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Biomedical subjects

I C Francis

Publications and source records attributed to I C Francis.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Australasian orbital and adnexal Wegener's granulomatosis.

OBJECTIVE: To report a retrospective case series of 29 Australian and New Zealand patients with orbital and adnexal Wegener's granulomatosis (WG). DESIGN: Retrospective case series. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-nine cases of orbital and adnexal WG were identified. METHODS: A number of oculoplastic surgeons and other clinicians in Australia and New Zealand was asked about their experience with orbital and adnexal WG. Clinical data regarding these cases were conveyed by means of a questionnaire. Cases of ophthalmic WG without features of orbital or adnexal disease were excluded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Data obtained from the questionnaire includes age, gender, limited or generalized disease, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) status, symptoms and signs: nasolacrimal obstruction, sinusitis, fistula/orbital bone erosion, orbital mass/proptosis, extraocular muscle/diplopia, visual acuity reduction caused by optic nerve compression, orbital pain, lid edema/erythema, biopsy status, and treatment status. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients with orbital and adnexal WG were identified and described. Symptoms included awareness of an orbital mass, epiphora, orbital pain and diplopia. Signs included an orbital mass or proptosis (69%), nasolacrimal duct obstruction (52%), limited ocular rotations (52%), lid erythema and edema (31%), bony destruction (21%), and reduced visual acuity (17%). Two patients had a persistent nasolacrimocanthal fistula. Cytoplasmic pattern antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (c-ANCA) were present in 52% of patients, and in 9 of 10 patients with generalized disease. However, c-ANCA was positive in only 32% (6 of 19) of patients with limited WG. Perinuclear pattern antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (p-ANCA) was positive in 10% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: To diagnose and treat ophthalmic WG effectively, the clinician must be aware of its protean orbital and adnexal manifestations. WG may occur with or without systemic involvement, and c-ANCA was negative in approximately half our cases. Our cases also demonstrated two orbital fistulae, an observation previously believed to be rare.

Adolescent↗

Prospective study of 1 surgeon's experience with 115 cases using the Unfolder lens injection system.

PURPOSE: To describe the experience of 1 surgeon's first 115 cases using the Allergan Unfolder intraocular lens (IOL) injection system. SETTING: Free-standing day-surgery center, Chatswood, Australia. METHODS: After standard phacoemulsification, an SI-40NB IOL (Allergan) was implanted using the Unfolder. Data on complications and the success of implantation were collected prospectively. RESULTS: Ninety-four percent of patients achieved a 1 month visual acuity of 6/6 or better. Of the 13 cases with a potential complication related to the Unfolder, all achieved a visual acuity of 6/6 or better. No complication affected the eye adversely or reduced visual acuity significantly. CONCLUSION: Implantation of SI-40NB IOLs with the Unfolder led to no serious complications and gave satisfactory visual results.

Humans↗

Orbital inflammation in a patient with extrascleral spread of choroidal malignant melanoma.

An elderly woman presented with fever, dehydration, orbital inflammation, total external and internal ophthalmoplegia and blindness, resembling the clinical appearance at presentation of severe orbital inflammatory disease or mucormycosis. Orbital computed tomography scanning demonstrated a retrobulbar orbital mass. Subsequent B-scan ultrasound examination confirmed the orbital mass but also demonstrated a mass within the eye. At lateral orbitotomy, extrascleral spread of an entirely necrotic intraocular melanoma was demonstrated. As computed tomography scanning may not be able to delineate an entirely necrotic intraocular malignant melanoma, B-scan ultrasonography should be considered in patients with orbital inflammation, especially in the presence of a retrobulbar mass.

Aged↗

Ocular adnexal lymphoproliferative disease: a series of 73 cases.

BACKGROUND: This study involved 73 patients with lymphoproliferative lesions of the ocular adnexa. The lesions were categorized using the Revised European American Lymphoma classification of lymphoid tissues and analysed to determine the frequency and prognostic impact of tumour type, location, stage and patient's age and sex. METHODS: The clinical, histopathological, immunohistochemical and phenotypic analysis by flow cytometry and follow-up data were studied. RESULTS: The ocular adnexal lymphoproliferative lesions included 70 lymphomas and six reactive lymphoid hyperplasia. Seventy-nine per cent had stage IE disease, 4% stage II, 1.5% stage III and 15.5% stage IV. Five patients (7%) had a past history of systemic lymphoma. Major histological types were extranodal marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) in 44 (63%), follicular (FL) in 12 (17%), diffuse large B-cell (DLBCL) in eight (11%), mantle cell (MCL) in two (3%), B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma in two (3%), peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) one (1.5%) and natural killer cell lymphoma (NKCL) in one (1.5%). Longest survival was seen in those with low-grade lymphomas (MZL and FL) and worst in PTCL and NKCL. Lymphoma-related mortality was 2% for MZL, 33% for FL, 38% for DLBCL, and 100% for MCL, PTCL and NKCL. Systemic lymphoma was present prior to, at presentation or at subsequent follow up in 26/68 (39%) of all lymphoma patients, 17% for MZL, 38% for DLBCL, 83% for FL, and 100% for MCL, CLL, PTCL and NKCL. CONCLUSION: The majority of ocular adnexal lymphomas were low-grade B-cell lymphomas (MZL). Multivariate analysis showed that the only significant independent predictors of all causes of mortality were the histological type of lymphoma and the stage of disease at presentation.

Adult↗

Multifocal chorioretinal atrophy associated with herpes zoster ophthalmicus.

A 73-year-old woman developed multiple depigmented lesions in the fundus 4-6 months after an episode of acute Herpes zoster ophthalmicus. Post-mortem examination of the globe 15 years after this acute episode confirmed multiple old chorioretinal scars probably due to vasculitis of the short posterior ciliary arteries and branches. Patchy old infarcts were also noted in the iris.

Acute Disease↗

Transcaruncular medial orbitotomy for stabilization of the posterior limb of the medial canthal tendon.

PURPOSE: A method to stabilize the posterior limb of the medial canthal tendon (MCT), using a transcaruncular medial orbitotomy (TMO) approach, is described in a stepwise fashion. The technique described is a modified version of procedures published by Ritleng, Crawford and Collin, and Fante and Elner METHODS: A prospective clinical evaluation of MCT stabilization via the TMO approach was undertaken in I I consecutive patients who presented with MCT laxity as one of the features of their ectropion. These cases are initially described in detail in two representative case reports, and summarized in 11 cases. The stepwise surgical approach is outlined. RESULTS: All patients had improved symptomatology in terms of epiphora and comfort. Furthermore, in all cases the lid position was improved or normalized. In four of the I cases (36%) the lower punctum did not ultimately reside in the lacrimal ake, but the punctal position was nevertheless improved and the MCT was stabilized. CONCLUSION: The TMO procedure provides both excellent MCT stabilization and adequate placement of the lower lacrimal punctum onto the globe. It does not require canalicular resection, and avoids continued anterior displacement of the medial lower lid which may occur when only the anterior limb of the MCT is addressed surgically.

Aged↗

Stabilization of the posterior limb of the medial canthal tendon using biodegradable tag anchors: a cadaveric model.

PURPOSE: This study describes and tests in a cadaveric model a new method of fixation designed for potential stabilization of the posterior limb of the medial canthal tendon, using biodegradable Tag anchors. METHODS: Study of the possibility of performing surgery to repair medial ectropion using biodegradable polyglyconate Tag anchors was commenced in the sheep cadaveric head model, and in the whole dry human skull model. This was then performed using five preserved human cadaveric whole heads, and pullout tensions were estimated in four of these. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were obtained for this model in the fifth head, and computed tomography was performed on the whole dry human skull. Dissections were carried out to establish the site of the bony defect in each of the heads. RESULTS: It was possible to obtain good Tag anchor fixation in bone overlying the maxillary and ethmoidal sinuses of the sheep, and in a young human skull. It was also possible to place adequately the anchor in the medial wall of the orbit close to the posterior lacrimal crest in all cases in the human cadaveric model. Pullout strengths were evaluated and found to range from 3.5 N to 12.4 N (mean, 7.5 N). Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging failed to demonstrate the biodegradable anchors in both the dry human whole skull and in the fifth cadaveric head, but did demonstrate the bony defects in the medial orbital walls through which the anchor passed. CONCLUSIONS: We have shown, for the first time, the stability of biodegradable Tag anchor fixation in a human cadaveric head model using pullout tensions and dissection studies. This method would allow adequate strength and stability to provide for control of fixation of the medial end of the lower eyelid in patients with medial ectropion and medial canthal tendon laxity.

Absorbable Implants↗

Primary phacoemulsification for uncontrolled angle-closure glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To report the results of primary phacoemulsification to treat uncontrolled angle-closure glaucoma. SETTING: Private practice and teaching hospital department. METHODS: This retrospective interventional case series assessed 3 patients having phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation for uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) after acute primary angle-closure glaucoma. RESULTS: Intraocular pressure control was achieved in all patients postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Primary phacoemulsification with the option of future trabeculectomy should be considered in selected patients with persistent appositional angle closure and uncontrolled IOP after angle-closure glaucoma.

Adult↗

Traumatic intramuscular orbital haemorrhage.

Retrobulbar haemorrhage is an uncommon but well-documented complication of retrobulbar anaesthetic blocks in ocular surgery. Peribulbar anaesthesia has been advocated to be equally effective but safer. The incidence of retrobulbar haemorrhage with peribulbar blocks is very low. We report a case in which a peribulbar anaesthetic for cataract surgery resulted in sight-threatening retrobulbar haemorrhage within the medial rectus muscle and required an anterior orbitotomy and direct decompression of the muscle. The surgery was successful. This case illustrates a potentially serious complication of peribulbar anaesthesia, with the successful outcome achieved by rapid definitive diagnosis and intervention.

Aged↗

The spectrum of presentation of silent sinus syndrome.

The general clinical, ophthalmologic, and radiologic features of three patients with silent sinus syndrome are presented. All three patients were treated surgically. The cases of these patients illustrate the spectrum of presentation of silent sinus syndrome, including enophthalmos, hypophthalmos, transient vertical diplopia, lid retraction, lagophthalmos, and blurred vision. All patients had sinus disease, and all patients improved after surgery using functional endoscopic sinus surgery techniques. The protean manifestations of silent sinus syndrome can be identified, thereby allowing appropriate management.

Adult↗

Management of acute surgical orbital haemorrhage: an otorhinolaryngological and ophthalmological perspective.

This retrospective report describes the management and outcome of seven patients who suffered an acute surgical orbital haemorrhage (ASOH), secondary to a surgical procedure performed on either the sinuses, orbits or eyelids. All patients but one recovered their pre-operative vision. A management plan is outlined on how to assess and tackle this complication, so that the ENT surgeon may be better prepared to meet such an acute surgical emergency, should it arise.

Adult↗

Superior oblique palsy in a patient with a history of perineural spread from a periorbital squamous cell carcinoma.

A 74-year-old man experienced vertical diplopia. Two years earlier, he was diagnosed with a squamous cell carcinoma of the periorbital frontal skin, with perineural spread involving the ophthalmic division of the right trigeminal nerve and the right facial nerve. The clinical findings were consistent with a right fourth cranial nerve palsy. Computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a discrete mass involving the belly of the right superior oblique muscle. An anterior orbitotomy and biopsy demonstrated a mass extending into the belly of the superior oblique muscle. Histology revealed an infiltrating squamous cell carcinoma. The possibility of perineural, direct, or metastatic spread to the superior oblique muscle should be considered in a patient with a history of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The authors believe this case to be the first report of superior oblique underaction due to involvement of the muscle by squamous cell carcinoma, presumably because of perineural spread. Diagnosis was made possible by neuroimaging and histopathology. There was good short-term resolution of the patient's diplopia after radiotherapy.

Aged↗

Computed tomography of the lacrimal drainage system: retrospective study of 107 cases of dacryostenosis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of computed tomography in patients with dacryostenosis. METHODS: One hundred seven cases of dacryostenosis (94 patients) were assessed by thorough clinical and lacrimal history and examination, and lacrimal region computerized tomography (CT). The lacrimal drainage system examination included the state and position of the puncta; Jones testing; lacrimal syringing; and, in the latter half of the study, telescopic nasal endoscopy. The patients were drawn from the hospital outpatients and private office of the operating lacrimal surgeon in this series (I.C.F.). Of the 107 cases, 79 either underwent dacryocystorhinostomy surgery or had this planned. RESULTS: In 14 of the 107 cases (12 patients), preoperative CT led to an alteration of patient management, usually referral to an otolaryngologist for further evaluation or treatment. In addition to the detection of two tumors extrinsic to the sac, conditions such as ethmoiditis, lacrimal sac mucoceles, soft tissue opacity in the nasolacrimal duct, gross nasal polyposis, fungal sinusitis, and a dacryolith were observed by CT. CONCLUSION: Similar to the role of functional endoscopic sinus surgery in otolaryngology, CT imaging will become increasingly important in the assessment of many patients with symptoms of lacrimal drainage obstruction.

Dacryocystorhinostomy↗