Inferior Rectus Muscle Thermal Injury Following Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty Using Carbon Dioxide Laser.

A 56-year-old woman was referred to the authors' hospital after the removal of the lower eyelid fat through a transconjunctival approach using a carbon dioxide laser. The patient was noted to have vertical diplopia in the primary position, with worsening diplopia on downgaze. Detachment of the right inferior rectus (IR) muscle from its insertion point was observed during exploratory surgery. The thermally damaged IR muscle fibers were attached to a location posterior to the original insertion point. At 6 months postoperatively, 8 prism diopters of right hypertropia in the primary position and a -3 degrees limitation on downgaze were still present. The patient underwent the vertical transposition of the lateral and medial rectus muscles to the IR muscle. After strabismus surgery, orthotropia was observed with no vertical diplopia in the primary gaze, but ocular motility limitation on the downgaze has permanently remained.

Prognostic factors for thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin normalization in moderate-to-severe Graves' orbitopathy: a 36-month longitudinal study.

PURPOSE: The primary objective of this study was to identify predictive factors linked to the normalization of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) levels in patients diagnosed with active, moderate-to-severe Graves' orbitopathy (GO). The study also tracked the longitudinal changes in TSI levels over a 36-month period following treatment. METHODS: The study population consisted of individuals who were recently diagnosed with active, moderate-to-severe GO and received a 12-week course of intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) treatment. A subgroup of patients who did not respond to the initial treatment received an additional 20 Gy of radiation therapy (RTx). TSI levels were monitored at the time of diagnosis, after treatment, and subsequently every 6 months for 36 months. Normalization was defined as a TSI level below 140%. Patients were divdied into two groups with success and failure group depending on whether TSI became normal or not. RESULTS: Out of 83 patients, 36 (43.4%) achieved normalized TSI levels within two years post-IVMP treatment. Lower initial TSI levels (< 425%), absence of additional RTx, and early treatment initiation were associated with a higher likelihood of TSI normalization (P = 0.035, P = 0.028, P < 0.001, respectively). Notably, significant differences in TSI level reduction were observed from 18 months post-treatment between the two groups (P = 0.031). A TSI cutoff value of 413% was identified as predictive for normalization at 24 months (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: This study is the first to identify key factors that influence normalization of TSI levels in moderate-to-severe Graves' Orbitopathy. It highlights the importance of early treatment decisions, particularly for patients with initial TSI levels above 425%. Despite the treatment, less than half of the patients achieved TSI normalization within 24 months, underscoring the need for additional research to explore the relationship between TSI levels and the clinical manifestations of chronic GO.

Successful Management of Refractory Kimura Disease with CVP Chemotherapy: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Kimura disease is a rare, chronic inflammatory disorder typically presenting as a painless mass in the head or neck and associated with elevated serum immunoglobulin E and blood and tissue eosinophilia. Generally benign, its management is not well-defined, but corticosteroids are a common initial treatment. We detail a case of refractory Kimura disease successfully managed with CVP (Cyclophosphamide, Vincristine, Prednisone) chemotherapy and no recurrence during 6 rounds of treatment. CASE REPORT A 64-year-old woman, previously diagnosed with Kimura disease, returned to the hospital with upper eyelid ptosis. Upon examination, a solid mass was palpable in her left upper eyelid. Peripheral blood tests confirmed elevated IgE levels at 356.0 IU/ml. An excisional biopsy showed infiltration of lymphocytes and eosinophils, consistent with Kimura disease. Despite undergoing corticosteroid treatment, surgical debulking, radiation, and immunosuppressant therapy, her condition worsened. Concerns were raised due to imaging features suggestive of lymphoma, although no malignancy was evident in subsequent biopsies. It was decided to manage the disease using CVP chemotherapy, leading to significant symptom improvement. There have been no recurrences during the 12-month follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS Kimura disease is typically benign and responsive to treatment, but it often recurs and can progress. When symptoms are not controlled with conventional treatments, including corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, radiation, and surgical debulking, chemotherapy may be a reasonable option even when no definite signs of malignancy is identified. Further research is needed to explore the utility of CHOP and CVP in managing uncontrolled Kimura disease.

Long-term surgical outcomes of basic-type exotropia in patients with hyperopia.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the surgical outcomes of basic-type exotropia in patients with hyperopia. METHODS: The medical records of patients who underwent surgery for basic-type exotropia and had been followed up for ≥ 2 years were retrospectively recruited. Patients with myopia and spherical equivalent (SE) < -1.0 diopters (D) were excluded. The patients were classified according to the SE: group H had a SE ≥ + 1.0 D, and group E had -1.0 ≤ SE < + 1.0 D. The surgical success rate and sensory outcome were compared. Surgical success was defined as exodeviation ≤ 10 prism diopters (PD) and esodeviation ≤ 5 PD at 6 m fixation. Stereoacuity was measured using the Titmus Preschool Stereoacuity Test. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients (24 males and 51 females, mean age 5.1 ± 2.6 years, range 2.7-14.8) were included. The SE ranged from -0.9 to 4.4 and 21 patients were classified into group H and 54 into group E. The success rates were higher in group H than in group E during the entire follow-up period, but the differences were significant only at the final examination. At the final follow-up, 11 of the 21 (52.4%) patients in group H and 15 of the 54 (27.7%) in group E maintained successful alignment, whereas 10 (47.6%) and 38 (70.4%) patients exhibited recurrence. Overcorrection was exhibited in one (1.9%) patient in group E. Sensory results were comparable between the groups. The follow-up period did not differ between the two groups. The survival analysis showed no difference in the surgical results between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery for basic-type intermittent exotropia resulted in superior outcomes in patients with hyperopia compared to those with emmetropia.

Successful Treatment of Optic Neuropathy Associated with Sphenoid Sinus Aspergillosis.

PURPOSE: We report a case of optic neuropathy related to sphenoid sinus aspergillosis which showed good visual recovery with surgery and medical antifungal treatment. METHODS: Observational case study Case Presentation A 62-year-old man presented with decreased visual acuity in the right eye for 3 weeks. His visual acuity was counting fingers in the right eye and 20/20 in the left eye. Relative afferent pupillary defects were detected in the right eye. Optic neuropathy related to invasive fungal sphenoid sinusitis was suspected via radiologic evaluation. Endoscopic sinus surgery was performed and histopathological examination revealed aspergillosis. Amphotericin B combined with ceftriaxone and metronidazole was started. After the fungal culture results were positive for the Aspergillus species, amphotericin B was changed to voriconazole. At 1 month after surgery, visual acuity improved to 20/25. CONCLUSION: Appropriate radiologic evaluation can be helpful when optic neuropathy associated with a fungal infection is suspected, and timely surgical and medial treatment should be considered.

Clinical Results According to Inferior Oblique Manipulation in Patients with Inferomedial Blowout Fracture Involving the Orbital Strut.

Background: Detachment of the inferior oblique muscle may be necessary under certain circumstances to repair a large inferomedial orbital fracture involving the orbital strut. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of patients who underwent surgeries with and without inferior oblique muscle reattachment after its detachment to repair the orbital wall fractures. Methods: Forty patients who underwent repair of combined floor and medial orbital wall fracture involving the orbital strut at a single tertiary institution between January 2014 and December 2020 were reviewed. Groups 1 and 2 comprised 20 patients each, who underwent surgery with inferior oblique muscle detachment without and with reattachment, respectively, and were followed up for at least 6 months postoperatively. Enophthalmos, Goldmann diplopia test, alignment test, ocular motility test, and orbital inferomedial angle ratio were the outcome measures. Results: Statistically significant improvement was observed in ocular motility, diplopia, and enophthalmos postoperatively at the 1- and 6-month follow-up (p < 0.01). The mean postoperative inferomedial angle ratio (102.28 ± 10.62%) was improved significantly compared with the preoperative inferomedial angle ratio (115.61 ± 4.38%) (p = 0.004) in all patients. After surgery, inferior oblique muscle underaction was observed in seven and six patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively, which was associated with preoperative extraocular movement limitation and strabismus. Two patients showed diplopia in both groups at the last follow-up; they had inferior oblique muscle underaction but no enophthalmos. Conclusion: Orbital fracture repair with or without inferior oblique muscle reattachment was clinically effective and safe; however, patients with preoperative strabismus and extraocular motility limitation should be informed of the increased risk of postoperative complications.

Endonasal Endoscopic Removal of Orbital Cavernous Venous Malformation With Optic Neuropathy.

Several surgical methods have been employed, but the management of orbital cavernous venous malformations at the orbital apex remains challenging. The authors present an endonasal endoscopy-assisted removal of an orbital apex cavernous venous malformation compressing the optic nerve with the addition of an inferomedial conjunctival approach. A 43-year-old Asian man presented with an orbital cavernous venous malformation incidentally found radiographically with a history of decreased vision of 20/50 oculus dexter (OD). The patient's visual field index was 22%, with signs of optic neuropathy. An endonasal endoscopic procedure combining transconjunctival and caruncular orbitotomies was adopted because of its deep posterior placement inside the orbit. The cavernous venous malformation was removed without complications, and the visual function of the patients recovered. For these challenging lesions, an endonasal endoscopic technique with an anterior orbitotomy may be a promising alternative. Simple packing material may adequately repair the medial orbital wall; there were no complications during the 12-month follow-up period.

Predictive value of OCT and MRI for postoperative visual recovery in patients with chiasmal compressive lesions.

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the predictive value of retinal thickness measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and mass biometrics measured using magnetic resonance image (MRI) for visual recovery after surgery for removal of a mass compressing the optic chiasm. METHODS: Consecutive patients who showed typical temporal visual field defect (VFD) with respect to the vertical meridian due to a chiasmal compressive mass and who underwent mass removal surgery were recruited. Ophthalmic examination was performed preoperatively and postoperatively. Retinal thickness was measured by the Cirrus OCT. The height and size of the mass and suprasellar extension (SSE) in both the sagittal and coronal planes were evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups based on the improvement in VFD (mean deviation [MD] change ≥ 5 dB: group R; others: group NR) and clinical characteristics were compared. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were included in the study. Eight (53.3%) patients were allocated into group R and others (7 patients, 46.7%) into group NR. Age, sex, initial visual acuity, initial MD was not different between the two groups. The retinal thicknesses were not different while tumor height, volume, and both sagittal and coronal SSE were significantly different between the two groups. (p = 0.029, 0.014, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively) All MRI parameters showed significant predictive value for the degree of MD recovery. CONCLUSION: MRI showed better predictive value than OCT in predicting postoperative VFD recovery in patients with temporal VFDs due to chiasmal compressive disorder.

An Overview of the Korean Intermittent Exotropia Multicenter Study by the Korean Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus.

The Korean Intermittent Exotropia Multicenter Study (KIEMS), which was initiated by the Korean Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, is a collaborative multicenter study on intermittent exotropia in Korea. The KIEMS was designed to provide comprehensive information, including subjective and objective findings of intermittent exotropia in a large study population. A total of 65 strabismus specialists in 53 institutions contributed to this study, which, to date, is one of the largest clinical studies on intermittent exotropia. In this article, we provide a detailed methodology of the KIEMS to help future investigations that may use the KIEMS data.

Ophthalmic Manifestations of Rathke's Cleft Cyst and Its Association to Radiological Characteristics.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the ophthalmic features of Rathke's cleft cyst (RCC) and its association with radiological characteristics. METHODS: In this retrospective single-center study, patients who showed typical findings suggestive of RCC on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and underwent relevant ophthalmic examination were recruited retrospectively. Patients were stratified into two groups according to the presence or absence of ophthalmic symptoms related to RCC. We reviewed patients' demographic information, initial symptoms, endocrinological status, ophthalmic features, and characteristics of MRI. Height, size and location of RCC, as well as the optic chiasm displacement assessed from MRI. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients (20 women and 13 men) were included in this study from among 335 patients with RCC on MRI. Fifteen patients had ophthalmic manifestation related to the cyst (Ophthalmic group), whereas 18 patients were not (Non-ophthalmic group). Headache was the most common initial symptom (15 patients, 45.5%), followed by visual disturbance (7, 21.2%), diplopia (1, 3.0%), retro-orbital pain (1, 3.0%), galactorrhea (1, 3.0%), and peripheral extremity discomfort (1, 3.0%). In seven asymptomatic patients (21.2%), the lesion was an incidental finding during a regular medical examination. Ophthalmic manifestation included visual field defect (14 patients, 93.3%) and diplopia (1 patient, 6.7%). The height, volume, and the coronal and sagittal displacements were larger in the ophthalmic group (P < .001, all). Eleven patients who manifested ophthalmic symptoms underwent excision surgeries and nine of them (81.8%) experienced visual function improvement. CONCLUSION: Appropriate ophthalmic examinations are warranted in patients with RCC, and treatment should be actively considered in patients with ophthalmic manifestations.

Surgical outcomes related to degree of unilateral lateral rectus muscle recession in intermittent exotropia of 20 prism diopters.

PURPOSE: We compared the surgical results of different degrees of unilateral lateral rectus muscle recession (ULR) and investigated the surgical outcomes and factors related to recurrence of intermittent exotropia of 20 prism diopters (PD). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. METHODS: The study comprised 163 patients with intermittent exotropia of 20 PD who underwent ULR between January 2010 and May 2015 and at least 2 years of follow-up after the initial surgery. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the extent of ULR (8.0, 8.5, or 9.0 mm), and the surgical results were compared. We investigated the surgical outcomes and factors related to recurrence. RESULTS: The mean postoperative follow-up period was 3.89 ± 1.82 years. The rate of recurrence within 2 years differed clinically (8.0 mm: 25.7%; 8.5 mm: 19.0%; 9.0 mm: 8.6%). However, other factors did not significantly differ among the groups. The comparison of the recurrence and the nonrecurrence groups showed that the age at the time of surgery varied significantly (recurring: 6.5 years, nonrecurring: 8 years; P = 0.012). A younger age at the time of surgery and a ULR of 8.0 mm were significant risk factors for the recurrence of ULR in intermittent exotropia of 20 PD. CONCLUSION: We suggest that a surgical dose of 9.0 mm ULR is preferable to 8.0 mm ULR for intermittent exotropia of 20 PD.

Comparison of Orbital Preadipocyte Adipogenesis Between Pediatric and Adult Graves Ophthalmopathy.

To investigate the difference of adipogenesis in orbital preadipocytes between pediatric and adult Graves ophthalmopathy (GO) under lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in vitro.Orbital preadipocytes from pediatric and adult GO patients during eyelid or orbital surgery were cultured. The orbital preadipocytes in pediatric and adult GO were divided into group A and group B. In group A, pediatric and adult orbital preadipocytes were differentiated in adipogenesis media without LPS intervention, respectively. In group B, pediatric and adult orbital preadipocytes were incubated in culture medium containing 1 mg/L LPS for 48 hours before stimulation to differentiate into mature adipocytes in adipogenesis media. The expressions of adipogenic transcription factors, PPAR-γ and C/EBP-α, were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction on day 7. On day 14, the cells were stained with oil red O to observe the intracellular lipid accumulation.In group A without LPS intervention, the pediatric orbital preadipocytes showed increased expression of PPAR-γ, C/EBP-α, and intracellular lipids accumulation than the adult orbital preadipocytes. In a group B with LPS intervention, both pediatric and adult preadipocytes showed higher rates of adipogenesis than in group A. Additionally, the increase in adipogenesis was greater in the pediatric preadipocytes.The pediatric orbital preadipocytes demonstrated increased adipogenesis than adult preadipocytes in GO without LPS-induced inflammation. Adipogenesis of the pediatric orbital preadipocytes was more affected and upregulated as compared to that of the adult preadipocytes by LPS-induced inflammation.

Genotype and Phenotype Spectrum of FRMD7-Associated Infantile Nystagmus Syndrome.

Purpose: We investigate the genotype and phenotype spectrum of FRMD7-associated infantile nystagmus syndrome in Korean probands. Methods: A total of 37 patients with infantile nystagmus syndrome were recruited prospectively for genetic analysis. We performed polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based direct sequencing and haplotype analysis for FRMD7. Detailed ophthalmic examinations and eye movement recordings were compared between FRMD7 and non-FRMD7 groups. Results: In 13 (35%) of 37 patients, five different mutations of FRMD7 were detected: start codon mutation c.1A>G, splice site mutation c.162+6T>C, and three missense mutations (c.575A>C, c.722A>G, and c.875T>C). The latter mutation was identified in seven unrelated patients, and always was accompanied with two single nucleotide polymorphisms of exon 12 (rs6637934, rs5977623). Compared to non-FRMD7 groups, a cup-to-disc ratio was significantly decreased in FRMD7 groups (P < 0.001), and a disc-macula distance to disc diameter ratio markedly increased in the FRMD7 group (P = 0.015). Most patients in the FRMD7 group had at least two types of the nystagmus waveforms, and the most common type was unidirectional jerk nystagmus (75%), such as pure jerk and jerk with extended foveation, followed by pendular (25%), bidirectional jerk (19%), and dual jerk (6%) nystagmus. No significant differences were observed between FRMD7 and non-FRMD7 groups in terms of the nystagmus waveform, presence of periodic alternating nystagmus, and mean foveation time. Conclusions: We identified five FRMD7 mutations in 35% of our infantile nystagmus syndrome cohort, expanding its mutational spectrum. The missense mutation c.875T>C may be a common mutation arisen from the founder effect in Korea. Optic nerve dysplasia associated with FRMD7 mutations suggests that the abnormal development of afferent visual systems may affect neural circuitry within the oculomotor system.

Isolated subcutaneous nontuberculous mycobacterial infection: a rare case initially mischaracterized as a soft tissue malignancy.

The occurrence of nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection is rare, and the involvement of the musculoskeletal system is even less common. However, the incidence of soft tissue and skin NTM infection is increasing, particularly in patients who undergo injections and minor surgical procedures. Given the non-specific clinical manifestations of NTM infection, the lack of knowledge among physicians regarding this rare infection could lead to inaccurate and delayed diagnosis. Herein, we present a case of an isolated subcutaneous NTM infection caused by Mycobacterium abscessus in the upper back of an immunocompetent 68-year-old woman. The clinical presentation, magnetic resonance imaging findings (including diffusion-weighted imaging), and pathologic findings of subcutaneous NTM infection are described and compared with those of tuberculosis and tumor presentations to provide a more accurate clinical picture for a differential diagnosis.

Preoperative Axillary Lymph Node Evaluation in Breast Cancer: Current Issues and Literature Review.

Axillary lymph node (ALN) status is an important prognostic factor for overall breast cancer survival. In current clinical practice, ALN status is evaluated before surgery via multimodal imaging and physical examination. Mammography is typically suboptimal for complete ALN evaluation. Currently, ultrasonography is widely used to evaluate ALN status; nonetheless, results may vary according to operator. Ultrasonography is the primary imaging modality for evaluating ALN status. Other imaging modalities including contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and positron emission tomography/computed tomography can play additional roles in axillary nodal staging.The purpose of this article is (1) to review the strengths and weaknesses of current imaging modalities for nodal staging in breast cancer patients and (2) to discuss updated guidelines for ALN management with regard to preoperative ALN imaging.

Ocular Motility After Repair of Combined Medial and Inferior Orbital Wall Fractures With Extended Conjunctival Incision With Inferior Oblique Reattachment.

PURPOSE: To describe ocular motility and effectiveness of an extended conjunctival incision with reattachment of the inferior oblique muscle to repair combined orbital medial and inferior wall fractures. METHODS: The authors retrospectively studied 20 eyes from 20 patients who underwent combined orbital medial and inferior wall fractures surgery with reattachment of the inferior oblique muscle from January 2007 to December 2011. Single large L-shaped implant was inserted into the fracture site. All patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at 1, 3, and 6 months, by computed tomography, Hertel exophthalmometry, the Hess test of ocular motility, and the Goldmann diplopia test. RESULTS: Sixteen patients (80%) had no significant enophthalmos or diplopia after surgery. Inferior oblique motility was not changed in 12 patients (60%) after reattachment of the inferior oblique muscle. After 1 month, inferior oblique underaction was presented in 8 patients (40%) and in 4 patients (20%) after 6 months. Finally, only 2 patients (10%) had the inferior oblique underaction remained, it was not improved. CONCLUSIONS: The extended conjunctival incision with reattachment of the inferior oblique muscle for combined orbital wall fracture repair offers a wide surgical field and space for a single large implant insertion and corrects the enopthalmos. The reattachment of the inferior oblique muscle does not contribute to the development of inferior oblique underactions or diplopia that was resolved spontaneously within 6 months after surgery.