Electrodesiccation and Curettage for Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Situ: The Effect of Anatomic Location on Local Recurrence.

BACKGROUND: Electrodesiccation and curettage (EDC) is a common, minimally invasive treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCIS). OBJECTIVE: Determine the 5-year recurrence rate of EDC for SCCIS and to determine if this differs by anatomic location. METHOD AND MATERIALS: A retrospective, single-center, cohort study of patients treated between January 1, 2000, and January 1, 2017, with at least 5 years of follow-up. The overall 5-year recurrence rate of EDC for SCCIS was calculated and compared across low-risk (L), moderate-risk (M), and high-risk (H) anatomic zones. RESULTS: Five hundred ten tumors were randomly identified from 367 unique patients. The 5-year recurrence rate of the entire cohort was 5.3%. There was no significant difference in recurrence by clinical size or immunosuppressed status. One hundred thirty-four tumors in the L zone were matched 1:1:1 to tumors in the M and H zones. The 5-year recurrence rate of M zone tumors (8.2%) and H zone tumors (6.0%) were higher than the recurrence rate of a L zone tumors (3.0%), but this was not statistically significant ( p = .075 and p = .247, respectively). CONCLUSION: Electrodesiccation and curettage allows for a high 5-year cure rate across a broad range of anatomic sites. However, overall cure rate should be individualized by anatomic location when counseling patients.

OCULAR MANIFESTATIONS OF SYSTEMIC AMYLOIDOSIS.

PURPOSE: To describe ophthalmic manifestations of systemic amyloidosis, a group of devastating conditions. METHODS: A retrospective chart review including patients who had ocular examinations at Mayo Clinic between January 1, 1985, and April 1, 2014, and a diagnosis of light-chain (AL), secondary (AA), or nontransthyretin familial amyloidosis was undertaken. Sixty-eight patients with AL amyloidosis, eight patients with AA amyloidosis, and five patients with nontransthyretin familial amyloidosis were included. RESULTS: Of 68 patients, 8 patients (14 eyes) with AL amyloidosis had ocular involvement secondary to conjunctiva, temporal artery, extraocular muscle, trabecular meshwork, and cranial nerve deposition. One of the five patients with nontransthyretin familial amyloidosis had gelsolin-related corneal dystrophy. No patients with AA amyloidosis (n = 8) had ophthalmic manifestations. CONCLUSION: Systemic amyloidosis can lead to ocular morbidity. Patients with AL amyloidosis had involvement of the temporal artery, conjunctiva, extraocular muscles, trabecular meshwork, and cranial nerves. Those with gelsolin nontransthyretin familial amyloidosis were susceptible to corneal dystrophy. Patients with AA amyloidosis did not manifest ophthalmic involvement. Finally, if ocular amyloidosis is detected, patients should be referred for systemic workup.

Responses to Topical Diphenylcyclopropenone as an Adjunct Treatment for In-Transit Melanoma: A Tertiary Referral Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: In-transit cutaneous metastases occur in 5% to 10% of patients with melanoma. Recently, topical diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP) has been described as a treatment option. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate efficacy of DPCP in treatment of in-transit cutaneous melanoma. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed the records of 13 consecutive patients with in-transit metastases treated with topical DPCP between March 1, 2013, and January 31, 2017. The authors recorded the response of in-transit cutaneous melanoma lesions treated with DPCP measured by clinical examination. RESULTS: Among the 13 patients, 9 patients completed at least a 1-month course of DPCP treatment. Of these 9 patients, 6 (66.7%) maintained either stable disease or had a partial or complete regression, and 3 (33.3%) had progressive disease. Patients with less burden of disease (e.g., <15 lesions) responded more favorably than those with a greater burden of disease (e.g., >25 lesions or plaques). Both patients who received DPCP alone had progression of their cutaneous lesions. One patient who did not become sensitized to DPCP died within 2 months, and his anergy likely reflecting immense burden of disease. CONCLUSION: Topical DPCP is a low-cost, patient-applied treatment option for in-transit melanoma, most effective for patients with relatively low tumor burden and localized disease.

NONINVASIVE GRADING OF RADIATION RETINOPATHY: The Use of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography.

PURPOSE: Previous studies have shown that spectral domain optical coherence tomography can diagnose radiation retinopathy (RR) before ophthalmoscopic findings. Recently, optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) has been helpful in seeing vascular findings undetected by spectral domain optical coherence tomography. The authors wish to demonstrate the OCT-A grading at varying levels of RR. METHODS: The OCT-A, spectral domain optical coherence tomography, and ophthalmoscopic findings on 7 patients from December 2014 to March 2015 with varying levels of RR are demonstrated. RESULTS: Findings on OCT-A could be demonstrated before spectral domain optical coherence tomography findings. Patients can be graded on a scale of increasing severity from 0 to 5, based on positive or negative clinical findings of RR between OCT-A. Optical coherence tomography increased central macular thickness, optical coherence tomography evident cysts, and ophthalmoscopy (Grade 0: -,-,-,-; Grade 1: +,-,-,-; Grade 2: +,+,-,-; Grade 3: +,+,+,-; Grade 4: ++,+,+,+; Grade 5: unreadable,++,++,+). CONCLUSION: The use of OCT-A allows for earlier detection of RR; thus, existing grading systems should be modified to include OCT-A.

Dubiously Doubtful: An Exploration of the Literature Concerning Doubtful, Macular Erythema, "?+," and "+/-" Patch Test Reactions.

When the final patch test reading is barely discernable, it is termed a doubtful, macular erythema, "?+," or "+/-" reaction (hereby referred to as doubtful reaction). Information is conflicting about how to interpret doubtful reactions. Many guidelines do not comment on how to approach doubtful reactions; others state that further evaluation can (not should) be performed. In clinical reports, some investigators regard them as positive allergic reactions; some, as positive under certain circumstances; and many, as negative. Indeed, 16 (84%) of 19 recent reports of patch test reactions to standard/baseline series considered doubtful reactions negative for purposes of the report and did not include the number of these reactions. The problem is that these reactions are common and are not infrequently relevant. We recommend that researchers include frequency of doubtful reactions in reports and that doubtful reactions be assessed with the same scrutiny as stronger allergic reactions in the clinical setting.

Computing uveal melanoma basal diameters: a comparative analysis of several novel techniques with improved accuracy.

BACKGROUND: We sought to compare the accuracy of standard and novel echographic methods for computing intraocular tumor largest basal diameter (LBD). DESIGN: Multicenter, retrospective cohort study. SUBJECTS: All patients presenting with new diagnosis of uveal melanoma (UM). METHODS: Ultrasounds were obtained for all patients, and axial length (AL) was measured for a subset of patients. LBD was calculated as: (1) a single chord measured on B scan ultrasound (one-chord method [1CM]), or (2) by subdividing the basal diameter into two chords, which were summated (two-chord method [2CM]), or (3) by a mathematically-derived formula (MF) based on geometric relationships. The accuracy of each method was then compared, and sensitivity of each technique to factors such as tumor size and AL were analyzed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Accuracy, robustness, correctness of predicted plaque size. RESULTS: 116 UMs were analyzed; 1CM-calculated LBD underestimated 2CM-calculated LBD by 7.5% and underestimated LBD by MF by 7.8%; 2CM and MF were tightly correlated (average LBD difference = 0.038%). At larger LBDs, 1CM underestimated 2CM and MF by a much greater percentage (p < 0.001). By linear regression, 1CM underestimated LBD compared to 2CM by 0.8% and underestimated LBD compared to MF by 1.2% for every 1-mm LBD increase (p < 0.001 for each). Increasing the number of ultrasound chords beyond two did not significantly impact LBD calculations. For eyes with AL within two standard deviations of the mean, AL did not impact plaque selection using MF. 1CM would have led to selection of an undersized plaque in 41% of cases compared to 2CM and would have misclassified half of all eyes that actually required enucleation. For tumors with LBD < 12 mm, 1CM does not significantly underestimate LBD. CONCLUSIONS: Tumor LBD by 1CM is an inaccurate means of determining actual LBD, especially for larger tumors. Using either 2CM or MF is much more accurate, especially for tumors > 12 mm, where a single chord on ultrasound is more likely to lead to incorrect, undersized plaque selection. Our MF can be applied with great accuracy even in cases where the AL of the eye is not measured, using the population average AL (23.7 mm), and the formula LBD = 23.7 sin - 1 ( chord length / 23.7 ) .

Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis: what can we conclude about IL-17 antagonism?

PURPOSE: IL-17 antagonists are effective for psoriasis in clinical trials, but long-term safety is not fully characterized. Since chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC) is caused by defects in the IL-17 pathway, CMC risk data have been touted as providing reassurance about the safety of IL-17 antagonism. METHODS: We performed a literature review to identify patients with CMC and compared the prevalence of cancer in these patients to the reported 5-year prevalence. RESULTS: There was a higher prevalence of oropharyngeal (2.5% vs. 0.028%; p < .0001) and esophageal cancer (1.9% vs. 0.013%; p < .0001) in patients with CMC. There were no reports of cancer in 31 patients with CMC caused by an isolated IL-17 deficiency (IL-17F, IL-17RA, IL17RC); however, a study would need over 1000 patients to detect even a 10-fold increase in the most common malignancy of CMC patients. CONCLUSIONS: There is evidence that some forms of CMC are associated with an increase in cancer. While CMC is heterogeneous, our findings suggest that we cannot use CMC data to reassure patients on the long-term safety of IL-17 antagonists beyond the safety results from clinical trials, and perhaps caution should be taken with the development of candidiasis in patients taking these medications.

Trends in Patch Testing With the Mayo Clinic Standard Series, 2011-2015.

BACKGROUND: Patch testing to a standard (baseline) series of allergens is the screening tool used to identify culprit allergens in patients with contact dermatitis. The allergens and concentrations used in a standard series are constantly evolving to be most relevant to the patients being patch tested. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the 2011-2015 patch test results of the Mayo Clinic standard series. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patch test reactions of standard series allergens from 2011 through 2015 and compared these results with the 2011-2012 and 2013-2014 North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG) reports. CONCLUSIONS: Of 2582 patients included, 1566 (60.7%) had at least 1 positive reaction, and 516 (20.0%) had at least 1 irritant reaction. The 15 allergens with the highest reaction rates (from highest to lowest) were nickel sulfate hexahydrate, methylisothiazolinone, Myroxylon pereirae resin, neomycin sulfate, cobalt (II) chloride hexahydrate, benzalkonium chloride, fragrance mix I, potassium dichromate, bacitracin, methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone, carba mix, formaldehyde, p-phenylenediamine, quaternium-15, and methyldibromo glutaronitrile. Twelve (80%) of these allergens were also in the top 15 of the most recent NACDG report; the 3 allergens not in the NACDG top 15 allergens were potassium dichromate, benzalkonium chloride, and methyldibromo glutaronitrile (the latter 2 allergens are not included in their series).

Causes of Diplopia in Patients With Epiretinal Membranes.

PURPOSE: To describe the causes of diplopia in patients with an epiretinal membrane (ERM) and presenting diplopia. DESIGN: Retrospective observational case series. METHODS: We reviewed patients diagnosed with an ERM, who had been seen by both retinal and strabismus specialists in a tertiary medical center. Data recorded: orthoptic evaluation, retinal misregistration (optotype-frame test, and synoptophore central peripheral superimposition slides at 5 and 10 degrees), and cause of any diplopia (retinal misregistration vs strabismus vs optical/refractive error). We defined central-peripheral rivalry-type diplopia as presenting symptomatic diplopia with evidence of retinal misregistration, and where other causes did not fully explain diplopia. The frequency of each cause of diplopia in patients with ERM was determined. RESULTS: Of 50 patients with ERM, 25 had symptomatic diplopia and 25 had no diplopia. Eleven of 25 diplopic patients (44%) had retinal misregistration as the sole cause (central-peripheral rivalry-type diplopia), 7 (28%) strabismus (1 of 7 initally appeared to have central-peripheral rivalry-type diplopia), 1 (4%) optical/refractive error (monocular diplopia), 2 (8%) mixed retinal misregistration (central-peripheral rivalry-type diplopia) and strabismus, and for 4 (16%) diplopia cause was indeterminate. Unexpectedly, 15 of 25 patients without diplopia (60%) had evidence of retinal misregistration. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ERM and presenting diplopia may have 1 of several causes of diplopia, most commonly retinal misregistration (central-peripheral rivalry-type diplopia). Nevertheless, diplopic patients with retinal misregistration may also have treatable strabismus or optical/refractive error as the primary barrier to single vision and therefore many potential barriers to single vision should be considered.

Prevalence and Associations of Central-Peripheral Rivalry-Type Diplopia in Patients With Epiretinal Membrane.

Importance: The prevalence and clinical associations of patients with epiretinal membrane (ERM) who develop central-peripheral rivalry (CPR)­type diplopia are unknown. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of CPR-type diplopia in retinal disease clinic patients with ERM and to determine clinical findings associated with CPR-type diplopia. Design, Setting and Participants: A prospective cross-sectional study of 31 patients with ERM from retinal disease clinics to determine the prevalence of CPR-type diplopia. A retrospective case cohort of 25 additional patients with ERM, selected from adult strabismus clinics, was added (total = 56) to determine clinical associations with CPR-type diplopia. All data were collected between June 2014 and November 2016; prospective cohort data were collected from June 2016 to November 2016. Main Outcomes and Measures: The presence of diplopia was determined by patient history and diplopia questionnaire responses. Visual acuity and ocular alignment were recorded. Metamorphopsia was documented qualitatively by evaluation of the door frame and Amsler grid and measured quantitatively using M-charts and D-charts. Aniseikonia was determined by subjective description and results of the Awaya new aniseikonia test. Retinal misregistration testing consisted of optotype-frame test and synoptophore; CPR-type diplopia was defined as diplopia associated with evidence of retinal misregistration when other causes did not fully explain diplopia. Outcomes were as follows: prevalence of CPR-type diplopia in patients with ERM seen in retinal disease clinics, and whether or not clinical findings differed between patients with ERM and CPR-type diplopia vs patients with ERM without CPR-type diplopia. Results: Of the 31 patients with ERM seen in retinal disease clinics, 16 were women and 15 were men; the mean (SD) age was 69 (10) years. The prevalence of any diplopia was 23% (7 of 31; 95% CI, 10% to 41%), with CPR-type diplopia present in 16% (5 of 31; 95% CI, 5% to 34%). For analysis of associations, 12 of 56 patients (21%) had CPR-type diplopia and 37 (66%) had no diplopia. Seven of the 56 patients were excluded for other types of diplopia. Patients with CPR-type diplopia had better worse-eye visual acuity (mean difference, −0.23; 95% CI, −0.37 to −0.09 logMAR, P = .003), and more severe quantitative metamorphopsia (mean M-score difference 0.6; 95% CI, 0.05 to 1.1, P = .01) than patients without diplopia, but similar aniseikonia (Awaya new aniseikonia test; mean difference 0.6%; 95% CI, −2.9% to 4.0%, P = .33) and similar evidence of retinal misregistration (100% vs 73%; P = .09) by any test. Conclusions and Relevance: Our findings suggest that CPR-type diplopia is not uncommon in patients with ERM. On average, patients with CPR-type diplopia have better visual acuity and more metamorphopsia than those without CPR-type diplopia, but there is considerable individual variability. Aniseikonia and retinal misregistration are similar between patients with ERM associated with CPR-type diplopia and those without CPR-type diplopia. Retinal misregistration with coexistent metamorphopsia appears necessary but is not sufficient for CPR-type diplopia.

Ocular Manifestations of Familial Transthyretin Amyloidosis.

PURPOSE: Among patients with familial amyloidosis, mutation in the transthyretin (TTR) protein is the most common type. Patients with TTR amyloidosis have been noted to have ocular, especially vitreous, involvement. In this report, an analysis of the types and frequency of ocular manifestations in TTR amyloidosis is presented. DESIGN: Observational case series. METHODS: Two hundred and sixty-three patients who presented to Mayo Clinic with TTR amyloidosis between January 1, 1970, and November 1, 2014, consented to be included in the Mayo Clinic amyloidosis database maintained by the Department of Hematology. Fifty-four patients had ocular examinations at a mean of 4.25 ± 3.93 months after systemic symptoms. RESULTS: Of 108 examined eyes in 54 patients with TTR amyloidosis, there were 26 eyes (24%) in 13 patients with ocular involvement. Patients with ocular involvement were more likely to be women than those without ocular involvement (46% vs 15%, respectively, P = .008) and have significantly worse visual acuity (VA) at presentation (logMAR 0.24 [Snellen equivalent 20/30] vs logMAR 0.00 [Snellen equivalent 20/20], P = .017). The ophthalmic findings included vitreous amyloid (26/26, 100%), neurotrophic keratitis (2/26, 8%), glaucoma (5/26, 19%), and tortuous retinal vessels (4/26, 15%). The glaucoma was classified as open-angle (2/26), exfoliative (2/26), and neovascular following central retinal vein occlusion from amyloidosis (1/26). Ten patients underwent vitrectomy for visually significant vitreous amyloidosis, which significantly improved VA from a baseline of logMAR 0.70 (Snellen equivalent 20/100) to logMAR 0.05 (Snellen equivalent ∼20/20), P = .003. Three TTR mutations, Glu89Lys, Gly47Arg, and homozygous Gly6Ser, not previously described, were associated with vitreous amyloid. CONCLUSION: In this large cohort of patients with TTR amyloidosis, female sex and decreased VA were associated with ocular amyloid. Three mutations that have not been previously reported to have vitreous involvement were described: Glu89Lys, Gly47Arg, and homozygous Gly6Ser.