Clinical spectrum of primary ophthalmic rhabdomyosarcoma

PURPOSE

To review the clinical presentation, histopathologic analysis, management, and ocular and systemic outcome of rhabdomyosarcoma affecting the ocular region.

DESIGN

Retrospective, noncomparative, consecutive, interventional case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty-three consecutive patients with primary ophthalmic involvement of rhabdomyosarcoma from a single tertiary care center specializing in ocular oncology.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Final visual acuity, treatment complications, local recurrence, and distant metastasis.

RESULTS

The mean age at presentation was 10 years (median, 7 years; range, 1 month-68 years). At presentation, 8 patients (24%) were older than age 10 years and 4 patients (12%) were older than 20 years. The rhabdomyosarcoma was primarily located in the orbit in 25 cases (76%), conjunctiva in 4 cases (12%), eyelid in 1 case (3%), and uveal tract in 3 cases (9%). Symptoms or signs related to the tumor were present for a mean of 5 weeks and included proptosis in 10 patients (30%), eyelid swelling in 7 patients (21%), and blepharoptosis in 6 patients (18%). The initial diagnosis before referral to us included rhabdomyosarcoma in 8 cases (24%), conjunctivitis in 5 cases (15%), orbital or preseptal cellulitis in 5 cases (15%), idiopathic orbital inflammatory pseudotumor in 4 cases (12%), and others. Using the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study Group staging and treatment protocols, the tumor was classified as group I in 4 cases (12%), group II in 12 cases (36%), group III in 16 cases (48%), and group IV in 1 case (3%). Treatment included surgical debulking and various regimens of chemotherapy and radiotherapy for the periocular tumors and enucleation for the three intraocular tumors. Local tumor recurrence was detected in 6 patients (18%). Orbital exenteration was necessary for tumor recurrence in 2 cases (6%). Long-term visual outcome of the 28 patients who maintained their globe was 20/20 to 20/40 in 11 patients (39%), 20/50 to 20/100 in 5 patients (18%), and 20/200 to no light perception in 12 patients (43%). Regional lymph node metastasis was detected in 2 patients (6%), one at initial visit and one after therapy. Distant metastasis occurred in 2 patients (6%), one detected at initial visit and one after therapy. With mean follow-up of 8.3 years, tumor-related death occurred in 1 patient (3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Rhabdomyosarcoma can present in the orbit, eyelid, conjunctiva, and uveal tract. After treatment, local tumor recurrence occurs in 18%, metastasis in 6%, and death in 3%.

Choroidal melanoma metastatic to the contralateral choroid

PURPOSE

To report metastasis of choroidal melanoma to the contralateral choroid.

METHODS

Interventional case report. In a 49-year-old Caucasian female, a primary choroidal melanoma, left eye, was diagnosed and treated with Ruthenium-106 plaque radiotherapy. The choroidal melanoma showed excellent regression with flattening of the mass and adjacent chorioretinal atrophy.

RESULTS

Fifteen years after brachytherapy for choroidal melanoma, left eye, the patient developed a metastatic melanoma to the contralateral choroid as the first sign of metastasis. No history of oculo(dermal) melanocytosis or cutaneous melanoma existed. Systemic evaluation disclosed multiple metastases confined to the liver.

CONCLUSION

Metastasis to the contralateral choroid can be the first sign of metastasis from choroidal melanoma.

Circumscribed choroidal hemangioma: clinical manifestations and factors predictive of visual outcome in 200 consecutive cases

PURPOSE

To review the clinical features and management of circumscribed choroidal hemangioma and determine factors predictive of poor visual outcome.

DESIGN

Retrospective consecutive noncomparative interventional case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Two hundred consecutive patients with circumscribed choroidal hemangioma.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The main outcome measures were analyzed in 155 patients with follow-up of at least 3 months and included complete resolution of subretinal fluid, worsening of visual acuity (more than 2 Snellen lines), and poor final visual acuity (20/200 or worse).

RESULTS

The patients were seen at a mean age of 45 years with symptoms of decreased visual acuity (81%), visual field defect (7%), metamorphopsia (3%), floaters (2%), progressive hypermetropia (1%), photopsia (1%), pain (1%), and no symptoms (6%). The referring diagnoses were choroidal hemangioma (29%), choroidal melanoma (29%), choroidal metastasis (9%), retinal detachment (6%), central serous chorioretinopathy (5%), and others. The tumor had a median base of 6.0 mm and median thickness of 3.0 mm. Secondary retinal detachment in the foveal region was present in 81% of the patients. Initial treatment included observation (51%), laser photocoagulation (44%), plaque radiotherapy (4%), external beam radiotherapy (1%), surgical repair of retinal detachment (1%), and enucleation for painful neovascular glaucoma (1%). Kaplan-Meier estimates revealed complete resolution of subretinal fluid in 60% patients at 5 years and 76% patients at 10 years follow-up. By multivariable analysis, clinical factors predictive of complete resolution of subretinal fluid included shorter duration of symptoms (P = 0.03) and inferior quadrant location of tumor (P = 0.001). At initial presentation, 82 of 155 (53%) patients had poor visual acuity (20/200 or worse), and 73 of 155 (47%) patients had good to moderate visual acuity (20/100 or better). Of those 82 patients with poor initial vision, poor final vision was found in 54% at 5 years and 80% at 10 years. Of the 73 patients with good to moderate initial vision, poor final vision was found in 12% at 5 years and 43% at 10 years. By multivariable analysis, clinical factors predictive of poor final visual acuity included poor initial visual acuity (P < 0.001), failure of previous laser photocoagulation before referral (P = 0.01), and tumor management with observation after referral (P = 0.02). Worsening of visual acuity (by more than 2 Snellen lines) was observed in 8% at 5 years and 28% at 10 years of those 82 patients who were initially seen with poor vision. Worsening of visual acuity was found in 10% at 5 years and 30% at 10 years of those 73 patients who initially were seen with good to moderate vision.

CONCLUSIONS

Circumscribed choroidal hemangioma is a rare intraocular tumor. In 38% of cases, this tumor is initially misinterpreted before referral as choroidal melanoma or metastasis. Visual acuity is poor in more than 60% of patients at 10 years, despite successful control of associated subretinal fluid in 76% patients.

Intraocular surgery after treatment of retinoblastoma

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the results of intraocular surgery in patients treated for retinoblastoma and to assess the ocular and systemic outcomes.

DESIGN

Retrospective noncomparative case series.

PATIENTS

Forty-five consecutive patients who underwent an introcular surgery after treatment for retinoblastoma.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

(1) Recurrence of retinoblastoma, (2) need for enucleation, and (3) systemic metastasis. Overall outcome was defined as favorable in the absence of any of these measures and unfavorable in the presence of 1 or more.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients (76%) underwent a single procedure of cataract surgery, a scleral buckling procedure, or pars plana vitrectomy and 11 (24%) underwent a combination of 2 or more surgical procedures. In all, 16 patients (36%) achieved final visual acuity better than 20/200. Unfavorable outcomes included recurrence of retinoblastoma in 14 patients (31%), enucleation in 16 (36%), and systemic metastasis in 3 (7%). Five patients (20%) who underwent cataract surgery, 5 (63%) who underwent a scleral buckling procedure, and 9 (75%) who underwent pars plana vitrectomy manifested an unfavorable outcome. The median interval between completion of treatment for retinoblastoma and intraocular surgery was 26 months in patients with a favorable outcome vs 6 months in those with an unfavorable outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraocular surgery after treatment for retinoblastoma may be justified in certain exceptional clinical situations. Cataract surgery is safe and effective in most cases. However, the need for a scleral buckling procedure and pars plana vitrectomy may be associated with a higher risk for recurrence of retinoblastoma, enucleation, and systemic metastasis, and a cautious approach is warranted.

Plaque radiotherapy for retinoblastoma: long-term tumor control and treatment complications in 208 tumors

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical factors predictive for tumor recurrence and treatment complications in a large series of children who underwent plaque radiotherapy for retinoblastoma.

DESIGN

Retrospective, noncomparative case series.

PARTICIPANTS

The participants included 141 children with retinoblastoma who were managed on the Oncology Service at Wills Eye Hospital with plaque radiotherapy between July 1976 and June 1999.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Tumor recurrence and treatment complications.

RESULTS

There were 208 tumors managed with plaque radiotherapy. The mean patient age at plaque treatment was 19 months. Prior treatment to the retinoblastoma of concern was delivered to 148 tumors (71%) and included various combinations of treatments such as intravenous chemoreduction, external beam radiotherapy, laser photocoagulation, thermotherapy, and cryotherapy. For 72 retinoblastomas (35%), more than one therapeutic method had failed to achieve tumor control before the use of plaque radiotherapy. Of the 208 retinoblastomas managed with plaque radiotherapy, Kaplan-Meier estimates of tumor control were 83% at 1 year and 79% at 5 years. Of the 60 tumors treated only with plaque radiotherapy (primary treatment), recurrence at 1 year was 12%. Of the 148 tumors treated after failure of other methods (secondary treatment), specific Kaplan-Meier estimates of tumor recurrence at 1 year was detected in 8% of tumors previously treated with chemoreduction, 25% of tumors previously treated with external beam radiotherapy, 34% tumors previously treated with both chemoreduction and external beam radiotherapy, and 8% of tumors previously treated with laser photocoagulation, thermotherapy, or cryotherapy (methods other than chemoreduction and external beam radiotherapy). Using multivariable analysis, the risks for tumor recurrence included the presence of tumor seeds in the vitreous, presence of subretinal tumor seeds, and increasing patient age. Using Kaplan-Meier estimates, radiation complications at 5 years of follow-up included nonproliferative retinopathy in 27%, proliferative retinopathy in 15%, maculopathy in 25%, papillopathy in 26%, cataract in 31%, glaucoma in 11%, and scleral necrosis in 0%.

CONCLUSIONS

Plaque radiotherapy for retinoblastoma provides tumor control in 79% of cases at 5 years of follow-up. It is particularly useful for those tumors that fail treatment with chemoreduction, laser photocoagulation, thermotherapy, and cryotherapy. Tumors in young patients without vitreous or subretinal seeding show the best long-term control.

Retinal capillary hemangioma: a comparison of sporadic cases and cases associated with von Hippel-Lindau disease

OBJECTIVE

To report observations regarding the onset of tumors in patients with retinal capillary hemangiomas (RCH) and comparing sporadic cases with those associated with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease.

DESIGN

Retrospective consecutive case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Sixty-eight patients with RCH managed at a tertiary referral center.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The data were analyzed for age at diagnosis of RCH, two-hit mutation model, onset of new tumors, and random (Poisson) distribution.

RESULTS

Among 68 patients, we identified 174 RCHs in 86 eyes. Thirty-one patients had VHL disease, and 37 patients were sporadic. The median age at diagnosis in cases with VHL disease was 17.6 years (range, 2.8-46.7 years), and in those without VHL disease it was 36.1 years (range, 7.0-74 years). The age distribution of RCH followed a two-hit mutation model. In eyes with VHL disease, the total number of RCH were distributed randomly as calculated by the Poisson distribution (mean number of tumors = 4). Overall onset of 33 new tumors was documented in 11 eyes (13%) over a median interval of 16 months (range, 3-235 months). All new tumors developed before the age of 47 years. The retinal location of new tumors was similar to the previous tumors with most new tumors located in the superotemporal quadrant (42%) and in the midperipheral retina (58%). Of the 50 patients initially manifesting solitary RCH, only 4 had new tumors develop over a median follow-up duration of 6.4 years (range, 0-33 years). All four cases had VHL disease.

CONCLUSIONS

The median age at diagnosis of RCH in patients with VHL disease was almost 18 years less than those without VHL disease. The age distribution of RCH followed the two-hit mutation model. In VHL disease, the number of RCH is determined randomly. Most of the new RCH develop by the age of 47 years. In the absence of VHL disease, it is unlikely for patients with solitary RCH to develop new tumors.

Management of conjunctival and corneal melanoma with surgical excision, amniotic membrane allograft, and topical chemotherapy

PURPOSE

To illustrate a novel method of management for extensive conjunctival and corneal melanoma.

METHODS

Interventional case report. A 40-year-old Caucasian woman presented with a large, diffuse conjunctival melanoma involving 6 clock hours of the limbus. The remaining bulbar conjunctiva and the entire corneal epithelium were affected by diffuse, flat melanosis.

RESULTS

The conjunctival melanoma was completely resected microsurgically in one piece without disrupting the tumor. The conjunctival melanosis was treated with double freeze-thaw cryotherapy. The extensive conjunctival defect, involving one-half of the bulbar conjunctiva, was reconstructed with an amniotic membrane allograft. The corneal melanosis was subsequently treated with topical mitomycin C eyedrops. At 8 months follow-up, the conjunctiva and the cornea were completely healed with resolution of all pigment and 20/20 visual acuity.

CONCLUSION

Preliminary evidence suggests that combined therapeutic approaches, consisting of extensive tumor removal, cryotherapy, amniotic membrane allograft, and topical mitomyin C, can be effective in the management of diffuse conjunctival and corneal melanoma arising from primary acquired melanosis.

Outcome of patients with periocular sebaceous gland carcinoma with and without conjunctival intraepithelial invasion

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical findings, histopathologic features, methods of management, and outcomes in 25 patients with eyelid sebaceous gland carcinoma with and without conjunctival intraepithelial (pagetoid) invasion.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-five patients with sebaceous gland carcinoma of the periocular region.

DESIGN

Retrospective, observational case series.

METHODS

The patients were divided into two groups: group A included those with sebaceous gland carcinoma with conjunctival intraepithelial (pagetoid) invasion, and group B included those with sebaceous gland carcinoma without conjunctival intraepithelial invasion. The demographic, clinical, and histopathologic features of sebaceous gland carcinoma were reviewed separately for each group. Ocular management results and systemic prognosis were reviewed.

RESULTS

Of the 25 patients, 18 (72%) were females and 7 (28%) were males. The mean age at diagnosis was 65 years (range, 17-90 years). There were 11 patients (44%) in group A, and 14 (56%) in group B. The most common symptom in group A was ocular irritation (45%), and in group B the most common symptom was eyelid lump (86%). The most common sign in group A was diffuse eyelid thickening (72%), and in group B the most common sign was a distinct eyelid mass (43%). Six patients (55%) in group A, compared with one patient (7%) in group B, had both upper and lower eyelid involvement. The most frequent location of tumor epicenter was the outer third of the eyelid in both groups: 37% in group A and 57% in group B. Histopathologic origin of tumor was multicentric in four patients (36%) of group A and six patients (50%) of group B. Before referral, local recurrence had been found in 4 of 12 patients (33%) who underwent surgical treatment elsewhere. After referral, local recurrence was detected in 1 patient (9%) in group A and in 2 patients (14%) in group B. Orbital exenteration was necessary in 4 patients (36%) in group A and in one patient (7%) in group B. Tumor-related metastases occurred in two patients (18%) in group A and in two patients (14%) in group B.

CONCLUSIONS

Sebaceous gland carcinoma with conjunctival intraepithelial (pagetoid) invasion has different clinical features compared with that without pagetoid invasion. Conjunctival intraepithelial (pagetoid) invasion carries a higher risk for orbital exenteration, but the risk of tumor-related metastases is similar in both groups.

Pseudohypopyon of orange pigment overlying a stable choroidal nevus

PURPOSE

To report an unusual case of orange pigment pseudohypopyon overlying a choroidal nevus.

METHODS

Observational case report. A 45-year-old man presented with best-corrected visual acuity of 20/25 and metamorphopsia in the right eye secondary to localized subfoveal fluid. The detachment displayed a peculiar appearance of layered orange pigment, like a pseudohypopyon in its inferior aspect. Closer inspection revealed an underlying choroidal nevus and no choroidal neovascular membrane.

RESULTS

After 31 months of follow-up without treatment, the size of the nevus and visual acuity remained stable and metamorphopsia continued to resolve as the orange pigment and the subretinal fluid disappeared completely.

CONCLUSION

An otherwise stable choroidal nevus can display overlying clumps of orange pigment and rarely massive accumulation of orange pigment in the form of a pseudohypopyon. Orange pigment pseudohypopyon can spontaneously resolve with preserved visual acuity.

Ring melanoma of the anterior chamber angle: a report of fourteen cases

PURPOSE

Ring melanoma of the anterior chamber angle is a rare variant of uveal melanoma that manifests as circumferential, flat tumor growth predominantly confined to the trabecular meshwork and other anterior chamber angle structures. We report the clinical and histopathological features, management, and prognosis of ring melanoma of anterior chamber angle.

METHODS

A retrospective review of clinical features, management, histopathologic features, and prognosis was performed. Of 8800 patients with uveal melanoma examined on the Oncology Service at Wills Eye Hospital over a 25-year period, only 14 patients (0.2%; 14 eyes) were classified clinically as ring melanoma of the anterior chamber angle. In no case was there appreciable involvement of the iris or ciliary body on clinical examination.

RESULTS

The patients were followed elsewhere for a mean of 8 months before intraocular malignancy was suspected. Upon referral to the Oncology Service, the intraocular pressure was greater than 22 mm Hg in the affected eye in all patients (mean, 36 mm Hg; median, 35 mm Hg; range, 24 to 48 mm Hg), and all patients were using at least two glaucoma medications. The melanoma infiltrated the anterior chamber angle for a mean of 10 clock hours (range, 8 to 12 clock hours). Tumor management consisted of enucleation in 13 cases and plaque radiotherapy in one case. Histopathologic examination revealed epithelioid cell type melanoma in one case, mixed cell type in nine, and spindle cell type in four. Of the 13 patients who underwent enucleation, tumor cells were found within the Schlemm canal in all cases. Five cases displayed invasion of the intrascleral canals, and three showed episcleral invasion. With the exception of two recent cases, 12 patients were followed for a mean of 64 months (median, 47 months; range, 23 to 225 months). Distant metastasis to the liver was detected in three of 12 patients (25%) after a mean follow-up of 78 months (median, 70; range, 37 to 128 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Ring melanoma of the trabecular meshwork and angle structures is a rare variant of diffuse uveal melanoma. It often masquerades as unilateral glaucoma and can be difficult to recognize clinically unless careful comparative gonioscopy is performed. Despite the relatively small tumor volume, life prognosis is guarded with distant metastasis in 25% at mean 6 years follow-up.

von Hippel-Lindau disease

In recent years advances have been made in the clinical and genetic aspects of von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL). Retinal capillary hemangioma is the most common manifestation of VHL disease and, therefore, ophthalmologists are frequently involved in the care of patients with this disease. The incidence of VHL disease is approximately 1 in 40,000 live births. It is estimated that there are approximately 7000 patients with VHL disease in the USA. The inheritance of VHL disease is autosomal dominant with high penetrance. Depending on the clinical circumstances, retinal capillary hemangioma may be managed by observation, laser photocoagulation, cryotherapy, and plaque radiotherapy. Typical extraocular lesions associated with VHL disease are central nervous system hemangioma, renal cyst, renal carcinoma, pancreatic cysts and adenoma, pancreatic islet cell tumors, pheochromocytoma, endolymphatic sac tumor of the inner ear, and cystadenoma of the epididymis and the broad ligament. The life expectancy of affected individuals may be improved by early detection and treatment of varied manifestations with the use of surveillance protocols. Identification of the VHL gene on chromosome 3p25-26 has now made it possible for suspected individuals to undergo genetic testing with a high degree of accuracy. We review herein the ophthalmic manifestations and treatment of retinal capillary hemangioma and systemic findings of the VHL disease.

Experience with eyelid-sparing orbital exenteration: the 2000 Tullos O. Coston Lecture

PURPOSE

To provide data on types of lesions that require orbital exenteration and discuss our experience with exenteration, emphasizing the eyelid-sparing technique.

METHODS

The records were reviewed on all patients who underwent orbital exenteration by the senior author and his colleagues. The underlying disease, method of exenteration, healing times, complications, cosmetic outcome, local tumor control, and patient survival were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 56 orbital exenterations, 47 were done by eyelid-sparing technique and 9 by eyelid-sacrificing technique. The 9 tumors of eyelid origin that required exenteration included basal cell carcinoma (4), sebaceous gland carcinoma (3), squamous cell carcinoma (1), and melanoma (1). Four of the eyelid lesions were managed by the eyelid-sparing technique and 5 by the eyelid-sacrificing method. The 24 tumors of conjunctival origin included melanoma (20) and squamous cell carcinoma (4). The eyelid-sparing method was used in 22 of the 24 cases. The 10 primary orbital lesions included melanoma (3), malignant lacrimal gland tumor (3), a rhabdoid tumor, meningioma, Wegener's granulomatosis, and aspergillosis. The eyelid-sparing method was used in 8 of the 10 cases. Among intraocular tumors were uveal melanomas (10) and retinoblastoma (1). The eyelid sparing method was used in all 11. With the eyelid-sparing technique, the mean time from exenteration to wound healing and readiness for a prosthesis was 4 weeks (median, 2 weeks; range, 2 to 24 weeks). With the eyelid-sacrificing technique, the mean time was 68 weeks (median, 34 weeks; range, 2 to 340 weeks). Complications were few and cosmetic results were satisfactory. Local tumor control with exenteration was achieved in 53 of 56 cases, but metastasis occurred in 11 of 20 cases of conjunctival melanoma (55%) and in 6 of 10 patients with uveal melanoma (60%). Metastasis has developed in none of the 3 patients with malignant epithelial tumors of lacrimal gland origin.

CONCLUSIONS

Orbital exenteration is an appropriate procedure for orbital involvement by unresectable malignant tumors of the eyelids, conjunctiva, intraocular structures, and orbit. In most of these cases, including about half of tumors originating in the eyelids, an eyelid-sparing exenteration can be used to achieve more rapid healing.

Chemoreduction for retinoblastoma may prevent intracranial neuroblastic malignancy (trilateral retinoblastoma)

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether neoadjuvant intravenous chemotherapy (chemoreduction) for retinoblastoma reduces the risk for associated intracranial neuroblastic tumor (trilateral retinoblastoma).

DESIGN

Retrospective consecutive case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Two hundred fourteen consecutive children with newly diagnosed retinoblastoma treated at a major ocular oncology center from January 1, 1995, to July 1, 1999.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Development of associated intracranial neuroblastic tumor (trilateral retinoblastoma).

RESULTS

During the 54-month study period, 142 patients (66%) received chemoreduction (consisting of vincristine sulfate, etoposide phosphate, and carboplatin therapy) as part of their treatment strategy (chemoreduction group), whereas 72 (34%) were treated with nonchemoreduction methods (nonchemoreduction group). In the chemoreduction group, no associated intracranial neuroblastic tumor developed during the mean 47-month follow-up. Based on a recent meta-analysis of the prevalence of trilateral retinoblastoma, we would have expected the intracranial tumor to develop in 5 to 15 patients with hereditary retinoblastoma. This lack of associated trilateral retinoblastoma in the chemoreduction group was significantly less than expected using binomial distribution (P<.001). In the nonchemoreduction group, associated intracranial tumor (pinealoblastoma) developed in 1 patient, a finding consistent with the expected frequency.

CONCLUSION

Chemoreduction protects against the highly fatal associated intracranial neuroblastic tumor (trilateral retinoblastoma). This observation is especially important in children with bilateral or familial retinoblastoma who are at greatest risk for this brain tumor.

Cancer metastatic to the orbit: the 2000 Robert M. Curts Lecture

PURPOSE

To report the demographics and clinical features of a large series of patients with orbital metastasis.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review on 100 consecutive patients and a literature review on orbital metastasis.

RESULTS

Of 100 patients, the primary tumor site was breast in 53 (53%), prostate gland in 12 (12%), lung in 8 (8%), skin (melanoma) in 6 (6%), kidney in 5 (5%), gastrointestinal tract in 5 (5%), choroid (melanoma) in 2 (2%), parotid gland in 1 (1%), and adrenal gland (neuroblastoma) in 1 (1%). Of patients in whom a detailed history was available, there was no history of cancer at the time of presentation in 19%. In 10%, the primary tumor remained undetected despite systemic evaluation. There were 36 male patients and 64 female patients whose mean age at diagnosis was 62 years (median 60 years, range 5 to 91 years). Both the right and left orbits were affected equally, and 4 cases (4%) were bilateral. The most frequent clinical findings were limited ocular motility (54%), proptosis (50%), and palpable mass (43%). The diagnoses were established by history, systemic survey, imaging studies, and biopsy. Treatment included chemotherapy, hormone therapy, irradiation, surgical excision, or observation, depending on clinical circumstances. Among patients with sufficient follow-up, 95% died of metastasis, with overall mean survival of 15 months (median 15 months; range 3 to 96 months) after orbital diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The most common primary cancers that metastasize to the orbit are breast, prostate gland, and lung cancer. In 19%, there is no history of cancer when the patient presents with ophthalmic symptoms and in 10% the primary site remains obscure despite systemic evaluation. The systemic prognosis is generally poor.

Factors associated with elevated intraocular pressure in eyes with iris melanoma

AIM

To identify clinical factors associated with secondary elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in eyes with iris malignant melanoma

METHODS

A retrospective case series of 169 consecutive patients with microscopically confirmed iris malignant melanoma. The main outcome measure was the presence of tumour induced secondary elevated IOP. Cox proportional regression models were used to calculate the relation of clinical features to elevated IOP.

RESULTS

Of 169 patients with microscopically proved iris melanoma, 50 (30%) presented with tumour induced secondary elevated IOP. The mean pressure in those eyes with elevated IOP at diagnosis was 33 mm Hg (median 31 mm Hg, range 23-65 mm Hg). The tumour configuration was nodular in 23 (46%) and diffuse in 27 (54%) with a mean base dimension of 7.4 mm and thickness of 2.0 mm. Invasion of the angle structures by melanoma seeds was visible for a mean of 7 clock hours (median 7, range 0-12 clock hours). The mechanism of elevated IOP was judged to be outflow obstruction from tumour invasion into the trabecular meshwork. There were no cases of neovascular glaucoma. The tumour was ultimately managed with enucleation in 30 patients (60%), local resection (iridectomy, iridocyclectomy, or iridocyclogoniectomy) in 11 (22%), and plaque radiotherapy in five (10%). In four cases (8%), observation of cytologically low grade tumour was the patient's preference. Using multivariate analysis, the clinical factors at initial evaluation associated with tumour induced secondary elevated IOP from iris melanoma included increasing extent of tumour seeding in the anterior chamber angle (p=0.01) and poor visual acuity at presentation (p=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Microscopically confirmed iris melanoma demonstrates tumour related elevated IOP in 30% cases at the time of presentation, usually secondary to tumour involvement of the trabecular meshwork obstructing aqueous outflow. Enucleation is necessary in the majority of these patients (60%) as opposed to those cases without elevated intraocular pressure (18%).

Pigmented conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma simulating a conjunctival melanoma

PURPOSE

To report a pigmented conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma that clinically simulated a conjunctival melanoma.

DESIGN

Interventional case report.

METHODS

Ocular examination, surgical excision, and clinicopathologic correlation.

RESULTS

A 78-year-old white man developed a lightly pigmented mass at the temporal limbus of his right eye. The differential diagnosis included pigmented squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. Histopathologic examination revealed a malignant squamous cell tumor that contained foci of melanin pigment. The final diagnosis was pigmented conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma.

CONCLUSION

Conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma may rarely be pigmented and simulate a conjunctival melanoma.

Iris neovascularization in children as a manifestation of underlying medulloepithelioma

PURPOSE

To report the occurrence of unilateral iris neovascularization in children secondary to medulloepithelioma.

METHODS

Presenting features and the clinical course of patients confirmed to have medulloepithelioma were reviewed.

RESULTS

Seven patients with medulloepithelioma had iris neovascularization during the clinical course. Associated cataract and lens coloboma occurred in two and three cases, respectively. In six (86%) cases, no apparent cause for iris neovascularization could be detected at presentation. Two cases had tube shunts for management of neovascular glaucoma before medulloepithelioma was recognized. All cases eventually required enucleation.

CONCLUSION

Presence of iris neovascularization is an early manifestation of medulloepithelioma. Children with iris neovascularization of unknown cause should be evaluated to exclude underlying medulloepithelioma.

Sclerochoroidal calcification: clinical manifestations and systemic associations

BACKGROUND

Sclerochoroidal calcification is an unusual ocular condition that is believed to be idiopathic in most cases.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the clinical manifestations of sclerochoroidal calcification and to investigate its possible systemic associations.

METHODS

This noncomparative consecutive case series included patients diagnosed as having sclerochoroidal calcification based on clinical characteristics and diagnostic test findings. We analyzed the demographic, systemic, and ocular features of 27 such patients. Systemic evaluation included tests for calcium-phosphorus metabolism in 19 patients and renal tubular hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis syndromes (Bartter or Gitelman syndrome) in 13.

RESULTS

All the patients were asymptomatic older (mean age, 70 years) white individuals, incidentally noted as having a choroidal lesion on routine examination. Among 38 eyes, the main referral diagnoses were choroidal metastasis in 10 eyes (26%), choroidal melanoma in 8 (21%), and choroidal nevus in 4 (11%). Sixteen patients (59%) had unilateral clinical findings, while 11 (41%) had bilateral. The Snellen visual acuity was 20/50 or better in 37 eyes (97%). Cogan scleral plaque was visible anterior to the insertion of horizontal rectus muscles in 10 eyes (26%). Among 77 foci, there were a mean of 2 foci of sclerochoroidal calcification in each eye, 41 yellow (53%), 32 yellow-white (42%), 2 white (3%), and 2 orange (3%), measuring a mean 2.6 mm in diameter and 1.1 mm in thickness. The most common locations were postequatorial in 45 (58%), along the temporal vascular arcades in 30 (39%), and in the superotemporal quadrant in 43 (56%). A-scan and B-scan ultrasonography revealed dense echoes compatible with calcium, with orbital shadowing. All the lesions remained stable in size and configuration during a mean follow-up of 38 months. One patient developed a choroidal neovascular membrane over the area of sclerochoroidal calcification. Investigations for abnormal calcium-phosphorus metabolism in 19 patients revealed primary hyperparathyroidism in 1 patient (5%). Clinical and biochemical evaluation of 13 patients demonstrated hypomagnesemia in 6 (46%). Four patients (31%) met the criteria for the diagnosis of Gitelman syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

Sclerochoroidal calcification usually manifests as multiple discrete yellow placoid lesions in the midperipheral fundus of asymptomatic older white individuals. Although most cases may be idiopathic in nature, some patients may have underlying systemic disorders involving abnormal calcium-phosphorus metabolism or renal tubular hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis syndromes. All patients with sclerochoroidal calcification should be tested for these treatable systemic associations.

Basal cell carcinoma of the eyelid associated with Gorlin-Goltz syndrome

PURPOSE

To describe the ophthalmic and systemic features in a series of patients initially seen with eyelid basal cell carcinoma associated with Gorlin-Goltz syndrome.

DESIGN

Retrospective noncomparative case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Of 105 consecutive patients with eyelid basal cell carcinoma managed at an Ocular Oncology Center between January 1973 and December 1999, four patients with Gorlin-Goltz syndrome were identified.

METHODS

The ophthalmic and systemic features, management, and outcome of patients with eyelid basal cell carcinoma associated with Gorlin-Goltz syndrome were analyzed. The published literature on Gorlin-Goltz syndrome, specifically related to genetics, systemic features, ophthalmic associations, and prophylactic management strategies, was reviewed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Response of the eyelid basal cell carcinoma to treatment and the final systemic condition were the main outcome measures.

RESULTS

All four patients had a family history of Gorlin-Goltz syndrome. The systemic manifestations included multiple basal cell carcinomas in all the patients, frontal bossing or increased occipitofrontal circumference in three patients, palmar pits in two patients, odontogenic keratocyst in one patient, ectopic calcification in one patient, and bifid rib in one patient. The mean age at the detection of the first basal cell carcinoma was 30 years (range, 16-38 years). All four patients had multiple basal cell carcinomas on the face and elsewhere. The eyelid basal cell carcinoma was advanced with orbital infiltration in three patients, one of whom opted for palliative radiotherapy, whereas the other two underwent orbital exenteration. The fourth patient, who had localized recurrent basal cell carcinoma in the upper eyelid, was treated with excision and eyelid reconstruction. At the final follow-up (mean, 41 months), eyelid basal cell carcinoma was cured in three patients and stable in one patient. No patient had life-threatening sequelae of Gorlin-Goltz syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

Gorlin-Goltz syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant cancer predisposition syndrome that may be associated with eyelid basal cell carcinoma. The associated systemic findings may be a clue to the diagnosis of this condition. It is important to recognize Gorlin-Goltz syndrome when a patient has multiple basal cell carcinomas or when a young patient with eyelid basal cell carcinoma is seen by an ophthalmologist, because lifelong monitoring is essential for patient management.