Orbital inflammatory disease following mRNA SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine

Medication-associated orbital inflammation: A systematic review

We performed a comprehensive systematic review to identify medication-associated orbital inflammation and to characterize its clinico-radiological features. We reviewed English-language articles describing medication-associated orbital inflammation (i.e., orbital myositis, dacryoadenitis and orbital fat) published to June, 2023. Isolated inflammation of the intraocular structures or globe alone (i.e. uveitis, scleritis, optic neuritis and perineuritis) were excluded. In medication-associated orbital inflammation, the extraocular muscles are preferentially affected, occurring in isolation or in combination with other orbital and/or intraocular structures. Clinico-radiological manifestations may be non-specific; however, certain medications may be distinguished according to the presence of systemic prodrome, laterality, associated intraocular inflammation, and predisposition to involve certain orbital structures. Rapid identification, discontinuation of the provoking medication, and systemic corticosteroid therapy (if appropriate) typically achieves a favorable visual prognosis. As new medications become adopted by clinicians, rare adverse effects will be further delineated.Medication-associated orbital inflammation is an important diagnostic consideration in orbital inflammatory disease. A careful medication history and clinical assessment may be revealing, permitting timely discontinuation of the offending agent and initiation of appropriate management.

Nonspecific Orbital Inflammation (NSOI): Unraveling the Molecular Pathogenesis, Diagnostic Modalities, and Therapeutic Interventions

Nonspecific orbital inflammation (NSOI), colloquially known as orbital pseudotumor, sometimes presents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in ophthalmology. This review aims to dissect NSOI through a molecular lens, offering a comprehensive overview of its pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and management strategies. The article delves into the underpinnings of NSOI, examining immunological and environmental factors alongside intricate molecular mechanisms involving signaling pathways, cytokines, and mediators. Special emphasis is placed on emerging molecular discoveries and approaches, highlighting the significance of understanding molecular mechanisms in NSOI for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Various diagnostic modalities are scrutinized for their utility and limitations. Therapeutic interventions encompass medical treatments with corticosteroids and immunomodulatory agents, all discussed in light of current molecular understanding. More importantly, this review offers a novel molecular perspective on NSOI, dissecting its pathogenesis and management with an emphasis on the latest molecular discoveries. It introduces an integrated approach combining advanced molecular diagnostics with current clinical assessments and explores emerging targeted therapies. By synthesizing these facets, the review aims to inform clinicians and researchers alike, paving the way for molecularly informed, precision-based strategies for managing NSOI.

Orbital inflammation following COVID-19 vaccination: A case series and literature review

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study was to report three cases of orbital inflammation following administration of the COVID-19 vaccination, manifesting as Tolosa-Hunt syndrome (THS) and orbital myositis.

METHOD

A retrospective case series and literature review of patients who developed orbital inflammation following a COVID-19 vaccination.

RESULTS

One patient presented with Tolosa-Hunt syndrome (THS) 14 days following her third (booster) COVID-19 vaccination, one patient developed orbital myositis 10 days following his first COVID-19 vaccination and one patient developed recurrent orbital myositis 1 and 7 days following her second and fourth COVID-19 vaccination. All patients received the Comirnaty vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech). A thorough systemic autoimmune disease workup in both patients was unremarkable. Two patients had a prior history of orbital inflammation, with previous involvement of other different orbital structures. Characteristic MRI features for each pathology were observed, supporting the clinical presentation of THS and orbital myositis. There was complete resolution of THS following corticosteroids, with no recurrence at 2 months. Meanwhile, one case of orbital myositis self-resolved at 2 months without use of systemic corticosteroids, while the other patient with orbital myositis required treatment with intra-orbital steroid injections and oral corticosteroids.

CONCLUSION

Orbital inflammation has been recognised as a rare adverse effect following COVID-19 vaccination. We present a case series of THS and orbital myositis as varied presentations of this entity.