Diagnosis of isolated cyclovertical muscle overaction using a modification of the Parks' Three-Step Test

A Case Report of Progressive Brown Syndrome?

Aim:

To report an unusual case of progressive Brown syndrome and the successful surgical treatment.

Methods:

A 42-year-old male with a documented 14-year history of progressive Brown syndrome is presented. To improve diplopia symptoms an ipsilateral superior oblique (SO) 7 mm silicone tendon spacer and a contralateral 3 mm superior rectus (SR) recession were performed.

Results:

The surgical procedure was successful in reducing the primary position deviation (preoperative 30ΔLHoT 7ΔLXT; one month post surgery 3ΔLHo; one year post surgery 7-8ΔLHo 1-2ΔE) and eliminating the abnormal head posture (AHP). Diplopia was only reported on elevation and depression following surgery.

Conclusion:

This case of Brown syndrome is unusual as it was progressive and had a documented history over a number of years prior to surgery. Surgical treatment of Brown syndrome is rarely required, but in this case was successful in improving the patient’s diplopia and AHP.

Clinical findings, orbital imaging, and intraoperative findings in patients with isolated inferior rectus muscle paresis or underaction

PURPOSE

To present the clinical findings, orbital imaging, and intraoperative findings of patients with inferior rectus muscle underaction and to determine whether specific findings can help discern the underlying cause.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was performed on patients presenting with isolated inferior rectus muscle underaction between January 2007 and October 2011. Patient history, ocular motility, fundus torsion, Lancaster red-green plots, and radiographic findings were analyzed. For patients who had surgery, intraoperative findings also were considered.

RESULTS

A total of 28 patients with inferior rectus muscle underaction were identified. Of these, 13 (46%) presented with inferior rectus muscle underaction after orbital trauma; 25 (89%) showed no increase in hypertropia >4(Δ) on head tilt to either side. Fundus intorsion was present in all patients. Of 15 patients evaluated by Lancaster red-green testing, 12 (80%) showed subjective intorsion. Twenty patients underwent orbital imaging via computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, and the results in 8 (40%) revealed obvious changes in the inferior rectus muscle. Nineteen patients underwent surgery; intraoperatively, the muscle appeared grossly normal in 8 patients (42%) and showed posterior muscle slippage in 4 (26%). Less common findings included stretched scar formation, flap tear, missing tissue, extensive muscle adhesions, or inability to identify the muscle.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical findings in patients with inferior rectus muscle underaction are not sufficiently different to identify the cause, and orbital imaging identified a specific abnormality in only 40% of cases.