Merkel Cell Carcinoma Metastases to Caruncle With Orbital Extension: Report and Literature Review.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon and aggressive skin cancer of neuroendocrine origin. The tumor usually presents with a locoregional spread and most frequently metastasizes to the skin, liver, bone, lung, and brain. Despite the orbit being a relatively common site of metastases, it has rarely been reported in patients with MCC. The authors present a case of biopsy-proven orbital metastatic MCC in an 86-year-old male who presented with a rapidly enlarging right caruncle/subconjunctival mass with orbital extension and a history of forearm MCC excision 3 years prior. There are only 3 reported cases of distant metastatic MCC to the orbit, all presenting as a mass originating from extraocular muscles; and no cases of caruncle involvement.

Pilomatrixoma of the Periorbital Region: A Retrospective Review.

PURPOSE: Pilomatrixoma is a benign cutaneous adnexal tumor that differentiates toward hair follicle cells. It infrequently occurs in the periorbital region. In the periorbital area, it is often located in the upper eyelid and eyebrow region. Periorbital pilomatrixoma is often misdiagnosed clinically and is less common than other benign skin tumors. In this retrospective review, we evaluate the demographic, clinical, and histopathological data of patients with periorbital pilomatrixoma, treated from 2010 to 2023. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of periorbital pilomatrixoma cases treated during a period of 13 years was performed. Deidentified data in relation to the age at surgical excision, gender, location, size, histopathological features, treatment, and recurrence were collected. All histological slides were reviewed by an attending histopathologist. RESULTS: A total of 77 cases of periorbital pilomatrixoma were diagnosed by histopathological examination and treated from 2010 to 2023. A slight female preponderance (56%) was noted, and the majority of cases (52%) were presented in the first 2 decades of life. The left periorbital region was involved in 45.5% of cases, and 54.5% in the right. The upper lid was the most affected site. Two cases of recurrence were reported. No malignant transformation was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Pilomatrixoma is an uncommon benign periorbital tumor, commonly misdiagnosed clinically. Ophthalmologists and surgeons should suspect pilomatrixoma in the periorbital region, especially in children or young adults. Complete surgical excision is curative, and recurrence is rare.

Pediatric Orbital Juvenile Xanthogranuloma: A Case Series and Review of the Literature.

PURPOSE: Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is a subtype of histiocytosis characterised histologically by foamy non-Langerhan cells with Touton giant cells. It typically manifests as a single self-limiting cutaneous nodule in the pediatric population. Orbital JXG is extremely rare, and its clinical course and management are not well understood or defined. Herein we present 3 cases of orbital JXG and provide a detailed literature review. METHODS: Review of 3 cases with orbital JXG and literature review of all published cases. RESULTS: Three presented cases demonstrate the heterogeneous clinical course of orbital JXG. Although centred around the use of steroids, there is neither robust evidence nor consensus on its management. The wider JXG literature is currently concentrated around the classification of JXG with respect to histiocytosis, especially the exclusion of extracutaneous JXG as separate diseases. This separation is based on clinical, histopathological, and molecular findings. It is unclear where orbital JXG best fits in this emerging classification of JXG. CONCLUSION: Our review of the cases and literature on orbital JXG show that it may manifest with variable clinical course and its molecular pathogenic mechanism may be different to that of the cutaneous JXG.

Corneal Neurotization for Neurotrophic Keratopathy: A Multicentre Experience.

PURPOSE: Corneal neurotization is an emerging technique that offers potential for visual rehabilitation in neurotrophic keratopathy. This study reports on a multicenter experience and outcomes for both direct and indirect methods of corneal neurotization. METHODS: Retrospective case series. Sixteen patients with neurotrophic keratopathy who underwent corneal neurotization across 5 centers in Australia and Israel were identified for inclusion. Corneal neurotization was performed via direct neurotization from the ipsilateral or contralateral supraorbital/supratrochlear nerve or by the use of an interpositional sural nerve graft. Change in corneal sensitivity (measured in millimeters by the Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometer), visual acuity, and corneal health. RESULTS: Over a mean follow-up period of 31.3 months (range: 3 months-8 years), mean corneal sensitivity improved from 3.6 mm (range: 0-25 mm) to 25.3 mm (range: 0-57 mm). Visual acuity improved on average from 20/380 to 20/260. Twelve of 16 patients (75.0%) improved in at least 2 out of the 3 main outcome measures. Nine patients (56.3%) showed an improvement in visual acuity; 13 (81.3%) showed an improvement in average corneal sensitivity; and 11 (68.8%) showed an improvement in corneal health. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal neurotization is an emerging surgical treatment option for the management of neurotrophic keratopathy. With appropriate case selection, outcomes are favorable and complication rates are low, for a condition that is otherwise challenging to manage. Patients with severe neurotrophic keratopathy should be considered for this surgical treatment option.

Orbital Myeloma and Plasmacytoma: An Australian Study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to provide Australian data on the clinical and radiological features and outcomes in patients with orbital plasmacytomas. METHODS: Multicentre retrospective review of orbital plasmacytoma and orbital involvement in multiple myeloma (MM) from 2005 to 2022 in Australia. RESULTS: Twenty-one participants were identified. The median age was 62 years (range 34-88 years), and 11 (52%) were females. Eighteen (84%) had a known diagnosis of MM prior to their orbital presentation, with all patients eventually being diagnosed with systemic MM. Thirteen (72%) were receiving active treatment for systemic myeloma on presentation, while 3 (17%) were in remission. All but 1 had unilateral orbital involvement (n = 20, 95%). Common presenting symptoms and signs were decreased visual acuity (n = 13, 62%), proptosis (n = 11, 52%), limited motility (n = 15, 71%), and optic neuropathy (n = 5, 24%). Radiologically, 15 (71%) involved the superotemporal orbit, 7 (33%) inferotemporal orbit, and 16 (76%) involved ≥1 extraocular muscle. Sixteen (76%) were biopsied and confirmed orbital plasmacytoma on histopathology. Treatment modalities included intravenous and oral steroids (n = 7, 33%), chemotherapy (n = 9, 43%), radiotherapy (n = 13, 62%), stem cell transplant (n = 3, 14%), and surgical debulking and decompression (n = 3, 14%). Mortality was high, with 15 (71%) having MM-related mortality. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest cohort of Australian data on orbital plasmacytomas. Most patients have a diagnosis of systemic MM at presentation. It is crucial to recognize and treat these patients early due to a poor systemic prognosis.

Orbital necrobiotic xanthogranuloma with necrotizing scleritis and absent cutaneous manifestations.

Necrobiotic xanthogranuloma (NXG) is a rare systemic disease, that commonly manifests with orbital and ocular adnexal involvement, presenting with periocular yellow papules and plaques that may ulcerate. Periorbital skin lesions are a hallmark of the disease, and in their absence the diagnosis may be delayed, preventing prompt systemic evaluation and appropriate treatment of this condition. We report a unique case of a 58-year-old female patient with NXG that presented with severe bilateral necrotizing scleritis, left orbital mass and no cutaneous manifestations of NXG. This case highlights the importance of considering NXG, despite absence of skin lesions, when other ophthalmological manifestations are present. Recognition of NXG is crucial due to the high lifelong risk of developing hematological malignancy.

Isolated Orbital Apex Mucocele: A Case Study and Literature Review.

Isolated orbital mucocele without connection between the mass and paranasal sinuses is extremely rare and poorly understood. Literature review of these cases are very few and present more anteriorly in the orbit. Here, the authors present a 33-year-old female with an isolated left orbital apex mucocele without direct communication with the adjacent paranasal sinuses and other vital orbital structures. Endoscopic sinus surgery with marsupialization was performed, and an orbital mucocele was confirmed on histopathology. Although uncommon, previously reported cases, including our patient have remained disease free of recurrence for at least 1 year post-operatively.

Aneurysmal Bone Cyst of the Orbit With USP6 Gene Rearrangement.

PURPOSE: Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) of the orbit is a very rare tumor, occurring mostly in the pediatric population, and can result in sight threatening complications and disfigurement. This review discusses previously reported cases with a focus on evolving treatment options and molecular genetics. METHODS: We report the youngest case of an orbital ABC with a confirmed gene fusion: a 17-month-old girl, with confirmed FGFR-UPS6 (Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1-ubiquitin specific peptidase 6/tre-2). A literature search for relevant publications on the topic was performed via Medline and PubMed, with the appropriate data extracted. RESULTS: Thirty-two cases of orbital aneurysmal bone cyst were identified in the literature. Presentations are varied and can include pain, proptosis, decreased vision, and extraocular motility disturbance. Typical imaging and histopathology findings are discussed, in particular the usefulness of identifying USP6 gene arrangements. Treatment modalities are reviewed including surgery, embolization, and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) inhibitors. Recurrences can occur, usually within 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Orbital ABC is a neoplasm that presents unique diagnostic and treatment challenges. Gene rearrangements can confirm primary ABC and rule out other underlying pathology. Disfigurement and sight threatening complications can occur due to both the disease process and with treatment. Outcomes may be improved with the use of systemic therapy.

Recurrence Following Globe Sparing Excision for Basal Cell Carcinoma with Anterior Orbital Invasion.

PURPOSE: Globe-sparing excision for periocular basal cell carcinoma (BCC) with orbital invasion has evident benefits, but the ensuing morbidity and characteristics of recurrence are not well elucidated. This study aims to describe the extent of visual morbidity following globe-sparing excision, and the clinicoradiological characteristics of tumor recurrence. METHODS: Multicentre retrospective case series. RESULTS: Eight patients were identified for inclusion in this series. Time to recurrence following globe-sparing excision ranged from 3 to 12 years. Seven patients (87.5%) presented with recurrent disease originating from the medial canthus. Clinical features at presentation included contracture ( n =4, 50.0%), upper lid ptosis ( n =3, 37.5%), a palpable mass ( n =2, 25.0%), and hypoesthesia ( n =2, 25.0%). Radiologically, tumor recurrence was predominantly characterized by isointense signals on T1 and T2-weighted sequences ( n =5, 62.5%) with moderate contrast enhancement. The most common histologic subtype in recurrent tumors was a mixed nodular and infiltrative growth pattern ( n =5, 62.5%). Perineural invasion was a feature in four (50%) cases. Salvage therapy in the form of exenteration was performed in seven cases. Vismodegib and adjuvant radiotherapy were provided for one case with surgically unresectable tumor recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Globe-sparing excision for invasive periocular BCC can be complicated by late recurrence that develops rapidly despite silent neuroimaging for years. Early clinical signs are subtle. High-risk features predictive of recurrence include medial canthus location, mixed histological subtypes, and perineural invasion. Patients with such characteristics require lifelong clinical and imaging surveillance following globe-sparing excision.

Orbital apex syndrome in herpes zoster ophthalmicus clinical features, treatment and outcomes: a case series and literature review.

Orbital Apex Syndrome (OAS) complicating Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus (HZO) is associated with significant visual impairment. We present four patients with HZO OAS, to highlight clinical features and outcomes in order to promote earlier recognition and management of this potentially sight-threatening complication. CT and MRI imaging findings included expansion and enhancement of extraocular muscles and intraconal fat and involvement of the orbital apex and cavernous sinus. All patients received systemic steroid and antiviral therapy, but a standardised dosage and duration of treatment remains to be defined. Final visual acuity and extraocular motility outcomes were variable.

Orbital and Sinonasal Complications of Hydrogel Scleral Buckle: A Case Report.

The hydrogel scleral buckle is a hydrophilic implant that is characterized by progressive expansion and can present with secondary orbital changes. The authors present a unique case of hydrogel-induced erosion of the orbital roof into the frontal sinus, with formation of a sino-orbital communication that resulted in frontal sinusitis and adjacent cerebritis. The hydrogel material is radiologically characterized as a fluid-filled hypertense T2 mass with rim enhancement and peripheral calcification. Awareness of late orbital complications from the hydrogel material is important to distinguish this entity from other mimicking orbital pathologies.

Pediatric Subcutaneous Panniculitis-like T-cell Lymphoma of the Orbit.

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is a rare and distinct subtype of peripheral T-cell lymphoma, representing <1% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas. SPTCL usually arises in the fourth decade of life with multifocal involvement of the limbs and trunk. Orbital disease is uncommon. We present the youngest known case of orbital SPTCL in a 3-year-old child, where the diagnosis was initially confounded by a lower eyelid mass masquerading as preseptal cellulitis. MRI revealed a poorly defined anterior orbital mass. Immunophenotyping and histological analysis of an orbital biopsy specimen confirmed SPTCL, which was managed by the pediatric oncology team with multiagent chemotherapy. This case is unique due to the young age of presentation and primary orbital involvement. Nonresolving or atypical periorbital cellulitis needs to be investigated, as malignancy can mimic such conditions.

Yolk sac tumours of the orbit and sinonasal tract.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to report two cases of paediatric Yolk sac tumours (YST) of the orbit and sinonasal tract, with a major review on the subject. METHODS: Two case reports along with a comprehensive retrospective literature review of all English language publications between 1974 and 2021 is presented. Literature review examined the demographics, clinical presentation and diagnostic and prognostic factors of extragonadal YSTs of the orbit and sinonasal tract. RESULTS: Orbit and sinuses are rare sites for YST, with only 25 paediatric cases reported in the literature. Extragonadal yolk sac tumours carry a significantly worse outcome than those localised to the gonads, with the 5-year survival of 66% and 81-89%, respectively. Our review found the median age of presentation to be 18 months (18 months for males and 24 months for females), and females are more commonly affected. The most common presentations were proptosis, facial swelling and ophthalmoplegia. Treatments and therefore outcomes varied in the cases due to the large time period. Of the cases reported in the last 10 years, all patients with data provided were alive and disease-free at follow-up. CONCLUSION: Sino-orbital yolk sac tumours are rare and have variable presentations, dependent on the extent of local invasion. Early diagnosis and treatment with multimodal therapy are paramount in having improved overall survival.

Local delivery of corticosteroids in clinical ophthalmology: A review.

Locally administered steroids have a long history in ophthalmology for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Anterior segment conditions tend to be treated with topical steroids whilst posterior segment conditions generally require periocular, intravitreal or systemic administration for penetration. Over recent decades, the clinical applications of periocular steroid delivery have expanded to a wide range of conditions including macular oedema from retino-vascular conditions. Formulations have been developed with the aim to provide practical, targeted, longer-term and more efficacious therapy whilst minimizing side effects. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview of the types of periocular steroid delivery, their clinical applications in ophthalmology and their side effects.

Periorbital Myofibroma in a Child: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Infantile myofibroma is a rare benign tumor usually diagnosed before the age of 2 and found in the head and neck but much more rarely in the orbital region. There have only been 7 cases of periorbital myofibromas reported in children in the literature to date. The current case is of an 8-year-old boy with a left upper eyelid myofibroma confirmed on histopathological and immunochemical analysis. A literature review of periorbital myofibromas has been performed to bring the reader up-to-date with the current understanding and management of the disease.

Visual outcomes and late complications in paediatric orbital rhabdomyosarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Orbital rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare but important malignancy for an ophthalmologist. We aimed to review the management and outcome, including late orbital complications and visual acuity over 25 years from a specialist paediatric ophthalmology department. DESIGN: This was a retrospective longitudinal case series. PARTICIPANTS: All patients presenting to our institution between December 1989 and December 2014 with a histopathological diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma originating from (primary) or invading into the orbit (paranasal) were included. METHODS: The oncology and ophthalmology databases were cross referenced to identify patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Baseline demographics, chemotherapy, surgical and radiation dose, visual acuity, ocular and systemic complications, local and distant recurrence and mortality were recorded for each patient. Outcomes were reported with descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were included. Median age was 4.3 years (range 4 months to 16 years) with average follow-up of 9 years. The 5-year disease-specific survival was 100% for the orbital group and 25% for the paranasal group; 29% of the orbital group maintained vision better than 6/12 in their treated eye, and the overall globe conservation rate was 71%. The most common ocular complications were cataract and keratopathy in both the orbital and paranasal groups. Other ocular complications included orbital hypoplasia or fat atrophy, eyelid malposition and lacrimal duct stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: Ophthalmic late effects are seen in a significant proportion of patients with orbital rhabdomyosarcoma. There is excellent survival in these patients, and continued efforts should be made to reduce the late effects of therapy.

Periorbital Nodular Fasciitis in Pregnancy: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Nodular fasciitis is a comparatively common benign soft tissue tumor, which may rarely occur in the periorbital and orbital regions. It can be confused with a malignant sarcoma both in its clinical behavior and histologic appearance. Trauma is a suspected risk factor for nodular fasciitis and pregnancy may also be a risk factor. This may be due to the hormone-related changes occurring in pregnancy, which are suspected to be responsible for the growth of some orbital masses in pregnancy. However, there are other cases of orbital masses, which have grown in pregnancy and were not proven positive for estrogen or progesterone receptors, suggesting another mechanism for tumor growth. In any case, awareness of nodular fasciitis in the differential diagnosis of a rapidly growing, soft tissue mass in the periorbital and orbital regions is important to avoid misdiagnosis of a malignancy and unnecessary treatment.