Transcutaneous retrobulbar amphotericin B for rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis: a multi-center retrospective comparative study.

PURPOSE: To assess whether transcutaneous retrobulbar amphotericin B injections (TRAMB) reduce exenteration rate without increasing mortality in rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM). METHODS: In this retrospective case-control study, 46 patients (51 eyes) with biopsy-proven ROCM were evaluated at 9 tertiary care institutions from 1998 to 2021. Patients were stratified by radiographic evidence of local orbital versus extensive involvement at presentation. Extensive involvement was defined by MRI or CT evidence of abnormal or loss of contrast enhancement of the orbital apex with or without cavernous sinus, bilateral orbital, or intracranial extension. Cases (+TRAMB) received TRAMB as adjunctive therapy while controls (-TRAMB) did not. Patient survival, globe survival, and vision/motility loss were compared between +TRAMB and -TRAMB groups. A generalized linear mixed effects model including demographic and clinical covariates was used to evaluate the impact of TRAMB on orbital exenteration and disease-specific mortality. RESULTS: Among eyes with local orbital involvement, exenteration was significantly lower in the +TRAMB group (1/8) versus -TRAMB (8/14) (p = 0.04). No significant difference in mortality was observed between the ±TRAMB groups. Among eyes with extensive involvement, there was no significant difference in exenteration or mortality rates between the ±TRAMB groups. Across all eyes, the number of TRAMB injections correlated with a statistically significant decreased rate of exenteration (p = 0.048); there was no correlation with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ROCM with local orbital involvement treated with adjunctive TRAMB demonstrated a lower exenteration rate and no increased risk of mortality. For extensive involvement, adjunctive TRAMB does not improve or worsen these outcomes.

Predictability of the Phenylephrine Test in Congenital Ptosis: Ten Years of Experience.

PURPOSE: To assess the predictability of phenylephrine testing for congenital ptosis and review outcomes of Müller's Muscle-conjunctival resection (MMCR) for congenital ptosis across ten years of follow-up. METHODS: In this retrospective case series, all patients who underwent MMCR for congenital ptosis at a single institution between 2010 and 2020 were identified. Exclusion criteria included patients who had not undergone preoperative testing with 2.5% phenylephrine in the superior fornix; patients who underwent revision surgery; and patients who had a broken suture in the early postoperative period. Demographics, margin-reflex distance 1 (MRD1) values pre- and postphenylephrine, millimeters of tissue resected intraoperatively, and final postoperative MRD1 were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 28 patients were included; 19 patients received MMCR and 9 patients received a combined MMCR plus tarsectomy. The amount of tissue resected ranged from 5 to 11 mm. There was no significant difference between median postphenylephrine MRD1 and median final postoperative MRD1 in either surgical group. Neither patient age nor levator function was significantly associated with a change in MRD1 in either group. The addition of a tarsectomy had no bearing on the final MRD1 value. CONCLUSIONS: MMCR is a viable option for patients with congenital ptosis and moderate levator function with a response to phenylephrine. In these patients, MRD1 after 2.5% phenylephrine testing correlates to the final postoperative MRD1 outcome within 0.5 mm.

Lacrimal gland botulinum toxin injection for epiphora management.

PURPOSE: Epiphora remains an often difficult to manage ocular complaint for ophthalmologists in all subspecialties. This review seeks to examine the safety and efficacy of botulinum toxin injection for management of chronic epiphora. METHODS: The authors conducted a Pubmed search for studies on the use of lacrimal and transplanted salivary gland botulinum toxin injections for the management of epiphora within the past 20 years. Studies included had a minimum of four glandular injections. RESULTS: The authors identified 14 studies and divided them by indication for injection; either functional epiphora, non-functional epiphora, or mixed studies. Seven studies examined injections for cases of functional epiphora, four for non-functional epiphora, and four for mixed cases. The number of glandular injections reported ranged from 4 to 65. Side effects reported were limited to diplopia, eyelid or lacrimal gland hematoma, papillary conjunctivitis, dry eye, ptosis, and bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Glandular botulinum toxin injection should be considered as a viable treatment strategy for both functional and nonfunctional epiphora. From the studies reviewed, botulinum toxin injection was shown to be effective in both children and adults. Injection can be performed in the outpatient setting, is minimally invasive, technically easy to administer, has a favorable side effect profile, and good efficacy. Furthermore, repeat injections can be performed with similar efficacy.

Single-stage repair of large full thickness lower eyelid defects using free tarsoconjunctival graft and transposition flap: experience and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Lid-sharing approaches are often advocated for repair of large full thickness lower eyelid defects, however result in temporary visual obstruction and the need for a second-stage procedure. The authors describe and report outcomes using a one-stage technique utilizing a free tarsoconjunctival graft (TCG) and musculocutaneous transposition flap (MCT) to repair defects up to 90% of the lower eyelid. METHODS: A retrospective chart review on patients that had undergone full thickness lower eyelid reconstruction using a TCG and MCT between the dates of 1/1/2015 to 3/1/2020 was performed. Demographic and clinical information including indication for repair, size of defect, post-operative complications, and outcomes were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Six cases of lower eyelid reconstruction using this technique were identified. Fifty percent were male, average age was 61.3 years (range 36-91, SD = 18.9), and follow up was 36.7 weeks (range 3-129, SD = 48.1). All defects were due to malignancy (4/6 for basal cell carcinoma, 1/6 each for sebaceous cell carcinoma and merkel cell carcinoma). Average horizontal defect size was 80% of lower eyelid width (range 57%-90%, SD = 12.3), while average vertical defect size was 8 mm (range 5-10 mm, SD = 1.7). There were no instances of post-operative infection, lid malposition, or dehiscence. A pyogenic granuloma was noted in one case and was managed with excision. CONCLUSION: A single-stage procedure using a TCG and MCT can be used to repair laterally based full-thickness lower eyelid defects up to 90% with satisfactory outcomes and few complications.

Malignant Conversion of Eyelid Capillary Hemangioma to Cutaneous Angiosarcoma.

Angiosarcomas represent a rare aggressive malignancy of endothelial cell origin that carry a poor prognosis. Here, the authors report the case of a 71-year-old male presenting with a well-differentiated angiosarcoma of the right upper eyelid which arose at the site of a congenital eyelid hemangioma. The patient had undergone multiple surgical resections of the hemangioma previously without adjunctive radiation therapy. This lends evidence to the potential for malignant transformation of benign hemangiomas, and long-term monitoring of benign cutaneous vascular lesions should be considered.

Patient-Specific Implants in Oculofacial Plastic Surgery.

PURPOSE: To investigate how patient-specific implants (PSIs) are being utilized for periocular facial skeletal reconstruction. Specifically, to characterize indications for custom implants, areas of reconstruction, intraoperative variables impacting implant placement, as well as to report on postoperative outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for patients who received a PSI for periocular skeletal reconstruction between 2015 and 2019. Three independent academic centers were included in this study, which encompassed 4 different primary surgeons. Medical records, radiographic imaging, and operative reports were reviewed. RESULTS: Eleven patients, 8 females and 3 males, ages ranging from 15 to 63 years old received PSIs. The average duration of follow up was 16 months ± 6.6 months (range: 9-30 months). The most common underlying etiology for reconstruction was prior trauma (54.5%) followed by benign tumor resection (18.2%). The most frequent area of reconstruction involved the inferior orbital rim and adjacent maxilla (63.6%). Implant materials included porous polyethylene, polyetheretherketone, and titanium. Six implants required intraoperative modification, most commonly accommodate critical neurovascular structures (66.6%) or improve contour (33.3%). Two postoperative complications were noted, both in the form of infection with 1 implant requiring removal. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstruction of complex facial skeletal defects can be achieved by utilizing computer-assisted design software and 3D printing techniques to create PSIs. These implants represent the most customizable option for symmetric restoration of the facial skeleton by not only addressing structural deficits but also volumetric loss. This was particularly apparent in reconstruction of the orbital rim and midface. PSIs were found to be of most benefit in patients with prior trauma or complex skeletal defects after tumor resection.

Loss of Pacer Spikes as electrocardiographic (EKG) Artifact Due to Microdebrider Use During Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy.

As intraoperative use of electronic equipment becomes more common, familiarity with the potential for electrocardiographic artifact generated by these instruments is increasingly important. The authors' patient underwent endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy under general anesthesia for treatment of acute on chronic dacryocystitis secondary to acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. She had previously had pacemaker placement for treatment of sick sinus syndrome and low ejection fraction heart failure, and use of a microdebrider intraoperatively resulted in loss of pacer spikes and interference signal on electrocardiographic leading to placement of a magnet. Post-operatively, examination of the microdebrider cord revealed a tear that likely lead to the artifactual electrocardiographic signal influencing the decision for magnet placement. Although there were no long-term ill effects, placement of the magnet was an unnecessary intervention that may have been avoided by prompt recognition of artifactual changes that may be induced by intraoperative use of electronic instrumentation.

Posterior auricular muscle patch graft for exposed orbital implant.

The purpose of this article is to describe a surgical technique to repair an exposed orbital implant by posterior auricular muscle autograft. A retrospective review was conducted of four patients with an exposed orbital implant that were treated with a posterior auricular muscle graft. Four patients received posterior auricular muscle patch graft to the exposed orbital implant. The donor site healed with minimal scarring and remained well hidden. The graft incorporated fully into surrounding orbital tissue with no recurrent exposure at average of 13 month follow-up. The posterior auricular muscle autograft is a viable technique for repairing an exposed orbital implant.

Solitary fibrous tumor of the orbit with growth during pregnancy: a case report.

We report the case of an anterior orbital tumor in a young woman that enlarged during pregnancy. The mass was excised and found to be a spindle cell tumor with immunohistochemical reactivity consistent with a solitary fibrous tumor, a rare entity in the spectrum of fibroblastic mesenchymal tumors. The tumor was strongly positive for the progesterone receptor, consistent with its clinical growth during the antenatal and postnatal periods. To our knowledge, a primary orbital tumor with these characteristics has rarely been reported in the literature.

Self-insertion of foreign bodies into the orbit and periocular tissue.

We describe six patients with 12 separate episodes of self-inflicted periocular foreign body injuries, which presented to our institution recently. All patients were male, relatively young (mean 28.5 years old), incarcerated, and had significant underlying psychiatric conditions. The subjects had inserted staples (6), paperclips (2), or other small metallic wire segments (4) into the periocular region. Most cases (9/12) involved concurrent self-inflicted injury to other body parts. Ten cases involved foreign bodies inserted through the palpebral conjunctiva into the upper eyelid, while two cases involved insertion into the orbit. Identification and surgical retrieval of foreign bodies was successful in most cases (9/11) but was not attempted in one case. Self-inflicted periocular injuries, while rare, are challenging cases for which the ophthalmologist should be prepared. A multidisciplinary approach, including psychiatric assessment and treatment, is important for optimal care.

Efficacy of Muller's Muscle and Conjunctiva Resection With or Without Tarsectomy for the Treatment of Severe Involutional Blepharoptosis.

PURPOSE: To determine if Muller's muscle and conjunctiva resection with or without tarsectomy is an efficacious procedure for the treatment of severe involutional blepharoptosis. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for all consecutive patients with severe involutional blepharoptosis during a 12-year period treated by a single surgeon (AMP) with a Muller's muscle and conjunctiva resection with or without tarsectomy. The inclusion criteria was good levator function (≥10 mm eyelid excursion), adequate response to phenylephrine (change in eyelid height ≥1.5 mm), and severe involutional blepharoptosis (margin-to-reflex-distance-1 ≤0 mm). RESULTS: One hundred eyelids of 69 patients were identified that met the inclusion criteria. Mean preoperative margin-to-reflex-distance-1 was -0.65 mm and mean postoperative margin-to-reflex-distance-1 was 3.00 mm for all patients. For patients treated with Muller's muscle and conjunctiva resection without tarsectomy, mean preoperative and postoperative margin-to-reflex-distance-1 was -0.51 mm and 2.98 mm with 97.5% of the patients obtaining a lift greater than 1.5 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that Muller's muscle and conjunctiva resection with or without tarsectomy does provide another alternative to the surgeon for the management of severe involutional blepharoptosis.

Surgical Microanatomy of Lower Eyelid Tarsal Ectropion Repair With a Putterman Ptosis Clamp.

PURPOSE: To examine the changes in microscopic anatomy of the lower eyelid tarsal ectropion repair with the Putterman ptosis clamp and better understand the anatomical changes associated with the eyelid malposition correction. METHODS: Ten orbits from 5 fresh frozen cadaver heads, ranging in age from 53 to 77 years, were used for the dissection. For each head, a Putterman clamp tarsal ectropion repair was performed on one side, while the contralateral unoperated orbit served as a control. After performing the procedure, both orbits were exenterated and they, along with the resected specimens, were studied microscopically using Verhoeff-Masson trichrome and hematoxylin-eosin stains. RESULTS: Conjunctiva, capsulopalpebral fascia, and smooth muscle were present on all tissue specimens incarcerated within the ptosis clamp. Tarsus was present in one specimen. There was a shortening of the posterior lamella of the eyelid with advancement of the capsulopalpebral fascia on all operated specimens when compared with controls. CONCLUSION: The Putterman clamp ectropion repair works by shortening the posterior lamella of the eyelid and advancing the lower eyelid retractors superiorly. This advancement tightens the lower eyelid retractors and thus stabilizes the eyelid in a more vertical position. In addition to a lateral tendon tuck as described in the original article to tighten horizontal eyelid laxity, this procedure addresses both vertical and horizontal laxity of tarsal ectropion.

Bi-institutional retrospective study on the demographics and basic clinical presentation of hidrocystomas.

Hidrocystomas are benign, cystic lesions of eccrine and apocrine sweat glands. The literature on hidrocystomas is sparse, consisting of a handful of case reports and limited retrospective reviews. This is the first known bi-institutional, retrospective, chart review aimed to elucidate the demographics and basic clinical presentation of hidrocystomas. Medical records of adult patients with a pathological diagnosis of hidrocystoma from September 1, 2008 to August 1, 2015 in the Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service at the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary (UIC) and Department of Ophthalmology of Weill Cornell Medical College (Cornell) were reviewed. Children under the age of 18 were not included. Data collection included: gender, race, age at diagnosis, laterality, location, total number of lesions, and recurrence. Results from both institutions were compared against each other and as a whole. A total of 107 patients were diagnosed with hidrocystoma on pathology. The mean age of diagnosis was 56 years (22-85). Hidrocystomas were diagnosed in 69 (64.4%) females and 38 (35.5%) males. Lesions were most commonly found in African American (37.4%), Caucasian (30.8%), and Hispanic (16.8%) patients combined across the two institutions with different patient populations. Lesions were largely unilateral (74.8%) and found on the lower lid (38.6%), lateral canthus (31.2%), upper lid (17.7%), and medial canthus (12.6%). Recurrences were seen in 2.3% of lesions. The majority of recurrences occurred in patients who identified their race as Hispanic (2/5) and Caucasian (3/5). Recurrences were seen in 2 males and 3 females. Apocrine and ecccrine hidrocystomas may be more common in female, African American, Caucasian, and Hispanic patients, presenting most commonly in adults in their mid-fifties. Lesions tend to be unilateral with lower lid lesions being the most prevalent location and medial canthus lesions being the least prevalent location for lesion growth. Recurrences may be most common in Hispanics and Caucasians and less common in African Americans. Although a precise recurrence rate cannot be determined at this time, our data suggests that the recurrence rate is low with current excisional methods.

Primary Orbital Histiocytic Sarcoma in a Child Successfully Treated With Multiagent Chemotherapy.

Histiocytic sarcoma (HS), a malignant proliferation of mature tissue histiocytes presenting with single or multifocal extranodal tumors, is rarely seen in children. Primary orbital HS has never been reported in a child. Disseminated disease to the bone marrow typically has an aggressive course and poor prognosis. There is no consensus currently on the optimal therapeutic approach for HS. We present the case of a 2-year-old girl with orbital HS with likely bone marrow involvement treated successfully with multiagent chemotherapy, now in complete remission and disease free 3.5 years from end of therapy.

Orbito-Masticatory Syndrome.

We describe 2 unique cases of visual symptoms occurring during mastication in patients with lateral orbital wall defects. A 57-year-old man reported intermittent double vision and oscillopsia after a right fronto-temporal-orbito-zygomatic craniotomy with osteotomy of the lesser wing of the sphenoid for a complex invasive pituitary adenoma. Proptosis of the right globe was present only during mastication. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a bony defect in the right lateral orbital wall. A 48-year-old man presented with transient diplopia and scotoma in the right eye elicited by chewing. CT and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a bilobed lesion connecting the temporal fossa to the orbit through a defect in the right lateral orbital wall. The regional neuroanatomy and pathophysiology as pertaining to these cases are discussed.