Plasma SHBG Levels as an Early Predictor of Response to Bariatric Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a growing global health problem, and currently, bariatric surgery (BS) is the best solution in terms of sustained total weight loss (TWL). However, a significant number of patients present weight regain (WR) in time. There is a lack of biomarkers predicting the response to BS and WR during the follow-up. Plasma SHBG levels, which are low in obesity, increase 1 month after BS but there is no data of plasma SHBG levels at long term. We performed the present study aimed at exploring the SHBG role in predicting TWL and WR after BS. METHODS: Prospective study including 62 patients with obesity undergoing BS. Anthropometric and biochemical variables, including SHBG were analyzed at baseline, 1, 6, 12, and 24 months; TWL ≥ 25% was considered as good BS response. RESULTS: Weight loss nadir was achieved at 12 months post-BS where maximum SHBG increase was reached. Greater than or equal to 25% TWL patients presented significantly higher SHBG increases at the first and sixth months of follow-up with respect to baseline (100% and 150% respectively, p = 0.025), than < 25% TWL patients (40% and 50% respectively, p = 0.03). Also, these presented 6.6% WR after 24 months. The first month SHBG increase predicted BS response at 24 months (OR = 2.71; 95%CI = [1.11-6.60]; p = 0.028) and TWL in the 12th month (r = 0.330, p = 0.012) and the WR in the 24th (r = - 0.301, p = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed for the first time that increase in plasma SHBG levels within the first month after BS is a good predictor of TWL and WR response after 2 years.

Accuracy of a sequential algorithm based on FIB-4 and ELF to identify high-risk advanced liver fibrosis at the primary care level.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease, and liver fibrosis is the strongest predictor of morbimortality. We aimed to assess the performance of a sequential algorithm encompassing the Fibrosis 4 (FIB-4) and Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) scores for identifying patients at risk of advanced fibrosis. This cross-sectional study included one hospital-based cohort with biopsy-proven NAFLD (n = 140) and two primary care cohorts from different clinical settings: Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) follow-up (n = 141) and chronic liver disease (CLD) initial study (n = 138). Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess liver fibrosis diagnosis models based on FIB-4 and ELF biomarkers. The sequential algorithm retrieved the following accuracy parameters in predicting stages F3-4 in the biopsy-confirmed cohort: sensitivity (85%), specificity (73%), negative predictive value (79%) and positive predictive value (81%). In both T2D and CLD cohorts, a total of 28% of patients were classified as stages F3-4. Furthermore, of all F3-4 classified patients in the T2D cohort, 80% had a diagnosis of liver disease and 44% were referred to secondary care. Likewise, of all F3-4 classified patients in the CLD cohort, 71% had a diagnosis of liver disease and 44% were referred to secondary care. These results suggest the potential utility of this algorithm as a liver fibrosis stratifying tool in primary care, where updating referral protocols to detect high-risk F3-4 is needed. FIB-4 and ELF sequential measurement is an efficient strategy to prioritize patients with high risk of F3-4 in populations with metabolic risk factors.

Outcomes of intubation and endoscopic DCR in functional nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

BACKGROUND: To ascertain the success of lacrimal intubation and DCR in alleviating epiphora due to functional nasolacrimal duct obstruction (FNLDO). METHODS: Consecutive adult patients with epiphora attending a tertiary lacrimal clinic from May 2010 to February 2021 were reviewed to identify cases with FNLDO. FNLDO was defined as epiphora with the exclusion of alternate causes of watering on clinical examination, patent lacrimal syringing, normal DCG, and post-sac delay on DSG. Epiphora resolution and improvement rates in FNLDO were compared between lacrimal intubation and endo-DCR. RESULTS: 23 endo-DCRs (20 patients, 65% females, mean age 68.9±12.2) and 41 intubations (29 patients, 61.2% females, mean age 65.0±14.1) performed in FNLDO were included. Resolution of epiphora was achieved in 15 of the DCR procedures (median follow-up 9 months) compared to 14 of intubations (median follow-up 10 months). Significant epiphora improvement (i.e., either improvement or resolution) was noted in 21 DCRs and 24 intubations. Seven patients undergoing intubation as the primary procedure had endo-DCR performed following the intubation. Among respondents to a phone questionnaire, 53.8% who had endo-DCR (median 69 months) and 50% that had intubation (median 28 months) reported significant improvement in epiphora. CONCLUSIONS: Improvement in epiphora due to FNLDO was approximately 59% in intubations, while the success of endo-DCR was higher (91%). The long-term results of these interventions warrant further investigation.

Clinico-radiological findings of neuroendocrine tumour metastases to the orbit.

PURPOSE: We present the clinico-radiological findings of neuroendocrine tumour metastases to the orbit. METHODS: This was a multicentre, retrospective study of patients with neuroendocrine tumour metastases to the orbit. Data was collected from medical records across five different sites within Australia and the United Kingdom. RESULTS: Nine patients (eleven lesions) were identified. The most common presenting complaint was diplopia (5/9, 56%). Disease occurred bilaterally in two patients. Seven patients (78%) had extraocular muscle involvement. The lateral recti (4/9, 44%) and superior recti (2/9, 22%) were the most commonly affected. Ocular presentation preceded primary tumour diagnosis in three patients (33%). On orbital imaging, metastases were most commonly reported as well circumscribed, ovoid or round, heterogeneous, contrast-enhancing masses. Features of intralesional haemorrhage and bony invasion are uncommonly reported. CONCLUSIONS: Neuroendocrine tumour metastasis to the orbit is uncommon. Metastases have a propensity for the extraocular muscles, commonly presenting as heterogeneous, well circumscribed, contrast-enhancing lesions on neuroimaging. New ocular symptoms, a history of neuroendocrine tumours, and these radiological findings, should lead to high clinical suspicion of metastatic disease. Atypical findings warrant biopsy to exclude other causes of orbital lesions.

Bisphosphonate-induced orbital inflammation: more common than once thought?

To report two cases of bisphosphonate-induced orbital inflammation, discuss the clinic-radiological features and management options, and highlight the increasing frequency of an association previously considered extremely rare. A retrospective review of two cases presenting to our department, and review of the literature reporting this association. Two new cases of bisphosphonate-induced orbital inflammation were added to the literature. The first occurred in the context of a risedronate re-challenge, and the second with zoledronic acid. Both cases were managed successfully with topical steroids. Clinicians prescribing bisphosphonates, particularly for the first time, should be aware of the increasingly reported association with orbital inflammation. The presence of suggestive clinical features should prompt urgent referral to an ophthalmologist for appropriate management.

The clinical, histological and immunohistochemical characteristics and nomenclature of meibomian gland ductal cysts (intratarsal keratinous cysts) and eyelid steatocystomas.

PurposeMeibomian gland ductal cysts (MGDCs) and steatocystomas are epithelial lined, keratin-containing lesions of the eyelids. MDGCs are variably called tarsal keratinous cysts, intratarsal keratinous cysts of the meibomian glands, intratarsal inclusion cysts, epidermal cysts and epidermoid cysts. Both lesions are poorly described in the literature. We report a series of seven MGDC and steatocystomas, and examine their clinical, pathological and immunohistochemistry features and their management and outcomes.Patients and methodsA retrospective review of case notes and histopathology slides of all MGDCs and steatocystomas identified at one major histopathology service in South Australia between 2013 and 2015.ResultsSeven cases were identified, with an average age of 64. The lesions range from 4 to 18 mm diameter and are firm, well-circumscribed and non-tender, and sometimes the keratin-filled cyst protrudes visibly under the tarsal conjunctiva. Two cases were previously misdiagnosed as chalazia but recurred after incision and curettage. Histologically, these lesions are lined by squamous epithelium but lack a well-formed stratum granulosum and can be distinguished by their immunohistochemical staining characteristics. Complete excision, including a wedge of underlying tarsal plate for MDGCs, is curative for with a follow up of 12-36 months.ConclusionsMGDCs and steatocystomas should be included in the differential of benign eyelid lesions. Diagnosing and differentiating these lesions from chalazia is important for determining the optimal management strategy.

A prospective outcome study of membranous and solid distal common canalicular obstructions.

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate the surgical outcomes of membranous and solid distal common canalicular obstructions (CCOs) following endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EnDCR) and lacrimal intubation combined with either membranotomy or trephination. METHODS: This was a prospective, non-randomized, consecutive interventional case series. Inclusion criteria included patients undergoing EnDCR with evidence of a membranous block or more solid obstruction of the distal common canaliculus, treated with membranotomy or canalicular trephination. Complete CCO was confirmed pre-operatively using dacryocystography and dacryoscintigraphy. All patients received bicanalicular intubation for 3 months with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Functional and anatomical success was assessed at 4 weeks, 3 months, and 12 months following surgery. Functional success was defined as subjective improvement of epiphora and anatomical success as the presence of a patent ostium and a positive dye test on nasal endoscopy. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients were included in the study with a mean age of 58 years. Twenty-one patients (72%) received a membranotomy and eight (28%) required trephination. At 12 months, the functional and anatomical success rate in the membranotomy group was 90% (19/21) and 100% (21/21), respectively, and in trephination group the functional and anatomical success rate was 63% (5/8). There were no intra-operative or lacrimal stent-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: Identifying and excising distal CCOs in association with EnDCR and lacrimal intubation is associated with a high degree of functional (83%) and anatomical (90%) success. The success of membranous obstructions appear be superior to outcomes for solid obstructions of the distal common canaliculus that require trephination.

Rituximab for the treatment of IgG4-related orbital disease: experience from five cases.

PURPOSE: To review the clinical efficacy and safety of rituximab for treatment of IgG4-related orbital disease (IgG4-ROD). DESIGN: Retrospective multicentre interventional case series. METHODS: Chart review for five cases of biopsy-confirmed IgG4-ROD (IgG4+>10/HPF, ratio of IgG4+/IgG+>40%) treated with rituximab. Information retrieved included the dosing schedule, adverse events and the magnitude, temporality, and duration of the clinical response. RESULTS: All cases of IgG4-ROD were either steroid dependent or steroid resistant. Rituximab doses for induction therapy included two doses of 1000 mg at 2-weekly intervals, and four doses at 375 mg/m(2) at weekly intervals. Two months after starting rituximab, three cases achieved complete clinical resolution and two cases achieved partial clinical resolution. Complete radiological resolution occurred in one case, and partial radiological resolution in three cases. Three cases received rituximab maintenance therapy and one case was commenced on mycophenolate. No relapse occurred during a mean follow-up of 33 months (range: 7-65 months). One disease relapse occurred when the dosing interval of rituximab maintenance therapy was extended to 6-monthly intervals; remission was swiftly achieved with rituximab reinduction therapy. The only adverse effects reported were one episode of fatigue lasting 1 week and two episodes of orbital discomfort. CONCLUSION: Rituximab may be an effective treatment option for IgG4-ROD that is steroid dependent or steroid intolerant. Rituximab therapy resulted in swift clinical and radiological improvement, many months free of relapse, and few side effects.

Turn-over orbital septal flap and levator recession for upper-eyelid retraction secondary to thyroid eye disease.

BACKGROUND: A turn-over septal flap has been reported as a spacer for levator lengthening in a single case report. This study reports the preliminary outcomes of this technique in a series of patients with upper-lid retraction (ULR) associated with thyroid eye disease (TED) causing symptomatic exposure keratopathy (EK). METHODS: Retrospective, multicenter study of 12 eyelids of 10 patients with TED undergoing a transcutaneous levator-lengthening technique using the reflected orbital septum (OS) as a spacer. Change in palpebral aperture (PA) and contour, position of the skin crease (SC), symptoms of EK, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: The average age was 47.5 years. Two patients were excluded, as their septa were found to be very thin at surgery. At an average of 13 months postoperatively, the PA was reduced by 2.5 mm on average (P<0.001) and was within 1 mm of the contralateral eyelid in 11 cases (92%); the position of the SC was within 1 mm of the desired position in all cases. EK resolved in all cases. Complications included one case of overcorrection and one case of recurrent lateral flare. CONCLUSIONS: The turn-over orbital septal flap technique may be a viable option as an autogenous spacer for the treatment of ULR in TED. This technique may be possible in cases where the OS has been opened by previous surgery but may not be feasible in patients in whom the septum is very thin.

Acute post-operative rhinosinusitis following endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the incidence and risk factors for acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) following endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EnDCR). METHODS: Retrospective single-surgeon interventional case series, including 196 consecutive patients undergoing 203 endonasal DCR, with clinical and radiological evidence of nasolacrimal duct or common canalicular obstruction. Pre-operative lacrimal and sinonasal clinical assessment and imaging, intraoperative endoscopic video recording, and post-operative clinical and endoscopic findings were analysed for cases of ARS occurring within the first 4 weeks following DCR among patients with and without a past history of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Surgical complications and outcomes at 12 months and management of ARS are reported. RESULTS: Three patients (1.5%) developed ARS within the first 5 post-operative days, none of which had experienced peri-operative complications and all had a past history of CRS. The rate of CRS in this cohort of 196 patients was 10.2% (n=20), of which 15% (n=3) developed ARS, although none had symptoms of CRS at the time of surgery; one had undergone previous sinus surgery. Presenting symptoms of ARS included facial pain, tenderness over the affected sinus, and nasal discharge; all patients responded to oral antibiotic therapy. DISCUSSION: The rate of ARS following EnDCR was 1.5%. In those with a prior history of CRS, it was 15% (P=0.009). ARS developed within the first post-operative week among patients with a past history of CRS, who were asymptomatic at the time of surgery, and responded to oral antibiotics. CRS may be a risk factor for the development of post-operative ARS.

Intraorbital corticosteroid injection for orbital reactive lymphoid hyperplasia.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to assess the utility of intraorbital injection of triamcinolone acetonide as a primary treatment option for orbital reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (RLH). PATIENTS AND METHOD: Retrospective, single-centre, interventional case series. RESULTS: Intraorbital injection of triamcinolone acetonide was associated with complete resolution of all symptoms and signs in four cases (80%). This was achieved with a single injection in two cases and with two injections in another two cases. Radiological resolution was confirmed in one case. One case developed bilateral multifocal orbital RLH lesions 1 month after the second injection. CONCLUSION: Intraorbital injection of corticosteroid may be a useful treatment option for orbital RLH, and may have a role as a first-line therapy in RLH of the anterior orbit. A significant proportion of patients may require repeat injections to achieve resolution. A larger prospective study is required to validate our findings.

The effect of orbital decompression surgery on refraction and intraocular pressure in patients with thyroid orbitopathy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of orbital decompression surgery in thyroid orbitopathy (TO) on both refractive status and intraocular pressure (IOP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective, multicentre, consecutive audit of patients undergoing thyroid decompression surgery. Indications for surgery included cosmetically unacceptable proptosis or corneal exposure. Exclusion criteria included the following: previous orbital surgery, glaucoma, corneal disease, steroid use in the preceding 12 months, or an acute optic neuropathy. Automated refraction, keratometry, pachymetry, Hertel exophthalmometry, and IOP were recorded at 1 month pre- and 3 months postoperatively. IOP using the Tono-Pen (mean of three readings) was measured in the primary, upgaze, and downgaze positions. RESULTS: Data were collected from 52 orbits of 33 patients (East Grinstead, New York, and Adelaide). There was no significant difference between pre- and postoperative data for sphere, cylinder, or central corneal thickness (CCT). The mean spherical equivalent was -0.43 ± 1.49 D pre-operatively and -0.28 ± 1.52 D postoperatively. The steepest meridian of corneal curvature was 93.1 degrees pre- and 94.2 degrees postoperatively, with no significant difference. Mean IOP significantly decreased when measuring by Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) (2.28 mm Hg, (*) P=0.001) and Tono-Pen (3.06 mm Hg, (*) P=<0.0001). IOP measured in upgaze was significantly greater than that in the primary position. Regression analysis between change in IOP and either Hertel exophthalmometry or the number of orbital walls decompressed was non-significant ((*)Student's t-test). CONCLUSION: Patients with TO undergoing orbital decompression had, on average, with-the-rule astigmatism not affected by orbital decompression surgery. IOP was significantly reduced by decompression surgery although no relationship between IOP and the degree of decompression was observed.

Effects of Merogel coverage on wound healing and ostial patency in endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy for primary chronic dacryocystitis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of Merogel coverage on ostial patency in endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EES-DCR) for primary chronic dacryocystitis (PCD). METHODS: In all, 260 patients with unilateral PCD were randomized into two groups: the Merogel group and the control group. All patients underwent EES-DCR. The Merogel group received Merogel covering the wound 1-2 mm around the ostium and the control group received no treatment. Patients were followed up for 9 months. The mucosal epithelialization of the wound, the proliferation of fibrosis tissue, and the success rate of ostial patency were compared. RESULTS: Our study included 112 patients in the Merogel group and 115 patients in the control group. At the 2-week review, intact mucosal epithelium lined the ostia in 96 Merogel patients compared with 80 control patients (ITT analysis: χ(2)=4.502, P=0.034). At the 9-month review, scars were present in 18 patients in the Merogel group compared with 39 patients in the control group (ITT analysis: χ(2)=9.909, P=0.002, ITT analysis). No differences were observed in the granulation formation between the two groups. The success rate of ostial patency reached 94.6% (106/112) in the Merogel group compared with 80% (92/115) in the control group (ITT analysis: χ(2)=4.151, P=0.042). CONCLUSION: Merogel coverage may enhance the success rate of EES-DCR for PCD by promoting mucosal epithelial healing and preventing excessive scarring.

Cataract in central Sri Lanka: prevalence and risk factors from the Kandy Eye Study.

PURPOSE: To estimate the prevalence of and risk factors for cataracts in the Kandy District of central Sri Lanka. METHODS: A population-based, cross-sectional ophthalmic survey of the inhabitants of rural villages in central Sri Lanka was conducted; 1375 individuals participated (79.9%; age > or = 40 years, average age 57) and 1318 (95.9%) had an examinable lens in at least one eye. Data collection included district, age, occupation, education level, smoking history, height, weight and dilated lens assessment using Lens Opacities Classification System III grading: nuclear (> or =4), cortical (> or =2) and posterior subcapsular (> or =2) cataracts. Aphakic and pseudophakic eyes were included as operated cataracts for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of any cataract including operated eyes was 33.1% (95% Confidence Interval (CI), 22.4-43.7%): 26.0% cortical; 7.9% posterior sub-capsular and 4.5% nuclear cataracts. No significant association was found between cataract and gender, smoking or outdoor occupation. Low level of education (secondary or higher vs no education: Odds Ratio (OR) 0.6, CI 0.4-0.9, P = 0.04) and shorter stature were associated with a higher likelihood of any cataract (OR 1.7, CI 1.1-2.7, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The overall prevalence of cataract in central Sri Lanka is similar to that in other developing Asian regions except for the unusually low prevalence of nuclear cataract. Illiteracy and height appear to be significant predictors for cataract in this population and further investigation is required to explore their influence.

Ocular adnexal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: local disease correlates with better outcomes.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical, immunohistochemical and prognostic features, as well as outcomes of a large series of patients with orbital and periorbital diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). DESIGN: This study is a multicentre, retrospective non-comparative consecutive case series. METHODS: The setting for this study was institutional. A total of 37 consecutive patients identified from the institutions' databases with periorbital and orbital DLBCL were enrolled in the study. A retrospective chart review was used for observation. The main outcome measures were patient demographics, clinical features, imaging, immunohistochemical and histopathological data, treatments administered, and survival. RESULTS: A total of 20 out of 37 cases (54.1%) represented localised periorbital disease (group L), 11 of 37 (29.7%) had systemic disease at presentation with periorbital disease (group S1), and 6 of 37 (16.2%) had previous history of systemic lymphoma (group S2). In all, 28 out of 30 (93.3%) patients were CD20+, 5 of 25 (20%) were CD3+, and 11 of 11 (100%) were CD79a+ (varying denominators reflect the different numbers of patients tested). A total of 25 out of 32 patients (78.1%) received chemotherapy, 14 (43.8%) received rituxmab plus chemotherapy, and 19 (59.3%) received radiotherapy. Nine deaths occurred, one in group L (not lymphoma related), six in group S1, and two in group S2. Five-year Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were 55.9% for all cases, 90.9% for group L, 36.0% for group S1, and 0% for group S2. One-year progression-free survival estimates in groups S1 and S2 combined were 58.3% for patients treated with rituximab and 28.6% for those who were not. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this report represents the largest series of patients with periorbital and orbital DLBCL in the literature. The difference in survival between groups L, S1 and S2 was striking, reflecting the grave prognosis of systemic DLBCL, but conversely the relatively optimistic outlook for patients with localised disease. Rituximab plus chemotherapy may be associated with increased survival.

Prevalence and determinants of age-related macular degeneration in central Sri Lanka: the Kandy Eye Study.

AIMS: To determine the prevalence, associations and risk factors for age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) in central Sri Lanka. METHODS: The study was a population-based, cross-sectional survey of residents aged > or = 40 years in rural Sri Lanka. ARMD was assessed on dilated fundoscopy using the International Age-Related Maculopathy Epidemiology Study Group classification system. RESULTS: Of the 1721 subjects identified, 1375 participated (79.9%). Of the participants, 1013 were aged > or = 50 years (73.6%). The prevalence of any ARMD (adjusted for study design) was 4.72 (95% CI 2.22 to 7.20)% with 3.82 (95% CI 1.60 to 6.04)% early ARMD and 1.70 (95% CI 0.14 to 3.27)% late ARMD. Age (p<0.001) and Sinhalese ethnicity (p = 0.016) were significantly associated with ARMD. Men had a tendency toward a higher prevalence of ARMD than women, although this was not statistically significant (p = 0.081). Ocular risk factors such as cortical cataract (p = 0.024) and pseudophakia (p = 0.003) were associated with ARMD on the univariate but not multivariate analyses. Illiteracy and the identification of social supports were significantly associated with ARMD on univariate analyses. However, only social support was statistically significant after multivariate analysis (p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: Although the prevalence of ARMD is slightly lower in Sri Lanka than surrounding regions, it contributes to a higher proportion of visual impairment, including blindness. Risk factors include age and Sinhalese ethnicity.

Craniofacial fibrous dysplasia: clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes.

AIM: To present the clinical features and management outcomes in a large longitudinal series of patients with craniofacial fibrous dysplasia (CFD). METHODS: Retrospective interventional consecutive case series. Main outcome measures included signs and symptoms, radiographic findings, long-term outcomes, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: A total of 42 patients with CFD were identified. The mean age at presentation was 16.7 years; mean follow-up was 12.6 years. Out of these 42 patients, 37 (88.1%) had unilateral involvement and 5 (11.9%) had bilateral involvement, of which 3 (7.1%) had McCune-Albright syndrome. The commonest presenting symptom was facial asymmetry (36 cases, 86%). The frontal bone was the most commonly involved (27 cases, 64.3%), zfollowed by the sphenoid (24 cases, 57.1%). The most common pattern of bone involvement was monostotic (32 cases, 76.2%). Radiological optic canal involvement occurred in 18 eyes of 15 (37.5%) patients, with optic atrophy in 9 eyes (18.8%) of 7 patients (16.7%). Surgical intervention was performed in 30 (71.4%) cases for both functional and reconstructive reasons. Optic canal decompression was performed in three cases, in all of which stabilization of vision was achieved; no patient lost vision as a result of surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In this large longitudinal series of CFD, visual loss was not uncommon and occurred insidiously. The presenting clinical and radiological features, surgical interventions, and outcomes are discussed.

Pleomorphic adenoma of the lacrimal gland: is there a role for biopsy?

AIM: To review the literature on biopsy of lacrimal gland pleomorphic adenoma (LGPA) and to examine the validity of the prohibition against biopsy in LGPA. METHOD: Literature review. RESULTS: LGPA is usually diagnosed preoperatively based on clinical and radiological characteristics, as current teaching advises complete excision without prior incisional biopsy. The caveat against biopsy is based on older studies that reported increased recurrence rates with increased risk of malignant transformation after incomplete excision or biopsy. On the basis of a detailed examination of the literature on biopsy of both LGPA and pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary glands, it appears that there is no clear evidence to support the claim that biopsy increases the risk of recurrence or of malignant transformation of LGPA. CONCLUSION: Lacrimal gland tumours are uncommon lesions and optimal management depends to a great extent on a definite preoperative diagnosis. Preoperative biopsy should therefore be considered in all lacrimal gland mass lesions and management should be tailored to the biopsy findings. If surgical resection is then required, it may be prudent to excise the biopsy tract to ensure complete removal of the tumour.

Risk factors for early angle-closure disease in a Burmese population: the Meiktila Eye Study.

PURPOSE: To determine risk factors for early angle-closure disease (AD) in a Burmese population. METHODS: A cross-sectional, population-based survey of the inhabitants, 40 years of age and over, from villages in the Meiktila District was performed; 2481 eligible participants were identified, 2076 participated in the study, and 2050 could be categorized as having early AD (defined by the presence of so-called occludable angles (<90 degrees of posterior trabecular meshwork visible on gonioscopy), but without glaucomatous optic neuropathy). The ophthalmic examination included Snellen visual acuity, slit-lamp examination, tonometry, gonioscopy, biometry, and dilated stereoscopic fundus examination. RESULTS: The mean axial length (AL) and anterior chamber depth (ACD) in those with occludable angles were 21.9 and 2.60 mm, respectively; in those with non-occludable angles, the corresponding lengths were 22.74 and 2.84 mm, respectively (P<0.001 for both comparisons). In the univariate analyses, age, female gender, nuclear and cortical cataract, steeper corneal curvature, more anterior lens position, and myopia were also significantly associated with occludability. In the multivariate analysis, age, AL, ACD, and nuclear cataract were significantly associated with occludability. CONCLUSION: In this Burmese population, those with occludable angles had significantly shorter ALs, ACDs, and thicker lenses than those without occludable angles. In multivariate analysis, increasing age, decreasing AL, decreasing ACD, and nuclear cataract were significant predictors of early AD. The presence of nuclear cataract per se should raise clinical suspicion of the possibility of AD in this population.

Ocular biometry and determinants of refractive error in rural Myanmar: the Meiktila Eye Study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the ocular biometry and determinants of refractive error in an adult population in Myanmar. METHODS: A cross-sectional, population-based survey of the inhabitants 40 years of age and over from villages in the Meiktila District was performed; 2481 eligible participants were identified, and 2076 participated in the study. Biometric components including axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), vitreous chamber depth (VCD), lens thickness (LT) and corneal curvature (CC) were measured. Lens opalescence was measured using the Lens Opacity Grading System III. Non-cycloplegic refraction was measured with an autorefractor. RESULTS: Complete biometric, refractive and lenticular data were available on 1498 participants. Men had longer ALs, ACDs, VCDs and steeper CCs than women. There was an increase in LT, nuclear opalescence (NO) and myopic shift with increasing age, with no significant change in AL with age. In the 40-59 year age group, VCD was a significant predictor of refractive error, but LT (p<0.001) and NO (p<0.001) were stronger predictors. In the 60+ age group, NO (p<0.001) was also the dominant predictor of refractive error. CONCLUSION: This Burmese population, particularly women, has a relatively short AL and ACD. NO is the strongest predictor of refractive error across all age groups in this population.