Steroid-induced delayed diagnosis of primary vitreoretinal lymphoma with ghost brain tumor: A case report.

RATIONALE: Primary vitreoretinal lymphoma is a great masquerader and provides a diagnostic challenge.It is most frequently misdiagnosed as a chronic uveitis. Steroid treatment for presumed uveitis can interfere with the correct diagnosis of vitreoretinal lymphoma. Herein, we present a case of primary vitreoretinal lymphoma in which the correct diagnosis was delayed by short-term steroids until 2 years later. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 45-year-old woman presented with floaters and blurred vision in her right eye for 3 months. An ocular examination revealed dense vitreous cells. Three months later, she developed headache and suicidal ideation after taking a 3-week medication of oral steroid medication from another eye clinic. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed a tumor involving the corpus callosum and periventricular region. INTERVENTIONS: Vitreous biopsy and repeated brain biopsies were carried out for the patient. DIAGNOSIS: A brain biopsy was performed for the first time, and a vitreous biopsy was performed when steroid medication was suspended for 20 and 41 days, respectively. Both biopsies were negative for the presence of malignant cells. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging revealed complete remission of the brain tumor. Two years later, the tumor recurred in the optic chiasm. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was confirmed by a second brain biopsy. OUTCOME: The patient had complete tumor remission after receiving brain radiation therapy and chemotherapy. LESSONS: Vitreoretinal lymphoma is difficult to diagnose owing to its rarity, masquerading presentation, and steroid-induced apoptosis of lymphoma cells. Physicians should consider vitreoretinal lymphoma as an important differential diagnosis in patients presenting with chronic uveitis and use steroids cautiously before making a definitive diagnosis.

The Role of Oxidative Stress and Therapeutic Potential of Antioxidants in Graves' Ophthalmopathy.

Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) is the most common extrathyroidal manifestation of Graves' disease. It is characterized initially by an inflammatory process, followed by tissue remodeling and fibrosis, leading to proptosis, exposure keratopathy, ocular motility limitation, and compressive optic neuropathy. The pathogenic mechanism is complex and multifactorial. Accumulating evidence suggests the involvement of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of GO. Cigarette smoking, a major risk factor for GO, has been shown to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and oxidative damage in GO orbital fibroblasts. In addition, an elevation in ROS and antioxidant enzymes is observed in tears, blood, and urine, as well as orbital fibroadipose tissues and fibroblasts from GO patients. In vitro and in vivo studies have examined the efficacy of various antioxidant supplements for GO. These findings suggest a therapeutic role of antioxidants in GO patients. This review summarizes the current understanding of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis and potential antioxidants for the treatment of GO.

Effect of Pirfenidone on TGF-ß1-Induced Myofibroblast Differentiation and Extracellular Matrix Homeostasis of Human Orbital Fibroblasts in Graves' Ophthalmopathy.

Pirfenidone is a pyridinone derivative that has been shown to inhibit fibrosis in animal models and in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Its effect on orbital fibroblasts remains poorly understood. We investigated the in vitro effect of pirfenidone in transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1)-induced myofibroblast transdifferentiation and extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis in primary cultured orbital fibroblasts from patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO). The expression of fibrotic proteins, including α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), fibronectin, and collagen type I, was determined by Western blots. The activities of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) responsible for the ECM homeostasis were examined. After pretreating the GO orbital fibroblasts with pirfenidone (250, 500, and 750 µg/mL, respectively) for one hour followed by TGF-ß1 for another 24 h, the expression of α-SMA, CTGF, fibronectin, and collagen type I decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreating the GO orbital fibroblasts with pirfenidone not only abolished TGF-ß1-induced TIMP-1 expression but recovered the MMP-2/-9 activities. Notably, pirfenidone inhibited TGF-ß1-induced phosphorylation of p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), the critical mediators in the TGF-ß1 pathways. These findings suggest that pirfenidone modulates TGF-ß1-mediated myofibroblast differentiation and ECM homeostasis by attenuating downstream signaling of TGF-ß1.

JNK and p38 Inhibitors Prevent Transforming Growth Factor-ß1-Induced Myofibroblast Transdifferentiation in Human Graves' Orbital Fibroblasts.

Transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1)-induced myofibroblast transdifferentiation from orbital fibroblasts is known to dominate tissue remodeling and fibrosis in Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO). However, the signaling pathways through which TGF-ß1 activates Graves' orbital fibroblasts remain unclear. This study investigated the role of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in TGF-ß1-induced myofibroblast transdifferentiation in human Graves' orbital fibroblasts. The MAPK pathway was assessed by measuring the phosphorylation of p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) by Western blots. The expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and fibronectin representing fibrogenesis was estimated. The activities of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) responsible for extracellular matrix (ECM) metabolism were analyzed. Specific pharmacologic kinase inhibitors were used to confirm the involvement of the MAPK pathway. After treatment with TGF-ß1, the phosphorylation levels of p38 and JNK, but not ERK, were increased. CTGF, α-SMA, and fibronectin, as well as TIMP-1 and TIMP-3, were upregulated, whereas the activities of MMP-2/-9 were inhibited. The effects of TGF-ß1 on the expression of these factors were eliminated by p38 and JNK inhibitors. The results suggested that TGF-ß1 could induce myofibroblast transdifferentiation in human Graves' orbital fibroblasts through the p38 and JNK pathways.

Change of Eyelid Parameters in Patients With Marin-Amat Syndrome.

PURPOSE: Marin-Amat syndrome is an acquired facial synkinesis manifesting as involuntary eyelid closure on jaw movement. The authors investigate the clinical features, especially the quantitative changes in eyelid parameters of patients with Marin-Amat syndrome. METHODS: Patients with Marin-Amat syndrome between 2015 and 2017 in a medical center were collected. Clinical features and the change of eyelid parameters, including margin reflex distance 1 (MRD-1), margin reflex distance 2 (MRD-2), and palpebral fissure height, were evaluated. RESULTS: There were 5 men and 3 women with a mean age of 76 years. All had a history of facial palsy. The mean time to onset of Marin-Amat syndrome was 4.4 years after facial palsy. Seven patients (87.5%) developed subsequent ipsilateral facial spasm after facial palsy. Most patient complaints were ptosis (62.5%) and ptosis on eating (37.5%). The mean palpebral fissure height of involved eyes decreased from 5.88 to 2 mm on jaw opening (p = 0.011), which resulted from decrease in MRD-1 (from 2.06 to 0.06 mm, p = 0.012) and MRD-2 (from 3.81 to 1.94 mm; p = 0.012). Botulinum toxin A (Botox) injection into the periorbital orbicularis muscle in 6 patients significantly relieved the change of palpebral fissure height on jaw opening compared with that before injection (9.9% vs. 68.6 %, p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with Marin-Amat syndrome present with ptosis and might be overlooked or underestimated. The reduction in palpebral fissure height in our patients with Marin-Amat syndrome was due to involuntary orbicularis oculi muscle contraction, resulting in decrease of both the MRD-1 and MRD-2 on jaw opening.

Essential role of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1)-induced myofibroblast transdifferentiation from Graves' orbital fibroblasts.

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) associated with transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of many fibrotic disorders. However, it is not clear whether this interaction also takes place in GO. In this study, we investigated the role of CTGF in TGF-ß-induced extracellular matrix production and myofibroblast transdifferentiation in Graves' orbital fibroblasts. By Western blot analysis, we demonstrated that TGF-ß1 induced the expression of CTGF, fibronectin, and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in Graves' orbital fibroblasts. In addition, the protein levels of fibronectin and α-SMA in Graves' orbital fibroblasts were also increased after treatment with a recombinant human protein CTGF (rhCTGF). Moreover, we transfected the orbital fibroblasts with a small hairpin RNA of CTGF gene (shCTGF) to knockdown the expression levels of CTGF, which showed that knockdown of CTGF significantly diminished TGF-ß1-induced expression of CTGF, fibronectin and α-SMA proteins in Graves' orbital fibroblasts. Furthermore, the addition of rhCTGF to the shCTGF-transfected orbital fibroblasts could restore TGF-ß1-induced expression of fibronectin and α-SMA proteins. Our findings demonstrate that CTGF is an essential downstream mediator for TGF-ß1-induced extracellular matrix production and myofibroblast transdifferentiation in Graves' orbital fibroblasts and thus may provide with a potential therapeutic target for treatment of GO.

Conjunctival papilloma: Clinical features, outcome, and factors related to recurrence.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the clinical features, treatment, and outcome of patients with conjunctival papilloma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two patients (22 eyes) with biopsy-proven conjunctival papilloma between January 2005 and January 2015 in a tertiary medical center were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical profiles, treatment, outcome, and factors related to recurrence were evaluated. RESULTS: There were 16 males (73%) and 6 females (27%), with a mean age of 47 years. The most common location of conjunctival papilloma was the caruncle (43%), followed by palpebral conjunctiva (29%), bulbar conjunctiva (14%), and fornix (14%). Recurrence developed in five patients (22.7%). The risk of postoperative recurrence was significantly related to the presence of bulbar conjunctival papilloma with corneal involvement (P = 0.043) and surgical excision alone (P = 0.039). One case with multiple recurrences developed nonkeratinizing carcinoma. Two young females developed conjunctival papilloma even after receiving human papillomavirus vaccinations. CONCLUSION: The recurrence of conjunctival papilloma is not uncommon, especially for those patients underwent surgical excision alone. Surgical excision with adjunctive therapy and long-term follow-up is rational for the treatment of conjunctival papilloma.

Vertical-to-Horizontal Rotational Myocutaneous Flap for Repairing Cicatricial Lower Lid Ectropion: A Novel Surgical Technique.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and complications of a novel surgical technique for cicatricial lower lid ectropion that uses a vertical-to-horizontal (V-to-H) rotational myocutaneous flap procedure (Tsai procedure). METHODS: We performed the V-to-H rotational myocutaneous flap procedure on 20 eyelids in 20 patients with mild to moderate cicatricial lower lid ectropion. A vertical myocutaneous flap was created from the anterior lamella of the vertical pedicle in the lateral third of the lower eyelid. Following a horizontal relaxing incision from the base of the flap, a vertical myocutaneous flap was created and rotated to horizontal. Two patients with combined cicatricial ectropion and paralytic lagophthalmos simultaneously underwent additional lateral tarsorrhaphy. RESULTS: After a minimum follow-up period of 6 months, all patients showed good anatomical and functional improvement with decreased dependence on topical lubricants and a satisfactory cosmetic appearance. Two patients with combined cicatricial and paralytic ectropion had mild residual asymptomatic lagophthalmos. No patients required further revision surgery and there were no complications or recurrence. CONCLUSION: The V-to-H rotational myocutaneous flap technique was an effective and simple one-stage procedure for correcting cicatricial lower lid ectropion. It lengthened the anterior lamella and tightened horizontal eyelid laxity without the need for a free skin graft.

Change of Serum IgG4 in Patients with Ocular Adnexal Marginal Zone B Cell Lymphoma Associated with IgG4-Related Ophthalmic Disease After Treatment.

PURPOSE: To investigate the change of serum IgG4 concentrations correlated with clinical evolution in patients with ocular adnexal marginal zone B cell lymphoma associated with IgG4-related ophthalmic disease (IgG4-ROD). METHODS: Three consecutive patients with histopathologically confirmed ocular adnexal marginal zone B cell lymphoma associated with IgG4-ROD were evaluated. Two patients received radiotherapy and 1 patient received steroid therapy. Treatment outcome was evaluated by clinical symptoms, radiologic examination, and change of serum IgG4 level in these patients. RESULTS: All patients had elevated serum IgG4 before treatment (462, 338, and 780 mg/dL respectively.) The 2 patients who received radiotherapy achieved complete remission and the serum IgG4 decreased to 345 and 92 mg/dL, respectively. The patient who underwent systemic steroid achieved partial remission and the serum IgG4 decrease to 161 mg/dL. CONCLUSION: Our study showed elevated serum IgG4 in all patients with ocular adnexal marginal zone B cell lymphoma associated with IgG4-ROD. In addition, the elevated serum IgG4 may decrease or keep stable after treatment, accompanied by improvement in clinical symptoms and reduction of lesions.

Expression and clinical significance of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in Graves' ophthalmopathy.

AIMS: To examine the expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in human cultured orbital fibroblasts from patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) and investigate whether a correlation exists between the presence of CTGF protein and clinical parameters of the disease. METHODS: The protein expression levels of CTGF were analysed by western blots in cultured orbital fibroblasts from 10 patients with GO and 7 age-matched normal controls. Associations between the protein expression of CTGF and the clinical factors of GO, including clinical demographics, thyroid function, clinical activity score (CAS) and ophthalmopathy index (OI), was evaluated. RESULTS: The mean protein expression levels of CTGF in the GO orbital fibroblasts were significantly higher than those of normal controls (p<0.001). Based on further analysis, the protein expression levels of CTGF in the GO orbital fibroblasts had significant correlation with gender (p=0.029), serum levels of thyrotropin receptor antibodies (p=0.029), CAS (p=0.048) and OI (p=0.043). Especially, there was a significant correlation between protein expression levels of CTGF and lid oedema (p=0.037), proptosis (p=0.045) and corneal involvement (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings revealed that the protein expression levels of CTGF in the GO orbital fibroblasts were significantly highly expressed than those of normal controls, and the elevated CTGF was associated with clinical characteristics and evolution, indicating CTGF may play a role in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of GO.

Cigarette Smoke Extract-Induced Oxidative Stress and Fibrosis-Related Genes Expression in Orbital Fibroblasts from Patients with Graves' Ophthalmopathy.

Cigarette smoking is the most important risk factor for the development or deterioration of Graves' ophthalmopathy. Smoke-induced increased generation of reactive oxygen species may be involved. However, it remains to be clarified how orbital fibroblasts are affected by cigarette smoking. Our study demonstrated that Graves' orbital fibroblasts have exaggerated response to cigarette smoke extract challenge along with increased oxidative stress, fibrosis-related genes expression, especially connective tissue growth factor, and intracellular levels of transforming growth factor-ß1 and interleukin-1ß. The findings obtained in this study provide some clues for the impact of cigarette smoking on Graves' ophthalmopathy and offer a theoretical basis for the potential and rational use of antioxidants in treating Graves' ophthalmopathy.

HMB-45 negative angiomyolipoma of the orbit: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Angiomyolipoma is a benign mesenchymal tumor composed of variable amounts of smooth muscle, adipose tissue and thick-walled blood vessels, and usually named PEComas (perivascular epithelioid cell tumors). PEComas share overlapping histopathological features with epithelioid cells along a perivascular distribution and characteristic immunohistochemistry with coexpression of myoid and melanocytic markers (HMB-45 /or Melan-A). We report the first case of primary orbital angiomyolipoma with negative melanocytic marker. CASE PRESENTATION: An 80-year-old Asian woman had a 2-year history of progressive swelling in the left upper eyelid. External examination revealed 3 cm of relative proptosis of the left eye and a palpable mass in the left superonasal orbit. Computed tomographic scan demonstrated a circumscribed, heterogeneous orbital mass. Excision biopsy was done and the histological finding demonstrated the orbital mass was composed of mature adipocytes, intermingled with spindle or oval-shaped cells, and accompanied by thick-walled blood vessels. Immunohistochemically, tumor cells were positive for CD34 and HHF-35, but negative for cytokeratin, HMB-45 and Melan-A. The diagnosis of angiomyolipoma was made. No recurrence was noted at 2-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: In our case, the HMB-45 negativity may be explained by the rarity of the epithelioid cells, and the HMB-45 positivity is often weaker or absent in spindle cells. Angiomyolipoma, although rare, should be added to the differential diagnosis of space-occupying orbital lesion.

Erlotinib-related keratopathy in a patient underwent laser in situ keratomileusis.

Erlotinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor receptor. Since there is a wide expression of the epidermal growth factor receptors in the epithelial tissues of ocular surface and adnexa, ocular adverse reactions may happen during systemic administration of erlotinib. Previously reported ocular adverse reactions of erlotinib include trichomegaly, periorbital rash, ectropion, blepharitis, persistent corneal epithelial defect, corneal ulcer and perforation. We report the first case of erlotinib-related keratopathy in a patient who had received laser in situ keratomileusis. The patient presented a special picture of flap striae related to erlotinib. Improvement of keratopathy after cessation of erlotinib was demonstrated.

Clinical features, microbiological profiles and treatment outcome of lacrimal plug-related canaliculitis compared with those of primary canaliculitis.

AIMS: To compare the clinical features and treatment outcome between lacrimal plug-related canaliculitis and primary canaliculitis. METHODS: Patients with plug-related canaliculitis and primary canaliculitis between 2007 and 2014 in a medical centre were collected. Charts were reviewed for clinical features, microbiological profiles, time lapse between plug insertion and symptom onset, type of plug and outcomes. RESULTS: Of 76 eligible cases collected, 13 were plug-related canaliculitis and 63 were primary canaliculitis. The most common presenting symptom was discharge in both groups (85% and 79%, respectively). The average time interval from plug insertion to symptoms onset was 5.5 years. Most canaliculitis developed in women, especially for plug-related canaliculitis, when compared with primary canaliculitis (100% vs 65.1%; p=0.015). The most common isolated microorganism was Pseudomonas aeruginosa in plug-related canaliculitis (46%) and Streptococcus in primary canaliculitis (28%), respectively. Isolation of Pseudomonas was significantly higher in plug-related canaliculitis than in primary canaliculitis (46% vs 12%; p=0.029). Most plug-related canaliculitis resolved after removal of plugs by canaliculotomy (12 cases, 93%). Most identified plug was SmartPlug (seven cases), followed by EaglePlug (two cases) and Herrick Lacrimal Plug (two cases). There was no recurrence in patients with plug-related canaliculitis, however, recurrence developed in seven patients (11%) with primary canaliculitis. CONCLUSIONS: In comparison with primary canaliculitis, plug-related canaliculitis appear to be more prevalent in women and show a different microbiological profile. Retrieval of infected plug by canaliculotomy and adequate antibiotics can achieve a good outcome. Long-term follow-up is required because canaliculitis may develop several years after plug insertion.

Needle decompression in a patient with vision-threatening orbital emphysema.

Orbital emphysema is a condition resulting from trapping of air in loose subcutaneous or orbital tissues from the paranasal sinuses. This condition commonly seen in patients with a history of periorbital trauma or surgery, especially following sneezing or nose blowing. It usually has a benign and self-limited course. However, the entrapped orbital air can cause a substantial increase in pressure with restricted ocular motility or vascular compromise and become severe enough to cause visual impairment. We herein present the case of a patient who developed severe orbital emphysema after blunt trauma followed by sneezing and was successfully treated with needle decompression of intraorbital air. Emergency needle decompression resulted in an improvement in vision and intraocular pressure.

Comparison of the Clinical Characteristics and Outcome of Benign and Malignant Eyelid Tumors: An Analysis of 4521 Eyelid Tumors in a Tertiary Medical Center.

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical features and outcome of benign and malignant eyelid tumors from 1995 to 2015 in a tertiary medical center. Among 4,521 histologically confirmed eyelid tumors, 4,294 (95.0%) were benign tumors and 227 (5.0%) were malignant tumors. The mean age at diagnosis was significantly higher in patients with malignant lid tumors than those with benign lid tumors (72.5 and 55.4 years, resp., p < 0.001). The most common benign eyelid tumors were intradermal nevus (21.1%), followed by seborrheic keratosis (12.6%) and xanthelasma (11.2%). The most common malignant eyelid tumors were basal cell carcinomas (57.8%), followed by sebaceous gland carcinomas (21.1%) and squamous cell carcinomas (10.1%). There was a relative male predominance (63.4% and 49.2%, resp., p < 0.001) and higher recurrence rate (11.9% and 4.4%, resp., p < 0.001) in malignant lid tumors as compared with those of benign lid tumors. Twenty-two patients (9.7%) received orbital exenteration/enucleation. Eight patients (3.5%) with malignant lid tumors died of disease. Patients with eyelid melanoma were associated with a high mortality rate (25.0%). It is important to differentiate between benign and malignant eyelid tumors, because they may cause cosmetic disfigurement and severe morbidity, especially in those with malignant eyelid tumors.

New Onset Diplopia in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma following Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy: Clinical Features and Etiology.

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical features and etiology of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients with new onset diplopia after concurrent chemoradiotherapy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of NPC patients with new onset diplopia after concurrent chemoradiotherapy from 1998 to 2012 in a cancer center. Their clinical manifestations of ocular motor dysfunction in relation to etiology were investigated. RESULTS: Twenty-three NPC patients with diplopia after concurrent chemoradiotherapy were enrolled in this study. Unilateral cranial VI palsy (91%) was the most common ocular motor dysfunction in these patients. The new onset diplopia in these patients was secondary to tumor recurrence in 12 cases (52%), radiation neuropathy in 8 cases (35%), and skull base osteoradionecrosis in 3 cases (13%). Patients with tumor recurrence and skull base osteoradionecrosis tended to present a rapid progression of the nerve palsy or severe ocular duction deficit. Patients with radiation neuropathy were often manifested by incomplete nerve palsy with insidious onset and slow progression. Patients with osteoradionecrosis were associated with poor prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: A new onset diplopia in NPC patients could be caused by tumor recurrence or treatment complications such as radiation neuropathy and osteoradionecrosis, and they show diverse clinical symptoms, course, and outcome.

The protective effect of antioxidants on orbital fibroblasts from patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy in response to oxidative stress.

PURPOSE: To investigate the biphasic effects of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on the orbital fibroblasts of patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) and the relation to antioxidants and proinflammatory cytokines. METHODS: Proliferation of cultured orbital fibroblasts from patients with GO and normal controls was evaluated in response to various concentrations of H2O2. The effect of low concentrations of H2O2 (6.25 µM) on the cellular proliferation and induction of intracellular proinflammatory cytokines, and reactive oxygen species of orbital fibroblasts were assessed. Protective effects of N-acetylcysteine and vitamin C on GO fibroblasts in response to 6.25 µM H2O2 stimulation were also investigated. RESULTS: When the GO fibroblasts were exposed to H2O2 at a concentration of 50 µM or above, significant cytotoxicity was observed. In contrast, lower concentrations of H2O2 (3.125-25 µM) increased the survival of GO fibroblasts with the peak cellular proliferation at 6.25 µM H2O2. However, this biphasic effect of H2O2 on the viability of orbital fibroblasts was not found in normal controls. In addition, 6.25 µM H2O2 led to significant elevation of the levels of transforming growth factor, beta 1, interleukin-1ß, and superoxide anion in GO fibroblasts, but no significant change in the normal controls. Pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine or vitamin C reversed the enhanced proliferation capacity and the induction of transforming growth factor, beta 1, interleukin-1ß and superoxide anion of GO fibroblasts in response to 6.25 µM H2O2. CONCLUSIONS: These findings revealed the biphasic effect of H2O2 on cellular proliferation of GO orbital fibroblasts. Importantly, a low level of H2O2 can stimulate proliferation of GO orbital fibroblasts and induce the production of proinflammatory cytokines, which can be inhibited by pretreatment with antioxidants. This provides a theoretical basis for the rational use of antioxidant in treating GO at an early stage.

Lacrimal gland pleomorphic adenoma masquerading as thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy.

Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy is the most common cause of proptosis in adult female, especially those with positive thyroid antibody. Sometimes, other diagnoses should be considered. A 45-year-old female presented with progressive right proptosis and mild diplopia for 2 years. One year earlier, she had been diagnosed with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy because of abnormal thyroid autoantibody. Computed tomography scan showed a 2.4- × 1.9- × 1.6-mm heterogeneous soft-tissue density lying above the left eye. Excisional biopsy of this mass revealed the histopathologic diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma. This case highlights the need for including other diagnoses such as pleomorphic adenoma in the differential diagnosis of patients with proptosis, diplopia and abnormal thyroid antibody.