Paul S. Cannon

The Surgical Management and Outcomes for Spheno-orbital Meningiomas: A 7-year Review of Multi-disciplinary Practice

Aims/Purpose: Spheno-orbital meningiomas account for 9% of all adult intracranial meningiomas. Complete resection is extremely difficult with this condition. We report on our experience in the surgical management of spheno-orbital meningiomas. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of all patients with spheno-orbital meningiomas who underwent joint neurosurgical and ophthalmic procedures between January 2000 and December 2007. Radiological findings, presenting clinical signs, indications for surgery, surgical approach, histopathological findings, surgical complications and post-operative results were recorded. Results: Twelve patients were included in the study. Visual function deterioration was the main indication for surgery. Six patients underwent an optic canal decompression along with their initial tumour resection and all 12 patients underwent an extensive lateral orbital wall decompression. Post-operatively 6 patients had reduced proptosis. Two patients had an improvement in their visual acuity, 5 patients had a stable visual acuity and 5 patients had a progressive deterioration in visual acuity following surgery. Six patients maintained a stable visual field. Cranial nerve palsy was the commonest post-operative complication. Three patients required postoperative fractionated radiotherapy. Three patients required further surgery. Conclusion: Spheno-orbital meningiomas are difficult tumours to manage. Surgical resection can reduce the degree of proptosis and stabilise visual function in patients with failing vision, although sustained improvement is difficult to achieve if the tumour behaves in an aggressive manner. The risk of post-operative visual loss is considerable, either due to surgery or tumour progression. Outcomes from surgical decompression may not necessarily be better than the natural history of these tumours.

The ophthalmic side-effects of imiquimod therapy in the management of periocular skin lesions

Aim To describe the ophthalmic side-effects of topical imiquimod for periocular actinic keratoses, squamous cell carcinoma in situ and basal cell carcinoma. Method A retrospective study was carried out in two centres of all patients who underwent topical imiquimod therapy between January 2004 and January 2009. Imiquimod was applied three times weekly for 4–6 weeks. Diagnosis of the lesions, complications, clinical resolution and long-term ophthalmic side-effects was recorded. Patients on therapy were reviewed fortnightly and then every 6 weeks following completion of treatment. Results 47 patients were identified; the mean age was 74 years. 37 patients had actinic keratoses, seven patients had Bowen disease, and three patients had BCC. The lower lid was the commonest site involved (68%). Application site erythema occurred in all patients. Conjunctivitis occurred in 15 patients, and six patients complained of ocular stinging on application of imiquimod. One patient had a staphylococcal keratitis, which responded to topical antibiotic and steroid therapy. Two patients required oral antibiotics for preseptal cellulitis. Three patients had delayed conjunctivitis at a mean of 2.3 weeks. Nine patients discontinued imiquimod due to ocular irritation and conjunctivitis, of whom four patients recommenced and finished the treatment after a rest period. At a mean follow-up of 16 weeks, 34 patients had clinical resolution of the periocular lesions and no patient had any residual ophthalmic side-effects from imiquimod. Conclusion Conjunctivitis and ocular stinging were the commonest ophthalmic side-effects encountered with the application of imiquimod for periocular skin lesions. These effects were temporary and resolved on terminating the imiquimod therapy.

Incidence of Canalicular Closure with Endonasal Dacryocystorhinostomy without Intubation in Primary Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

PURPOSE To describe the incidence of canalicular closure with powered endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) without canalicular intubation in primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO). DESIGN A single-surgeon, prospective, nonrandomized, noncomparative, interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS Consecutive patients attending a specialist clinic of an oculoplastic surgeon (DS) with radiologically confirmed diagnosis of PANDO. Cases of canalicular disease were excluded. METHODS Patients with radiologically confirmed PANDO without canalicular involvement underwent endonasal DCR without intubation. The operation was performed by 1 surgeon (DS) and follow-up was at 4 weeks and 12 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Outcomes were recorded as subjective symptomatic relief at 12 months and endoscopic evidence of ostium patency and canalicular patency. RESULTS There were 132 cases that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Three cases were lost to follow-up. Preoperatively, 96.3% of cases had Munk scores of >2. Of the 129 cases, 127 (98.5%) had endoscopic evidence of a patent ostium with a positive endoscopic dye test at the 12-month follow-up. All cases had a patent canalicular system as demonstrated by syringing and probing. Of the 129 cases, 117 (90.7%) had subjective improvement of epiphora at 12 months with 88.4% of cases reporting Munk scores of ≤1. CONCLUSIONS In this prospective series of nonintubation for PANDO, there were no cases of canalicular closure or stenosis at 12 months. Anatomic and functional success was similar to reported outcomes for DCR with intubation for PANDO. We advocate that routine intubation for the purpose of maintaining canalicular patency is not necessary when performing endonasal DCR in PANDO. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S) Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Lesions mimicking lacrimal gland pleomorphic adenoma.

Aim To report a series of patients with lacrimal gland lesions simulating the clinicoradiological features of lacrimal gland pleomorphic adenoma (LGPA). Methods Multicentre retrospective, interventional case series. Clinical records of all patients with lesions mimicking LGPA seen in five orbital units were reviewed. Results The study included 14 patients (seven men and seven women) with a mean age of 50.9 years. The diagnosis of LGPA was made in all cases by experienced orbital surgeons, based on clinicoradiological features, and lacrimal gland excision was performed. Postoperative histology revealed lymphoma (four patients), chronic dacryoadenitis (three patients), adenoid cystic carcinoma (two patients), Sjogrens syndrome (two patients), cavernous haemangioma (one patient), benign lymphoid hyperplasia (one patient) and granulomatous dacryoadenitis (one patient). Comparison with the total number of histologically confirmed LGPA cases seen during the study period revealed that 22.6% of cases of suspected LGPA were misdiagnosed based on clinicoradiological criteria. Conclusions Many different lesions may mimic the clinicoradiological features of LGPA. The accepted clinicoradiological criteria used for the diagnosis of LGPA have a high false-positive rate, even in experienced hands. Based on this study, the authors believe that fine-needle aspiration biopsy or intraoperative biopsy and frozen section diagnosis may help reduce unnecessary lacrimal gland excision.

Endoscopic Transcaruncular Repair of Large Medial Orbital Wall Fractures Near the Orbital Apex

PURPOSE To study the suitability of an endoscopic transcaruncular approach (ETA) for repair of large medial orbital wall fractures (MOWFs) near the orbital apex. DESIGN A retrospective, noncomparative case series with description of the surgical technique. PARTICIPANTS Ninety-three consecutive patients (93 orbits) with large isolated MOWFs near the orbital apex. METHODS The isolated MOWFs were determined by computed tomography (CT) scans of the orbit in all patients. All patients underwent fracture repair by an ETA, and the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the defects were measured during surgery. Porous polyethylene sheets (1.0 mm thick) were used to repair the bony defects. Patients were followed for 6 to 15 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Size of vertical and horizontal fracture defects, rate of complete repair of the fracture defects, correction of enophthalmos, resolution of diplopia, and complications 6 months after surgery. RESULTS All surgeries were completed uneventfully. The mean postoperative follow-up time was 9.7 ± 3.0 months. Under direct endoscopic visualization, all entrapped and herniated orbital contents were released and reposited, the entire boundary of the fractures were exposed adequately, and the implants were placed to overlie all edges of the fracture stably in all cases. The vertical and horizontal fracture defects measured during surgeries ranged from 16 to 30 mm and from 25 to 34 mm, respectively. Six months after surgery, complete reconstruction of the bony defects was demonstrated by orbital CT scans, and symmetry of the both eyes was acquired in 92 of 93 patients (98.9%). Of 30 patients with significant preoperative enophthalmos of more than 2 mm, 29 (96.7%) were corrected, with a mean improvement of 3.37 ± 0.77 mm. Diplopia within the 30° visual field of the gaze was resolved in 40 of 43 patients (93.0%). Three patients (7.0%) had residual diplopia on medial gaze because of presumed paralysis of the medial rectus muscle. Intraorbital hemorrhage occurred in 1 patient the day after surgery and resolved with conservative treatment. CONCLUSIONS The ETA seems to be a useful method for recovery of the normal anatomic features of the orbits for patients with large MOWFs near the orbital apex.

Management of upper eyelid cicatricial entropion

Purpose:  There is a paucity of published data on the management of upper eyelid cicatricial entropion. We report on our results using such techniques as lamella repositioning, recession or augmentation and terminal tarsal rotation. Design:  Observational retrospective case series. Participants:  Consecutive cases of upper eyelid cicatricial entropion of two specialist oculoplastic centres (Corneoplastic Unit, East Grinstead, UK and South Australian Institute of Ophthalmology, Adelaide, Australia) were reviewed over a 7-year period. Methods:  All patients underwent anterior lamellar repositioning or terminal tarsal rotation. Main Outcome Measures:  Success was defined by two definitions: anatomical success was defined where the lid margin was restored to its normal position. Complete success was defined where there were no eyelashes touching the globe. Gain or loss (≤ or ≥2 Snellen lines) in best corrected visual acuity using a Snellen chart and resolution of any corneal epitheliopathy at final follow-up were also recorded (as graded by experienced oculoplastic consultants). Results:  Fifty-two procedures were performed on 41 patients (11 bilateral). All patients underwent either an anterior lamellar repositioning or a terminal tarsal rotation. Trachoma, previous upper lid surgery, Stevens–Johnson syndrome and meibomian gland dysfunction were the commonest underlying diagnoses. Ninety-eight per cent of the group had a normal anatomical lid position at follow-up. Nine eyelids (17%) of the group had recurrence of trichiasis. Conclusion:  This large case series demonstrates that upper eyelid cicatricial entropion is managed effectively utilizing procedures that involve recession and reposition. We recommend that excision of tissue is avoided, especially in pathology that has a progressive immunological cicatricial drive.Purpose:  There is a paucity of published data on the management of upper eyelid cicatricial entropion. We report on our results using such techniques as lamella repositioning, recession or augmentation and terminal tarsal rotation.

Difference in response to botulinum toxin type A treatment between patients with benign essential blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm

Background:  Botulinum toxin (BTX) is the first‐line treatment in managing benign essential blepharospasm (BEB) and hemifacial spasm (HFS). We wished to assess the difference in duration of effect and the number of BTX treatments required to treat patients with BEB and HFS.

Air regurgitation in patients on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy following dacrocystorhinostomy with or without Lester Jones tube insertion.

Aim To describe air regurgitation as a complication in patients on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) following dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) surgery with or without Lester–Jones tube (LJT) insertion. Methods A retrospective review of all patients with air regurgitation on CPAP therapy who previously underwent a DCR/LJT procedure. Patient demographics, lacrimal surgical history, CPAP therapy and outcome were recorded. Results Four male patients were identified. The mean age at presentation was 54 years. Two patients had an LJT inserted, and two patients had a DCR procedure, one was external, and one was endonasal. All four patients had resolution of their epiphora. Three patients had superficial epithelial keratopathy requiring lubricant therapy. All patients attempted using ointment to act as a barrier over the neo-ostium, which was unsuccessful. One patient had the LJT removed with resolution of the air regurgitation. Two patients changed their CPAP machines to variable, and three patients reduced the pressure of their CPAP therapy without any improvement. All three patients had persistence of air regurgitation at a mean follow-up of 18 months. Conclusions Air regurgitation can occur following naso-lacrimal surgery in patients on CPAP therapy. Although this is an unusual complication, it should be discussed with the patient at the time of obtaining informed consent.

Bardet-Biedl Syndrome: An Atypical Phenotype in Brothers with a Proven BBS1 Mutation

Background: To report the clinical findings in two brothers presenting with a pigmentary retinopathy and post-axial polydactyly, who were found to have a mutation in the BBS1 gene, confirming a diagnosis of Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS). Materials and Methods: Documentation of the clinical history, electrophysiological investigations, clinical examination and ocular findings of two brothers born to non-consanguineous white parents, with careful delineation of their clinical phenotypes. Screening of the BBS 1 gene on chromosome 11q13 by PCR-amplified exon alterations followed by direct sequencing was carried out to identify pathogenic mutations. Results: Although both probands had polydactyly and the characteristic ocular signs of BBS on both ophthalmological examination and electro-retinography, neither of them had dysmorphic facial features, obesity, hypogonadism, cognitive impairment, or renal anomalies. The first proband did have mild learning difficulties, although this did not restrict him in activities of daily living. Both probands were homozygous positive for the presence of a c.1169T > G (p.Met390Arg) mutation in BBS1. Conclusion: Although neither proband fulfilled the typical criteria for BBS, this diagnosis was confirmed on mutation analysis. These cases serve to highlight the degree of clinical variability observed in BBS which may be under-diagnosed in patients with milder phenotypes.

Visual acuity recovery in traumatic optic neuropathy following endoscopic optic nerve decompression: a case report.

A 59-year-old Chinese man presented with no light perception in the left eye 1 day following functional endoscopic sinus surgery. The patient underwent endoscopic optic nerve decompression with topical and systemic application of nerve growth factor and steroids after a failed trial of high-dose intravenous corticosteroids. Visual acuity improved to 20/25 at 3 weeks and remained stable at 9 months. Reports of full visual recovery are exceedingly rare following this functional endoscopic sinus surgery complication.