To Evaluate the Efficacy of Diagnostic Periocular Punch Biopsy: Using a 4-mm Dermatology Punch.

PURPOSE: The dermatological punch biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure that provides conclusive diagnosis when managing periocular lesions. It aids with establishing histological diagnosis and subtype thereby facilitating management planning and eliminates the risk of unnecessary tissue sacrifice. The present literature provides limited evidence evaluating the value of punch biopsy in diagnosing periocular lesions. METHODS: A retrospective case note analysis of 400 consecutive 4-mm periocular punch biopsies performed between 2005 and 2016, from 353 patients was undertaken at a single institution. Three hundred fifty-nine lesions had an initial definite clinical diagnosis of malignancy (group A) and the remaining 41 lesions had an uncertain clinical diagnosis with enough suspicion to merit a biopsy (group B). RESULTS: In group A, 75.5% (n = 271) of the biopsies verified the clinical diagnosis of malignancy and 24.5% (n = 88) were benign. In group B, 70.7% (n = 29) of the lesions were benign and 29.3% (n = 12) were malignant and were subsequently treated as group A. Only 4, group A biopsies, which underwent formal excision, did not initially diagnose a malignancy (punch biopsy was repeated) providing a sensitivity of 98.6% and a specificity of 100%. One hundred seventeen were found to be benign avoiding unnecessary tissue sacrifice in 29.25% of cases. CONCLUSION: Our study provides the largest sample size in the literature that evaluates a 4-mm diagnostic periocular punch biopsy in managing eyelid lesions. In 29.5% of punch biopsies, unnecessary tissue sacrifice was avoided as they were histologically benign. The authors found that punch biopsies for lesions <7 mm carry a risk of inadvertent excision of lesion.

Total Anterior Staphyloma Secondary to Acanthamoeba Keratitis.

ABSTRACT: There are very few published cases of total anterior staphyloma, all of which have been reported as secondary to fungal keratitis. This study reports the clinical and histopathological findings and subsequent management of a 27-year-old healthy female patient who developed total anterior staphyloma after poor compliance with treatment for clinically diagnosed acanthamoeba keratitis. She underwent a successful evisceration with good long-term results. This case highlights that total anterior staphyloma may also result from untreated keratitis which is not fungal in origin. In cases of fungal and acanthamoeba keratitis, patient compliance with both treatment and follow-up is paramount to avoid vision-threatening sequelae that present significant challenges in their management.

Medial canthal defects following tumour excision: To reconstruct or not to reconstruct?

Laissez-faire following excision of peri-ocular tumours has been described, but is not universally well established. We describe our experience with laissez-faire for managing medial canthal defects following tumour excision and compare our outcomes with full thickness skin grafts. Retrospective comparative case series of 68 patients who underwent reconstruction of a medial canthal defect using laissez-faire with sutured Sorbsan (LFS) (n = 36) or a full thickness skin graft (FTSG) (n = 32) at the same centre. Tumour diagnosis, defect size, time taken to epithelialise, functional and cosmetic outcomes, complications, follow-up duration and any secondary interventions were recorded. Basal call carcinoma was the most common neoplasm excised (63/68, 93%). Defect size ranged from 7 × 5 mm to 25 × 10 mm. Mean time for wound epithelialisation in LFS group was 33 days. Mean duration of follow-up was 32 months (range 1-80 months) for LFS and 30 months (range 6-60 months) for FTSG. Good functional and cosmetic outcomes were achieved in all 68 patients. Review of clinical photographs showed epicanthic fold in 2 patients and visible scar in 1 patient in the LFS group and 3 cases of hypopigmented scar and 7 hypertrophic scars in the FTSG group. No cases required secondary intervention. There were no cases of postoperative infection. LFS in the medial canthal region is less likely to lead to hypertrophic scarring or cicatricial sequelae compared to FTSG (p = 0.02). Both techniques are associated with excellent functional and aesthetic outcomes even for larger defects.

Accuracy of clinical diagnosis of benign eyelid lesions: Is a dedicated nurse-led service safe and effective?

This article compares an independent nurse-led benign lesion service with a doctor-led one, and assesses the impact of clinician seniority on diagnostic accuracy rates. Retrospective review of benign lesions referred to a teaching hospital and managed in either a doctor- or nurse-led lid service. All lesions were diagnosed clinically, excised and then sent for histological diagnosis. Lesions were categorized into subtypes. Pre-excision clinical diagnoses were compared with histological diagnoses. Sensitivity, specificity and missed malignancy rates were calculated for each subtype. Accuracy was compared between different grades of doctors and a specialist nurse. 264 and 332 lesions were managed in a doctor-led and nurse-led service, respectively. Rates of accurate sub-typing were 79.6% and 80.4% in the doctor- and nurse-led services, respectively (p > 0.05). Clinician seniority had no bearing. Missed malignancies or pre-malignancies accounted for 1.1% and 1.5% of lesions in the doctor and nurse-led services, respectively (p > 0.05). Overall, the remaining misdiagnoses were benign lesions of another subtype (13.6%) or non-specific histological findings (5.0%) and 98.6% of lesions were confirmed as benign on histology. Overall sensitivity and specificity values were: benign epithelial proliferations 95.6% and 92.2%, epidermal inclusion cysts 92.2% and 88.0%, xanthelasma 97.5% and 100.0%, cysts of Moll 66.7% and 96.6%, naevi 39.4% and 99.8% and molluscum 20.0% and 99.8%, respectively. A dedicated nurse-led service is as effective in managing a range of clinically benign lid lesions as a doctor-led one, and clinician seniority has little impact on the diagnostic accuracy of these lesions.

Visual function and quality of life in patients who had undergone eye removal surgery: a patient survey.

PURPOSE: To measure aspects of self-reported vision-related health status and assess the impact of treatment in patients who have undergone eye removal surgery (evisceration or enucleation), using a patient administered questionnaire. METHODS: In this non-randomised, questionnaire-based cohort study, patients were identified from the Artificial Eye Service referral register from 2003 to 2010. A self-administered questionnaire based upon previously published scales was completed to measure aspects of visual function and the impact of treatment. RESULTS: Thirty-six completed questionnaires were obtained. Mean age at surgery was 54.1 years (range 13-90), with 83% male. Indication for eye-removal was trauma in 14(39%) cases. Ten (28%) had ocular co-morbidity in the fellow-eye. The main reported difficulties were with peripheral vision or distance judgements, in 64% patients. The majority of drivers (66%) had maintained the ability to drive. Self-consciousness was reported in 28(78%) patients, and 56% were able to continue work or activities with no perceived limitations. Overall comfort and aesthetic improvement were noted by the majority. Procedure-specific information leaflets for patients were appreciated. CONCLUSIONS: This survey increases our knowledge of aspects of vision-related health status following ocular pathology or trauma that requires eye removal, and may enable improved pre-operative patient counselling. Effects on peripheral vision may be noted most significantly, but the majority can continue normal activities with little difficulty. Overall improvement in comfort and appearance occurs in most patients, although feelings of self-consciousness are common.

Atypical fibroxanthoma of the medial canthus: a rare presentation.

PURPOSE: Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) is an uncommon skin tumour occurring primarily in the head and neck. It has rarely been reported in the periocular region. We report a rare case of atypical fibroxanthoma of the medial canthus. METHODS: Clinical and histological findings and management of this case are presented. RESULTS: A 90-year-old Caucasian female had primary excision of a medial canthal mass, which was clinically suspected as basal cell carcinoma by our Plastic surgery colleagues. Histology revealed an atypical fibroxanthoma with incomplete excision, with the tumour involving the deep and peripheral resection margins. Within a few weeks she developed a recurrent mass, which was clinically fixed to deep tissues. She was referred to the Oculoplastic service where she underwent a two-stage excision and reconstruction of the right medial canthus with a full thickness skin graft from her arm. Paraffin fixed sections were used to ensure margin clearance. CONCLUSION: This case emphasises the importance of a diagnostic biopsy. A panel of immunohistochemical markers is essential to make the correct diagnosis of AFX and distinguish it from malignant fibrohistiocytoma and non-keratin expressing squamous cell carcinoma. It usually follows a benign course, but can occasionally demonstrate aggressive local recurrence as well as distant metastasis. Invasion beyond the dermis and a rapid rate of recurrence are suggestive of a more aggressive clinical course. Paraffin fixed sections are preferred over frozen section techniques for this tumour. Medial canthal AFX has not been reported previously.

Rhinotillexomania: a rare cause of medial orbital wall erosion.

The authors report a rare case of medial orbital wall erosion with an orbital inflammatory mass and resultant lacrimal obstruction secondary to rhinotillexomania. A 67-year-old male with known history of compulsive nose picking (rhinotillexomania) sought treatment for complaints of watering in his OD. Examination revealed a blocked right inferior canaliculus. Nasal endoscopy showed a large nasal septal defect with multiple areas of crusting and bleeding. Hematologic investigations were normal. CT scan confirmed a large nasal septal and right medial orbital wall defect with an adjacent soft tissue mass in the medial orbit. Investigations ruled out systemic pathology. Histologic examination of medial orbital mass, sinus, and nasal mucosa revealed a reactive inflammatory infiltrate with surface Gram-positive cocci. The authors hypothesized that the patient had enlarged an existing nasal septal defect due to repetitive nose picking resulting in recurrent infection and inflammation of sinuses, leading to erosion of his medial orbital wall.

Migrated periocular filler masquerading as arteriovenous malformation: a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma.

Migration of dermal filler is a rare complication in the periocular area. We describe a case that highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas posed. A patient presented with a bluish swelling involving the left brow, temple, and glabella. It was ill-defined, mobile, and nontender. An MRI suggested a vascular malformation, while an ultrasound suggested a dermoid. On further questioning, the patient revealed having a permanent polyalkylimide filler injected to the glabella 10 years ago. This raised the possibility of delayed migration. The eyebrow, temple, and glabella were explored through a skin-crease incision. Transparent gel was expressed and cicatrized granulomas were excised. The patient made an excellent recovery through an inconspicuous incision. This case emphasizes the importance of taking a detailed history and revisiting the diagnosis, if necessary. We describe a relatively scar-free approach to remove widely distributed migrated fillers. Clinical and radiologic features of migrated filler can mimic tumor.

A new technique of alfentanil-induced conscious sedation for oculoplastic surgery.

This technique describes a new painless method of injecting local anaesthetic in a highly pain-sensitive area of the body-around the eyes. We describe how a new technique using a bolus of intravenous alfentanil can help alleviate patient discomfort during the injection of the local anaesthetic and also reduce the amount of local anaesthetic injected. This also helps oculoplastic surgeons to work in a relaxed environment, whilst still utilizing the efficiencies that are provided by an ambulatory day surgery unit.

One stage management of a giant kissing naevus.

We report a one stage management of a Giant Divided Naevus of the eyelids with excellent cosmetic results.

Complications of Cicatricial Ectropion Repair with Pre-Auricular Wolfe Graft.

An 85-year-old lady presented with a severe cicatricial ectropion several months after a fall. The abnormality was corrected with a procedure that involved the use of a retroauricular skin graft. This provided resolution of her ocular symptoms. Several months later, she had noted significant hair growth on the graft, but elected for this to be managed conservatively. Careful harvesting of the graft from the non-hairy area between the ear and the hairline is essential to prevent unwanted transplantation of terminal hairs. Surgical success is also dependent on the final aesthetic outcome.

Excision of Xanthelasmata - clamp, shave, and suture.

Xanthelasma is a common disfiguring condition, which can be difficult to treat. Various treatments have been reported previously with varying degree of success. We report a simple yet effective technique of excision of the lesions with excellent cosmetic outcome.