Surgical treatment of a spontaneous intraorbital arteriovenous fistula with direct embolization via transconjunctival orbitotomy.

Spontaneous arteriovenous fistula is a rare orbital lesion that may cause proptosis, ptosis, chemosis, and visual disturbances. The widely practiced treatment is a transvenous embolization approach accessed from the femoral or petrosal sinus. In this case report, we present a surgical approach via transconjunctival orbitotomy for direct access to achieve complete fistula embolization. The postoperative course revealed progressive, near-complete symptomatic improvement.

Correction of severe medial ectropion using a novel osseous fixation technique.

PURPOSE: To study the feasibility of osseous medial canthal fixation for severe medial ectropion. METHODS: Retrospective analysis over a period of 3 years identified 10 patients who had undergone the modified medial canthoplasty. Outcome measures were based on the presence of complications and cosmetic/functional results. RESULTS: Post-operative evaluations of all patients were significant for excellent functionality and cosmetic results in the medial canthal area following the novel osseous fixation technique. No complications were reported intra-operatively or post-operatively. CONCLUSIONS: For repair of severe medial ectropion, especially cicatricial and paralytic ectropion, the modified medial "puncture hole" canthoplasty is an effective alternative to traditional repair techniques and does not necessitate the use of anchoring systems such as wiring or microplates.

Sebaceous Carcinoma Masquerading As Orbital Cellulitis.

Sebaceous cell carcinoma is an uncommonly encountered cutaneous malignancy. Often considered a great masquerader, sebaceous cell carcinoma arises from meibomian glands and can have a poor prognosis if not diagnosed early. In this case report, we present a patient with sebaceous cell carcinoma who presented to our emergency department with a clinical presentation that was concerning for orbital cellulitis. The patient was initially started on intravenous antibiotics. However, workup, including imaging and laboratory results, pointed toward malignancy as the diagnosis. The patient underwent an incisional biopsy and pathology confirming the diagnosis of sebaceous cell carcinoma. We engaged in further discussion of this peculiar cutaneous masquerader, differential diagnoses, and important considerations.

Metastatic neuroendocrine carcinoma presenting with left lateral rectus enlargement and orbital cellulitis.

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the orbit are a rare but increasingly recognized clinical phenomenon. The vast majority of orbital NETs are metastatic, and most metastasize from the gastrointestinal system to the extraocular muscles. While orbital metastasis typically occurs in the setting of a known primary neoplasm, some cases represent the initial manifestation of disease and can precede detection of the primary tumor by many months. We report a 58-year-old woman who presented with diplopia, unilateral orbital pain, erythema, and chemosis as the primary presentation of a metastatic small intestine NET. This case serves as a reminder that identification of orbital NETs should prompt investigation for primary gastrointestinal or pulmonary NETs. Goals of surgery include obtaining a tissue sample, debulking the lesion, and preserving visual function.

Eyelid margin Kaposi sarcoma leading to AIDS diagnosis.

A wide variety of eyelid lesions are routinely encountered in standard medical practice. Most commonly, these lesions are benign; however, malignant etiologies may present on the eyelid and require further attention. In this case, we present a 51-year-old man with no known medical history who presented to an ophthalmologist for treatment of a lesion on the left lower eyelid, which was presumed to be an inflamed chalazion. Incisional biopsy of the lesion revealed it to be Kaposi sarcoma, and the patient was subsequently diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. While uncommon, Kaposi sarcoma in the eyelid region should be considered in the differential diagnosis, as early detection could have significant impact on patient mortality.

Histologic Evaluation of Nonvisual Afferent Sensory Upper Eyelid Proprioception.

PURPOSE: Recent research has suggested a possible role for proprioception in ipsilateral frontalis activation in the setting of ptosis; however, there has not been any robust histologic or anatomic evidence to support this theory. To further elucidate proprioceptive structures in the eyelid, this investigation uses validated histologic techniques to explore the presence of proprioceptive structures or afferent neural networks in the Levator Palpebrae Superioris (LPS) and Müller muscle. METHODS: Müller muscle and LPS samples were evaluated by a laboratory with extensive experience with the histology of extraocular muscle proprioception. Immunofluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy were used to analyze the tissue samples. RESULTS: Thirty-four Müller muscle samples and 10 LPS samples were analyzed. Golgi tendon bodies and muscle spindles were not identified in the Müller muscle and LPS samples. This result is expected in the Müller muscle given that these structures are not typically present in smooth muscle, but noteworthy in the skeletal muscle of the LPS. Previously undescribed synaptophysin-positive free nerve terminals within the intermuscular connective tissue of the Müller muscle were identified. CONCLUSIONS: The nerve terminals identified are anatomically consistent with free nerve endings present in the extraocular muscles that have been implicated in proprioception. These findings advance our current knowledge of the ultrastructure of Müller muscle and the LPS and suggest a possible mechanism for proprioception in the upper eyelid that may have a role in ipsilateral brow elevation in the setting of ptosis.The authors describe proprioception in the upper eyelid: A histologic analysis.

Orbitozygomatic approach for bullet retrieval from the temporal fossa.

Gunshot wounds involving the periorbital region pose numerous challenges due to the high morbidity related to direct and collateral ophthalmic injury. Additionally, the critical structures of the orbit are often injured, resulting in a variety of serious sequelae. The technique for bullet retrieval is also a special concern, given the limited space in the orbit and presence of critical structures. We present a 34-year-old woman who received a gunshot wound through the right orbit, with the main bullet fragment lodging itself at the junction of the anteroinferior temporalis fossa and the skull base. We retrieved the fragment through an orbitozygomatic approach, where we dissected posterolaterally through the superior orbital fissure to reach the temporal fossa. Several smaller bullet fragments were also extracted along the way to the temporal fossa. The orbitozygomatic approach was particularly useful in this case due to the nature of the gunshot wound where the bullet had traversed through the globe and orbit to the temporal fossa. This approach avoided the need for a direct incision, which avoided potential frontal branch injury and further temporalis muscle trauma. It also provided a means to seal the small cerebral spinal fluid leak.

Multicentric Mucinous Adenocarcinoma in the Periorbital Region.

Primary mucinous adenocarcinoma of the skin is an uncommon malignancy in clinical practice, but multicentric presentation of the malignancy is considered even more rare. In this case report, the authors present a 70-year-old woman with multicentric primary mucinous adenocarcinoma of the skin manifesting with 2 separate lesions located on the right eyelid and cheek. Lesion removal and immunohistochemical staining ruled out mucinous adenocarcinoma of the skin secondary to lung or thyroid carcinoma, however, was inconclusive for breast carcinoma. A negative breast examination and mammography determined the lesions were primary mucinous adenocarcinoma of the skin. Lesion removal resulted in a large defect, which was repaired using a tarsoconjunctival flap and right cheek rotational/advancement flap. Six months postoperatively, the patient's vision returned to baseline with excellent eyelid position and no evidence of local recurrence. Oral consent for the report and photographs was obtained from the patient and filed.

Rapid and complete vision loss due to idiopathic orbital inflammation with partial recovery following orbital decompression.

We present a case of a 36-year-old man who developed rapid onset of proptosis and orbital compartment syndrome resulting in no light perception vision. He was treated with surgery and subsequent rituximab therapy with some recovery of vision and motility. Though the range of presentations of idiopathic orbital inflammation is broad, such rapid evolution of proptosis with complete vision loss is very uncommon.

Volumization of the Brow at the Time of Blepharoplasty: Treating the Eyebrow Fat Pad as an Independent Unit.

PURPOSE: Loss of volume in the sub-brow fat pad with associated descent of the eyebrow is a common anatomical finding resulting in both functional and aesthetic consequences. A variety of techniques have been described to address brow position at the time of blepharoplasty. To our knowledge, none of these techniques treat the sub-brow fat pad as an isolated unit. Doing so enables the surgeon to stabilize and volumize the brow without resultant tension on the blepharoplasty wound. The authors describe a technique for addressing volume loss in the eyebrow with associated brow descent that treats the sub-brow fat pad as an isolated unit. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients undergoing brow ptosis repair by a single surgeon (J.W.S.) over an 11-month period was performed. RESULTS: Eighteen patients and 33 brows underwent the technique described. Patients were followed for an average of 11 weeks (range: 4 weeks to 20 weeks). All patients preoperatively displayed both visually significant dermatochalasis and brow descent below the orbital rim. Evaluation of pre- and postoperative photos demonstrates successful volumization of the brow with skin redraping without focal dimpling or undue tension on the eyelid wound. CONCLUSIONS: Performing a dissection that allows the sub-brow fat pad to be elevated in isolation from the overlying orbicularis and underlying periosteum allows for volumization and of the brow without compromising closure. This technique is a safe and effective means of volumizing the brow and treating secondary brow descent.

Dilated Superior Ophthalmic Vein: Clinical and Radiographic Features of 113 Cases.

PURPOSE: Dilated superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) is an uncommon radiographic finding. The authors review the presentation, etiology, radiography, and visual implications of 113 patients with dilated SOV. METHODS: An observational case series and multicenter retrospective chart review were conducted. There were 113 patients with a dilated SOV. Outcome measures included patient demographics, clinical features, radiographic findings, diagnosis, and treatment, and treatment outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: Cases included 75 women (66%) and 38 men (34%) with a mean age of 49 ± 24 years (range, 0.4-90 years). Diagnoses fell under 6 categories: vascular malformation (n = 92, 81%), venous thrombosis (n = 11, 10%), inflammatory (n = 6, 5%), traumatic hemorrhage (n = 2, 2%), lymphoproliferative (n = 1, 1%), and infectious (n = 1, 1%). Imaging modalities utilized included MRI (n = 98, 87%), digital subtraction angiography (n = 77, 68%), CT (n = 29, 26%), and ultrasonography (n = 4, 4%). Disease status at last follow up included no evidence of disease (n = 57, 50%), alive with persistent disease (n = 53, 47%), and expired from disease (n = 3, 3%). Treatment and management was tailored to the underlying disease process with a mean follow up of 18 months (range, 1 day to 180 months). Visual impairment observed at presentation and last follow up across all cases was 26% and 22%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Dilated SOV is a rare radiographic finding resulting from a wide spectrum of etiologies with clinical implications ranging from benign to sight- and life-threatening. Dilated SOV is most often found with dural-cavernous fistula or carotid-cavernous fistula, orbital or facial arteriovenous malformation, and venous thrombosis. Recognition of this finding and management of the underlying condition is critical.

Operating room fires in periocular surgery.

AIM: A survey of ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgeons as well as seven-year data regarding claims made to the Ophthalmic Mutual Insurance Company (OMIC) is used to discuss operating room fires in periocular surgery. METHODS: A retrospective review of all closed claim operating room fires submitted to OMIC was performed. A survey soliciting personal experiences with operating room fires was distributed to all American Society of Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. RESULTS: Over the last 2 decades, OMIC managed 7 lawsuits resulting from an operating room fire during periocular surgery. The mean settlement per lawsuit was $145,285 (range $10,000-474,994). All six patients suffered burns to the face, and three required admission to a burn unit. One hundred and sixty-eight surgeons participated in the online survey. Approximately 44% of survey respondents have experienced at least one operating room fire. Supplemental oxygen was administered in 88% of these cases. Most surgical fires reported occurred in a hospital-based operating room (59%) under monitored anesthesia care (79%). Monopolar cautery (41%) and thermal, high-temperature cautery (41%) were most commonly reported as the inciting agents. Almost half of the patients involved in a surgical fire experienced a complication from the fire (48%). Sixty-nine percent of hospital operating rooms and 66% of ambulatory surgery centers maintain an operating room fire prevention policy. CONCLUSIONS: An intraoperative fire can be costly for both the patient and the surgeon. Ophthalmic surgeons operate in an oxygen rich and therefore flammable environment. Proactive measures can be undertaken to reduce the incidence of surgical fires periocular surgery; however, a fire can occur at any time and the entire operating room team must be constantly vigilant to prevent and manage operating room fires.

Natural killer/T-cell lymphoma invading the orbit and globe.

Natural killer/T-cell lymphomas are extremely rare and carry high mortality rates. Epidemiologically, these cancers tend to affect mainly Asian and South American patients and are associated with Epstein-Barr virus seropositivity. This report details a 78-year-old Vietnamese woman who presented initially with vitritis of unknown cause, but later developed proptosis and conjunctival involvement as her disease spread. Biopsies of the orbit, ethmoid sinus, and conjunctiva were found to be significant for natural killer/T-cell lymphoma. The case highlights the diagnostic difficulty of this tumor given its rarity and ability to mimic other disorders.

Self-inflicted enucleations: Clinical features of seven cases.

We report the clinical presentation, radiography, and management outcomes of autoenucleations (AE). Charts of 7 patients evaluated at 4 institutions with AE were reviewed. Four males and three females had a mean age of 50 years (range 26-72 years). The etiologies were psychosis secondary to underlying mental illness (6, 88%) and substance use (1, 12%), and the mechanism was largely blunt digital injury (6, 88%). Three (43%) AE patients suffered bilateral enucleations. Common concomitant injuries included eyelid lacerations (5, 71%) and optic nerve avulsion (3, 43%). Radiography was utilized for all of the study patients with computed tomography as the most common (5, 71%), followed by ultrasound (1, 14%), and magnetic resonance imaging with CT angiography (1, 14). Orbital exploration was performed in the management of all patients. Orbital implants were placed in 4 (57%) patients. Patients were followed for a mean of 1.9 months (range 1-4 months). Autoenucleation affects both genders and is commonly associated with eyelid lacerations, optic nerve avulsion, and intracranial hemorrhage. The association with intracranial hemorrhage is consistent with prior reports of internal carotid artery injury following shearing of the optic nerve. Autoenucleation cases were seen secondary to mental or substance induced psychosis, and these patients may be at risk for future injuries such as AE of the contralateral globe. The common causes for psychosis reported our patient group include schizophrenia, depression, schizoaffective disorder, and methamphetamine-induced psychosis, which corroborates with similar cases in the literature. Two of three cases of bilateral AE suffered sequential AE where the contralateral globe was enucleated days apart. All patients suffering AE should have full medical, psychiatric, neurologic, and radiologic evaluation and monitoring while under care. When evaluating patients with obvious ocular injury, accompanying intracranial injuries should be ruled out in a timely fashion before pursuing surgical intervention.