Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction Secondary to Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Case Report.

A 47-year-old Japanese woman presented with a 1-year history of right-sided epiphora. On initial consultation, the patient had a high right tear meniscus height. CT images revealed bilateral soft tissue opacification in the nasal cavity and maxillary, frontal, and ethmoid sinuses. The lesion in the right nasal cavity and maxillary sinus involved the right lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct. Blood test results showed elevated eosinophil count. Endoscopic sinus surgery and excisional biopsy of the nasolacrimal duct were performed. Histopathological examinations of the excised right nasolacrimal duct and nasal polyps from the nasal cavity and maxillary sinus showed high levels of eosinophilic inflammatory infiltrates. The definite diagnosis of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis was made, based on clinical, radiological, and histopathological findings. At 1.5-year follow-up, tear meniscus height was normal, the lacrimal drainage system remained patent, and the rhinosinusitis did not recur.

Sports-Related Pure Orbital Blowout Fractures in Japan: Differences in Demographic and Clinical Characteristics between Sports.

The aim of this study was to present the demographic and clinical characteristics of sports-related pure (rim-sparing) orbital blowout fractures and to analyze these differences by type of sport. Ten years of sports-related orbital fracture data were accumulated. Patients were classified into similar sports (i.e., soccer and futsal) wherein orbital blowout fractures were obtained, producing 14 groups. This study included 377 sides from 374 patients. The majority of patients were male (83.4%), and the mean population age was 20.9 ± 10.8 years. The most common sports causing injuries were baseball/softball, rugby/football, and martial arts. Single-wall fractures were found in 78.8% of patients, but baseball/softball had a higher frequency of multiple-wall fractures (p = 0.035). Concomitant ocular and periocular injuries occurred in 18.6% of patients, which were frequently caused by baseball/softball (p < 0.001). The field of binocular single vision (BSV) included primary gaze in 84.2% of patients. Surgical management was conducted in 52.1% of patients. This study showed that baseball and softball had the highest rate of multi-wall fractures and concomitant ocular and periocular injuries. The field of BSV measured during the first examination was acceptable in most cases.

Clinical characteristics and associated features of pure orbital roof fractures: A ten-year retrospective review.

PURPOSE: To present the demographics and clinical characteristics of pure (rim-sparing) orbital roof fractures. METHODS: This retrospective observational study used 10 years of data from a single institution. Patient age, sex, laterality, field of binocular single vision, associated injuries, and radiologic features were analyzed. Orbital roof fractures were categorized into four groups: comminuted/open, hinged, trapdoor, and linear. These were further subdivided into blow-in (-down) and blow-out (-up) fractures. Injury etiology was classified into fall, traffic accidents, sports injuries, assault, work-related, and others. RESULTS: Data documented a low incidence rate of 2.5% (27 patients) in 1074 patients. Most patients were male (81%). The most common cause of injury was fall (48%), followed by traffic accidents (22%). Comminuted/open fractures constituted the bulk of fracture types (54%), followed by hinged, and linear fractures. Blow-in and blow-out fractures had an incidence rate of 50% each. Concomitant fractures of the medial and inferior orbital walls were predominant. Low surgical intervention was noted owing to acceptable field of binocular single vision outcomes, and the field of binocular single vision included the primary position of gaze in 88% of patients. CONCLUSION: Pure orbital roof fractures occurred in 2.5% of patients with pure orbital fractures. Patients were predominantly male with trauma caused by high energy forces, which regularly caused comminution of the roof and fractures of the medial and inferior orbital walls. Most patients were managed conservatively.

Incidence of Pure Orbital Fractures with Concomitant Lacrimal Drainage System Injury in the Japanese Population: A Retrospective Study.

PURPOSE: This study aims to determine the incidence of pure orbital fractures with concomitant lacrimal drainage system injuries. METHODS: A retrospective observational study involving 956 sides from 940 pure orbital blowout fracture patients was conducted in our institution. Patients with concomitant orbital rim fracture and those with old orbital fractures were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 13 sides (1.4%) from 13 patients were included in the study. Canalicular laceration, bony nasolacrimal canal fracture, and lacrimal sac wall laceration were found in 9, 4, and 1 patients, respectively (one overlapping). Majority of the injuries resulted from either sports or falls. Inferomedial orbital strut fracture (23.1% vs. 7.6%; p = .075) and orbital floor fracture occurring lateral to the infraorbital groove (30.8% vs. 9.9%; p = .035) tended to be higher in patients with lacrimal drainage system injuries. CONCLUSION: There is a 1.4% incidence rate of pure orbital fractures with concomitant lacrimal drainage system injuries among the Japanese population included in this study. Inferomedial orbital strut fractures and orbital floor fracture lateral to the infraorbital groove were found to have higher association with lacrimal drainage system injuries.

Practicality and Hemodynamic Advantage of Microvascularly Augmented Pectoralis Major Musculocutaneous Flap: Technical Approach and Evidence Based on Indocyanine Green Angiography.

ABSTRACT: We have recently shown that including the blood flow from the lateral thoracic artery (LTA) in addition to the thoracoacromial artery in the pectoralis major muscle musculocutaneous (PMMC) flap (bipedicle PMMC flap) can increase the perfusion of the flap. We also developed the concept of the supercharged PMMC flap, in which the LTA included in the flap was once cut and anastomosed to a cervical artery under a microscope. It is an effective solution to maintain the additional blood flow from the LTA, when the length of the LTA is compromised for reconstruction. The mandibular reconstruction of an oral cancer patient was performed with a supercharged PMMC flap. Intraoperative indocyanine green angiography was performed in a single pedicle, bipedicle, and supercharged conditions, and the videos were analyzed with a quantitative assessment system of perfusion using some parameters. As a result, blood supply from the LTA was essential for flap survival in this patient, and supercharging from the cervical artery improved flap perfusion compared with the perfusion in the bipedicle condition. The supercharged PMMC flap can resolve the compromise of pedicle length and be also hemodynamically advantageous, thus making the reconstruction more reliable than the conventional technique.

A Comparative Analysis of the Incidence of Pediatric Orbital Fractures Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Japanese Population.

INTRODUCTION:  The aim of this study is to compare data on the incidence of pediatric orbital fractures before the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and during the period of the pandemic in the Japanese population. METHODS: This retrospective, single-center, observational study including 225 patients (226 sides) aged ≤ 18 years old diagnosed with orbital fracture was conducted in our institution from March 2017 to April 2023. The study compared the incidence of pediatric orbital fractures in the pre-pandemic period from March 2017 to March 2020 and during the pandemic from April 2020 to April 2023. RESULTS: The most common cause of injury was sports in both groups (137 sides, 60.6%), and the ratio of causes of injury (P = 0.610) or between outdoor and indoor sports (P = 1.000) was not statistically different between the groups. Although the daily rate of patient consults was lowest during the country's state of emergency with priority preventative measures, the difference between pre-pandemic and pandemic was not statistically significant (P = 0.911). CONCLUSION: Despite the restrictions mandated by the Japanese government during the COVID-19 pandemic, the physical activities of children did not significantly decline. Hence, the risk of pediatric orbital fractures remained the same.

Lacrimal Sac, Classified within the Orbital Tissue.

PURPOSE: To disclose that the lacrimal sac is classified within the orbital tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten orbits of 9 Japanese cadavers aged 64 to 85 years at death were included. The attachment site of the orbital septum in the medial canthal area was grossly dissected. The relationship between the orbital septum attachment site and the location of the lacrimal sac was examined. RESULTS: In the upper region, the orbital septum was attached to the most superior area of the lacrimal fossa and the medial canthal tendon. In the lower region, the septum was attached to the anterior lacrimal crest and the medial canthal tendon. In both the upper and lower regions, none of the septa attached to the posterior lacrimal crest. The lacrimal sac was situated behind the orbital septum. CONCLUSION: The lacrimal sac, which is situated behind the orbital septum, is classified within the orbital tissue.

The lacrimal sac, which is situated behind the orbital septum attaching to the anterior lacrimal crest and the medial canthal tendon, is classified within the orbital tissue.

Bilateral Superior Ophthalmic Vein Involvement in a Case With Orbital Sarcoidosis.

A 71-year-old Japanese man presented with a 2-month history of diplopia. He had been followed up at another hospital for ocular sarcoidosis for 3 years. On initial consultation, the best-corrected decimal visual acuity was 0.3 on OU. Slit-lamp and funduscopic examinations were unremarkable. The left lacrimal gland was easily palpable. The patient had restricted infraduction in the OD. MRI showed thickened superior ophthalmic veins on both sides and an enlarged left lacrimal gland. Blood tests showed elevated soluble interleukin-2 receptors. Biopsy of the enlarged lacrimal gland showed numerous epithelioid granuloma and lymphocytic infiltrates consistent with sarcoidosis. No other systemic sarcoidal lesions were detected. The patient started to take prednisolone of 30 mg/day, and the dose was tapered by 5 mg every 2 weeks. At 1 month after taking prednisolone, imaging showed no thickening of the superior ophthalmic veins. At 5 months follow-up, the left lacrimal gland was not palpable, limitation of infraduction improved, and diplopia resolved.

Orbital Trapdoor Fracture With Extraocular Muscle Entrapment in Adults: A Case Series.

PURPOSE: To report adult patients with an orbital trapdoor fracture with extraocular muscle entrapment. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 566 adult patients (>18 years) with a pure orbital fracture who were referred to us from January 2016 to May 2023. The following data were collected: age, sex, affected side, causes of injury, concomitant ocular injury and nasal bone fracture, presence or absence of oculocardiac reflex and infraorbital nerve hypesthesia, period from injury to surgery, follow-up period, and pre- and postoperative limitation of extraocular muscle motility and fields of a binocular single vision. RESULTS: We found 5 patients (0.9%) with an orbital trapdoor fracture with extraocular muscle entrapment (age range, 19-47 years; all males; 2 right and 3 left). Causes of injury included performing a bench press, fall, assault, boxing, and bicycle accident. Entrapment of the inferior and medial recti muscles was seen in 2 and 3 patients, respectively. None of the patients had any sign of oculocardiac reflex. After surgical reduction, the field of binocular single vision became normal in 3 patients and was incompletely recovered in 2 patients, in whom consultation with us was delayed. CONCLUSION: Adults with extraocular muscle entrapment may not present with an oculocardiac reflex. Urgent release of an entrapped muscle is, however, still recommended to avoid permanent limitation of extraocular muscle motility.

Thickness of the Medial Pretarsal Adipose Tissue in the Upper Eyelid among the Japanese Population.

PURPOSE: To investigate the medial pretarsal adipose tissue thickness of the upper eyelid in the Japanese population. METHODS: Sixty-two whole upper eyelids were harvested from 35 Japanese cadavers and fixed in paraffin. The samples were cut into 5 µm sagittal microsections and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, as well as Masson's trichrome. Data obtained from images and measurements were taken with Aperio ScanScope and ImageScope software and underwent statistical analysis. RESULTS: The samples were divided into 3 shapes sagittal cross-sections of the eyelid (triangular, rectangular, and flat) corresponding to the shape of the medial pretarsal adipose tissue. Type I (triangular shape, 48.4%) had a ratio of fat thickness at 1/2 tarsal height to peak fat thickness of <0.9, and type IIa (rectangular shape, 30.6%) and IIb (flat shape, 21.0%) had pretarsal adipose tissue thickness to tarsal height ratio of ≥0.2 and <0.2, respectively. The mean values of tarsal thickness at 1/2 tarsal height were 1021 µm for the type I group, 1100 µm for the type IIa group, and 764.4 µm for the type IIb group ( p = 0.01). The mean values of fat thickness at 1/2 tarsal height were 410.6 µm for the type I group, 303.3 µm for the type IIa group, and 242.6 µm for the type IIb group ( p = 0.26). CONCLUSIONS: The thickness of the medial pretarsal adipose tissue was different according to the shape of the sagittal cross-section of the eyelid. Awareness of the medial pretarsal adipose tissue thickness contributes to effective suture placement and safe suture depth during blepharoptosis surgery.

Artificial activation of both σH and Spo0A in Bacillus subtilis enforced initiation of spore development at the vegetatively growing phase.

When Bacillus subtilis cells face environmental deterioration, such as exhaustion of nutrients and an increase in cell density, they form spores. It is known that phosphorylation of Spo0A and activation of σH are key events at the initiation of sporulation. However, the initiation of sporulation is an extremely complicated process, and the relationship between these two events remains to be elucidated. To determine the minimum requirements for triggering sporulation initiation, we attempted to induce cell sporulation at the log phase, regardless of nutrients and cell density. In rich media such as Luria-Bertani (LB) medium, the cells of B. subtilis do not sporulate efficiently, possibly because of excess nutrition. When the amount of xylose in the LB medium was limited, σH -dependent transcription of the strain, in which sigA was under the control of the xylose-inducible promoter, was induced, and the frequency of sporulation was elevated according to the decreased level of σA. We also employed a fusion of sad67, which codes for an active form of Spo0A, and the IPTG-inducible promoter. The combination of lowered σA expression and activated Spo0A allowed the cells in the log phase to stop growing and rush into spore development. This observation of enforced initiation of sporulation in the mutant strain was detected even in the presence of the wild-type strain, suggesting that only intracellular events initiate and fulfill spore development regardless of extracellular conditions. Under natural sporulation conditions, the amount of σA did not change drastically throughout growth. Mechanisms that sequester σA from the core RNA polymerase and help σH to become active exist, but this has not yet been elucidated.

Lacrimal Gland Abscess: A Case Report.

Introduction: The aim of the study was to report a rare case of lacrimal gland abscess. Case Presentation: A 47-year-old woman noticed upper eyelid swelling on the right side 1.5 months before referral to our service. Oral antibiotics were administered, based on the diagnosis of acute dacryoadenitis at another clinic. The symptom had once subsided 20 days later but recurred. On the first examination, the right upper eyelid was swollen with tenderness. The right lacrimal gland was palpable. Blood tests revealed positive proteinase 3-anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody. T2-weighted magnetic resonance and diffusion-weighted images showed a high signal intensity lesion in an enlarged right lacrimal gland, while apparent diffusion coefficient map demonstrated the lesion with a low signal intensity. We started administration of intravenous antibiotics. Abscess drainage and lacrimal gland biopsy were performed 4 days after the first examination. Culture test of the abscess showed only 1 colony growth of Cutibacterium acnes. The specimen harvested from the lacrimal gland showed proliferation of fibrous connective tissue and infiltration of inflammatory cells without vasculitis. After the drainage, the swelling gradually subsided. Administration of antibiotics discontinued at 22 days of follow-up. At 4-month follow-up, the patient did not have any symptom related to the lacrimal gland abscess. Conclusion: The diffusion-weighted images and apparent diffusion coefficient map are helpful for the diagnosis of lacrimal gland abscess when the culture tests provide poor results.

Surgical Outcomes of Bilateral Inferior Rectus Muscle Recession for Restrictive Strabismus Secondary to Thyroid Eye Disease.

This retrospective, observational study examined the surgical outcomes of bilateral inferior rectus (IR) recession in thyroid eye disease. Twelve patients who underwent bilateral IR muscle recession were included in the study. Surgical success was defined as patient achievement of the following conditions: (1) a postoperative angle of vertical ocular deviation of ≤3°; (2) a postoperative cyclotropic angle of ≤2°; (3) postoperative binocular single vision, including the primary position; and (4) postoperative enlargement of the field of binocular single vision. Linear regression analyses were performed to analyze the relationship between postoperative changes in the vertical and torsional ocular deviation angles and the amount of IR muscle recession and nasal transposition. Consequently, 9 out of 12 patients were deemed to have had successful surgical outcomes. There was a positive correlation between a change in the vertical deviation angle and a side-related difference in the amount of IR muscle recession in successful cases (crude coefficient, 2.524). A positive correlation was also found between a change in the torsional deviation angle and the amount of IR recession (crude coefficient, 1.059) and nasal transposition (crude coefficient, 5.907). The results will be helpful to more precisely determine the amount of recession and nasal transposition of the IR muscle in patients with thyroid-related bilateral IR myopathy.

Orbital Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: A Case Report.

An eight-year-old boy presented with a one-month history of left eyelid swelling. The patient was diagnosed with periorbital cellulitis at another clinic and was treated with oral antibiotics. However, the swelling did not subside. On initial consultation, the patient had left upper eyelid swelling with erythema. His extraocular muscle motility was normal, and the results of blood tests were unremarkable. A computed tomographic scan demonstrated a mass in the superior orbit with destructive changes in the left frontal bone. Histopathological examinations revealed a dense infiltrate of histiocytic cells. Immunohistochemical staining of the tumors for CD1a and Langerin was positive. A pathological diagnosis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis was made. Since orbital Langerhans cell histiocytosis has a high risk for central nervous system involvement, chemotherapy was the treatment of choice for any residual lesion to prevent sequelae to the central nervous system. At the six-month follow-up, the lesion did not recur, and the patient did not experience any central nervous system sequela.

Differences in patient characteristics between subconjunctival herniated orbital fat in the superotemporal quadrant and the other quadrants: An observational study.

Subconjunctival herniated orbital fat (SHOF) usually occurs in the superotemporal quadrant, and SHOF located in other quadrants is extremely rare. This study aimed to compare the patient characteristics between patients with SHOF in the superotemporal quadrant and those with SHOF in other quadrants. This is a retrospective study of 45 patients with SHOF who were referred to our institution between January 2015 and January 2023 and 14 previously reported patients in published case reports of SHOF that were not located in the superotemporal quadrant. Data on patient age, sex, affected sides, and body mass index were collected from the medical records of our institution and from previous reports. Patient age, male-to-female ratio, unilateral-to-bilateral ratio, and body mass index were compared between patients with SHOF in the superotemporal quadrant and patients with SHOF in the other quadrants. Of the 45 patients, only 1 patient showed SHOF in a location other than the superotemporal quadrant (inferonasal quadrant). Based on a comparison of 44 patients with SHOF in the superotemporal quadrant and 15 patients with SHOF in the other quadrants, the latter entity predominantly occurred in young, non-obese females (P < .050). Unilateral cases were more common in SHOF in the other quadrants (P = .003). Patient characteristics were found to be different between cases of SHOF in the superotemporal quadrant and those with SHOF in the other quadrants.

Resection of orbital apex tumours in the medial orbit via four-handed endonasal and transcaruncular approaches.

PURPOSE: To report the surgical outcomes of 4-handed endoscopic and transcaruncular approaches for orbital apex tumours located in the medial orbit. METHODS: This retrospective, observational study included 6 patients (2 males and 4 females; 3 right and 3 left; mean age, 49.5 years; age range, 38-60 years) who underwent excision of an orbital apex tumour in the medial orbit via 4-handed endonasal and transcaruncular approaches. Data on age, sex, affected side, surgical record and complications, and results of pathological examinations, imaging studies, and ophthalmologic examinations were collected. RESULTS: Tumours pathologically corresponded to a cavernous haemangioma in 5 cases and a schwannoma in 1 case. The cavernous haemangioma was completely removed in all cases, while the schwannoma was only debulked because the tumour attached to the surrounding tissues. The medial orbital wall was reconstructed simultaneously in 1 case and 8 days after tumour resection in 1 case. Postoperatively, the visual acuity improved or was maintained in all patients. One patient without medial orbital wall reconstruction showed significant enophthalmos on the affected side after surgery. Another patient without medial orbital wall reconstruction did not obtain binocular single vision field in any direction of gaze after surgery due to severe esotropia. CONCLUSIONS: This report indicates that 4-handed endoscopic and transcaruncular approaches are useful for removal of an orbital apex tumour located in the medial orbit. Medial orbital wall reconstruction after tumour resection may be a better option for reducing the risk of postoperative enophthalmos and esotropia.

Treatment strategies for orbital gas-producing necrotizing fasciitis secondary to odontogenic maxillary sinusitis: Technical notes.

This paper presents treatment strategies for orbital necrotizing fasciitis (NF) in a case of a 33-year-old male diagnosed with orbital NF, which developed after dental root canal treatment. Although orbital NF is rare, it is rapidly progressive and can easily lead to the loss of tissue and visual function, sometimes to a life-threatening extent. Prompt and adequate treatment has been a challenge yet remains quite essential. In addition to the conventional approach to NF, such as immediate antibiotic administration and drainage, orbital NF patients like this case were often treated by incorporating additional steps, which include: 1) performing minimally invasive but adequate removal of necrotic tissue through intraoperative use of ultrasound equipment and postoperative use of proteolytic enzyme-containing ointment for chemical debridement; 2) managing intraorbital pressure by lateral cantholysis and orbital floor removal (decompression); and 3) maintaining the aerobic conditions of the wound after surgical drainage via orbital wall removal. Thus far, satisfactory results in patients with extensive NF of the orbit, including the presented case, were achieved with regards to preserving periorbital tissues, vision, and ocular motility through a multidisciplinary approach. These should be considered as optional means of preserving the orbital tissue and visual function.

Pressure Onto the Orbital Walls and Orbital Morphology in Orbital Floor or Medial Wall Fracture: A 3-Dimensional Printer Study.

The purposes of this study were to compare the pressure onto the orbital floor and medial orbital wall between 3-dimensional printer skull models with unilateral orbital floor and medial orbital wall fractures and to compare the morphology of the orbital floor and medial orbital wall between patients with unilateral orbital floor and medial orbital wall fractures. The skull models were created based on computed tomographic (CT) data obtained from every 10 patients with unilateral orbital floor and medial orbital wall fractures. The orbital spaces of these models were filled with silicone, the silicone surface was pushed down, and pressures onto the orbital floor and the medial orbital wall were measured. On preoperative computed tomographic images taken in the same 20 patients, the superior and lateral bulges of the orbital floor and medial orbital wall were measured, respectively. The measurements were done on the unaffected sides. Consequently, the pressure onto the orbital floor was significantly higher in the orbital floor fracture models than in the medial orbital wall fracture models, although the pressure onto the medial orbital wall was not significantly different between the models. As for the morphologic study, the superior bulge of the orbital floor was higher in the orbital floor fracture group than in the medial orbital wall fracture group. The results of this study indicate that since the orbital floor with a high superior bulge receives high hydraulic pressure, patients with a high superior bulge have a greater risk of orbital floor fracture.

Mechanisms of Development of Orbital Fractures: A Review.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to review the mechanisms in the development of orbital fractures. METHODS: This is a comprehensive literature review that summarizes the mechanisms of developing orbital fractures. RESULTS: There are 3 proposed mechanisms in the development of orbital fractures, which include the buckling, hydraulic, and globe-to-wall contact mechanisms. These mechanisms, as well as patient age, causes of injuries, and periorbital anatomy, influence the extent, sites, and patterns of orbital fractures. CONCLUSION: A deeper understanding of these mechanisms helps us to detect and properly manage orbital fractures in the clinical setting.