ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Anti-glaucoma eye drops have been investigated due to their production of fibrotic changes on the conjunctival surface, undermining the functioning of the upper lacrimal drainage system. We aimed to assess whether these effects may impair the effectiveness of endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (EE-DCR). METHODS: This is a single-center observational retrospective study on EE-DCR via a posterior approach. Resolution of epiphora and dacryocystitis were analyzed after 1 (T1) and 6-months (T2) from surgery. Surgical success was defined as anatomical (patency at irrigation, no recurring dacryocystitis) or complete (zeroing of Munk score). RESULTS: Twenty patients (32 sides) were enrolled. Preoperatively, 93.75% (n = 30/32) presented severe (Munk 3-4) epiphora and 68.75% (n = 22/32) recurrent dacryocystitis. At T1, 50.0% (n = 16/32) were referred with residual epiphora (Munk ≥ 1) and 18.75% (n = 6/32) dacryocystitis. At T2, 31.25% (n = 10/32) still complained of epiphora (Munk ≥ 1) and 6.25% (n = 2/32) dacryocystitis. Difference of outcomes at aggregate and paired timepoints (except for T1 versus T2) resulted in statistical significance (p < 0.05). At T2, 22 (68.75%) complete, 8 (25.0%) anatomical successes and 2 (6.25%) surgical failures were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the chronic uptake of anti-glaucoma eye drops, EE-DCR guaranteed high rates of clinical relief from epiphora and remarkable decreases in the rates of recurrent dacryocystitis.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Paraneoplastic clinical signs are characterized by a large and heterogeneous variety of manifestations due to several possible underlying neoplasms. Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) is a particular paraneoplastic variety that usually primarily affects the dermic and/or oral mucosa and is characterized by a high rate of mortality (90%). Therefore, it is important to recognize its possible signs early. This report describes a case of ocular paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) presenting with recalcitrant eyelid ulceration and hyperemic conjunctivitis caused by an undiagnosed prostate cancer. METHODS: A 77-year-old man was admitted to our department because of recalcitrant hyperemic conjunctivitis in both eyes, complicated with large ulceration of both upper eyelids in spite of topical therapy. After 3 weeks, oral mucositis and bullous dermatitis on the chest and arms developed. RESULTS: Complete slit lamp ocular study, conjunctival swabs, routine hematologic tests, serum neoplasm markers, indirect immunofluorescence study, immunoblotting, and oral mucose biopsy with direct immunofluorescence were performed under the hypothesis of a paraneoplastic sign. Total body computed tomography scan and ultrasound-guided needle prostate biopsy completed the diagnostic process and confirmed the diagnosis of prostate PNP. Complete remission of ocular clinical signs was achieved by treatment of the prostate malignancy with systemic immunosuppressive therapy and chemotherapy.
