Lax eyelid syndrome or ‘progeria’ of eyelid tissues

PURPOSE The Lax Eyelid Syndrome was described by Van den Bosch and Lemij 1 as an uncommon disorder seen in non-obese elderly people and characterised by chronic ocular surface irritation symptoms and a “floppy upper eyelid”. The authors present some new features of the lax eyelid syndrome. METHODS The authors report five patients, belonging to a younger age group, who presented with premature laxity of all the eyelid tissues. This caused medial and lateral canthal dystopia and eyelid malposition including ptosis, entropion and ectropion. Initial surgical correction was often followed by recurrence after some time. CONCLUSIONS The authors highlight the differences between lax eyelid syndrome, cutis laxa, floppy eyelid syndrome and the blepharochalasis syndrome and suggest that lax eyelid syndrome can be thought of as “progeria” or premature ageing of the eyelid tissues to distinguish it clearly from these other conditions.     

Temporary eyelid closure appliqué

Tarsorrhaphy is used for the treatment of severe ocular surface disorders and for damage from ocular exposure. The temporary tarsorrhaphy has been shown to aid in the healing of corneal epithelial defects. A variety of temporary techniques have been suggested that allow eyelid closure not only to enable epithelial healing but also to allow access to the eye. We describe a temporary eyelid closure appliqué, similar to the Stamler eyelid splint, that provides nearly complete closure of the eyelid that will last for days. The technique is inexpensive, can be applied by a family member with minimal training, and can be used in almost any setting.     

Malignant eyelid tumors in Hong Kong 1997–2009

Purpose  

To determine the epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of patients with malignant eyelid tumors in Hong Kong.     

E-cadherin and ��-catenin expression in sebaceous eyelid adenocarcinomas

Background

Since the E-cadherin?Ccatenin complex is of importance in the cancerogenesis of epithelial tumors, we examined the expression of E-cadherin and ??-catenin in sebaceous adenocarcinomas of the eyelid and correlated the results with clinicopathological parameters.

Methods

The study included histological specimen of 32 patients with sebaceous adenocarcinomas of the eyelid. The expression of E-cadherin, ??-catenin, and Ki-67 nuclear antigen was analyzed by immunohistochemistry.

Results

The membranous expression of E-cadherin and of ??-catenin was reduced in 17 (53%) patients and 18 (56%) patients, respectively, while elevated cytoplasmic levels and a nuclear accumulation of ??-catenin were found in 27 (84%) and six (19%) patients, respectively. The low expression of membranous ??-catenin was associated with a high degree of tumor infiltration (p?=?0.02), high amount of inflammation (p?=?0.01), and high degree of poor tumor differentiation (p?<?0.001). In a similar manner, a low membranous E-cadherin expression in tumors was significantly associated with poor tumor differentiation (p?=?0.001) and high tumor cell proliferation rate (p?=?0.004). The Ki-67 proliferation index was significantly higher in the group with low membranous E-cadherin expression than in the group with high membranous E-cadherin expression (62.3?±?20.8 versus 42.1?±?15.3; p?=?0.004). The membranous E-cadherin expression and the membranous ??-catenin expression were significantly associated with each other (Fisher's exact probability test, p?=?0.03).

Conclusions

Sebaceous eyelid adenocarcinomas showed a decrease in the membranous expression of E-cadherin and of ??-catenin. These changes were associated with poor tumor differentiation and an increase in the tumor infiltration and inflammation, pointing at a potential role of a low E-cadherin and low ??-catenin expression for poor prognosis of sebaceous eyelid adenocarcinomas. Correspondingly, the cell proliferation index and the expression of E-cadherin were inversely correlated with each other. The findings suggest that the immunohistochemical detection of a low E-cadherin and low ??-catenin expression may help in the examination and staging of sebaceous eyelid adenocarcinomas.     

Autogenous hard palate mucosa: the ideal lower eyelid spacer?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Raising a displaced lower eyelid frequently involves recession of the lower eyelid retractors with interposition of a "spacer," and several materials for this purpose have been described. This study reviewed the results of autogenous palatal mucosa in the treatment of lower eyelid displacement, including assessment of any donor site morbidity. METHODS: A retrospective case note review of consecutive patients treated at Moorfields Eye Hospital between 1993 and 1998. All patients underwent insertion of hard palate mucosa between the inferior border of the tarsus and the recessed conjunctiva and lower eyelid retractors. Parameters studied included the underlying diagnosis, measurements of lower lid displacement or retraction, related previous surgery, the experience of the operating surgeon, intraoperative and postoperative complications, surgical outcome, and length of follow up. The main outcome measure was the position of the lower eyelid relative to the globe in primary position of gaze. RESULTS: 102 lower eyelids of 68 patients were included and a satisfactory lid position was achieved in 87/102 (85%), with inadequate lengthening or significant recurrence of displacement occurring in 15 cases. Donor site haemorrhage requiring treatment in the early postoperative period occurred in seven patients (10%). CONCLUSION: Autogenous hard palate mucosa is an effective eyelid spacer and provides good long term support for the lower eyelid. Donor site complications are the main disadvantage, but may be minimised by attention to meticulous surgical technique and appropriate postoperative management.     

Decellularized porcine derived membrane (Tarsys®) for correction of lower eyelid retraction

Retraction of the lower eyelid can be consequence of medical and surgical conditions. Various kinds of allotransplants and biomaterial have been used to correct it; we report on the surgical correction of lower lid retraction with a decellularized porcine derived membrane (Tarsys(?)). A 49-year-old patient with a history of adenoid cystic carcinoma in the pterygo-palatine fossa, requiring extensive surgery and repeated radiotherapy, presented with 6 mm lagophthalmus and exposure keratopathy secondary to facial nerve palsy. The lower lid malposition was corrected with a Tarsys(?) implant. Three months after surgery no lagophthalmos was present and substantial relief of signs and symptoms of ocular surface disease and good symmetry between right and left eye was achieved. If general condition or morbidity in potential donor sites hamper harvesting autologous graft material to support the lower lid, bioengineered xenografts can be used successfully to correct eyelid malpositions such as lower lid retraction.     

Tubular apocrine adenoma of the eyelid – A case report and literature review

Tubular apocrine adenoma is a rare benign adnexal neoplasm most commonly identified in the scalp, composed of a dermal proliferation of apocrine tubules in a background of hyalinized stroma. Tubular apocrine adenoma can be a component of various sweat gland tumors and can also morphologically overlap with other sweat gland neoplasms. Isolated tubular apocrine adenoma arising in the glands of Moll is exceedingly rare, with only 4 previously reported cases. We present a 63-year-old male with tubular apocrine adenoma of the left upper eyelid, which recurred following initial incomplete excision. Although the lesion showed focal morphologic similarity to the apocrine variant of pleomorphic adenoma (chondroid syringoma), the diagnosis of tubular apocrine adenoma was supported by fluorescence in situ hybridization studies, which demonstrated absence of PLAG1 and HMGA2 gene rearrangements seen in pleomorphic adenoma. This case illustrates the clinical, microscopic and immunohistochemical features of tubular apocrine adenoma. The recent advances in our understanding of the molecular genetics of tubular apocrine adenoma and related tumors, and how these advances shape the evolving classification of sweat gland tumors are reviewed.     

Hybrid cysts of the eyelid with follicular and apocrine differentiation: an under-recognized entity?

PURPOSE: To describe 6 patients with hybrid cysts of the eyelid that demonstrated follicular and apocrine differentiation. METHODS: Clinicopathologic series of 6 cases obtained from review of 1,099 cases of hidrocystoma diagnosed at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary from 1990 to 2006. RESULTS: Six patients, aged 38 years to 85 years (mean 66.5 years), was examined for cystic eyelid lesions. Histopathologic evaluation revealed cystic structures, lined by a combination of apocrine, infundibular (epidermoid), and trichilemmal-type epithelia. Luminal contents consisted of variable amounts of lamellated and compact keratin, and serous material. Contiguity with a hair follicle was demonstrated in 4 of 6 lesions. Immunohistochemical evaluation showed intense immunoreactivity of the entire cyst lining in all lesions for high molecular weight cytokeratin and variable immunoreactivity for low molecular weight cytokeratin. All cystic structures displayed immunoreactivity for carcinoembryonic antigen. Weak focal immunoreactivity for S-100 protein and gross cystic disease fluid protein-15 was observed in most lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Hybrid cysts can show apocrine, trichilemmal, and infundibular differentiation, suggestive of their origin at the junction of keratinizing squamous and glandular epithelia of the hair follicle. Although, to our knowledge, only 1 such lesion has been described in the eyelid skin, it is likely that hybrid cysts of the eyelid are not an infrequent finding.     

Extensive full-thickness eyelid reconstruction with rotation flaps through “subcutaneous tunnel” and palatal mucosal grafts

AIM: To reconstruct the extensive full-thickness defects of eyelids is a challenge for the plastic surgeon because of their complex anatomy and special functions. This article presents and discusses an improved surgical technique in which the orbicularis oculi myocutaneous flap is rotated through a “subcutaneous tunnel” in conjunction with a palatal mucosal graft employed for lining.METHODS: Data from 22 eyes with extensive full-thickness eyelid defects from various causes between 2009 and 2013 were analyzed in this study. After the different layers of eyelid were separated completely, a temporally based orbicularis oculi myocutaneous flap was designed following fishtail lines and was mobilized, leaving the base of the pedicle intact with a submuscular tissue attachment. The flap was then rotated through a “subcutaneous tunnel” to the defect, and the donor site was closed primarily. Posterior lamellar reconstruction was performed with a mucosal graft harvested from the hard palate.RESULTS:All the flaps were survived without any healing problems. There was no corneal irritation, flap contraction, or significant donor-site morbidity in the follow-up period. The incision scars were almost invisible. The defects were repaired completely, and the evaluations showed satisfactory function and appearance.CONCLUSION: This technique is an improved single-stage operation and can be applied to repair large, full-thickness eyelid defects from various causes. With our method, the functional and aesthetic results can be obtained in either the upper or lower eyelids.     

External levator advancement vs Müller's muscle-conjunctival resection for correction of upper eyelid involutional ptosis

PURPOSE: To compare external levator advancement and Müller's muscle-conjunctival resection (conjunctivomullerectomy, or CJM) for correction of upper eyelid involutional ptosis. DESIGN: Retrospective, nonrandomized, comparative interventional case series. METHODS: Review of medical records of 159 patients (272 surgical procedures) who underwent external levator advancement or CJM was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Functional and cosmetic outcome, marginal reflex distance one (MRD1), and surgical complications. RESULTS: A total of 159 patients (51 men, 108 women, mean age 70 years) underwent 272 surgical procedures for upper eyelid ptosis; concurrent blepharoplasty was performed in 141 cases. MRD1 increased an average of 1.6 (+/-1.5) mm, from 0.8 mm (+/-1.2) preoperatively to 2.3 mm (+/-1.2) postoperatively (P < .001). Fifteen patients (5.5%) underwent reoperation for residual ptosis, nine (18%) in the external levator advancement group, two (3%) in the CJM group, three (8%) in the external plus blepharoplasty group, and one (1%) in the CJM plus blepharoplasty group (P < .001). Patients who underwent external levator advancement had significantly more severe ptosis preoperatively but attained similar eyelid position postoperatively as compared with CJM patients. Complications included overcorrection in four cases (1.4%), lagophthalmos of 1 mm in 10 (3.6%), and pyogenic granuloma in two (<1%). CONCLUSIONS: External levator advancement and CJM performed alone or with concurrent blepharoplasty are effective treatments for upper eyelid ptosis. Residual ptosis or postoperative eyelid retraction occurs in up to 20% of cases and can be addressed successfully with a second operation.     

Transconjunctival Müller muscle recession with levator disinsertion for correction of eyelid retraction associated with thyroid-related orbitopathy

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of transconjunctival Müller muscle recession and graded levator disinsertion for eyelid retraction in patients with thyroid-related orbitopathy (TRO). DESIGN: Retrospective consecutive case series. METHODS: Medical record review of 78 TRO patients (107 eyelids) who underwent surgery for upper eyelid retraction in a 5-year period was performed. Main outcome measures were anatomic and functional success, minimal reflex distance (MRD), lagophthalmos, eyelid asymmetry, and patient discomfort. RESULTS: One hundred seven eyelid retraction surgeries were performed on 78 TRO patients (63 women, mean age 49 years); mean follow-up time was 16.7 months. Upper eyelid position, lagophthalmos, exposure keratopathy, and patients' discomfort markedly improved after surgery (P < .001). Marginal reflex distance (MRD1) decreased an average of 2.6 mm from 6 mm pre-operatively to 3.4 mm post-operatively (P < .001); lagophthalmos decreased an average of 0.6 mm from 1.3 mm pre-operatively to 0.4 mm post-operatively (P = .006) Failure rate was 8.4%, most improved with a second surgery. Overcorrection was noticed in three cases (2.8%). Eyelid asymmetry improved from a mean of 1.0 mm pre-operatively to 0.4 mm post-operatively (P = .001); more than 80% of patients showed eyelid asymmetry of 1 mm or less. CONCLUSION: Transconjunctival Müller muscle and levator recession is safe and effective in correction of mild, moderate, or severe eyelid retraction in TRO patients. The failure rate is less than 10% and may be addressed by a second surgery.     

Primary neuroendocrine carcinoma (“Merkel cell tumor”) of the eyelid: a report of two cases

BACKGROUND . Merkel cell tumor is an uncommon, aggressive neoplasm of the skin, now regarded as a neuroendocrine carcinoma. Eyelids are among the sites where it can develop, often mimicking a benign process. The purpose of this report is to describe two new cases and to discuss briefly the problems of diagnosis and treatment. METHODS . Two patients with Merkel cell tumor of the eyelids are described. In both cases, the original clinical diagnosis was chalazion. Progressive growth of the lesion identified it as a tumor some 2-7 months after it was first noticed. The patients were treated by surgical excision of the tumor tissue, and only one by a course of local radiotherapy. The visual acuity was measured with Snellen fractions. The dose of local radiotherapy is given in cGy. RESULTS . Histopathological and immunohistochemical studies identified the lesion as a neuroendocrine carcinoma, consistent with Merkel cell tumor. The natural history was marked by aggressive behavior in one case, and by a delayed recurrence in the other, requiring different therapeutic approaches. CONCLUSION . Merkel cell carcinoma of the eyelid is a tumor that ophthalmogists should be aware of, as early diagnosis is a prerequisite for successful treatment. Rapid recurrence of any chalazion in a middle-aged or elderly patient should therefore prompt its histological examination to exclude the possibility of a malignant tumor.     

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia of the eyelid and orbit: the Western cousin of Kimura’s disease?

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (ALHE) is an uncommon disease most frequently occurring in the head and neck region. It occurs in all races. In spite of a clear distinction between ALHE and Kimura’s disease on histological grounds for almost 20 years now, confusion and misdiagnosis still exist to date. Three Spanish patients presented to our institution over a 6 year period with mass lesions in the superior orbit, medial orbito-nasal wall and eyelid, respectively. All patients were of Caucasian extraction and were diagnosed with epithelioid haemangioma on histological tissue analysis. We report on the history and management of these patients which resulted in good functional and cosmetic outcome with no subsequent evidence of disease recurrence.