The "devil's touch"; visual loss and orbital surgery. A synopsis of the Mustardé Lecture, 2006

Superior orbital fissure syndrome after deep lateral orbital wall decompression in Graves' ophthalmopathy

PURPOSE

The superior orbital fissure contains cranial nerves III, IV, VI, and V1 with their three branches: frontal, lacrimal, and nasociliary. Superior orbital fissure syndrome (SOFS) is rare and can occur as a result of compression of these nerves due to trauma, bleeding, or inflammation in the retrobulbar space, but no cases of SOFS after deep lateral orbital wall decompression (DLOWD) have been reported. The aim of this paper is to describe this pathology, its possible causes, management, and outcome.

METHODS

Retrospective study of 575 DLOWD in patients with disfiguring exophthalmos due to Graves' ophthalmopathy performed in our hospital between 2010 and 2023. Three cases of postoperative SOFS were identified based on clinical presentation, history, physical examination, and radiological study. All patients were observed for a minimum of 12 months.

RESULTS

SOFS was diagnosed with the presence of ophthalmoplegia, ptosis, fixed and dilated pupils, hypo/anesthesia of the upper eyelid and forehead, loss of corneal reflex, and no loss of vision after DLOWD. Fractures, edema, and hemorrhages were excluded. They were treated with high-dose intravenous steroids and the patients recovered completely.

CONCLUSIONS

DLOWD challenges orbital surgeons because it requires removing bones near the globe or neurovascular structures. SOFS may occur due to the proximity and increased pressure on these structures.

Robotic assisted orbital surgery for resection of advanced periocular tumours - a case series report on the feasibility, safety and outcome

PURPOSE

Orbital surgery benefits from well-designed instrumentation that offers gentle tissue manipulation, high manoeuvrability and control. Nevertheless, in confined spaces, tissue manipulation must be accomplished with exceptionally high accuracy and precision. This is where robotic surgery offers an advantage. We aimed to evaluate a robotic-assisted surgical system's feasibility, safety and outcome in assisting tumour clearance.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A case series of patients with advanced periocular tumours undergoing robotic-assisted globe-sparing resection was performed using the DaVinci XI system (Intuitive Surgical, Inc). Institutional ethics and multidisciplinary approval were sought in all cases.

RESULTS

Four patients with advanced periocular tumours underwent robotic-assisted orbital surgery at a mean age of 63 years (range 42-86). Two patients were diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, and two had basal cell carcinoma. One patient was found to have positive lymph nodes at the time of surgery and underwent simultaneous parotidectomy and lymph node clearance. Clear resection of the primary tumour was achieved in all patients; three patients underwent further resection due to narrow margins prior to reconstruction. Patients were follow-up for at least one year, and three remained disease-free. One patient with pre-existing extra-orbital disease developed metastatic disease four months post-op. All patients preserved vision peri-operatively, with no complaints of diplopia. Moderate ocular surface disease was noted in two patients.

CONCLUSION

Our series highlights the potential advantage of three-dimensional optics, multi-directional instrumentation and motion scaling technology to achieve globe-sparing tumour resection in advanced periocular tumours. However, further robotic instrumentation development is required for orbital surgery.

Ophthalmological and Interdisciplinary Surgical Approaches to the Orbit

The treatment of orbital masses often requires an interdisciplinary approach. Ophthalmological surgical approaches include the anterior transcutaneous approach for removal of dermoids or taking biopsies. Anterior transconjunctival orbitotomy is suitable for masses of the inferior orbit or the intraconal compartment, but is inappropriate for masses of the orbital apex. The lateral transosseous orbitotomy often fits for masses of the lateral or intraconal compartment, especially for neoplasms of the lacrimal gland e.g. pleomorphic adenoma. Cryoextraction is often the technique of first choice for cavernous haemangiomas of all localisations. Transfrontal approaches are suitable for the resection of tumours of the optic nerve and of the orbital apex.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Poor Postoperative Visual Outcome After Excision of Orbital Cavernous Venous Malformations

AIMS

To determine the incidence and risk factors for poor postoperative visual outcome (PPVO) after removal of orbital cavernous venous malformations (OCVMs).

METHODS

Retrospective case-note and imaging review for patients undergoing excision of OCVMs, with estimation of odds-ratios (ORs) and relative risks (RRs) for visual loss in relation to the position of the mass, surgical approach, and patient factors.

RESULTS

The 290 patients (179 female; 62%) presented at a mean age of 46.4 years: 243/287 (85%) OCVMs were intraconal, with 213/243 (88%) located freely in the posterior two-thirds of the orbit, and 30/243 (12%) wedged tightly in the apex. PPVO was observed in 6.9% (20/290) patients, solely after removal of intraconal lesions, Univariate analysis showed increased risk with preoperative relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD) (14/107 [13%]; RR 2.9; P = 0.011), apical lesions (9/30 [30%]; RR 5.8; P < 0.001), situated below optic nerve (15/115 [13%]; RR 3.3; P = 0.007), fibrous masses (14/78 [18%]; RR 6.7; P = 0.005), or intraoperative diastolic blood pressure below 50mmHg (10/64 [16%]; RR 2.8; P = 0.007). Multivariate analysis found apical extension (OR 4.9; P = 0.036) and fibrous lesions (OR 10.0; P = 0.035) as strongest predictors for PPVO. The incidence of complete visual loss (no light perception) was 4.1% (12/290); half of these patients had preoperative acuity of counting fingers or worse, 8 (67%) had RAPD, 7 (58%) wedged apical lesions, and 8 (67%) were below the optic nerve.

CONCLUSION

PPVO after excision of OCVMs can occur in up to 5% of "free" retrobulbar intraconal lesions and in approximately one-third of apical lesions.

Radiation optic neuropathy and retinopathy in patients with presumed benign intraorbital tumours treated with fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy

PURPOSE

To assess the long-term effects of fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (fSRT) for the treatment of (presumed) benign intraorbital tumours on visual acuity, visual fields, globe and eyelid position, and complications including radiation retinopathy and deviations of retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) on OCT.

METHODS

Multi-centre retrospective follow-up study of a consecutive series of 25 patients treated in the Rotterdam Orbital Center (collaboration between Erasmus Medical Center and Rotterdam Eye Hospital) between 2002 and 2018. Data on the dose of fSRT, visual acuity, Humphrey field analyser (HFA) perimetry, globe and eyelid position were obtained from the medical records.

RESULTS

In this retrospective consecutive series of 25 patients with a median follow-up of 104 months (range 48-215 months), 80.0% of the patients had presumed optic nerve sheath meningioma and 20.0 % presumed cavernous haemangioma with signs suggestive of recent growth. In most patients, a better visual acuity and RNFL thickness were observed after stereotactic radiotherapy. Improvement of the visual field defects was observed after treatment, with a mean deviation of -14.98 dB (12.9 SD) before treatment versus -4.56 dB (10.8 SD) after treatment, respectively. Significant, but small changes in exophthalmometry values were observed with a mean of 14.92 mm (7.9 SD) versus 13.79 mm (7.3 SD) after treatment, respectively. Only 3 patients (15.0%) developed radiation retinopathy after stereotactic radiotherapy. All patients with radiation retinopathy had presumed optic nerve sheath meningioma.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our results, fSRT is an effective treatment modality for this subset of orbital tumours with few complications and good long-term visual and cosmetic outcomes. FSRT is non-invasive and safer than surgery for lesions in the posterior orbit or around the optic nerve.

The transconjunctival orbitotomy: A versatile approach to the orbit and beyond

In the management of orbital disorders and defects, minimally invasive surgical approaches have become increasingly efficient for their reduction of operative trauma and access without compromise of therapeutic benefit or diagnostic yield. Various approaches have focused on bone- and canthal-sparing techniques and concealed and small skin incisions. We review the current state of knowledge of procedures to enter the orbit via the conjunctiva. Any quadrant of the orbit can be accessed via the conjunctiva. Surgical incisions involve the orbital palpebral, forniceal, and bulbar conjunctiva. According to the location, nature, and size of the lesion, the transconjunctival orbitotomy can be used as a single procedure, in combination with a caruncular approach or as an adjunct in a multidisciplinary procedure for lesions extending deep into or outside the orbit. The working space and field of operating view can be expanded by releasing the horizontal tension of the eyelid with a lateral cantholysis, lateral paracanthal blepharotomy, or medial lid split procedure. Complications related to the conjunctival incision are reduced to dry eye disease.

Clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and outcomes of orbital biopsies in a single Irish centre

AIMS

To review the distribution of histopathological diagnoses and visual outcome of orbital biopsy in an Irish tertiary referral centre over a 10-year period.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, clinical-histopathological case series. Clinical records of all patients who underwent orbital biopsy between January 2008 and January 2018 in the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital were reviewed using data collected from theatre logbooks and hospital-based medical records.

RESULTS

A total of 83 orbital biopsies in 77 patients were included for analysis in this study. The mean age was 55.7 ± 18.41 years. The mean follow-up period was 1.87 ± 2.097 years. The most common presenting symptoms and signs were pain (22.3%) and proptosis (27.6%). Most lesions were located in the extraconal space (65%), with incisional biopsy (65%) being the most common technique used to gain a sample for histopathological diagnosis. Histopathology analysis of the biopsies revealed malignant tumours (27, 32.5%), benign tumours (7, 8.4%), inflammation (26, 31.3%), and other diagnoses (23, 27%). Excluding patients who underwent exenteration procedures, no study patients suffered visual loss following orbital biopsy.

CONCLUSIONS

Orbital biopsy serves as a safe diagnostic tool in managing orbital diseases. The breakdown of diagnosis in our patients is in line with international studies. No patients in our series suffered vision loss as a result of their orbital biopsy. This emphasises its use as a safe procedure in the diagnosis and management of patients with the orbital disease. Our data provides helpful guidance to clinicians when counselling patients for orbital biopsy.

Navigational Transmaxillary Endoscopic Approach for Inferomedial Tumors

Orbital tumors encompass a heterogeneous range of histopathology and usually variable in location. Traditionally, transconjunctival medial orbitotomy is used to access the medial orbital wall. However, it creates potential risk of soft tissue sequelae such as scarring, lid contracture, or entropion/ectropion. For the lesions close to the orbital apex, increased risk of optical nerve injury should be cautious during orbitotomy procedure. Transnasal endoscopic approach to the orbital walls has been applied since 1999. Although it provides good surgical visualization and prevents the soft tissue and neural complications, the narrow nasal corridor increases the surgical complexity. Extensive sphenoethmoidectomy is usually required to gaining access. Furthermore, the resultant medical orbital defect is difficult to repair. The maxillary sinus is the largest paranasal sinuses which is located beneath the orbital floor. It provides an ample working space for instrumentation. Meanwhile, repair of the orbital floor defect is feasible and with high degree of accuracy under navigation control. In this report, we propose a novel computer-assisted endoscopic protocol to excise the medial orbital tumors with immediate repair of the wall defect.

The Changes in Optic Nerve after Orbital Decompression Surgery for Thyroid Eye Disease and Case Reports of Ischemic Optic Neuropathy

Purpose

To demonstrate the changes in the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) after orbital decompression for thyroid eye disease (TED).

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 52 surgical TED patients, 30 nonsurgical TED patients, and 30 control subjects. Five surgical TED eyes with disc edema were excluded. The surgical TED patients were classified into the “dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON)” group (16 eyes) and the “non-DON” group (83 eyes). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual field (VF) examinations were performed preoperatively and 6 months later. The control subjects and nonsurgical TED patients received two OCT examinations at 6-month intervals. The postoperative changes in the RNFL thickness were compared between groups. Three cases with severe postoperative vision loss were presented additionally.

Results

The changes in the RNFL thickness of the controls (0.5 ± 3.4 μm) and the nonsurgical TED patients (0.3 ± 2.8 μm) were significantly smaller than the surgical TED patients (P < 0.001). The DON group (−9.2 ± 9.2 μm) had greater RNFL thickness reduction than the non-DON group (−3.9 ± 5.4 μm) (P = 0.002). Bone removal decompression was associated with decreased RNFL in the non-DON (P = 0.025; β = −2.49) and DON (P = 0.042; β = −9.43) groups. Three cases who were hard to operate due to extensive fibrosis experienced severe vision loss postoperatively due to anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, posterior ischemic optic neuropathy, and posterior ciliary artery occlusion, respectively.

Conclusions

TED patients experienced subclinical optic nerve injury and significant RNFL loss after the orbital decompression surgery. Aggressive manipulation during decompression surgery may lead to dreadful vision loss. Tailored surgical plans and delicate manipulation are warranted.

[Orbital decompression in Graves' orbitopathy-Experiences and results]

Hintergrund

Die endokrine Orbitopathie ist die häufigste extrathyreoidale Manifestation des Morbus Basedow und tritt bei schätzungsweise 25–50 % der betroffenen Patienten auf. Krankheitsbedingt kommt es zu einer entzündlichen Schwellung der Orbitaweichteile. Die Behandlung erfolgt meist konservativ. Bei schweren Fällen mit beeinträchtigendem Exophthalmus oder akuter, steroidrefraktärer Visusbedrohung kann eine chirurgische Orbitadekompression die Beschwerden der Patienten lindern oder das Sehvermögen erhalten. Ein wesentlicher Aspekt der Versorgungsqualität besteht in der Vermeidung postoperativer Doppelbilder.

Ziel der Arbeit

Erfahrungs- und Ergebnisbericht von 100 chirurgischen Orbitadekompressionen bei 62 Patienten an einem interdisziplinären Orbitazentrum. Patienten mit Kompression der Orbitaspitze wurden mittels pterionaler Dekompression behandelt. Patienten ohne Hinweise auf Orbitaspitzenbeteiligung wurden mittels tiefer lateraler Wandresektion oder pterionaler Dekompression behandelt.

Methodik

Retrospektive Datenanalyse.

Ergebnisse

Die mittlere Exophthalmusreduktion betrug 2,9 mm. Augen mit visusbedrohendem Schweregrad gewannen im Mittel 2,2 Zeilen an Sehschärfe, der Visus bei rehabilitativer Indikation blieb stabil. Die Komplikationsrate betrug 4 %. Neue Doppelbilder wurden nach 2 Eingriffen beobachtet. Bei einem Patienten kam es zu einer Visusminderung von 0,8 auf 0,1. In 9 Fällen führte die Operation zu einem vollständigen Rückgang zuvor beklagter Doppelbilder.

Diskussion

Visusgewinn, Exophthalmusreduktion und Komplikationsrate sind in diesem Kollektiv vergleichbar mit zuvor publizierten Arbeiten. Diese Studie bestätigt die Rolle der Orbitadekompression bei visusbedrohender und schwer beeinträchtigender endokriner Orbitopathie.

Postoperative severe visual impairment: surgical outcome of 165 patients with orbital tumours in the muscle cone

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors of postoperative severe vision impairment (PSVI) for a primary orbital tumour in the muscle cone.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the patients who underwent orbitotomy for primary intraconal tumours at the Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital from January 2010 to December 2015.

RESULTS

A total of 165 cases of orbitotomy for primary orbital tumours in the muscle cone were included in the study. Postoperatively, 12 cases with vision acuity ≤20/400 or ≥4 rows of vision decline and without any corrected effect were analysed as PSVI, including no light perception (NLP) for 3 cases. The multivariate logistic regression indicated that the tumour in orbital apex (P = 0.048, OR = 4.912, 95% CI: 1.011-23.866), severe optic nerve displacement (P = 0.030, OR = 6.007, 95% CI: 1.184-30.473) and intraoperative tight adhesion (P = 0.003, OR = 12.031, 95% CI: 2.282-63.441) were the independent risk factors for PSVI.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of PSVI for the intraconal tumour was 7.3%, and the incidence of NLP was 1.8%. The tumour in orbital apex, severe optic nerve displacement and intraoperative tight adhesion were independent risk factors for PSVI.

Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Cavernous Venous Malformations of the Orbital Apex

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy in the treatment of cavernous venous malformation of the orbital apex.

METHODS

The authors reviewed a prospective database from a single center of patients with cavernous venous malformation of the orbital apex who had treatment with fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy. The authors compared the symptoms, visual function and the size of the tumor pre- and posttreatment as well as reviewed the treatment details and the incidence of complications.

RESULTS

Six patients received treatment with fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy for cavernous venous malformation involving the orbital apex. The median age was 48 (range, 32-63), and 50% were female. Patients received a dose of 45 to 50.4 Gy in 1.8 to 2 Gy fractions. Median follow up was 33 months (range, 18-66 months). The average tumor volume reduction at posttreatment imaging after 12 months was 63%. All lesions reduced in size postradiotherapy and remained controlled for the duration of follow up. All patients who had proptosis or a visual field defect had an improvement in the symptoms posttreatment. There were no complications of the treatment.

CONCLUSION

Fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy appears to be a safe and effective management option for cavernous venous malformation of the orbital apex and leads to a sustained reduction of the volume of the lesion with associated improvement in symptoms and visual function.

Vision loss associated with orbital surgery - a major review

Purpose: Vision loss after orbital surgery is one of the most dreaded complications faced by the orbitofacial surgeon. This literature review was conducted in an attempt to determine the risk factors for severe vision loss and discuss the applied anatomy related to various types of orbital surgery - orbital tumor excisions, orbital decompression, and post-traumatic orbital reconstruction.Methods: A literature search was conducted via PubMed and Google Scholar. All cases of vision loss following orbital tumor biopsy or excision, orbital decompression, and orbital trauma reconstruction were reviewed.Results: The incidence of postoperative blindness appears to be more after orbital tumor excisions (4.7%), compared to post-traumatic orbital reconstruction (2.08%) and orbital decompressions for thyroid orbitopathy (0.15%).The causes of vision loss include ischemic optic neuropathy, traumatic optic neuropathy, retinal and ophthalmic artery occlusions, and orbital compartment syndrome.Conclusion: Apart from careful patient selection, proper counseling about the risk of postoperative blindness is of utmost importance. Detailed preoperative treatment planning, meticulous atraumatic intraoperative dissection under direct visualization, with attention to the danger zones and vital structures, close intraoperative and postoperative monitoring, and urgent management of potentially reversible compressive causes of vision loss can improve outcomes.

Orbital apex venous cavernous malformation with optic neuropathy: treatment with multisession gamma knife radiosurgery

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of multisession gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) for orbital apex venous cavernous malformation causing optic neuropathy.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study in a single tertiary institution from January 2007 to December 2016 on patients who underwent multisession GKRS for orbital apex venous cavernous malformations causing optic neuropathy.

RESULTS

There were 12 patients included in our study. The mean age was 40.2±14.5 years, and men comprised 66.7% (n=8). Decrease in visual acuity (83.3%) was the most common symptom at presentation. The mean clinical follow-up was 28.5 months. Ten (83.3%) of the 12 patients had improvement in best corrected visual acuity. Of the 10 patients with pre-existing relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD), 6 (60%) had complete resolution of RAPD. Of the 12 patients with visual field defect, 7 (58.3%) had complete resolution, 3 (25%) had partial improvement, while 2 (16.7%) remained unchanged due to optic atrophy from long-standing compressive optic neuropathy. Mean proptosis reduced from 2.3±1.7 mm pre-GKRS to 0.5±1.3 mm post-GKRS (p=0.005). Tumour shrinkage was observed in all patients. The mean tumour volume at the time of GKRS was 3104 mm³ (range 221-8500 mm³), which reduced to 658 mm³ (range 120-3350 mm³) at last follow-up. None of the patients experienced GKRS-related ocular morbidity during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Multisession GKRS has shown to be an effective and safe option for the treatment of orbital apex venous cavernous malformations causing optic neuropathy, with significant improvement in ophthalmic outcomes and reduction in tumour volume.

[Bony orbital decompression in the treatment of endocrine ophthalmopathy]

The article reveiws the problems of bony orbital decompression for thyroid-related orbitopathy. Indications for this kind of surgery and different approaches are discussed. Advantages and limitations of each method are analyzed. Special attention is paid to complications of different bony orbital decompression approaches, complication rate and its efficacy.

Orbital decompression in the system of treatment for complicated thyroid eye disease: case report and literature review

Orbital decompression is a surgical procedure aimed at increasing the orbital volume and/or decreasing the volume of the orbital fat. The indications for orbital decompression are determined in the course of thorough eye examination. An important objective of examination of a patient with thyroid eye disease (TED) is determination of inflammation activity and severity. Orbital decompression is a surgical procedure that can be performed in both the active and nonactive stages of the disease. However, the indications for the surgery in these cases are different. Optic neuropathy and severe corneal disease are threatening complications that may lead to permanent visual loss and generally occur in the presence of active orbital inflammation. If treatment with high-dose corticosteroids has proven ineffective, an urgent surgical procedure consisting of orbital decompression and, in case of involvement of the cornea, eyelid and corneal surgery has to be performed. Owing to significant progress in technology, improvement of methods and accumulated experience over the past decade, the indications for bone orbital decompression have extended compared to the time when this procedure was used only in patients with extremely severe TED. The most common complication of the orbital decompression is the development or deterioration of previously existing binocular diplopia and strabismus. In addition, other parameters may change as well, including the position of the globe, the eyelids, the angle of deviation of the eye, and intraocular pressure. Thus, bone orbital decompression is a major step of a comprehensive, often multistage, system of rehabilitation of patients with severe refractory TED.

Cavernous venous malformation (cavernous hemangioma) of the orbit: Current concepts and a review of the literature

The cavernous venous malformation of the orbit, previously called cavernous hemangioma, is the most common primary orbital lesion of adults. Cavernous venous malformation occurs more often in women and typically presents in the fourth and fifth decades of life. It is a benign vascular malformation characterized by a well-defined capsule and numerous large vascular channels. The most common sign of cavernous venous malformation is progressive axial proptosis from the preferential involvement of the intraconal orbital space. Optic nerve damage and other signs of orbital pathology may be present, with a variable degree of visual impairment. The combination of ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging leads to an accurate diagnosis in the vast majority of cases. Surgical and nonsurgical treatments are required in case of symptomatic lesions, with a characteristic multidisciplinary management influencing optimal outcome. Orbitotomy represents the traditional surgical approach. Recently, the endoscopic transnasal approach to the orbital cavity has gained interest, representing a feasible and safe, less-invasive surgical technique for the management of cavernous venous malformation.

A 10-year review of orbital biopsy: the Newcastle Eye Centre Study

PURPOSE

To review the histopathological diagnoses, visual outcome, and complication rate of orbital biopsy in a UK tertiary referral centre.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, clinical-pathological, interventional, consecutive case series. All orbital biopsies performed between July 2004 and June 2014 in Newcastle Eye Centre (Newcastle upon Tyne, UK) were included in this study. All relevant data collected from the local electronic database and medical records were analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 166 orbital biopsies were identified during the study period: 86 patients (53.1%) were female and the mean age was 53.7 ± 19.7 years. Of all the cases, orbital biopsies were performed unilaterally in 158 (97.5%) patients and bilaterally in 4 (2.5%) patients. The mean follow-up period was 2.2 ± 2.3 years. The two most common histopathological diagnoses were non-specific inflammatory disease (62, 38.3%) and lymphoproliferative disease (40, 24.7%). None of the patients experienced ≥ 2-Snellen line visual loss. There were 7 (4.2%) postoperative complications noted: 1 (0.6%) orbital haemorrhage with no loss of vision, 4 (2.4%) diplopia, 1 (0.6%) short-term symblepharon, and 1 (0.6%) conjunctival granuloma. Postoperative diplopia was associated with lateral orbitotomy (P = 0.044) and excisional biopsy (P = 0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

Orbital biopsy serves as a safe diagnostic tool in managing orbital diseases. Patient should be made aware of the risk of postoperative diplopia. Our data provides useful guidance to clinicians when counselling patients for orbital biopsy.

Acute visual loss with ophthalmoplegia after spinal surgery: report of a case and review of the literature

We report a case of a 15-year-old boy who presented with profound visual loss and complete ophthalmoplegia after an uneventful spinal surgery for removal of cervical osteoblastoma. Postoperative visual loss following nonocular surgery is, fortunately rare, yet a devastating complication. The most common cause is ischemic optic neuropathy, but it can also be due to central retinal occlusion or cortical blindness. Visual loss in conjunction with ophthalmoplegia is rarely seen, and there are very few reports in the literature. We also review the related literature and highlight the mechanism and preventive measures.

Blurry vision after orbital decompression surgery

Pathologic myopia may be associated with abnormal vitreomacular adhesions that can portend a higher risk of retinal detachment. The authors report a case of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with a complex macular tear after orbital decompression surgery in a patient with pathologic myopia. This case highlights the importance of retinal detachment in the setting of orbital decompression.

Visual outcomes following orbital biopsy

BACKGROUND

The risks of orbital biopsy depend on the lesion's location and relationship with surrounding structures. Complications include reduced vision, although visual outcomes following orbital biopsy are not widely reported.

AIMS

To determine visual outcomes following orbital biopsy in Gartnavel General Hospital's Oculoplastic and Oncology Service.

METHODS

Case note review of 50 consecutive patients undergoing orbital incision or excision biopsy between January 2006 and December 2010. Data collected included preoperative clinical examination, radiological and histological features, preoperative and postoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and surgical complications. The main outcome measure was change in CDVA. Mean follow-up duration was 1.32 years.

RESULTS

Histological diagnoses following biopsy included idiopathic orbital inflammation (n = 13) and lymphoma (n = 9). Of the radiologically defined lesions, 86.7% were extraconal (13.3% intraconal). Extraconal lesions were anterior in 59.0% (41.0% posterior). Mean preoperative LogMAR CDVA was 0.10 which was maintained at day one post-biopsy, indicating the absence of immediate sight-threatening complications such as retrobulbar haemorrhage or optic nerve compression, and there was no significant reduction at one-year follow-up (p = 0.239). Further analysis of change in CDVA showed no difference between: anterior and posterior lesions; extraconal and intraconal lesions; incision and excision biopsies; anterior and lateral surgical approaches.

CONCLUSIONS

CDVA is retained for one year following orbital biopsy. Significant visual loss is a very rare complication of this procedure.

Mastication induced retrobulbar hemorrhage

Retrobulbar hemorrhage is a feared potentially sight threatening complication after orbital decompression surgery. We present a patient, 36 hours after surgery, while forcefully biting, suddenly developed a retrobulbar hemorrhage arising from the temporalis muscle causing an orbital compartment syndrome. Rapid intervention with canthotomy and cantholysis was associated with recovery of vision from absent light perception to 20/20. A mastication induced retrobulbar hemorrhage has not been previously described.

Orbital decompression in thyroid eye disease

Though enlargement of the bony orbit by orbital decompression surgery has been known for about a century, surgical techniques vary all around the world mostly depending on the patient's clinical presentation but also on the institutional habits or the surgeon's skills. Ideally every surgical intervention should be tailored to the patient's specific needs. Therefore the aim of this paper is to review outcomes, hints, trends, and perspectives in orbital decompression surgery in thyroid eye disease regarding different surgical techniques.

Cavernous hemangioma of the orbital apex: pathogenetic considerations in surgical management

PURPOSE

To consider the pathogenesis and growth of cavernous hemangioma, particularly within the crowded orbital apex, in decisions regarding surgical indications, timing, and technique.

DESIGN

A perspective based on analysis of the microanatomic relationships and growth potential of apical cavernous hemangiomas, with representative case studies illustrating management recommendations.

METHODS

Analysis of microscopic findings in typical and vision-loss cases; review of tumor growth patterns as reported in observational and interventional studies; consideration of surgical approaches and reported functional outcomes.

RESULTS

An ongoing, local hemodynamic imbalance may drive the proliferation of a cavernous hemangioma. Extension into neighboring tissue induces a fibrous capsule, which is continually reconstituted as the lesion expands, and which may incorporate visually critical structures in the confines of the apex. The extent of this microanatomic intimacy is not detectable preoperatively. The tumor's remaining growth potential at the time of diagnosis or following incomplete resection is not predictable.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients without significant vision deficits should be observed for progression. Those with significant deficits or signs of progression should be offered timely surgery, with recognition of the risks. The surgical approach should be individualized based on macroanatomic relationships. The decision to intervene should not be a commitment to complete resection at any cost; intraoperative recognition of "inoperable" attachments may dictate modifications in order to preserve vision.

Perioperative visual loss in ocular and nonocular surgery

Incidence estimates for perioperative vision loss (POVL) after nonocular surgery range from 0.013% for all surgeries up to 0.2% following spine surgery. The most common neuro-ophthalmologic causes of POVL are the ischemic optic neuropathies (ION), either anterior (AION) or posterior (PION). We identified 111 case reports of AION following nonocular surgery in the literature, with most occurring after cardiac surgery, and 165 case reports of PION following nonocular surgery, with most occurring after spine surgery or radical neck dissection. There were an additional 526 cases of ION that did not specify if the diagnosis was AION or PION. We also identified 933 case reports of central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO), 33 cases of pituitary apoplexy, and 245 cases of cortical blindness following nonocular surgery. The incidence of POVL following ocular surgery appears to be much lower than that seen following nonocular surgery. We identified five cases in the literature of direct optic nerve trauma, 47 cases of AION, and five cases of PION following ocular surgery. The specific pathogenesis and risk factors underlying these neuro-ophthalmic complications remain unknown, and physicians should be alert to the potential for loss of vision in the postoperative period.