The clinical and pathogenic spectrum of surgically-induced scleral necrosis: A review

Surgical Outcome After Treatment of Radiation-Induced Scleral Necrosis in Patients With Uveal Melanoma

PURPOSE

Surgical repair might be required in patients with uveal melanoma (UM) that develop advanced forms of radiation-induced scleral necrosis (RISN). In this monocentric long-term observational study, we aimed at analyzing the treatment outcome after RISN surgery.

METHODS

All consecutive cases with UM who underwent surgical intervention for RISN between 1999 and 2020 were included. Achievement of the tectonic stability and evaluation of incidence and the risk factors for a repetitive patch surgery (RPS) were the main endpoints.

RESULTS

The final analysis included 57 patients (mean age: 58.7 years; 63.2% female patients), where 55 individuals underwent a patch grafting, and 2 cases were treated with conjunctival reconstructive surgery. The mean follow-up time after grafting was 38.5 months (0.03-221.1 months). Tectonic stability was achieved in 56 (98.3%) patients. Scleral graft (38/55, 69.1%) was the most frequent patching material, followed by Tutopatch (7/55, 12.7%), corneal graft (7/55, 12.7%), dura graft (2/55, 3.6%), and fascia lata (FL) graft (1/55, 1.8%). Eleven patients (20%) underwent RPS after the mean time of 12.9 months (0.3-50.3 months). In the final multivariate Cox regression analysis, the use of Tutopatch (5/7; 71.4%, adjusted hazard ratio = 4.66, P = 0.044) and RISN progression after patch grafting (9/11; 81.8%, adjusted hazard ratio = 9.67, P = 0.008) were independent risk factors for RPS.

CONCLUSIONS

RISN surgery maintains long-term tectonic stability in most of the cases underwent surgical repair for RISN after brachytherapy for UM. Depending on graft material and, particularly, further RISN progression, an RPS might be necessary in certain cases.

Necrotizing Scleritis Post Cataract Surgery: A Diagnostic Dilemma

Scleral necrosis following ocular surgery can lead to significant ocular and systemic complications. The two most prevalent procedures associated with surgically-induced scleral necrosis are pterygium excision and cataract surgery. This condition represents a rare delayed hypersensitivity reaction. We present a case of a male patient in his late 60s from India who experienced progressive scleral necrosis in his right eye six months after undergoing small-incision cataract surgery (SICS). The patient exhibited pain and redness without any decline in vision, and all systemic evaluations returned normal results. Ultimately, he was scheduled for a scleral patch graft. This case emphasizes the necessity for rapid diagnosis of surgically-induced necrotizing scleritis (SINS) and timely intervention.

Impact of scleral cautery on limbal vasculature after cataract surgery assessed using optical coherence tomography angiography

We investigate the influence of scleral cautery during cataract surgery on limbal vascular density and remodeling using anterior segment optical coherence tomography angiography (AS-OCTA). Twenty eyes of 20 patients who underwent cataract surgery with a sclerocorneal incision were included. Patients were divided into two groups: non-cautery (n = 10) and cautery (n = 10). The area around the incision site was scanned using AS-OCTA before surgery and at 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 90 days postoperatively. Images were analyzed to depict conjunctival vasculature (surface to a depth of 200 μm) and intrascleral vasculature (depth of 200 to 1000 μm). Vascular density was evaluated using ImageJ software. In the non-cautery group, intrascleral vascular density significantly increased during the wound-healing period up to 21 days postoperatively. Cautery application completely diminished this effect, resulting in significantly reduced intrascleral vascular density in the cautery group compared to the non-cautery group until 5 days after surgery. On the seventh day and later, intrascleral vascular density in the cautery group recovered, but the vascular pattern did not return to its preoperative state even at 90 days after surgery. Conjunctival flap vascular density was reduced for 28 days after surgery, with cautery application further decreasing conjunctival vascular density. AS-OCTA enabled separate observation of conjunctival and intrascleral vasculature. Intrascleral blood flow significantly increased after cataract surgery, but scleral cauterization markedly blocked this effect. The vascular reconstruction process following cataract surgery continued for almost a month, with cautery application leading to prolonged vascular disruption and altered vascular patterns.

Assessment of conjunctival autograft reperfusion after pterygium surgery by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A)

PURPOSE

To investigate the healing process of conjunctival autografts (CAG) following pterygium surgery using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

METHODS

Twenty-one eyes of 21 patients diagnosed with pterygium underwent pterygium excision with CAG without using Mitomycin-C. Over a 12-week follow-up period, changes in vascular density (VD), vascular density index (VDI), and vascular length density (VLD) were assessed at two distinct depths: superficial (<200 μm) and deep (>200 μm) using OCTA. Additionally, the revascularization rate and pattern were evaluated.

RESULTS

During the first week, the CAG was edematous and no sign of neovascularization was observed. In 4th week edema decreased and early signs of vascular formation appeared. In the 12th week, the deep vasculature demonstrated a greater density of interconnectivity compared to the superficial layers. VD and VLD significantly increased during the follow-up period (P < 0.05). The CAG blood flow signals exhibited a chaotic pattern, deviating from the expected centrifugal vascular pattern in the surrounding normal conjunctiva.

CONCLUSION

OCTA imaging emerges as a reliable tool for the assessment of CAG vascularization, improving the monitoring of the healing process in the postoperative period. The evaluation of CAG revascularization patterns appears to be promising biomarkers that can predict the potential future recurrence.

Surgically induced necrotizing scleritis (SINS): Is it a standalone condition or a variant of necrotizing scleritis?

PURPOSE

To report the clinical pattern of surgically induced necrotizing scleritis (SINS) in a tertiary eye care center in Southern India.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of all SINS cases visiting the uveitis clinic of a tertiary eye institute between January 2009 and April 2019.

RESULTS

In total, 15 patients with a median age of 65 (IQR: 52-70) years were included in the study. Male (53%) predominance was noted, and SINS was unilateral (100%) in all cases. Most (87%) of the patients developed SINS after a single surgical procedure, with a median onset period of 251 (IQR: 127-1095) days. None of these patients had any evidence of systemic association. Ocular hypertension (n = 3, 20%), and cataract (n = 5, 33%) were the most common complications. When compared with a cohort of patients with idiopathic necrotizing scleritis, the index study did not find any statistically significant difference between SINS and idiopathic scleritis.

CONCLUSION

SINS is idiopathic necrotizing scleritis rather than an independent entity of scleritis.

Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment in Anterior Scleritis With Ulcerative Colitis

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is an ocular emergency as it is sight-threatening and requires urgent surgical intervention. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an immune-mediated inflammatory bowel disease that can present with ocular manifestations. The objective of this case report is to share the rare presentation of RRD associated with UC leading to diagnosis and management dilemmas. A 35-year-old man with active UC presented with a right chronic red eye for two months. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 6/6 in both eyes (OU). On examination, sectoral inferotemporal anterior scleritis (AS) with subclinical inferior RRD with peripheral holes in the lattice at the 6 o'clock position was noted. There was no posterior vitreous detachment. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) delineated the RRD objectively and was non-progressive for nine months. Barricade laser was given, in addition to intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP), followed by a tapering dose of oral prednisolone and topical dexamethasone 0.1% over three months. Over a year, the scleritis resolved. However, six months later, while still on immunomodulating agents, the inferior RRD progressed on OCT. Segmental scleral buckle, indirect laser retinopexy, and subtenon triamcinolone injection were performed. IVMP 1 g per day was given for three days prior to surgery. Two months later, his BCVA was 6/6, with signs of fluid resorption and normal intraocular pressure. No recurrent AS was seen. Treatment of non-progressive, subclinical RRD patients with UC and active AS can be delayed with regular follow-up. When RRD progressed and there was no AS activity, it was the window of opportunity for the success of scleral buckle and perioperative steroids.

Clinical Course and Outcomes of Autoimmune Versus Non-Autoimmune Surgically Induced Scleral Necrosis: A Multicentric Comparative Study

BACKGROUND

To analyze the clinical course and outcomes of autoimmune vs. non-autoimmune surgically induced scleral necrosis (SISN).

METHODS

Multicentric, retrospective, comparative cohort study. Eighty-two eyes of 70 patients with SISN were classified according to pathogenic mechanism into autoimmune vs. non-autoimmune. Main outcome measures included necrosis onset, type of surgery, associated systemic disease, visual acuity, and treatment were analysed in patients followed for ≥ 6 months.

RESULTS

Forty-six (65.7%) patients were women, and the median age was 66 (range: 24-90) years. Most patients (82.9%) had unilateral disease. The median time between surgery and SISN onset was 58 (1-480) months. Thirty-one (37.8%) eyes were classified as autoimmune, and 51 (62.2%) as non-autoimmune SISN. Autoimmune SISN was associated with a shorter time between the surgical procedure and SISN onset than non-autoimmune cases (median of 26 vs. 60 months, p = 0.024). Also, autoimmune SISN was associated with cataract extraction (93.5% vs. 25.5%, p < 0.001), severe scleral inflammation (58.1% vs. 17.6%, p < 0.001), and higher incidence of ocular complications (67.7% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.002) than non-autoimmune cases. Remission was achieved with medical management alone in 44 (86.3%) eyes from the non-autoimmune and in 27 (87.1%) from the autoimmune group (p = 0.916). Surgical management was required in 11 (13.4%) eyes, including two requiring enucleations due to scleral perforation and phthisis bulbi.

CONCLUSIONS

Eyes with autoimmune SISN had a higher rate of cataract surgery, severe scleral inflammation, and ocular complications. Early SISN diagnosis and appropriate management, based on clinical features and pathogenic mechanisms, are critical to avoid sight-threatening complications.

Surgically-Induced Necrotizing Scleritis After Pars Plana Vitrectomy: A Case Report

Surgically induced necrotizing scleritis (SINS) is a rare delayed hypersensitivity reaction following ocular surgeries, characterized by pain and redness at the surgical site. While commonly reported in various ocular surgeries, its occurrence after vitreoretinal procedures remains infrequent. We present a case of a 61-year-old diabetic male who developed progressive scleral melting and uveal exposure two months after an uneventful 23-gauge vitrectomy for retinal detachment. The infectious and immunologic profile was negative. Despite aggressive medical and surgical interventions, the patient exhibited advancing scleral melting. The diagnostic challenge lies in determining the relative contributions of trauma, epithelial breakdown, immune activation, and infection in these patients. Our patient's uncontrolled diabetes potentially aggravated vascular disruption, contributing to delayed wound healing and immune complex deposition. The treatment involved topical steroids with broad-spectrum antibiotics, followed by conjunctival flap and oral corticosteroids. This case underscores the importance of early diagnosis, cautious immunosuppression, and thorough infection evaluation in managing postoperative scleritis. The limitations include a single culture test and the patient being lost to follow-up.

Surgically-Induced Necrotizing Scleritis After Scleral Buckling With Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Infection

Surgically induced necrotizing scleritis (SINS) is a rare inflammatory disease of the sclera that occurs following ocular surgery, specifically pterygium surgery and scleral buckling. Here, we report a case of SINS in a 78-year-old female patient after segmental scleral buckling for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. The retina was restored after scleral buckling, and the postoperative course was uneventful. However, the patient developed ocular discharge and conjunctival hyperemia, indicating infection, after two months. The sclera became thinner and intraocular inflammation developed after buckle removal. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was isolated from the ocular discharge, and the patient was treated with antibacterial agents susceptible to the bacteria. However, her symptoms persisted, and corrected visual acuity decreased from 20/25 to 20/1000. Oral steroid treatment was initiated because of the suspicion of SINS. Intraocular inflammation gradually subsided, the thin sclera was covered by conjunctival tissue, and the patient's corrected visual acuity improved to 20/32, which stabilized her condition. Infection with Stenotrophomonas maltophilia after scleral buckling is extremely rare, and SINS development in such cases is unprecedented.

Surgically Induced Scleritis Associated With Suture Hypersensitivity Following Strabismus Surgery

A 67-year-old woman with history of mild suture hyper-sensitivity presented with localized scleritis after strabismus surgery. After infection was ruled out, the patient was prescribed topical and systemic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and systemic steroids, which led to full clinical resolution. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2024;61(1):e4-e6.].

Surgical induced necrotizing scleritis following intraocular lens replacement

PURPOSE

To report a surgical-induced necrotizing scleritis, as well as its medical and surgical management.

METHODS

Case-report.

RESULTS

An 88 year-old patient with a three-day severe single-left-eye ocular pain. One-time surgery involving PPV with removal of dislocated intraocular lens and secondary implantation of iris-claw Artisan® lens was performed 6 months earlier. Visual acuity of 20/100. Slit-lamp examination revealed a 5 × 2 mm non-suppurative superior scleral defect. Empirical topical antibiotic treatment with dexamethasone, as well as oral doxycycline was started. Infectious and autoimmune diseases were ruled out. Non-infectious scleritis treatment was conducted with intravenous Methylprednisolone 3 day pulses, followed by weekly tapered Prednisone and intramuscular Methotrexate. However, 1 month after the diagnosis, the defect was worsened; hence, a heterologous scleral patch graft was performed and, days after the intervention, Adalimumab was initiated. To date, 6 months later, remains with proper scleral patch, a diary low-dose Prednisone, and spacing Adalimumab treatment.

CONCLUSION

Surgery-induced necrotizing scleritis is a severe condition that compromise the ocular and visual integrity. Proper diagnosis, as well as early treatment is required to achieve remission, prevent relapses, and avoid structural complications. In refractory cases, anti-TNF-α immunotherapy associated with surgical tectonic graft interventions can achieve promising results.

Acute-onset surgically induced necrotizing scleritis after strabismus surgery

Surgically induced necrotizing scleritis (SINS) is an uncommon but devastating complication that may occur days to years after ocular surgery. We report the case of a 32-year-old man who underwent uncomplicated strabismus surgery for large-angle exotropia and developed SINS characterized by painless scleral inflammation, choroidal exposure, and globe ectasia within days of surgery. Work-up revealed no associated infectious process or underlying systemic inflammatory condition. Clinical resolution occurred with oral immunosuppression alone, without need for graft.

Delayed presentation of surgically induced scleral necrosis after I-BRITE procedure treated with immunosuppressive therapy

Surgically induced scleral necrosis (SISN) is an uncommon complication of ocular procedures. Cosmetic eye-whitening surgery involves conjunctival and Tenon's capsule dissection, cautery, and mitomycin C application. We report the case of a 36-year-old white woman referred to our clinic for severe pain, scleral inflammation, and necrosis in both eyes 9 years after I-BRITE, an elective eye-whitening procedure. An extensive workup yielded negative results. The patient improved with aggressive lubrication and topical and high-dose systemic prednisone (60 mg), with recurrence upon steroid tapering. Concomitant weekly methotrexate was added, resulting in inflammatory control and allowing discontinuance of topical and oral steroids.

Rheumatoid arthritis-associated peripheral ulcerative keratitis outcomes after early immunosuppressive therapy

BACKGROUND/AIMS

To evaluate the role of early immunosuppressive therapy (IMT) in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-associated peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK).

METHODS

Single-centre, retrospective, comparative cohort study. Patients with RA-associated PUK were divided into two groups; those exposed to and those not exposed to early IMT, defined as administrating therapy within the first 4 weeks from the PUK onset. Outcomes included PUK recurrence, control of inflammation and development of ocular complications, including corneal scarring and perforation, cataract formation or progression and permanent visual loss.

RESULTS

A total of 52 eyes from 36 patients were included for analysis; 37 (71.2%) eyes received early IMT and 15 (28.8%) eyes did not. Follow-up time was 41.2+53.3 months (range: 4-236 months). While early IMT was a protective factor (HR 0.345, 95% CI 0.126 to 0.946, p=0.039), late RA diagnosis after PUK onset (HR 4.93, 95% CI 1.75 to 13.85, p=0.002) and retarded (≥2 months) control of inflammation (HR 8.37, 95% CI 1.88 to 37.16, p=0.005) were risk factors for PUK recurrence. Late IMT (OR 7.75, 95% CI 2.00 to 29.99, p=0.003), an unknown diagnosis of RA at first visit (OR 4.14, 95% CI 1.15 to 14.91, p=0.030) and at least one PUK recurrence (OR 6.42, 95% CI 1.71 to 24.07, p=0.006) were risk factors for visual loss. Survival analysis rendered eyes exposed to early IMT a lower risk of PUK recurrence (p=0.039).

CONCLUSION

Eyes with RA-associated PUK exposed to early IMT were more likely to achieve earlier inflammatory control, fewer recurrences and had better visual outcomes.

Tear fluid and complement activation products in tears after ocular surgery

PURPOSE

Due to technological advancements, surgical invasiveness has been reduced. However, cataract surgery has been implicated in causing postoperative inflammation, including dry eye syndrome. The innate immune system may be involved in postoperative inflammation, and complement activation could potentially play a crucial role in defense against pathogens, homeostasis, and wound healing. To investigate changes in the tear film complement activation products (CAPs) and ocular surface after vitrectomy combined with cataract surgery.

METHODS

Forty-three patients (23 women; median age, 69 years) were enrolled in this prospective study and underwent phacoemulsification and vitrectomy. We measured Schirmer's test (ST) and CAPs in the tears at baseline (the day before surgery), 4 days and 1 month after the surgery. Tears were collected in microtubes. The CAPs in the tear fluid were analyzed by cytometric bead array.

RESULTS

The median ST (8.5 mm) at baseline increased to 16 mm at 4 days ( P < 0.001) and 10 mm at 1 month (P = 0.44). The C3a levels (1202 pg/ml) at baseline increased to 2753 pg/ml at 4 days (P < 0.001), and 1763 pg/ml at 1 month (P = 0.049). The C4a levels (476 pg/ml) at baseline increased to 880 pg/ml at 4 days (P < 0.001), and 657 pg/ml at 1 month (P = 0.013). The C5a levels (22.6 pg/ml) at baseline increased to 470.9 pg/ml at 4 days (P < 0.001), and 38.3 pg/ml at 1 month (P = 0.0048). The surgical eyes were divided into the short ST group (≦ 10 mm, n = 22) and long ST group (> 10 mm, n = 21) based on the preoperative ST values. At 1 month postoperatively, the C3a levels were 2194 pg/ml in the preoperative short ST group and 1391 pg/ml in the long ST group, with significantly higher C3a concentrations in the short ST group (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The CAPs levels in tears increased after vitrectomy combined with cataract surgery. A preoperative deficit in tear secretion might induce prolonged complement activation and delayed recovery of ocular surface parameters postoperatively.

[Diagnostic and Therapeutic Management of Episcleritis and Scleritis]

While episcleritis is a benign disease only affecting the episclera, scleritis is an ocular inflammation with typically severe pain and not rarely affecting adjacent tissue.Scleritis is classified into anterior and posterior forms. Anterior scleritis is further subdivided into diffuse, nodular, necrotizing with inflammation, and necrotizing scleritis without inflammation (scleromalacia perforans). A systemic disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or granulomatosis with polyangiitis is associated with up to 50% of all patients with scleritis or episcleritis, consequently a systemic work-up with blood sampling and imaging as well as collaboration with internists are necessary.Differentiating these two entities is of high importance for planning the treatment: episcleritis has a self-limited course, whereas treatment of scleritis is obligatory to protect patients from irreversible visual loss, organ damage, and furthermore reduce the risk of mortality.Treatment depending of subtype and associated systemic disease may involve non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs.

Diagnostisches und therapeutisches Management der Episkleritis und Skleritis

Das schmerzhafte „rote Auge“ ist wohl das auffälligste Zeichen einer Augenerkrankung, hinter der milde, aber auch schwere Verläufe stecken können. Die Episkleritis und Skleritis sind hierbei wichtige Differenzialdiagnosen. Die rechtzeitige Diagnose ist nicht nur wichtig für die notwendige Therapie, sondern kann vor einer irreversiblen Visusminderung, einem Augenverlust sowie Organschäden schützen und ggf. sogar das Mortalitätsrisiko senken.

Surgically induced scleral necrosis associated with concomitant tuberculosis infection: a diagnostic challenge

Objective

Surgically induced scleral necrosis (SISN) is a potentially blinding sequela that may occur after any ocular procedure. SISN in the context of active tuberculosis is seldom seen. We report a case of a patient with asymptomatic tuberculosis who developed SISN after pterygium surgery.

Methods

A 76-year-old Mexican-mestizo woman from Veracruz, Mexico, was referred to our clinic because of severe disabling pain and scleral thinning in her right eye.

Results

Tubercular-related SISN was finally diagnosed and managed successfully with antitubercular therapy, topical and systemic corticosteroids.

Conclusion

Tuberculosis must be considered as a differential diagnosis of high-risk patients in the context of refractory SISN in endemic countries.

Management of scleral melt

Scleral melting, while rare, can lead to significant ocular morbidity. Several possible risk factors for scleral melt have been identified, such as infection, autoimmune disease, trauma, and post-surgical state, and these may act in combination with each other. Treatment should be tailored according to the etiology and severity of the scleral melt. Medical management may be indicated, especially in cases of autoimmune-related melt; however, surgical procedures are often necessary due to compromised ocular integrity and limited penetration of medications into the avascular sclera. An understanding of the surgical options available and their operative outcomes is particularly important when choosing the appropriate treatment protocol for each patient.

Infective Necrotizing Scleritis After XEN Gel Stent With Mitomycin-C

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to report a case of infective necrotizing scleritis following XEN Gel Stent with mitomycin-C.

METHODS

Case report. This is a case report of a 68-year-old woman.

RESULTS

XEN Gel Stent glaucoma surgery enhanced with mitomycin-C 0.04% and combined with cataract surgery was performed at a regional center to manage the patient's primary open-angle glaucoma. Past medical history was significant for rheumatoid arthritis requiring treatment with methotrexate and adalimumab. Periocular pain and swelling developed 14 months after the initial operation, followed by a rapid deterioration of visual acuity to 20/60, intraocular pressure of 4 mm Hg, and worsening pain 5 months later. On initial presentation to Sydney Eye Hospital, 180 degrees of scleral necrosis was evident with a moderate anterior segment inflammatory reaction and a large temporal choroidal effusion due to hypotony. Empirical hourly topical ofloxacin and cephalothin 5% drops, with oral moxifloxacin, were initiated. Conjunctival swab grew Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus lugdunensis. Significant clinical improvement occurred, but the XEN Gel Stent became exposed after 9 days of treatment with worsening hypotony. Urgent surgical revision was performed to remove the XEN Gel Stent and apply a tutoplast plug with overlying amniotic membrane graft. Intraocular pressure gradually improved over 6 weeks to 15 mm Hg with reversal of hypotonous changes, and visual acuity stabilized at 20/40.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of necrotizing scleritis following XEN Gel Stent insertion. It is a reminder that infection should always be the primary differential diagnosis in patients with surgical-induced necrotizing scleritis.