klin Wochenschr 1908; 21: 1529-1590.
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4. Burnstine MA. Clinical recommendations for repair of orbital facial fractures. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2003; 14: 236-240.
5. Sires BS. Orbital trapdoor fracture and the oculocardiac reflex [letter]. Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg 1999; 15: 301.

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