Risk factors for developing depressive symptoms in the immediate postoperative period after Mohs micrographic surgery.

PURPOSE: Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a highly efficacious, tissue sparing method of skin cancer removal. Nevertheless, in the months to years after MMS, psychosocial distress has been described. The present study addressed the immediate period after MMS and assessed the frequency and risk factors for development of depressive symptoms. METHODS: Subjects undergoing MMS at two physician practices (JL, FS) were included in this prospective cohort study. Preoperatively, a standardized depression screening, the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8), was administered. After MMS, the PHQ-8 was readministered at weeks 1, 2, 4, 6, and 12. Average PHQ-8 score by week and change from baseline PHQ-8 score were the primary outcomes. RESULTS: Sixty-three subjects were included of which 49 (78%) had a facial site. Twenty-two subjects (35%) had some increase in score during the 12-week follow-up period, of which 18 had a facial site. The oldest subjects (83-99 years, n = 14) had significantly higher PHQ-8 scores at week 4 (p < 0.01) and week 6 (p = 0.02) than all other age groups. There were no differences in scores between location groups. CONCLUSIONS: One-third of subjects had some increase in score during the follow-up period. Those in the oldest age cohort were at highest risk of increased score. In contrast to prior literature, those with facial sites were not at higher risk. This difference may be explained by increased masking during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Ultimately, consideration of patients' psychologic status in the immediate postoperative period after MMS, particularly in the elderly population, may enhance perceived patient outcomes.

Management of traumatic globe subluxation with optic nerve and extraocular muscle transection.

A care algorithm for partial globe subluxation cases with optic nerve and at least one extraocular muscle (EOM) transection is presented after a literature review was performed using key term variations of globe, ocular, subluxation, optic nerve evulsion or transection, and trauma. Partial globe subluxation cases with transection of the optic nerve and at least 1 EOM were included. Exclusion criteria included globe rupture, complete enucleation defined by a globe without at least 1 EOM attachment, or unclear details confirming optic nerve transection. Including the patient presented herein, a total of 24 patients with 26 eyes were analyzed. About 73.08% of cases underwent initial repositioning (n = 19), with 11.54% of those requiring secondary enucleation or evisceration (n = 3). Of the secondarily managed cases, 2 of the 3 cases listed pain (n = 2) and inadequate cosmesis (n = 1) as rationale. We found that 26.92% of cases underwent initial enucleation (n = 7), citing lack of visual potential and limiting later complications. Most cases favored repositioning, which was typically sustainable. Initial repositioning can improve cosmetic outcome and psychological impact. Given the low risk of later management, cases of traumatic partial subluxation with EOM and optic nerve transections should attempt initial repositioning.

Association of Absent or Trace Fluid in the Maxillary Sinus and Inferior Rectus Muscle Entrapment in Patients With Orbital Floor Fracture.

Inferior rectus (IR) entrapment requires urgent surgical intervention in patients with traumatic orbital floor fracture (OFF). We evaluated 47 patients who underwent CT showing acute OFF, 10 of whom had surgically confirmed entrapment. Absent or trace dependent fluid in the ipsilateral maxillary sinus had sensitivity of 40% and specificity of 95% for entrapment. In comparison, sensitivity and specificity were 80% and 78% for IR thickening and 70% and 59% for sinus herniation of orbital contents.

Mathematical Modeling of Eyebrow Curvature.

The aim of the study is to describe a mathematical model for analyzing eyebrow curvature that can be applied broadly to curvilinear facial features. A total of 100 digital images (50 men, 50 women) were obtained from standardized headshots of medical professionals. Images were analyzed in ImageJ by plotting either 8 or 15 points along the inferior-most row of contiguous brow cilia. A best-fit curve was automatically fit to these points in Microsoft Excel. The second derivative of the second-degree polynomial and a fourth-degree polynomial were used to evaluate brow curvature. Both techniques were subsequently compared with each other. A second-degree polynomial and fourth-degree polynomial were fit to all eyebrows. Plotting 15 points yielded greater goodness-of-fit than plotting 8 points along the inferior brow and allowed for more sensitive measurement of curvature across all images. A fourth-degree polynomial function provided a closer fit to the eyebrow than a second-degree polynomial function. This method provides a simple and reliable tool for quantitative analysis of eyebrow curvature from images. Fifteen-point plots and a fourth-degree polynomial curve provide a greater goodness-of-fit. The authors believe the described technique can be applied to other curvilinear facial features and will facilitate the analysis of standardized images.

Exploring Potential Schedule-Related and Gender Biases in Ophthalmology Residency Interview Scores.

Purpose Prior studies have revealed grading discrepancies in evaluation of personal statements and letters of recommendation based on candidate's race and gender. Fatigue and the end-of-day phenomenon can negatively impact task performance but have not been studied in the residency selection process. Our primary objective is to determine whether factors related to interview time and day as well as candidate's and interviewer's gender have a significant effect on residency interview scores. Methods Seven years of ophthalmology residency candidate evaluation scores from 2013 to 2019 were collected at a single academic institution, standardized by interviewer into relative percentiles (0-100 point grading scale), and grouped into the following categories for comparisons: different interview days (Day 1 vs. Day 2), morning versus afternoon (AM vs. PM), interview session (Day 1 AM/PM vs. Day 2 AM/PM), before and after breaks (morning break, lunch break, and afternoon break), residency candidate's gender, and interviewer's gender. Results Candidates in the morning sessions were found to have higher scores than afternoon sessions (52.75 vs. 49.28, p < 0.001). Interview scores in the early morning, late morning, and early afternoon were higher than late afternoon scores (54.47, 53.01, 52.15 vs. 46.74, p < 0.001). Across all interview years, there were no differences in scores received before and after morning breaks (51.71 vs. 52.83, p = 0.49), lunch breaks (53.01 vs. 52.15, p = 0.58), and afternoon breaks (50.35 vs. 48.30, p = 0.21). No differences were found in scores received by female versus male candidates (51.55 vs. 50.49, p = 0.21) or scores given by female versus male interviewers (51.31 vs. 50.84, p = 0.58). Conclusion Afternoon residency candidate interview scores, especially late afternoon, were significantly lower than morning scores, suggesting the need to further study the effects of interviewer's fatigue in the residency interview process. The interview day, presence of break times, candidate's gender, and interviewer's gender had no significant effects on interview score.

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma of the eyelid masquerading as dermatitis.

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) may pose a diagnostic challenge for physicians, as clinical presentation and histologic analysis may mimic benign dermatologic conditions. The authors present a case of recurrent CTCL in which the recurrence was limited to the eyelid and misdiagnosed as a contact dermatitis. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of recurrent CTCL that has presented solely as dermatitis of the eyelid.

Resident physician exposure to novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV, SARS-CoV-2) within New York City during exponential phase of COVID-19 pandemic: Report of the New York City Residency Program Directors COVID-19 Research Group.

Background From March 2-April 12, 2020, New York City (NYC) experienced exponential growth of the COVID-19 pandemic due to novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Little is known regarding how physicians have been affected. We aimed to characterize COVID-19 impact on NYC resident physicians. Methods IRB-exempt and expedited cross-sectional analysis through survey to NYC residency program directors (PDs) April 3-12, 2020, encompassing events from March 2-April 12, 2020. Findings From an estimated 340 residency programs around NYC, recruitment yielded 91 responses, representing 24 specialties and 2,306 residents. 45.1% of programs reported at least one resident with confirmed COVID-19: 101 resident physicians were confirmed COVID-19-positive, with additional 163 residents presumed positive for COVID-19 based on symptoms but awaiting or unable to obtain testing. 56.5% of programs had a resident waiting for, or unable to obtain, COVID-19 testing. Two COVID-19-positive residents were hospitalized, with one in intensive care. Among specialties with >100 residents represented, negative binomial regression indicated that infection risk differed by specialty (p=0.039). Although most programs (80%) reported quarantining a resident, with 16.8% of residents experiencing quarantine, 14.9% of COVID-19-positive residents were not quarantined. 90 programs, encompassing 99.2% of the resident physicians, reported reuse or extended mask use, and 43 programs, encompassing 60.4% of residents, felt that personal protective equipment (PPE) was suboptimal. 65 programs (74.7%) have redeployed residents elsewhere to support COVID-19 efforts. Interpretation Many resident physicians around NYC have been affected by COVID-19 through direct infection, quarantine, or redeployment. Lack of access to testing and concern regarding suboptimal PPE are common among residency programs. Infection risk may differ by specialty. Funding AHA, MPB, RWSC, CGM, LRDG, and JDH are supported by NEI Core Grant P30EY019007, and unrestricted grant from RPB. ACP and JS are supported by Parker Family Chair. SXX is supported by University of Pennsylvania.

New York City COVID-19 resident physician exposure during exponential phase of pandemic.

BACKGROUNDFrom March 2, 2020, to April 12, 2020, New York City (NYC) experienced exponential growth of the COVID-19 pandemic due to novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Little is known regarding how physicians have been affected. We aimed to characterize the COVID-19 impact on NYC resident physicians.METHODSIRB-exempt and expedited cross-sectional analysis through survey to NYC residency program directors April 3-12, 2020, encompassing events from March 2, 2020, to April 12, 2020.RESULTSFrom an estimated 340 residency programs around NYC, recruitment yielded 91 responses, representing 24 specialties and 2306 residents. In 45.1% of programs, at least 1 resident with confirmed COVID-19 was reported. One hundred one resident physicians were confirmed COVID-19-positive, with an additional 163 residents presumed positive for COVID-19 based on symptoms but awaiting or unable to obtain testing. Two COVID-19-positive residents were hospitalized, with 1 in intensive care. Among specialties with more than 100 residents represented, negative binomial regression indicated that infection risk differed by specialty (P = 0.039). In 80% of programs, quarantining a resident was reported. Ninety of 91 programs reported reuse or extended mask use, and 43 programs reported that personal protective equipment (PPE) was suboptimal. Sixty-five programs (74.7%) redeployed residents elsewhere to support COVID-19 efforts.CONCLUSIONMany resident physicians around NYC have been affected by COVID-19 through direct infection, quarantine, or redeployment. Lack of access to testing and concern regarding suboptimal PPE are common among residency programs. Infection risk may differ by specialty.FUNDINGNational Eye Institute Core Grant P30EY019007; Research to Prevent Blindness Unrestricted Grant; Parker Family Chair; University of Pennsylvania.

Effect of Topical Periocular Steroid Use on Intraocular Pressure: A Retrospective Analysis.

PURPOSE: To study the effect of periocular steroid use on intraocular pressure (IOP). METHODS: Charts of adult patients with atopic dermatitis or eczema treated with topical periocular steroid creams and ointments from January 1st, 2007 to October 1st, 2017 were reviewed. Patients with the following were excluded: glaucoma, ocular hypertension, known systemic/topical/injectable steroid history, and lack of documented IOP prior to or during treatment with periocular steroid ointment. Patient data were collected regarding gender, treatment regimen, as well as IOP prior to and during treatment. Steroid responders were identified. Statistical analysis was performed using linear mixed effects models adjusting for follow-up time to test the relationship between pre and posttreatment IOP change adjusting for intereye correlations. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients were identified. Twenty-one were treated bilaterally and 10 unilaterally. Five patients were glaucoma suspects. The mean treatment period was 14.2 weeks with a range of 0.1-83.9 weeks. Patients were treated with fluorometholone (42%), loteprednol etabonate (23%), dexamethasone-neomycin-polymyxin B (13%), hydrocortisone 1% or 2.5% (3%), and tobramycin-dexamethasone (19%). In the combined sample, there was no significant IOP change even after adjusting for follow-up time (mean change: +0.44 mm Hg, p = 0.126). However, eyes with baseline IOP ≥ 14 mm Hg had a significant increase (+0.73 mm Hg/year, p = 0.032). Individual steroid responses included the following: 1 intermediate and 30 low responders, of which 19 patients had an IOP change of <1 mm Hg. One patient had a clinically significant intermediate steroid response of 7 mm Hg. CONCLUSIONS: Periocular steroid treatment causes a statistically significant rise in IOP in eyes with higher baseline IOP measurements, the risk of which increases with follow up. While this change is not always correlated with a clinically significant rise in IOP, clinicians should monitor more closely patients at greatest risk of steroid response.

Two differing presentations of periocular dermatitis as a side effect of dupilumab for atopic dermatitis.

Dupilumab is a monoclonal antibody used to treat atopic dermatitis. Worsening of atopic dermatitis and conjunctivitis following dupilumab use are reported adverse effects; however, there is little reported on the nature and mechanism of these complications. Here, we describe two patients with chronic atopic dermatitis who developed new or severely worsened periocular dermatitis, believed to be a side effect of dupilumab injections, and resolution after its discontinuation. We explore the possibility of dupilumab-induced suppression of Th2 mediated inflammation and upregulation of Th1 and IFNγ mediated inflammation as a possible mechanism.

Non-glaucoma periocular allergic, atopic, and irritant dermatitis at an academic institution: A retrospective review.

PURPOSE: To better understand the nature of periocular dermatitis (PD) patient presentation, treatment, time-to-cure, and referral pattern for allergy testing in an ophthalmic academic center. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 344 patients diagnosed with PD between January 1, 2000 and November 30, 2016 at the Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute was performed. Eighty patients were eligible for the study. The primary endpoint was the time-to-cure. Cox proportional hazards regression was performed to assess if there was a significant difference between time-to-cure in patients treated with: 1) combination topical steroid/antibiotic (n = 6) vs. topical steroid alone (n = 40) and 2) combination topical steroid and oral antihistamine (n = 5) vs. topical steroid alone (n = 40). RESULTS: The median age of eligible patients was 57.69 years old, 66.25% of patients were female, and 41.25% had a history of atopy. Seven patients in total were referred for allergy testing. A significant difference was found in likelihood of cure when comparing combination topical steroid and oral antihistamine versus topical steroid alone, adjusting for age and gender (aHR = 3.97, 95% CI: 1.40-11.25). No significance was found when comparing combination topical steroid/antibiotic versus topical steroid alone (aHR = 1.96, 95% CI: 0.72-5.27). CONCLUSION: Patients treated with topical steroid and oral antihistamine were approximately 4 times more likely to experience cure in comparison to patients treated with topical steroids alone. While the majority of patients were not referred for formal allergy testing, this would likely be of benefit.

Management of orbital IgG4-related disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a systemic process that can cause significant orbital disease. It can affect both sexes and all ages, with irreversible consequences if left untreated. Diagnosis is currently based upon a combination of clinical and imaging evidence of tissue swelling or mass, serum evidence of elevated IgG4 levels and histopathologic evidence of inappropriate IgG4 presence. The cause of IgG4-RD is as of yet unclear; this lack of understanding and the dearth of prospective studies have limited our ability to manage patients effectively. In this review, we discuss the most recent published evidence regarding best-practice management of IgG4-related orbital disease. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent literature remains retrospective, and has focused on the use of corticosteroid therapy as a first-line treatment. Rituximab infusions have also received significant attention, among other second-line agents. Radiation therapy has been reported to be effective. Long-term monitoring for relapse, involvement of other organ systems and potential neoplastic transformation is required. SUMMARY: The management of orbital IgG4-RD will gain from more targeted therapy in the future as the underlying cause is better understood. In the meantime, randomized, controlled trials of varying treatment regimens would be of benefit.

Optic nerve glioma: case series with review of clinical, radiologic, molecular, and histopathologic characteristics.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to better understand the biologic nature of optic nerve gliomas (ONGs) and to investigate staining techniques that might improve the pathologic interpretation of surgical margins. METHODS: In this retrospective case series, clinical data on patient presentation, MRI, surgical visualization, and initial pathologic interpretation were gathered. Specimens were then reexamined using analysis of p53, isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1), MIB-1, and B-rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma (BRAF) duplication. RESULTS: Six patients were studied. All were diagnosed with World Health Organization grade 1 ONGs on original pathology. On reexamination, BRAF tandem duplication was found in 2 patients with neurofibromatosis Type 1 association. P53 immunoreactivity was noted in a third case. No cases had IDH1 immunoreactivity. Focal elevations of MIB-1 up to 7.5% were noted in 2 cases. CONCLUSIONS: ONGs are neoplasms with variable degrees of aggressiveness. As more is understood regarding their varied genetic underpinnings, improved pathologic classification and individualized treatment regimens may be achieved. The authors hope that this study helps guide the oculoplastic community toward a multi-institutional, prospective study of ONG genomic sequencing.

Reactivation of thyroid eye disease following extraocular muscle surgery.

A 60-year-old man with stable bilateral thyroid eye disease (TED) underwent unilateral strabismus surgery. Within 1 month, he developed TED reactivation in only the contralateral orbit. At a later date, again after 6 months of inactive TED, he underwent bilateral strabismus surgery. Within 1 month of surgery, he developed bilateral TED reactivation. Surgical manipulation of orbital tissues may, in rare cases, provoke reactivation of TED.

Accuracy of MRI in defining tumor-free margin in optic nerve glioma surgery.

PURPOSE: To determine the value of preoperative MRI in predicting the histopathologic margin of optic nerve glioma undergoing surgical resection. METHODS: Retrospective, noncomparative, multicenter case series of patients diagnosed with prechiasmal optic nerve glioma, using MRI, who underwent surgical resection. Clinical data were abstracted from patient medical records at 6 medical centers through a survey vehicle. Preoperative MRI findings were compared with intraoperative findings and postoperative histopathologic interpretations of the posterior margins of 13 surgically resected optic nerve gliomas. RESULTS: A total of 13 patient submissions qualified for study entry based on preoperative MRI having identified a unilateral optic glioma anterior to the optic chiasm. Of these, 2 cases (15%) demonstrated an abnormal macroscopic appearance of the chiasm intraoperatively and were surgically debulked rather than resected as planned preoperatively. The remaining 11 patients underwent resection posterior to the margins indicated by preoperative MRI. Of these, 3 (27%) demonstrated evidence of microscopically positive margins on histopathologic examination. Follow up ranged from 3 months to 21 years. One patient with involvement of the chiasm manifested tumor growth; no other recurrences or evidence of growth occurred in the remaining patients, including 1 other case with involvement of the chiasm and 3 cases with positive surgical margins. CONCLUSIONS: Unilateral optic nerve gliomas limited to the prechiasmatic nerve on MRI not infrequently extend beyond the MRI borders. This finding is of significance when considering management options, particularly surgical resection.

Papilledema in the setting of x-linked hypophosphatemic rickets with craniosynostosis.

PURPOSE: INTRODUCTION TO THE OPHTHALMIC LITERATURE OF AN UNUSUAL CAUSE OF PAPILLEDEMA AND SUBSEQUENT OPTIC ATROPHY: X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH). METHODS: Case report of a 3-year-old female presenting with papilledema resulting from craniosynostosis secondary to XLH. RESULTS: Early intervention with craniofacial surgery prevented the development of optic atrophy. CONCLUSION: Children with XLH should be screened for ophthalmic evidence of elevated intracranial pressure to aid early intervention and prevention of permanent loss of vision.