Orbital schwannoma: a clinicopathologic study.

The aim of the study was to study the clinical, radiological and histopathological characteristics of orbital schwannomas. It is a retrospective study conducted at a tertiary eye care hospital. A review of histopathological records of the orbital tumors operated between 1993 and 2011 was done. The clinical, imaging and histopathological details of cases of orbital schwannoma were analyzed. Forty-nine cases of orbital schwannomas identified. The age ranged from 8 to 65 years with a female preponderance. The median duration of symptoms was 3 years. Computed tomography findings varied from a hypodense to hyperdense lesion with nil to marked contrast enhancement. USG demonstrated a defined lesion with variable internal reflectivity. Varied proportions of Antoni A and Antoni B areas were found on histopathology of the masses. Hypodense or cystic areas on imaging significantly correlated with Antoni B areas on histopathology. Orbital schwannoma is a rare tumor. The incidence of schwannoma in our institution is 6.5 %. Variable imaging features were found. The definite diagnosis can be established on the basis of histopathological and immunohistochemical studies.

A simple modification of the Farnsworth-Munsell 100-hue test for much faster assessment of color vision.

PURPOSE: The Farnsworth-Munsell (FM) 100-hue test is well known but is also time consuming, especially its analytical component. To reduce this needless time-waste during precious working hours, a simple modification was devised. DESIGN: Prospective, comparative, observational study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A transparent clear plastic carrier box replaced the opaque one, allowing ready digital photodocumentation of top and bottom without even opening the box, or handling/inverting the caps -200 reportedly normals and 50 known color vision defectives could be easily tested on this modified-FM and results stored, allowing rapid turnover. The captured scores with patient ID were analyzed, at leisure, outside hospital time, saving 45-60 minutes/patient. After recording, the box was promptly handed over to the next subject for rearrangement. Times taken for test/patient were recorded. RESULTS: Running time was reduced from 60-75 min to ~15 min/patient with no waste of invaluable lab hours. Turnover time is limited to capturing two photographs (~60 sec). The box is relatively cheap and easy to maintain. CONCLUSIONS: Our simplified FM 100-hue test allowed rapid assessment of color visions with easy data storage of both top and bottom.

Clinicopathologic characteristics of choroidal melanoma in a North Indian population: analysis of 10-year data.

To analyze the clinical and histopathological characteristics of choroidal melanomas undergoing enucleation at a tertiary care center in India and compare with data from other countries. A retrospective review of in-patient hospital records from 2001-2011. Patients undergoing enucleation with a clinical diagnosis of choroidal melanoma. A total of 80 eyes were enucleated for choroidal melanoma. The mean age of patients was 46 ± 13.1 years. Tumors with spindle cell morphology were the most common subtype. Necrotic tumors had a higher incidence of scleral invasion and orbital involvement compared to other cellular subtypes. The mean age at enucleation in Asian Indians is nearly a decade less than most other races. Predominance of spindle cell subtype is in contrast to findings of previous studies and could be partly related to the genetic and molecular expression of the melanocytes undergoing malignant transformation.

Conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy using a high-density porous polyethylene-coated tear drain tube.

To evaluate the outcome of conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy using a high-density porous polyethylene (HDPP)-coated tear drain tube. Patients with epiphora due to a proximal lacrimal system block were included in a prospective interventional case study. A total of 22 eyes were treated with lacrimal bypass surgery using the HDPP-coated tube. On follow-up (12-41 months), 21 eyes had a patent well-positioned tube with subjective relief of epiphora. In one eye, a loose sleeve was noted during surgery. The tube dislodged postoperatively and was removed. A high success rate with only a few minor complications is achievable using a HDPP-coated tear drain tube for lacrimal bypass surgery. Long-term follow-up is required to look for tube blockage due to conjunctival or nasal mucosal overgrowth.

Ectopic meningioma of the orbit.

Ectopic meningiomas within the orbit are very rare. Most of the previously reported cases were located along the medial wall. Here we report on three cases of ectopic meningiomas presenting as superomedial orbital masses along with their radiological and histopathological features. All three patients underwent surgical excision of the tumor via anterior orbitotomy.

Infantile hemangiopericytoma of the orbit treated with primary chemotherapy.

A 7-month-old female infant presented with proptosis of the left eye. Imaging showed an intraconal mass with marked post-contrast enhancement. Histopathology revealed a diagnosis of infantile hemangiopericytoma. The patient was treated with primary chemotherapy with no recurrence until 14 months after completion of treatment.

Malignant non-teratoid medulloepithelioma of the optic nerve with intraocular extension.

Medulloepithelioma is an uncommon tumour. These tumours most commonly arise in the brain and spinal cord; however, they also may arise from the optic nerve. We, herein, report a rare case of malignant non-teratoid medulloepithelioma of the optic nerve with intraocular extension.

Unilateral hypopyon in a child as a first and sole presentation in relapsing acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Ocular manifestations form a part of the spectrum of varied clinical presentations in leukemias. Most of the ophthalmic manifestations are related to central nervous system leukemia and bone marrow relapse. We report a case of acute unilateral hypopyon uveitis as an initial presenting feature of relapsing acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in a pediatric patient. Anterior chamber paracentesis was performed in a four-year-old male child presenting with unilateral treatment-resistant hypopyon after remission of ALL. Examination of aqueous humor aspirate revealed presence of malignant cells. Atypical hypopyon, even unilateral can be an indication of relapsing ALL in a child.

Glial heterotopia of the orbit and extranasal region: an unusual entity.

Glial heterotopia or the occurrence of isolated non-teratomatous extracranial glial tissue is rare. Most of the reported cases of this entity arise in the nose. Herein a rare case of heterotopic glial tissue in the orbit and extranasal region without bony defect is described.