ARHGEF-10 gene mutation presenting as orbital inflammatory syndrome

Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 10 (ARHGEF-10) is a RHO GTPase that has a role for neural morphogenesis, however its effect on the eyes remains unknown. Here, we report a 44-year-old man who presented with eyelid swelling along with a history of bilateral hand contractures, high-arched feet and muscle wasting, who was found to have an ARHGEF-10 mutation. Neuroimaging was significant for numerous nerve-based cystic abnormalities in the bilateral orbits and throughout the neuraxis, and an orbital biopsy revealed S-100 and SOX-10 positive lesion consistent with pseudocysts. While the role of ARHGEF-10 remains unclear, further research is warranted to further describe its clinical manifestations.

SWEPT-SOURCE OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY IN SMALL CHOROIDAL MELANOMAS AND CHOROIDAL NEVI

PURPOSE

To evaluate the use of swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography to detect distinct vascular features in small choroidal melanomas and choroidal nevi.

METHODS

Patients with a choroidal nevus or a treatment-naïve choroidal melanoma were imaged with color fundus photography, ultrasound, and swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (12 × 12 mm). High-risk features including overlying fluid, orange pigment, shaggy photoreceptors, acoustic hollowness, depth >2 mm, and basal diameter >5 mm were assessed. Optical coherence tomography angiography vascular markers included: choroidal vessel visualization, choroidal vessel depth, and choriocapillaris flow signal, assessed qualitatively by comparison with surrounding, unaffected choriocapillaris.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine lesions were included in this study, seven flat choroidal nevi, 17 elevated choroidal nevi, and 5 choroidal melanomas. Distinct vascular patterns were noted between flat nevi, elevated nevi, and small choroidal melanomas. Choroidal melanomas displayed two types of vasculature: "nevus-like" vasculature with straight parallel vessels and complex vasculature with vascular loops and crosslinking. Visualized choroidal vessels were significantly deeper in melanomas (110 µm) than elevated (84 µm) or flat nevi (70 µm). In a size-matched subanalysis of 5 elevated choroidal nevi and 5 choroidal melanomas, choroidal melanomas had increased mean choroidal vessel depth (P = 0.015), deepest choroidal vessel visualized (P = 0.034), and presence of a deep choroidal vessel >155 µm (P = 0.048).

CONCLUSION

Swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography may detect distinct vascular features in choroidal nevi and small choroidal melanomas.

Unilateral Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy: Clinical Profile and Pathology

We report a case of a newborn with unilateral retinal detachment that could not be repaired. At examination under anesthesia, the retina was markedly abnormal and a presumptive diagnosis of retinal dysplasia was made. Several years later, the eye was enucleated because it was blind and painful. Final pathology was consistent with familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR). The literature describing unilateral retinal dysplasia is sparse. This case adds to the clinical spectrum of pathologic findings in FEVR.

Primary Cutaneous Follicle Center Lymphoma of the Eyelid: A Case Report and Review of the Literature in Light of Recent Changes to the WHO Classification of Lymphoid Neoplasms

Primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma (PCFCL) is a unique entity that represents up to 11% of all cutaneous lymphomas. PCFCL is associated with an indolent course and excellent 5-year survival rates, but can progress to secondary systemic involvement if left untreated. Histopathologic features of PCFCL can vary depending on the size, duration, and clinical stage of the lesion, making diagnosis somewhat challenging. Here, we present a case of a 50-year-old woman with an eyelid lesion that was initially classified as an inflamed cyst based on biopsy, but 1 year later, was determined to be PCFCL after repeat biopsy revealed different histology. In light of the recent changes to the WHO classification of lymphoid neoplasms, we review the unique clinical and histopathologic features of PCFCL that distinguish it from other more aggressive forms of cutaneous lymphoma in terms of course, prognosis, and management.

Pathological Confirmation of Optic Neuropathy in Familial Dysautonomia

Clinical data suggest that optic neuropathy and retinal ganglion cell loss are the main cause of visual decline in patients with familial dysautonomia, but this has not previously been confirmed by pathological analyses. We studied retinas and optic nerves in 6 eyes from 3 affected patients obtained at autopsy. Analyses included routine neurohistology and immunohistochemistry for neurofilaments, cytochrome c oxidase (COX), and melanopsin-containing ganglion cells. We observed profound axon loss in the temporal portions of optic nerves with relative preservation in the nasal portions; this correlated with clinical and optical coherence tomography findings in 1 patient. Retinal ganglion cell layers were markedly reduced in the central retina, whereas melanopsin-containing ganglion cells were relatively spared. COX staining was reduced in the temporal portions of the optic nerve indicating reduced mitochondrial density. Axonal swelling with degenerating lysosomes and mitochondria were observed by electron microscopy. These findings support the concept that there is a specific optic neuropathy and retinopathy in patients with familial dysautonomia similar to that seen in other optic neuropathies with mitochondrial dysfunction. This raises the possibility that defective expression of the IkB kinase complex-associated protein (IKAP) resulting from mutations in IKBKAP affects mitochondrial function in the metabolism-dependent retinal parvocellular ganglion cells in this condition.

Pigmented Spindle Cell Nevus of Reed of the Eyelid

Purpose

To report the clinical, pathological, and immunohistochemical features of the first pigmented spindle cell nevus (PSCN) of Reed documented to have appeared in the eyelid.

Methods

The findings of clinical and histopathological examination are presented, along with differential diagnoses and a review of the pertinent literature.

Case

A 3-year-old boy presented with a rapidly growing, heavily pigmented left lower lid papule raising the concern of malignancy, warranting excisional biopsy. Nests of predominantly junctional Mart-1-positive spindle cells were identified by histopathological examination. The cells were largely uniform in size, elongated, surrounded by granular and coarse melanin, with a Ki-67 proliferation index of 0-2%. Five-month follow-up did not evidence any recurrence or invasive behavior of this benign melanocytic tumor.

Conclusion

This is the first documented case of PSCN of Reed, a distinct entity from Spitz nevus, presenting in the eyelid. The differential diagnoses include spindle cell and superficially spreading malignant melanoma as well as dysplastic nevus. Integration of clinical and histopathological findings with immunohistochemical and fluorescence in situ hybridization markers plays a central role in the diagnosis.

Vitreous evaluation: a diagnostic challenge

PURPOSE

To categorize vitrectomy cytologic diagnoses and ancillary tests to address appropriate processing of low-volume vitreous samples.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Five thousand seven hundred thirty-six vitreous samples.

METHODS

Cytologic diagnoses of therapeutic and diagnostic vitrectomy samples and their processing protocols from 3 teaching institutions were reviewed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Diagnostic results were categorized as negative for malignancy, suspicious for malignancy, and positive for malignancy. All ancillary studies performed were documented, including special stains, immunohistochemistry analysis, cytokine levels, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 5736 vitreous samples analyzed, 4683 (81.64%) were from Tufts Medical Center (TMC), 955 (16.65%) were from Boston Medical Center (BMC), and 98 (1.70%) were from Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution (MERSI). Cases from TMC and BMC were therapeutic and diagnostic vitrectomies, and MERSI cases were diagnostic vitrectomies. Most vitrectomies showed negative results for malignancy: 99.47% of TMC cases, 99.89% of BMC cases, and 79.6% of MERSI cases. These included vitreous hemorrhage and inflammatory or infectious findings. Ancillary studies performed in this category included Periodic Acid-Schiff staining for fungi, PCR analysis for toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), herpes simplex virus I and II, and vitreous cultures for infections (coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, Candida, Fusarium, and Propionibacterium species). Interleukin (IL) 10-to-IL-6 ratios were performed on 38.7% of cases from MERSI. Fourteen cases from TMC were suspicious for malignancy based on cytologic evaluation. Eleven cases from TMC, 1 case from BMC, and 20 cases from MERSI showed positive results for malignancy and included B-cell lymphoma, retinoblastoma, melanoma, and metastatic adenocarcinoma. The ancillary testing included PCR for heavy chain immunoglobulin gene rearrangements, immunohistochemistry for EBV, in situ hybridization for κ and λ light chains, and cytogenetics.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest data pool of reported cytologic diagnoses of diagnostic and therapeutic vitrectomy samples. Cytologic evaluation of therapeutic vitrectomy samples provides a valuable baseline of nonpathologic findings that assist in differentiation between malignancy, infections, and inflammatory conditions. Allocation of small-volume vitreous samples to select ancillary testing from the plethora of available diagnostic tests requires preoperative communication between surgeons and pathologists to ensure appropriate and timely treatment methods.

Ocular melanoma

CONTEXT

Intraocular melanoma of the ciliary body and choroid is the most common primary ocular malignant tumor in adults and the most common noncutaneous melanoma.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the most salient clinical features, histopathologic findings, and treatment modalities of intraocular melanoma, as well as the novel therapies currently being tested.

DATA SOURCES

Clinically, it is important to determine which lesions carry a worse prognosis so as to offer patients the best treatment modalities available. Tumor location, size, histopathology, cytogenetic abnormalities, and tumor profiling are all used in determining the risk of death from metastatic disease of uveal melanocytic lesions. Despite successful local tumor control, up to 50% of patients have metastatic disease within 15 years of diagnosis; there is no effective treatment for metastatic disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Pathologists should be aware of the importance of tumor gross description, cellular histopathology classification, the use of fine-needle aspiration biopsy coupled with cytogenetics, and the new classification of uveal malignant melanomas that is based on chromosome 3 status.

Ocular melanoma

CONTEXT

Intraocular melanoma of the ciliary body and choroid is the most common primary ocular malignant tumor in adults and the most common noncutaneous melanoma.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the most salient clinical features, histopathologic findings, and treatment modalities of intraocular melanoma, as well as the novel therapies currently being tested.

DATA SOURCES

Clinically, it is important to determine which lesions carry a worse prognosis so as to offer patients the best treatment modalities available. Tumor location, size, histopathology, cytogenetic abnormalities, and tumor profiling are all used in determining the risk of death from metastatic disease of uveal melanocytic lesions. Despite successful local tumor control, up to 50% of patients have metastatic disease within 15 years of diagnosis; there is no effective treatment for metastatic disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Pathologists should be aware of the importance of tumor gross description, cellular histopathology classification, the use of fine-needle aspiration biopsy coupled with cytogenetics, and the new classification of uveal malignant melanomas that is based on chromosome 3 status.

Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome Presenting as Chronic Eyelid Swelling

Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome (MRS) is a rare disorder characterized by orofacial edema, facial palsy, and fissured tongue. A 64-year-old man presented with a fissured tongue and persistent chronic right upper eyelid edema of 15 years duration. The diagnostic biopsy revealed non-necrotizing granulomatous inflammation adjacent to blood and lymphatic vessels. Characteristic granulomas with focal occlusion of dilated lymphatic channels were present. Special stains for fungi, acid-fast microorganisms and bacteria were negative. Ptosis due to a mechanical effect of the persistent eyelid edema required surgical treatment including debulking and advancement of the levator muscle. At 6 months after surgery the patient showed symmetrical eyelid position without edema. The case demonstrates an uncommon presentation of Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome with prominent upper eyelid edema and lingua plicata, which was initially misdiagnosed. The clinical findings coupled with the characteristic granulomatous lymphangitis present in the biopsy are crucial for a definite diagnosis.

Corneal Myxoma

A 56-year-old woman referred to the ophthalmic service for evaluation of a lesion on her right cornea. There was no history of trauma or infection to the eye and there was no history of previous eye surgery or topical medications to the eye. Ophthalmic examination revealed a raised lesion with gelatinous appearance present at the nasal corneal limbus. Histologically, the corneal stroma was replaced by a myxoid matrix with scattered elongated spindle cells with no atypia consistent with corneal myxoma. Due to the rarity of the disease, our case highlights the importance of recognizing this entity. The treatment of choice is local excision.

An immunohistochemical analysis and comparison of posterior polymorphous dystrophy with congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy

PURPOSE

To evaluate the immunohistochemical profiles of the abnormal endothelial cells of posterior polymorphous dystrophy (PPMD) and congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy (CHED).

METHODS

Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of seven corneas with the diagnosis of PPMD (seven patients), six corneas with the diagnosis of CHED (four patients), and five control corneas were stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Adjacent histologic sections were stained with monoclonal antibodies that react with pancytokeratin, AE1/AE3, cytokeratin (CK) 7, CK 20, CAM 5.2, and epithelial membrane antigen. The immunoreactivity of the corneal endothelium was assessed by light microscopy.

RESULTS

The endothelial cells stained positive for pancytokeratin and CK 7 in seven of seven corneas of patients with PPMD and five of six corneas of patients with CHED; variable positivity was seen to AE1, AE3, and CAM 5.2. The endothelium was uniformly negative to staining by CK 20. The epithelium stained positive with pancytokeratin, AE1, and AE3. All control corneas were negative for pancytokeratin, CK 7, and CK 20.

CONCLUSION

The abnormal endothelium in both PPMD and CHED expresses similar CKs, including CK 7, which is not present in normal endothelium or surface epithelium. This may indicate a shared developmental abnormality in these conditions, as previously suggested by ultrastructural studies and genetic mapping.

Langerhans' cell histiocytosis and juvenile xanthogranuloma of the orbit. Clinicopathologic, CT, and MR imaging features

The clinical, radiologic, and histopathologic features of two main disorders of the orbit are discussed. Group I, Langerhans cell histiocytosis (histiocytosis X, Class I), is caused by proliferation of X histiocytic Langerhans' cells. Group II is juvenile xanthogranuloma, and Class II is related to the proliferation of non-X histiocytic (monocyte-macrophage) cells. The two diseases are of unknown cause and differ in their clinical, radiologic, and histopathologic features.

Cytomorphology of a mixed pigmented/nonpigmented pleomorphic adenoma of the ciliary body: a diagnostic pitfall in the evaluation of intraocular tumors

Intraoperative cytology is an alternative and sometimes preferred method to frozen section in the rapid evaluation of surgical biopsies. This report describes the cytological, histological, and immunohistochemical features of a case of mixed pigmented/nonpigmented pleomorphic adenoma of the ciliary body with clinical and morphological features reminiscent of malignant melanoma. The characteristic cyto-histomorphology of this unusual tumor and its distinguishing features from malignant melanoma are discussed.