The reported clinical features associated with Brown syndrome have not changed significantly since the initial studies.[2] Von Noorden described in detail variable features which are not always present.[2][6] The hallmark sign is a limited elevation in adduction. If there is a severe restriction, then a down shoot in the adduction of the affected eye (s) can also be present. A positive, forced duction test confirms the diagnosis. A hypotropia can sometimes be present in the primary position, often proportional to the restriction severity. An abnormal head posture consisting of a chin up and a contralateral face turn to avoid the hypotropia allows for binocular fusion and comfortable vision. Patients who have acquired Brown syndrome, especially in adulthood, will be more likely to experience diplopia when tropic. Systemic features can also be present in the acquired Brown syndrome of inflammatory etiology, i.e., superonasal orbital pain and tenderness on movement or palpation.[17][18][19] An audible "click" on the ocular movement can be heard.[20] The history and certain physical findings are dependent on the etiology of Brown syndrome and will determine the evaluation and management strategies.

Clinical Features

• Deficient or absent elevation in adduction
• Normal or minimal elevation deficiency in the abduction
• Mild elevation deficit in primary position
• Positive forced duction test
• Minimal or no superior oblique overaction

Variable Features

• Down shoot in adduction
• V-pattern due to divergence in up gaze
• Widening of the palpebral fissure in adduction
• Anomalous head posture (chin up and contralateral face turn)
• Hypotropia in primary position

Following a detailed history, the clinical evaluation should include a thorough examination of ocular motility. Clinical features of Brown syndrome will be sought, and a forced duction test conducted. This can be performed with a local topical anesthetic (the patient may experience discomfort), or it can be performed with the patient anesthetized in theatre. A positive test is demonstrated by restriction of passive elevation in adduction of the affected eye. Retroplacement of the globe with forceps during attempted passive elevation in adduction will stretch the superior oblique muscle, accentuating the restriction of Brown syndrome. Dependent on the etiology, further imaging or laboratory investigations may become necessary, e.g., radiological imaging in cases of traumatic Brown syndrome and referral to medical teams for management of inflammatory causes may be warranted.

Observation and conservative management is the mainstay for most forms of Brown syndrome. Spontaneous improvement is common for acquired cases, although less common in congenital ones. Non-surgical treatment includes eye exercises and treatment of underlying causes, e.g., oral or local injection of corticosteroids for inflammation. Improvements after daily eye exercises have been reported in case series and reports. Both oral and injection of corticosteroids have been effective in cases of acquired Brown syndrome due to juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Steroid-sparing immunosuppressants, e.g., adalimumab, have been used successfully in isolated cases of Brown syndrome refractory to steroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy.[21] 

Surgical treatment is indicated if there is a hypotropia and/or symptomatic anomalous head posture in the primary position. If the patient finds the cosmetic appearance unacceptable, then this may be a relative indication for surgery. The goals of treatment are the improvement of binocular fusion in physiological fields of gaze and version normalization. Tenotomy of the superior oblique tendon has proved more effective than the removal of the tendon sheath. Severing the entire tendon can lead to unpredictable results, including causing a superior oblique palsy.[8] An ipsilateral inferior oblique recession with the tenotomy has been proposed by Parks and Eustis to reduce the effect of secondary superior oblique palsy.[22] Wright described the insertion of a silicone expander that elongated the superior oblique tendon and its effectiveness in 1991, which is in use today.[23][24] 

Medical grade silicone, e.g., retinal band, is inserted between cut ends of the superior oblique tendon and sutured in place without disruption of the floor of the tendon capsule. Another method of weakening the superior oblique is via a graduated recession, first proposed by Calderia in 1975 in treatment of A pattern strabismus with superior oblique overaction.[25] Moghadam et al. reported effective treatment of severe congenital Brown syndrome with a superior oblique tendon split lengthening technique.[26] Trochlea reconstruction and adhesiotomy have been used for cases of the acquired Brown syndrome, where this is the source of elevation limitation.[27]

The following are some important and common differentials that need to be considered while establishing the diagnosis of Brown syndrome:

1. Inferior oblique palsy
2. Orbital fracture
3. Superior oblique overaction
4. Congenital fibrosis syndrome
5. Double elevator palsy
6. Adherence syndromes

Superior oblique overaction, with or without inferior oblique palsy, will reveal free passive elevation with forced duction testing, and an "A" pattern on upgaze due to superior oblique overaction, in contrast to Brown syndrome. Orbital fractures can cause extraocular muscle entrapment and mechanical limitation of elevation. This can be differentiated from Brown by marked restriction of elevation in both abduction, adduction, and associated findings such as a history of trauma, infraorbital paraesthesia, or enophthalmos. Congenital fibrosis syndromes affect multiple extraocular muscles. The elevator can also be affected resulting in ptosis, which along with elevation deficiencies both in abduction and adduction, help to differentiate from Brown syndrome. Finally, in double elevator palsy (monocular elevation deficiency), the elevation deficiency in abduction is equal to or greater than that in adduction. Forced duction testing can be positive, and is accentuated by proptosis of the globe.

The severity of Brown syndrome can be graded as follows:

• Mild: Restricted elevation in adduction, no hypotropia or down shoot in adduction
• Moderate: Restricted elevation and down shoot in adduction, no hypotropia in primary position
• Severe: Restricted elevation and marked down shoot in adduction with hypotropia present in primary position

The primary congenital Brown syndrome can be observed as many cases do result in spontaneous improvement. Furthermore, there is less a need for upgaze as the child grows, unless the final height is below average. Surgery is unpredictable, with subsequent procedures often necessary to treat an iatrogenic superior oblique palsy caused by tenectomy or tenotomy. Inflammatory causes are characterized by the ocular motility findings of Brown syndrome associated with pain, which can be localized to the affected trochlea region. Local tenderness on palpation is often present and can fluctuate with relapsing episodes. Peri-ocular corticosteroid injections to the affected area have been described with a good response.[28] 

Post-traumatic Brown syndrome has become less frequent in countries that have stricter road safety regulations. Surgical treatment, such as superior oblique tenotomy, often requires a second procedure on the ipsilateral and contralateral vertical recti and oblique muscles to improve the field of binocular vision.[29]

Intraoperative complications include excessive bleeding, lost muscle, perforation of the globe, and damage to surrounding ocular structures. Postoperative complications are scarring, under and over-correction, superior oblique palsy, need for further surgery, and implant extrusion (in cases of silicone tendon expander).

Patient education, including the parents, can help with the management of the primary congenital Brown syndrome. Explanation of the etiology and need for surgical intervention, only when there is no improvement or symptoms, can help reassure patients. If patients are unconcerned by their compensatory head position and do not have diplopia, then conservative management is adequate. Treating the underlying cause of the acquired Brown syndrome, e.g., inflammatory causes, can lead to symptom relief. If surgery is indicated, detailed discussion with the patient regarding risks and benefits, including possible worsening of symptoms, is necessary before proceeding. Patients can also be provided with relevant educational material and directed to support groups, which can be beneficial to their wellbeing and outcome.

Brown syndrome can be challenging to diagnose, with multiple etiologies possible in the acquired category. A thorough history and clinical evaluation are, therefore, essential. Observation and conservative management in primary congenital Brown syndrome can allow most patients time for spontaneous improvement to occur. Surgery can be reserved for patients who show no improvement; however, multiple surgeries are often required. Inflammatory causes of Brown syndrome could respond to local corticosteroid injection. Traumatic Brown syndrome is difficult to manage, often with disappointing results.

Evaluation of the patient with Brown syndrome requires an interprofessional approach, involving physicians, orthoptists, nurses, pharmacists, and ophthalmic technicians. The multidisciplinary health staff will guide the patient through any post-operative care with instructions on the correct administration of eye drops. They will also explain to the patient red-flag symptoms to be aware of, and the need to contact the team should he/she develop them. They will be part of the patient follow-up in an outpatient setting, assisting with visual acuity and orthoptic assessments. [Level 5]