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Clinical recommendations for repair of isolated orbital floor fractures: an evidence-based analysis.

PURPOSE: To assess the quality of information in the literature and suggest guidelines for repair of isolated orbital floor fractures. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Orbital floor fractures are a common result of orbital injury. Enophthalmos, diplopia resulting from extraocular muscle dysfunction, and infraorbital nerve hypesthesia may occur. The indications and timing for fracture repair are still controversial. LITERATURE REVIEWED: A MEDLINE literature review was performed using PubMed. Articles published from 1983 to the present were retrieved using the key words, "orbital floor fracture, orbital trap-door fracture, and orbital blow-out fracture." Suggested indications and timing for repair of isolated orbital floor fractures were extracted from selected articles. Each recommendation was rated according to its importance in the care process and strength of evidence supporting the given recommendation. RESULTS: No prospective randomized clinical trials on the treatment of orbital floor fractures have been performed. Despite this, most recommendations were rated as most important to patient care (A) and had strong support for treatment (level I). CONCLUSIONS: The timing and treatment indications for orbital floor fractures are evolving. Nonresolving oculocardiac reflex, the "white-eyed" blowout fracture, and early enophthalmos or hypoglobus are indications for immediate surgical repair. Surgery within 2 weeks is recommended in cases of symptomatic diplopia with positive forced ductions and evidence of orbital soft tissue entrapment on computed tomography examination or large orbital floor fractures that may cause latent enophthalmos or hypo-ophthalmos.

Diplopia↗

Orbital compression syndrome in sickle cell disease.

BACKGROUND: Orbital complications are an uncommonly reported finding in sickle cell disease. METHODS: The authors review the reported orbital manifestations of sickle cell disease and discuss a patient with hemoglobin sickle beta(0) thalassemia in whom rapidly progressive bilateral orbital compression developed. RESULTS: Computed tomography of the orbits in a patient with fever, headache, orbital swelling, and optic nerve dysfunction displayed bilateral superior subperiosteal cystic masses. Surgical exploration showed bilateral liquefied hematomas, which were evacuated. Recovery was complete 13 days after surgery. A mild recurrence 14 months later resolved with conservative treatment. The literature contains 11 reports of 16 young patients with sickle cell disease (15 sickle cell disease [Hb SS] and 1 hemoglobin sickle cell disease [Hb SC]) with rapidly developing findings ranging from frontal headache, fever, and eyelid edema to bilateral complete orbital compression syndrome. Including our patient, 60% had orbital hemorrhage on computed tomography. Ten of 12 patients tested were found to have orbital bone marrow infarctions. Sixteen of 17 patients had complete recovery; 13 were treated conservatively and 4 surgically. Only 2 of 17 had recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Orbital complications in sickle cell disease are unusual manifestations in which a vaso-occlusive process in the marrow space around the orbit results in frontal headache, fever, eyelid edema, and often orbital compression syndrome. Subperiosteal hematomas are common and appear to result from bone marrow infarctions. Appropriate management requires a thorough evaluation to exclude other hemorrhagic, infectious or neoplastic processes, as well as vigilant ophthalmic monitoring. Supportive care is effective, unless optic nerve dysfunction or large hematomas are present, which would indicate that surgical evacuation is warranted to prevent loss of vision and to speed recovery.

Anemia, Sickle Cell↗

Survival after rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis in an immunocompetent patient.

OBJECTIVE: Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis is usually associated with a poor prognosis and is almost exclusively seen in immunocompromised patients. We report the third documented case of rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis caused by Apophysomyces elegans (a new genus of the family Mucoraceae first isolated in 1979) in an immunocompetent individual. Orbital exenteration and radical debridement of involved adjacent structures combined with intravenous liposomal amphotericin resulted in patient survival. DESIGN: Interventional case report. METHOD: A 59-year-old immunocompetent white man sustained a high-pressure water jet injury to the right inner canthus while cleaning an air conditioner filter. He later had "orbital cellulitis" develop that did not respond to antibiotics and progressed to orbital infarction. Imaging studies and biopsy results led to a diagnosis of mucormycosis. Tissue culture grew Apophysomyces elegans, a new genus of the family Mucoraceae first isolated in 1979. Orbital exenteration and radical debridement of involved adjacent structures, combined with intravenous liposomal amphotericin, resulted in patient survival. RESULTS: After orbital exenteration and debridement of involved adjacent structures along with intravenous liposomal amphotericin, our patient has remained free from relapse with long-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The agent causing this case of rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (Apophysomyces elegans) contrasts with the three genera most commonly responsible for mucormycosis (Rhizopus, Mucor, and Absidia) in that infections with this agent tend to occur in warm climates, by means of traumatic inoculation, and in immunocompetent patients. Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis should be considered in all patients with orbital inflammation associated with multiple cranial nerve palsies and retinal or orbital infarction, regardless of their immunologic status. A team approach to management is recommended for early, appropriate surgery and systemic antifungal agents.

Amphotericin B↗

Benefits of stereolithography in orbital reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the benefits of the stereolithography (SLA) modeling system in the evaluation and surgical planning of selected bony orbital pathology. DESIGN: Two case reports. PARTICIPANTS: One patient presented with a displaced left orbital roof fracture into his orbit causing globe compression and binocular vertical diplopia. A second patient underwent removal of his right orbital floor, medial wall, and inferior portion of his lateral wall during excision of a cylindrical cell papilloma of the paranasal sinuses. Postoperatively, he suffered from globe ptosis and binocular oblique diplopia. INTERVENTION: Stereolithographic models of the patients' orbits were obtained from computed tomography data to better assess the bony orbital pathology. In the second patient, the model was used as a template to create a temporary custom fit prosthesis to repair the defect of his orbital walls. RESULTS: The SLA models were useful in evaluating the dimensions of the bony defects and in preoperative surgical planning. Intraoperatively, the SLA models facilitated orbital surgical rehabilitation. Postoperatively, both patients noted resolution of their diplopia after reconstruction of more normal bony anatomy. CONCLUSIONS: In selected cases, SLA offers highly accurate models of the bony orbit for preoperative evaluation, surgical planning, and teaching and can act as a template for custom prosthesis manufacturing. This technology increases the orbital surgeon's options in managing complex orbital pathology.

Accidents, Traffic↗

Update on orbital trauma.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To evaluate the recent developments in the evaluation and treatment of orbital trauma from April 2003 to March 2004. The scope of orbital trauma included a MEDLINE search under the keywords of zygoma and orbital fracture, and traumatic optic neuropathy. RECENT FINDINGS: Preoperative volume assessment with computed tomography of orbital fractures can help surgical planning of volume replacement. Ultrasonography can visualize anterior orbital fractures, including rim and zygoma trauma. Orbital trauma has a high incidence of concurrent ocular trauma. Fractures in the presence of the oculocardiac reflex, persistence nausea/vomiting, or entrapped soft tissue require urgent repair. Endoscopic-assisted repair of orbital fractures offers an alternative approach to orbital fracture repair. SUMMARY: Advances in ultrasonography and computed tomography allow better visualization of orbital fractures for better preoperative evaluation and intraoperative repair. Progress in endoscopic techniques offers alternatives in orbital fracture repair. New materials allow for options in orbital reconstruction. Unfortunately, few advances in the management of traumatic optic neuropathy were found in this review.

Humans↗

The management of orbital cysts associated with congenital microphthalmos and anophthalmos.

AIMS: To study the management of the orbital cysts present in a group of patients with anophthalmos and microphthalmos. METHODS: A retrospective study of 34 patients (40 orbits) treated for orbital cyst associated with microphthalmos and anophthalmos. RESULTS: The two largest treatment groups comprised 17 orbits (42.5%) where the cyst was removed surgically and 17 orbits (42.5%) where the cyst was retained and conformers were used. The remaining cases comprised two orbits (5%) where the cyst was aspirated initially; two orbits (5%) with large cysts which will need to be excised after further orbital growth; one orbit (2.5%) in which a silicone expander was used initially, and one orbit (2.5%) in which a mildly microphthalmic eye had some vision and was monitored but required no surgery. CONCLUSION: In this study 33 out of 34 patients had a good cosmetic result which illustrates that the orbital cyst in microphthalmos or anophthalmos performs a useful role in socket expansion and that the majority of patients with this condition can expect a good cosmetic outcome.

Adolescent↗

The usefulness of orbital lines in detecting blow-out fracture on plain radiography.

The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of orbital line changes on plain radiographs in detecting blow-out fracture. 92 cases of surgically confirmed blow-out fracture were retrospectively analysed in regard to plain radiographs and CT. Anterior and posterior lamina papyracea lines (ALPL and PLPL, respectively) of the orbital medial wall as well as the posteromedial floor line (PMFL) were assessed on orbital posteroanterior projections. The inferomedial orbital line (IMOL) and the inferior wall line were assessed on Waters projections. Orbital lines on plain radiographs were compared with CT findings. Of 53 cases of lamina papyracea fracture, 47 cases showed orbital line changes on plain radiographs (sensitivity 88.7%). Changes of PLPL (41/47), IMOL (29/47), ALPL (4/47) and PMFL (2/47) were demonstrated as depression, loss, discontinuity and irregularity. In four cases showing normal radiographs, the fractures measured less than 9 mm in size on CT. All 25 cases with orbital floor fracture accompanying medial wall fracture demonstrated orbital line changes of PMFL (16/25), PLPL (14/25), ALPL (3/25) and IMOL (2/25) (sensitivity 100%). 12 of 14 cases with orbital floor fracture demonstrated changes of inferior wall line (7/12) and PMFL (6/12) (sensitivity 85.7%). Two cases demonstrated asymmetric focal soft tissue density without orbital line changes. Orbital line changes on plain radiographs corresponded well with CT findings, confirming the usefulness of plain radiographs in detecting blow-out fracture.

Adolescent↗

Direct oblique sagittal CT of orbital wall fractures.

Direct oblique sagittal CT was used to evaluate trauma to 77 orbits. Sixty-seven orbital wall fractures with intact orbital rims (36 floor, 22 medial wall, nine roof) were identified in 47 orbits. Since persistent diplopia and/or enophthalmos may warrant surgical repair of orbital floor fractures, optimal imaging should include an evaluation of extraocular muscle status, the nature and amount of displaced orbital contents, and an accurate definition of fracture margins. For orbital floor fractures, a combination of the direct oblique sagittal and direct coronal projections optimally displayed all fracture margins, the fracture's relationship to the inferior orbital rim and medial orbital wall, and the amount of displacement into the maxillary sinus. Inferior rectus muscle status with 36 floor fractures was best seen on the direct oblique sagittal projection in 30 fractures (83.3%) and was equally well seen on sagittal and coronal projections in two fractures (5.5%). Floor fractures were missed on 100% of axial, 5.5% of sagittal, and 0% of coronal projections. Since the direct oblique sagittal projection complements the direct coronal projection in evaluating orbital floor fractures, it should not be performed alone. A technical approach to the CT evaluation or orbital wall fractures is presented.

Adolescent↗

Porous polyethylene channel implants: a modified porous polyethylene sheet implant designed for repairs of large and complex orbital wall fractures.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a modified porous polyethylene implant in orbital fracture repair. A porous polyethylene channel implant (PPCI) has internal channels that accept mini- or microplates from conventional plating systems, facilitating fixation to bone in the reconstruction of large, complex orbital fractures. METHODS: The authors used 29 PPCIs to repair 25 orbits. Seventeen cases involved repair of an acute (less than two weeks after injury) fracture of one or more orbital walls. Eight cases represented delayed reconstruction of orbital walls for late enophthalmos or for residual defects after previous operations. RESULTS: A PPCI provides a stable platform for orbital soft tissue. Excellent results were obtained in all patients with acute orbital fractures, whereas good or excellent corrections of enophthalmos and hypoglobus were achieved in all patients who underwent late repair. There were no instances of orbital infection, implant exposure or migration, worsening diplopia, visual loss, or loss of structural support during 31 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: A PPCI allows controlled placement of a porous polyethylene sheet with secure fixation to stable bone. The implant design allows it to be cantilevered from the orbital rim to serve as a stable platform when fractures are too large to support the implant in the posterior orbit. PPCIs are ideally suited for reconstruction of defects resulting from displacement of orbital walls and for repair of posterior floor fractures, medial wall fractures, and combined floor and medial wall defects.

Adult↗

The value of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of orbital floor fractures.

The value of MRI in the diagnosis of acute orbital floor fractures has not been clearly defined. We therefore compared MR findings with CT findings in patients with orbital trauma. In 30 patients with isolated orbital trauma both coronal CT and coronal MRI were used to examine the orbits and the adjacent paranasal sinuses. Visualization of anatomical landmarks, the kind and extent of traumatic lesions, as well as artifacts were scored. The scores were compared using the Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test. Interexamination agreement between the two methods was calculated using a kappa analysis. All examinations had diagnostic quality: 30 fractures of the orbital floor (9 right and 21 left orbital floor fractures) were identified. In addition, CT showed fractures of the medial orbital wall in 19 patients (63.3%), of the lateral wall in 10 patients (33.3%), of the zygomatic arch in 2 patients (6.7%), and of the maxillary sinus in 4 patients (13.3%). Soft tissue herniation was shown in 13 patients (inferior rectus muscle twice, orbital fat in 11 cases). Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated soft tissue herniation in 21 patients: muscle in 4, orbital fat in 17 cases. Magnetic resonance imaging is able to demonstrate orbital floor fractures as sensitively as CT, but CT is superior to MRI in showing small and associated fractures; therefore, CT remains in orbital fractures the imaging modality of choice. Magnetic resonance imaging is superior to CT in showing soft tissue herniations; therefore, MRI may have a role as an adjunct to CT if soft tissue entrapment remains unclear.

Adolescent↗

Orbital germ cell tumors revisited: a clinicopathological approach to classification.

Orbital teratomas are unilateral, congenital germ cell tumors, which present at birth with moderate to massive proptosis, leading to exposure keratopathy. They enlarge the orbit diffusely. Primary orbital teratomas cause axial or vertical proptosis, are usually unassociated with bony defects, and do not extend outside the orbit. Recurrence is unusual after an early excision without enucleation or exenteration. Combined orbital teratomas additionally involve periorbital and intracranial spaces, cause lesser degrees of proptosis, and typically are associated with defects of orbital bones. Their intracranial part is small as compared to the orbital one. A significant risk of recurrence exists even after a combined craniotomy, orbitotomy and plastic reconstructive surgery. Intracranial teratomas with secondary orbital spread present prenatally with polyhydramnois and hydrocephalus, due to a massive primary tumor replacing parts of the brain, and typically lead to stillbirth. One orbital teratoma with malignant change has been well documented. Included twins, monsters rather than neoplasms, represent parts of a second fetus in the orbit. Orbital yolk sac carcinomas or endodermal sinus tumors are malignant neoplasms affecting children, which frequently invade periorbital and intracranial spaces, and which may respond to chemotherapy and irradiation. Finally, a teratoma or a yolk sac carcinoma may rarely present as an intraocular tumor.

Female↗

The results of radiotherapy for orbital pseudotumor.

Between January 1982 and March 1987, 23 patients (26 orbits) were treated for orbital pseudotumor with radiation therapy at the Department of Radiation Oncology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. The patients were referred for clinical relapse after steroid taper in 70%, no response to steroids in 17%, and no steroid treatment (refused or contraindicated) in 13%. Presenting symptoms/signs included soft tissue swelling in 92% of orbits, pain in 92%, proptosis in 85%, and extraocular muscle dysfunction or ptosis in 69%. Decreased visual acuity was seen in only 19% of orbits. Biopsy was performed in nine patients. Treatment consisted of 2000 cGy in 2 weeks in 10 fractions for all patients. Median follow-up was 41 months, with a mean of 53 months, and a range of 21-92 months. Complete response was documented in 87% of orbits with soft tissue swelling, 82% with proptosis, 78% with extraocular muscle dysfunction, and 75% with pain. Of the five patients with visual acuity defects, three experienced complete recovery. There was no difference in complete response in patients biopsied versus those not biopsied. Overall, 17 orbits have remained in complete orbital response with no further steroid requirement (66%). Three orbits suffered local relapse at some point following radiation therapy and were retreated with steroids. These three orbits had durable local control off steroids at last follow-up (11%). Therefore, 77% of orbits attained durable local control and were steroid independent with radiation therapy alone or radiation therapy followed by steroids for relapse. Only one patient developed systemic lymphoma with follow-up. No pretreatment clinical factor reached statistical significance with respect to prognosis following radiation therapy at the less than or equal to .05 level. There were no significant acute or chronic side effects secondary to treatment. Steroids should continue to be first line treatment for orbital pseudotumor, but radiation therapy has a well-defined role in cases of steroid failure or in patients unable to tolerate steroid therapy.

Adolescent↗

Evaluation of an integrated orbital tissue expander in an anophthalmic feline model.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the anatomical effects and tissue biocompatibility in a feline model of an integrated orbital tissue expander (OTE) designed to stimulate bone growth in an anophthalmic socket. DESIGN: An animal study was performed in cats to assess orbital bone growth with and without an OTE. METHODS: The OTE is an inflatable (0.5 to >6.0 cm(3)) polymeric globe sliding on a titanium T plate secured to the lateral orbital rim with screws. Eight cats had left eye enucleation at age two weeks, with five orbits receiving an OTE and the remaining three serving as nonimplanted controls. Serial transconjunctival implant inflation was performed by injecting normal saline solution into the OTE to a final volume of 3.5 ml. Serial computed tomographic scans were obtained to assess socket growth. All eight cats were euthanized at 18 weeks and dry skulls prepared. The effective orbital volume was measured by inflating an OTE in the orbit of a dry skull until it filled the cavity completely. RESULTS: Three cats periodically scratched open the tarsorrhaphy and conjunctiva to rupture the OTE, which resulted in implant exchanges. At 18 weeks, the OTE expanded orbital volume was approximately 18% smaller than the normal contralateral side. In the control animals, the anophthalmic orbital volume was approximately 66% smaller than the contralateral orbit. Histopathology of orbital tissues showed no evidence of foreign body reaction. CONCLUSIONS: This proof-of-concept pilot study demonstrated implant efficacy in cats, and no implant-related adverse effects were observed. OTE has the potential to stimulate bone growth in human anophthalmic orbits.

Animals↗

Combination of transconjunctival and endonasal-transantral approach in the repair of blowout fractures involving the orbital floor.

In the repair of orbital blowout fractures through eyelid or conjunctival incision, it is difficult to see the posterior edge of the fracture and the condition of the herniated tissue before reduction of the orbital contents. Prolapsed orbital tissue or infraorbital nerve and vessels may therefore be damaged in the reduction. The recently advocated combination of traditional transconjunctival approach and endoscopic transantral approach allows reduction and reconstruction under clear endoscopic vision without a facial skin incision. We modified this technique to make it less invasive and applied it to the repair of orbital blowout fractures involving the orbital floor. The use of a 70-degree straight endoscope through an enlarged ostium as for functional sinus surgery allowed clear sight of the roof of the antrum. During the repair of the orbital floor through a transconjunctival approach, reduction and reconstruction was assisted from the antrum. Twelve cases of fresh blowout fractures were treated with this approach. There were seven male and five female patients. Mean age was 23.5 years. Causes of injuries were fights, motor vehicle or bicycle accidents, and sports. Patients with concomitant fractures involving the orbital rim were excluded. Persistent diplopia was present in eight cases and enophthalmos of more than 2 mm was detected in five cases preoperatively. The average intervals from injury to surgery was 22.8 days.Exploration, reduction and reconstruction of the orbital floor fractures were precisely performed with this procedure. Large orbital floor defects were reconstructed with silicone sheets, thin iliac bone grafts or nasal septal cartilage. In all eight cases that showed diplopia, ocular movement recovered and symptomatic diplopia disappeared after surgery. Enophthalmos of more than 2 mm was also improved in all five cases. One early case showed temporary entropion. Transient numbness of the cheek appeared in five cases and temporary maxillary sinusitis recovered in one case. Postoperative infection was not observed.This method provides visualisation of posterior edge of the fracture and the condition of herniated orbital contents before initiation of reduction. Dual manipulation by two surgeons is also possible in reduction and reconstruction of the orbital floor.

Adolescent↗

Interrater reliability of sonographic examinations of orbital fractures.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to determine whether there are statistically significant variations among different observers when examining fractures of the orbital walls. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From December 2003 to April 2004, 28 patients with clinically suspected orbital fractures were examined by ultrasound prospectively. The US images of the infra-orbital margins, the orbital floors, the medial and lateral orbital walls of each patient were reexamined by two independent investigators. RESULTS: Computed tomography revealed fractures of the orbital floor in 28 out of 31 patients (90.3%). The infra-orbital margins showed fractures of 14 of 31 patients (45.2%). The ultrasound examinations of the orbits by the three examiners presented satisfactory correlation regarding sensitivity and specificity. There were no significant differences between investigators. There was good agreement among the ultrasound examiners regarding the infra-orbital margins. This was not the case for the orbital floors. CONCLUSIONS: If there are clear cut clinical findings ultrasound examination could represent an alternative to computed tomography. If the clinical findings were indeterminate, computed tomography was essential as implicated by this study. Accordingly, further evaluation of ultrasound examinations of fractures of the orbital margins and floors are necessary.

Adolescent↗

Orbital varices, cranial defects, and encephaloceles: an unrecognized association.

PURPOSE: To highlight an apparently unreported association between orbital varices and malformations of the cranial skeleton with or without abnormalities of the underlying cerebral parenchyma. DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative review of case notes and radiologic imaging. PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred ten patients attending the Orbital Clinic at Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, with a diagnosis of low-pressure, low-flow orbital venous anomalies. METHODS: All available orbital imaging for patients with orbital venous anomalies was examined. For those with defects of the cranial base, the radiologic characteristics were noted and the clinical details were reviewed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The presence and type of orbital roof or medial wall defects and associated nasal or other cranial anomalies. RESULTS: Imaging was adequate for review in 222 of 310 patients (72%), and anomalies of the neighboring cranium or cerebral structure were found in 10 of 222 patients (4.5%). In the group with cranial anomalies, the proportion of men (7/10; 70%) did not significantly differ from that in the group with varices but without cranial anomalies (93/212; 44%; P = 0.19, Fisher exact test). Orbital varices were associated with 3 types of cranial anomaly: major midline encephaloceles (type I anomaly; 4 cases), large superomedial defects of the orbital wall (type II; 3 cases), or defects of the greater wing of the sphenoid (type III; 3 cases). CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of significant cranio-orbital or cranionasal anomalies in patients with orbital venous anomalies; these anomalies can vary from minor defects in the cranial base to large encephalomeningoceles. This rare association should not be overlooked when orbital varices become markedly inflamed, because intranasal encephaloceles are a known predisposition to recurrent meningitis.

Adult↗

[Surgical treatment of malignant sinonasal tumors with orbital extension: 20 patients].

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this work was to assess changes in surgical treatment of malignant sinonasal tumors with orbital extension, with or without orbital exenteration, on the basis of clinical, radiological and preoperative data. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of twenty patients with malignant sinonasal tumors with orbital extension operated on from 1995 to 2002 in the ENT and head and neck department of the Strasbourg University Hospital. CT-scan and MRI were performed before surgery. When periorbital invasion was observed without orbital extension and confirmed by histological examination in the operative theatre, the orbit was preserved during the surgical procedure. Orbital exenteration was necessary for the other patients. Adjunct postoperative radiotherapy was performed in all patients (n=20). Clinical, radiological and surgical data were compared with patient follow-up to search for correlations between radiological signs and the difficult surgical decision for orbital exenteration. RESULTS: For orbital extension, the histological examination performed in the operative theatre did not confirm the results of the preoperative CT-scan in 15% of patients and the preoperative MRI in 11%. In a first group of nine patients with bony wall extension (78%, 7/9) or periorbital extension (22%, 2/9), there were no cases of recurrence at six years follow-up. In a second group of eleven patients with intraorbital extension, orbital exenteration was not performed in two (18%) because of surgically unresectable massive extension. Four of the nine other patients who underwent orbital exenteration were free of local recurrence at ten months follow-up and five were considered to have achieved oncological cure at four years follow-up. CONCLUSION: Preoperative CT and MRI are essential but the decision for orbital exenteration must be made on the basis of the histological examination performed during the operative procedure because imaging often underestimates tumor extension.

Aged↗

Pterional orbital decompression in diseases with acute increase of intraorbital pressure.

BACKGROUND: Orbital cellulitis as well as traumatic or spontaneous intraorbital hemorrhages can lead to an acute rise of intraorbital pressure, threatening the function of orbital vascular, muscular and neural structures. The treatment of this rare entity with extended pterional orbital decompression is described in comparison with other methods of orbital decompression. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1991 and 2000 the authors treated 16 patients with sight-threatening acute elevations of intraorbital pressure due to orbital cellulitis (3 patients) and spontaneous (3 patients), postoperative (1 patient) or traumatic diffuse or localized intraorbital hemorrhage (9 patients) with extended pterional orbital decompression. Pre- and postoperative parameters, like visual acuity, exophthalmos, restrictions of extraocular motility and pupillary disturbances, were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: In all patients, a distinct improvement of preoperative symptoms, like complete reduction of proptosis in all cases, improvement of visual acuity in 12 patients, improvement of eye motility disturbances in 14 patients and of afferent pupillary disturbances in 6 patients, was achieved by decompressing the orbital contents within a mean of 30.5 hours after onset of symptoms. Severe, operation-related complications were not seen. CONCLUSION: Extended pterional orbital decompression represents an effective treatment alternative and supplement in cases of severe, ocular function-threatening cases of acute elevated orbital pressure, due, for example, to orbital cellulitis or diffuse or localized spontaneous and traumatic intraorbital hemorrhage, where immediate reduction of pressure on orbital neural, muscular and vascular structures is intended.

Adolescent↗