Clinicopathologic study of caruncular lesions.

PURPOSE: The caruncle is a unique anatomical site in the human body, comprising various structures derived from the surface ectoderm and mesoderm. Caruncular lesions can range from benign to malignant and present challenges in accurate diagnosis and timely management due to their hidden nature and proximity to the lacrimal sac. This study aims to provide a comprehensive description of caruncular lesions, presenting the first Indian case series on this topic. METHODS: Ethical approval was obtained, and data collection was conducted at a tertiary care center in India. A retrospective analysis was performed on 44 patients with caruncular lesions treated between 2013 and 2020. Detailed patient histories, clinical examinations, slit lamp imaging, and excision biopsies were conducted. Histopathological examination of the specimens was carried out. RESULTS: The study included 42 cases of caruncular lesions, with a mean age of 31.09 years. The majority of cases were male (54.54%). Benign lesions accounted for 84.09% of the cases, while premalignant and malignant lesions accounted for 11.36% and 4.54%, respectively. Papilloma and nevus were the most common lesions, with 11 cases each. All caruncular lesions were successfully and completely excised without complications. Histopathological examination confirmed the accuracy of the diagnoses, with an 84.09% concordance rate between clinical assessment and pathological diagnosis. CONCLUSION: This case series reveals a predominance of benign lesions among individuals in their early thirties. The successful excision of all lesions with a high concordance rate between clinical assessment and histopathological diagnosis underscores the importance of timely and accurate management.

Clinical Evaluation and Surgical Management of Ocular Malakoplakia of the Caruncle and Periorbital Region: A Report of Two Case and Literature Review.

Ocular malakoplakia, a rare inflammatory disorder characterized by Michaelis-Gutmann bodies, is presented in 2 unique cases involving uncommon anatomical sites-the orbit and caruncle. The first case describes a 10-year-old girl with localized subconjunctival swelling near the caruncle, prompting surgical excision, and revealing characteristic malakoplakia features. Despite medical management, surgical intervention provided symptom relief. The second case involves a painless swelling below the lower lid in a 23-year-old female, initially suggestive of lymphoma. Excision biopsy confirmed malakoplakia, emphasizing the potential for clinical misdiagnosis. Histopathological examination showcased Michaelis-Gutmann bodies, von Hansemann cells, and chronic inflammation, confirming the ocular malakoplakia diagnosis. These cases underscore the rarity of ocular malakoplakia, particularly in pediatric patients, and highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

Clinical and diagnostic profile of Tolosa-Hunt syndrome; a 7-year retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Tolosa Hunt Syndrome (THS) was first delineated in 1954 and is caused by a granulomatous inflammation in the cavernous sinus, superior orbital fissure or orbit. In this study the different clinical and diagnostic findings of THS are discussed. METHODS: Case records of patients diagnosed with THS using the International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd edition criteria from January 2016-July 2022 were considered for the current study. Demographic, Clinical, Laboratory and Radiological data of all patients fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria was collected from the patient case records through the Medical Records Department of BMCRI Super Specialty Hospital. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients were included in the study with mean age with SD, 50.9 years (13.9) and were predominantly male (66.6%). Restriction of eye movements was the most common symptom affecting 31 (51.7%) patients. Oculomotor nerve (IIIrd Cranial Nerve) palsy was the most common nerve palsy, affecting 36 (60%) patients. Contrast enhancing lesions or T2/FLAIR Hyper-intense areas were seen in the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of 59 (98.3%) patients. Cavernous sinus involvement, was the most common site of involvement, in 25 (41.6%) of the patients. All patients were treated with intravenous methyl prednisolone injections and responded well. CONCLUSION: Restriction of eye movements was the most common symptom, along with cavernous sinus being the most common site of involvement in THS. MRI scans are important diagnostic tools for THS.

Ocular Manifestations in Head and Neck Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study from a Tertiary Care Centre from South India.

Introduction: Head and neck cancers (HNCs) present a significant global health burden, especially in India, where oral cavity cancers, notably affecting the tongue, are prevalent. A substantial portion of global HNCs (57.5%) is concentrated in Asia, India contributing with 30%. Despite advancements, challenges persist due to HNCs' invasive nature and metastatic potential. This study aims to explore the link between HNCs and ocular manifestations. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute involving 47 patients with diagnosed HNCs and ocular complaints. Clinical evaluations encompassed visual acuity, anterior and posterior segment examinations, and specialized investigations when necessary. Results: A diverse range of malignancies were observed, with SCC maxilla and xeroderma pigmentosa, each accounting for 10.63% of cases. Ocular examinations unveiled visual acuity challenges, anterior segment findings like masses, exotropia, pigmented lesions, and varied fundus abnormalities. The anterior segment findings encompassed masses often accompanied by protrusion or relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD). Additionally, exotropia, pigmented lesions, and other conditions were observed. Fundus examination revealed a spectrum of findings, including media haziness (10.63%), lack of view (17.02%), and pale discs (6.38%). Treatment plans were diverse, including excision biopsies (42.55%), exenteration procedures, Mitomycin-C applications, and referrals for chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Conclusion: The present study underscores the significance of ophthalmological assessment and investigations in patients with diagnosed HNCs, emphasizing the value of early detection and intervention. Abbreviations: HNC = Head and Neck Cancer, OCT = Optical Coherence Tomography, WNL = Within Normal Limits, SCC = Squamous Cell Carcinoma, MRI = Magnetic Resonance Imaging, CT = Computed Tomography, RAPD = Relative Afferent Pupillary Defect, XP = Xeroderma Pigmentosa.

Advancing Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosis: Leveraging Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging with Convolutional Neural Networks.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a vision-threatening complication of diabetes, necessitating early and accurate diagnosis. The combination of optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging with convolutional neural networks (CNNs) has emerged as a promising approach for enhancing DR diagnosis. OCT provides detailed retinal morphology information, while CNNs analyze OCT images for automated detection and classification of DR. This paper reviews the current research on OCT imaging and CNNs for DR diagnosis, discussing their technical aspects and suitability. It explores CNN applications in detecting lesions, segmenting microaneurysms, and assessing disease severity, showing high sensitivity and accuracy. CNN models outperform traditional methods and rival expert ophthalmologists' results. However, challenges such as dataset availability and model interpretability remain. Future directions include multimodal imaging integration and real-time, point-of-care CNN systems for DR screening. The integration of OCT imaging with CNNs has transformative potential in DR diagnosis, facilitating early intervention, personalized treatments, and improved patient outcomes. Abbreviations: DR = Diabetic Retinopathy, OCT = Optical Coherence Tomography, CNN = Convolutional Neural Network, CMV = Cytomegalovirus, PDR = Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy, AMD = Age-Related Macular Degeneration, VEGF = vascular endothelial growth factor, RAP = Retinal Angiomatous Proliferation, OCTA = OCT Angiography, AI = Artificial Intelligence.

Epidemiology, clinical profile, management, and outcome of COVID-19-associated rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis in 2826 patients in India - Collaborative OPAI-IJO Study on Mucormycosis in COVID-19 (COSMIC), Report 1.

Purpose: COVID-19-associated rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) has reached epidemic proportion during India's second wave of COVID-19 pandemic, with several risk factors being implicated in its pathogenesis. This study aimed to determine the patient demographics, risk factors including comorbidities, and medications used to treat COVID-19, presenting symptoms and signs, and the outcome of management. Methods: This was a retrospective, observational study of patients with COVID-19-associated ROCM managed or co-managed by ophthalmologists in India from January 1, 2020 to May 26, 2021. Results: Of the 2826 patients, the states of Gujarat (22%) and Maharashtra (21%) reported the highest number of ROCM. The mean age of patients was 51.9 years with a male preponderance (71%). While 57% of the patients needed oxygen support for COVID-19 infection, 87% of the patients were treated with corticosteroids, (21% for > 10 days). Diabetes mellitus (DM) was present in 78% of all patients. Most of the cases showed onset of symptoms of ROCM between day 10 and day 15 from the diagnosis of COVID-19, 56% developed within 14 days after COVID-19 diagnosis, while 44% had delayed onset beyond 14 days. Orbit was involved in 72% of patients, with stage 3c forming the bulk (27%). Overall treatment included intravenous amphotericin B in 73%, functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS)/paranasal sinus (PNS) debridement in 56%, orbital exenteration in 15%, and both FESS/PNS debridement and orbital exenteration in 17%. Intraorbital injection of amphotericin B was administered in 22%. At final follow-up, mortality was 14%. Disease stage >3b had poorer prognosis. Paranasal sinus debridement and orbital exenteration reduced the mortality rate from 52% to 39% in patients with stage 4 disease with intracranial extension (p < 0.05). Conclusion: : Corticosteroids and DM are the most important predisposing factors in the development of COVID-19-associated ROCM. COVID-19 patients must be followed up beyond recovery. Awareness of red flag symptoms and signs, high index of clinical suspicion, prompt diagnosis, and early initiation of treatment with amphotericin B, aggressive surgical debridement of the PNS, and orbital exenteration, where indicated, are essential for successful outcome.