Optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI) represents a novel technique for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is an inflammatory vascular disease in which prompt and accurate diagnosis is critical. The efficacy of temporal artery biopsy (TAB) is limited by 'skip' lesions and a delay in histological analysis. This first-in-man ex-vivo study aims to assess the accuracy of optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI) in diagnosing GCA. SUBJECTS/METHODS: 29 TAB samples of patients with suspected GCA were submerged in 0.9% sodium chloride and an OFDI catheter was passed through the lumen to create cross-sectional images prior to histological analysis. The specimens were then preserved in formalin for histological examination. Mean intimal thickness (MIT) on OFDI was measured, and the presence of both multinucleate giant cells (MNGCs) and fragmentation of the internal elastic lamina (FIEL) was assessed and compared with histology, used as the diagnostic gold standard. RESULTS: MIT in patients with/without histological evidence of GCA was 0.425 mm (±0.43) and 0.13 mm (±0.06) respectively compared with 0.215 mm (±0.09) and 0.135 mm (±0.07) on OFDI. MIT measured by OFDI was significantly higher in patients with histologically diagnosed arteritis compared to those without (p = 0.0195). For detecting FIEL and MNGCs, OFDI had a sensitivity of 75% and 28.6% and a specificity of 100% and 77.3% respectively. Applying diagnostic criteria of MIT > 0.20 mm, or the presence of MNGCs or FIEL, the sensitivity of detecting histological arteritis using OFDI was 91.4% and the specificity 94.1%. CONCLUSIONS: OFDI provided rapid imaging of TAB specimens achieving a diagnostic accuracy comparable to histological examination. In-vivo imaging may allow imaging of a longer arterial section.

Qualitative and Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Bacterial Orbital Cellulitis.

PURPOSE: To summarise the qualitative and quantitative parameters of bacterial orbital cellulitis (OC) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and explore their clinical correlations. METHODS: Multi-centre retrospective study with inclusion of patients of all ages with OC who underwent MRI. Patients with isolated pre-septal cellulitis, bilateral disease and poor-quality scans were excluded. An enlargement ratio for extraocular muscles (EOMs) was calculated by dividing maximal EOM measurements from the affected side by the contralateral side. RESULTS: Twenty MRI scans from twenty patients (Mean age: 40.8 ± 24.3 years old, M: F = 15:5) between 2011 and 2022 were analysed. Three (15.0%) cases were paediatric patients (<18 years old). All cases had both pre-septal and orbital fat involvement. The EOM were affected in nineteen cases, with the superior muscle complex (18/19, 94.7%) most commonly affected. Mean enlargement ratio (1.30, Range: 1.04-1.82) was greatest for the medial rectus on axial views on T1 and fat-suppressed contrast-enhanced T1 (FS CE T1). Optic peri-neuritis was present in eleven (55.0%) patients, whilst two (9.5%) cases had optic neuritis. A greater degree of proptosis was observed in patients with optic neuropathy and those who underwent surgical intervention compared to those without (p = .002 and p = .002, respectively). CONCLUSION: MRI remains an important imaging modality for evaluating complicated OC. However, qualitative features may lack accuracy and is not a reproducible means of analysis. Simple quantitative parameters, such as proptosis and EOM measurements, correlate with high-risk clinical features and may have utility in predicting clinical course.

Simulation-based training for intraoperative posterior capsule rupture management: an analysis of nontechnical skills development and the relationship between technical and nontechnical skills.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse development of individual nontechnical skills (NTS) domains after undertaking a previously developed simulation-based training model and analyse the relationship between technical skills (TS) and NTS in ophthalmic surgery. METHODS: The simulation-based training model involved a cataract surgery case complicated by intraoperative posterior capsule rupture. Cataract surgeons underwent the simulation twice, separated by a training intervention. Two blinded independent experts assessed participants' NTS using HUFOES, NOn-Technical Skills for Surgeons (NOTSS), and the OSATS global rating scale for TS. Paired t-tests assessed differences in individual NTS domains, with p < 0.05 indicating significance. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to assess the correlation between scores from each scoring system. RESULTS: All NTS domains within HUFOES and NOTSS demonstrated statistically significant improvements secondary to the training intervention. Positive correlations were demonstrated between HUFOES and OSATS scores in the pre- and post-training simulations, r = 0.870 (p < 0.001) and r = 0.861 (p < 0.001), respectively. Positive correlations were also demonstrated between NOTSS and OSATS scores in pre- and post-training simulations, r = 0.849 (p < 0.001) and r = 0.757 (p = 0.001), respectively. Positive correlations were demonstrated between HUFOES and NOTSS scores; r = 0.979 (p < 0.001) (n = 17) and r = 0.959 (p < 0.001) for pre- and post-training simulations, respectively. CONCLUSION: All NTS domains contained within HUFOES and NOTSS demonstrated significant increases following the completion of the simulation-based training model. Positive correlations exist between an ophthalmic surgeon's TS and NTS. This is the first study to report these findings within ophthalmic surgery.

Histopathological features of asymmetric lacrimal gland enlargement in patients with thyroid eye disease.

PURPOSE: Lacrimal gland enlargement can be a feature of thyroid eye disease (TED). Unilateral or asymmetric lacrimal gland enlargement is poorly described and may impede diagnosis. We present the histological and clinical findings of four patients with asymmetric lacrimal gland enlargement. METHODS: A retrospective case note review was performed for patients over two tertiary orbital clinics (Royal Adelaide Hospital, South Australia and the Sussex Eye Hospital, Brighton, United Kingdom) presenting with an asymmetrical lacrimal gland enlargement with a background of TED that underwent biopsy to exclude alternate diagnoses. Baseline data was collected for each patient and histopathological images and reports were reviewed. RESULTS: All four patients were hyperthyroid at time of lacrimal gland biopsy. Biopsy demonstrated nonspecific, lymphoid aggregates, typically of B cell type, with no diagnostic findings to support lymphocyte clonality or IgG4-related disease. One biopsy specimen demonstrated evidence of some fibrosis. CONCLUSION: Asymmetrical lacrimal gland enlargement can occur as part of the TED spectrum but may require biopsy to exclude alternate pathology. Histology demonstrates a non-specific lymphocytic infiltrate.

Perineural invasion and perineural spread in periocular squamous cell carcinoma.

Perineural invasion (PNI) in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the periocular region is a prognostic marker of adverse tumour outcomes. PNI carries a well-established risk of tumour recurrence, regional metastasis and higher likelihood of mortality. This review will explore and stratify the risks conferred by histological PNI parameters. The radiological features of perineural spread (PNS) and the imaging sequences that delineate these findings will also be highlighted. Surgical excision with en face margin control is the preferred technique for achieving histological clearance. Adjuvant radiotherapy improves treatment outcomes in the setting of concomitant high-risk features. For locally advanced or metastatic cutaneous SCC, immunotherapy represents a novel treatment alternative. This review will provide an algorithm for the diagnosis and management of periocular SCC with PNI and PNS.

Acute Bilateral Orbital Myositis Following Covid 19 Vaccination.

The authors present a case of acute bilateral orbital myositis occurring 24 hours after the administration of the mRNA1273 vaccination for COVID 19. The patient was presented with right proptosis, with orbital imaging demonstrating bilateral enlargement of all the extraocular muscles. Serological investigation did not reveal a precipitating cause or underlying disease process. The presenting features resolved entirely following treatment with methylprednisolone and the patient remains asymptomatic.

Non-technical skills simulation-based training model for managing intraoperative posterior capsule rupture during cataract surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To develop and implement a simulation-based training model for the management of posterior capsule rupture (PCR) from a non-technical skills (NTS) perspective, and analyse changes in participant's NTS and technical skills (TS). METHODS: The simulation-based training model consisted of two identical PCR simulations with NTS stressors applied, separated by a predominantly NTS focussed training intervention. Participants' TS and NTS were evaluated by two blinded assessors using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill (OSATS) global rating scale and the HUman Factors in intraoperative Ophthalmic Emergencies Scoring System (HUFOES) respectively. Paired t-tests were used to establish the difference in mean HUFOES and OSATS scores between initial and repeat simulations; p < 0.05 indicated statistical significance. McGaghie's model of translational outcomes for simulation-based learning was used to establish the simulation model's educational status. RESULTS: Seventeen cataract surgeons of varying training grades participated in the simulation-based training model. NTS improved with statistical significance; mean HUFOES scores increased from 48.7 ± 16.6 to 59.2 ± 14.8 (p < 0.001). Mean OSATS scores increased without statistical significance from 16.0 ± 7.3 to 17.9 ± 8.3 (p = 0.07). This simulation model achieved Level 1 (internal acceptability) and Level 2 (contained effects) according to McGaghie's model. CONCLUSIONS: This novel simulation-based training model was designed to improve the NTS required for managing intraoperative PCR, through the provision of an interactive training session. Statistically significant improvements in participants' NTS in combination with statistically insignificant improvements in TS demonstrate that the simulation-based training model has specificity within the NTS domain.

Malignant lesions of the caruncle.

Caruncle malignancy is rare, but signs of disease can be easily missed by both patients and clinicians. There is significant potential for significant morbidity and even mortality from delayed diagnosis and treatment. Clinical features of primary malignant cancer include rapid growth, pigment deposition, ulcerated surface and bleeding. Malignant diagnoses include lymphoproliferative disease, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, sebaceous carcinoma and malignant melanoma. Increased pigmentation is associated with melanoma, yellow coloured deposition with sebaceous carcinoma and a salmon-pink hue with lymphoproliferative disease. Treatment involves excision with margin control which may necessitate exenteration. Metastases to cervical and preauricular lymph nodes has been reported.

Periocular Granuloma Annulare: A Case Report of a Rare Childhood Disease in an Adult.

A 21-year-old female presented to the oculoplastic clinic with a 2-year history of raised lesions in the right upper eyelid and lateral canthus area. Due to their unusual appearance, the patient underwent an excisional biopsy of the lateral canthus lesion. A diagnosis of granuloma annulare was made after histopathology demonstrated palisading epithelioid granulomas with central fibrinoid necrosis and Alician blue positive acid mucin. Granuloma annulare is a benign inflammatory skin condition characterized by firm discolored papules or nodules classically arranged in an annular pattern. Periocular involvement is extremely rare in adults and may pose a diagnostic challenge to ophthalmologists unfamiliar with its presentation and management.

A Novel Snake-chain Metal Probed Silicon Intubation Set for Nasolacrimal Duct Intubation: A Cadaveric Feasibility Study.

PURPOSE: A fresh-frozen human cadaveric feasibility study to investigate the feasibility of probing and stenting the nasolacrimal ducts (NLDs) of human cadavers with a novel flexible bicanalicular nasolacrimal stent. METHODS: A custom-designed bicanalicular nasolacrimal stent was made by connecting a 250 mm long, 0.9 mm diameter silicone tube to a 200 mm long stainless-steel, snake-chain probe at each end. The punctum was dilated, and the snake-chain stent fed into the nasolacrimal drainage system. The emergence of the stents from the terminal end of the NLD and retrieval with a ball probe was conducted under endoscopic guidance. RESULTS: Bicanalicular nasolacrimal stenting with intranasal retrieval under endoscopic guidance was successfully achieved in six NLDs of three adult cadaveric nasolacrimal drainage systems. CONCLUSION: Despite being soft and flexible, the snake-chain silicon stent passes smoothly and freely through cadaveric human NLD and is easily retrieved from the nasal cavity. This novel NLD stent design may make stenting of the NLD easier and less traumatic.

Probable IGG4 related ophthalmic disease presenting with uveitis.

We present a case of an uncommon presentation of IgG4-related ophthalmic disease (ROD). A 58-year-old female presented with unilateral acute anterior uveitis of the right eye, which progressed to scleritis with the development of an associated orbital mass despite treatment with oral glucocorticoid. Initial histopathology of an orbital biopsy was non-diagnostic and continued progression of the disease lead to complete loss of vision in the right eye. The development of uveitis in the previously unaffected left eye led to the decision for enucleation of the right globe and further orbital biopsy. Histopathology revealed features supporting IgG4-related ophthalmic disease. Oral glucocorticoid therapy failed to induce remission, and rituximab therapy was initiated, leading to a rapid resolution in her symptoms. Other cases with a similar presentation report a poor visual prognosis, highlighting the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment of uveitis associated with signs of orbital or scleral involvement.

Topographical anatomy of the annulus of Zinn.

The anatomy and even existence of a common tendinous origin of the extraocular eye muscles, or annulus of Zinn, has widely been debated in anatomical literature. This study explored the anatomical origins of the recti muscles, their course into the orbit and the dural connections of the common tendinous origin with the skull base. Twenty orbits of ten adult human cadavers were dissected. The orbital apex and its dural connections were photographed. Histological examination of apical specimens was performed. In all cadavers, extraocular muscles were observed to have a common tendinous origin at the orbital apex, continuous with dural connections extending into the skull base. Accessory slips of the medial rectus were observed across all cadavers. Dual heads of the lateral rectus were observed in fourteen orbits of seven cadavers. The origin of the levator palpebrae superioris appeared to be contiguous with the superior rectus at the common tendinous origin in all but one cadaver. These results support the existence of a common tendinous origin of the extraocular muscles, that is continuous with the skull base dura. In addition, they support the existence of variations in orbital anatomy including dual or accessory muscle slips of the extraocular muscles.

The Management of Orbital Roof Fractures and Defects: A Review.

PURPOSE: To explore the anatomy, etiopathogenesis, diagnosis and classification, current evidence on intervention and the surgical management of orbital roof fractures and defects (ORFD) for oculoplastic surgeons presented with such cases. METHODS: A review of the current literature through the MEDLINE database using the following search terms: "orbital roof fracture (+treatment/management)," "orbital roof defect (+treatment/management)," "orbital roof erosion (+treatment/management)," "orbital roof repair," "orbital roof," "orbital fracture," "pediatric orbital roof (defect/fracture/erosion)," "orbital anatomy," and "orbital roof anatomy" was conducted. As relatively little has been published on this topic, inclusion criteria were broad and peer-reviewed articles judged to be of clinical importance, relevant to the aims of this review, were included. Non-English abstracts were also included if relevant. Year of publication was not a strict exclusion criterion, and older articles were judged for their suitability based on clinical importance and relevance to current practice. Additional references were obtained from citations in key articles and recommendations from the coauthors based on their areas of expertise. RESULTS: The etiopathogenesis of ORFD varies. Classification systems have been formulated to guide management decisions and can range from conservative management to complex neurosurgery. Eyelid approaches have also been described. This review provides a summary of the evidence for each and a management framework oculoplastic surgeons can use when presented with ORFD. CONCLUSION: Oculoplastic surgeons can be involved, either alone or as part of a multidisciplinary team, in the management of ORFD, and for some, conduct orbital approach reconstructive surgery.

Healthcare worker protection against epidemic viral respiratory disease.

Lower respiratory infections are often caused or precipitated by viruses and are a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. Mutations in these viral genomes can produce highly infectious strains that transmit across species and have the potential to initiate epidemic, or pandemic, human viral respiratory disease. Transmission between humans primarily occurs via the airborne route and is accelerated by our increasingly interconnected and globalised society. To this date, there have been four major human viral respiratory outbreaks in the 21st century. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at particular risk during respiratory epidemics or pandemics. This is due to crowded working environments where social distancing, or wearing respiratory personal protective equipment for prolonged periods, might prove difficult, or performing medical procedures that increase exposure to virus-laden aerosols, or bodily fluids. This review aims to summarise the evidence and approaches to occupational risk and protection of HCWs during epidemic or pandemic respiratory viral disease.

Correlation between surgical timing and postoperative ocular motility in orbital blowout fractures.

PURPOSE: The study reports the correlation between surgical timing and postoperative ocular motility in orbital blowout fractures. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 191 patients that underwent surgical repair for unilateral orbital fractures. All patients included in the study had symptomatic diplopia from the fracture. Patients were classified into one of three groups according to the time of surgery after injury: (1) Early (within 14 days of surgery), (2) intermediate (between 15 and 30 days), and (3) late (greater than 30 days). Ocular motility was measured presurgery and at 3 and 6 months postsurgery by Hess chart with calculation of the Hess area ratio (HAR%). RESULTS: Surgery was conducted at a mean of 24.7 ± 45.0 days (range: 1-283 days) postinjury. There were 120 patients in the early surgery group (surgery at 6.8 ± 3.8 days), 38 in the intermediate surgery group (20.7 ± 4.1 days), and 33 in the late surgery group (95.1 ± 75.0 days). Overall the HAR% improved significantly from a mean of 74.2% preoperatively to 90.8% at 6 months postoperatively (p < 0.01). In the early and intermediate groups, the postoperative HAR% improved significantly with all fracture regions (orbital floor, medial wall, and combined orbital medial wall and floor) (p < 0.05). However, in the late groups, the postoperative HAR% only improved significantly with orbital floor fractures. CONCLUSION: Pre- and postoperative the HAR% give objective evidence of ocular motility improvement with early orbital floor fracture repair surgery. However, observation can be deployed, as a significant improvement in ocular motility can also be achieved with reconstructive surgery conducted 30 days or more after depressed floor-fragment fractures. Early intervention should be prioritized for symptomatic medial wall fractures, as late surgery does not improve motility.

Validity of scoring systems for the assessment of technical and non-technical skills in ophthalmic surgery-a systematic review.

Evaluation and recommendation of the scoring systems for technical skills (TS) and non-technical skills (NTS) assessments in ophthalmic surgery. A literature search was performed between December 2019 and May 2020. Studies describing the development or validation of TS or NTS scoring systems in ophthalmic surgery were included. Only scoring systems for completion by hand were included. The primary outcome was the validity and reliability status for each scoring system. The secondary outcome was recommendation based on modified Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine guidelines. Nineteen and five scoring systems were identified for TS and NTS respectively. TS scoring systems exist for cataract surgery (including the steps of phacoemulsification and paediatric cataract surgery) ptosis, strabismus, lateral tarsal strip, vitrectomy, and intraocular surgery in general. NTS scoring systems apply to cataract surgery or ophthalmic surgery in general. No single scoring system satisfied all validity and reliability measures. The recommended TS scoring systems are 'International Council of Ophthalmology's Ophthalmology Surgical Competency Assessment Rubrics' (ICO-OSCAR) for phacoemulsification, strabismus and paediatric cataract surgery, and 'Objective Structured Assessment of Cataract Surgical Skill' (OSACSS). Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons (NOTSS), Observational Teamwork Assessment for Surgery (OTAS) and Anaesthetists Non-Technical Skills (ANTS) are recommended for NTS. There is a paucity of NTS scoring systems. Further research is required to validate all scoring systems to consistent standards. Limitations of the assessment tools included infrequent quantification of face and content validity, and inconsistency in terminology and statistical methods between studies.

The trend of recovery period on postoperative eye movement in orbital blowout fractures.

To investigate the trend of restoration of postoperative eye movements after orbital blowout fractures by analyzing the percentage of Hess area ratio (HAR%). This was a retrospective study of patients who underwent orbital blow out reconstruction surgery within 28-days post injury. Eye movements were measured preoperatively and 3, 6, and 12 months post operatively by Hess chart. Orbital fractures were classified into three shapes: trap-door fracture with muscle entrapment, trap-door fracture with incarcerated tissue, and depressed fracture. Correlations between fracture shapes, regions, reconstruction implant, age and HAR% were analyzed. This study involved 125 eyes (64 right eyes and 61 left eyes) of 125 isolated orbital fracture cases (95 males, 30 females, mean age: 27.2, range 4-85 years old). Of the total 125 cases, 96 patients had orbital floor fractures, 18 had orbital medial wall fractures, and 11 had combined orbital medial wall and floor fractures. Three had trap-door fractures with muscle entrapment, 42 had trap-door fractures with incarcerated tissue, and 80 had orbital depressed fractures. The overall mean HAR% improved significantly from 76.0 pre-operatively to 95.5 post-12 months (P < 0.01). The mean HAR% in orbital floor fracture improved significantly from 76.7 pre-operatively to 92.9 and 94.7 at 3, 6 months respectively. There was a non-significant improvement in the HAR% in medial wall fractures from 83.2 pre-operatively to 89.5 at 3 months and a significant improvement to 93.2 at 6 months (p < 0.05). Orbital fractures were reconstructed with either Unsintered hydroxyapatite particles/poly l-lactide composite sheet (u-HA/PLLA composite sheet) (91 patients), a silicone silastic sheet (20 patients) a combination of sheets (7 patients) or without an implant (7 patients). There was no significant difference in the HAR% improvement between the different implants. The HAR% improvement was significantly greater in patients <18 years old than in those aged 18 or over. The HAR% is an effective method of the objective assessment of recovery after orbital fracture. Patients and surgeons should be aware that the recovery after medial wall fractures is slower than after floor fractures and continues after three months post-surgery and that a longer period of observation without further intervention may be required for medial wall fractures, whilst floor fractures are likely to have achieved their maximal recovery by three months.

Development of the HUman Factors in intraoperative Ophthalmic Emergencies Scoring System (HUFOES) for non-technical skills in cataract surgery.

BACKGROUND: Nontechnical skills (NTS) are fundamental for successfully managing intraoperative complications. We aimed to develop the HUman Factors in intraoperative Ophthalmic Emergencies Scoring System (HUFOES); an NTS assessment system for posterior capsule rupture (PCR) during cataract surgery. METHODS: A literature review and a focus group consisting of three cataract surgeons and one NTS researcher elicited the important NTS for the management of intraoperative cataract surgery complications. A novel taxonomy of NTS specific for PCR management was generated. Questionnaires were distributed to ophthalmologists in one UK training region. Delphi methodology was used to develop a final HUFOES draft. One further questionnaire was used to gain feasibility, educational impact and validity data. RESULTS: All HUFOES components achieved a mean importance rating of >8/10 and achieved high interrater agreement ratings (α = 0.953). Interrater agreement scores for HUFOES categories were: teamwork and communication (α = 0.819), leadership (α = 0.859), decision making (α = 0.753), situational awareness (α = 0.840) and professionalism (α = 0.890). In all, 92.8% (n = 13) rated HUFOES as specific for use, 85.7% (n = 12) agreed it contains appropriate assessment measures, 92.8% (n = 13) agreed that training with HUFOES would enhance preparation for PCR management and 78.6% (n = 11) declared HUFOES as the preferable training system for NTS in intraoperative ophthalmic emergencies when compared with the current gold standard. CONCLUSIONS: HUFOES has been developed and validated as a tool for the training and assessment of NTS in PCR. An NTS training programme integrated with HUFOES should be considered in order to enhance surgical NTS for managing intraoperative complications, and improve performance and outcomes following PCR.