Computed exophthalmometry is an accurate and reproducible method for the measuring of eyeballs' protrusion

Comparative evaluation of 3D exophthalmometry and Hertel exophthalmometer for measuring ocular protrusion

This study evaluates the reliability and agreement of 3D exophthalmometry, combined with OA2000 measurements, in comparison to traditional Hertel exophthalmometry for assessing ocular protrusion. This study included 110 healthy volunteers assessed for ocular protrusion using both Hertel exophthalmometry and 3D exophthalmometry, complemented by precise measurements of anterior chamber depth (ACD) and central corneal thickness (CCT) via the OA2000. Data were analyzed for intra-operator and inter-operator variability and agreement using paired T-tests, correlation coefficients, and Bland-Altman plots. The 3D exophthalmometry method demonstrated high intra- and inter-rater reliability, with agreements of ±0.53 mm and ±0.69 mm for right and left eyes, respectively. Comparisons between the two methods showed no significant differences (P > 0.05), with a moderate correlation (R = 0.63). Bland-Altman analysis revealed minimal bias (0.3 mm) and consistent agreement between methods. The 3D exophthalmometry technique, supported by OA2000 measurements, provides reliable and reproducible results, and serves as a complementary tool to traditional methods. Further research involving diverse patient populations and comparisons with a gold standard, such as computed tomography, is required to establish its clinical applicability.

A novel method of measuring proptosis with computed tomography

BACKGROUND

Computed tomography (CT) can avoid interference factors and has been imported into some software to measure proptosis clinically as the golden standard.

PURPOSE

To establish a new method for semi-automatically measuring the proptosis on CT and evaluate its accuracy and reproducibility.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 50 orbital CT images were collected of healthy individuals, 25 patients with Graves ophthalmopathy (GO), and 25 patients with orbital fracture (OF). A new image processing software, MedrawHDC, was developed to semi-automatically measure the proptosis (MedrawHDC method). The classic radiological (CR) method (measuring proptosis with the software called Mimics) and MedrawHDC method were applied in all three groups (measured by observer S). Hertel's exophthalmometer (HE) method was also applied in the GO group. Moreover, two other observers were asked to measure the proptosis using MedrawHDC, to evaluate its reproducibility.

RESULTS

The MedrawHDC method was highly consistent with the CR method in measuring proptosis (normal group: intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.989; GO group: ICC = 0.979; OF group: ICC = 0.979). In the GO group, the value of proptosis measured by two radiological methods were consistent with that measured by the HE method (CR method: ICC = 0.703; MedrawHDC method: ICC = 0.697). Bland-Altman plots showed similar results. The measurements obtained by three observers were highly reproducible (ICC = 0.995).

CONCLUSION

The newly established MedrawHDC method, with high accessibility, convenience, and repeatability, is reliable in assessing proptosis. It shows high potential for wide application, having clinical value for scientific evaluation of proptosis.

Automatic measurement of exophthalmos based orbital CT images using deep learning

Introduction: Objective, accurate, and efficient measurement of exophthalmos is imperative for diagnosing orbital diseases that cause abnormal degrees of exophthalmos (such as thyroid-related eye diseases) and for quantifying treatment effects. Methods: To address the limitations of existing clinical methods for measuring exophthalmos, such as poor reproducibility, low reliability, and subjectivity, we propose a method that uses deep learning and image processing techniques to measure the exophthalmos. The proposed method calculates two vertical distances; the distance from the apex of the anterior surface of the cornea to the highest protrusion point of the outer edge of the orbit in axial CT images and the distance from the apex of the anterior surface of the cornea to the highest protrusion point of the upper and lower outer edges of the orbit in sagittal CT images. Results: Based on the dataset used, the results of the present method are in good agreement with those measured manually by clinicians, achieving a concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) of 0.9895 and an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.9698 on axial CT images while achieving a CCC of 0.9902 and an ICC of 0.9773 on sagittal CT images. Discussion: In summary, our method can provide a fully automated measurement of the exophthalmos based on orbital CT images. The proposed method is reproducible, shows high accuracy and objectivity, aids in the diagnosis of relevant orbital diseases, and can quantify treatment effects.

Orbital Aging: A Computed Tomography-Based Study of 240 Orbits

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have attempted to explain age-related changes to the orbit in isolation, often producing conflicting results. The authors used highly accurate imaging software to analyze computed tomographic scans to characterize changes related to age objectively.

METHODS

In this case-control study, patients seen in an ear, nose, and throat clinic were screened for study entry. Male and female participants were divided into two age groups (20 to 30 years and 60 to 75 years). Primary outcomes included measurement of bony orbital dimensions, volume of soft tissues (muscle and fat volume), and anterior globe position. Three-dimensional reconstructions were created of each orbit allowing these measurements. The generalized estimating equation was used so that both orbits from each patient could be included without any bias.

RESULTS

The final sample included 240 orbits from 120 patients. There were 30 patients in each age group. Among female participants, the bony orbital volume ( p < 0.05), fat volume ( p < 0.01), and central width ( p < 0.001) of the bony orbit increased with age. The anterior globe position was significantly greater in older female participants ( p < 0.01). For male participants, the fat volume ( p < 0.0001) and central height ( p < 0.03) increased with age; the lateral rim moved posteriorly with age ( p < 0.007). The anterior globe position was not different between the age groups in male participants ( p = 0.56).

CONCLUSION

The female bony orbit expands with age and is associated with a more anterior position of the globe; the male bony orbital volume remains the same and the lateral rim moves posteriorly.

[Computer technologies in diagnostics and treatment of worsening post-enucleation socket syndrome]

Enucleation with primary orbital implantation and the use of ocular prosthesis does not exclude the risk of post-enucleation socket syndrome (PESS). Correction of such conditions requires modern visualization methods and software for calculation, modelling and control of the surgery.

PURPOSE

To demonstrate the capabilities of modern computer technologies in diagnostics and treatment of patients with worsening post-enucleation enophthalmos.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The retrospective study included 6 patients (4 male and 2 female) aged 29-68 years who exhibited signs of PESS in 2017-2018. To define the orbital condition, patients underwent multispiral computed tomography (MSCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) followed by image analysis with computed exophthalmometry and step-by-step computed exophthalmometry. Results of these examinations helped construct 3D-models of patients' orbits, which were then used to calculate the parameters of the silicone implants. Patient-specific silicone implants were implanted into their orbits during surgery under general anesthesia.

RESULTS

Implantation of the patient-specific silicone implant resulted in increase of the volume behind orbital prosthesis and correction of post-enucleation enophthalmos in all patients allowing them to use thinner, more mobile ocular prosthesis, and restore normal eyelid position. The patients also noted better appearance of the eye and personal comfort.

CONCLUSION

Modern visualization methods along with computer analysis and modelling, as well as technologies to produce medical products enable creation of the best suitable patient-specific orbital implants. This allows achieving better clinical results and better quality of life for patients with monolateral anophthalmos.