Profile of patients with essential blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm in the two largest ophthalmology reference centers in Brazil / Perfil dos pacientes com blefaroespasmo essencial e espasmo hemifacial nos dois maiores centros de referência em oftalmologia no Brasil

ABSTRACT Purpose: Information is scarce regarding the comprehensive profile of patients with essential blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm in Brazil. The present study aimed to assess the clinical features of patients with these conditions, followed up in two reference centers in Brazil. Methods: The study included patients with essential blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm, followed up at the Departments of Ophthalmology at Universidade Federal de São Paulo and Universidade de São Paulo. Apart from demographic and clinical features, past stressful events related to the first symptoms (triggering event), aggravating factors, sensory tricks, and other ameliorating factors for the eyelid spasms were assessed. Results: A total of 102 patients were included in this study. Most patients were female (67.7%). Essential blepharospasm was the most frequent movement disorder [51/102 patients (50%)], followed by hemifacial spasm (45%) and Meige's syndrome (5%). In 63.5% of the patients, the onset of the disorder was associated with a past stressful event. Ameliorating factors were reported by 76.5% of patients; 47% of patients reported sensory tricks. In addition, 87% of the patients reported the presence of an aggravating factor for the spasms; stress (51%) was the most frequent. Conclusion: Our study provides information regarding the clinical features of patients treated in the two largest ophthalmology reference centers in Brazil.

RESUMO Objetivo: Há poucos dados sobre o perfil de pacientes com blefaroespasmo essencial e espasmo hemifacial no Brasil. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar de forma mais abrangente as características clínicas dos pacientes portadores dessas doenças acompanhados em dois centros de referência em oftalmologia no Brasil. Métodos: Pacientes com blefaroespasmo essencial e espasmo hemifacial, acompanhados nos Departamentos de Oftalmologia da Universidade Federal de São Paulo e da Universidade de São Paulo foram incluídos neste estudo. Além dos dados clínicos e demográficos, foram avaliados também a presença de eventos estressantes relacionados ao início dos sintomas (evento desencadeante), fatores agravantes, truques sensoriais, e outros fatores de melhora. Resultados: Cento e dois pacientes foram incluídos no estudo. A maior parte dos pacientes era do sexo feminino (67,7%). Blefaroespasmo essencial foi a condição mais frequente, observada em 51 (50%) dos pacientes. Espasmo hemifacial correspondia a 45% dos casos, enquanto 5% dos pacientes apresentavam a Síndrome de Meige. 63,5% dos pacientes associaram o início dos sintomas com um evento estressante prévio. 76,5% dos pacientes relataram fatores de melhora para os espasmos; 47% relataram truques sensoriais. Além disso, 87% dos pacientes relataram fatores de piora; estresse (51%) foi o mais frequente. Conclusão: Este estudo fornece informações a respeito das características clínicas dos pacientes com blefaroespasmo essencial e espasmo hemifacial acompanhados nos dois maiores centros de referência em oftalmologia do Brasil.

Profile of patients with essential blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm in the two largest ophthalmology reference centers in Brazil.

PURPOSE: Information is scarce regarding the comprehensive profile of patients with essential blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm in Brazil. The present study aimed to assess the clinical features of patients with these conditions, followed up in two reference centers in Brazil. METHODS: The study included patients with essential blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm, followed up at the Departments of Ophthalmology at Universidade Federal de São Paulo and Universidade de São Paulo. Apart from demographic and clinical features, past stressful events related to the first symptoms (triggering event), aggravating factors, sensory tricks, and other ameliorating factors for the eyelid spasms were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 102 patients were included in this study. Most patients were female (67.7%). Essential blepharospasm was the most frequent movement disorder [51/102 patients (50%)], followed by hemifacial spasm (45%) and Meige's syndrome (5%). In 63.5% of the patients, the onset of the disorder was associated with a past stressful event. Ameliorating factors were reported by 76.5% of patients; 47% of patients reported sensory tricks. In addition, 87% of the patients reported the presence of an aggravating factor for the spasms; stress (51%) was the most frequent. CONCLUSION: Our study provides information regarding the clinical features of patients treated in the two largest ophthalmology reference centers in Brazil.

Ocular Surface Metrics in Blepharospasm Patients After Treatment With Botulinum Toxin Injections.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess blepharospasm patients regarding the effect of botulinum toxin in ocular surface parameters. METHODS: A prospective study was performed in blepharospasm patients treated with onabotulinumtoxinA. A smartphone (iPhone 6S, Apple) and custom-made software were used to record the eyelid movements for 3 minutes in a standardized manner. Optical coherence tomography of the tear meniscus was used to assess the tear meniscus area. Tear break-up time and the Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire were also evaluated. Patients were assessed before and 15 days after botulinum toxin injections. RESULTS: Forty eyes of 20 patients were evaluated. The frequency of the spontaneous eyelid movements was significantly reduced after treatment (23.18 ± 12.85 movements/min vs. 9.29 ± 6.87 movements/min; p < 0.0001). Significant increases in the tear meniscus area (0.020 ± 0.015 mm 2 vs. 0.057 ± 0.104 mm 2 ; p = 0.01) and in break-up time (4.2 ± 1.2 seconds vs. 5.1 ± 1.3 seconds; p = 0.03) were observed 15 days after treatment. A significant reduction in the Ocular Surface Disease Index (59.05 ± 19.04 vs. 21.2 ± 19.5; p < 0.0001) was also observed. CONCLUSION: Significant changes in the tear meniscus area, break-up time, and Ocular Surface Disease Index after treatment reflect the effect of botulinum toxin on the lacrimal pump and in the improvement of dry eye symptoms. Reduction of eyelid spasms after treatment in blepharospasm patients was demonstrated using a smartphone and custom-made software. Thus, beyond relieving eyelid spasms, botulinum toxin injections were associated with subjective and objective improvement of dry eye parameters in patients with blepharospasm.

Eyelid malignancies in young individuals: clinical peculiarities.

OBJECTIVE: The incidence of malignant eyelid tumors is considerably increasing, even in young patients. The purpose of this study was to identify particularities in individuals under 40 years of age affected by eyelid malignancies. METHODS: Clinical charts of patients under 40 years of age who underwent eyelid tumor excision from 2014 to 2020 in two reference centers, one in Brazil and one in the USA, were reviewed. Demographic and outcome measures included: age, gender, skin phototype, comorbidities, diagnosis, time until diagnosis, lesion location, recurrence and metastasis. In addition, associated characteristics, including chronic sun exposure, intentional tanning (outdoor or artificial), history of smoking, use of sunscreen, family history of skin cancer and exposure to pesticides or herbicides, were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 24 malignant eyelid tumors from 17 patients were identified. Twelve (70.6%) patients were female, and the most prevalent tumor was basal cell carcinoma (62.5%). Three (17.6%) patients had xeroderma pigmentosum and presented with multiple lesions. Family history of skin cancer was reported by 47% of patients. Prolonged sun exposure was reported by 41.2%; history of smoking and intentional tanning were reported by 23.5 and 17.6%, respectively, and might have played a role in carcinogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: Although uncommon in young subjects, eyelid malignancies present some peculiarities in individuals under 40 years of age. Our results suggest that women with family history of skin cancer and history of chronic exposure to ultraviolet radiation are at risk. Association with genetic syndromes is also relevant among younger age groups.

Multiple Faces of Eyelid Involvement in Sarcoidosis.

PURPOSE: To report three cases of eyelid involvement by sarcoidosis. In one of them, it mimicked a malignant lesion. METHODS: Retrospective case reports. RESULTS: A 73-year-old man presented with destruction of the left lower eyelid for 2 years. He had granulomatous uveitis in the left eye. Chest CT scan showed parenchymal abnormalities that could correspond to sarcoidosis. Skin biopsy revealed noncaseating granuloma. Oral and topical corticosteroids resulted in improvement of the condition. A 72-year-old female patient presented with cutaneous infiltration of the left upper eyelid for 1 month. Biopsy was consistent with sarcoidosis. Endobronchial biopsies showed interstitial fibrosis. Oral prednisone improved the condition. A 65-year-old female patient presented with edema of the right upper eyelid for 2 months. Full-thickness biopsy showed granuloma without necrosis. There was an improvement with oral steroid. CONCLUSION: Although eyelid involvement in sarcoidosis is uncommon, different forms of presentation, including destructive lesions, can be observed.

Epidemiological Profile and Clinical Stage at Presentation of Eyelid Malignancies in a Multi-Ethnic Country.

ABSTRACT: Eyelid malignancies are frequently seen in clinical practice. There is a lack of studies that have assessed the features of these lesions in mixed population countries. The epidemiologic profile, clinical stage at presentation, management, and outcomes of patients with eyelid malignancies were assessed, in order to better understand the features of these lesions in a multi-ethnic country. The medical records of patients who underwent eyelid tumor excision in a tertiary service in Brazil, from 2014 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. It was recorded for each patient: age, gender, time of onset, location, diagnosis, management, and follow-up. The medical records of 298 patients who presented with eyelid tumors were evaluated and 67 (22.4%) were malignant. The mean age of patients with malignancies was 52.93 years and 50% were male. Basal cell carcinoma was the most prevalent (61.2%), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (29.9%) and sebaceous gland carcinoma (3%). The average time it took from appearance to surgical treatment was 3 years; the lower eyelid was the most affected for both basal cell carcinoma and SCC; 70% of SCCs were locally invasive at presentation and metastasis occurred in 15%. Basal cell carcinoma was the most common eyelid malignancy observed, however, its frequency was lower when compared to other western countries. The advanced stage at presentation may reflect the lack of education of the population to seek early care, and the lack of specialized tertiary centers in remote areas, resulting in delayed diagnosis.

Possible Influence of Upper Blepharoplasty on Intraocular Pressure.

PURPOSE: There is anecdotal evidence that upper blepharoplasty might lead to raised intraocular pressure (IOP). If this association is confirmed, then patients with glaucoma and glaucoma suspects could be at risk if they underwent this procedure with no appropriate follow up. Here, the authors aimed to determine whether there are significant changes in IOP after upper blepharoplasty. METHODS: This prospective study evaluated the IOP at baseline and 1, 2, and 6 weeks after an upper blepharoplasty in individuals with mild to moderate dermatochalasis. Upper blepharoplasty might change the pressure exerted by the upper eyelid into the cornea, and this could affect the corneal surface and the IOP; thus, the corneal topography was also recorded before and at 6 weeks. RESULTS: The IOP of 40 eyes was evaluated. The mean (±SD) preoperative IOP was 14.19 ± 2.12 mm Hg. A statistically significant increase in IOP was observed at 1 (15.15 ± 2.27 mm Hg, p = 0.009), 2 (15.57 ± 2.29 mm Hg, p < 0.0001), and 6 weeks (15.21 ± 2.60 mm Hg, p = 0.001) postoperatively. A statistically significant increase in steep K (preoperative: 44.66 ± 2.06, 6 weeks: 44.78 ± 2.28, p = 0.007) and corneal astigmatism was also observed (preoperative: 0.78 ± 0.43, 6 weeks: 0.89 ± 0.45, p = 0.006) at 6 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Upper blepharoplasty resulted in a mild and statistically significant increase in intraocular pressure postoperatively. The authors' results suggest that upper blepharoplasty should be carefully evaluated in glaucoma and glaucoma suspect patients.

Diseases, conditions, and drugs associated with cicatricial ectropion / Doenças, condições e drogas associadas ao ectrópio cicatricial

ABSTRACT Cicatricial ectropion may be a consequence of certain systemic diseases as well as the result of drug use. Our goal here was to research the different causes of this condition as reported in the literature, including more recently suspected etiologies. A detailed PubMed literature search indicated many different etiologies were associated with cicatricial ectropion development, from severe cases of systemic diseases, such as ichthyosis and lupus erythematosus, to reversible scenarios secondary to anti-glaucomatous drug use. More recently reported connections include periorbital necrotizing fasciitis, frontal osteomyelitis, and antineoplastic agents. Indeed, cicatricial ectropion may be highly symptomatic; being able to determine its real etiology is imperative to managing patients properly. In this investigation, we felt that an explicitly multidisciplinary approach was essential, especially for cases associated with systemic conditions.

RESUMO O ectrópio cicatricial pode ser uma consequência de certas doenças sistêmicas, bem como o resultado do uso de drogas. Nosso objetivo aqui foi pesquisar as diferentes causas desta condição, conforme relatado na literatura, incluindo mais recentemente suspeitas de etiologias. Uma pesquisa bibliográfica detalhada do PubMed indicou que muitas etiologias diferentes estavam associadas ao desenvolvimento do ectrópio cicatricial, desde casos graves de doenças sistêmicas, como ictiose e lúpus eritematoso, até cenários reversíveis secundários ao uso de drogas antiglaucomatosas. Conexões relatadas mais recentemente incluem fasceíte necrosante periorbitária, osteomielite frontal e agentes antineoplásicos. De fato, o ectrópio cicatricial pode ser altamente sintomático; ser capaz de determinar sua etiologia real é imperativo para o manejo adequado dos pacientes. Nesta investigação, sentimos que uma abordagem explicitamente multidisciplinar era essencial, especialmente para casos associados a doenças sistêmicas.

Diseases, conditions, and drugs associated with cicatricial ectropion.

Cicatricial ectropion may be a consequence of certain systemic diseases as well as the result of drug use. Our goal here was to research the different causes of this condition as reported in the literature, including more recently suspected etiologies. A detailed PubMed literature search indicated many different etiologies were associated with cicatricial ectropion development, from severe cases of systemic diseases, such as ichthyosis and lupus erythematosus, to reversible scenarios secondary to anti-glaucomatous drug use. More recently reported connections include periorbital necrotizing fasciitis, frontal osteomyelitis, and antineoplastic agents. Indeed, cicatricial ectropion may be highly symptomatic; being able to determine its real etiology is imperative to managing patients properly. In this investigation, we felt that an explicitly multidisciplinary approach was essential, especially for cases associated with systemic conditions.

Management of Severe Cicatricial Entropion With Labial Mucous Membrane Graft in Cicatricial Ocular Surface Disorders.

The management of cicatricial entropion represents a therapeutic challenge especially when the underlying causes are progressive cicatricial diseases that affect the ocular surface. The authors aimed to report long-term efficacy of labial mucous membrane graft to manage severe cicatricial entropion of the upper eyelid. This study is a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent tarsotomy associated with labial mucous membrane graft to treat severe cicatricial entropion of the upper eyelid. Surgeries were performed over a 16-year period. Clinical data (age, gender, etiology of the cicatricial entropion, improvement of symptoms, eyelid position, recurrence, complications, and follow-up period) were extracted from these patients' charts. Etiology of the cicatricial entropion, improvement of symptoms, eyelid position, recurrence, complications, and follow-up period were evaluated. Sixty-three eyelids from 44 patients underwent surgery. Mean follow-up was 48.4 ±â€Š46.1 months (range 6 months to 15 years). Main underlying diagnoses were Stevens-Johnson syndrome (63%), trachoma (19%), chemical injury (8%), and trauma (5%). Forty-three patients (98%) reported improvement of ocular symptoms after the procedure. Complete resolution (restoration of the upper eyelid margin to normal anatomic position with good esthetic appearance) was achieved in 52 eyelids (83%). Recurrence occurred in 7 (11%) eyelids. No postoperative infection, failure of graft survival, or other complications were observed. The use of labial mucous membrane as a posterior lamella graft showed good functional and cosmetic outcomes, long-term stability and low recurrence rates in the treatment of severe cicatricial entropion of the upper eyelid.

Impact of botulinum toxin-A on corneal curvature assessed with Scheimpflug and Placido systems.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of eyelid spasm treatment with botulinum toxin-A (BTX-A) on corneal curvature assessed with Scheimpflug (Pentacam) and Placido (Atlas) systems. SETTING: Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. DESIGN: Prospective interventional case series. METHODS: Patients with hemifacial spasm were evaluated. Steep keratometry (K) and corneal astigmatism (magnitudes and treatment-induced astigmatism) obtained with the Placido and Scheimpflug systems were evaluated before BTX-A application and after 15 days and 2, 3, and 4 months. RESULTS: The study evaluated 48 eyes (24 affected and 24 normal contralateral eyes) of 24 patients. The mean steep K and astigmatism values obtained with the Placido system on the affected side before treatment were 46.91 diopters (D) ± 3.57 (SD) and 2.63 ± 2.46 D, respectively. A significant decrease in steep K (45.14 ± 1.20 D) and astigmatism (1.01 ± 0.58 D) was observed 2 months (P = .003 and P = .0004, respectively) and 3 months (45.64 ± 1.77 D and 1.36 ± 1.31 D, respectively) (P = .03 and P = .01, respectively) after treatment. The Scheimpflug system did not show significant changes in steep K measurements during the 4-month period. The mean astigmatism in the affected eye before treatment was 1.27 ± 0.88 D. A significant reduction was observed at 15 days (1.16 ± 1.16 D) and at 4 months (0.91 ± 0.59 D) (P = .02 and P = .03, respectively). CONCLUSION: The Placido system was more sensitive in detecting a temporary reduction in corneal curvature after eyelid-spasm treatment. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: None of the authors has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.