Histopathological Study on the Proposed Pathogenesis of Intratarsal Keratinous Cysts.

PURPOSE: Intratarsal keratinous cysts (IKCs) are a recently described entity that is frequently misdiagnosed clinically as chalazia and mislabeled in the literature as "intratarsal epidermal inclusion cysts" or "epidermoid cysts." It is important to accurately diagnose IKCs and distinguish them from chalazia because IKCs require a complete surgical excision and can exhibit multiple recurrences following curettage. The authors performed a retrospective case series to further elucidate the pathogenesis of IKCs and to determine the diagnostically optimal panel of stains for diagnosis. METHODS: A study group of 8 specimens of IKCs and control specimens of epidermal inclusion cysts were obtained from their pathology laboratories. The authors compared the histological and immunohistochemical profile of IKCs and epidermal inclusion cysts by staining sections from each specimen with hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, Masson trichrome, cytokeratin 5, cytokeratin 17, carcinoembryonic antigen, and epithelial membrane antigen. The immunoreactivity data were then analyzed using a 2-tailed Mann-Whitney test, assuming a nonparametric population (p < 0.05 is significant). RESULTS: Histopathologically, IKCs are embedded in the tarsus lined by stratified squamous epithelium with an inner undulating cuticle filled with a compact keratinous-appearing material. The authors demonstrate that IKCs develop progressively from dilated meibomian ducts to the formation of complete cysts with their markers. The most valuable immunochemical stains to diagnose IKC were cytokeratin 17, carcinoembryonic antigen, and epithelial membrane antigen (p < 0.05 with each). CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide a better understanding of the pathogenesis and the immunohistochemical findings of this relatively new entity allowing for more appropriate diagnosis of IKCs aiming to reduce future complications from their management.

Eyelid Fat Atrophy and Depigmentation After an Intralesional Injection of Triamcinolone Acetonide to Treat Chalazion.

Two patients with depigmentation and fat atrophy after an intralesional injection of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) to treat chalazion are reported. A 2-year-old girl with chalazion in her right lower eyelid received a subconjunctival injection of TA and developed fat atrophy and depigmentation around the injected area. These changes subsided after 7 months. The second patient was a 5-year-old boy who received a triamcinolone injection into a chalazion through the eyelid skin and also developed fat atrophy and depigmentation but these changes improved after 1 year.

Extratarsal presentation of chalazion.

PURPOSE: We report a case of atypical, extratarsal chalazion referred with a history of a chronic inflammatory mass found on the edge of the lower eyelid. METHODS: A 3-year-old female developed a small mass on the medial side of the right lower lid in 4-month duration. She was seen by her ophthalmologist and the diagnosis of a chalazion was made. Over the ensuing one month with warm compression, the lesion subsided and the new lesion appeared away from the edge on the lateral eyelid 3 months ago. RESULTS: She underwent surgery and drainage was performed. We found a track, a proof of migration, on the lower tarsal conjunctiva in the medial side of the right eyelid during surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term observation in chalazion may induce migration with tract and express as an atypical chalazion.

Time-dependent degenerative transformations in the lipidome of chalazia.

The aim of this prospective study was to conduct histopathologic and lipidomic analyses of chalazia, in order to evaluate time-dependent changes in the lesion. Samples of surgically excised chalazia were collected over a period of 12 months from 10 patients (mean age 41 years; range, 23-58) with clinically diagnosed chalazia, who underwent scheduled surgery. The ages of chalazia varied from 2 to 28 weeks. To confirm the clinical diagnoses, the morphology of collected tissue samples was evaluated histologically after hematoxylin and eosin staining. The lipids from individual chalazia were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and compared with authentic lipid standards and with the lipids of meibum collected from normal controls. We observed gradual, lesion age-dependent transformation of the lipidome of chalazia from an almost normal meibum-like composition to a very different kind of lipidome. A rapid initial increase in the free cholesterol content was followed by a gradual replacement of extremely long chain meibomian-type lipids with a mixture of shorter-chain cholesteryl esters of the C14-C18 family, triacylglycerols, ceramides, phospholipids and sphingomyelins. In addition, a rapid disappearance of wax esters and cholesteryl esters of (1-O)-acyl-omega-hydroxy fatty acids from the lipidome of aging chalazia was observed. Our results are indicative of dramatic, time-dependent changes in the lesion that may involve cholesterol as a trigger and/or a marker of subsequent degeneration of the meibomian lipidome. We hypothesize that early inhibition of these transformations may be useful in reversing the course of the disease.

A comparison of intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injection for primary chalazion in children and adults.

PURPOSE: To investigate outcome differences of intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injection for primary chalazia in children versus adults. METHODS: A retrospective review of consecutive subjects with primary chalazion who received intralesional TA injection was conducted. A single investigator injected 0.05-0.15 mL of TA (40 mg/mL) intralesionally. Patients were stratified into the pediatric (<18 years old) and adult (≥ 18 years old) group. In both groups, the correlation of resolution time with chalazion size and TA dose was performed. RESULTS: 17 children and 24 adults were enrolled, with a mean age of 7.4 ± 5.5 and 39.3 ± 16.7 years, respectively. Both groups had statistically similar baseline characteristics. There was no significant difference between the resolution time in the pediatric (18.2 ± 11.4 days) and adult (16.5 ± 11.0 days) group (P = 0.7). There were no significant complications from the TA injection. There was no significant correlation of resolution time to chalazion size (P = 0.7) nor TA dose (P = 0.3) in both groups. CONCLUSION: TA for the treatment of primary chalazion was equally effective in children and adults, without any significant complications, and the rate of clinical response did not appear to be dose-dependent.

Use of chalazion clamp for excision of the eyelid margin lesion.

PURPOSE: Reconstruction after eyelid lesion excision is very important. It calls for preserving normal eyelid function for the protection of the eye and restoring good cosmesis. It is important to precisely align the tarsal plate. However, the unique anatomy of eyelids often makes haemostasis difficult and surgical field obscured. We report an effective method to solve this problem. METHOD: This retrospective study included 25 patients who underwent eyelid margin lesion excision using the chalazion clamp between March 2020 and October 2021. The chalazion clamp is placed on the desired location and tightened, providing a bloodless field for eyelid lesion removal. Without bleeding, visibility of the cut edges is improved considerably. It facilitates anatomical anastomosis of the tarsal plate. RESULTS: All 25 patients maintained normal eyelid function and good cosmesis, with no recurrence during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The use of the chalazion clamp during excision of the eyelid margin lesion could stabilize the eyelid, protect the eyeball from accidental injury and, and provide a clear bloodless operative field. It can ensure the neatness of the cut edges and offer better incision alignment for suture. It also avoids wasting too much time on haemostasis, without additional expensive equipment.

Chalazion Treatment: A Concise Review of Clinical Trials.

A chalazion is one of the most common eye conditions presenting as a mass lesion of the eyelids. It is seen in all age groups. Chalazion is a non-inflammatory process and develops due to retained secretion of the meibomian or Zeis glands. Treatment of choice differs among clinicians and may include application of warm compress onto eyelids, lid hygiene, using local antibiotic ointment with or without steroids, injecting steroid solution (triamcinolone acetonide) into the lesion and surgical removal of the lesion by incision and curettage. In addition, there are some other experimented methods such as injection of botulinum toxin A, tarsal trephination, removal of chalazion by application of CO2 laser or cryogenic action. However, there is currently no commonly agreed treatment of choice. In this review, we aimed to summarize findings from clinical trials and hopefully, identify a treatment of choice in chalazion.

Transconjunctival elimination of keratin from an intratarsal meibomian cyst.

An unusual example of an intratarsal meibomian keratinous cyst is described in a 69-year-old man with spontaneous transepithelial (conjunctival) elimination. The lesion created an externally visible lump in the eyelid, which on eversion was found to be accompanied by yellow-whitish protruding material with a surrounding circular mound of reactive tissue. Excision revealed a large mass and smaller fragments of anuclear keratin (trichilemmal-type) embedded and sequestered in fibrous tissue with a granulomatous response. A re-excision was required because of persistent and irritating keratinous material, contrasting with the more indolent course of an uncomplicated epidermoid cyst of the eyelid dermis. This is the first documented instance of spontaneous rupture and extrusion of a meibomian tarsal cyst's keratin contents.

Not just a chalazion-focal eyelid and orbital infection with Saksaenea vasiformis in an immunocompetent child.

We present the case of a 2-year-old immunocompetent boy who presented with subacute right-sided orbital cellulitis due to Saksaenea vasiformis infection. Initial differential diagnoses included chalazion and localized soft tissue malignancy. There was no history of trauma. Immunological review and investigations were unremarkable. He was treated with a total of 3 months of antifungal therapy. Following resolution, he had two episodes of spontaneously resolving localized eyelid erythema at 2 and 8 months.

Corneal Epithelial Remodeling as a Cause of Chalazion-Induced Hypermetropia.

PURPOSE: The importance of the corneal epithelium and its role in influencing the refractive state of the eye is well established, as is the association between periocular mass lesions, such as chalazia, and changes in corneal refractive status. This case report provides new evidence linking these 2 phenomena. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 74-year-old man presented with gradual onset of blurred vision in his right eye. Examination revealed a large central right upper lid chalazion, with associated hypermetropic shift. Corneal topography showed central corneal flattening, and anterior segment optical coherence tomography epithelial thickness mapping showed central focal epithelial thinning. The chalazion was treated with incision and drainage and subsequent LipiFlow thermal pulsation treatment. At 3- and 4-month review, corneal epithelial thickness and topographic changes were seen to normalize, with a corresponding return toward emmetropic refractive status. CONCLUSIONS: Chalazia can cause reversible corneal epithelial remodeling and should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cases of unexplained vision loss and changes in refractive status.

Prevalence and risk factors for chalazion in an older veteran population.

BACKGROUND: Chalazia are common inflammatory eyelid lesions, but their epidemiology remains understudied. This retrospective case-control study examined the prevalence, risk factors and geographic distribution of chalazia in a large veteran population. METHODS: Data on all individuals seen at a Veterans Affairs (VA) clinic between October 2010 and October 2015 were extracted from the VA health database. Subjects were grouped based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) code for chalazion. Univariable logistic regression modelling was used to identify clinical and demographic factors associated with chalazion presence, followed by multivariable modelling to examine which factors predicted risk concomitantly. All cases were mapped across the continental US using geographic information systems modelling to examine how prevalence rates varied geographically. RESULTS: Overall, 208 720 of 3 453 944 (6.04%) subjects were diagnosed with chalazion during the study period. Prevalence was highest in coastal regions. The mean age of the population was 69.32±13.9 years and most patients were male (93.47%), white (77.13%) and non-Hispanic (93.72%). Factors associated with chalazion risk included smoking (OR=1.12, p<0.0005), conditions of the tear film (blepharitis (OR=4.84, p<0.0005), conjunctivitis (OR=2.78, p<0.0005), dry eye (OR=3.0, p<0.0005)), conditions affecting periocular skin (eyelid dermatitis (OR=2.95, p<0.0005), rosacea (OR=2.50, p<0.0005)), allergic conditions (history of allergies (OR=1.56, p<0.0005)) and systemic disorders (gastritis (OR=1.54, p<0.0005), irritable bowel syndrome (OR=1.45, p<0.0005), depression (OR=1.35, p<0.0005), anxiety (OR=1.31, p<0.0005)). These factors remained associated with chalazion risk when examined concomitantly. CONCLUSION: Periocular skin, eyelid margin and tear film abnormalities were most strongly associated with risk for chalazion. The impact of environmental conditions on risk for chalazion represents an area in need of further study.

The Effect of Oral Vitamin A Supplementation on Chalazion in Young Children with Vitamin A Deficiency: A Pilot Study.

Purpose: Many researchers have reported that vitamin A (VA) deficiency is related to chalazion. The purpose of this article is to clarify the effects of VA supplementation on chalazion in young children with VA deficiency. Methods: Forty-eight young children with VA deficiency suffering from chalazia were enrolled from our previous studies and were followed continuously for 1 year. Serum VA levels and recurrence of chalazion were observed. Results: The mean serum VA levels increased after supplementation (P = 2.17E-15). The mean serum VA levels of subjects who experienced recurrence were lower than those without recurrence (P = 0.015). The recurrence rate and the mean recurrent frequency after supplementation were lower than before supplementation (P = 0.01, P = 6E-6); the mean time to the first recurrence of subjects without recurrence was longer after supplementation than before supplementation (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Oral VA supplementation could reduce the recurrence of chalazion in young children with preexisting VA deficiency.

Neurothekeoma palpebrae: A report of 3 cases.

Neurothekeoma palpebrae is the diagnostic term used to describe nerve sheath myxoma or neurothekeoma of the eyelid. Although these tumors are not uncommonly found in the head and neck region, eyelid involvement is very uncommon. We present 2 cases of cellular neurothekeoma and 1 case of nerve sheath myxoma occurring in the eyelid. Patient 1 was a 13-year-old girl with a left upper eyelid lesion of 6-months duration. Microscopic examination disclosed a cellular neurothekeoma with mild myxoid change and osteoclast-like multinucleated cells. Tumor cells infiltrated the orbicularis oculi muscle. The tumor cells were immunopositive for NKI.C3, CD34, and focally for S-100 protein. Multinucleated cells were reactive to CD68. Mart-1, smooth muscle actin, CD31, keratin, desmin, myogenin, synaptophysin, and neurofilament protein (NFP) were negative. Patient 2 was a 4-year-old girl with a left upper eyelid lesion diagnosed clinically as a chalazion. The lesion was incised. Five months later, the patient returned with a firm 5.5-mm nodule at the site. Excision revealed cellular neurothekeoma invading the orbicularis oculi. Tumor cells were NKI.C3 immunopositive and S-100 protein negative, and the multinucleated cells were CD68 positive. Patient 3 was a 70-year-old woman with a 10-year history of a subcutaneous right lower eyelid nodule which had recently changed color. The excised specimen demonstrated a hypocellular, well-circumscribed myxoid tumor surrounded by a thin rim of fibrous connective tissue. Tumor cells contained moderate amounts of eosinophilic cytoplasm with irregular, hyperchromatic nuclei. Nucleoli and mitotic figures were not apparent. Tumor cells were NKI.C3 negative, and S100 protein and glial acidic fibrillary protein positive, consistent with a nerve sheath myxoma. Including our 3 cases, 10 cases of nerve sheath myxoma and neurothekeoma occurring in the eyelid have been reported the English language literature. Although uncommon, these lesions should be kept in the differential diagnosis of eyelid tumors that can masquerade as chalazia.

Spontaneous resolution of chalazion after 3 to 5 years.

OBJECTIVES: To report the first three cases of spontaneous resolution of chalazia after 3 to 5 years. METHODS: Patients with chalazia who visited Honda Eye Clinic were observed and treated between 1991 and 2008. Chalazia were diagnosed by deliberate palpation of lids and observation of external appearance of lids. Histopathologic examination of excised specimens was performed to confirm the diagnosis. All data were obtained from the regular daily clinical practices and recordings with informed consent. RESULTS: Three chalazia completely resolved without medications or surgical interventions after 3 to 5 years. Excisions of chalazia of patients aged older than 50 years were few. CONCLUSIONS: Chalazion may be a self-limiting disorder even in the long-term.

Eyelid tumors: histopathological and clinical study performed in County Hospital of Oradea between 2000-2007.

The work assessment is to analyze eyelid tumors diagnosed in the last years in our hospital. We found 471 tumoral and pseudotumoral cases, in which malignant tumors predominated, with 255 cases. The most affected age range was the sixth decade and the majority of tumors were located to lower eyelid. The histopathological study allowed us to establish the lesions type and subtype. The Meibomian gland cysts, squamous papillomas and basal cell carcinomas were the most frequent related with this three of category lesions represented by pseudotumors, benign tumors and malignant tumors. Early diagnosis of these lesions can determine a favorable prognosis, especially in cases of malignant tumors.

Extramedullary pasmacytoma masquerading as chalazion.

Extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) is a rare entity that belongs to the category of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. EMP make up 4% of all plasma cell tumors and occur mainly in the upper aerodigestive tract. Primary plasmacytoma involving the orbit is rare. There is a relation between solitary plasmacytoma and subsequent development of multiple myeloma. As no predictors of progression have been identified patients need indefinite follow-up. The authors report a case of EMP involving the eyelid in an otherwise healthy adult female.

Recurrent giant chalazia in hyperimmunoglobulin E (Job's) syndrome.

Hyperimmunoglobulinemia E (Job's) syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disorder appearing early in life with recurrent skin and pulmonary infections, characterized by markedly increased serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels. We describe a 50-year-old man with a 4-year history of recurrent, multiple giant chalazia in all eyelids. Medications and surgical intervention had produced only transient improvement. The patient had also had pulmonary and scalp infection. Laboratory tests disclosed elevated serum IgE (>1,000 IU/ml) and eosinophilia. As a result, based on the patient's history and clinical and laboratory findings, a diagnosis of Job's syndrome was made. Even though rarely, recurrent multiple giant chalazia may occur as an ophthalmic feature of Job's syndrome. Hyperimmunoglobulinemia E syndrome should be suspected in any case of recurrent giant chalazia, regardless of the patient's age. Measurement of serum IgE and eosinophils, along with internal evaluation, is essential to establish a proper diagnosis.

Lymphatic vessels in human eyelids: an immunohistological study in dermatochalasis and chalazion.

We investigated lymphatic morphology and expression of endothelin (ET-1) axis molecules in human eyelids affected by an inflammatory state (chalazion) and an age-related degenerative condition (dermatochalasis). Lymphatics were immunohistologically detected by D2-40/LYVE-1 staining. Absorbing lymphatic vessels were localized in papillary dermis and around skin appendages with distinctive morphology. In chalazion, D2-40 reactive flattened lymphatic profiles were compressed by inflammatory infiltrate; in dermatochalasis, large fully opened lymphatics were observed, with a significantly wider total area (lymphatic lumina/200x field; p < 0.05). The lymphatic density (number/200x field) in the two groups was within the same range. Lymphatic dilation is possibly dependent on reduction and fragmentation of the dermal elastic network as well as of oxytalanic fibers in the papillary dermis of dermatochalasis, as shown by Weigert's reaction. Multifunctional peptide ET-1, involved in vasomotion, inflammation and connective proliferation, was faintly and discontinuously localized on lymphatics, as was its type A receptor. In contrast, the consistent expression of type B receptor indicates that lymphatic endothelium is a physiological target for ET-1, whose effects are modulated by multiple pathophysiological conditions. Thus, vasoactive factors play a role in the physiology of richly vascularized eyelids, and therefore, morphofunctional characterization of lymphatic vessels may be useful in suggesting treatment options.

A cytologic perspective on meibomian gland carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To reevaluate and reestablish the reproducible diagnostic cytomorphologic features of meibomian gland carcinoma (MGCA), demonstrating the importance of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in eyelid lesions and leading to better management of the tumor. STUDY DESIGN: Cytologic smears ofpreviously diagnosed cases of MGCA over a 3-year period were collected, along with their histopathology reports. The cytomorphology of the histopathologically proven cases were reevaluated in greater detail. The cytologic smears were stained with Leishman-Giemsa cocktail and Papanicolaou stain, and the histopathologic sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Special stains and immunohistochemical stains were applied as required. RESULTS: Of the 19 cases, 3 diagnosed as MGCA on cytologic examination were reported as basal cell carcinoma on histopathology. On reevaluation of the cytologic smears, in addition to the regular characteristic features of MGCA, interesting findings such as an isolated dispersed cell population in a bubbly background, signet ring cells, pseudo-mucin cell balls, giant cell reaction and hyaline-like round bodies were observed. CONCLUSION: This study emphasizes the cytomorphologic features of MGCA in addition to those described in the literature, which could be of a great help in its diagnosis. Further, it emphasizes the importance of FNAC in the diagnosis of MGCA.