Receptor expression in orbital inflammatory syndromes and implications for targeted therapy.

To investigate the expression of multiple therapeutic targets in tissue specimens from patients with orbital inflammatory syndromes, the clinical records of 16 patients treated for orbital inflammation between January 2003 and November 2005 for whom tissue blocks were available were reviewed retrospectively. Immunohistochemical staining was performed on archived specimens using commercially available monoclonal antibodies against CD3, CD20, CD22, CD23, CD25, and CD52 antigens. The histologic diagnoses were confirmed, and the immunohistochemical staining patterns were agreed upon by both collaborating pathologists (JLJ and PC-B). The study included 13 women and 3 men who ranged in age from 4 to 79 years (mean, 46 years). The histologic diagnoses were as follows: orbital pseudotumor in six patients; sarcoidosis, three; eosinophilic granuloma, one; necrobiotic xanthogranuloma, one; nonspecified granulomatous inflammation, one; Graves' ophthalmopathy, one; Wegener's granulomatosis, one; and reactive lymphoid hyperplasia, two. One orbital lymphoma specimen and one foreign body reaction specimen were used as controls. CD20 was strongly expressed in all specimens except three (Wegener's granulomatosis, eosinophilic granuloma, and nonspecified granulomatous inflammation specimens), and CD25 was strongly expressed in all specimens except the Wegener's granulomatosis specimen, in which this antigen was only moderately expressed. CD20 and CD25 were strongly or moderately expressed in most of the tested specimens of orbital inflammation. If our findings are confirmed in a larger study, rituximab, which targets CD20, and denileukin diftitox (ONTAK), which targets CD25, should be considered for future clinical trials for orbital inflammatory syndromes.

THC:YAG nasolacrimal duct recanalization.

In an early exploration of a new technique for creating a patent nasolacrimal duct system, a chromium-sensitized and thulium- and holmium-doped YAG laser was used to canalize the nasolacrimal duct of a fresh-frozen bisected human cadaver head. The laser--long-pulsed (300 milliseconds), compact, self-contained, and solid-state--operates in the near infrared range (2.1 microns). The technique involved passing a 550-micrometer quartz fiberoptic through the dilated superior punctum and canalicular system, down through the nasolacrimal duct. The quartz fiberoptic was then withdrawn into the area of the lacrimal sac. Pulse energies of 500 mJ were used at a repetition rate of five pulses per second to ablate the duct lining. The nasolacrimal duct was then unroofed and the epithelial lining of the duct histopathologically evaluated.

Transcanalicular THC:YAG dacryocystorhinostomy.

Chromium-sensitized and thulium- and holmium-doped YAG lasers (THC:YAG laser) were used to create a nasal bony ostium in the area of the lacrimal sac fossa in four fresh frozen bisected human cadaver heads. The lasers-long pulsed (300 milliseconds), compact, self-contained, and solid state--operate in the near infrared (2.1 microns). The opening was created by passing the 320-micrometer laser fiber across the canalicular system. Pulse energies of 250 to 900 mJ were used with a repetition rate of 5 to 15 pulses per second. Energy levels ranging from 1.25 to 9 W produced a full-thickness bony ostium approximately 3 to 4 mm in diameter. Silicone tubing was then threaded through the superior and inferior canaliculus system in the standard fashion. This technique may simplify conventional dacryocystorhinostomy as well as endonasal laser dacryocystorhinostomy procedures.

Transconjunctival surgery.

Transconjunctival surgery provides excellent exposure of the inferior orbit, leaves no visible scar, and poses less risk of the complications typically associated with transcutaneous techniques. The transconjunctival approach can be combined with lateral canthal techniques to increase exposure and surgical options. We review applications of the transconjunctival approach in blepharoplasty, the repair of orbital floor fractures, socket reconstruction, inferior orbital tumor excision, and orbital decompression.

Revascularization studies of an opposing eyelid pedicle flap.

Opposing eyelid pedicle flaps are used extensively in ophthalmic plastic surgery. Controversy exists over the timing of pedicle severance. Additionally, the functional and morphologic status of eyelid pedicle flaps at the time of severance has not been fully assessed. We attempt to investigate these questions by measuring the functional and morphologic changes that occur in an animal model of an opposing eyelid pedicle flap. These results were correlated with clinical case studies. Experimental results revealed vascularization of the animal model flap at 5 days. Clinical case studies revealed successful flap division by 3 weeks or less. We discuss factors that may delay flap revascularization.

A structurally oriented approach to the repair of cicatricial entropion.

A modified technique for the repair of moderate to severe cicatricial entropion has been developed. This method is unique, as it involves the creation of a bipedicled tarsoconjunctival advancement flap. The technique avoids the causes of surgical failure seen with standard tarsal fracturing procedures.

Autogenous fat grafting by injection.

We describe our technique of fat grafting by injection for the repair of facial contour deformities. The technique involves removal of fat by liposuction, treatment with insulin, and then injection into the area of contour deformity. The efficacy of insulin treatment remains unproven. Pre and post injected fat is examined histologically.

Management of traumatic ptosis.

The management of traumatic ptosis is dependent on its etiology, interval between occurrence and examination, degree of ptosis, and levator function. The surgical approach and timing of intervention varies with each case and provides a challenge to the oculoplastic surgeon. We discuss our approach to the management of traumatic ptosis. Secondary surgery may be necessary to repair over- or undercorrection.