Robert C. Kersten

Pediatric orbital floor fracture ☆: Direct extraocular muscle involvement

OBJECTIVE To study the clinical presentation, operative findings, and postoperative results of a surgical series of isolated orbital floor fractures in children. DESIGN Noncomparative, retrospective, consecutive case series. PARTICIPANTS Thirty-four patients (34 orbits) less than 18 years of age with isolated orbital floor fractures. Indications for surgery were severe limitation of extraocular ductions, 22 of 34; enophthalmos, 8 of 34: or both, 4 of 34. INTERVENTION Surgical repair. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Cause of fracture, symptoms, clinical signs, radiographic data, operative findings, postoperative results, and complications. RESULTS Children older than 12 years of age were more likely to sustain an orbital floor fracture as a result of interpersonal violence than were children less than 12 years of age (P: = 0.020). Sixty-two percent of patients (21 of 34) exhibited pain with eye movements and/or nausea and vomiting. Most had a trapdoor type fracture (21 of 34). The inferior rectus muscle was entrapped in the orbital floor fracture in 69% (18 of 26) of patients with a severe limitation of ocular ductions. Preoperative nausea and vomiting were immediately relieved after surgery. The median time for improvement of preoperative duction deficits and diplopia was 4 days for patients receiving surgery within 7 days and 10.5 days for those undergoing surgery after 14 days (P: = 0.030). Resolution of duction deficits or diplopia was not dependent on time of surgery if performed within 1 month of injury. Loss of vision, worsening of motility, or implant complications did not occur. CONCLUSIONS Pediatric patients with isolated orbital floor fractures who had pain, nausea, vomiting, and severe limitation of extraocular motility often have direct entrapment of the inferior rectus muscle into the fracture site. Surgical repair rapidly relieved preoperative pain, nausea, and vomiting. For patients with severe limitation of ductions, early surgical repair within 7 days of injury resulted in more rapid improvement of ductions and diplopia than surgery performed later.

Solitary fibrous tumor of the orbit. Is it rare? Report of a case series and review of the literature

PURPOSE The real incidence of solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) of the orbit is unknown, but it seems that since it was first described in 1994, orbital SFT has been increasingly recognized. We believe that the orbital SFT is a relatively common tumor and that it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any orbital tumor. DESIGN Interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS Four new cases of orbital SFT. METHODS Four patients affected by solitary fibrous tumor of the orbit are described. One patient experienced a recurrent SFT shortly after initial surgical excision performed elsewhere. Thirty-eight cases have been reported in the literature in 7 years. RESULTS The number of orbital SFTs reported has been increasing, reaching an average of more than five tumors reported per year. Since the first orbital SFT was described in 1994, 37 cases have been reported in the literature. We add four new cases in our series, including a recurrent tumor. A total of 42 cases have now been described, eight with recurrences. Malignant transformation occurred in one case. CONCLUSIONS We believe that before 1994, the diagnosis orbital SFT was confused with other benign orbital tumors, such as fibrous histiocytoma and hemangiopericytoma because of a lack of use of immunohistochemical techniques. This entity should now be considered relatively common and should be included in the differential diagnosis of orbital tumors in any age group. Local recurrences of SFT are possible and usually follow an incomplete initial excision. Recurrent tumors in the orbit have shown the tendency to infiltrate the surrounding tissues and the bone, rendering complete secondary excision more difficult. Recurrent orbital SFT also has the potential for malignant transformation. The treatment of choice of orbital SFT is complete surgical excision and careful follow-up. Considering the more aggressive course followed by recurrent tumor, correct diagnosis and management is essential.

Accuracy of Clinical Diagnosis of Cutaneous Eyelid Lesions

PURPOSE Previous studies of cutaneous eyelid lesions have been retrospective using multiple contributing surgeons. The purpose of this study was to determine prospectively the accuracy of the clinical diagnosis of benign, premalignant, and malignant cutaneous eyelid lesions and to determine if all clinical diagnoses require histopathologic confirmation, or if an experienced clinician can reliably distinguish benign from malignant lesions on the basis of history and clinical examination alone. METHODS This prospective study was conducted between January 1988 and January 1995. All patients presenting during this time with periocular cutaneous eyelid lesions were evaluated and a specific clinical diagnosis made in each case before biopsy and histopathologic evaluation. The lesions were categorized prospectively as benign, premalignant, or malignant, and histopathologic evaluation then correlated to determine the accuracy of the clinical diagnosis. Only patients who presented without previous biopsy were eligible for inclusion in the study. RESULTS A biopsy was done on a total of 864 eyelid lesions during the 85 month study period. One hundred fifty-three lesions clinically were thought to represent malignancies. Of these, 140 (91.5%) were found to have malignant histopathologies. Nineteen lesions clinically were thought to represent premalignant processes. Histopathologic evaluation of these 19 lesions showed 16 to be actually premalignant, 1 to be a malignancy, and 2 to be benign. Six hundred ninety-two lesions clinically were thought to be benign. Of these, 13 (1.9%) proved on histopathologic evaluation to be malignant. These included 10 basal cell carcinomas, 1 squamous cell carcinoma, 1 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and 1 adenoid cystic carcinoma. Three (0.4%) of the 692 clinically benign lesions were found to be premalignant. The 13 missed malignancies were distributed among a number of different clinical diagnoses, including papilloma, epidermal inclusion cyst, melanocytic nevus, hydrocystoma, and trichoepithelioma. Of the 153 clinically malignant lesions, 6 lesions that clinically were highly suspicious for malignancy had initial benign histopathologic diagnoses. Rebiopsy results in all of these six subsequently confirmed the suspected malignant diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Malignant eyelid lesions may masquerade as a number of different clinically benign conditions. The authors conclude that all excised eyelid lesions should be submitted for histopathologic confirmation because it is not possible to obtain 100% accuracy in diagnosing eyelid lesions on clinical grounds alone. However, strong clinical suspicion of a malignancy is highly significant, and if initial histopathologic evaluation does not agree with the malignant clinical diagnosis, repeat biopsy should be performed.

Outcome and Influencing Factors of External Levator Palpebrae Superioris Aponeurosis Advancement for Blepharoptosis

Purpose To evaluate, in patients with acquired good-function blepharoptosis, levator advancement success and surgical failure risk factors. Methods This retrospective, case-cohort study was university based. An estimated 828 patients underwent levator advancement for acquired good-function blepharoptosis between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 1999. Seventy-two patients underwent reoperation during the first postoperative year. Of 125 randomly selected patients not undergoing reoperation, 106 met the desired outcome criteria: postoperative margin reflex distance (MRD) ≥2.0 mm and ≤4.5 mm in operated eyes and ≤1.0 mm asymmetry between eyelids. Mean MRD, levator function, and Hering dependence (ipsilateral eyelid elevation exacerbating contralateral blepharoptosis) prevalence were determined for reoperated and desired-outcome groups and compared by using 2-sample t test and the Fisher exact test, respectively. Multivariate analysis was also performed. Results Reoperative rates were 8.7% overall, 5.2% of unilateral, and 13% of bilateral cases. Fourteen percent of patients had results outside the desired range but declined reoperation. Univariate analysis revealed significant differences in preoperative characteristics between desired and undercorrected groups: MRD, 1.0 versus 0.32 mm (p =0.001); levator function, 15.4 versus 14.7 mm (p =0.013); and Hering dependence, 50% versus 79% (p =0.005). With multivariate analysis, bilateral blepharoptosis was statistically significant (p =0.014), whereas levator function and Herring dependence were not. No differences were seen between desired and overcorrected groups. Conclusions After levator advancement for acquired good-function blepharoptosis, 77% of patients had ideal results and 8.7% underwent reoperation. Patients with bilateral or severe blepharoptosis have increased risk of undercorrection.

“One-stitch” Canalicular Repair: A Simplified Approach for Repair of Canalicular Laceration

BACKGROUND It has been widely believed that direct microsurgical re-anastomosis of the canalicular epithelium is necessary for satisfactory repair of canalicular lacerations. However, because repair is carried out in conjunction with placement of an indwelling silicone stent, this stent should keep the canalicular edges adequately approximate without the need for suturing. The authors report their results in repairing canalicular lacerations using a single, fine, horizontal, mattress suture to re-approximate the overlying pericanalicular orbicularis muscle and eliminate direct microsurgical re-anastomosis of the canalicular epithelium. METHODS The authors retrospectively reviewed the charts of 67 patients who underwent repair of lacerated canaliculi with one-stitch re-approximation of the overlying orbicularis muscle in conjunction with bicanalicular silicone tube intubation. Stents were left in place for 3 months postoperatively and then removed. Probing across the lacerated portion of the canaliculus was carried out at the time of stent removal to ensure patency. Dye disappearance testing with 2% fluorescein and irrigation through the canaliculus then was performed 6 weeks to 3 months after stent removal. RESULTS Of the 67 patients, 59 were followed to stent removal. Probing with a 00 probe showed canalicular patency in all 59 patients. Irrigation resulted in reflux in two patients, indicating unrelated nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Of these 59 patients, 45 complied with scheduled follow-up 6 weeks to 3 months after stent removal. Dye disappearance testing using 2% fluorescein demonstrated delay in lacrimal outflow in 6 of the 45 patients. Only two patients had symptomatic epiphora, and in both patients there was an underlying nasolacrimal duct obstruction confirmed by irrigation. CONCLUSIONS Simple re-approximation of the lacerated overlying soft tissue combined with bicanalicular silicone intubation proved highly successful in managing canalicular lacerations. Probing through the lacerated canaliculus demonstrated patency in 100% of the 59 patients followed to stent removal. Only 4% of patients had symptomatic epiphora postoperatively, and 13% demonstrated some delay in outflow with dye disappearance testing. This compares very favorably with previous reported series in which lacerated canaliculi were microsurgically re-anastomosed.

The Perils of Permanent Punctal Plugs

PURPOSE To describe previously unreported complications associated with permanent lacrimal punctal plugs. METHOD Five oculoplastic practices reviewed patients referred to them over the preceding 2 years for permanent lacrimal punctal plug complications. RESULTS In 12 patients, 14 lacrimal punctal plugs migrated distally within the lacrimal drainage system, causing symptoms and necessitating surgical removal. CONCLUSION Luxation of permanent punctal plugs into the distal lacrimal drainage system can occur, sometimes requiring complex surgical intervention.

Acquired ptosis in the young and middle-aged adult population

Purpose: The authors studied the etiology of acquired ptosis in the young to middleaged adult population with specific attention to the role of rigid contact lens use. Methods: The study consisted of all patients between the ages of 15 and 50 years with acquired ptosis who presented between April 1986 and May 1994. Potential factors responsible for acquired ptosis were investigated in all patients with specific attention directed to history and duration of contact lens wear. Results: In the consecutive series of 91 young to middle-aged adults with acquired ptosis, we found contact lens wear to be the only identifiable cause in 47% of patients. This was the most common cause for acquired ptosis in this age group. Trauma was a distant second cause, accounting for 19% of patients. Of the contact lens-induced ptoses, 58% were unilateral and 42% were bilateral. Of the 25 patients who wore contact lenses and had unilateral ptosis on examination, manual elevation of the ptotic lid showed an unsuspected contralateral ptosis to be manifest in seven patients due to Herings law. Ptosis was overwhelmingly associated with rigid contact lens wear, and levator aponeurosis disinsertion was found in the large majority at the time of surgical repair. Conclusion: This study suggests that contact lens-induced ptosis is a much more common cause of acquired ptosis in young and middle-aged adults than has been suspected previously. The ptosis is primarily due to levator aponeurotic disinsertion, presumably due to recurrent traction on the aponeurosis during rigid contact lens removal.

Hemangioblastoma of the Optic Nerve: Report of a Case and Review of Literature

The authors present a case of an optic nerve hemangioblastoma in a young woman with von Hippel-Lindau disease. The initial diagnosis was made by incisional biopsy. Tumor growth led to progressive proptosis and loss of light perception. Excision was carried out by lateral orbitotomy. Clinically and radiographically, the tumor resembled an optic nerve meningioma or glioma. Review of the other known cases offers no information as to the potential spread of this benign tumor from the intraorbital optic nerve to the optic canal. Optic nerve hemangioblastoma must be considered in the differential diagnosis of optic nerve tumors in patients with or without von Hippel-Lindau disease.

Chronic eyelid lymphedema and acne rosacea: Report of two cases

OBJECTIVE The authors describe the clinical findings and surgical treatment of two patients affected by chronic eyelid lymphedema associated with facial acne rosacea. DESIGN Two interventional case reports. METHODS AND INTERVENTION: The clinical diagnosis of acne rosacea was based on the physical examination and confirmed by the histopathologic findings obtained from biopsy of the involved tissue. Surgical treatment was required to address the disfiguring chronic eyelid lymphedema and to correct the resultant mechanical lower eyelid ectropion in both patients. RESULTS Surgical debulking of the affected soft tissue resulted in very satisfactory cosmetic and functional improvement in both patients. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first series of cases of chronic eyelid lymphedema secondary to acne rosacea reported in the ophthalmic literature. Six similar cases have been described previously in the dermatologic literature; all of which had been treated medically without satisfactory results. Surgical debulking of the involved eyelids should be considered in patients affected by persistent symptomatic rosacea lymphedema.

Effect of unilateral blepharoptosis repair on contralateral eyelid position

Purpose: This study evaluates the effect of unilateral blepharoptosis repair on contralateral eyelid position and assesses the relation between preoperative eyelid height interdependence, consistent with Hering law, and surgical outcome. Methods: The medical records of 54 patients (21 men, 33 women; mean age, 65 years) who underwent external levator advancement for unilateral aponeurotic blepharoptosis were reviewed for preoperative and postoperative margin reflex distance (MRD) of the nonoperated eye. To assess the relation between preoperative Hering dependence (mechanical elevation of the ptotic eyelid causing a decrease in contralateral eyelid height) and postoperative eyelid position, the change in MRD of the nonoperated eye was compared between subjects who on preoperative evaluation did (n = 18) and did not (n = 36) demonstrate eyelid height interdependence, using the 2-sample t test. Results: After unilateral blepharoptosis repair, the mean (± SD) change in contralateral MRD was −0.2 ± 0.8 mm. There was no significant difference in contralateral MRD change in subjects with and without preoperative Hering dependence (−0.3 ± 0.8 mm versus −0.2 ± 0.9 mm, respectively, p = 0.78). Seventeen percent (9 of 54) of patients had a contralateral MRD decrease of more than 1 mm. Three patients (5.6%) required contralateral blepharoptosis repair within 1 year of initial surgery. Conclusions: After levator advancement for unilateral blepharoptosis, roughly 17% of patients will have a decrease in contralateral eyelid height of more than 1 mm, with 5% of patients requiring surgical repair during the first postoperative year. The degree of change in contralateral eyelid height cannot be reliably predicted by preoperative assessment of Hering dependence.