Comparison of revision surgeries with transcanalicular diode laser and external approaches in cases with failed transcanalicular diode laser dacryocystorhinostomy.

PURPOSE: To compare the success rates of revision surgeries with transcanalicular diode laser (TCDL) and external approaches in cases with failed TCDL dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). METHODS: The medical records of the consecutive TCDL DCR surgeries performed for nasolacrimal duct obstruction between October 2009 and March 2013 were reviewed. Cases with the presence of canalicular stenosis, bone deformities, lacrimal sac neoplasms, additional intranasal deformities, dacryolithiasis, history of previous nasolacrimal surgery, and follow up less than 3 months were excluded from the study. Patency to irrigation was obtained in all patients during surgery. Patients with surgical failure during the follow-up period underwent external DCR or TCDL DCR for revision. Data regarding surgical outcomes after primary surgeries and revision surgeries were analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-six primary TCDL DCR surgeries were performed on 162 patients. Forty-four (25.0%) surgeries considered failure during follow up. Four patients had canalicular obstruction and were excluded from study. Six patients declined a second intervention. Eighteen patients underwent external DCR and 16 patients underwent repeated TCDL DCR for revision. Success rates of revision surgeries were 94.4% (17/18) with external DCR and 43.8% (7/16) with TCDL DCR. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Revisions with external DCR are recommended for failed TCDL DCR. Revision TCDL DCR should be performed only in patients avoiding facial incision and preferring incision-sparing surgical techniques for revision.

Incision-sparing management of canaliculitis.

PURPOSE: To report our results of canaliculitis treatment with our incision-sparing technique which includes dilation of the punctum and compression of the canaliculus to express the sulphur granules, curettage and irrigation of the canaliculus with antibiotic solutions, and topical antibiotic use. METHODS: The medical records of all patients treated for canaliculitis between October 2009 and March 2013 were rewiewed. The punctum of affected canaliculus was dilated under local anesthesia. Then, starting just distal to common canaliculus, the horizontal canaliculus was compressed along its entire length using either a forceps or a cotton tip applicator on the conjunctival surface and a curette on the skin. Compression was repeated until no more sulphur granules appeared and the swelling of the canaliculus disappeared. A chalazion curette was inserted into canaliculus to evacuate any residual concretions. The canaliculus were irrigated with antibiotic solutions and the patients were prescribed topical antibiotic solutions for one month Patients with follow-up less than 3 months after the intervention were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Nine patients met criteria for canaliculitis. There were 1 male and 8 female patients. Median age of the patients was 53 years (range 36-72 years). All patients had unilateral lower canaliculitis. Mean duration of the symptoms was 13.4 months (range 4-36 months). We followed up all patients for at least 3 months after the intervention. The signs and symptoms resolved completely in all patients within 1 month and recurrence was not observed in any patient. No patients reported epiphora after the procedure. CONCLUSION: Our incision-sparing technique is effective in the treatment of canaliculitis. We suggest that minimally invasive or incision-sparing techniques be attempted before canaliculotomy to decrease postoperative complications rates.

Effect of suturing the silicone rod to the tarsal plate and the suture material used on success of frontalis suspension surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of suturing the silicone rod to the tarsal plate and the suture material used in suturing on surgical success of frontalis suspension for congenital ptosis. METHODS: Eighty eyes of 56 consecutive patients who underwent frontalis suspension surgery using silicone rods for congenital ptosis between 2005 and 2011 were included in this retrospective study. The surgical results of eyes were compared, in which silicone had not been sutured to the tarsal plate (group 1), with those sutured with monofilament polypropylene suture (group 2), and those sutured with polybutylate-coated braided polyester suture (group 3). Surgical success indicated that the postoperative eyelid position was maintained within 1 mm of the normal eyelid position, that is, 1 mm below the superior limbus in bilateral cases and the same level with the other eyelid in unilateral cases, in the primary position of gaze. Postoperative eyelid level beyond these limits was defined as surgical failure. RESULTS: The mean follow up was 16.3 months (6-38 months) and the mean age was 5.48 years (1-24 years). Thirty were male and 26 were female patients. Surgical failure occurred in 9 of 18 (50%) cases in group 1, in 5 of 24 (20.8%) cases in group 2, and in 5 of 38 (13%) cases in group 3 during the follow-up period after adequate eyelid elevation had been achieved just after the operation. The difference between surgical success rates in group 1 and group 2 (p = 0.047) and group 1 and group 3 (p = 0.003) was statistically significant. However, the difference between group 2 and group 3 did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Suturing the silicone rod to the tarsal plate increases the surgical success rates of frontalis suspension surgery for congenital ptosis. Suturing with polybutylate-coated braided polyester, even though statistically insignificant, seems to be more effective than suturing with monofilament polypropylene.

Erdheim-Chester disease with chorioretinal and orbital involvement: a case report.

A 42-year-old woman presented with bilateral proptosis, chemosis, leg pain, and vision loss. Orbital, chorioretinal, and multi-organ involvement of Erdheim-Chester disease, a rare non-Langerhans histiocytosis, with a negative BRAF mutation was diagnosed based on clinical, radiological, and pathological findings. Interferon-alpha-2a (IFNα-2a) was started, and her clinical condition improved. However, 4 months later, she had vision loss with a history of IFNα-2a cessation. The same therapy was administered, and her clinical condition improved. The Erdheim-Chester disease is a rare chronic histiocytic proliferative disease that requires a multidisciplinary approach and can be fatal if left untreated because of multisystemic involvements.

Long-term outcomes of pegged and unpegged bioceramic orbital implants.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term outcomes of pegged and unpegged bioceramic orbital implants. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 101 cases of evisceration, enucleation, or secondary implant surgery with placement of a bioceramic porous implant was conducted. Type of surgery, existence of a peg, peg system used, time of pegging, problems encountered before and after pegging, treatment methods, and final status were recorded. RESULTS: Evisceration was performed on 74, enucleation on 16, and secondary implant surgery on 11 patients. The patients were observed for a mean of 68.4 months (3 months-12 years). Fifty-three of the 101 patients were pegged. Patients were pegged at a mean of 9.3 months (6-23 months). Hydroxyapatite-coated, titanium-sleeved, titanium pegs were used in 43 patients, and titanium peg and sleeve system was used in 10 patients. Major complications were exposure and infection. Three patients presented with early exposure and late exposure developed in 14 of pegged and 4 of unpegged patients. The difference in late-exposure rates between pegged and unpegged group was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Implant infection developed in 9 of the pegged and in 1 of the unpegged patients. Implant exposure was noted in 6 of these 10 patients with infection. The difference in infection rates between the pegged and unpegged patients was statistically significant (p < 0.05). In 2 of the pegged patients, removal of bioceramic implant was required and after resolution of infection, another type of porous implant was implanted and repegged. The peg system was removed in 6 patients for the management of either exposure, infection, extrusion, hypermobility of sleeve, or peg falling out. Four patients were repegged. The time period between peg insertion and development of complications ranged from 15 days to 10 years. 86.8% of pegged patients were free of major complications and satisfied with the result at the last follow-up visit. CONCLUSION: Despite potential complications that can occur as late as 10 years, bioceramic porous implants yield satisfactory long-term results. Existence of a peg system appears to play a role in the increased rate of late-onset complications. Further investigations on new and safer pegging systems should be conducted.

Conjunctival papilloma caused by human papillomavirus type 11 treated with systemic interferon in a five-year-old boy.

Conjunctival papilloma is a benign tumor of the conjunctival mucosa. In childhood, papilloma represents 7-10% of conjunctival tumors. Human papillomavirus (HPV)-6 and HPV-11 are the major HPV types responsible for conjunctival lesions. A five-year-old boy with a two-year history of conjunctival papilloma caused by HPV type 11 treated with systemic interferon alpha is reported and the literature is reviewed.

Evaluation of Demographic Features of Eyelid Lesions.

OBJECTIVES: This study was an evaluation of demographic and histopathologic features of eyelid lesions. METHODS: The medical records of 261 patients (296 eyelid lesions) who attended a single clinic between 1997 and 2011 were examined retrospectively. The incidence of benign and malignant lesions, the pathological classification, and age and sex data were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 204 benign lesions (68.9%) and 92 malignant neoplasms (31.1%) were found. Among these, the most frequently seen types of benign neoplasms were xanthelasma (28.4%), papilloma (14.7%), chalazion (8.8%), nevus (6.4%), moll cyst (5.9%), and capillary hemangioma (4.9%). The most frequently seen malignant neoplasms were basal cell carcinoma (72.8%), squamous cell carcinoma (13%), and sebaceous gland carcinoma (5.4%). The study group was made up of 149 (57%) female patients and 112 (43%) male patients. The majority of benign lesions were seen in women, whereas malignant neoplasms were observed more often in male patients. The mean age of patients with benign lesions and malignant neoplasms was 38.1±21.7 and 62.7±15.3 years, respectively. Benign lesions involved the upper eyelid more frequently than the lower, while malignant lesions were seen more frequently in the lower eyelid, with the exception of sebaceous gland carcinoma. CONCLUSION: The majority of eyelid lesions were benign and malignant neoplasms were seen more frequently in the older population. Basal cell carcinoma was the most common malignant eyelid tumor. The most common site of malignant tumor origin was the lower eyelid, with the exception of sebaceous gland carcinoma.

Characteristics of pellet injuries to the orbit.

PURPOSE: To investigate the features of orbital injuries by pellets fired from the front. DESIGN: Retrospective, 4 cases of pellet injuries. METHODS: Five orbits of 4 patients who sustained pellet injuries received from the front were reviewed retrospectively. The course of injury and results were assessed. Radiological examinations were reviewed. The patients were evaluated between December 1996 and June 2004. RESULTS: Five orbits of 4 patients sustained injuries caused by pellets fired from an anterior direction. The globe in the injured orbit was intact in 2 cases. Severe loss of vision was also present in these 2 globes due to optic nerve involvement. Final visual acuity was down to no light perception in 4 eyes and limited to light perception in 1 eye. CONCLUSIONS: The prognosis of orbital pellet injuries is, unfortunately, poor. A pellet passing through the floor of the orbit often causes double perforation of the globe and, once in the orbital aperture, it travels towards the apex as a result of the conical shape of the orbit and lodges in the optic canal or its entrance, severely damaging the optic nerve. Surgery or other treatments are usually unsuccessful. Even if the globe is intact, vision is usually severely impaired.

Erdheim-Chester disease with chorioretinal and orbital involvement: a case report / Doença de Erdheim-Chester com envolvimento coriorretiniano e orbitário: relato de caso

ABSTRACT A 42-year-old woman presented with bilateral proptosis, chemosis, leg pain, and vision loss. Orbital, chorioretinal, and multi-organ involvement of Erdheim-Chester disease, a rare non-Langerhans histiocytosis, with a negative BRAF mutation was diagnosed based on clinical, radiological, and pathological findings. Interferon-alpha-2a (IFNα-2a) was started, and her clinical condition improved. However, 4 months later, she had vision loss with a history of IFNα-2a cessation. The same therapy was administered, and her clinical condition improved. The Erdheim-Chester disease is a rare chronic histiocytic proliferative disease that requires a multidisciplinary approach and can be fatal if left untreated because of multisystemic involvements.

RESUMO Uma mulher de 42 anos apresentou proptose bi-lateral, quemose, dor nas pernas e perda de visão. Com base em achados clínicos, radiológicos e patológicos, foi diag-nosticada doença de Erdheim-Chester com acometimento orbitário, coriorretiniano e multiorgânico. Trata-se de uma rara histiocitose não Langerhans negativa para a mutação BRAF. Foi iniciado tratamento com interferon alfa-2a (IFNα-2a) e o quadro clínico melhorou. No entanto, quatro meses depois, a paciente apresentou perda visual após a cessação do IFNα-2a. A mesma terapia foi administrada novamente e sua condição clínica melhorou novamente. A doença de Erdheim-Chester é uma doença proliferativa histiocítica crônica rara que necessita de uma abordagem multidisciplinar e pode ser fatal se não tratada, devido a envolvimentos multissistêmicos.

Cervicofacial emphysema following unilateral external dacryocystorhinostomies: A case report.

Cervicofacial emphysema (CFE), mostly seen after trauma or dental procedures, is an unexpected, extremely rare condition after uncomplicated dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). It may be misdiagnosed as angioedema or necrotizing fasciitis. In this article, we present the case of a 40-year-old female with CFE twice after uncomplicated unilateral DCR for left and right sides on different operative days. CFE was confirmed by computed tomography, demonstrating extensive air within subcutaneous tissues of the face, neck, and orbital cavity. Subcutaneous crepitation supported the diagnosis. This is the first case report, to the best of our knowledge, describing a patient with recurrent massive CFE after each unilateral DCR.

Anterior limbal approach in the treatment of a late and extensive post-traumatic retrobulbar abscess.

The authors report a case of acute development of an extensive retrobulbar abscess 3 weeks after an orbital floor fracture. Urgent drainage of the abscess was performed by an anterior transconjunctival approach. A dramatic recovery was observed a few days following the operation. The visual acuity increased from hand motions to 0.7 to 0.8 in the early postoperative period and to 1.0 shortly thereafter. The severity of infection, the importance of antibiotic prophylaxis for blowout fractures, and the efficacy of the transconjunctival approach on the final visual and functional outcome are described.

Myopia in preterm children at 12 to 24 months of age.

PURPOSE: To examine biometric factors that may influence the high incidence of myopia in pre-term children at 12 to 24 months of age. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty eyes of 25 patients with myopia and 70 eyes of 35 patients with emmetropia at 12 to 24 months of age were selected from a group of preterm children who had been screened for retinopathy of prematurity and returned for follow-up examinations. Forty eyes of 20 full-term children of the same age were also included in the study as a control group. A-scan ultrasonography was performed to measure axial length, lens thickness, and anterior chamber depth in the three groups. RESULTS: The myopic group had a significantly greater axial length than did the other groups. However, the three groups did not differ in lens thickness or anterior chamber depth. The degree of myopia increased with the increase in axial length and the decrease in anterior chamber depth. CONCLUSIONS: The development of myopia in preterm children 12 to 24 months of age appears to be influenced mainly by axial length, whereas the degree of myopia seems to be related to axial length and anterior chamber depth. Among refractive components, axial length plays a major role in myopia occurring at this age in preterm patients.

Lagophthalmos and frozen globe as the initial presentation of invasive breast carcinoma.

A 75-year-old woman presented with six months history of progressing lagophthalmos and immobility of the left eye. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the orbit demonstrated infiltration of orbital fat and the extra-ocular muscles. We performed transverse blepharotomy of the left eyelid to correct lagophthalmos; and during surgery, we took a biopsy sample from levator muscle and orbital fat. After the operation, the patient was able to close her eyelids, and epithelial problems were resolved. Biopsy revealed fibro-vascular, muscle and fat tissue infiltrated with minimally differentiated carcinoma cells. Breast examination revealed a nodule in the left breast. Biopsy of the mass confirmed the diagnosis of invasive breast carcinoma. Orbital manifestation of metastases, such as diplopia, lagophthalmos or pain may reduce life quality of the patients and must be evaluated on a multidisciplinary basis.

The efficacy of the combined procedure in involutional entropion surgery: a comparative study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of the combined procedure in the management of involutional entropion. METHODS: In this study, we reviewed 45 eyes of 36 patients who underwent the combined procedure (lateral tarsal strip, retractor tightening, and everting sutures) for the management of involutional lower eyelid entropion and compared the results with 31 eyes of 25 patients who underwent the Wies procedure. Exclusion criteria included previous lower eyelid surgery and follow-up of less than 6 months. RESULTS: No patients demonstrated entropion on the first postoperative day. The mean follow-up period was 18.4 months (6 to 52 months) in the Wies group and 22.6 months (6 to 59 months) in the combined procedure group. During the follow-up period, 9 of 31 eyes in the Wies group presented with recurrence and only 1 of 45 eyes in the combined procedure group presented with recurrence (p = 0.001). The average time of recurrence was 4.8 months in the Wies group. Recurrence occurred at 2 months postoperatively in the patient in the combined procedure group. Six of the 9 recurrences in the Wies group were managed by the combined procedure. None of these patients had further recurrence after correction. Three patients complained about a visible incision line after the Wies procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The combined procedure seems to be more effective than the Wies procedure in the management of involutional entropion. The combined procedure addresses the three major causative factors in involutional entropion and makes it possible to perform the surgery using a small incision.

The outcome of silicone intubation and tube removal in external dacryocystorhinostomy patients with distal canalicular obstruction.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcome of silicone intubation and tube removal in external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) patients with distal canalicular or common canalicular obstruction. METHOD: Seventy-five eyes of 69 patients with distal or common canalicular obstruction who had undergone external DCR and silicone tube insertion were included in the study. Silicone tube was left in place at least for 3 months. Presence of epiphora was questioned and patency was assessed by irrigation at each control after tube removal. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 49.8±14.4 years (range 15-78) and mean follow-up after surgery was 13.2±4.2 months (range 6-25). After tube removal, 16 eyes (21.3%) presented with epiphora and occluded canalicular systems. Two eyes (2.7%) presented with epiphora which started just after tube removal and had a patent canalicular system. Fifty-seven eyes (76%) were free of symptoms and had patent canalicular systems and 3 of these eyes (4%) had epiphora while the tube was in place. CONCLUSIONS: Silicone intubation is indicated in patients with distal or common canalicular obstruction. The majority of patients with canalicular problems are relieved of epiphora after silicone tube removal. However, the tube itself may transiently occlude the canalicular system and cause epiphora in some patients, and in some it can aid tear flow even in the presence of a patent system.

A case of recurrent bloody tears.

Well-known causes of blood-tinged epiphora are conjunctival lesions, tumors of the lacrimal apparatus, and systemic bleeding disorders. We describe an unusual patient who presented with recurrent episodes of bloody tearing which began following an erythema multiforme-like drug eruption. He experienced chronic conjunctivitis which resulted in a few minor symblephara. One year later, the patient developed attacks of bloody tearing. All clinical, radiologic, and laboratory investigations related to bloody epiphora were within normal limits except for a mild, nonspecific chronic inflammatory reaction in the perivascular tissues of the lacrimal gland and orbital soft tissues. Also, an increase in vascular permeability and contrast extravasation on carotid angiography was detected. High-dose vitamin C was administered. The patient continued to have unilateral bloody tears intermittently for two years, but the episodes became much less frequent and had resolved by three years. It is conceivable that increased vascular permeability following the systemic inflammatory process could have played a role in the etiology of recurrent bloody tears in this atypical patient.

Congenital intrascleral cyst.

Congenital intrascleral cysts are rare. They are mostly located at the limbus with corneal involvement. We report a case of a 30-month-old boy with a bulber conjunctival cyst noticed at birth. The lesion enlarged over the following months but did not involve the cornea. During surgery the cyst proved to be intrascleral and a complete excision was carried out. The remaining defect was repaired with banked fascia lata. The histopathology revealed a scleral cyst wall lined by nonkeratinizing squamous epithelium with no goblet cells. We conclude that congenital intrascleral epithelial cysts are rare but should be considered in differential diagnosis of external eye cystic lesions. In our case, early excision and repair with fascia lata led to an uncomplicated postoperative course of 6 years.

Simple alternative to the Wright needle in frontalis sling surgery.

The Wright needle is a widely used instrument for insertion of fascia lata or a synthetic material during frontalis suspension surgery; however, difficulties in handling this instrument are frequently encountered by many surgeons. We describe an 18-gauge needle with a 4/0 monofilament polypropylene suture as an alternative to the Wright needle for placement of the sling material in frontalis suspension surgery. Less slippage and easier control of the needle's direction and depth of tissue penetration result in more accurate placement of the material and a reduction in damage to the surrounding tissues.