MR imaging of intraventricular silicone: case report.

A 42-year-old man with human immunodeficiency viral infection developed cytomegaloviral retinitis that was complicated by retinal detachment and was treated with an intravitreous injection of silicone. Fifteen months later, magnetic resonance imaging revealed intraocular and intraventricular silicone. Signal intensity characteristics and chemical shifts of silicone in the two locations were identical.

The use of maxillary sinus endoscopy in the diagnosis of orbital floor fractures.

PURPOSE: The goal of the current study was to evaluate the ability to diagnose the presence of an inferior orbital wall fracture through the use of a transantral endoscopy technique at bedside. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seven trauma patients with initial axial computed tomography (CT) scan findings consistent with an orbital floor fracture were studied. Before endoscopy, the patients underwent a coronal CT scan with 3-mm cuts for later comparison with the endoscopic findings. The surgeon performing the endoscopy procedure was blinded to the results of the coronal CT scan. Visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and measurement for enophthalmos were performed before endoscopy. The endoscopic procedure was performed at the bedside using local anesthesia. A trocar was used in the canine fossa to gain access to the maxillary sinus. A 30 degrees and then a 70 degrees endoscope were introduced through the trocar to evaluate the integrity of the orbital floor (ie, maxillary sinus roof). The degree of mucosal injury of the orbital floor and the presence of blood or orbital contents in the sinus were recorded. The ophthalmologic examination was repeated after completion of endoscopy. RESULTS: The endoscopic procedure was able to be completed in all patients. There was no change in the ophthalmologic examination in any patient as a result of endoscopy. In six of the seven patients studied, the endoscopic findings correlated with the need for surgical intervention to repair the orbital floor predicted on the basis of coronal CT scan. This was determined by the degree of injury to the orbital floor and the presence of hematoma, exposed bone, or fat. In the remaining case, endoscopy was not diagnostic for the presence of a fracture because only ecchymosis of the orbital floor was noted. CONCLUSIONS: The ability to perform endoscopy under local anesthesia at the bedside is useful in those trauma patients whose concomitant injuries may prohibit other diagnostic modalities.

Malignant ophthalmopathy presenting one week after radioiodine treatment of hyperthyroidism.

A 46-year-old woman presented with malignant ophthalmopathy 1 week after a therapeutic dose of radioiodine for treatment of hyperthyroidism. The patient was a smoker and had clinical evidence of mild thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) prior to treatment with radioiodine. Anti-thyrotropin (TSH) receptor antibodies and antiflavoprotein antibodies were not detected at the time of presentation with malignant ophthalmopathy. The patient responded rapidly to anti-inflammatory treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone and orbital radiation.

Guidelines in the management of traumatic scars and surgical incisions.

General guidelines for the postoperative management of traumatic facial scars and surgical incisions after primary closure and suggestions for postoperative care and scar revisions are discussed.

Enlarged anterior chamber: CT finding of a ruptured globe.

A deep anterior chamber of the globe is a clinical sign of posterior scleral rupture, an ophthalmologic emergency. On axial CT, the depth of the anterior chambers of ruptured globes was greater than the depth of the anterior chambers of normal globes. The discrepancy between the depth of the two anterior chambers in any patient can also suggest posterior scleral rupture.

Complex facial fractures in the periorbital region.

Recognition of periorbital facial fractures with appropriate clinical and diagnostic evaluation is essential for surgical decision making. Treatment planning should be directed at correcting any demonstrable functional problem or cosmetic deformity. The radiographic presence of a fracture line should not be the sole criterion for surgery. When surgical intervention is indicated, early repair will usually provide a more favorable result.

Intraoral palatal mucosal graft harvest.

The anatomy of the hard plate is reviewed with respect to the clinical considerations of harvesting intraoral hard palate grafts for various reconstructive eyelid procedures. Recommendations for harvesting grafts based on these anatomic principles are given.

Mechanisms of visual loss in severe proptosis.

Vision loss in orbital hypertension secondary to sudden space-occupying lesions is usually attributed to one of three causes: central retinal artery occlusion, direct compressive optic neuropathy, or compression of optic nerve vasculature. Accepted modes of decompressive therapy include lateral canthotomy and cantholysis; drainage of localized orbital air, hematoma, or abscess; and bony wall decompression. Five cases are presented in which orbital hypertension caused severe proptosis with traction on the optic nerve and tenting of the posterior globe. Another mechanism contributing to visual loss is proposed in these cases: ischemic optic neuropathy due to stretching of nutrient vessels. In these cases, rapid posterior decompression should theoretically be favored to reduce orbital pressure and relieve traction on the optic nerve vasculature.

Primary eye care for the pediatric patient.

The primary care needs of the pediatric patient include the measurement of norms and deviations in the newborn (neonate) and subsequently, developmental milestones. Considerations of such norms and deviations must include familial and hereditary implications, systemic conditions and general health status. Deviations from the expected norms in the newborn and during development must be evaluated by the parent (as the true primary pediatric provider) and responsible health and eye care professionals. Such evaluation should include a sensitivity and awareness of the ocular and visual status, identification of norms and deviations and appropriate courses of action.