Efficacy of topical 5-Fluorouracil in the management of ocular surface squamous neoplasia: a study of 101 eyes.

OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy and side-effect profile of topical 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) in the treatment of ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN). METHODS: Retrospective study of 101 eyes of 100 patients treated with 5-FU with one week on and 3 weeks off regimen. RESULTS: Of the 100 patients (101 eyes), the mean age at diagnosis of OSSN was 49 (median, 52 years; range, 11-87 years). History of prior intervention was noted in 6 (6%) eyes. Tumor epicenter included bulbar conjunctiva (n = 54; 53%), limbus (n = 27; 27%), and cornea (n = 20;20%). Mean number of cycles of topical 5-FU administered was 3 (median, 3; range, 1-8). Complete tumor regression was achieved with topical 5-FU in 89 (88%) eyes with a mean number of 2 cycles (median, 2; range, 1-6) of 5-FU. The remaining 12 (12%) lesions underwent additional treatment including excisional biopsy (n = 7), extended enucleation (n = 3), and topical Interferon alpha 2b (n = 2) for complete tumor control. Over a mean follow-up period of 6 months (median, 5 months; range, 1-36 months) following treatment, tumor recurrence was noted in 2 (2%) patients, and side-effects were noted in 7 (7%) eyes including conjunctival hyperemia (n = 1), punctal stenosis (n = 1), sterile keratitis (n = 4), and limbal stem cell deficiency (n = 1). CONCLUSION: Topical 5-FU is an effective non-invasive therapy for OSSN with a minimal side-effect profile.

Molecular diagnosis of rhino-orbital mucormycosis in a COVID-19 setting.

PURPOSE: Mucormycosis is a severe fungal infection caused by species of the order Mucorales. Early and accurate diagnosis is a prerequisite in the management of the disease. In the present study, we evaluated and compared two PCR-based techniques for the diagnosis and identification of mucormycosis in patients with rhino-orbital mucormycosis (ROM) post-COVID-19. METHODS: Diagnosed clinically and radiologically, 25 patients of ROM were included in the study and endoscopically or blind collected nasal swabs or orbital tissues were submitted for microbiological evaluation (direct microscopy + culture) and PCR using primers targeting two different loci (ITS and 28S rDNA region) for diagnosis. All PCR products were further processed for species identification using Sanger sequencing whenever possible. RESULT: Of the 25 samples included in the study, 16 samples were positive for presence of fungal filaments by Smear suggestive of Mucorales sp., but only 7/25 grew in culture. ITS-based PCR was able to identify mucormycosis in 7/25 (28%) samples and 28S rDNA PCR showed positivity for 19/25 (76%) samples. Rhizopus oryzae was found to be the predominant species in our study. The sensitivity and specificity of 28S rDNA PCR compared to culture were found to be 85.71% and 27.78%, respectively, while for ITS-based PCR, they were 42.86% and 77.78%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: 28S rDNA-based PCR is a reliable and sensitive method for early diagnosis of mucormycosis. Molecular techniques have shown a promising future to provide quick and effective treatment by accurately identifying the aetiologic agent.

Comparative evaluation of clinical characteristics of biopsy-proven conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia and invasive squamous cell carcinoma using image processing software programs.

PURPOSE: To identify morphological parameters aiding clinical differentiation of conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and invasive squamous cell carcinoma (iSCC) and to demonstrate the utility of image processing software to objectively assess ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN). METHODS: This retrospective case series included all biopsy-proven cases of OSSN presenting as an ocular surface nodule. Based on histopathology, lesions were classified as CIN and iSCC. Clinical image analysis utilized 'Contour' and 'ImageJ' software. The effect of predictors demography, seropositivity, lesion dimensions, keratin, pigmentation, corneal involvement, vascularity and feeder vessels on the final histopathologic grade were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 108 OSSN lesions (74 CIN and 33 iSCC) were included. Mean age was 46.1 ± 17.2 years in CIN and 47.2 ± 13.9 years in iSCC. By univariate logistic regression analysis, significant predictors of iSCC were HIV seropositivity (p < 0.0001), maximum diameter (p = 0.003), perpendicular to maximum diameter (p = 0.003), height (p = 0.003), nodular morphology (p = 0.006) and feeder vessels (p = 0.03), whereas gelatinous morphology (p = 0.02) was predictor of CIN. By multiple logistic regression, seropositivity was the predictor of iSCC (p < 0.0001, OR 13.33 ± 8.35, 95% CI 3.90-45.53). CONCLUSION: HIV seropositivity is an important predictor of iSCC. Large, thick, nodular lesions with feeder vessels may favor the diagnosis of iSCC, whereas gelatinous, small, flatter lesions without feeder vessels may favor CIN. In a first of its kind study, simple and objective analysis of OSSN with image processing software was demonstrated.

Posterior uveal melanoma in 321 Asian Indian patients: analysis based on the 8th edition of American Joint Committee Cancer classification.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the presenting features, treatment, and outcomes of posterior uveal melanoma (PUM) in Asian Indians based on the 8th edition of American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) classification. METHODS: Retrospective interventional case series of 321 Asian Indian patients with PUM. RESULTS: Based on AJCC, PUM was classified into categories T1 (n = 36; 11%), T2 (n = 74; 23%), T3 (n = 126; 39%), and T4 (n = 85; 27%). Regarding tumor features, T4 was more likely to have pre-equatorial epicenter (vs T1 and T2; p ≤ 0.011), iris abnormalities (vs T2 and T3; p ≤ 0.002), and extraocular tumor extension (vs T3; p = 0.001), whereas T1 was more likely to have macular epicenter (vs T2, T3, T4; p ≤ 0.013), lipofuscin deposits (vs T3 and T4; p ≤ 0.008), and amelanotic tumors (vs. T4; p = 0.003). On multivariate analysis, factors predictive of systemic metastasis were increasing tumor thickness (p = 0.002) and extraocular tumor extension (p = 0.009). The 5-, 10-, and 15-year melanoma-related metastases rates were 0%, 0%, and 0% in T1, 0%, 60%, and 60% in T2, 7%, 40%, and 70% in T3 and 13%, 36%, and 76% in T4, respectively. Risk for metastasis was 1.23 times more for every 1-mm increase in tumor thickness and 9 times more with extraocular tumor extension. CONCLUSION: The AJCC 8th edition provides prognostic classification for PUM in Asian Indian patients. The significant risk factors for metastasis were increasing tumor thickness and extraocular tumor extension.

Trichofolliculoma of the Eyelid Margin: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Trichofolliculoma is a rare benign tumor of the skin, with distinct pilar differentiation and a predilection for the head and neck. To the best of the authors' knowledge, only 10 cases of eyelid trichofolliculoma has been described in the English literature. Moreover, these benign hair follicle lesions have been reported to clinically mimic eyelid malignancy. The authors report a case of a 58-year-old woman with a nodule on the eyelid margin, with typical clinical features and characteristic histopathological findings aiding the diagnosis of trichofolliculoma. Complete resection was performed to prevent recurrence. The authors also reviewed all the cases of eyelid trichofolliculoma reported in literature to highlight the demography, clinical features, and management of this rare eyelid tumor.

Ocular surface squamous neoplasia with orbital tumour extension: risk factors and outcomes.

PURPOSE: To describe the risk factors, clinical features, histopathology, treatment, and outcomes of patients with orbital tumour extension of ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN). METHODS: Retrospective study of 51 patients with orbital tumour extension (cases) and 360 patients without orbital extension (controls). RESULTS: Of 1,653 patients with OSSN, orbital tumour extension was noted in 51 (3%) cases. The risk factors for orbital tumour extension included outdoor occupation (p < 0.03; Odds ratio (OR) = 1.96), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection (p < 0.0001; OR = 5.81), prolonged duration of symptoms (p = 0.01; OR = 1.02), tumour bilaterality (p = 0.02; OR = 2.92), forniceal and tarsal conjunctival involvement, diffuse tumour (p < 0.0001; OR = 9.13), inferior quadrantic location (p < 0.0001; OR = 7.51), increased tumour thickness (p = 0.04; OR = 1.59), higher % of ocular surface involvement (p = 0.002; OR = 1.12), nodular (p = 0.002; OR = 2.61) and nodulo-ulcerative (p < 0.0001; OR = 11.05) tumour morphology, poorly differentiated tumours (p = 0.006; OR = 4.23); invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (p < 0.0001; OR = 29.76), spindle cell and mucoepidermoid variant (p = 0.02; OR = 16.94) tumours. At a mean follow-up period of 27 months, tumour recurrence in the socket was noted in 1 (2%), locoregional lymph node metastasis (LNM) in 15 (29%) patients, and nine (18%) patients died due to systemic metastasis (SM). T4 tumour at presentation was a risk factor for LNM (p = 0.01; Hazard ratio (HR) = 5.60) and SM (p = 0.0003; HR = 5.09). CONCLUSION: Orbital extension of OSSN is rare. Outdoor occupation, HIV infection, larger and thicker tumours in the inferior quadrant with forniceal and/or tarsal conjunctival involvement with nodular or noduloulcerative morphology, poor tumour differentiation, SCC, spindle cell and mucoepidermoid variants on histopathology are at increased risk for orbital tumour extension.

Long term outcomes of transcutaneous non-image guided bleomycin sclerotherapy in orbital/adnexal lymphatic malformations: a protocol-based management in 69 eyes.

OBJECTIVES: To study the efficacy and the long-term outcomes of treating micro and macrocystic orbital and/or adnexal lymphatic malformations (OA-LM) with protocol-based bleomycin sclerotherapy. METHODS: A retrospective interventional study of 69 eyes having OA-LM treated with non-image guided transcutaneous or transconjunctival bleomycin sclerotherapy (1IU/ml aqueous solution) between December 2014 and December 2018. Based on clinical regression, the outcomes were classified as excellent, good, fair and poor. RESULTS: The mean age at presentation was 20 ± 16 years (median 16; range 1 month to 70 years). The orbital-palpebral variant was the most common presentation, seen in 29 patients (42%). Microcystic morphology was seen in 34(49%), macrocystic in 22 (32%) and mixed cyst in 13 (19%) patients. Mean units of bleomycin injected per patient were 9 ± 8 IU (median 5.5 IU, range 1-38 IU). Mean number of treatment sessions required were 2 ± 1 (median 2, range 1-6). The response was excellent in 43 (62%), good in 12 (17%), fair in 9 (13%) and poor in 5 (7%) patients. These responses were comparable across the morphological subgroups (p = 0.24, chi-square test). Adverse reactions noted were inflammation in 11 eyes (16%) and peri-ocular pigmentation in 15 (22%). There was a sustained tumour regression over a mean follow-up duration of 3.5 years (median 3; range 1.5-5 years). CONCLUSIONS: Seventy-nine percent of eyes with OA-LM showed a good outcome with transcutaneous and/or transconjunctival non-image guided bleomycin sclerotherapy with no serious adverse events. The results were promising over long-term follow-up.

Retained intraorbital wooden foreign body presenting with combined anterior and posterior scleritis.

Penetrating injury of the orbit with a wooden stick is not an uncommon finding in ocular emergencies. A 36-year-old man presented with redness, pain in the left eye following fall from a motorcycle 3 days ago. Ocular examination showed features of combined anterior and posterior scleritis in the form of an anterior scleral nodule, retinal folds and T sign on ultrasonography. There was worsening of symptoms along with new onset diplopia following scleral deroofing which led to the suspicion of an intraorbital wooden foreign body (IOWFB). CT scan of orbit showed a well-defined hypodensity between the medial rectus and optic nerve resembling a pocket of air surrounded by a rim of hyperdensity. IOWFB was removed under direct visualisation via transconjunctival orbitotomy. This is the case of a missed retained IOWFB presenting with features of combined anterior and posterior scleritis.

Preoperative embolisation of orbital solitary fibrous tumour.

Solitary fibrous tumours (SFT) is an encompassing terminology comprising of tumours with proliferating CD34 positive specialised fibroblasts. Orbital SFTs are rare slowly progressive highly vascular neoplasms. Complete surgical excision is considered the mainstay treatment. Incomplete resection is a known risk factor for recurrence and malignant transformation. Recently preoperative embolisation of SFT has shown promising results in reducing the vascularity of these tumours rendering them amenable to complete surgical excision. Less than 10 cases of embolisation of orbital solitary fibrous tumours have been described in literature. Our patient underwent an attempted surgical excision elsewhere with significant intraoperative haemorrhage which precluded its complete excision. Herein, we report successful outcome in a case of hypervascular orbital SFT managed with preoperative embolisation, surgical resection and adjuvant radiotherapy along with a review of relevant literature.