Ocular metastases profile in a tertiary hospital in São Paulo, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: Ocular metastases are the most common intraocular tumours in adults. Data regarding the occurrence of these tumours in the Brazilian population is scarce. We aimed to investigate the profile of ocular metastases of patients referred to tertiary hospital service in São Paulo, Brazil. DESIGN: Retrospective study. PARTICIPANTS: Patients referred to the Ocular Oncology service of the Federal University of São Paulo with initial diagnostic hypothesis of ocular metastasis. METHODS: Data was retrospectively collected from medical records from June 2017 to June 2023. Age, sex, primary tumour site, previous knowledge of the systemic diagnosis, laterality, initial visual acuity (VA), local or systemic treatment and mean follow-up period were obtained. RESULTS: A total of 37 cases were referred to the ocular oncology division due to a suspected ocular metastasis, 15 (40.5%) were confirmed. Mean age at diagnosis was 53.47 ± 16.01 years old, the majority (86.7%) of patients already knew the systemic diagnosis. Breast cancer (66.7%) was the most common primary site, followed by Lung cancer (26.7%). Both eyes were affected in 66.67% of the cases, all patients had metastases at the choroid (100.0%), and the mean initial VA was 1.37 ± 1.04 logMAR. Chemotherapy was the main systemic treatment modality (73.3%), and most patients had no ocular treatment (53.3%). The mortality rate along the follow-up period was 30.0%. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the number of new patients absorbed by the Ocular Oncology service over the study period, the frequency of ocular metastases was relatively low. The patients' characteristics was comparable to data published in the international literature.

Impression cytology of ocular surface in xeroderma pigmentosum.

PURPOSE: To describe cellular alterations detected by impression cytology of the ocular surface in patients with xeroderma pigmentosum. The secondary objective was to assess the reliability of impression cytology in diagnosing ocular surface squamous neoplasia. METHODS: Patients with xeroderma pigmentosum underwent a single-day complete ophthalmological examination and impression cytology for ocular surface evaluation using 13 mm diameter mixed cellulose esters membrane filters and combined staining with Periodic Acid Schiff, Hematoxylin and Eosin, and Papanicolaou stains followed by microscopic analysis. The cytological findings were correlated with the clinical diagnosis. The impression cytology findings at baseline and one-year follow-up were correlated with the clinical course (no tumor, treated tumor, residual tumor recurrent tumor, new tumor). RESULTS: Of the 42 patients examined, impression cytology was performed in 62 eyes of 34 participants (65% females). The mean age of patients was 29.6 ± 17 years (range 7-62). Fifteen eyes had a clinical diagnosis of ocular surface squamous neoplasia. Impression cytology showed goblet cells (47, 75%), inflammatory cells (12, 19%), keratinization (5, 8%), and squamous metaplasia (30, 48%). Impression cytology was positive for atypical cells in 18 patients (12 with and 6 without ocular surface squamous neoplasia). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of impression cytology (at baseline) for diagnosis of ocular surface squamous neoplasia were 80%, 87%, 67%, and 93%, respectively, using clinical diagnosis of ocular surface squamous neoplasia as the reference standard. CONCLUSION: Impression cytology has a moderate positive predictive value for the diagnosis of ocular surface squamous neoplasia in patients with xeroderma pigmentosum. However, the lack of detection of atypical cells on impression cytology has a high negative predictive value for ocular surface squamous neoplasia. Integration of impression cytology in the long-term management of high-risk patients, such as patients with xeroderma pigmentosum, can avoid unnecessary diagnostic biopsies.

Evaluation of Meibomian gland dysfunction using meibography in patients with xeroderma pigmentosum.

PURPOSE: To assess Meibomian gland dysfunction using meibography in patients with xeroderma pigmentosum and correlate with ocular surface changes. METHODS: This cross-sectional study evaluated patients with xeroderma pigmentosum. All patients underwent a comprehensive and standardized interview. The best-corrected visual acuity of each eye was determined. Detailed ophthalmic examination was conducted, including biomicroscopy examination of the ocular surface, Schirmer test type I, and meibography, and fundus examination was also performed when possible. Meibomian gland dysfunction was assessed by non-contact meibography using Oculus Keratograph® 5M (OCULUS Inc., Arlington, WA, USA). Saliva samples were collected using the Oragene DNA Self-collection kit (DNA Genotek Inc., Ottawa, Canada), and DNA was extracted as recommended by the manufacturer. Factors associated with abnormal meiboscores were assessed using generalized estimating equation models. RESULTS: A total of 42 participants were enrolled, and 27 patients underwent meibography. The meiboscore was abnormal in the upper eyelid in 8 (29.6%) patients and in the lower eyelid in 17 (62.9%). The likelihood of having abnormal meiboscores in the lower eyelid was 16.3 times greater than that in the upper eyelid. In the final multivariate model, age (p=0.001), mutation profile (p=0.006), and presence of ocular surface malignant tumor (OSMT) (p=0.014) remained significant for abnormal meiboscores. For a 1-year increase in age, the likelihood of abnormal meiboscores increased by 12%. Eyes with OSMT were 58.8 times more likely to have abnormal meiboscores than eyes without ocular surface malignant tumor. CONCLUSION: In the final model, age, xeroderma pigmentosum profile, previous cancer, and clinical alterations on the eyelid correlated with a meiboscore of ≥2. Meibomian gland dysfunction was common in patients with xeroderma pigmentosum, mainly in the lower eyelid. The severity of Meibomian gland dysfunction increases with age and is associated with severe eyelid changes.

Evaluation of Meibomian gland dysfunction using meibography in patients with xeroderma pigmentosum

ABSTRACT Purpose: To assess Meibomian gland dysfunction using meibography in patients with xeroderma pigmentosum and correlate with ocular surface changes. Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated patients with xeroderma pigmentosum. All patients underwent a comprehensive and standardized interview. The best-corrected visual acuity of each eye was determined. Detailed ophthalmic examination was conducted, including biomicroscopy examination of the ocular surface, Schirmer test type I, and meibography, and fundus examination was also performed when possible. Meibomian gland dysfunction was assessed by non-contact meibography using Oculus Keratograph® 5M (OCULUS Inc., Arlington, WA, USA). Saliva samples were collected using the Oragene DNA Self-collection kit (DNA Genotek Inc., Ottawa, Canada), and DNA was extracted as recommended by the manufacturer. Factors associated with abnormal meiboscores were assessed using generalized estimating equation models. Results: A total of 42 participants were enrolled, and 27 patients underwent meibography. The meiboscore was abnormal in the upper eyelid in 8 (29.6%) patients and in the lower eyelid in 17 (62.9%). The likelihood of having abnormal meiboscores in the lower eyelid was 16.3 times greater than that in the upper eyelid. In the final multivariate model, age (p=0.001), mutation profile (p=0.006), and presence of ocular surface malignant tumor (OSMT) (p=0.014) remained significant for abnormal meiboscores. For a 1-year increase in age, the likelihood of abnormal meiboscores increased by 12%. Eyes with OSMT were 58.8 times more likely to have abnormal meiboscores than eyes without ocular surface malignant tumor. Conclusion: In the final model, age, xeroderma pigmentosum profile, previous cancer, and clinical alterations on the eyelid correlated with a meiboscore of ≥2. Meibomian gland dysfunction was common in patients with xeroderma pigmentosum, mainly in the lower eyelid. The severity of Meibomian gland dysfunction increases with age and is associated with severe eyelid changes.

Toluidine blue 1% eye drop versus optical coherence tomography for margin delimitation of ocular surface squamous neoplasia.

PURPOSE: To compare the use of toluidine blue 1% eye drops with anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) for the determination of tumour margins in patients with ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN). METHODS: The study was conducted from July 2020 to June 2021 at the Ocular Oncology department at the Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil. Slit-lamp photographs after toluidine blue staining and OCT of the anterior segment were taken on the same day from patients with OSSN. Photographs and OCT images were analyzed quantitatively using the software ImageJ and IMAGEnet®, respectively. The agreement between techniques was evaluated qualitatively through the Bland-Altman graph and quantitatively through intraclass correlation (ICC). RESULTS: A total of 21 participants (71.43% males) with a clinical diagnosis of OSSN were included in the study. The average + SD diameter along the chosen axes was 4.43 ± 2.08 mm with OCT of 4.37 ± 2.03 mm with toluidine blue, a difference not statistically significant (p = 0.2891). The Bland-Altman analysis indicated a good qualitative agreement between the methods, with all cases inserted within the limits of agreement from -0.3217 to 0.4268. The ICC quantitative analysis showed an almost perfect agreement of 99.57% (95%CI: 98.96-99.83%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that OCT and toluidine eye drops are equivalent in determining margins for tumour measurements, which is particularly relevant in low-income settings where anterior segment OCT is not available. The use of toluidine blue 1% could be an useful alternative to quantify the size of the tumour, help to monitor tumour growth, and outline margins for surgical planning.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis and treatment of ocular cancer / Impacto da pandemia de COVID-19 no diagnóstico e tratamento do câncer ocular

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the impact of social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of new cases and therapeutic approaches at the Ocular Oncology division from the Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Methods: A retrospective study was conducted by medical records review of new patients treated before the pandemic from March 2019 to September 2019 (pre-pandemic group) and during the pandemic from March 2020 to September 2020 (pandemic group). Data regarding age, sex, ethnicity, place of origin, clinical diagnosis, time since referral, and proposed therapy were analyzed. Results: We analyzed 186 new cases, 122 from the pre-pandemic group and 64 from the pandemic group, representing a decrease of 47.54% in new cases. There was no statistically significant change in sex, race, state of origin, history of cancer, age, or time with suspected cancer (p>0.05). A higher frequency of malignancies was observed in the pandemic group (68%) when compared to the pre-pandemic group (48.48%). Benign tumors were the most common diagnosis in the pre-pandemic group (41.80%), while conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma was the modal diagnosis in the pandemic group (31.25%). There was a decreasing trend (p=0.097) in the number of surgeries (-7.63%) and an increase in topical treatment (+10.68%). There was also a tendency to perform fewer surgeries in benign tumors and decreased follow-up visits. Conclusion: Our findings showed a significant decrease in the number of new cases referred to the Ocular Oncology service. Moreover, the pandemic led to a switch in the therapeutic approach with preference to non-invasive treatments that would demand operating rooms. A drastic increase of cases perhaps in advanced stages might be expected because of the decrease observed in the first six months of quarantine.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto do isolamento social devido à pandemia COVID-19 sobre o número de casos novos e abordagens terapêuticas. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo por revisões de prontuários de novos pacientes tratados antes da pandemia, de março de 2019 a setembro de 2019 (grupo pré-pandemia), e durante a pandemia, de março de 2020 a setembro de 2020 (grupo pandemia). Dados analisados incluíram idade, sexo, etnia, local de origem, diagnóstico clínico, tempo desde o encaminhamento e terapia proposta. Resultados: Um total de 186 novos casos foram analisados, sendo 122 do grupo pré-Pandemia e 64 do grupo Pandemia, representando uma redução de 47,54%. Não houve alteração estatisticamente signi ficativa quanto a sexo, raça, estado de origem, história do câncer, idade ou tempo de encaminhamento (p>0,05). Observou-se maior frequência de malignidades no grupo pandemia (68%) quando comparado com o grupo pré-pandemia (48,48%). Os tumores benignos foram os casos mais diagnosticados no grupo pré-pandemia (41,80%), enquanto no grupo pandemia o diagnóstico mais frequente foi o carcinoma de células escamosas de conjuntiva (31,25%). Houve tendência (p=0,097) de diminuição no número de cirurgias (-7,63%) e de aumento no tratamento tópico (+10,68%). Houve também uma tendência a diminuição de indicação cirúrgica em tumores benignos e diminuição dos retornos imediatos. Conclusão: Nossos achados mostram uma diminuição significativa no número de novos casos encaminhados ao setor de Oncologia Ocular. Além disso, a pandemia levou a uma mudança na abordagem terapêutica com preferência a tratamentos não invasivos, a fim de evitar o uso de salas de cirurgia. Um aumento drástico de casos, talvez em estágios avançados, pode ser esperado como resultado da diminuição observada nos primeiros 6 meses de quarentena.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis and treatment of ocular cancer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of new cases and therapeutic approaches at the Ocular Oncology division from the Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted by medical records review of new patients treated before the pandemic from March 2019 to September 2019 (pre-pandemic group) and during the pandemic from March 2020 to September 2020 (pandemic group). Data regarding age, sex, ethnicity, place of origin, clinical diagnosis, time since referral, and proposed therapy were analyzed. RESULTS: We analyzed 186 new cases, 122 from the pre-pandemic group and 64 from the pandemic group, representing a decrease of 47.54% in new cases. There was no statistically significant change in sex, race, state of origin, history of cancer, age, or time with suspected cancer (p>0.05). A higher frequency of malignancies was observed in the pandemic group (68%) when compared to the pre-pandemic group (48.48%). Benign tumors were the most common diagnosis in the pre-pandemic group (41.80%), while conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma was the modal diagnosis in the pandemic group (31.25%). There was a decreasing trend (p=0.097) in the number of surgeries (-7.63%) and an increase in topical treatment (+10.68%). There was also a tendency to perform fewer surgeries in benign tumors and decreased follow-up visits. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed a significant decrease in the number of new cases referred to the Ocular Oncology service. Moreover, the pandemic led to a switch in the therapeutic approach with preference to non-invasive treatments that would demand operating rooms. A drastic increase of cases perhaps in advanced stages might be expected because of the decrease observed in the first six months of quarantine.

Scleral communication between Glaucoma drainage device capsule and the suprachoroidal space simulating amelanotic choroidal melanoma / Comunicação escleral entre a cápsula de dispositivo de drenagem para glaucoma e o espaço supracoroidal simulando melanoma de coroide amelanótico

ABSTRACT This is a case report involving a 56-year-old male patient with a history of pars plana vitrectomy due to a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in the right eye that resulted in the implantation of a drainage device after the patient developed secondary glaucoma. Two years after the device's implantation, the patient was referred to our care as his visual acuity had decreased to 20/200 (1.00 LogMAR). At the fundus evaluation, a choroidal amelanotic elevation was observed at the upper temporal equator, and a potential diagnosis was made of amelanotic choroidal melanoma. The ultrasound exam visualized the patient's implanted superotemporal justabulbar drainage device, which revealed a transscleral communication from the plate fibrocapsular's draining space to the suprachoroidal space (fistula). The ultrasound also revealed a focal pocket of choroidal detachment in the patient's superotemporal region, simulating an amelanotic choroidal melanoma. A new pars plana vitrectomy was performed to remove the internal limiting membrane without repercussions at the fistula site. The patient's recovery progressed well, and he regained a visual acuity of 20/70 (0.55 LogMAR). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of this condition.

RESUMO Relato de caso de paciente 56 anos, sexo masculino, com histórico de vitrectomia via pars plana por descolamento de retina em olho direito e posterior implante de dispositivo de drenagem por glaucoma secundário. Dois anos após o procedimento foi encaminhado ao serviço por baixa de acuidade visual (AV) de 20/200 (1.00 LogMAR). À fundoscopia, observou-se uma elevação amelanótica temporal no equador com hipótese diagnóstica de melanoma de coroide amelanótico. O exame de ultrassom mostrou implante de dispositivo de drenagem justabulbar temporal superior com comunicação transescleral para espaço subcoroidal (fístula), sugerindo bolsão focal de descolamento de coroide em equador temporal superior simulando melanoma de coroide amelanótico. O paciente foi abordado cirurgicamente devido membrana epirretiniana com nova vitrectomia via pars plana para peeling de membrana limitante interna, sem repercussões no local da fístula, evoluindo bem com acuidade visual de 20/70 (0.55 LogMAR). Ao nosso conhecimento, este é o primeiro caso relatado nessa condição.

Choroidal melanoma tumor profile and treatment pattern for newly diagnosed patients at a reference public hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Choroid, ciliary body, and iris melanomas are often grouped as uveal melanoma, the most common intraocular primary malignancy. The purpose of the current study was to analyze the tumor profile of newly diagnosed cases of choroidal melanoma at a reference center in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and to investigate the frequency of eyes treated by enucleation that could have been treated with brachytherapy if available in the service. METHODS: Medical records of patients referred to our service with initial diagnostic hypothesis of choroidal melanoma from July 2014 to June 2020 were analysed on demographics, diagnosis confirmation, tumor measurement by ultrasonography and established treatment. Data were evaluated on clinical and demographic characteristics as age, sex, affected eye, ultrasound parameters, and treatment management of patients with clinically diagnosed choroidal melanoma. Among the patients submitted to enucleation, we investigated how many could have been selected to receive brachytherapy. RESULTS: From the 102 patients referred with the choroidal melanoma diagnosis hypothesis, 70 (68.62%) were confirmed. Mean measurements from the tumors in millimetres were: 9.19 ± 3.69 at height and 12.97 ± 3.09 by 13.30 ± 3.30 at basal. A total of 48 cases (68.57%) were enucleated, 8 (11.43%) were treated by brachytherapy in a different service, and 14 patients (20.00%) returned for enucleation at their original referral center. Out of the 48 patients enucleated, 26 (54.17%) could have been selected to brachytherapy treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate a late diagnosis of choroidal melanoma cases referred to our service. Most enucleated cases could have been treated with brachytherapy if it was broadly available at the national public health insurance. Further public health political efforts should focus on early diagnosis and better quality of life post-treatment for oncologic patients.

Scleral communication between Glaucoma drainage device capsule and the suprachoroidal space simulating amelanotic choroidal melanoma.

This is a case report involving a 56-year-old male patient with a history of pars plana vitrectomy due to a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in the right eye that resulted in the implantation of a drainage device after the patient developed secondary glaucoma. Two years after the device's implantation, the patient was referred to our care as his visual acuity had decreased to 20/200 (1.00 LogMAR). At the fundus evaluation, a choroidal amelanotic elevation was observed at the upper temporal equator, and a potential diagnosis was made of amelanotic choroidal melanoma. The ultrasound exam visualized the patient's implanted superotemporal justabulbar drainage device, which revealed a transscleral communication from the plate fibrocapsular's draining space to the suprachoroidal space (fistula). The ultrasound also revealed a focal pocket of choroidal detachment in the patient's superotemporal region, simulating an amelanotic choroidal melanoma. A new pars plana vitrectomy was performed to remove the internal limiting membrane without repercussions at the fistula site. The patient's recovery progressed well, and he regained a visual acuity of 20/70 (0.55 LogMAR). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of this condition.

Conjunctival leiomyosarcoma.

Purpose: Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is a mesenchymal neoplasm with smooth muscle differentiation, being considered one of the most common soft tissue sarcomas. However, it rarely affects the eye, and when it does, it is usually located in the orbit, being extremely rare in the conjunctiva. Observations: We report a case of a 45 years old male patient, with a recurrent rapid growing conjunctival mass on the temporal limbus of his left eye, which was excised, and the anatomopathological report was suggestive of a grade 1 leiomyosarcoma. Since the lesion was recurrent, we decided to perform an extended enucleation for treating this condition. Nevertheless, the patient is being followed up to 30 months, with systemic metastasis screening, showing no other lesions or recurrences. Conclusions and importance: Conjunctival leiomyosarcoma is an extremely rare ocular tumor, which can be clinically indistinguishable from other conditions such as squamous cell carcinoma, so, biopsy is essential. Albeit there is no standard treatment, complete surgical removal with safety margins is mandatory.

Sebaceous adenoma of the conjunctiva and caruncle: a clinicopathological report of three cases and literature review.

Sebaceous tumors of the conjunctiva and caruncle are rare conditions, accounting for 1% of caruncle lesions and even lower among conjunctival lesions. Almost 50% of cases are associated with Muir-Torre syndrome, a rare autosomal-dominant condition characterized by at least one sebaceous skin tumor and one visceral malignancy. We report 3 cases of sebaceous adenoma with different presentations that were submitted to excisional biopsy and immunohistochemical study. Diagnosis of these tumors should increase the level of suspicion and lead to clinical investigation to rule out neoplasms, particularly because in up to 41% of cases, these can be the first sign of the disease.

Acute exudative polymorphous paraneoplastic vitelliform maculopathy (AEPPVM) associated with choroidal melanoma.

BACKGROUND: To report a case of acute exudative polymorphous paraneoplastic vitelliform maculopathy in a patient with a history of choroidal melanoma, with metastases to the pancreas, liver, and central nervous system. CASE PRESENTATION: A 63-year-old patient, with a history of enucleation of the right eye due to choroidal melanoma, complained of progressive visual loss during a follow-up visit. Fundoscopic examination revealed multiple small areas of serous retinal detachment scattered throughout the posterior pole and ancillary tests confirmed the diagnosis of acute exudative polymorphous paraneoplastic vitelliform maculopathy (AEPPVM). Screening for systemic metastases showed pancreatic, hepatic, and central nervous system involvement. CONCLUSIONS: We describe a rare case of acute exudative polymorphous paraneoplastic vitelliform maculopathy, which should be considered in patients with or without a history of melanoma, who have vitelliform retinal detachments. Nevertheless, no previous reviews of literature have shown a correlation between AEPPVM and pancreatic metastasis.

Novel low-cost approach to the treatment of ocular surface squamous neoplasia using pattern scanning laser photocoagulation / Nova abordagem de baixo custo para neoplasia escamosa da superficie ocular usando fotocoagulação tipo pattern scanning

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the safety and 12-month effect of treatment with pattern scanning laser photocoagulation for ocular surface squamous neoplasia in a low-resource setting with extremely limited access to an operating room. Methods: Adult patients with a clinical diagnosis of ocular surface squamous neoplasia underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination. After topical anesthesia and instillation of toluidine blue 1%, the lesion was treated using pattern scanning photocoagulation for a duration time that varied from 20 to 100 ms and power from 600 to 1,800 mW. Patients were examined on a weekly basis for the first month and underwent weekly retreatment of the remaining lesions, as necessary. Patients had a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Results: Thirty-eight patients (38 eyes) were included. All patients had clinical ocular surface squamous neoplasia that was confirmed by impression cytology. The age of patients ranged from 40 to 83 years (average: 65.5 years) and 28 of them were males (74%). The patients were divided into two groups: group I (immunocompetent) and group II (immuno­suppressed). In group I, 23 patients (74%) presented complete response with lesion control after laser treatment alone. In group II, two of seven patients (28%) showed treatment response during the follow-up. The average number of treatments was 2.5 (one to six laser treatments). Procedures were well tolerated. Conclusion: Short-term results of the laser photocoagulation approach for the treatment of ocular surface squamous neoplasia conjunctival lesions were favorable, with a 74% success rate observed in immunocompetent patients. This novel strategy is a less resource-intensive alternative that could demonstrate its usefulness in settings with shortages in operating rooms and in recurrent cases. Studies with longer follow-ups and larger sample sizes are warranted to confirm our findings and evaluate the effectiveness of laser treatment in association with topical chemotherapy.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a segurança e o efeito de 12 meses de tratamento com fotocoagulação pelo pattern scanning laser para neoplasia escamosa da superfície ocular em um ambiente com poucos recursos e acesso extremamente limitado a um tratamento cirúrgico. Métodos: Pacientes adultos com diagnóstico de neoplasia escamosa de superfície ocular foram submetidos a exame oftalmológico completo. Após anestesia tópica e instilação de azul de toluidina 1%, a lesão foi tratada com laser por um tempo de duração que variou de 20 a 100 ms e potência de 600 a 1800 mW. Os pacientes foram examinados semanalmente durante o primeiro mês e fo­ram retratados semanalmente das lesões restantes, conforme necessário. Os pacientes tiveram um seguimento mínimo de 12 meses. Resultados: Trinta e oito pacientes (38 olhos) foram incluídos no estudo. Todos os pacientes apresentaram neoplasia escamosa da superfície ocular clínica, confirmada por citologia de impressão. A idade dos pacientes variou entre 40 e 83 anos (média de 65.5 anos) e 28 deles eram do sexo masculino (74%). Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: Grupo I (imunocompetente) e grupo II (imunossuprimido). No grupo I, 23 pacientes (74%) apresentaram resposta completa com o controle da lesão após o tratamento com laser. No grupo II, dois dos sete pacientes (28%) apresentaram resposta ao tratamento durante o acompanhamento. A média de aplicações de laser foi de 2,5 (1 a 6 aplicações). Os procedimentos foram bem tolerados. Conclusões: Os resultados a curto prazo da abordagem de fotocoagulação a laser para o tratamento das lesões conjuntivais de neoplasia escamosa de superfície ocular foram favoráveis, com uma taxa de sucesso de 74% observada em pacientes imunocompetentes. Essa nova estratégia é uma alternativa menos intensiva em recursos que pode demonstrar sua utilidade em ambientes com escassez de salas cirúrgicas e em casos recorrentes. Estudos com acompanhamentos mais longos e amostras maiores são necessários para confirmar nossos achados e avaliar a eficácia do tratamento a laser asso­ciado à quimioterapia tópica.

Novel low-cost approach to the treatment of ocular surface squamous neoplasia using pattern scanning laser photocoagulation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and 12-month effect of treatment with pattern scanning laser photocoagulation for ocular surface squamous neoplasia in a low-resource setting with extremely limited access to an operating room. METHODS: Adult patients with a clinical diagnosis of ocular surface squamous neoplasia underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination. After topical anesthesia and instillation of toluidine blue 1%, the lesion was treated using pattern scanning photocoagulation for a duration time that varied from 20 to 100 ms and power from 600 to 1,800 mW. Patients were examined on a weekly basis for the first month and underwent weekly retreatment of the remaining lesions, as necessary. Patients had a minimum follow-up of 12 months. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients (38 eyes) were included. All patients had clinical ocular surface squamous neoplasia that was confirmed by impression cytology. The age of patients ranged from 40 to 83 years (average: 65.5 years) and 28 of them were males (74%). The patients were divided into two groups: group I (immunocompetent) and group II (immuno-suppressed). In group I, 23 patients (74%) presented complete response with lesion control after laser treatment alone. In group II, two of seven patients (28%) showed treatment response during the follow-up. The average number of treatments was 2.5 (one to six laser treatments). Procedures were well tolerated. CONCLUSION: Short-term results of the laser photocoagulation approach for the treatment of ocular surface squamous neoplasia conjunctival lesions were favorable, with a 74% success rate observed in immunocompetent patients. This novel strategy is a less resource-intensive alternative that could demonstrate its usefulness in settings with shortages in operating rooms and in recurrent cases. Studies with longer follow-ups and larger sample sizes are warranted to confirm our findings and evaluate the effectiveness of laser treatment in association with topical chemotherapy.

Vitreoretinal Surgery and Panretinal Photocoagulation in a Patient with Multiple Large Retinal Capillary Hemangiomas (von Hippel-Lindau Disease): A Novel Approach.

The authors present a novel surgical approach for the treatment of retinal capillary hemangiomas (RCHs) secondary to von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease. This is a case report of a 23-year-old male patient with VHL that presented with multiple large RCHs and a thick epiretinal membrane (ERM) in his left eye, with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/80. This condition was surgically addressed with 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy, ERM and internal limiting membrane peeling, and panretinal photocoagulation. Three monthly intravitreal injections of bevacizumab were administered after surgery. In a 14-month follow-up period, hemangiomas have regressed after laser therapy, macular anatomy has improved, retina remained completely attached, and there has been no development of new tumors or proliferative vitreoretinopathy. The patient achieved a BCVA of 20/40 in the treated eye. Panretinal photocoagulation combined with pars plana vitrectomy may be useful to reduce development of new capillary hemangiomas and reduce overall occurrence of complications in patients with VHL disease. Postoperative intravitreal injections of bevacizumab may have a role in this positive outcome.

Simultaneous squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma of the conjunctiva in a teenager with xeroderma pigmentosum: Case report.

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is an autosomal recessive disease with ophthalmic, dermatologic, and neurologic manifestations. Ophthalmological changes are described in up to 100% of XP patients. We report a young XP patient that presented with bilateral conjunctival masses. She was treated by surgical excision with supplemental cryotherapy. The histopathological analysis revealed squamous cell carcinoma with melanosis on right eye and conjunctival melanoma on the left eye. These patients need to be followed by dermatologists and ophthalmologists to identify malignant lesions as soon as possible and also to prevent unnecessary surgery that increases mutilation.

The Amazon Ocular Oncology Center: The first three years / Centro de Oncologia Ocular do Amazonas: primeiros três anos

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the first three years of The Amazon Ocular Oncology Center, the first ocular cancer center in the North of Brazil. Methods: Here, we report patient information including patients' age, gender, diagnosis, treatment, and city of origin. Results: Two hundred and twenty-one patients were included on this study: 160 (72%) patients came from the city of Manaus, 52 (24%) from other cities in Amazonas, and 9 (4%) from other states. Of the 221 patients, 150 (68%) were afflicted with benign lesions and the remaining 71 (32%) had malignant lesions. Benign diagnosis included pterygium, chalazium, conjunctival nevus, and papilloma, cataract, and retinal detachment. Of the malignant cases, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the conjunctiva was the most frequent with 43 cases (60%). Other diagnoses included choroidal melanoma (8 cases, 11%), retinoblastoma (7 cases, 9%), lymphomas (5 cases, 7%), basal cell carcinomas of the eyelid (4 cases, 5%), conjunctival melanoma (2 cases, 2%), and Kaposi sarcomas (1 case, 1%). Of the 43 patients with SCC, the mean age was 62 years old, and 30 (69%) were male; 29 patients (67%) were treated with an excisional biopsy, and 14 (33%) were treated with neoadjuvant topic chemotherapy, followed by surgery.

RESUMO Objetivo: Reportar sobre os primeiros três anos do Centro de Oncologia Ocular do Amazonas, primeiro centro de oncologia ocular na região Norte do Brasil. Métodos: Relatamos informações de diagnóstico, idade, sexo, tratamento e cidade de origem dos pacientes atendidos nos 3 primeiros anos. Resultados: Identificamos 221 pacientes, dos quais 160 (72%) eram da cidade de Manaus, 52 (24%) de outras cidades do Amazonas e 9 (4%) de outros estados. Dos 221 casos, 150 (68%) eram lesões benignas e 71 (32%) malignas. Lesões benignas incluíram pterígio, calázio, nevus e papiloma de conjuntiva, catarata e descolamento de retina. Das lesões malignas a mais comum foi o carcinoma escamoso de conjuntiva com 43 casos (60%). Outros diagnósticos incluíram melanoma de coróide (8 casos, 11%), retinoblastoma (7 casos, 9%), linfomas (5 casos, 7%), carcinoma da pálpebra (4 casos, 5%), melanoma da conjunctiva (2 casos, 2%) e sarcoma de Kaposi (1 caso, 1%). Dentre os CEC de conjuntiva, a idade media foi de 62 anos e 30 pacientes (69%) eram do sexo masculino. Vinte e nove casos (67%) foram tratados com biópsia excisional e 14 (33%) com quimioterapia tópica neoadjuvante seguida de cirurgia.

The Amazon Ocular Oncology Center: The first three years.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the first three years of The Amazon Ocular Oncology Center, the first ocular cancer center in the North of Brazil. METHODS: Here, we report patient information including patients' age, gender, diagnosis, treatment, and city of origin. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-one patients were included on this study: 160 (72%) patients came from the city of Manaus, 52 (24%) from other cities in Amazonas, and 9 (4%) from other states. Of the 221 patients, 150 (68%) were afflicted with benign lesions and the remaining 71 (32%) had malignant lesions. Benign diagnosis included pterygium, chalazium, conjunctival nevus, and papilloma, cataract, and retinal detachment. Of the malignant cases, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the conjunctiva was the most frequent with 43 cases (60%). Other diagnoses included choroidal melanoma (8 cases, 11%), retinoblastoma (7 cases, 9%), lymphomas (5 cases, 7%), basal cell carcinomas of the eyelid (4 cases, 5%), conjunctival melanoma (2 cases, 2%), and Kaposi sarcomas (1 case, 1%). Of the 43 patients with SCC, the mean age was 62 years old, and 30 (69%) were male; 29 patients (67%) were treated with an excisional biopsy, and 14 (33%) were treated with neoadjuvant topic chemotherapy, followed by surgery.

Effects of oral propranolol for circumscribed choroidal hemangioma.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the effects of oral propranolol for circumscribed choroidal hemangioma. METHODS: In this prospective, longitudinal interventional study, we administered oral propranolol at a dosage of 1.5 mg/kg/day to five patients with circumscribed choroidal hemangioma. We then evaluated visual acuity, binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy, optical coherence tomography, optical coherence tomography angiography, fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography, and ocular ultrasonography at regular intervals and compared changes from the baseline assessments. RESULTS: No clinical or diagnostic changes were observed in the sizes of the circumscribed choroidal hemangiomas during treatment. Complications due to the hemangioma were reduced in the first four months of treatment, followed by maintenance, before worsening in the subsequent three months. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that oral propranolol at a dose of 1.5 mg/kg/day did not offer effective monotherapy in the treatment of circumscribed choroidal hemangioma.