INTRODUCTION: Vertical restraction syndrome is a rare,congenital eye vertical movement disorder characterized by the retraction of the globe and narrowing of the palpebral fissure during downward or upward gaze.The authors described the MR Imaging findings of eight children with clinical confirmed vertical restraction syndrome.METHODS: Eight children between 15 months and 13 years of age,mean age was 6.53±3.69 years.All patients presented unilateral restriction in up or downward gaze with retraction of the globe and narrowing of the palpebral fissure,the unusual features which have been noted in these cases including eyelid lag and the difference between restriction to elevation and atypical of strabismus.MRI of the orbits was performed.RESULTS:All the patients exhibited anomalous orbital structures having MRI signal isointense to the extraocular muscles in the retrobulbar space of the affect orbits.4 hypertropia,bands revealed in the superonasal quadrant that between medial rectus and superior rectus or adjacent to the superior rectus; 2 intermittent exotropia,bands in the inferotemporal quadrant,one originate from the inferior rectus and another close to the lateral rectus; 2 hypotropia,bands between the optic and inferior rectus.DISCUSSION: The anatomical differences of the orbital bands lead to atypical strabismus.When the eyelid lag was found since the early age,anomalous orbital structures were implied.Conclusion: Anomalous orbital bands are a main cause of vertical retraction syndrome.The presence of specific unusual eye movement and MRI imaging may assist in diagnosis.