Acquired Brown Syndrome (Superior Oblique Tendon Sheath Syndrome)

Brown syndrome is a problem with a tendon that attaches to the eyeball. The tendon is called the superior oblique muscle tendon. In Brown syndrome, this tendon can't move freely. This limits the eye's movement. Brown syndrome is a rare disorder. It's usually present at birth (congenital). In some cases, it occurs later in life (acquired).

Eye movement is done with muscles and tendons attached to the eye. The superior oblique muscle tendon attaches to a small eye muscle. This muscle pulls the eye toward the middle, pulls the eye to look down, and rotates the eye. The superior oblique muscle tendon moves through a ring of tissue that surrounds it. The ring of tissue is called the tendon sheath.

Brown syndrome is caused by problems with the superior oblique muscle tendon or its sheath. The muscle tendon or its sheath might be too short or thick. Acquired Brown syndrome is caused by things that shorten, thicken, inflame, or scar the muscle tendon or its sheath. Causes can include:

• Injury.
• Inflammatory disease, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
• Complication from eye surgery.
• Inflammation of the white of the eye (scleritis).
• Sinus infection.

In some cases, the cause of acquired Brown syndrome isn't known.

The symptoms may only be temporary. Brown syndrome most often affects only one eye. In rare cases, both eyes are affected. The symptoms can range from mild to severe.

If Brown syndrome affects the right eye:

• You may not be able to look up with the right eye when looking to the left.

If Brown syndrome affects the left eye:

• You may not be able to look up with the left eye when looking to the right.

Other signs and symptoms of Brown syndrome include:

• Pain with eye movement.
• Double vision.
• Eyes not lined up with each other (strabismus).
• Droopy eyelid (ptosis).
• Can't focus with both eyes unless you hold your chin up and tilt your head.

Diagnosis begins with a health history and physical exam. This includes a thorough eye exam. You may also have imaging tests. These can help give more information about the superior oblique muscle tendon.

Treatment for acquired Brown syndrome depends on its cause. And it depends on how severe the symptoms are. Brown syndrome caused by inflammation may be treated with corticosteroids. Or it may be treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine, such as ibuprofen. Treating the cause may also reduce symptoms. For example, Brown syndrome caused by lupus may be helped when the lupus is treated with corticosteroids.

You may need surgery if you have severe symptoms. During surgery, the surgeon cuts the superior oblique muscle tendon and uses a device to lengthen it. This can allow the muscle tendon to move normally.

Let your doctor know if your symptoms get worse.