Primary basal cell carcinoma of the caruncle: case report and review of the literature

ABSTRACT We present a rare case of primary caruncle basal cell carcinoma (BCC), a condition with limited occurrences. Our patient, an 80-year-old woman without prior ocular pathological history, presented a 2x2mm pedunculated blackish nodular lesion on the caruncle of her left eye, without local conjunctival or cutaneous involvement. Histological analysis following complete excision confirmed the presence of basal cell carcinoma within the caruncle. Over a span of 30 months, no recurrence has been observed. While scant cases are documented in the literature, we conducted a review of these instances. Despite its infrequent manifestation, this condition should be taken into account when evaluating caruncular tumors, given its tendency to invade the orbit. Complete excision with free surgical margins is the treatment of choice, and adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy might be considered.

Observation on efficacy of pterygium excision combined with autologous limbal epithelial bulbar conjunctival transplantation in the treatment of patients with pterygium / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To observe the efficacy of pterygium excision combined with autologous limbal epithelial bulbar conjunctival transplantation in the treatment of patients with pterygium. METHODS:Prospective controlled study. A total of 102 patients(102 eyes)with pterygium treated in the hospital between October 2015 and October 2019 were selected as study subjects, and they were divided into observation group and control group according to the random number table method, with 51 cases in each group. The control group was treated with pterygium excision combined with amniotic membrane transplantation, and the observation group was given pterygium excision combined with autologous limbal epithelial bulbar conjunctival transplantation. The perioperative indicators(intraoperative blood loss, surgical time, corneal epithelial repair time)and clinical efficacy at 3mo after surgery were compared between the two groups, and the disease recovery-related indicators \〖tear film break-up time(BUT), uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA), Schirmer Ⅰ test(SⅠt), corneal astigmatism degree(CAD)\〗 before and 3mo after surgery, postoperative aesthetic degree and recurrence during follow-up were recorded.RESULTS:The corneal epithelial repair time in observation group was shorter than that in control group(4.14±1.35 <i>vs</i> 4.72±1.37d,<i>P</i><0.05), while the surgical time was longer than that in control group(32.24±6.69 <i>vs</i> 29.67±5.21min,<i>P</i><0.05), and there was no statistical significance in the intraoperative blood loss between the two groups(<i>P</i>>0.05). At 3mo after surgery, there was no statistical difference in the effective rate of treatment between the two groups(86.3% <i>vs</i> 78.4%, <i>P</i>>0.05). At 3mo after surgery, the BUT, UCVA and SⅠt in the two groups were significantly enhanced compared with those before surgery(all <i>P</i><0.05), and the UCVA and SⅠt in observation group were higher than those in control group(all <i>P</i><0.05), but there was no statistical difference in the BUT between the two groups(<i>P</i>>0.05). The CAD in the two groups was significantly lower than that before surgery(<i>P</i><0.05), but the difference was not significant between the groups(<i>P</i>>0.05). At 3mo after surgery, the scores of dimensions of aesthetic scale for pterygium treatment(ocular recovery, subjective symptoms)were significantly higher in observation group than those in control group(all <i>P</i><0.05), but there were no statistical differences in the scores of cleanliness of surgical area and congestion between the two groups(all <i>P</i>>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in recurrence rate between the two groups during follow-up(<i>P</i>>0.05).CONCLUSION: Pterygium excision combined with autologous limbal epithelial bulbar conjunctival transplantation can effectively treat pterygium and prevent recurrence, and it has faster postoperative recovery and better aesthetic degree compared to pterygium excision combined with amniotic membrane transplantation.

Conjunctival pyogenic granuloma during pregnancy / Granuloma piogênico conjuntival durante a gravidez

ABSTRACT Pyogenic granuloma is a common benign, vascular lesion of the skin and mucosa. Our case was a 34-year-old woman at 28 weeks of gestation. She presented with a complaint of a growing and occasionally bleeding mass on the left lower eyelid conjunctiva for approximately 3 months. On examination, a red, pedunculated fragile lesion on the medial lower eyelid conjunctiva was observed. Ophthalmologic examination revealed that visual acuity was 20/20 in both eyes. Anterior and posterior segment examination was normal bilaterally. The lesion was excised completely under local anesthesia and sent for pathological examination. Histopathological examination revealed multiple vascular structures with small-diameters in the fibrous stroma. Vessels showed strong CD31 expression in immunohistochemical staining. Kaposi sarcoma was excluded due to negative HHV-8 staining. These findings were diagnostic of pyogenic granuloma. The frequency of pyogenic granuloma increases during pregnancy and surgical excision is important in diagnosis and treatment of these patients. This is the first reported case of conjunctival pyogenic granuloma during pregnancy.

RESUMO O granuloma piogênico é uma lesão vascular benígna comum da pele e da mucosa. Neste caso, uma mulher de 34 anos com 28 semanas de gestação, apresentou queixa de massa em crescimento e sangramento ocasional na conjuntiva inferior da pálpebra esquerda por cerca de 3 meses. No exame, detectou-se uma lesão frágil, pedunculada vermelha na conjuntiva na porção medial da pálpebra inferior No exame oftalmológico, a acuidade visual foi 20/20 em ambos os olhos. O exame dos segmentos anterior e posterior foi normal bilateralmente. A lesão foi excisada totalmente com anestesia local e enviada para exame patológico. No exame histopatológico, múltiplas estruturas vasculares de pequeno diâmetro foram observadas no estroma fibroso. Os vasos apresentaram forte expressão de CD31 na coloração imuno-histoquímica. O sarcoma de Kaposi foi excluído devido à negatividade da coloração do HHV-8. Esses achados foram diagnósticos para granuloma piogênico. A frequência de granuloma piogênico aumenta durante a gestação e a excisão cirúrgica é importante no diagnóstico e tratamento desses pacientes. Este é o primeiro caso relatado de granuloma piogênico conjuntival ocorrido durante a gestação.

Amniotic membrane graft after excision of widespread conjunctival concretions / Enxerto de membrana amniótica após remoção de concreções conjuntivais

ABSTRACT Conjunctival concretions are single or clustered lesions frequently found on the palpebral conjunctiva. They are commonly present in older individuals, despite being rarely symptomatic. This case report describes an 83-year-old man with multiple conjunctival concretions, which were surgically treated. The patient was symptomatic on presentation and did not respond to conservative treatment. For this reason, a surgical approach was considered. After wide excision of the conjunctival lesions, a piece of amniotic membrane was fitted using fibrin glue. During follow-up, a markedly improvement in patient's symptoms was observed, along with nearly complete absence of conjunctival concretions. This is the first case report addressing extensive conjunctival concretions with a surgical approach using amniotic membrane. The authors conceived the technique described after noticing the limited clinical options in the literature. This technique was easily performed and achieved satisfactory results.

RESUMO As concreções conjuntivais representam lesões amareladas, simples ou múltiplas, frequentemente encontradas na conjuntiva palpebral. São mais prevalentes em idades avançadas e raramente sintomáticas. Este relato de caso descreve o quadro clínico de um paciente de 83 anos com múltiplas concreções conjuntivais, cirurgicamente tratadas. Por se tratar de um paciente sintomático com resposta insuficiente ao tratamento conservador, foi considerada a abordagem cirúrgica. Após remoção das lesões, foi aplicado um enxerto de membrana amniótica, adaptado com cola de fibrina. No acompanhamento pós-operatório, verificou-se melhoria significativa dos sintomas, com desaparecimento quase total das concreções conjuntivais. Este é o primeiro caso que descreve uma abordagem cirúrgica com utilização de membrana amniótica na resolução desse tipo de lesões. A técnica, de fácil execução e com resultados muito favoráveis, foi desenvolvida pelos autores após constatarem a escassez de alternativas na literatura.

Comparação dos meios de preparação e preservação de membrana amniótica humana para uso no tratamento de doenças da superfície ocular / Comparison of the preparation and preservation techniques of amniotic membrane used in the treatment of ocular surface diseases

Resumo Atualmente a membra amniótica (MA) tem obtido importância devido à comprovada capacidade de reduzir inflamação, auxiliar a cicatrização e epitelização, possuindo propriedades antimicrobianas e antivirais, além de baixa imunogenicidade. As indicações de seu uso na oftalmologia têm aumentado muito nas duas últimas décadas. Objetivo: Descrever a estrutura básica e as propriedades biológicas da MA em relação aos componentes da sua matriz extracelular e fatores de crescimento, as consequências de diferentes técnicas empregadas na sua preservação e esterilização, métodos para remoção do epitélio e a comparação dos custos dos diferentes meios de conservação atualmente empregados. Métodos: Pesquisa nas bases de dados do Portal da Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), Pubmed, Cochrane, Scielo e Lilacs com as palavras-chave: membrana amniótica, transplante, reconstrução da córnea, doenças da conjuntiva. Resultados: A literatura é vasta na descrição dos efeitos de diversos agentes e técnicas na preparação da MA, dentre elas sua preservação, esterilização e desepitelização. A membrana desnuda tem sido a escolha para a reconstrução da superfície ocular, pois facilita a cicatrização. Em relação aos agentes conservantes, o glicerol é o meio mais utilizado mundialmente pelo baixo custo e facilidade de manuseio. Conclusão: A comparação das diversas técnicas nos guia na elaboração de protocolos de preparo da MA para uso oftalmológico. A membrana desnuda facilita a cicatrização em relação a com células epiteliais. O glicerol é o meio de conservação mais utilizado pelo baixo custo e facilidade de manuseio.

Abstract Currently, the amniotic membrane (AM) has obtained importance due to its ability to reduce inflammation, helping in the healing and epithelialization processes, having antimicrobial and antiviral properties and low immunogenicity. Its indications in ophthalmology have increased considerably in the past two decades. Objective: To describe the basic structure and biological properties of the AM, the components of the extracellular matrix and growth factors, the consequences of different techniques used in its preservation, and sterilization methods for the epithelium removal. To compare the costs of the different preservation solutions currently employed. Study design: literature review. Methods: Research in BVS databases, PubMed, Cochrane, Scielo and Lilacs with keywords: amniotic membrane transplantation, corneal reconstruction, conjunctival diseases. Results: The literature is vast in describing the effects of different agents and techniques used in the preparation of MA, including its preservation, sterilization and desepithelization. The naked membrane is the choice to reconstruct the ocular surface, as it facilitates the healing course. Regarding the preservatives, glycerol is the most used worldwide due its low cost and easy handling. Conclusion: Comparing different techniques guides us in developing a MA preparation protocol for ophthalmic use. The naked membrane facilitates the healing process compared with the presence of epithelial cells. The glycerol is the most used preservation method because of its low cost and easy handling.

Doença do Enxerto-versus-hospedeiro ocular: Revisão / Graft-versus-Host Disease: Review

Resumo Doença do Enxerto-versus-hospedeiro (do inglês Graft-versus-Host Disease - GVHD) é uma complicação importante e com altas taxas de morbidade e mortalidade nos pacientes submetidos ao transplante alogênico de células-tronco hematopoiéticas. O acometimento ocular, denominado GVHD ocular, pode acometer todas as estruturas dos olhos, porém a unidade lacrimal (glândulas lacrimais e superfície ocular) é o principal alvo da resposta inflamatória mediada por células T doadas. O desenvolvimento de doença do olho seco grave é a principal manifestação clínica ocular, e a associação de diversas opções terapêuticas se faz necessário. O objetivo desta revisão é descrever as manifestações clínicas, os critérios diagnósticos, o impacto na qualidade de vida, o tratamento atual e as perspectivas desta doença, que precisa de um acompanhamento multidisciplinar.

Abstract Graft-versus-host Disease (GVHD) is a major complication with high morbidity and mortality rates on patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The ocular involvement, named ocular GVHD, may affect all structures of the eyes, but the lacrimal unit (lacrimal glands and ocular surface) is the main target of the inflammatory response mediated by the donor T cells. The development of dry eye disease is the main clinical ocular manifestation, and the association of a variety of therapeutics options is necessary. The aim of the review is to describe the clinical manifestations, diagnostic criteria, impact in quality of life, the current treatment and future perspectives of this disease that demands a multidisciplinary follow-up.

Conjunctival tattoo: report on an emerging body modification trend / Tatuagem conjuntival: relato de uma crescente tendência de modificação do corpo

ABSTRACT We report the case of a patient who received conjunctival tattooing for cosmetic purposes with associated complications. A 28-year-old male experienced severe ocular pain after undergoing conjunctival tattooing. Slit-lamp examination revealed blue deposits over the conjunctiva in association with intense conjunctival edema and a 4+ anterior chamber cellular reaction. The patient underwent clinical treatments to control ocular inflammation. Two months after the injury, the patient was still in follow-up to ensure that any further complications were managed and documented. This unusual case of conjunctival tattooing resulted in conjunctival edema and anterior uveitis. Because of the increasing popularity of eyeball tattooing, the potentially severe complications of this procedure may become more common.

RESUMO Relatamos um caso de um paciente que realizou tatuagem conjuntival para fins cosméticos com complicações associadas. Um homem de 28 anos de idade apresentou dor ocular importante após tatuagem conjuntival. O exame da lâmpada de fenda revelou depósitos azuis sobre a conjuntiva, associados a um intenso edema conjuntival e uma reação de câmara anterior de 4+ de células. O paciente foi submetido a tratamentos clínicos para controlar a inflamação ocular. Dois meses após o ocorrido, o paciente ainda estava em acompanhamento para garantir que quaisquer outras complicações fossem gerenciadas e documentadas. Um caso incomum de tatuagem conjuntival resultou em edema conjuntival e uveíte anterior. Devido à crescente popularidade da tatuagem no globo ocular, complicações potencialmente graves deste procedimento podem se tornar mais comuns.

Atypical presentation of pilomatrixoma in the tarsal conjunctiva / Apresentação atípica de pilomatricoma na conjuntiva tarsal

ABSTRACT Pilomatrixoma is a rare benign tumor, which usually affects young women in the head and neck region. The eyelid is a common site of the disease, though it is very rare in the tarsal conjunctiva.The pilomatrixoma has clinical pleomorphism, which confuses this disease with other similar conditions. The diagnosis is made by pathological examination in most cases. The treatment is surgical, performed by total excision of the lesion with clear margins and recurrence is very uncommon.We present an unusual case of probable recurrent pilomatrixoma in the left upper tarsal conjunctiva.

RESUMO O pilomatricoma é uma neoplasia benigna rara, geralmente acomete mulheres jovens, ocorrendo na região da cabeça e pescoço. A pálpebra é um local comum de aparecimento do pilomatricoma, contudo, seu aparecimento na conjuntiva tarsal é muito raro. O diagnóstico é feito pelo exame anátomo-patológico na maioria dos casos, pois seu pleomorfismo clínico o confunde com outras alterações. O tratamento é cirúrgico, realizado por meio da exérese total da lesão com margens livres. São raros os casos de recidiva. Apresentamos um caso atípico de provável recidiva de pilomatricoma, localizado na conjuntiva tarsal superior à esquerda.

Clinical features and prognosis of conjunctival lymphoid hyperplasia / 中华实验眼科杂志

Background Primary conjunctival lymphoid hyperplasia exhibit atypical clinical symptoms and easy to cause misdiagnosis and mistreatment.Understanding the clinical characteristics of primary conjunctival lymphoid hyperplasia is of an important clinical significance.Objective This study was to analyze the clinical characteristics and therapeutic outcome of patients with primary conjunctival lymphoid hyperplasia.Methods The medical records of 20 patients with primary conjunctival lymphoid hyperplasia who was treated in Beijing Tongren Hospital from January 2012 to December 2014 were retrospectively analyed.The age,symptoms,therapy,prognosis,histopathological features and immonochemistry results were reviewed,and the treating approach targeting to different types of conjunctival lymphoid hyperplasia was evaluated.The fellow-up duration was 1-2 years.Results Age of the patients ranged from 27 to 83 years old.The lesions were classified as benign lymphocytic hyperplasia,atypical lymphoid hyperplasia and lymphoma.Majority of lesions located in fornix conjunctiva tissue (90％).Follicle-like appearance was seen in the benign lymphocytic hyperplasia,and pink elavation was exhibited at the bulbar conjunctiva in the atypical lymphoid hyperplasia.A diffuse salmon fish like appearance in conjunctiva was the primary feature of conjunctival lymphoma.Histopathological examination showed that conjunctival benign lymphocytic hyperplasia had follicle-like tissue in lesions,atypical lymphoid hyperplasia exhibited diffuse lymphocyte filtration,and conjunctival lymphoma appeared monocyte filtration.The 3 tpyes of lesions also could be differentiated by immunochemistry.The medicine was applied in the eyes with benign lymphocytic hyperplasia,and the combination of resection of lesions with conjunctival tissue or amniotic membrane transplantation was used for the atypical lymphoid hyperplasia or lymphoma eyes.No recurrence of the lesions was found during fellow-up duration.Conclusions The clinical manifestations of conjunctival lymphoid hyperplasia lesions are varied,and it is easy to be confused with chronic ocular surface diseases.Pathology and immunochemistry are helpful for the differential diagnosis.The treating regimen is dependent on the lesion type.Most patients have a favorable prognosis with treatment.

Limbal transplantation at a tertiary hospital in Brazil: a retrospective study / Transplante de limbo em hospital terciário no Brasil: estudo retrospectivo

ABSTRACTPurpose:Epidemiological analysis of limbal transplantation surgeries performed in the Ophthalmologic Hospital of Sorocaba.Methods:Retrospective medical records review of 30 patients who underwent limbal stem cell transplants between January 2003 and March 2008. Cases involving conjunctival limbal autograft were classified as group I, and those involving conjunctival limbal allograft as group II.Results:Two patients were excluded due to incomplete data during postoperative follow-up. Of the total sample of 28 patients, 53.6% constituted group I, whereas 46.4% were included in group II. Males were predominant (67.9%), and right eyes were the most prevalent (67.9%). The mean age was 40.3 years. Unilateral cases accounted for 60.7%. The most frequent pathology causing limbal system failure was chemical burns (53%). The mean length of time from diagnosis to surgery was 11.18 years. The limbal graft and amniotic membrane were associated in 75% of all cases, and tarsorrhaphy in 57.1%. The average follow-up period was 24.84 months. The uncorrected visual acuity improved in 38% of the cases, was unchanged in 28.5%, and deteriorated in 33.3%. There was no persistent epithelial defect in 75% of the patients. The conjunctivalization rate was similar between the groups (53.3% and 58.3%, respectively). The transparency improved in only 38.4% of the cases, and 28.5% of the surgeries performed were successful. The most prevalent complication was persistent epithelial defect, which occurred in 25% of the patients, followed by corneal melting in 14.2%. Other complications observed included infectious ulcers, limbal graft necrosis or ischemia, perforation, and descemetocele.Conclusion:Chemical burns remain the main cause of limbal stem cell deficiency. In these cases, limbal transplantation is the standard procedure to restore the ocular surface even though the success rate is low.

RESUMOObjetivo:Análise epidemiológica dos transplantes de limbo realizados no Hospital Oftalmológico de Sorocaba.Método:Foi realizada uma análise retrospectiva através de revisão de prontuário de trinta casos de transplante de limbo realizados no período de janeiro de 2003 a março de 2008. Casos de transplante de limbo autólogo foram classificados como grupo I e alogênicos como grupo II.Resultados:Dois pacientes foram excluídos da análise por insuficiência de dados nos registros. Da amostra completa de 28 pacientes, 53,6% constituíram o grupo I enquanto 46,4% o grupo II. O olho direito (68%) e o sexo masculino (68%) foram mais acometidos, com uma média de idade de 40,3 anos. Casos unilaterais contabilizaram 60,7%. A patologia de base causadora da deficiência límbica mais prevalente foi a queimadura química (53%). A média do tempo de doença até a cirurgia foi de 11,18 anos. Na maioria dos casos o transplante foi associado a membrana amniótica (75%) e tarsorrafia (57%). O tempo médio de seguimento foi de 24,84 meses. Foi observado melhora da acuidade visual não corrigida em 38% dos casos enquanto 28,5% permaneceram inalteradas e 33,3% pioraram. Evolução sem defeito epitelial persistente ocorreu em 75% dos pacientes. A taxa de conjuntivalização foi semelhante nos 2 grupos (53,3% e 58,3%). Em apenas 38% dos casos houve melhora da transparência. A taxa de sucesso foi de cerca de 28%. A complicação mais prevalente foi defeito epitelial persistente (25%) seguida de melting (14,2%). Outras complicações observadas foram úlceras infecciosas, necrose ou isquemia do enxerto, perfuração e descemetocele.Conclusões:A queimadura química permanece como principal patologia causadora de deficiência límbica. Nestes casos o transplante de limbo é atualmente a técnica de eleição para restauração da superfície ocular, porém com baixa taxa de sucesso.

Expressions of pentraxin-3 and tumor necrosis factor-α stimulated gene-6 proteins in fibroblasts of conjunctivochalasis patients / 中华实验眼科杂志

Background Conjunctivochalasis is an age-related inflammatory ocular surface disease manifesting redundant,loose conjunctiva folds.Studies showed that conjunctivochalasis often accompanies with inflammatory response,indicating that a variety of inflammatory cytokines are involved in pathogenesis of conjunctivochalasis.Objective This study attempted to investigate the expressions of pentraxin-3 (PTX-3) and tumor necrosis factor-α stimulated gene-6 (TSG-6) proteins in fibroblasts of conjunctivochalasis.Methods The protocol was approved by Ethic Committee of Putuo Hospital affiliated Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.Thirteen eyes of 13 patients with conjunctivochalasis,16 eyes of 16 patients with age-related cataract and 16 eyes of 15 patients with pterygium were included in Putuo Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Medicine from January,2011 to June,2012.The samples of conjunctival tissue were collected in the patients during surgery under the informed consent,and fibroblasts were cultured and passaged by explant culture method.Content of PTX-3 and TSG-6 proteins in cell supernatant was detected by ELISA.Results Translucent poor,dark black area was around the cell overflow.Cultured cells of third generation showed long shuttle type,uniform size,radiated out in all directions,and oval nuclei was sited in the cytoplasm,surrounded by varying the length of cross-linking of cell processes.The concentrations of PTX-3 protein in cell supernatant were (2 182.33 ± 738.68) pg/ml in the conjunctivochalasis group,which were higher than (738.32±335.00) pg/ml in the age-related cataract group and (981.37±416.04)pg/ml in the pterygium group,showing a significant difference among the three groups (F =6.474,P=0.032).The contents of TSG-6 proteins in cell supernatant were (59.10±6.52) pg/ml,(53.99± 11.16) pg/ml and (35.01±5.33)pg/ml in the conjunctivochalasis group,pterygium group and age-related cataract group,with a significant difference among the three groups (F =7.421,P =0.024),and contents of TSG-6 proteins in the agerelated cataract group was lowest,however,no significant difference was found in the TSG-6 contents between the conjunctivochalasis group and the pterygium group (P＞0.05).Conclusions Inflammatory reaction participates in the pathogenesis and development of conjunctivochalasis,up-regulation of PTX-3 and TSG-6 expression in fibroblasts might partakes in the pathogenesis of conjunctivochalasis.

Afecciones de la conjuntiva en pacientes con prótesis ocular / Conjunctival diseases of patients with ocular prothesis

OBJETIVOS: determinar las afecciones conjuntivales en pacientes con prótesis ocular. MÉTODOS: estudio observacional descriptivo longitudinal prospectivo, conformado por 62 pacientes (65 cavidades anoftálmicas) quienes acudieron al Servicio de Oculoplastia del Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología "Ramón Pando Ferrer" en el período de mayo a diciembre de 2010. Se analizaron la edad, el sexo, las causas de la pérdida ocular, el ojo afectado, la afección conjuntival, el tipo de cavidad, el tiempo de uso protésico, el resultado microbiológico, el manejo higiénico y la respuesta al tratamiento. RESULTADOS: se presentaron 23 pacientes de 40 a 59 años (37,1 %), de los cuales el sexo masculino mostró el 66,1 %. El traumatismo reveló el 40,3 % y el ojo derecho el 50 %. El 33,8 % presentó conjuntivitis alérgica; las retracciones de la conjuntiva reportaron el 18,5 %. El 67,5 % correspondió a cavidades atípicas con un tiempo de más de 366 días en el uso de la prótesis ocular. El resultado microbiológico positivo en 55 cavidades fue de 84,6 %. Se aisló el Staphylococcus aureus en el 70,9 % y de ellos el 41,5 % se efectuó con manejo diario de la prótesis. La respuesta al tratamiento fue buena en el 76,4 %. CONCLUSIONES: las afecciones conjuntivales de los pacientes con prótesis ocular constituyen un problema de salud. Asimismo, la mayoría de las cavidades anoftálmicas son atípicas en adultos, con pérdida del globo ocular por traumatismo. La conjuntivitis alérgica y la retracción conjuntival son las afecciones más frecuentes en los pacientes con prótesis ocular de más de un año de uso, por la presencia de Staphylococcus aureus a consecuencia de mayor manipulación higiénico protésica, aunque en la mayoría de los casos existe buena respuesta al tratamiento.

OBJECTIVES: to determine the conjunctival diseases of patients with ocular prosthesis. METHODS: prospective, longitudinal, descriptive and observational study of 62 patients (65 anophthalmic cavities) who went to the Oculoplasty service of "Ramon Pando Ferrer" Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology from May to December 2010. Age, sex, causes of eye loss, affected eye, conjunctival disease, type of cavity, length of time of prosthesis use, microbiological result, hygienic handling and response to treatment were the analyzed variables. RESULTS: in the studied group, the 40-59 y age group accounted for 37,1 % of patients; males were predominant with 66,1 %. Traumatism was observed in 40,3 %, being the right eye the most affected in 50 % of cases. Likewise, 33,8 % presented with allergic conjunctivitis and 18,5 % had conjunctival retractions. Atypical cavities represented 67,5 % with over 366 days of using the ocular prosthesis. The positive microbiological result was found in 55 cavities for 84,6 %. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 70,9 % of cavities and 41,5 % with daily handling of the ocular prosthesis. The response to treatment was good in 76,4 % of patients. CONCLUSIONS: conjunctival diseases in patients with ocular prosthesis are a health problem. Similarly, most of the anophthalmic cavities are atypical in adults with loss of eyeball from traumatism. Allergic conjunctivitis and conjunctival retraction are the most frequent illnesses in the patients wearing ocular prosthesis for more than one year, due to Staphylococcus aureus presence resulting from frequent hygienic handling of the prosthesis. The majority of patients positively responded to treatment.

Tratamento de cistos conjuntivais em cavidade anoftálmica com injeção intralesional de ácido tricloroacético (ATA) a 25% / Treatment of conjunctival cysts in anophthalmic socket with intralesional injection of trichloroacetic acid (ATA) 25%

Cistos conjuntivais em cavidades anoftálmicas podem ter implicações funcionais e estéticas negativas para os pacientes. Dentre as opções terapêuticas disponíveis, o uso do ácido tricloroacético é relativamente recente. Os casos relatados apresentaram boa evolução após 30 dias do tratamento, sendo bem tolerado pelos pacientes e possibilitando maior preservação de tecido conjuntival...

Conjunctival cysts in anophthalmic socket may have functional and aesthetic implications for the patients.Among the available treatment options, the use of trichloroacetic acid is relatively recent. Our reported cases showed a good outcome after 30 days of treatment, that was well tolerated by patients, with greater conjunctival tissue preservation...

Subconjunctival Loa loa worm: first case report in Brazil / Verme subconjuntival da espécie Loa loa: primeiro caso no Brasil

We report the first case of ocular infestation by Loa loa in Brazil. Loiasis is caused by infestation with Loa loa, a filarial parasite originally found in the rainforests of western and central Africa. It is transmitted by the bite of the fly Chrysops and has been recently described in other places other than Africa, in African immigrants or travellers. Our case is a 33 year-old woman from Cameroon who was living in São Paulo, Brazil, for 5 years. She was asymptomatic until one morning she started feeling "something moving" in the left eye. Under topical anesthesia, on the slit lamp, a moving worm was removed from the subconjunctival space, which later was confirmed to be a male Loa loa adult specimen. Blood tests revealed microfilaraemia of 129 mf/mL. The patient was treated with 400 mg oral albendazole for 3 weeks and 60 mg prednisone. This report illustrates an unusual ocular disease, which is extremely rare outside of Africa, but easily diagnosed and treated. Ophthalmologists should be aware of it, in face of an increasingly globalized world.

Este é o primeiro relato na literatura nacional e internacional de infestação ocular por Loa loa no Brasil. A loíase é uma filariose causada pelo parasita Loa loa, encontrado nas florestas tropicais da África equatorial. A transmissão se dá pela picada do mosquito Chrysops e casos têm sido descritos em países não africanos, em imigrantes e viajantes. O presente caso trata-se de uma paciente de 33 anos natural de Camarões e residente em São Paulo, Brasil, há 5 anos. Até então assintomática, uma manhã sentiu algo "se mexendo" em seu olho esquerdo. Sob anestesia tópica, na lâmpada de fenda, um verme altamente móvel foi removido do espaço subconjuntival e enviado para identificação, que confirmou tratar-se de um espécime macho adulto de Loa loa. Testes sanguíneos revelaram microfilaremia de 129 mf/mL. A paciente foi tratada com albendazol 400 mg e prednisona 60 mg esquema regressivo por 3 semanas. Este relato ilustra uma doença excepcionalmente rara no Brasil, e praticamente desconhecida dos oftalmologistas em nosso país.

Eficácia do adesivo tecidual de fibrina na fixação de enxerto conjuntival autógeno em cirurgias de pterígio primário / Efficacy of fibrin tissue adhesive in the attachment of autogenous conjuntival graft on primary pterygium surgery

OBJETIVO: Comparar a eficácia da fixação do enxerto autógeno de conjuntiva ao leito escleral após exérese de pterígio primário, utilizando-se adesivo tecidual de fibrina ou sutura de monofilamento de nylon 10-0. MÉTODOS: Estudo comparativo, prospectivo e aleatório foi realizado em 47 olhos de 47 pacientes com pterígio primário de localização medial. O grupo 1 (adesivo) foi constituído de 21 pacientes submetidos à fixação do enxerto conjuntival com adesivo tecidual de fibrina (QuixilTM); enquanto que o grupo 2 (sutura), foi constituído de 26 pacientes, cuja fixação do enxerto foi feita com sutura em pontos separados de monofilamento de nylon 10-0 (Ethicon®) após a excisão do pterígio feita pelo mesmo cirurgião. Os pacientes foram avaliados antes da cirurgia, no 1º, 14º e 21º dia após a cirurgia. Utilizou-se uma escala visual de desconforto ocular e verificou-se o tempo cirúrgico, hiperemia ocular e presença de complicações, além de sinais de recidiva, sendo sua presença também avaliada no 6º mês após a cirurgia. As variáveis foram submetidas à análise estatística. Valores de p<0,05 indicaram significância estatística. RESULTADOS: O tempo cirúrgico médio foi de 19,05 ± 6,12 minutos para o grupo 1 e 48,15 ± 7,13 minutos para o grupo sutura (p<0,001). A escala referente ao desconforto ocular demonstrou um menor escore no 1º (p<0,005), 7º (p<0,001) e 21º (p<0,001) dia após a cirurgia com a utilização do adesivo tecidual. A hiperemia ocular mostrou-se menor em todos os períodos do estudo após a cirurgia (p<0,001) no grupo cola. As complicações encontradas, uma em cada grupo, resolveram-se com tratamento clínico até o 21º dia após a cirurgia. Houve uma recidiva no grupo 1 e duas no grupo 2 até o 6 º mês após a cirurgia. CONCLUSÃO: Em cirurgia de fixação de enxerto autógeno de conjuntiva para tratamento de pterígio primário, adesivo tecidual de fibrina reduziu o tempo do ato cirúrgico, desencadeou menor hiperemia conjuntival e desconforto no período pósoperatório, com índice de recidiva semelhante em comparação com o uso de sutura de mononylon 10.0, demonstrando ser uma excelente opção para a fixação do enxerto conjuntival no tratamento cirúrgico do pterígio primário.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of conjunctival autograft surgery with the attachment to the scleral bed using fibrin tissue adhesive or mononylon 10-0 suture after resection of primary pterygium. METHODS: A comparative, prospective and randomized clinical trial was performed in 47 eyes of 47 patients with primary medial located pterygium. Group 1 (adhesive) was composed by 21 patients that underwent conjunctival autograft closure with fibrin tissue adhesive (QuixilTM) and Group 2 (suture) was composed by 26 patients that underwent pterygium surgery with mononylon 10-0 (Ethicon®) suture (suture group) after pterygium excision. All surgeries were performed by the same surgeon. Patients were assessed on the preoperative period and on the 1st, 14th and 21st postoperative days. They were followed-up with a questionnaire of ocular discomfort and by the surgical time spent, ocular hyperemia, complications and recurrence signals, being the recurrence also evaluated at the 6th postoperative month. Data were submitted to statistical analysis. A value of p<0.005 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The average surgical time was 19.05 ± 6.12 minutes in group 1 (glue) and 48.15 ± 7.13 minutes in the group 2 (suture) (p<0.001). The ocular discomfort scale analysis showed a lower score in the 1st (p<0.005), 7th (p<0.001) and 21th (p<0.001) postoperative days in group 1. Ocular hyperemia was less intense in all periods of this study in group 1 (p<0.001). Complications were one in each group and both were managed with clinical treatment until the 21th postoperative day. There was one recurrence in group 1 and two in group 2 until the 6th postoperative month. CONCLUSION: In the surgical management of primary pterygium, fibrin tissue adhesive attached the conjunctival autograft, decreased the surgical time and diminished the conjunctival hyperemia and ocular discomfort with similar recurrences on the postoperative period, compared to fixation with mononylon 10.0 suture, proving to be an excellent option for conjunctival autograft attachment in primary pterygium surgery.

A Comparison Study of Conjunctiva Disorders in Technical and Administrative Sawmill Workers in Nigeria

Background: Workers in the sawmilling industry are at risk of various ocular hazards as a direct result of the sawmilling processes. The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of conjunctival disorders between technical and administrative sawmill workers in Benin, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on sawmill workers in Benin, Nigeria, between January and May 2009, with the aid of pre-tested questionnaires. Ocular examination was performed on all subjects. Data obtained were recorded and analysed using SPSS version 13. Results: A total of 553 sawmill workers were studied, among whom 449 (81.2%) and 104 (18.8%) were technical and administrative workers, respectively. There were 496 (89.7%) males and 57 (10.3%) females. The age range was 15–80 years, with a mean of 38.9 years (SD 12.8). Pingueculum was found in 127 (23%) workers, among whom 122 (27.2%) were technical workers and 5 (4.8%) were administrative workers. Pterygium was present in 65 (11.8%) workers, among whom 64 (14.3%) were technical workers and 1 (1%) was an administrative worker. Seven (1.6%) technical workers used protective eyewear; 2 (0.4%) wore this protective eyewear regularly. Conclusion: Technical sawmill workers are at risk of developing conjunctival disorders, which result from chronic ocular irritation. This can be prevented by the provision of protective eye devices in the workplace.

Autologous serum for ocular surface diseases: [review] / Soro autólogo para doenças da superfície ocular: [revisão]

Autologous serum has been used to treat dry eye syndrome for many years. It contains several growth factors, vitamins, fibronectin and other components that have been considered important for corneal and conjunctival integrity. Serum eye drops are usually prepared as an unpreserved blood solution. The serum is by nature well tolerated and its biochemical properties are somewhat similar to natural tears. Autologous serum eye drops have been reported to be effective for the treatment of severe dry eye-related ocular surface disorders (Sjõgren's syndrome), and also other entities such as superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis, graft-versus-host disease, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, ocular cicatricial pemphigoid, recurrent or persistent corneal erosions, neurotrophic keratopathy, Mooren's ulcer, aniridic keratopathy, filtering blebs after trabeculectomy, and post-keratorefractive surgery. The purpose of this study is to review the recently published literature on ocular surface diseases treated with human autologous serum eye drops.

O soro autólogo tem sido adotado como uma nova abordagem para tratar síndrome do olho seco porque contém vitaminas, alguns fatores de crecimento e fibronectina que são considerados importantes contribuintes para integridade corneana e conjuntival. Colírio de soro autólogo é produzido sem preservativo. O soro é não-alérgico e suas propriedades bioquímicas são similares à lágrima. O soro autólogo tópico tem sido relatado efetivo para o tratamento de olho seco grave relacionado a distúrbios da superfície ocular como na síndrome de Sjõgren, ceratoconjuntivite límbica superior, doença do enxerto versus hospedeiro, síndrome de Stevens-Johnson, procedimentos cerato-refrativos, erosão corneana persistente ou recorrente, ceratopatia neurotrófica, úlcera de Mooren, ceratopatia associada à aniridia, e bolhas filtrantes após trabeculectomia. O objetivo do presente estudo é revisar a literatura recentemente publicada sobre doenças da superficie ocular tratadas com soro autológo tópico.

Estudo retrospectivo da utilização do transplante de membrana amniótica em um serviço terciário de Oftalmologia / Retrospective study of amniotic membrane transplantation in a terciary ophthalmic health care service

OBJETIVO: Nos últimos anos , o transplante de membrana amniótica (MA) tem sido utilizado com freqüência na reconstrução da superfície ocular em diversas doenças oculares. Este estudo objetiva identificar as indicações mais freqüentes do transplante de MA, assim como avaliar os resultados deste procedimento. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados retrospectivamente os prontuários de 107 pacientes submetidos ao transplante de MA, avaliando a indicação do transplante de MA e a evolução do quadro no período pós-operatório. RESULTADOS: Dos 107 pacientes estudados, as indicações de MA mais freqüentes foram exérese de pterígio 33.64 por cento(n=36), defeito epitelial persistente 29.90 por cento(n=32), liberação de simbléfaro 18.69 por cento(n=20), queimadura química 6.54 por cento(n=7), cérato-conjuntivite primaveril 4.67 por cento(n=5), síndrome de Stevens-Johnson 2.80 por cento(n=3), penfigóide ocular cicatricial 1.86 por cento(n=2), ceratopatia bolhosa 1.86 por cento(n=2). No seguimento dos pacientes houve recidiva do pterígio em (6.25 por cento) nos pterígios primários e em (15 por cento) nos pterígios recidivados. Não houve recidiva nos pacientes com simbléfaro, tendo como causa pterígio recidivado. Houve fechamento do epitélio com o uso de MA nos pacientes do estudo variando de 50 a 80 por cento, dependendo da doença de base. Na fase aguda da queimadura química houve fechamento epitelial em 50 por cento dos casos. Já nos que utilizaram MA na fase crônica da queimadura a restauração da superfície ocular ocorreu em 33 por cento dos casos. Uso da MA na cérato-conjuntitivite primaveril com papilas gigantes, 80 por cento não apresentaram recidiva das papilas.Todos os pacientes que tiveram indicação de MA, devido à ceratopatia bolhosa apresentaram diminuição da dor . Os pacientes que tiveram como causa da utilização de membrana a Síndrome de Stevens-Johnson (SSJ) na fase aguda apresentaram diminuição importante do processo inflamatório. Dos pacientes que...

OBJECTIVE: During the last years amniotic membrane (AM) autograft has been frequently used for reconstruction of the ocular surface in many diseases. This study intends to analyze the major indications for AM as well the results of this procedure. METHODS: Data of 107 patients who had done AM autograft surgery were retrospectively analised regarding the indications and postoperatory follow-up. RESULTS: The indications for AM autograft was ptherygium 33.64 percent (n=36), persistent epithelial defect 29.90 percent (n=32), simblepharum 18.69 percent (n=20), chemical injury 6.54 percent(n=7), vernal conjunctivitis 4.67 percent (n=5), Stevens-Johnson 2.80 percent (n=3), ocular cicatricial penfigoid 1.86 percent (n=2), bullous keratopathy 1.86 percent(n=2). At the follow-up of ptherygium was observed recurrence between 6,25 percent(in primary ptherygium) and 15 percent (in recurrence ptherygium). No recurrence was observed in simblepharum surgery for complications due ptherygium. Recovery of epithelial integrity was between 50 and 80 percent depending the disease. In the acute phase of chemical burns recovery was observed in 50 percent, however in chronic chemical burns the recovery was only in 33 percent of the cases. The AM in vernal conjunctivitis to resolve giant papillae, 80 percent of the cases showed good evolution. In 100 percent of the case due bullous keratopathy the patients had improvement of the pain. In Steven-Johnsons syndrome (SJS) at the acute phase the patients had improevment of the inflammatory component. In the chronic phase of SJS, 50 percent of the patients had favorable evolution after the procedure. CONCLUSION: Amniotic membrane autograft showed promising results for the majority ocular surface diseases enrroled in this study. This surgical tecnic cheap and easy doing asweel a good therapeutic alternative for many ocular surface diseases.