Multifocal Peripheral Neuropathies, Rhabdomyolysis, and Dermal Change in Carbon Monoxide Intoxication

Carbon monoxide poisoning is common cause of fatal intoxication. When carbon monoxide is absorbed into the blood, it interferes with the oxygen supply to the cells, causing damage to tissues and organs. Delayed neuropsychiatric sequelae (DNS) manifested by cognitive dysfunction, motor disorder, micturition disorder are widely known complication of carbon monoxide intoxication. But neuromuscular complication is a rare DNS of carbon monoxide intoxication. We herein report a 42-year-old patient with multifocal neuropathies, rhabdomyolysis, and dermal change due to carbon monoxide intoxication.

The Effect of Levator Recession for Upper Eyelid Retraction in Patients with Thyroid-associated Ophthalmopathy

Purpose@#We analyzed factors that affect the outcome of levator recession surgery for upper eyelid retraction in patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy. @*Methods@#Retrospective analysis was performed based on the medical records of 24 patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy who underwent upper eyelid levator recession surgery between February 10, 2010, and September 18, 2018. The margin to reflex distance (MRD), length and area of the upper and lower eyelids were measured and compared with the eyelid analysis software before and after 6 months of surgery on medical records. In addition, factors affecting the difference in MRD1 before and after surgery were examined by multivariate linear regression analysis. @*Results@#Twenty-four patients were included in the study. The MRD1 decreased significantly from 5.12 ± 1.26 mm before surgery to 3.48 ± 1.08 mm at 6 months after surgery (p < 0.001). All upper eyelid measurements, i.e., UEL (p < 0.001), UMA (p < 0.001), UCA (p = 0.004), and ULA (p < 0.001), were significantly decreased after surgery, while none of the lower eyelid measurements showed significant changes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that lower preoperative MRD1 was associated with the success of the surgery (odds ratio, 0.31; 95% confidence interval, 0.09-1.01). @*Conclusions@#Levator recession surgery is an efficient surgical method that can correct the upper eyelid retraction associated with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy.

The Effect of Levator Recession for Upper Eyelid Retraction in Patients with Thyroid-associated Ophthalmopathy

Purpose@#We analyzed factors that affect the outcome of levator recession surgery for upper eyelid retraction in patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy. @*Methods@#Retrospective analysis was performed based on the medical records of 24 patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy who underwent upper eyelid levator recession surgery between February 10, 2010, and September 18, 2018. The margin to reflex distance (MRD), length and area of the upper and lower eyelids were measured and compared with the eyelid analysis software before and after 6 months of surgery on medical records. In addition, factors affecting the difference in MRD1 before and after surgery were examined by multivariate linear regression analysis. @*Results@#Twenty-four patients were included in the study. The MRD1 decreased significantly from 5.12 ± 1.26 mm before surgery to 3.48 ± 1.08 mm at 6 months after surgery (p < 0.001). All upper eyelid measurements, i.e., UEL (p < 0.001), UMA (p < 0.001), UCA (p = 0.004), and ULA (p < 0.001), were significantly decreased after surgery, while none of the lower eyelid measurements showed significant changes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that lower preoperative MRD1 was associated with the success of the surgery (odds ratio, 0.31; 95% confidence interval, 0.09-1.01). @*Conclusions@#Levator recession surgery is an efficient surgical method that can correct the upper eyelid retraction associated with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy.

Intravenous Glucocorticoid Treatment for Korean Graves' Ophthalmopathy Patients

Background@#High-dose intravenous steroids are the first-line treatment for patients with moderate-to-severe and active Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO). We aimed to investigate the response rate of methylprednisolone (MPD) treatment among Korean patients with active moderate-to-severe GO and to identify predictive factors of treatment response. @*Methods@#This is a retrospective observational study. We included 54 active moderate-to-severe GO patients treated with 4.5 g intravenous MPD over 12 weeks between November 2011 and November 2018. Response was defined as an improvement in at least two of five indicators (clinical activity score [CAS], soft-tissue involvement, exophthalmos, diplopia, and visual acuity) at immediate and 3 months after treatment completion. We examined predictive factors for response using logistic regression analysis. @*Results@#Twenty-four (44.4%) and 22 (40.7%) patients showed response at immediate and 3 months after intravenous (IV) steroid treatment. Of the five ophthalmic parameters, all patients in the responsive group (100.0%) showed a decrease in CAS and 90.9% showed less soft tissue involvement after IV steroid treatment. Among variables, the sum of extraocular muscle width was positively (odds ratio [OR], 1.163; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.973–1.389; P = 0.096) associated with treatment response. While, the OR of age was 0.918 (95% CI, 0.856–0.985; P = 0.017) and thyrotropin binding inhibitory immunoglobulin (TBII) was 0.921 (95% CI, 0.864–0.982; P = 0.012). @*Conclusion@#In Korean active moderate-to-severe GO patients, intravenous steroid treatment is not as effective as previously reported. Parameters associated with CAS and soft-tissue involvement were found to be influenced by IV MPD treatment. Extraocular muscle enlargement, younger age and lower TBII are predictive factors for a good steroid treatment response.

Efficacy and Safety of Letibotulinum Toxin A for the Treatment of Essential Blepharospasm

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of BOTULAX® in subjects with essential blepharospasm.METHODS: In this study, a total of 250 subjects with essential blepharospasm were enrolled at 15 investigational sites and a total of 220 subjects completed the study. The efficacy and safety were evaluated at weeks 4 and 16 after treatment compared with baseline. In total, 240 subjects were enrolled, treated with the investigational product, and evaluable for the primary efficacy assessment at week 4 after treatment; these subjects were included in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population. With the ITT set as the main efficacy set, efficacy assessment included Jankovic rating scale (JRS), functional disability score, investigator evaluation of global response and quality of life. Safety assessment including the incidence of adverse events was also performed.RESULTS: In terms of the primary efficacy endpoint (i.e., change in JRS total score at week 4 after treatment from baseline [ITT set]), mean change indicated a statistically significant reduction (p < 0.0001) and demonstrated the non-inferiority of the test drug to similar drugs. In terms of the secondary efficacy endpoints, mean change in JRS total score at week 16 after treatment and mean change in functional disability score at weeks 4 and 16 after treatment both exhibited a statistically significant reduction compared with baseline (p < 0.0001 for all). Among the 249 subjects treated with the investigational product in this study, 44 (17.67%) experienced 76 treatment emergent adverse events but no serious adverse events were observed.CONCLUSIONS: Based on the study results, BOTULAX® is considered to be an effective and safe treatment for essential blepharospasm.

The Clinical Result of Medial Orbital Decompression in Patients with Thyroid-associated Orbitopathy

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical effects of medial orbital decompression in patients with thyroid orbitopathy. METHODS: Forty-three orbits of 28 patients who underwent medial orbital decompression for cosmetic purposes between January 2014 to January 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Changes in visual acuity, intraocular pressure, exophthalmos, strabismus, and diplopia were checked before, 3 months, and 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: The average exophthalmos reduction was −2.99 ± 0.96 mm at postoperative 3 months and −3.07 ± 1.24 mm after 1 year (both, p < 0.001). In patients who underwent unilateral orbital decompression, the mean difference in exophthalmometry between the two eyes was significantly reduced from 3.06 ± 0.78 mm to 0.38 ± 0.44 mm after 3 months, and to 0.50 ± 0.46 mm after 1 year (p = 0.011 and p = 0.012, respectively). After surgery, the final postoperative intraocular pressure decreased significantly at postoperative 3 months and 1 year (both, p < 0.001). The mean preoperative horizontal deviation was 0.88 ± 4.85 prism diopters (PD) and 5.50 ± 6.74 PD at postoperative 3 months, which demonstrated significant esodeviation postoperatively (p = 0.007). Three patients had new onset esotropia (8.33%), but no surgical treatment was needed. CONCLUSIONS: Medial orbital decompression is a less invasive and safe surgical procedure for patients with asymmetric or mild thyroid-associated orbitopathy, which can be beneficial for reducing proptosis.

Treatment of Graves' Ophthalmopathy

Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) is an autoimmune disease associated with orbital inflammation and fibrosis which can result in lid retraction, soft tissue swelling, and proptosis. Treatment should rely on a thorough assessment of the activity and severity of GO. Control of risk factors for GO progression and topical treatments for dry eye are recommended for all patients. In mild GO, a careful observation is usually sufficient. In moderate-to-severe and active GO, high-dose intravenous glucocorticoids can be considered an initial treatment. The most common schedule for intravenous glucocorticoids is a cumulative dose of 4.5 g of methylprednisolone, divided into 12 weekly infusions (6 weekly infusions of 0.5 g, followed by 6 weekly infusions of 0.25 g). Orbital radiation has been shown to be an effective secondary treatment in patients with active GO unresponsive to intravenous glucocorticoids. Rehabilitative surgery is needed in patients with GO when the disease is associated with a significant impact on quality of life or visual function after the disease has been inactive for at least 6 months.

Definition and treatment of lacrimal drainage disease

Epiphora is one of the most common problems in ophthalmological practice, and is caused by dysfunction of the lacrimal pathway. The lacrimal drainage system is a continuous anatomical structure consisting of the lacrimal punctum, inferior and superior canaliculi, common canaliculus, lacrimal sac, and nasolacrimal duct. Lacrimal disease can be medically treated in case of acute inflammation or partial obstruction at the beginning of treatment, but surgical treatment is necessary in most cases. This paper discusses the etiology, clinical features, diagnosis, and surgical treatment of various lacrimal diseases through a selective review of the relevant literature. Advances in lacrimal duct surgery can now be performed in such a way that the structural integrity and normal physiological function of the entire efferent lacrimal pathway is preserved.

Measurement of Angle Kappa Using Ultrasound Biomicroscopy and Corneal Topography

PURPOSE: To introduce a new convenient and accurate method to measure the angle kappa using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and corneal topography. METHODS: Data from 42 eyes (13 males and 29 females) were analyzed in this study. The angle kappa was measured using Orbscan II and calculated with UBM and corneal topography. The angle kappa of the dominant eye was compared with measurements by Orbscan II. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 36.4 ± 13.8 years. The average angle kappa measured by Orbscan II was 3.98°± 1.12°, while the average angle kappa calculated with UBM and corneal topography was 3.19°± 1.15°. The difference in angle kappa measured by the two methods was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The two methods showed good reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.671; p < 0.001). Bland-Altman plots were used to demonstrate the agreement between the two methods. CONCLUSIONS: We designed a new method using UBM and corneal topography to calculate the angle kappa. This method is convenient to use and allows for measurement of the angle kappa without an expensive device.

Surgical Outcomes of Balanced Deep Lateral and Medial Orbital Wall Decompression in Korean Population: Clinical and Computed Tomography-based Analysis

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of balanced deep lateral and medial orbital wall decompression and to estimate surgical effects using computed tomography (CT) images in Korean patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO). METHODS: Retrospective chart review was conducted in TAO patients with exophthalmos who underwent balanced deep lateral and medial orbital wall decompression. Exophthalmos was measured preoperatively and postoperatively at 1 and 3 months. Postoperative complications were evaluated in all study periods. In addition, decompressed bone volume was estimated using CT images. Thereafter, decompression volume in each decompressed orbital wall was analyzed to evaluate the surgical effect and predictability. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients (48 orbits) with an average age of 34.08 ± 7.03 years were evaluated. The mean preoperative and postoperative exophthalmos at 1 and 3 months was 18.91 ± 1.43, 15.10 ± 1.53, and 14.91 ± 1.49 mm, respectively. Bony decompression volume was 0.80 ± 0.29 cm3 at the medial wall and 0.68 ± 0.23 cm3 at the deep lateral wall. Postoperative complications included strabismus (one patient, 2.08%), upper eyelid fold change (four patients, 8.33%), and dysesthesia (four patients, 8.33%). Postsurgical exophthalmos reduction was more highly correlated with the deep lateral wall than the medial wall. CONCLUSIONS: In TAO patients with exophthalmos, balanced deep lateral and medial orbital wall decompression is a good surgical method with a low-risk of complications. In addition, deep lateral wall decompression has higher surgical predictability than medial wall decompression, as seen with CT analysis.

A Case of Primary Hodgkin Lymphoma in the Orbit

PURPOSE: Hodgkin lymphoma involving the orbit and ocular adnexal tissue is very rare and usually appears in the form of a metastatic tumor at the end stage of the disease. Primary Hodgkin lymphoma in the orbit has not been previously reported, and herein we report a case of primary Hodgkin lymphoma occurring in the bilateral orbit. CASE SUMMARY: A 64-year-old male presented with a left lower eyelid mass that increased in size over 2 years. The patient had no specific past medical history or family history except diabetes. During the physical examination, a fixed mass was gently palpated in the left lower eyelid. Mild upgaze limitation was observed during extraocular muscle movement examination in both eyes. Orbital computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed soft tissue masses involving the bilateral inferior rectus muscle and left lower eyelid. The patient was diagnosed with nodular sclerosing Hodgkin lymphoma after pathological examination following incisional biopsy. The patient was transferred to the oncology department for tumor staging. Positron emission tomography showed no involvement of other organs except both orbits. After systemic chemotherapy and radiation therapy, the patient was under observation for 14 months without ophthalmic and systemic complications or recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The authors present a case of primary nodular sclerosing Hodgkin lymphoma that occurred in the orbit. After systemic chemotherapy and radiation therapy, the patient was in good general condition.

Change in Quality of Life after Orbital Decompression Surgery in Patients with Dysthyroid Ophthalmopathy

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of orbital decompression surgery on quality of life in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) patients. METHODS: From August 2014 to December 2015, 80 patients diagnosed with TAO at our clinic were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into 2 groups: 30 patients who underwent orbital decompression surgery and 50 patients who did not receive surgery. The Korean version of the Grave's ophthalmopathy specific quality of life (GO-QoL) questionnaire was completed by all patients. We compared questionnaire scores between groups and analyzed demographic and clinical factors affecting change in GO-QoL. RESULTS: The patients who underwent orbital decompression had lower mean GO-QoL score for appearance in comparison with patients without orbital decompression (p < 0.001). The mean GO-QoL score for appearance was increased from 28.8 ± 17.1 to 51.5 ± 18.8 after orbital decompression (p = 0.024). The mean GO-QoL score for visual function was not different between the patients who did not receive surgery and the orbital decompression group. The mean GO-QoL score for visual function was not changed after orbital decompression. There was a significant relation between postoperative proptosis degree and change in GO-QoL score for appearance after orbital decompression. CONCLUSIONS: GO-QoL score for appearance was significantly improved after orbital decompression surgery, and psychological interventions should be considered to enhance the quality of life outcomes.

Evaluation of Stereotactic Navigation During Orbital Decompression in Thyroid-Associated Orbitopathy Patients

PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of stereotactic navigation during orbital decompression surgery. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 27 patients (48 orbits) with thyroid-associated orbitopathy who underwent orbital decompression. Stereotactic navigation was performed on 28 orbits of 15 patients, and orbital decompression surgery without navigation was performed on 20 orbits of 12 patients. The changes in medial wall, lateral wall and inferior wall orbital volume in CT scans and horizontal and vertical eyeball deviation after surgery were analyzed in the 2 patient groups. RESULTS: The mean decompressed volume of orbits was significantly increased in the lateral wall decompression with stereotactic navigation patient group than without stereotactic navigation (p < 0.05, p = 0.025). However, in the inferior wall and the medial wall decompression, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups. The changes of horizontal and vertical deviation were not significant between the 2 groups and no patient experienced neural damage. CONCLUSIONS: The stereotactic navigation during lateral orbital wall decompression is a safe and effective method for inducing greater decompressed volume.

Orbital Sarcoidosis Presenting as Diffuse Swelling of the Lower Eyelid

The author reports a case of orbital Sarcoidosis in a 70-year-old female that initially presented as diffuse swelling of the lower eyelid. The patient complained of painless swelling of the left lower lid without palpable mass, and a computerized tomography (CT) scan of the orbit was unremarkable. A serum angiotensin converting enzyme level was elevated, and hilar lymphadenopathy was noted on the chest CT. The patient underwent surgical debulking for histologic confirmation, which led to a final diagnosis of sarcoidosis involving the orbital fat. Unexplained chronic eyelid swelling without a mass should be considered a possible ophthalmic manifestation of orbital sarcoidosis.

Surgical Anatomy of Deep Lateral Wall by Adults Cadavers and Computed Tomography

PURPOSE: We investigated the surgical anatomy of the deep lateral orbital wall via dissection of Korean cadavers and analysis of the orbit in normal adults using computed tomography. METHODS: Twelve cadavers were used to determine the exact anatomic index of the orbital lateral wall, and computed tomography images of 20 patients were used for surgical anatomic measurements during deep lateral orbital wall decompression. Additionally, the anatomic indexes measured in the cadavers and in the computed tomography study were compared and analyzed. RESULTS: In the cadaver study, the mean distance from the orbital rim to the end of the superior orbital fissure was 36.7 +/- 1.98 mm, to the rim of the frontosphendoial suture was 18.2 +/- 1.92 mm, and from the end of the superior orbital fissure to the inferior orbital fissure was 17.1 +/- 1.19 mm. In the computed tomography study, the mean value from the orbital rim to the end of the superior orbital fissure was 39.2 +/- 2.46 mm, and from the rim to the frontosphenoidal suture was 17.8 +/- 1.56 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The present study regarding the surgical index of the lateral orbital wall in Koreans will assist surgeons to safely and confidently perform deep lateral orbital wall decompression.

Clinical Findings and Results of Low Vision Devices in Pediatric Patients with Albinism

PURPOSE: To assess clinical features and efficacy of spectacles and low vision devices in pediatric patients with albinism. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed of 15 pediatric patients with albinism for whom glasses and low vision devices had been prescribed to determine subjective satisfaction and objective improvement in visual acuity (VA), strabismus, contrast sensitivity, number of reading letters during 1 minute with refractive correction and low vision devices. RESULTS: The median refractive correction was +0.12 +/- 5.45 diopter (D) spherical equivalent with -0.71 +/- 3.62 D astigmatism. Most patients complained of reading difficulty and photophobia. Hand-held magnifier and Keplerian telescope were commonly prescribed low vision devices. In addition, VA, strabismic deviation, contrast sensitivity and number of reading letters during 1 minute significantly improved after wearing glasses and low vision devices. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed a significant improvement in corrected VA, alignment and subjective symptoms in pediatric patients with albinism by wearing glasses and low vision devices. Additionally, high compliance can improve final patients' satisfaction through using training of low vision devices.

Retinal Changes in White Rabbits after Exposure to the Light of an Operating Microscope

PURPOSE: This study was performed to investigate the potential damage to white rabbit retinas caused by an operating microscope light. METHODS: A total of 18 white rabbits were exposed to the light of an operating microscope for 60 minutes. Fundus examination, fluorescein angiography (FAG), and electroretinogram (ERG) were performed before exposure and 1 hr, 1 day, 7 days and 14 days afterward to allow for serial comparisons. Light and electron microscopic examinations were performed to evaluate the changes in the rabbit retinas over time. RESULTS: Signs of retinal damage upon fundus examination and FAG were not found before or after exposure to the light of an operating microscopy. ERG, however, showed significant reduction in the dark-adapted rod response 1 hour after light exposure, and significant decline in the amplitude of the maximal combined response a- and b-wave 1 day after light exposure in the rabbit retinas. ERG findings returned to the pre-exposure level after 2 weeks. Ultrastructural injury to the photoreceptor outer segments and the retinal pigmented epithelium, observed using transmission electron microscopy, recovered to the pre-exposure state after 2 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of retinal damage should be considered as an early result of exposure to the light of an operating microscope, even in normal retinal findings.

Comparison of Lacrimal Scintigraphy and Fluorescein Dye Disappearance Test in Functional Blockage of Lacrimal System

PURPOSE: To compare the usefulness of fluorescein dye disappearance test (FDDT) and dacryoscintigraphy in functional lacrimal blockage. METHODS: The present study included with 24 patients (37 eyes), who were diagnosed with functional lacrimal blockage and underwent silicone tube insertion in our clinic. Compared to postoperative symptom improvement, the results of FDDT and dacryoscintigraphy were analyzed. RESULTS: Significant correlations were observed with FDDT and dacryoscintigraphy results in 29 eyes before surgery. In 33 eyes, there were post-operative symptom improvements and the sensitivity of each exam was estimated at 87.8% in FDDT and 90.9% in dacryoscintigraphy. After intubation normal findings were observed in each examination and the symptoms improved in 7 out of 8 eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Both FDDT and dacryoscintigraphy were considered sensitive and efficient methods in the diagnosis and evaluation of functional lacrimal blockage. Both methods require caution regarding misinterpretation by false negatives and may be complementary as well as increasing diagnostic accuracy.

The Effects of Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injection According to the Type of Diabetic Macular Edema

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of intravitreal bevacizumab injection on diabetic macular edema (DME) of different types classified using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). METHODS: A total of 82 eyes with refractory DME were enrolled. The DME was classified into diffuse, cystoid, or serous type based on the OCT findings. All cases had received an intravitreal injection of 1.25 mg bevacizumab each month for three months. Foveal thickness, macular volume, and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were measured before and one month after the injection, and the interval changes in these parameters were compared. RESULTS: The types of DME were classified as follows: diffuse macular edema 50%, cystoid macular edema 31.7%, and serous macular detachment 18.3%. Foveal thickness and total macular volume after intravitreal bevacizumab injection decreased in all types, and the cystoid and serous types showed better response than did the diffuse type with regard to foveal thickness. However, there were no significant differences in the extent of the change in total macular volume or BCVA among the three types of DME. CONCLUSIONS: There were differences in the therapeutic effects of intravitreal bevacizumab injection among the different types of DME classified using OCT. These differences may be associated with the stabilizing effect of the bevacizumab. This effect was stronger with regard to vascular permeability, the primary factor in the pathogenesis of the cystic and serous types, than with regard to leakage from the microaneurysm, the primary factor in the pathogenesis of the diffuse type. Practical application of bevacizumab to eyes with different DME types will help in further evaluating intravitreal bevacizumab injection as a treatment option for DME.

The Change of Eyebrow Position After Upper Lid Blepharoplasty in Patients With Dermatochalasis

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether upper eyelid blepharoplasty causes eyebrow position change in patients with or without brow ptosis. METHODS: We analyzed the photographic records of 28 patients 53 eyes with dermatochalasis who had undergone upper eyelid blepharoplasty. Brow-pupil, brow-lid margin, lid margin-pupil, brow-lateral canthus, and brow-medial canthus distances were measured, and then the proportions of medial canthus-nasal alar were taken. Preoperative and postoperative measurements were compared. RESULTS: After blepharoplasty, no one in the group without brow ptosis developed new brow ptosis. In the group with brow ptosis, only one patient felt a significant change in brow position after blepharoplasty. In both groups, the distance between the eyebrow and the lid margin decreased by similar amounts. There was no change in the upper eyelid margin position after blepharoplasty. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with dermatochalasis, upper eyelid blepharoplasty caused a lowering of the eyebrow without a change in the eyelid margin. It is important to evaluate the brow ptosis preoperatively and excise the correct amount of excess skin to avoid aggravation of brow ptosis.