Geoff Wilcsek

Systematic review and meta-analysis on outcomes for endoscopic versus external dacryocystorhinostomy.

ABSTRACT Background: Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is commonly performed for epiphora, dacryocystitis and during tumor surgery. External (EXT-DCR) and endoscopic DCR (END-DCR) are both practiced. END-DCR was initially performed with laser (EL-DCR) but has shifted to careful bone removal with mechanical drills (EM-DCR). High level evidence from comparative cohorts was sought to compare outcomes. Method: Medline (1966 - January 28th, 2013) and Embase (1980 - January 28th, 2013) were searched for comparative studies (RCT/cohorts) of END-DCR to EXT-DCR for acquired nasolacrimal duct (NLD) obstruction. Primary outcome was DCR success, defined as resolution of symptoms and/or patent NLD on irrigation or dacroscintography. Secondary outcomes were scarring, infection and post-operative bleeding. Meta-analysis was performed with the Mantel-Haenszel Method and presented as Risk Ratios (RR) with Confidence Intervals (CI). Results: The search identified 3582 studies and 355 were reviewed after screening. Full text review yielded 19 studies (4 RCTs and 15 cohorts). Overall, EXT-DCR had slightly better success rates than END-DCR (RR 0.96, CI 0.93-1.00). However, EM-DCR outcomes were comparable to EXT-DCR (RR 1.02, CI 0.98-1.06), whereas EL-DCR had poorer outcomes (RR 0.85, CI 0.79-0.91) when compared separately. The RR for scarring, bleeding and infection with END-DCR versus EXT-DCR was 0.07 (CI 0.02-0.22), 0.72 (CI 0.46-1.13) and 0.24 (CI 0.11- 0.54), respectively. The rates of reported revision surgery were similar. Conclusion: DCR is a procedure with high success rates. Endoscopic procedures differ greatly by technique with EM-DCR offering comparable results to EXT-DCR, without the risk of cosmetically unacceptable scars.

Primary Orbital Liposarcoma

PURPOSE To describe 6 new cases of primary orbital liposarcoma and provide a review of the relevant literature. DESIGN Noncomparative consecutive case series and literature review. PARTICIPANTS Six patients with primary orbital liposarcoma. METHODS Review of patient charts, imaging, and histopathology; literature review. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Patient demographics; clinical presentations; results of radiologic imaging; histopathology; surgical techniques used and their complications; other treatment modalities; outcomes and recurrences. RESULTS Six cases of primary orbital liposarcoma were identified, 5 of which were primary presentations and 1 of which was a recurrence. In 4 cases, exenteration was deferred, resulting in recurrence of disease in all 4. All cases were exenterated, and 2 cases had local recurrence despite exenteration. Two cases were associated with the Li-Fraumeni syndrome and other malignancies. Literature review identified 34 other cases of primary orbital liposarcoma, which, partly because of its rarity, is frequently initially misdiagnosed. The most common subtype is myxoid (56.8%); other types are pleomorphic (10.8%) and well differentiated (29.7%). Well-differentiated tumors have the best prognosis. Non-exenterating surgery was associated with recurrence, although recurrence post-exenteration also occurred. Although radiotherapy has an established role in the treatment of nonorbital liposarcoma, the role of both radiotherapy and chemotherapy in the management of primary orbital liposarcoma is still unclear. CONCLUSIONS Orbital liposarcoma remains a diagnostic and surgical challenge. Exenteration remains the treatment of choice, but clinicians must also be aware that liposarcoma may herald the diagnosis of the Li-Fraumeni familial cancer syndrome.

Successful "medical" orbital decompression with adjunctive rituximab for severe visual loss in IgG4-related orbital inflammatory disease with orbital myositis.

IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is an inflam matory condition of unknown etiology that can cause tumefactive lesions in a number of tissues and organs, including the orbit and ocular adnexa. Diagnostic criteria for IgG4-RD, including pathology and clinical features and pathology, have been recently proposed.1 This study presents the first case of unilateral acute visual loss secondary to IgG4-related orbital inflammatory disease with orbital myositis that was complicated by severe compressive optic neuropathy. After initial treatment with pulsed intravenous methylprednisolone, followed by rituximab and radiotherapy, there was a marked improvement in orbital inflammation and clinical and radiological improvement in the compressive optic neuropathy. After 9 months of follow up, the orbital inflammatory disease remained in remission.

Intranasal corticosteroids do not affect intraocular pressure or lens opacity: a systematic review of controlled trials.

BACKGROUND Intranasal corticosteroids (INCS) are prescribed for the long-term prophylactic treatment of inflammatory upper airway conditions. Although some systemic absorption can occur via topical routes, the clinical relevance is controversial. The effects of orally administered corticosteroids on intraocular pressure (IOP) and lens opacity (LO) are well established, but the impact of the INCS is less well defined. This study aims to systematically review the literature for evidence of adverse occular events with INCS use. METHODOLOGY A systematic review of literature from Medline and Embase databases (January 1974 to 21st of November 2013) was performed. Using the PRISMA guidelines, all controlled clinical trials of patients using INCS, that reported original measures of IOP, LO, glaucoma or cataract incidences were included. Studies with adjuvant administration of oral, inhaled and intravenous steroids were excluded. RESULTS 665 articles were retrieved with 137 were considered for full-text review. Of these, 116 (85%) were literature reviews and two were case reports. 19 studies (10 RCTs, 1 case-control, 8 case series) were included for the qualitative review, of which 18 reported data on IOP and 10 on cataract/LO. None (n=0) of the 10 RCT reporting data on glaucoma or IOP demonstrated changes in IOP compared to control. Also none (n=0) of the 6 RCTs reporting cataract or lens opacity demonstrated changes compared to control. CONCLUSION Data from studies with low levels of bias, do not demonstrate a clinically relevant impact of INCS on neither ocular pressure, glaucoma, lens opacity nor cataract formation.

Bisphosphonate-Induced Orbital Inflammation: A Case Series and Review.

Abstract Introduction: To present a series of patients with bisphosphonate induced orbital inflammation, and to review the clinical presentation, radiological features, treatment options and outcomes. Methods: We present a multicentre, retrospective case series review of patients with a clinico-radiological diagnosis of bisphosphonate induced orbital inflammation and review all the reported cases of this complication in the literature. Results: Four new patients with bisphosphonate induced orbital inflammation were added to the 25 cases in the literature. Intravenous zoledronate was the commonest precipitant (22/29, 75.9%) and inflammation occurred 1–28 (mean 3) days post-infusion. Orbital imaging identified orbital inflammation in 22/29 cases and extra-ocular muscle enlargement in 8/29. Five patients presented with reduced vision of which one – with anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy – did not resolve. The vision resolved in all except one patient, with most requiring steroid treatment. Conclusions: Bisphosphonates have a pro-inflammatory effect, which can precipitate orbital inflammation. This rare, but potentially serious complication of bisphosphonate treatment should be considered by clinicians using bisphosphonate treatment and by ophthalmologists seeing patients with orbital inflammatory disease.

Orbit and Orbital Apex

Pathology affecting the orbit and orbital apex is diverse and heterogeneous. Many of the differential pathologies require management in a multidisciplinary team involving both otolaryngology and ophthalmology. This article discusses the differential pathologies. Emphasis has been placed on Graves orbitopathy, traumatic optic neuropathy, and the indications for decompression in each. The differential diagnosis for a lesion within the orbit and orbital apex is diverse. The presentation, investigation, and appropriate management of these conditions is discussed with emphasis on traumatic optic neuropathy and Graves orbitopathy.

Pediatric endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy: A multicenter series of 116 cases

ABSTRACT We report our experience with pediatric endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). Multicenter, retrospective, noncomparative study. Cases of pediatric endonasal DCR during 2006–2011 were included from six oculoplastic units. Patients over the age of 16 years were excluded. The outcomes of pediatric endonasal DCR are presented. Indication for surgery, demographics, previous interventions, intraoperative or postoperative complications, follow-up duration, and success rate (defined as significant improvement of epiphora) were evaluated. In total, 116 endonasal DCRs were performed for 103 patients. The mean follow-up period was 8 months (range 3 months to 4 years), with 1 patient lost to follow-up. There were 48 males (mean age 5 years and 9 months) and 50 females (range of 4 months to 16 years), with a total of 98 cases of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) (84.5%) and 18 cases of acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (ANLDO) (15.5%). Previous interventions included probing 75.9% (88/116), massaging 43.1% (50/116), and intubation 39.7% (46/116). There were no intraoperative complications. There was one case of postoperative pyogenic granuloma. There were no cases of postoperative infection and postoperative hemorrhage. Ninety percent of procedures were considered successful. Complete symptom resolution was observed in 78% (90/116), significant improvement in 12% (14/116), partial improvement in 2% (2/116), and no improvement in 8% (9/116). In our series, we demonstrated that endonasal DCR is a safe operation and has an overall success rate of 90% for pediatric NLDO.

Endoscopic resection of a huge orbital ethmoidal mucocele masquerading as dacryocystocele

Paranasal mucoceles are cystic masses lined with epithelium thought to result from chronic obstruction of an impaired sinus ostia. If sufficiency large, they can cause ophthalmological sequelae including diplopia, visual acuity, globe displacement as well as the rhinological symptoms of facial pain and headache. We present the case of a 57-year-old man who presented with a 1-year history of epiphora and right globe prominence with associated diplopia. Imaging demonstrated a mass located within the medial aspect of the orbit, closely associated to the lamina papyracea and nasolacrimal duct consistent with a dacryocystocele. An alternate diagnosis of an ethmoidal mucocele was considered preoperatively following rhinologist opinion. Complete endoscopic resection of the cyst was undertaken. Histopathology confirmed diagnosis of an ethmoidal mucocele. Our report highlights mucocele should be considered in patients with chronic symptoms secondary to a mass situated in the nasolacrimal duct without radiological orbital bone destruction.

Enhanced Fasanella–Servat Procedure for the Graded Repair of Blepharoptosis

PURPOSE To describe in detail a technique for a modified Fasanella-Servat procedure that provides a simplified method for graded Mueller muscle excision with minimal and controlled tarsal excision. METHODS A retrospective study of 71 patients (102 eyelids) who underwent the modified Fasanella-Servat procedure is reported. Measurements include the preoperative, post-phenylephrine, and postoperative margin-to-reflex distance-1, and postoperative upper eyelid height symmetry as determined by the absolute difference between right- and left-sided margin-to-reflex distance-1. Postoperative complications are reported. RESULTS The average increase in margin-to-reflex distance-1 was 2.4 mm with an average postoperative upper eyelid height symmetry of 0.4 mm. Postoperative asymmetry was 1.5 mm or less in 68 patients, a success rate of 96%. Four patients (6%) exhibited overcorrection, 2 of which required additional surgery. No lagophthalmos or notable eyelid contour abnormalities were seen. CONCLUSIONS The modified Fasanella-Servat technique offers a simple method to isolate and resect Mueller muscle and a minimal segment of tarsus in a quantitative fashion, allowing for a graded repair of blepharoptosis and thereby decreasing the risk of postoperative overcorrection, lagophthalmos, and eyelid contour asymmetry whilst preserving the bulk of tarsus.

Ptosis: Nailing the Diagnosis and Considering the Differential Diagnosis

It is essential that the clinician correctly identifies the aetiology of the ptosis, which will allow one to forge ahead with confidence and carry out surgical repair of the ptosis. It is important to remember that ptosis may represent the first manifestation of a systemic and possible neurological illness that could be life-threatening, or at least life-changing.