Bradley, Elizabeth A.

Purpose: Obesity is a major public health concern, and fat comprises a substantial portion of the orbital volume. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and orbital fat volume, and to assess whether BMI is associated with radiographic proptosis. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 99 orbits from patients who underwent orbital CT imaging between January 1 and December 31, 2018. Patients with systemic diseases affecting the orbits were excluded. When applicable, only the healthy orbit was analyzed. Subjects were evenly stratified into normal-weight, overweight, and obese groups by BMI. Using Visage Imaging Software, orbital structure volumes were measured. Orbital fat volume was calculated by subtracting extraocular muscle, globe, and optic nerve volumes from the total orbital volume. Multivariable linear regression, adjusted for age, gender, and race, assessed associations between BMI and orbital measurements. Results: Among individuals with BMI 17 to 25, total orbital volume increased by 1.20 cm 3 and orbital fat volume by 1.05 cm 3 per unit BMI. For BMI >25, both increased at a flatter slope. Obese patients had nearly double the orbital fat volume of normal-weight patients (10.7 vs. 5.4 cm 3 , p < 0.001). Radiographic proptosis trended higher in obese patients by 1.7 mm ( p = 0.114). Males had larger orbital structures and greater mean proptosis than females. Conclusions: Total orbital and fat volumes increased with BMI, particularly in the normal-to-overweight range. These findings support the need to update normative proptosis data and suggest weight loss may aid in managing mild symptomatic proptosis.

Background Sinonasal pathology, such as chronic inflammatory disease or neoplasm, can cause secondary nasolacrimal duct obstruction (sNLDO). There is a paucity of data on dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) techniques and outcomes for NLDO secondary to known sinonasal pathologies. Objective To describe case characteristics, management, and surgical outcomes of sNLDO at a tertiary academic center. Methods Charts of DCR cases with at least 3 months follow-up done at a single institution over a 5-year period (2018-2022) were reviewed. Patient and surgical characteristics were recorded and compared between secondary and primary NLDO groups. The primary outcome was early functional success of DCR, assessed by improvement or resolution of epiphora at 3 months. Results A total of 236 cases were included. Of those, 79 (33.5%) were classified as secondary NLDO associated with sinonasal pathology. Reasons for sNLDO were sinonasal cancer (46.8%), chronic inflammatory disease (24.1%), trauma (16.5%), or prior head and neck radiation (31.6%). When comparing primary acquired NLDO to sNLDO cases, DCR for sNLDO was more likely to be performed endoscopically (68.4% vs 31.8%, P < .01), by a multidisciplinary team of rhinologist and oculoplastic surgeon (70.9% vs 8.3%, P < .01), and required bilateral surgery (36.7% vs 5.7%, P < .01). The overall functional success rate was 79.7% for sNLDO compared to 87.9% for primary acquired NLDO ( P < .01). Revision surgery for sNLDO, history of sinonasal malignancy, and radiation were associated with lower functional success rates (66.7%, 70.3%, and 68.0%, respectively). Canalicular pathology was more common in sNLDO cases (29.0% vs 8.3%, P < .01). Conclusions Secondary NLDO was more commonly managed with an endoscopic approach by a multidisciplinary team. Revisions for sNLDO, as well as cases with a history of sinonasal malignancy and radiation, had a markedly lower success rate, and sNLDO was frequently associated with canalicular obstruction. These findings may facilitate surgical planning and patient counseling.

Background Orbital decompression is an essential tool for reducing proptosis in thyroid eye disease (TED), yet the impact of surgical approach and preoperative factors on outcomes remains uncertain. Objective To compare proptosis reduction following different orbital decompression techniques, identify additional risk factors that may play a role in surgical orbital decompression outcomes, and develop clinical decision-making recommendations based on these results. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on TED patients who underwent endoscopic medial wall, orbital floor, and/or open lateral wall decompression. We evaluated the influence of preoperative comorbidities, anatomic and laboratory values, and surgical approach on postdecompression Hertel exophthalmometry outcomes. Results Analysis encompassed 130 orbits from 80 patients, 83% female, 48 with preoperative diplopia, and mean age of 54.4 years. Preoperative Hertel measurement was predictive of extent of proptosis reduction ( P < .0001), indicating that higher initial Hertel measurement predicts greater absolute reduction following surgical intervention. Surgical technique correlated with outcome on univariate analysis ( P = .04), but not multivariate ( P = .13) analyses. When categorized into preoperative Hertel ranges, combined endoscopic medial and open lateral wall decompression resulted in mean proptosis reduction of 3.13 mm for range 20.01 to 24 mm and 3.85 mm for range 24.01 to 28 mm. Three-wall decompression resulted in mean proptosis reduction of 2.49 mm for and 3.84 mm for these ranges, respectively. Variables such as smoking, body mass index, orbital wall height, and TRAb level, did not affect outcomes. Nine patients had new onset diplopia. Conclusions Preoperative Hertel exophthalmometry is the strongest predictor of proptosis reduction following orbital decompression in TED. Surgical technique appears to be less impactful on outcome than expected. Surgical decision making should be individualized based on patient goals; these findings can be used to achieve proptosis reduction and limit the risk of new onset diplopia.

Purpose: To update the epidemiological patterns of facial nerve palsy (FNP) in Olmsted County, Minnesota. Methods: A retrospective chart review using the Rochester Epidemiology Project database was conducted. Patients aged ≥18 years receiving a diagnosis of FNP within the Rochester Epidemiology Project database from the years 2000 to 2010 were included in the study. Data collected included age, gender, cause of FNP, degree of paralysis, medical and/or surgical management, and outcomes. Overall incidence rates were determined using gender-specific population figures for Olmsted County. Incidence trends were compared with previous Rochester Epidemiology Project studies. Results: The most common cause for FNP was Bell palsy (70.3% of cases). The overall incidence rate for Bell palsy in Olmsted County from 2000 to 2010 was 39.9 (95% CI, 36.1–43.7) per 100,000 person-years. This is an absolute increase of 14.9 per 100,000 person-years and a 60% relative increase in Bell palsy compared with a previous study performed at Mayo Clinic using the Rochester Epidemiology Project database population data from 1968 to 1982. Patients were infrequently evaluated by an ophthalmologist (8.4% of cases), and surgical intervention to address ophthalmic sequelae was rare (1.7% of cases). Conclusions: The incidence of Bell palsy has increased dramatically over previous studies, which has occurred in the setting of declining herpes simplex virus type 1 seropositivity trends and increasing herpes zoster incidence in the United States. Few patients with FNP are referred to ophthalmologists, which may represent a gap in care for both acute and long-term ophthalmic sequelae.

Purpose: Mohs micrographic surgery with immunohistochemistry allows for same-day comprehensive margin assessment of melanoma in situ prior to subspecialty reconstruction. This study describes the oncologic and reconstructive outcomes of eyelid and periorbital melanoma in situ and identifies risk factors for complex reconstructive demands. Methods: Retrospective case series of all patients treated with Mohs micrographic surgery with immunohistochemistry for melanoma in situ affecting the eyelids or periorbital region from 2008 to 2018 at a single institution. Tumors were assigned to the eyelid group if the clinically visible tumor involved the skin inside the orbital rim. Reconstructive variables were compared between the eyelid and periorbital cohorts. Results: There were 24 eyelid and 141 periorbital tumors included. The initial surgical margin for all tumors was 5.34 ± 1.54 mm and multiple Mohs stages were required in 24.2% of cases. Eyelid tumors included more recurrences (p = 0.003), and the average defect size was larger (14.0 ± 13.3 cm2 vs. 7.7 ± 5.4 cm2, p = 0.03). Risk factors for complex reconstruction included: initial tumor diameter >2 cm (odds ratio [OR]: 3.84, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.95–7.57) and eyelid involved by initial tumor (OR: 4.88, 95% CI: 1.94–12.28). At an average follow-up of 4.8 years, there were no melanoma-related deaths and 1 local recurrence (0.6% recurrence rate). Conclusions: Mohs micrographic surgery with immunohistochemistry achieves excellent local control rates for periocular melanoma in situ. An initial surgical margin of 5 mm is frequently insufficient to achieve clear margins. The resulting defects are large, and the complexity of reconstruction can be predicted by tumor size and clinical involvement of eyelid skin.

Background: Eyelid ptosis may present with upper lid dermatochalasis and brow ptosis. When indicated, ptosis correction (PC) is advocated during upper blepharoplasty (UB). In this study, the authors aimed to report their outcomes following UB and PC. Methods: A retrospective review of patients who underwent UB from November of 2018 to March of 2020 was performed. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and revisions were recorded. Cox regression was performed to assess predictors of revision. Results: Overall, 278 patients with 533 UB were included. The mean patient age was 67.3 years. The mean follow-up was 8.3 months. In 169 cases (31.7%), a brow lift was performed. UB and PC were performed in 109 cases (20.5%), of which 60 (55%) involved Müller muscle conjunctival resection and 49 (45%) were levator repairs. New dry eye symptoms lasting 3 months or longer occurred in 4 cases (0.8%), all of which resolved. The revision rate was 3.8% after UB (residual skin [ n = 11], hypertrophic scar [ n = 4], and Herring law–related ptosis [ n = 1]) versus 9.2% after UB and PC (overcorrection [ n = 4], residual skin [ n = 4], and asymmetry [ n = 2]). Multivariable analysis demonstrated increased revision rates after UB and PC ( P = 0.008). There was no difference in revision rates between different techniques of PC. Conclusions: In this study of 278 patients presenting for dermatochalasis, up to 21% of cases required ptosis correction in addition to upper blepharoplasty. Ptosis correction is a safe procedure when combined with upper blepharoplasty, regardless of technique used. The revision rate in our series was 9.2% after the combined procedure, which is greater than the revision rate of upper blepharoplasty only but comparable to that in the literature. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, III.

Purpose: This study investigates how Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects the outcomes of ptosis repair. We hypothesized that patients with OSA have an increased rate of reoperation after ptosis repair. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients age >18 from the Mayo Clinic who underwent ptosis repair by levator advancement or Müller muscle-conjunctiva resection between 2018 and 2021. Outcomes were measured at 1 to 3 months of follow-up with surgical failure defined as asymmetry or unsatisfactory eyelid height requiring revision surgery within 1 year. Results: A total of 577 patients met the inclusion criteria. There was a statistically significant difference in surgical failure between patients with OSA and those without (20.5% vs. 13.1%, p = 0.02). Patients with OSA showed a statistically significant difference in risk of revision by a factor of 1.70 (95% CI: 1.06–2.07). Revisions were attributed to unsatisfactory eyelid height in 72.6% of patients and eyelid asymmetry in 21.1%. All patients who had revision surgery had satisfactory outcomes. On logistic regression analysis, when adjusting for age and sex, OSA was significantly associated with ptosis revision (p = 0.007). Conclusions: OSA increases risk of surgical failure and need for revision surgery in patients undergoing blepharoptosis repair but is not a sole risk factor.

Background: The transorbital approaches (TOAs) have acquired growing notoriety, thanks to their ability to offer alternative corridors to the skull base. However, the limited access and the unfamiliarity with this surgical perspective make recognition of key landmarks difficult, especially for less experienced surgeons. The study wants to offer a detailed description of the anatomy to comprehend the potential and limitations of TOAs. Methods: Measurements of the orbit region and the surrounding areas were performed on two hundred high-resolution CT scans and thirty-nine dry skulls. Five specimens were dissected to illustrate the TOA, and one was used to perform the extradural clinoidectomy. Three clinical cases highlighted the surgical applications. Results: A step-by-step description of the key steps of the TOA was proposed and a comparison with the transcranial anterior clinoidectomy was discussed. The mean work distance was 6.1 ± 0.4 cm, and the lateral working angle increased 20 ± 5.4° after removing the lateral orbital rim. Conclusions: TOAs are indicated in selected cases when tumor involves the lateral portion of the cavernous sinus or the middle skull base, obtaining a direct decompression of the optic nerve and avoiding excessive manipulation of the neurovascular structures. Comprehension of surgical anatomy of the orbit and its surrounding structures is essential to safely perform these approaches.

Background: Corticosteroid therapy is often employed in thyroid eye disease (TED), but its efficacy is variable. Teprotumumab and tocilizumab have been considered as effective alternatives. This study aims to evaluate their clinical outcomes and safety in patients with steroid-resistant TED. Methods: A retrospective case–control study was conducted between 2018 and 2022 within a national multicenter health system. Thirty-seven patients with moderate to severe steroid-resistant TED treated with teprotumumab or tocilizumab (cases) were compared with steroid-naïve patients treated with similar therapy (controls). Due to lack of steroid-naïve patients treated with tocilizumab, a control subgroup for tocilizumab was not included in the analysis. Demographic and clinical characteristics were described. Proptosis, diplopia, clinical activity score (CAS), and disease severity (European Group on Graves' orbitopathy classification) were evaluated at weeks 0, 12, 24, and 52 after therapy initiation. Results: Thirty-one patients received teprotumumab (13 cases and 18 controls) and 6 received tocilizumab (cases). The mean age was 57 years (standard deviation ±14.3), median duration of TED was 11.5 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 7.2–17.7), and median excess proptosis was 4 mm (IQR: 2–8) above the upper limit of normal for sex and race. At week 24, in the teprotumumab cases, 81% had proptosis response (reduction of ≥2 mm), 45.5% resolution of diplopia, 85.7% disease inactivation (CAS <3), and 58.3% reverted to mild disease severity. There were comparable results in teprotumumab controls, with no significant differences between subgroups. In the tocilizumab cases, 50% had a proptosis response, 16.7% resolution of diplopia, 100% disease inactivation, and 75% returned to mild disease. In the teprotumumab cases, there was a trend toward worsening proptosis and diplopia between weeks 24 and 52. In the same time frame, the tocilizumab cases had a trend toward worsening diplopia, disease activity, and severity. In the teprotumumab subgroup, 46.2% experienced otic changes and 23.1% hyperglycemia. In the tocilizumab subgroup, there were no reported adverse events. Conclusions: Teprotumumab and tocilizumab improved inflammation in patients with moderate to severe TED who had failed previous steroid therapy. Additionally, the teprotumumab cases demonstrated similar improvement in proptosis and diplopia to the teprotumumab controls. Further evaluation, particularly regarding the long-term response and side effect profile, of these medications in steroid-resistant TED is needed.