Comparison of Safety and Efficacy of Botox and Neuronox in the Management of Benign Essential Blepharospasm: A Split-face Study

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and safety of Botox and Neuronox in the management of benign essential blepharospasm (BEB). METHODS: We performed a triple-masked, randomized control study to compare Botox and Neuronox in 48 eyes of 24 patients with BEB. All 24 patients randomly received Botox or Neuronox in the periorbital region in a masked, randomized split-face manner, keeping the injection sites and doses uniform. The toxin preparation, injection, and clinical evaluations were done by three independent observers. Objective outcome measures included improvement in the severity of spasm, grading of the functional visual status, changes in palpebral fissure height, lagophthalmos, superficial punctate keratitis and Schirmer's test at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and upon conclusion of the effect of the toxin. Subjective outcome measures included duration of the effect and a forced choice stating which half of the face was better. Evaluations were performed through clinical measurements, external digital photography, and high-definition videography. RESULTS: The mean duration of relief from spasms was 3.78 months (standard deviation, 1.58 months; range, 1 to 6 months). The improvement in the objective parameters like severity of spasm and functional visual status was statistically significant at the 2-week and 6-week follow-up visits (p < 0.001). The changes in palpebral fissure height, lagophthalmos, and superficial punctate keratitis were equally observed in both groups. At 2 and 6 weeks, three of 24 (12.5%) and one of 24 (4%) patients, respectively, reported an unequal effect between the two sides of the face, but this difference was not statistically significant. At final follow-up (conclusion of the toxin effect), patients reported equal effect with no preference for either hemiface. No statistically significant differences were found in the comparative analysis between the Neuronox and Botox groups. CONCLUSIONS: Neuronox and Botox are comparable in terms of their safety and efficacy in the management of BEB.

Outcomes of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy: Experience of a fellowship trainee at a tertiary care center.

Aim: The study aims to report a single trainee’s experience of learning and performing endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (En‑DCR). Settings and Design: This study was a retrospective, interventional case series. Subjects and Methods: Fifty‑four eyes of fifty patients presenting at a tertiary eye care center over 1 year were included in the study. All cases underwent endoscopic DCR with mitomycin‑C and silicone intubation. The parameters studied included demographics, clinical features, intraoperative details, and postoperative ostium evaluation. Stent removal and nasal endoscopy were performed at 6 weeks and a further ostium evaluation at 3 and 6 months following surgery. Anatomical success rate was defined as patent irrigation, and functional success rate was defined as positive functional endoscopic dye test and absence of epiphora. Results: Fifty‑four eyes of fifty patients were operated, and three cases were lost to follow‑up after surgery. The mean age at presentation was 34 (4–75) years. Clinical diagnosis included primary acquired nasolacrimal duct (NLD) obstruction in 72% (39/54), acute dacryocystitis in 15% (8/54), failed DCR in 7% (4/54), and persistent congenital NLD obstruction in 5% (3/54). The first five cases needed intervention by the mentor for superior osteotomy. Common variations in anatomical landmarks were posterior location of sac, large ethmoidal bulla, high internal common opening, and thick maxillary bone. Surgical time taken in the last 27 eyes was significantly lesser compared to the surgical duration taken in the initial 27 cases (P < 0.05). Anatomical and functional success rate was 94% (48/51) at 6 months follow‑up period. Conclusions: Endoscopic En‑DCR has a good success rate when performed by oculoplastic surgery trainees. Nasal anatomical variations, instrument handling, and adaptation to monocular view of endoscope are few of the challenges for beginners. Structured skill transfer can help trainees to learn and perform En‑DCR with acceptable success rates.

Preferences of ophthalmic plastics patients and their caregivers toward the doctors’ attire and initial communications: A tertiary eye care study.

Purpose: The aims of this study were to determine the acceptability levels of different styles of the doctors’ dress and the expectations from the initial phases of physician‑patient encounter. Methods: The study design was a cross‑sectional descriptive type using the survey methodology. A survey based on a five‑point questionnaire was performed on all consecutive patients or their caregivers, aged ≥15, visiting the ophthalmic plastics outpatient clinics at a tertiary eye care institute. The participants were shown three sets of photographs and were required to answer a questionnaire which consisted of five questions. Data collected include participant demographics and their preferences with regards to the physician’s attire and initial communications. Results: A total of 300 consecutive responses were analyzed. The mean age of the participants was 37.2 years. Among the participants, 87.6% (263/300) and 90.3% (271/300) preferred a white coat for the male and female physicians, respectively (P < 0.001). The most common second preference was scrubs for both the males and female physicians. 92.3% (277/300) preferred the attire to have an identification display. The overwhelming majority of respondents (95.6%, 287/300) preferred the physicians to address them by their name and 98.6% (296/300) liked if their physicians smiled while addressing them. Conclusions: White coat was the main preferred attire among respondents. Increased awareness of the patient’s expectations plays a crucial role in enhancing their satisfaction.

Rhinosporidiosis of the tarsal conjunctiva.

Rhinosporidiosis is a rare infection caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi, an organism classified in its own class, mesomycetozoea. It commonly affects mucus membranes namely the nasal mucosa, pharynx and the conjunctiva. We present the case of an 8‑year‑old female who presented with a flat, red, vascular, fleshy, pedunculated mass arising from the tarsal conjunctiva of the right upper eyelid. The mass was completely excised. On histopathological examination, multiple sporangia were seen in various stages of degeneration, consistent with rhinosporidiosis. The diagnosis of rhinosporidiosis is based solely on its microscopic features, and the treatment is surgical excision. This condition is endemic in the temperate regions of the Indian subcontinent, but it has been known to occur even in the colder regions of North America and Eastern Europe. Although a rare clinical entity, the possibility of rhinosporidiosis must be borne in mind when evaluating any polypoidal conjunctival mass.

Mitomycin-C in dacryocystorhinostomy: From experimentation to implementation and the road ahead: A review.

Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is the procedure of choice in patients with epiphora due to primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. The evolution of surgical tools, fiber‑optic endoscopes, effective anesthesia techniques, and the adjunct use of antimetabolites intraoperatively; namely mitomycin‑C (MMC) have significantly contributed to the advancement of DCR surgery. MMC is a systemic chemotherapeutic agent derived from Streptomyces caespitosus that inhibits the synthesis of DNA, cellular RNA, and protein by inhibiting the synthesis of collagen by fibroblasts. Even the cellular changes in the human nasal mucosal fibroblasts induced by MMC at an ultrastructural level have been documented. There, however, seems to be a lack of consensus regarding MMC: The dosage, the route of delivery/application, the time of exposure and subsequently what role each of these variables plays in the final outcome of the surgery. In this review, an attempt is made to objectively examine all the evidence regarding the role of MMC in DCR. MMC appears to improve the success rate of DCR.

Cardiobacterium hominis-induced acute dacryocystitis and lacrimal abscess.

Cardiobacterium hominis is a member of the HACEK (Haemophilus sp., Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, C. hominis, Eikenella corrodens, and Kingella kingae) group commonly associated with endocarditits and is normally present in the respiratory tract. We describe the first case of acute dacryocystitis with lacrimal abscess caused by C. hominis along with a brief review of the literature. The patient responded to oral and topical ciprofloxacin after incision and drainage and awaits dacryocystorhinostomy.

Human lacrimal gland regeneration: perspectives and review of literature

The human lacrimal gland is an essential component of the lacrimal functional unit [LFU]. Any perturbation of this unit can lead to the debilitating morbid condition called the dry eye syndrome [DES]. The current line of therapy available for dry eye remains supportive and palliative with the patient being dependent on life long and frequent administration of lubricating eye drops. Even advanced therapies like punctual plugs, cyclosporine B administration, and salivary gland auto-transplantation have led to a limited success. Under these scenarios, the option of cell based therapy needs to be explored to provide better and long term relief to these patients. This review gives an overview of the efforts in lacrimal gland regeneration and examines the past and ongoing research in cell based therapies in animals as well as human lacrimal gland cultures. The authors discuss their first of its kind functionally viable human lacrimal gland in vitro culture system from fresh exenteration specimens. A brief overview of research in near future and the potential implications of lacrimal gland regenerative therapies have been discussed

Efficacy of endoscopic guided anterograde 3 mm balloon dacryoplasty with silicone intubation in treatment of acquired partial nasolacrimal duct obstruction in adults

To report the outcomes of endoscopic guided anterograde 3 mm balloon dacryoplasty with silicone intubation in patients with acquired partial nasolacrimal duct obstructions in adults. Retrospective case series, included 21 eyes with partially obstructed nasolacrimal ducts of 12 patients. All the 21 ducts were initially probed and the probe confirmed with an endoscope in the inferior meatus. After confirming the presence of probe in the inferior meatus, a 3 mm balloon was used for dilating the distal and proximal portions of nasolacrimal duct, followed by stenting of ducts with Crawford tubes. Main outcome measures were anatomical patency of the passage and resolution of epiphora. Of the 12 patients, 9 had bilateral and 3 had unilateral acquired partial nasolacrimal duct obstructions. All the patients underwent bicanalicular stenting under endoscopic guidance which were retained for a period of 12 weeks. A minimum follow up of 6 months following stent removal was considered for final analysis. 15 of the 21 ducts [71%] were freely patent on irrigation but 13 of the 21 reported improvement of epiphora. Two nasolacrimal ducts showed similar partial regurgitation and partial patency on syringing as before with no improvement of symptoms. Four nasolacrimal ducts were completely obstructed with complete regurgitation of fluid on syringing with worsening of the epiphora. Two eyes persisted with symptoms of epiphora despite patent nasolacrimal duct with grade 2 dye retention on dye disappearance test. 3 mm balloon dacryoplasty is an alternative and safe way to manage partial nasolacrimal duct obstructions with an anatomical success in 71% and functional success in 62% of the patients. Further studies with a large sample size and longer follow-up are required to ascertain the long term benefits

Distant metastatic retinoblastoma without central nervous system involvement.

Retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular malignancy in children, with a reported incidence ranging from 1 in 15,000 to 1 in 18,000 live births. Metastatic retinoblastoma is rare in developed countries, with a reported range from 4.8% in the United States to 5.8% in the United Kingdom. However, the frequency reported from developing countries varies from 9 to 11% at presentation. The mortality is very high owing to late presentations, delayed diagnosis compounded by socio-economic factors. The management of metastatic retinoblastoma is evolving, but it is still a challenge in pediatric oncology. We present a case of an extensive skeletal metastasis that initially presented as a massive orbital retinoblastoma.

Comparison of immersion ultrasonography, ultrasound biomicroscopy and anterior segment optical coherence tomography in the evaluation of traumatic phacoceles.

Blunt ocular trauma in the elderly can result in anterior dislocation of the crystalline lens into the subconjunctival space (phacocele). Although rare, this presentation can be missed, especially if the patient presents several days after the injury and if the lid is not everted on examination. While a careful clinical examination is adequate in the diagnosis, imaging techniques can be put to use for the accurate location of the associated sclera rupture. We report three cases of post-traumatic phacocele wherein ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) was compared to the anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and B-scan ultrasonography (B-scan), in order to establish the best imaging tool for this condition. We concluded, based on image quality, that UBM could be the imaging modality of choice to aid in the diagnosis of phacocele.

External dacryocystorhinostomy: tips and tricks

Dacryocystorhinostomy or DCR is one of the most common oculoplastics surgery performed. It is a bypass procedure that creates an anastomosis between the lacrimal sac and the nasal mucosa via a bony ostium. It may be performed through an external skin incision or intranasally with or without endoscopic visualization. This article will discuss the indications, goals, and simple techniques for a successful outcome of an external DCR

Non opaque foreign body aspiration in children: should we be more vigilant and proactive?

To study the frequency of symptoms, composition and complications of clinically suspected non radio-opaque foreign body aspiration; which is a difficult diagnostic challenge resulting in delayed referral for bronchoscopy. This descriptive analysis of 400 cases of foreign body aspiration was done in the department of ENT and Head and Neck surgery. Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar from 2003-2006. One hundred cases were selected with presumptive diagnosis of foreign bodies in tracheobronchial tree. The inclusion criteria were not witness and non radio-opaque foreign bodies. We reviewed their hospital record to ascertain history diagnosis and treatment. Age, sex, location in tracheobronchial tree, witnessed or un-witnessed events, symptoms, radio graphic findings, anatomical abnormalities noted at endoscopy and complications were recorded. Radio opaque foreign bodies were excluded from the study. A total of hundred cases were included. Age range was from 2-5 years. Males were 70% and females were 30%. Delay in presentation was from 10 days to 4 years. Common symptoms at presentation were cough 55% and asthma 20%. Radiological findings were abnormal in 90% of cases. Upon bronchoscopy 70% were positive for foreign body and 30% were negative. Peanuts [30%] and whistles [28%] were the commonest foreign bodies. No death occurred in this study and minor complications of the procedure were only 15%. Aspiration of foreign bodies in children can lead to serious morbidity if not recognized and treated in time; hence early referral is essential

Orbital solitary fibrous tumor: a clinicopathologic correlation and review of literature

Orbital solitary fibrous tumor [SFT] is a rare tumor originating from the mesenchyme. Initially described in the pleura and subsequently in other mesenchymal structures, orbit continues to be one of the uncommon extrapleural sites. The diagnosis of orbital SFT cannot be made with certainty on clinical or radiological evaluation and requires histologic studies with immunohistochemical confirmation for which CD 34 is the most specific diagnostic test. We describe clinical presentations, radiological and operative findings, and pathological features of a patient with orbital SFT along with a review of literature

diagnostic value of fine needle aspiration cytology in masses of the salivary glands

To determine the sensitivity and specificity of fine needle aspiration cytology in masses of the various salivary glands. The study included 49 cases. It was conducted at the Departments 0f ENT, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar and Saidu Teaching Hospital, Saidu Sharif, Swat from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2009. Patients undergoing Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology followed by open biopsy were included in the study. The results obtained on FNAC were compared with those obtained on biopsy findings of the respective specimens and the specificity and sensitivity of FNAC were calculated from the data. The FNAC findings in salivary glands were; Benign 38, Malignant 7 and Suspicious 4. The biopsy findings were; Benign 33 and Malignant 16. Comparison of FNACs and biopsy in the salivary glands taken as True Negative, True positive, False Negative and False Positive respectively was; 32, 10, 6 and 1. The Sensitivity and Specificity for FNAC were calculated at 62.50% and 96.97% respectively. The results of this study show that FNA cytologic diagnoses in the salivary gland tumours are reliable and treatment can be planned on its basis. However, owing to a higher number of false negative cases occurring in this study, it is recommended that a negative cytology report should be viewed with suspicion. The diagnosis should be confirmed by open biopsy if clinical suspicion persists