Recent Advances in Orbital Tumors--A Review of Publications from 2014-2016

Atypical lymphoid proliferation of the orbit

Objective: Lymphoproliferative disorders are a group of lesions characterized by abnormal proliferation of lymphocytes. In the orbit, they can occur in the ocular adnexae. These neoplasms have defined clinical and pathologic characteristics and account for more than 20% of all orbital tumors. Several types of lymphoproliferative lesions have been described in the orbit. One example is lymphoid hyperplasia, which commonly involves the lacrimal gland. A benign lesion like lymphoid hyperplasia will show a general normal archetype of the tissues-involved lacrimal gland. We expect a polyclonal group of cells with more or less normal architecture of a follicle. On the other hand, lymphoma will show less organized arrangement of cells, and we expect them to be of monoclonal lineage. Methods: This is a case report of a 55-year-old Filipino female who came in for blurring of vision of both eyes. During her assessment, there was an incidental finding of bilateral upper eyelid swelling, and a 30x15 mm palpable firm mass under the right superior orbital rim and a 30x10 mm mass under the left were noted. The right globe was displaced inferiorly, but no proptosis was seen on exophthalmometry. On plain CT scan, we noted a homogenous mass with molding or contouring around the orbital structures. On coronal view, we noted homogenous masses that mold around the globe and recti, and this also confirmed on axial cuts. A section biopsy was done via anterior orbitotomy. Results: Our patient's histopath had features of both. On scanning magnification, we noted a very cellular round cell tumor. The round cell lesion seemed to be reminiscent of a germinal center of a lymph node. Around it we noticed the glandular structures, which were expected, since this specimen was from the lacrimal gland. A closer view of the lesion on high power showed these lymphocytes within a germinal center. These are large macrophages that actively phagocytose apoptotic lymphoid cells in germinal centers. We expect to see a lot of them in benign hyperplasia, but only a few will be present in malignancies. In summary, our patient had both benign and malignant features, resulting in a histopath result of atypical lymphoid proliferation. Conclusion: Atypical lymphoid proliferation is a rare orbital tumor with benign and malignant features. There is no standard protocol for treatment, and proper multi-specialty coordination is important. External beam radiation therapy with linear accelerator (LINAC) appears to be an effective treatment, with no recurrence in our patient after 5 months.

Multiple Cavernous Haemangioma of Orbit and Cranium: A Case Report

A 32-year-old male presented with painless proptosis and diminution of vision in left eye. Imaging shows multiple well-defined masses, suggestive of cavernous haemangioma, in orbit and cranium with adjoining bones being thickened with cystic spaces. Histopathology proved the diagnosis. Cavernous haemangioma usually presents as a solitary intraconal and sometimes extraconal mass with vision usually preserved unless it extends to the apical portion. Here we report a rare case of multiple simultaneous locations of cavernous haemangiomas in orbit and cranium with significant diminution of vision.

PET/CT and PET/MRI in ophthalmic oncology (Review)

Orbital and ocular anatomy is quite complex, consisting of several tissues, which can give rise to both benign and malignant tumors, while several primary neoplasms can metastasize to the orbital and ocular space. Early detection, accurate staging and re-staging, efficient monitoring of treatment response, non-invasive differentiation between benign and malignant lesions, and accurate planning of external radiation treatment, are of utmost importance for the optimal and individualized management of ophthalmic oncology patients. Addressing these challenges requires the employment of several diagnostic imaging techniques, such as high-definition digital fundus photography, ultrasound imaging, optical coherence tomography, optical coherence tomography (OCT)-angiography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In recent years, technological advances have enabled the development of hybrid positron emission tomography (PET)/CT and PET/MRI systems, setting new standards in cancer diagnosis and treatment. The capability of simultaneously targeting several cancer-related biochemical procedures using positron emitting-radiopharmaceuticals, while morphologically characterizing lesions by CT or MRI, together with the intrinsic quantitative capabilities of PET-imaging, provide incremental diagnostic information, enabling accurate, highly efficient and personalized treatment strategies. Aim of the current review is to discuss the current applications of hybrid PET/CT and PET/MRI imaging in the management of patients presenting with the most commonly encountered orbital and ocular tumors.

Surgical Techniques and the Choice of Operative Approach for Cranioorbital Lesions

Objectives  Cranioorbital lesions present a great challenge for neurosurgeons and ophthalmologists. There is no consensus on the choice of surgical approach. The aims of this study were to investigate 49 cases of cranioorbital lesions and evaluate surgical approaches and outcomes. Patients and Methods  A retrospective study was done on 49 patients (51 operations) from 2009 to 2018. Information about the lesion was used to decide whether the supraorbital eyebrow approach (SEA) or pterional approach (PA) was performed. Results  Twenty-eight patients had surgical resection using SEA, 21 patients received PA, each group included one case of recurrence, who underwent reoperation via the same approach. SEA provided better cosmetic satisfaction, and a shorter incision than PA ( p  < 0.05). There was no significant difference in total resection rates, visual outcomes, recovery of ptosis, and other new surgical-related complications between SEA group and PA group ( p  > 0.05). Forty-nine cases of proptosis (94.1%, 49/51) were improved. Thirty-three patients (33/37, 89.2%) who underwent follow-up for longer than 12 weeks had a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≤ 3. Conclusion  Surgery is the preferred treatment for cranioorbital lesions, but total resection is difficult. SEA may be a more minimally invasive option for some more limited lesions superior to optic nerve. PA may be more reasonable for the lesion with obvious hyperostosis and more extensive lesions.

Extranodal lymphoma of the head and neck: a pictorial essay

Primary extranodal lymphoma is defined as a lymphoma at a solitary extranodal site, with or without involvement of the lymph nodes. The clinical and radiological features of extranodal lymphoma have been documented in recent studies. In this pictorial essay, we reviewed imaging findings of extranodal lymphoma in the head and neck region.

Interventions for orbital lymphangioma

BACKGROUND

Orbital lymphangiomas are a subset of localized vascular and lymphatic malformations, which most commonly occur in the head and neck region. Orbital lymphangiomas typically present in the first decade of life with signs of ptosis, proptosis, restriction of ocular motility, compressive optic neuropathy, and disfigurement. Therefore, early and effective treatment is crucial to preserving vision. Due to proximity to vital structures, such as the globe, optic nerve, and extraocular muscles, treatment for these lesions is complicated and includes a large array of approaches including observation, sclerotherapy, systemic therapy, and surgical excision. Of these options, there is no clear gold standard of treatment.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the evidence supporting medical and surgical interventions for the reduction/treatment of orbital lymphangiomas in children and young adults.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register) (2018, Issue 5); Ovid MEDLINE; Embase.com; PubMed; Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature Database (LILACS); ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). We did not use any date or language restrictions in the electronic search for trials. We last searched the electronic databases on 22 May 2018.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We planned to include randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing at least two of the following interventions with each other for the treatment of orbital lymphangiomas: observation; sildenafil therapy; sirolimus therapy; sclerotherapy; surgery (partial or complete resection). We planned to include trials that enrolled children and adults up to 32 years of age, based on a prior clinical trial protocol. There were no restrictions regarding location or demographic factors.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently screened the titles, abstracts, and full articles to assess their suitability for inclusion in this review. No risk of bias or data extraction was performed because we did not find any trials for inclusion. If there had been RCTs, two authors would have assessed the risk of bias and abstracted data independently with discrepancies being settled by consensus or consultation with a third review author.

MAIN RESULTS

There were no RCTs that compared any two of the mentioned interventions (medical or surgical) for treating orbital lymphangiomas in children and young adults.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Currently, there are no published RCTs of orbital lymphangioma treatments. Without these types of studies, conclusions cannot be drawn regarding the effectiveness of the medical and surgical treatment options for patients with orbital lymphangiomas. The presence of only case reports and case series on orbital lymphangiomas makes it clear that RCTs are needed to address the differences between these options and help guide treatment plans. Such trials would ideally compare outcomes between individuals randomized to one of the following treatment options: observation, sclerotherapy, systemic sirolimus therapy, systemic sildenafil therapy, and surgical excision.