Chronic lymphedema of the eyelid: case series

Eyelid Lymphatics: An Anatomical Study by Microdissection

OBJECTIVE

To obtain further understanding of the eyelid lymphatic anatomy.

METHOD

Thirty-two halves of eyelids from 16 fresh fetus cadavers were studied by microdissection using a mixture of 3% Prussian blue and chloroform to visualize the lymphatic vessels.

RESULTS

Three layers of lymphatic plexuses were demonstrated in the eyelids: a superficial or preorbicularis muscle plexus; a pretarsal or postorbicular muscle plexus; and a deep or posttarsal plexus. Furthermore, communicating branches among these plexuses were also spotted.

CONCLUSIONS

The study results demonstrated the topographic distribution of the eyelid lymphatic vessels and confirmed the existence of communicating branches. This discovery will be conducive to understanding the route and mechanism by which inflammation of the eyelid spreads and cancer disseminates. It also provides anatomical insights to apply during eyelid surgery with regard to the prevention of possible eyelid lymphatic injury.

Treatment of Morbihan disease

Morbihan disease (MD) is a rare condition that involves rosaceous lymphedema or erythematous lymphedema of the middle and upper thirds of the face. It typically affects the periorbital region, forehead, glabella, nose, and cheeks. The etiology of MD remains unclear, and its diagnosis is challenging. MD often tends to be unresponsive to therapies commonly used to treat rosacea, including corticosteroids, isotretinoin, and antibiotics. Surgical treatments have therefore been attempted, but most cases showed unsatisfactory responses. These problems could have resulted from an incorrect recognition and interpretation of the pathophysiology of MD and inaccurate planning of the operation, resulting in recurrence or exacerbation of edema.

Extreme Eyelid Lymphedema Associated With Rosacea (Morbihan Disease): Case Series, Literature Review, and Therapeutic Considerations

PURPOSE

To describe severe lymphedema of the eyelids, known as Morbihan disease, a previously characterized but infrequently reported and poorly understood entity related to rosacea that features solid mid-facial and eyelid lymphedema.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review, histopathologic and immunohistochemical analysis, and pertinent literature consideration.

RESULTS

Five cases of Morbihan disease were identified. Histopathologic examination revealed pleomorphic perivascular and perilymphatic inflammation with profound lymphangiectasis and lymph stasis, thus suggesting elements of both rosacea and localized, chronic lymphedema. Multiple therapeutic interventions were performed including systemic anti-inflammatory therapy, surgical debulking, and corticosteroid injection.

CONCLUSIONS

Extreme eyelid edema associated with characteristic skin changes and histopathologic findings represents an entity known as Morbihan disease which is rare and difficult to treat. While multiple modalities have been employed with variable results, future therapeutic considerations may include the use of targeted biologic agents.

Morbihan disease and extrafacial lupus miliaris disseminatus faceie: a case report

Lupus miliaris disseminatus faciei (LMDF) is characterized by discrete dome-shaped papules on the bilateral face and neck. We report the first case of LMDF with a widespread distribution of extrafacial papules and concomitant bilateral eyelid edema. A unique case of a 30-year-old man presented with nonpruritic, painless, papular eruptions (3-5 mm in diameter) involving the bilateral trunk and upper extremities, along with bilateral eyelid edema. There was no facial eruption involved. The outbreak initially involved the back, and gradually spread to the chest and wrists. The histologic examination of the eyelids revealed histiocytic epitheloid cells, dermal intercellular edema, and an expanded vascular space, which led to the diagnosis of Morbihan disease. The immunohistochemical staining of the truncal eruption revealed nodular inflammatory changes involving the middle to lower dermis around the follicles, containing histiocytes, multinucleated giant cells, and small lymphocytes. This led to the diagnosis of LMDF. The truncal papular eruption ultimately improved with roxithromycin treatment, but the eyelid edema required surgical treatment.