Characterisation of myofibroblasts in fibrovascular tissues of primary and recurrent pterygia

AIMS

To determine the presence and origin of myofibroblasts in pterygia.

METHODS

86 specimens including head, body, and fibrovascular tissue from 52 primary and 34 recurrent pterygia and five exenterated eyes without pterygia were searched for the origin of myofibroblasts. All tissues were subjected to haematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry using antibodies against alpha smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), desmin, vimentin, and caldesmon, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The phenotype of fibroblasts subcultured in a serum free medium from pterygium fibrovascular tissues was characterised by the above antibodies. Bundles of dense fibrous tissues were noted in 86% of the fibrovascular tissue specimens evaluated. Cells within these bundles were characterised as myofibroblasts based on positive staining to alpha-SMA, but negative to desmin and caldesmon, markers for smooth muscle cells. Interestingly, positive alpha-SMA staining was also found in the periorbital fibroadipose tissue posterior to Tenon's capsule near the nasal conjunctiva in all exenterated specimens. All first passage fibroblasts expressed vimentin, some were positive to alpha-SMA, but all were negative to desmin or caldesmon. Cells in pterygium fibrovascular tissues showed ultrastructural features of intracytoplasmic bundles of microfilaments, consistent with myofibroblastic differentiation.

CONCLUSION

These studies collectively demonstrate the presence of contractile myofibroblasts bundle in pterygia and in the periorbital fibroadipose tissue posterior to Tenon's capsule of exenterated eyes without pterygium.

Surgical removal of submacular choroidal neovascularization: a clinicopathologic study and factors influencing visual outcomes

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Clinical and histopathologic characteristics of submacular choroidal neovascular membranes (CNV) are investigated and features predictive of postoperative complications or poorer visual outcome following CNV removal are identified.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Records of patients who underwent submacular CNV removal at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute between 1991 and 1998 are reviewed.

RESULTS

At 6 months postoperatively, vision was stable or improved in 19/26 (73%) eyes, with 15/26 (58%) having 20/200 to 20/400 vision. Postoperative retinal detachment occurred more commonly in age-related macular degeneration eyes (AMD) (P <0.05), and CNV recurrence occurred most frequently in presumed ocular histoplasmosis (POHS) eyes (P <0.05). The one eye with an extrafoveal CNV in-growth site had the largest improvement in vision postoperatively. Choroid in the specimen was associated with worse postoperative vision (P = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Submacular CNV removal achieves visual stabilization at the 20/200 to 20/400 level in most eyes. Potential risk factors for postoperative complications or poorer visual outcome include the underlying disease process, subfoveal in-growth site of CNV, and presence of choroid in the specimen.

Late onset lens particle glaucoma as a consequence of spontaneous dislocation of an intraocular lens in pseudoexfoliation syndrome

PURPOSE

To report acute onset lens particle glaucoma associated with pseudoexfoliation-related dislocation of an intraocular lens implant 12 years after cataract surgery.

METHODS

Case report.

RESULTS

An 80-year-old woman presented with acute onset of left eye pain that was associated with white fleck-like particles circulating in the anterior chamber and an intraocular pressure of 48 mm Hg. The posterior chamber intraocular lens within the capsular bag was positioned more posteriorly to the iris plane than usual, and pseudoexfoliative material was present on the lens capsule and the zonules. Anterior chamber aspirate confirmed the presence of lens cortical fibers.

CONCLUSION

Spontaneous dislocation of the posterior chamber intraocular lens in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome several years after cataract surgery may liberate lens cortical material, causing lens particle glaucoma.

Indocyanine green-assisted peeling of the retinal internal limiting membrane during vitrectomy surgery for macular hole repair

OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy and safety of indocyanine green (ICG)-assisted retinal internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling during macular hole repair.

DESIGN

Interventional, noncomparative, prospective case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-four consecutive patients (24 eyes) with stage 3 or 4 macular holes.

INTERVENTION

All eyes underwent a pars plana vitrectomy, including peeling of the posterior cortical hyaloid when necessary. Indocyanine green dye (0.5%) was instilled into the posterior vitreous cavity over the macula and left in place for 3 to 5 minutes. After removal of the ICG, the retinal ILM was peeled. Medium- to long-acting gas tamponade was used in all cases, and all patients were asked to position face down for 1 to 2 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Intraoperative staining properties of ICG, technical ease of peeling of the retinal ILM, postoperative anatomic results, visual acuity, and complications were recorded.

RESULTS

Indocyanine green stained the retinal ILM, but did not stain the underlying retina. Indocyanine green staining greatly facilitated the surgeons' ability to visualize and peel the ILM in each case. Peeled tissue was sent for both light and electron microscopic studies, which confirmed that the ICG-stained tissue was truly retinal ILM. Patients were observed after surgery for an average of 123 days (range, 23-195 days). Anatomic closure of the macular hole was achieved in 21 eyes (88%) with a single surgery. Visual acuity improved in 23 of 24 patients (96%) after surgery. There were no intra- or postoperative complications related to ICG use, and there was no clinical or fluorescein angiographic evidence of ICG toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

Indocyanine green stains the retinal ILM. This property facilitates ILM peeling by providing a stark contrast between the stained ILM and the unstained retina. Indocyanine green staining of the ILM appears to be a safe and useful adjunct in vitreous surgery for macular hole repair.

Treatment of conjunctival and corneal intraepithelial neoplasia with topical interferon alpha-2b

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role of topical interferon alfa-2b (IFNalpha2b) in the treatment of conjunctival and corneal intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).

DESIGN

Noncomparative case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Five patients with histologically proven CIN or recurrences of proven CIN were studied prospectively.

INTERVENTION

After histologic confirmation, patients were given topical recombinant IFNalpha2b (INTRON A, Schering Plough, Kenilworth, NJ) 1 million IU/ml four times a day. Patients were continued on interferon until complete resolution of the tumor had occurred.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Patients were followed clinically and photographically for evidence of tumor resolution.

RESULTS

All patients had complete resolution of the CIN lesion on IFNalpha2b. The mean time to clinical resolution was 11.6 weeks (range, 4-22 weeks). The mean follow-up was 17.6 months (range, 7-28 months). One patient had a clinical recurrence of his corneal CIN 1 year after tumor resolution. This patient was retreated, resulting in clinical resolution within 6 weeks, and has been tumor free for 8 months of follow-up.

Echography of retinoblastoma: histopathologic correlation and serial evaluation after globe-conserving radiotherapy or chemotherapy

PURPOSE

To assess the sensitivity of echography in detecting retinoblastoma, compare tumor features observed by echography with histopathology data, and assess the usefulness of echography in serially following retinoblastoma tumors after globe-conserving treatments.

METHODS

The medical and echography records of all patients treated for retinoblastoma at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute between 1991 and 1997 were reviewed. All eyes underwent pretreatment echographic evaluation, and eyes treated with external beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy, or chemotherapy underwent serial follow-up echography.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine eyes of 48 patients were identified. Echography demonstrated evidence of retinoblastoma in 69 of 69 (100%) eyes and calcification in 63 (91.3%) eyes. Histopathology was superior to echography in detecting optic nerve invasion, extraocular extension, and presence of calcification.

CONCLUSION

Echography is a useful adjunct to indirect ophthalmoscopy in establishing the diagnosis of retinoblastoma. While not as specific as histopathology, echographic evaluation before and after treatment of retinoblastoma permits monitoring of treatment response and may aid in detecting recurrent tumor growth or failure to respond to treatment.

Motility disturbance due to true Tenon cyst in a child with a Baerveldt glaucoma drainage implant

Epithelial ingrowth of the bleb cavity, a true Tenon cyst, is a rare complication of a glaucoma drainage implant. Previous cases have been associated with persistent bleb leak, and most have occurred in eyes with prior extraocular surgery. We describe a case of a true Tenon cyst causing strabismus and an elevated intraocular pressure that was successfully treated by surgical revision.

Indocyanine green-assisted peeling of the retinal internal limiting membrane

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether indocyanine green (ICG) stains and facilitates peeling of the retinal internal limiting membrane (ILM). To investigate the different staining properties of the posterior cortical hyaloid, retinal ILM, and the retina after ILM removal.

DESIGN

Autopsy eye study.

MATERIALS

Eleven human cadaveric eyes.

METHODS

Open sky vitrectomy including removal of the posterior cortical vitreous was performed. A 0.5% ICG solution was then injected into the posterior vitreous cavity over the macula. The dye was allowed to settle on the macula for 5 minutes and was then removed by mechanical aspiration. Peeling of the ILM was initiated with a bent needle and completed with intraocular forceps. Specimens were submitted for light and electron microscopy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Staining properties and ease of peeling of retinal ILM were evaluated. Retinal ILM removal was confirmed by histopathologic and electron microscopic examination.

RESULTS

ICG contact with the retinal surface resulted in bright green staining of the ILM. This stain greatly facilitated ILM peeling by improving direct visualization of the membrane. The underlying retina did not stain, thus providing a clear distinction between the stained ILM and the unstained retina. Continuous circular peeling of the ILM was easily completed with this technique. Light microscopic and ultrastructural studies confirmed removal of the ILM.

CONCLUSIONS

ICG solution distinctly stains the nearly invisible retinal ILM in human cadaveric eyes. ICG staining greatly facilitates ILM peeling by providing a stark contrast between the stained ILM and the unstained retina.

Subretinal "napkin-ring" membrane in proliferative vitreoretinopathy

A "napkin-ring" subretinal membrane is an unusual expression of subretinal proliferation associated with retinal detachment. An 80-year-old man with a total funnel-shaped retinal detachment underwent pars plana vitrectomy, 360 degrees relaxing retinotomy, excision of a subretinal napkin-ring membrane, and silicone oil injection. Histopathologic examination of the removed napkin-ring subretinal membrane revealed the presence of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) as the major source of cells within the membrane. Myofibroblasts were the most common cellular constituents; the total number of these cells may have correlated with the degree of clinical contraction, causing a funnel-shaped retinal detachment. Arch Ophthalmol. 2000;118:1287-1289

Malignant granular cell tumor metastatic to the orbit

OBJECTIVE

Malignant granular cell tumor is a rare type of soft tissue sarcoma. To our knowledge, ocular (eyelid) involvement has been described in only two cases. Herein, we report the clinicopathologic features of an unusual case of malignant granular cell tumor metastatic to the orbit.

DESIGN

Observational case report.

METHODS

Retrospective review of the medical record and the histopathologic and electron microscopic findings and review of the literature.

RESULTS

A 72-year-old man with biopsy-proven granular cell tumor in the cervical region was initially seen with proptosis and motility disturbance. A magnetic resonance imaging scan showed a large intraconal mass, and biopsy of the orbital mass revealed granular cell tumor. Histopathologic examination of the primary neck tumor and the orbital mass revealed increased nuclear atypia and pleomorphism in the consecutive lesions. The morphologic impression of granular cell tumor was also supported by the immunohistochemical demonstration of S-100 protein expression and ultrastructural findings typical of granular cell tumor. Six months after the orbital involvement, systemic workup revealed multiple apparent bony and lung metastases.

CONCLUSIONS

We report the first malignant granular cell tumor metastatic to the orbit and suggest the inclusion of this tumor in the differential diagnosis of metastatic orbital lesions.

Diagnosis and management of allergic fungal sinusitis with orbital involvement

PURPOSE

Allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS) is a noninvasive disease characterized by recurrent sinusitis. This condition is commonly treated with surgical debridement and several months of systemic corticosteroids. The treatment of AFS is examined in this study.

METHODS

A retrospective case series of three patients with AFS.

RESULTS

All three patients were treated with surgical debridement and less than one month of systemic corticosteroids. The patients then were treated with intranasal corticosteroids and monitored closely. Antifungal therapy was not used. All three patients remained disease-free during follow-up ranging from 12 months to 36 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical debridement and systemic corticosteroids for less than four weeks followed by intranasal corticosteroids may provide long-term control of AFS. Additional study is recommended to examine further the optimal treatment for AFS.

Nasolacrimal duct obstruction and orbital cellulitis associated with chronic intranasal cocaine abuse

OBJECTIVE

To report the association of acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction and orbital cellulitis in patients with a history of chronic intranasal cocaine abuse.

METHODS

Retrospective, consecutive case series. Results of imaging, histopathologic examinations, and clinical courses of these patients were studied.

RESULTS

Five women and 2 men (mean age, 41 years) with a history of chronic intranasal cocaine abuse (mean, 11 years; range, 5-20 years) presented with epiphora and in some cases acute onset of periorbital pain, edema, and erythema associated with fever. The suspicion of intranasal cocaine abuse was made on anterior rhinoscopy with the detection of an absent nasal septum and inferior turbinate. Computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings in 4 patients included extensive bony destruction of the normal orbital wall architecture, opacification of the sinuses, and the presence of an intraorbital tissue mass. Histopathologic examination of the nasolacrimal duct in 2 patients and of the orbital mass in a third patient revealed marked chronic inflammation with fibrosis causing secondary nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Six patients were treated with systemic antibiotics followed by dacryocystorhinostomy in 3 patients, and a pericranial flap to insulate the exposed orbit in 1 patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic intranasal cocaine abuse can result in extensive bony destruction of the orbital walls with associated orbital cellulitis, and should be included in the differential diagnosis of acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Anterior rhinoscopy is very helpful in establishing the correct diagnosis in these patients.

The relationships of age changes in retinal pigment epithelium and Bruch's membrane

PURPOSE

To study the correlations between age, Bruch's membrane (BM) thickness, retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) autofluorescence, and RPE residual body content.

METHODS

Eight-millimeter-diameter macular discs from 88 unpaired human eye bank eyes were obtained within 72 hours of death, fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin, and hemisected horizontally. One portion of the macular disc was embedded in paraffin and stained with periodic acid-Schiff for the measurement of BM thickness. RPE autofluorescence measurements were performed on unstained, deparaffinized sections. A second portion of the macular disc was prepared for electron microscopy to evaluate RPE residual body content. Linear and polynomial regression techniques were used to investigate the correlations between age, BM thickness, RPE autofluorescence, and RPE residual body content.

RESULTS

Bruch's membrane thickness increased with age according to the linear model. RPE autofluorescence and RPE residual body content also increased with age, but the correlations were best approximated by a quadratic model. The correlations between RPE autofluorescence and residual body content and between BM thickness and RPE autofluorescence were best approximated by a linear regression model. There was considerable variation in these correlations between specimens and within the same age group.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the changes in RPE and Bruch's membrane increased with age and there was a direct correlation between changes in the two tissues, there was considerable variation within each age group and between specimens. This probably reflects the multifactorial nature of the process.

Periocular atypical mycobacterial infections

OBJECTIVE

To examine the clinical characteristics and management of periocular infections caused by atypical mycobacteria.

DESIGN

Retrospective, noncomparative case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Six patients were identified with periocular atypical mycobacterial infections: four with Mycobacterium chelonae and two with Mycobacterium fortuitum.

INTERVENTION

The treatment of these infections included removal of the foreign bodies with debridement of the lesions. Specimens were sent for histopathologic examination, routine cultures, and fresh tissue for culture after homogenization.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

A retrospective review of culture-proven atypical mycobacterial infections involving the periocular tissues was performed. Charts were reviewed for age, gender, infectious organism, medical history, surgical history, presenting symptoms, clinical features, and treatment.

RESULTS

Four associations with infection were identified in these patients: immunosuppression, nasolacrimal duct obstruction, the presence of a foreign body, and a history of recent surgery. All six of the patients had at least one of these associations and five of the patients had at least two. Clinical characteristics that may distinguish atypical mycobacterial infections from acute bacterial infections include subacute presentation, firm nodular lesions, mild erythema, mild tenderness, and minimal purulent discharge. All patients had resolution of their infections after debridement and several weeks of systemic antibiotic therapy guided by susceptibility testing.

CONCLUSIONS

Periocular atypical mycobacterial infections are uncommon. The clinical history and examination can raise the suspicion of this infection by revealing the clinical characteristics of these infections. Treatment includes removal of foreign bodies, debridement, and long-term systemic antibiotic therapy.

Primary intraocular posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder

We report a case of posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder manifesting as an isolated, unilateral iris tumor. A 2-year-old boy who had undergone liver transplantation for biliary atresia at age 4 months was seen with a 2-month history of an enlarging iris nodule. Histopathologic examination of the iris lesion demonstrated a mixed population of lymphoid cells. To our knowledge, this is the youngest patient with posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder isolated to the eye.

Clinicopathologic correlation of an untreated macular hole and a macular hole treated by vitrectomy, transforming growth factor-beta 2, and gas tamponade

PURPOSE

To study the clinicopathologic features of an untreated macular hole in the right eye and a macular hole in the left eye treated by vitrectomy, application of transforming growth factor-beta 2, and gas tamponade.

METHODS

The patient, a 73-year-old man with bilateral macular holes, was studied clinically before and after surgical treatment of the macular hole in his left eye. The patient's eyes were obtained postmortem and serially step-sectioned through the macula and optic nerve head for electron microscopy.

RESULTS

Examination of 1-micron thick plastic-embedded sections through the macula of the right eye disclosed a 0.6-mm macular hole with rounded gliotic margins, a thin epiretinal membrane, and parafoveal cystic changes. Examination of 1-micron thick plastic-embedded sections through the macula of the left eye disclosed a 0.25-mm defect in the fovea, which was bridged by glial cells. The glial cells were continuous with a thin hypocellular epiretinal membrane without contraction features on both sides of the defect. The ultrastructural features of the glial cells were consistent with Mueller cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of a macular hole with vitrectomy, transforming growth factor-beta 2, and gas tamponade was followed by complete closure of the macular hole by Mueller cell proliferation.

Clinicopathologic correlation of submacular membranectomy with retention of good vision in a patient with age-related macular degeneration

We present the clinicopathologic features of the eye of a patient with age-related macular degeneration who underwent submacular membranectomy and had retention of good visual acuity for almost 4 years despite recurrent choroidal neovascularization treated with krypton laser photocoagulation and mild expansion of the laser lesion with time. Histopathologic study of the surgically removed membrane from the right eye disclosed a thin fibrovascular membrane lined by retinal pigment epithelium on one surface. Microscopic examination of the right eye obtained post mortem disclosed a 2.75-mm (horizontal) x 2.1-mm (vertical) retinal pigment epithelium defect with overlying photoreceptor cell atrophy centered on the temporal parafoveal area, and a 0.6 x 0.1-mm subretinal pigment epithelium fibrovascular membrane with an area of retinal pigment epithelial hyperplasia and vascularization from the retina 0.4 mm temporal to the fovea. Basal laminar deposit was present in the region of the fovea and nasal parafoveal area.

Clinicopathologic correlation of argon laser photocoagulation of retinal angiomas in a patient with von Hippel-Lindau disease followed for more than 20 years

PURPOSE

The authors review the histopathologic findings in the eyes of a patient with multiple retinal angiomas and von Hippel-Lindau disease, who underwent treatment with argon laser photocoagulation with follow-up of more than 20 years.

METHODS

The patient was studied ophthalmoscopically and by fluorescein angiography before and after argon laser photocoagulation of retinal angiomas. The eyes were obtained postmortem, and the central portion of the right eye, including the macula and optic nerve head, was sectioned serially for light microscopy. The pupil-optic nerve segment of the left eye was step-sectioned serially for light microscopy.

RESULTS

Histopathologic study of the right eye disclosed mild cystoid macular edema and focal areas of exudation in the midperiphery possibly secondary to irradiation of the head. A 1.5 x 0.3-mm area of residual angioma was present in the nasal peripapillary retina. Superotemporally, four chorioretinal scars were present in one photocoagulated area. These scars were composed of dense fibrous tissue with vascularization and variable retinal pigment epithelium hyperplasia. Large, nonangiomatous vessels within each of the scars were continuous with other retinal vessels. Inferotemporally, two chorioretinal scars were present in one photocoagulated area. Histopathologically, these scars were similar to the superotemporal scars, except that no patent retinal vessels traversed the inferotemporal scars. Neovascularization of the retina was associated with one superotemporal and one inferotemporal scar. No residual angiomatous tissue was present in the supero- or inferotemporal areas. Histopathologic examination of the left eye disclosed extensive vitreous organization and periretinal fibrovascular proliferation, extensive gliosis of the retina, and a 4.5 x 2-mm schisis cavity filled with fibrinous exudate. Three angiomas with variable fibrosis were present in the left eye.

CONCLUSION

Despite a poor clinical course in one eye treated with xenon arc photocoagulation, trans-scleral diathermy, and argon laser photocoagulation, a patient with von Hippel-Lindau disease and multiple retinal angiomas retained good vision in the other eye after successful treatment with argon laser photocoagulation with follow-up of more than 20 years. The amount of regression of angiomatous tissue after photocoagulation varied from lesion to lesion (complete in some; minimal in others). The authors conclude that argon laser photocoagulation of early lesions is effective in ablating smaller ( < or = 3-disc diameter) retinal angiomas.

The changing spectrum of fungal keratitis in south Florida

PURPOSE

To review the clinical experience with fungal keratitis in south Florida over a 10-year period.

METHODS

One hundred twenty-five cases of fungal keratitis were identified in the microbiology laboratory records between January 1982 and January 1992. The medical record of each patient was reviewed.

RESULTS

The most commonly associated risk factor was trauma (44%). Fungal keratitis developed in five patients using extended wear contact lenses and one patient wearing a therapeutic bandage contact lens. Clinical features included irregular, feathery margins (62%), a dry, rough texture (47%), and satellite lesions (41%). An initial positive culture was obtained in 90% of patients, with a majority of cultures becoming positive within 48 hours. The Fusarium sp accounted for 62% of the isolates, with Fusarium oxysporum being the most commonly isolated organism. New fungal isolates include Candida parapsilosis, Aspergillus terreus, Candida tropicalis, and Trichosporon beigellii. Natamycin 5% suspension was the initial antifungal agent used for 91% of the patients, with an average duration of treatment of 38 days. Twenty-five patients were treated with oral ketoconazole for a median duration of 2 weeks, in addition to topical antifungal therapy. Thirty-four patients (27%) required a penetrating keratoplasty. Six patients had recurrence of fungal keratitis after penetrating keratoplasty.

CONCLUSIONS

Trauma, including contact lens wear, is the most commonly associated risk factor. The fungal organisms can be readily identified in culture. F. oxysporum is the most common organism, with new isolates identified. The mainstay of therapy is topical natamycin with the increasing use of imidazoles.

Monocular congenital cataracts: psychological effects of treatment

Visual success in the treatment of monocular congenital cataracts requires early surgery, and aggressive, long-term amblyopia management and optical correction. These children will have their only normally seeing eye patched for a significant percentage of their early childhood years. We have been concerned about the possibility of an adverse psychological impact of this form of treatment. This study utilized two standardized testing instruments to evaluate the incidence of developmental delay and behavioral problems in children treated for monocular congenital cataracts. A total of 22 children were evaluated with one or both of these instruments and compared to a control group of 18 normal siblings. There was no statistically significant evidence of developmental delay or increased behavioral problems in the treatment group.