Periocular Inflammation After Retrobulbar Chlorpromazine (Thorazine) Injection

PURPOSE

Retrobulbar chlorpromazine injection is a relatively recently described method of pain control in nonseeing eyes. This report illustrates severe sterile inflammation as a potential complication.

METHODS

In this university-based, retrospective, small case series, we reviewed the records of 2 female patients and 1 male patient (ages, 13 to 89 years) who developed severe inflammation after retrobulbar chlorpromazine injection.

RESULTS

Three patients had development of severe periocular edema after retrobulbar chlorpromazine injection. Two had development of chemosis, limited extraocular motility, proptosis, and incomplete eyelid closure, necessitating temporary tarsorrhaphy. The third patient had development of facial edema involving the ipsilateral eyelids, forehead, and cheek. Strikingly, it extended to the contralateral face. All 3 patients denied discomfort. In each case, swelling was first noted the day after injection and progressed for 1 week. All were treated with topical lubrication and two with temporary tarsorrhaphy. Resolution occurred within 3 weeks in each case.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe periocular inflammation can result from retrobulbar chlorpromazine injection and may manifest as chemosis, proptosis, limited ocular motility, and facial swelling that may extend well beyond the eyelids. Awareness of this potential adverse reaction is important both for patient counseling before injection and subsequent treatment. Specifically, a sterile inflammatory response should be differentiated from infection to avoid inappropriate therapy.

Prospective evaluation of fundus changes in patients with orbital mass lesions

PURPOSE

To study fundus changes associated with orbital mass lesions.

METHODS

In a prospective, interventional case series, 28 patients undergoing surgery for discrete orbital masses had detailed fundus examination under dilation using direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy. Preoperative visual acuity and the amount and duration of proptosis were noted. Fundus photographs were taken, and postoperative changes were documented. The main outcome measures were the frequency of various fundus changes and their correlation with other clinical features.

RESULTS

Nineteen (68%) of 28 patients had fundus changes; the commonest change was optic disk edema, seen in 14 patients (50%). The mean amount of proptosis +/- SD was 7.7 +/- 7.1 mm for patients with fundus changes and 4.22 +/- 2.1 mm for patients with normal fundus. Of 19 patients with fundus changes, 12 (63%) had an intraconal mass, and 11 (58%) had globe indentation. Twenty patients (71%) had diminished visual acuity preoperatively; of these patients, 8 (40%) had improvement in vision after surgery, 10 (50%) did not have any change in vision, and 2 (10%) had a postoperative decrease in visual acuity. Five (62%) of 8 patients with postoperative improvement in visual acuity had proptosis for < 2 years before surgery was undertaken, while only 1 (10%) of 10 patients retaining their preoperative vision had a duration of proptosis of < 2 years.

CONCLUSION

Fundus changes are frequently seen with orbital masses. An increased amount of proptosis, intraconal location, and globe indentation are associated with fundus changes. Postoperative improvement in visual acuity is less likely in patients with a longer duration of symptoms.

Sclerosing therapy as first line treatment for low flow vascular lesions of the orbit

PURPOSE

To evaluate the outcome of sodium morrhuate 5% injections in patients with low flow vascular lesions, which consist of orbital lymphangiomas, and in one patient with intraosseous cavernous hemangioma.

DESIGN

Prospective, interventional consecutive case series.

METHODS

Intralesional sodium morrhuate 5% was injected under direct visualization or under radiographic guidance to six patients with orbital lymphangiomas and one patient with intraosseous cavernous hemangioma. Comprehensive eye examination and follow-up imaging studies were performed. main outcome measures: Lesion size was evaluated by orbital imaging and clinical examination, visual acuity, exophthalmos, and posttreatment complications.

RESULTS

Seven patients (four female, three male; average age, 33 years) were included. Six patients were diagnosed with orbital lymphangioma, and one patient was diagnosed with intraosseous cavernous hemangioma. Patients received an average of 2.6+/-2 intralesional injections of sodium morrhuate, with a range of one to six injections and a mean volume of 0.9+/-0.8 ml (range, 0.2 to 2.1 ml). Lesions showed a decrease in size an average of 50% (33%) and ranged from minimal (10%) to near total resolution (85%). Visual acuity and intraocular pressure remained unchanged; exophthalmos decreased an average of 1.5+/-1.8 mm. Complications included one case of orbital hemorrhage that resolved spontaneously and transient keratopathy in all patients with anterior orbital lesions.

CONCLUSION

Intralesional sclerosing therapy with sodium morrhuate 5% is effective in tumor debulking in patients with orbital lymphangioma and is not associated with vision-threatening complications. It may be a better alternative to surgery for low flow orbital tumors, which includes lymphangioma.

The removal of the deep lateral wall in orbital decompression: its contribution to exophthalmos reduction and influence on consecutive diplopia

PURPOSE

To evaluate the contribution of maximal removal of the deep lateral wall of the orbit to exophthalmos reduction in Graves' orbitopathy and its influence on the onset of consecutive diplopia.

DESIGN

Case-control study.

METHODS

The medical records of two cohorts of patients affected by Graves' orbitopathy with exophthalmos > or = 23 mm, without preoperative diplopia, were retrieved at random from the pool of patients decompressed for rehabilitative reasons at our institution (01/1990 to 12/2003), and retrospectively reviewed. They had been treated with an extended (cases, group 1, n = 15) or conservative (controls, group 2, n = 15) 3-wall orbital decompression performed through a coronal approach. The deep portion of the lateral wall had been removed in the extended decompression group while preserved in the conservative decompression group. Demographics, preoperative characteristics, and surgical outcome were compared. The difference in mean exophthalmos reduction between groups 1 and 2 was considered to be the contribution of the deep lateral wall to reduction of exophthalmos.

RESULTS

Groups 1 and 2 were drawn from a pool of 37 and 335 patients, respectively. Demographics and preoperative characteristics of the two groups were not significantly different. The mean contribution of the deep lateral wall to exophthalmos reduction was 2.3 mm. The onset of consecutive diplopia was not significantly different between the two groups (case n = 2/15, controls n = 5/15; P = .203). Diplopia resolved spontaneously in all the patients of group 1, while all the patients of group 2 required surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Removal of the deep lateral orbital wall as part of a coronal-approach, 3-wall decompression, enhances the degree of exophthalmos reduction without increasing the risk of consecutive diplopia.

Coronal or swinging eyelid decompression for patients with disfiguring proptosis in Graves' orbitopathy? Comparison of results in one center

PURPOSE

To compare 2 different approaches for 3-wall orbital decompression in patients with disfiguring proptosis due to Graves' orbitopathy, and to determine which technique is preferable.

DESIGN

Retrospective nonrandomized study with a concurrent comparison group.

PARTICIPANTS

Charts of 74 consecutive patients with disfiguring proptosis due to Graves' orbitopathy who underwent coronal (46) or swinging eyelid (28) decompression between January 1, 2000 and January 1, 2004 were studied retrospectively. Patients with dysthyroid optic neuropathy were excluded.

METHODS

We analyzed the following parameters: proptosis reduction, ocular motility, number of additional operations, number and kind of complications, patients' satisfaction, patients' estimation of numbness or abnormal sensations in the field of operation and surgical scars, and duration of hospitalization time.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Reduction of proptosis, changes in eye motility, and duration of hospitalization.

RESULTS

Mean proptosis reductions were 4.8 mm (range, 1-11) after coronal decompression and 5.6 mm (range, 0-8) after swinging eyelid decompression (P = 0.025). Patients who were operated by the swinging eyelid approach had no more deteriorated motility and a shorter hospitalization time. Complications were seen rarely. Both groups of patients showed high satisfaction scores.

CONCLUSION

Relative to the coronal approach, swinging eyelid decompression results in at least the same proptosis reduction, no greater motility disturbance, and a shorter hospitalization time.

Evaluation of extraocular muscles using dynamic contrast enhanced MRI in patients with chronic thyroid orbitopathy

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the current study is to investigate the underlying pathophysiological changes of extraocular muscle (EOM) in Graves orbitopathy using dynamic contrast MR imaging and to correlate these MR functional changes with the anatomic abnormalities.

METHODS

EOMs of 16 patients with Graves disease and 12 normal volunteers were examined by dynamic enhanced MRI. We quantified the peak enhancement ratio of EOMs and calculated the ratio versus temporalis muscle and the ratio of maximum upslope versus temporalis muscle. We compared the ratios between normal volunteers and patient groups.

RESULTS

Mean of peak enhancement ratio values for the EOMs in patients with Graves disease tends to decrease according to the severity of the anatomic and clinical changes. The mean maximum upslope also decreased according to the severity of the disease for EOMs.

CONCLUSION

Hemodynamic information obtained by dynamic contrast enhanced MRI is useful in evaluating the clinical course of thyroid orbitopathy.

Horizontal Eyelid Movement on Eyelid Closure

PURPOSE

When performing ptosis surgery, a suture is placed between the levator and the tarsal plate at the point of the desired peak. This placement is done while the patient's eye is closed, but its effects are observed with the patient's eye open. Unaccounted-for horizontal eyelid movement on eyelid closing may therefore adversely affect the desired outcome. The purpose of this study was to characterize the horizontal translation of the eyelid on closing the eyes.

METHODS

In this experimental case series study, a randomly selected upper eyelid of normal subjects, subjects with ptosis, and subjects with exophthalmos, ages 21 through 70, was studied to determine the horizontal eyelid movement on closing the eyes by videotape analysis of the movement of dots placed above the eyelid margin and on the eyelid crease above the center of the pupil.

RESULTS

The eyelid translation on closing the eye is medial and varies among subjects from 0.1 mm to 3.5 mm. The movement is usually greater at the eyelid margin than at the eyelid crease.

CONCLUSIONS

The amount of horizontal eyelid translation on closing the eyes is clinically significant in many people. The clinical impact of this finding should affect how ptosis surgery is performed. The desired point of peaking of the eyelid should be marked at the beginning of the case with the eyes open and the mark used as a guideline for placing the suture that will determine the peak.

Customized, Single-Incision, Three-Wall Orbital Decompression

PURPOSE

To present the clinical outcome in 55 consecutive patients by using a customized, single-incision, 3-wall orbital decompression.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed of 97 customized, single-incision, 3-wall decompressions in 55 consecutive patients within one surgeon's practice. A standardized surgical technique featuring lateral small-incision, 3-wall decompression with specific "strut" preservation was used in all patients. Success of the procedure was assessed on the basis of the amount of proptosis reduction achieved, as measured by the difference in Hertel exophthalmometry measurements, and by improvement in or preservation of preoperative visual acuity and color vision in the setting of compressive optic neuropathy. Subjective diplopia was recorded before and after surgery, as was the presence of extraocular muscle restriction.

RESULTS

A total of 97 orbital decompressions in 55 consecutive patients were reviewed. The majority of surgeries were performed for disfiguring proptosis with some degree of exposure-related symptoms (81%), with other indications including compressive optic neuropathy (17%), and pain (2%). The average amount of proptosis reduction achieved at 3 months was 5 mm (range, 1 to 11 mm). Visual acuity in patients with compressive optic neuropathy improved an average of 2 lines on the standard Snellen chart testing (range, 1 to 5). Color vision improved an average of 5 Ishihara plates (range, 0 to 13). Seventy-one percent of patients had subjective diplopia before surgery; 21% of these patients reported improvement or complete resolution of diplopia after surgery. Of the 29% of patients without preoperative subjective diplopia, all but one (1.8 of total patients) remained symptom free.

CONCLUSIONS

We find that a customized, single-incision, 3-wall orbital decompression provides adequate decompression and proptosis reduction while minimizing postoperative strabismus and providing an aesthetically desirable result.

Pentoxifylline (PTX)--an alternative treatment in Graves' ophthalmopathy (inactive phase): assessment by a disease specific quality of life questionnaire and by exophthalmometry in a prospective randomized trial

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of pentoxifylline (PTX) in subjects with inactive Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) through a specific quality of life (QOL) questionnaire and exophthalmometry readings.

METHODS

Eighteen females were randomly divided in two groups. Group A (n=9) was treated with PTX 1200 mg orally/day for 6 months. Group B (n=9) received placebo during the initial 6 months and then PTX for another 6 months. Proptosis measurements were carried out every 3 months and a questionnaire graded from 0 to 10 according to the severity of the symptoms was performed at baseline and after placebo and PTX administration.

RESULTS

At baseline, Group A questionnaire score values were 5.5 (median; range 3.5 to 8.0), and 5.0 after 6 months (3.0 to 6.0; p=0.01). In Group B, baseline values were not significantly different after 6 months of placebo: 6.0 (4.5 to 7.0) and 5.5 (4.5 to 7.0), respectively. However, a significant change was observed 6 months after PTX: 4.0 (2.0 to 5.0; p<0.001). Patients in Group A had a progressive improvement of proptosis during PTX: at baseline, 23 mm (median; range 20 to 32); after 3 months, 23 mm (18 to 30; p=0.02); and after 6 months, 23 mm (18 to 30; p=0.005). In Group B, proptosis remained stable during placebo: at baseline, 23 mm (21 to 25); after 3 months, 23 mm (20 to 25); and after 6 months, 23.5 mm (20 to 25). A significant change was observed after 3 and 6 months of PTX: 22 mm (19 to 24; p=0.0006) and 20.8 mm (17 to 25; p=0.0003), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Pentoxifylline seems to improve the QOL of patients in the inactive phase of GO. The objective findings of the proptosis readings corroborate to suggest that PTX may be an effective and promising drug in the inactive phase of GO.

Primary-gaze diplopia in patients with thyroid-related orbitopathy undergoing deep lateral orbital decompression with intraconal fat debulking: a retrospective analysis of treatment outcome

Our goal was to investigate the incidence of postoperative primary gaze diplopia in patients with thyroid-related orbitopathy (TRO) undergoing deep lateral wall orbital decompression surgery with intraconal fat debulking in the Jules Stein Eye Institute over a period of 4(1/4) years. Overall 201 orbital decompression surgeries were performed in 116 patients (23 males, 93 females). All surgeries were performed by two of the authors (R.A.G. and J.D.M.) and in the noninflammatory phase of the disease. Exophthalmos decreased by an average of 3.4 +/- 2.7 mm from 23.8 +/- 3.2 mm (17-31) to 20.4 +/- 2.5 mm (14-29), p < 0.001, 95% confidence interval (CI) (3.0:3.8). 31% of patients had preoperative primary gaze diplopia and 28.4% had postoperative primary gaze diplopia. Thirty (83%) of the 36 patients with preoperative diplopia had also postoperative diplopia; 6 (16.7%) of the 36 patients had improvement in diplopia following deep lateral wall decompression. Of the 80 (69%) of patients without preoperative double vision 3 developed postoperative double vision in primary gaze (2.6% of all patients). These 3 patients were older (56 versus 46 years, p = 0.047), had more limitation in ocular movements (p = 0.017) and achieved more decrease in proptosis with surgery (6 versus 3.1 mm, p = 0.024). No complications were associated with orbital decompression. In conclusion deep lateral wall orbital decompression surgery with intraconal fat debulking is associated with a low rate (2.6%) of new-onset primary gaze diplopia. Some patients (5.2%) with preoperative diplopia actually had improvement in diplopia postoperatively. This surgery is effective in reduction of congestion and exophthalmos, and is not associated with detrimental effects on visual acuity.

Late reactivation of thyroid orbitopathy

BACKGROUND

Thyroid orbitopathy is characterized by spontaneous remissions and exacerbations. Although data on the natural history are scarce, the active phase is usually self-limited, encompassing an average period of 18-36 months. Late reactivation, defined as active orbitopathy occurring after more than 5 years of quiescent disease, appears to be an uncommon and poorly documented event. The aim of the present study was to assess the incidence and characteristics of late reactivation of thyroid orbitopathy within a tertiary referral orbital clinic.

METHODS

A retrospective case review was conducted of patients with thyroid orbitopathy seen at the Royal Adelaide Hospital Orbital Clinic between 1996 and 2001.

RESULTS

From 193 cases of thyroid orbitopathy, eight cases (5%) of late reactivation were identified. The mean age of patients was 51 years (range 32-76 years) with a female to male ratio of 3:1. All cases presented with proptosis and seven demonstrated increased diplopia and gaze restriction. Signs of soft tissue inflammation were seen in three cases. All were euthyroid at presentation with a past history of thyroid orbitopathy and hyperthyroidism. One patient had an association of smoking with reactivation but the remainder had no discernible precipitants. The average interval between the initial orbitopathy and reactivation was 12 years (range 6-30 years). Computed tomography revealed enlarged extraocular muscles in seven cases and two showed partial response to treatment with low dose radiotherapy and steroids. The average length of disease activity was 14 months (range 9-18 months).

CONCLUSION

Late reactivation of thyroid orbitopathy appears to be an uncommon phenomenon. It may occur under euthyroid conditions with no obvious precipitants and often presents as a reactivation of myopathy.

[Concentrations of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) in patients witt Graves' disease and thyroid associated orbitopathy]

The aim of this study is to evaluate serum concentrations of sVCAM-1 in patients with Graves' disease (GD) and thyroid associated orbitopathy (TAO). We measured serum sVCAM-1 levels in initially hyperthyroid GD patients without TAO, in patients with progressive and stable orbitopathy in euthyroid stage of GD and healthy controls. The highest serum concentrations of sVCAM-1 were observed in patients with hyperthyroid GD. In patients with euthyroid GD and progressive TAO, sVCAM-1 levels were slightly decreased than those in the group of patients with hyperthyroid GD and markedly elevated in comparison to the group of patients with stable TAO. In patients with hyperthyroid GD, sVCAM-1 concentrations dropped significantly after they had become euthyroid , but were still higher than those observed in group of patients with stable TAO and healthy people. Serum levels of sVCAM-1 in early stage of the progressive TAO (<6 m-ths) were higher than those in late stage of the disease (>6 m-ths), despite lower orbitopathy index (OI) found in early stage of the orbitopathy (<6 m-ths). In conclusion, both hyperhyroidism and TAO may contribute to elevated levels of sVCAM-1. A significant decrease in sVCAM-1 levels in initially hyperthyroid GD patients is associated with euthyroid stage of the disease. Concentrations of sVCAM-1 seem to correlate with the activity, not severity of progressive TAO.

[Assessment of soluble E selectin levels in patients with Graves' disease and thyroid orbitopathy]

The aim of this study is to evaluate serum concentrations of sELAM-1 in patients with Graves' orbitopathy (GO). We studied levels of soluble form of E selectin -1 in patients with euthyroid progressive GO (group I) and euthyroid stable GO (group II), hyperthyroid Graves' disease (GD) without GO (group III) and in healthy controls (group IV). sELAM-1 levels were measured by ELISA method. The highest serum levels of sELAM-1 were found in group III. Mean sELAM-1 concentrations in patients with progressive and stable GO were slightly lower than those in group III patients. The sELAM-1 serum concentrations in group I and II were comparable, nearly the same despite the different clinical picture of the disease in both groups. Mean serum concentrations of sELAM-1 decreased significantly during treatment of progressive GO, parallel to the improvement of the eye changes. In conclusion, sELAM-1 concentrations do not reflect the degree of GO activity. A significant decrease in sELAM-1 concentrations are associated with the efficient outcome of treatment. Increased sELAM-1 levels seem to result form both GO and GD.

[Thyroid orbitopathy (pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment)]

PURPOSE

To review and to update the current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches and the pathogenesis of thyroid orbitopathy. To propose a practical, basic and precocious approach based in the knowledge of the disorder.

METHODS

Literature review and exposition of our experience in the management of thyroid orbitopathy.

RESULTS

Thyroid orbitopathy is an inflammatory orbital disease that probably has an autoimmune origin and most of the time is related to systemic disorders of the thyroid gland. The disease has a variable clinical presentation and it may cause severe damage in vision and orbital architecture, therefore, producing a decrease in the patient's quality of life and may also alter significantly the personal behavior. Pathogenesis of the disease is not yet fully understood, but it is widely held that there is a common autoantigen shared between the thyroid gland and the orbital adipogenic fibroblasts. Women are more likely to develop thyroid orbitopathy, and the disease is clearly affected by several factors such as smoking, age, sex and race.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical knowledge is essential for the early diagnosis of this disorder, and it is the most important factor for the proper management of the disease. The medical treatment must be initiated promptly and should be aggressive and based in the current phase of the disease, in order to avoid the severe damage that follows thyroid orbitopathy. The surgical approach must be logical and sequential, but, on the other hand, must be rapid and aggressive in order to return the patient to his/her labour, social and familiar environment.

Balanced orbital decompression combined with fat removal in Graves ophthalmopathy: do we really need to remove the third wall?

PURPOSE

To compare the reduction of proptosis and the incidence of new-onset diplopia after 3-wall (medial, lateral, and inferior) orbital decompression versus balanced medial and lateral wall decompression combined with orbital fat excision in patients with Graves ophthalmopathy.

METHODS

Three-wall orbital decompression including medial, inferior, and lateral walls was performed in 13 eyes of 7 patients (group 1), and balanced medial and lateral wall decompression combined with fat removal was performed in 18 eyes of 11 patients (group 2). A transnasal endoscopic approach was used for medial wall removal. A lateral canthotomy incision combined with a short upper eyelid incision was used for extended lateral wall removal, and this was combined with an inferior conjunctival fornix incision when floor decompression was performed.

RESULTS

The mean reduction of proptosis was 6.9+/-1.6 mm and 6.5+/-1.3 mm in the first and second groups, respectively; the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.37). After 3-wall decompression, 57.1% of the patients had permanent new-onset diplopia (group 1), whereas none of the patients had permanent postoperative diplopia after balanced medial and lateral wall decompression combined with fat removal (group 2). The difference in permanent new-onset postoperative diplopia between two groups was statistically significant (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Balanced medial and lateral wall decompression combined with orbital fat removal provides an effective reduction in proptosis and reduces the incidence of postoperative permanent diplopia when compared with 3-wall decompression. This technique may eliminate the need for orbital floor excision.

Pterional orbital decompression in diseases with acute increase of intraorbital pressure

BACKGROUND

Orbital cellulitis as well as traumatic or spontaneous intraorbital hemorrhages can lead to an acute rise of intraorbital pressure, threatening the function of orbital vascular, muscular and neural structures. The treatment of this rare entity with extended pterional orbital decompression is described in comparison with other methods of orbital decompression.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 1991 and 2000 the authors treated 16 patients with sight-threatening acute elevations of intraorbital pressure due to orbital cellulitis (3 patients) and spontaneous (3 patients), postoperative (1 patient) or traumatic diffuse or localized intraorbital hemorrhage (9 patients) with extended pterional orbital decompression. Pre- and postoperative parameters, like visual acuity, exophthalmos, restrictions of extraocular motility and pupillary disturbances, were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

In all patients, a distinct improvement of preoperative symptoms, like complete reduction of proptosis in all cases, improvement of visual acuity in 12 patients, improvement of eye motility disturbances in 14 patients and of afferent pupillary disturbances in 6 patients, was achieved by decompressing the orbital contents within a mean of 30.5 hours after onset of symptoms. Severe, operation-related complications were not seen.

CONCLUSION

Extended pterional orbital decompression represents an effective treatment alternative and supplement in cases of severe, ocular function-threatening cases of acute elevated orbital pressure, due, for example, to orbital cellulitis or diffuse or localized spontaneous and traumatic intraorbital hemorrhage, where immediate reduction of pressure on orbital neural, muscular and vascular structures is intended.

High dose intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy versus oral prednisone for thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy

PURPOSE

To compare the effectiveness of intravenous (i.v.) methylprednisolone pulse therapy and oral prednisone when used as the initial treatment of patients with mild or moderate thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy.

METHODS

Thirty-three consecutive patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy in Helsinki and Turku University Hospitals were randomly assigned either i.v. methylprednisolone pulse therapy (group A, n = 18) or oral prednisone (group B, n = 15). Treatment outcomes were measured by subjective changes in the grade of diplopia and quantitatively in several ophthalmic variables at 3 and 12 months. Any decision to proceed with additional treatment at 3 months was made on clinical grounds. The study was open in respect of both the initial treatment and the need for additional therapy.

RESULTS

No significant differences in the grade of diplopia, proptosis or soft tissue activity scores were noted between groups A and B from 0 to 3 months. However, group A required additional forms of therapy at 3 months less frequently than did group B (p = 0.038).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that i.v. methylprednisolone pulse therapy and oral prednisone are equally effective as initial treatments for thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy where diplopia, proptosis and signs of soft tissue inflammation are concerned. When additional treatment is required, i.v. methylprednisolone pulse therapy may be more effective than oral prednisone. However, the study's limitations meant that any decision to give additional treatment after the initial therapy was made on clinical grounds.

Comparison of the effectiveness and tolerability of intravenous or oral glucocorticoids associated with orbital radiotherapy in the management of severe Graves' ophthalmopathy: results of a prospective, single-blind, randomized study

Eighty-two consecutive patients with moderate-to-severe and active Graves' ophthalmopathy were randomly treated with orbital radiotherapy combined with either oral (prednisone; starting dose, 100 mg/d; withdrawal after 5 months) or iv (methylprednisolone; 15 mg/kg for four cycles and then 7.5 mg/kg for four cycles; each cycle consisted of two infusions on alternate days at 2-wk intervals) glucocorticoids. The two groups did not differ for age, gender, duration of hyperthyroidism and ophthalmopathy, prevalence of smokers, thyroid volume, and pretreatment ocular conditions. Both groups of patients received radioiodine therapy shortly before treatment for Graves' ophthalmopathy. Follow-up lasted for 12 months. A significant reduction in proptosis (from 23.2 +/- 3.0 to 21.6 +/- 1.2 mm in the iv glucocorticoid group, P < 0.0001; and from 23 +/- 1.8 to 21.7 +/- 1.8 mm in oral glucocorticoid group, P < 0.0001) and in lid width (from 13.3 +/- 2.5 to 11.8 +/- 2.2 mm, and from 13.6 +/- 2.0 to 11.5 +/- 1.9 mm, respectively; P < 0.001 in both cases) occurred, with no difference between the two groups. Diplopia significantly improved in both groups: it disappeared in 13 of 27 (48.1%) iv glucocorticoid patients (P < 0.005) and in 12 of 33 (36.4%) oral glucocorticoid patients (P < 0.03). The degree of amelioration of diplopia did not significantly differ between the two groups (P = 0.82). Optic neuropathy improved in 11 of 14 iv glucocorticoid (P < 0.01) and only in 3 of 9 oral glucocorticoid (P = 0.57) patients, with no significant difference in these outcomes. The Clinical Activity Score decreased from 4.5 +/- 1.2 to 1.7 +/- 1.0 (P < 0.0001) in the iv glucocorticoid group and from 4.2 +/- 1.1 to 2.2 +/- 1.2 (P < 0.0001) in the oral glucocorticoid group; final Clinical Activity Score was significantly lower in iv glucocorticoid than in oral glucocorticoid patients (P < 0.01). By self-assessment evaluation, 35 (85.3%) iv glucocorticoid and 30 (73.2%) oral glucocorticoid patients reported an improvement of ocular conditions (P = 0.27). Overall, both treatments produced favorable effects in most patients, but responders in the iv glucocorticoid group (36 of 41, 87.8%) were more than in the oral glucocorticoid group (26 of 41, 63.4%) (P < 0.02). Moreover, iv glucocorticoid treatment was better tolerated than oral glucocorticoid treatment. Side effects occurred in 23 (56.1%) iv glucocorticoid and 35 (85.4%) oral glucocorticoid patients (P < 0.01); in particular, cushingoid features developed in 5 of the former and 35 of the latter patients. One iv glucocorticoid patient had severe hepatitis of undetermined origin at the end of glucocorticoid treatment, followed by spontaneous recovery. In conclusion, high-dose iv glucocorticoid and oral glucocorticoid (associated with orbital radiotherapy) are effective in the management of severe Graves' ophthalmopathy, but the iv route seems to be more effective and better tolerated than the oral route and associated with a lower rate of side effects.

Orbital varices: imaging findings and the role of color Doppler sonography in the diagnosis

The orbital varices are infrequent intraorbital masses, which cause intermittent, positional exophthalmos. They have low venous pressure inside which causes difficulties in detection by routine protocols of nearly all imaging modalities. Color Doppler sonography is a simple procedure that can easily detect orbital varices which avoids further evaluation in non-complicated patients. We report the imaging findings of a case of orbital varix and discuss the role of color Doppler sonography in the diagnosis and follow-up.

Follow-up of transnasal orbital decompression in severe Graves' ophthalmopathy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transnasal orbital decompression for severe Graves' ophthalmopathy.

DESIGN

Retrospective noncomparative case series with extended clinical follow-up.

PARTICIPANTS

Seventy-eight consecutive subjects who were operated on for compressive optic neuropathy with loss of visual acuity or visual field defects after failure of medical and radiation therapy.

INTERVENTION

Strictly transnasal, endoscopic-controlled bilateral decompression of the medial and inferomedial wall of the orbit.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Preoperative and postoperative examination, including vision, Hertel exophthalmometry, ocular motility, visual fields, Goldmann perimetry, and notification of complications, intranasal signs of inflammation, and subjects' assessment of the procedure.

RESULTS

One hundred forty-five endonasal decompressions were performed on 78 subjects (63 women, 15 men, 52.2 +/- 10.3 years) during a 10-year period. Sixty five patients were bilaterally operated on; 15 required only unilateral decompression. Four of 78 needed repeat surgery. Visual acuity increased from a preoperative average of 0.50 +/- 0.27 (range, 0.01-1.25) to 0.75 +/- 0.21 (range, 0.01-1.25) postoperatively. An average reduction of proptosis of 3.94 +/- 2.73 mm (range, -1.0-11.0 mm) was achieved with a mean preoperative Hertel measurement of 22.19 +/- 3.13 mm (range, 15-34 mm). Ocular motility was corrected by recession of the medial rectus muscle in 58 of 78 cases. Twenty-six of these 58 cases were simultaneously operated on in the same surgical session immediately after the transnasal decompression, and the others after a period of 2 to 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The transnasal orbital decompression procedure improved vision, decreased proptosis in a range comparable to more invasive techniques, and had favorable cosmetic results without additional disfiguration by scars. Morbidity was far less than with other approaches. Postdecompression strabismus was successfully managed by recession of both medial orbital muscles in the same surgical session.

Results of a neurosurgical two-wall orbital decompression in the treatment of severe thyroid associated ophthalmopathy

PURPOSE

Follow-up of patients with severe thyroid associated ophthalmopathy treated with a transcranial two-wall orbital decompression and reconstruction.

METHODS

A two-wall transcranial orbital decompression was performed in 30 such patients (50 eyes). The patients were evaluated one month postoperatively, and long-term evaluation (median 14 months, range 2-54 months) was carried out. The main outcome measures were visual acuity, proptosis measured by Hertel ophthalmometry, soft tissue involvement, and restriction of eye motility.

RESULT

Visual acuity improved rapidly in 28 of 32 affected eyes with normalization in 19 eyes (p<0.001). Worsening was not seen. Median proptosis was reduced by 4.0 mm, range 0-10.0 (p<0.001). Double vision was present in 24 patients before operation 14 of whom achieved binocular vision (p<0.001). Three patients had unchanged complaints and the double vision worsened in one patient. Seventeen of 20 patients on preoperative corticosteroid treatment discontinued this medication in relation to surgery. Complications included one case of perioperative minor stroke and two cases of facial nerve frontal branch palsy.

CONCLUSION

The transcranial two-wall decompression is a simple, an efficient and a low-risk procedure for treatment of patients with severe thyroid associated ophthalmopathy.

Intraocular pressure changes after treatment for Graves' orbitopathy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the change in intraocular pressure (IOP) in subjects with Graves' orbitopathy (GO) after orbital decompression, strabismus surgery, and orbital radiation.

DESIGN

Retrospective case review.

METHODS

The charts of 172 consecutive subjects from the Neuro-ophthalmology Service at Wills Eye Hospital (Philadelphia, PA) with GO who underwent either orbital decompression, strabismus surgery, or orbital radiation between 1994 and 1999 were analyzed. Subject age, gender, diagnosis of glaucoma in either eye, use of systemic steroids or topical glaucoma medications, procedure performed, and the preoperative and postoperative IOP (in primary position and upgaze) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Of 116 eyes that underwent orbital decompression, the mean preoperative IOP was 21.6+/-4.6 mmHg (standard deviation) in primary position and 27.9+/-6.8 mmHg in upgaze. The postoperative IOP was 17.5 mmHg +/- 3.0 mmHg in primary position and 20.1+/-4.7 mmHg in upgaze, a decrease in IOP of 18.9% in primary position and 27.9% in upgaze (P<0.001). Subjects taking glaucoma medication or who had IOP greater than 21 mmHg demonstrated a significantly (P<0.001) greater reduction in IOP postoperatively. The mean preoperative IOP in the 32 subjects who had strabismus surgery was 18.5+/-2.8 mmHg (primary position), and 24.7+/-4.3 mmHg (upgaze). Postoperative IOP was 16.1 mmHg (primary position) and 16.9 mmHg (upgaze), a decrease of 2.4 mmHg (13.3%, P<0.01 in primary position) and 7.8 mmHg (31.2%, P<0.01 in upgaze). There was no statistically significant reduction in IOP after orbital radiation.

CONCLUSIONS

In the selected subgroup of subjects with GO who required intervention, orbital decompression and strabismus surgery resulted in a significant reduction in IOP in the early postoperative period, especially in subjects with preoperative IOP greater than 21 mmHg.

The course of Graves' ophthalmopathy is not influenced by near total thyroidectomy: a case-control study

OBJECTIVE

The relationship between the method of treatment of hyperthyroidism due to Graves' disease and the course of Graves' ophthalmopathy is debated. Antithyroid drug therapy is associated with no change, or even amelioration, of ophthalmopathy. Although controversial, radioiodine may be followed by progression of eye disease, preventable by glucocorticoid administration. Whether thyroidectomy affects the course of ophthalmopathy is uncertain.

DESIGN

In a case control study, the course of non-severe Graves' ophthalmopathy after thyroidectomy was investigated and the results compared with those observed in patients treated with methimazole.

PATIENTS

Thirty patients with Graves' hyperthyroidism and non-severe/absent ophthalmopathy were treated with near-total thyroidectomy (Group 1, Tx), after achievement of euthyroidism with methimazole. After surgery, all patients started levothyroxine replacement therapy. Sixty patients treated with methimazole, matched for age, sex, duration of hyperthyroidism, degree of ocular involvement and smoking habits, were used as controls (Group 2, MMI).

MEASUREMENTS

Patients were seen every 1-2 months for 12 months for thyroid tests and ocular evaluation.

RESULTS

In Group 1, ocular parameters did not change in 17 of 18 patients with pre-existing ophthalmopathy, and in 12 patients without ophthalmopathy. Eye manifestations worsened only in one (3.3%) patient with pre-existing ophthalmopathy. In Group 2, ocular parameters did not change in 58 patients (33 with, and 25 without ophthalmopathy), while new ophthalmopathy occurred in two without pre-existing eye disease. One of the 30 patients treated by surgery (3.3%) had permanent hypoparathyroidism.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of Graves' hyperthyroidism with near-total thyroidectomy in patients with non-severe or absent pre-existing ophthalmopathy is not associated in the short term with significant effects on the course of ophthalmopathy.