The radiological spectrum of orbital pathologies that involve the lacrimal gland and the lacrimal fossa

Comparison of lacrimal gland dimensions and volume in unilateral Ahmed glaucoma valve versus trabeculectomy

PURPOSE

To evaluate radiographic lacrimal gland (LG) volume and dimensions in Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV)- versus trabeculectomy-treated eyes and contralateral non-treated eyes.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, 1616 medical records acquired between 2010 and 2020 were examined. In AGV-treated (group 1) eyes, there were 19 patients with records sufficient for radiological LG evaluation, and in trabeculectomy-treated (group 2) eyes, there were 18. The hospital workstation software was used to assess high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans conducted under standard protocol using a 128 SL Optima CT 660 scanner. The software (Vitrea™) was used to perform semi-quantitative volumetric measurements. LG dimensions were obtained in the axial and reformatted coronal planes on each side, and four measures were generated using the widest LG tip-to-tip diameters in two planes: coronal length, coronal width (CW), axial length (AL), and axial width.

RESULTS

The time interval between surgery and HRCT imaging was 50.97 ± 26.25 months. Group 1 had significantly lower LG volume than group 2 (594.11 ± 259.45 vs. 933.67 ± 294.09 mm3, P = 0.001). When compared to non-treated eyes, AGV-treated eyes had lower LG volume (P = 0.065) while trabeculectomy-treated eyes had higher LG volume (P = 0.031). Further, group 1 had decreased length and width in both the axial and coronal planes as compared to group 2, with AL and CW being significantly different (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

AGV and trabeculectomy had varied impacts on LG volume and dimensions despite being conducted in the same quadrant. HRCT appears to be effective in analysing AGV position, which may be related to LG volumetric and dimensional issues.

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Lacrimal Gland

Purpose

To explore the various aspects of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland (LACC), including its clinical features, presentations, genetic factors, as well as current and potential future treatment options.

Methods

A thorough exploration of the literature was conducted by extensively searching the PubMed database. A total of 68 articles with a primary focus on adenoid cystic carcinoma were selected.

Results

LACC is the most frequent malignant epithelial tumor of the lacrimal gland. It is characterized by the symptoms such as pain, progressive swelling of the eye, double vision, and bulging of the eye. Although LACC is a rare tumor, early detection and appropriate treatment are crucial due to its aggressive nature which includes high recurrence rate and a significant risk of mortality. The primary treatment options for LACC involve a wide range of surgical procedures, including orbitotomy, exenteration, and cranio-orbital resection. Neoadjuvant intra-arterial chemotherapy represents the paradigm shift in the treatment of LACC enhancing patient survival when compared to conventional treatments.

Conclusion

The existing literature emphasizes the importance of identifying prognostic factors that can guide treatment decisions and enhance the outcomes for patients with LACC.

Morphometric and volumetric analysis of lacrimal glands in patients with thyroid eye disease

Assessment of morphometric and volumetric changes in lacrimal glands in thyroid eye disease, its clinical manifestations in relation of disease progression. Retrospective volumetric analysis included both genders and was performed on total of 183 patients - 91 patients with diagnosed Grave's disease and thyroid eye disease and 92 patients without Grave's disease and thyroid eye disease who underwent multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) examination in routine daily work according to other medical indications. In the group of females, there was statistical significance between patients with thyroid eye disease and controls who were smoking and had body weight gain. We found statistical significance in volumetric enlargements for both orbits in both genders for the patients group when compared to controls. There was also statistical significance in morphometric characteristics for the lacrimal gland diameters measured. Determination planimetric morphometric parameters of importance were coronary height of lacrimal gland of the right eye, coronary height of lacrimal gland of the left eye and coronary width of lacrimal gland of the left eye for the group of males. In a group of females the established determination parameters of importance were the coronary height of lacrimal gland of the left eye, the axial width of lacrimal gland of the left eye, volume of lacrimal gland of the right eye and the volume of lacrimal gland of the left eye. When we compared the displaced lacrimal gland coming forward (proptosis) in time progressing disease between group of patients and controls, we also found statistical significant connection. Evaluation of lacrimal gland volumetric and morphometric data may increase validity of defining this anatomical substrate and its morphology disruption as liable tool for thyroid eye disease progression follow up and treatment planning and outcome.

Effective encoder-decoder neural network for segmentation of orbital tissue in computed tomography images of Graves' orbitopathy patients

PURPOSE

To propose a neural network (NN) that can effectively segment orbital tissue in computed tomography (CT) images of Graves' orbitopathy (GO) patients.

METHODS

We analyzed orbital CT scans from 701 GO patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2019 and devised an effective NN specializing in semantic orbital tissue segmentation in GO patients' CT images. After four conventional (Attention U-Net, DeepLab V3+, SegNet, and HarDNet-MSEG) and the proposed NN train the various manual orbital tissue segmentations, we calculated the Dice coefficient and Intersection over Union for comparison.

RESULTS

CT images of the eyeball, four rectus muscles, the optic nerve, and the lacrimal gland tissues from all 701 patients were analyzed in this study. In the axial image with the largest eyeball area, the proposed NN achieved the best performance, with Dice coefficients of 98.2% for the eyeball, 94.1% for the optic nerve, 93.0% for the medial rectus muscle, and 91.1% for the lateral rectus muscle. The proposed NN also gave the best performance for the coronal image. Our qualitative analysis demonstrated that the proposed NN outputs provided more sophisticated orbital tissue segmentations for GO patients than the conventional NNs.

CONCLUSION

We concluded that our proposed NN exhibited an improved CT image segmentation for GO patients over conventional NNs designed for semantic segmentation tasks.

Dacryops and clinical diagnostic challenges

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to describe the clinical and histopathologic features of different types of dacryops and their clinical diagnostic challenges.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of all surgically excised cases of dacryops in 2 tertiary eye hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

RESULTS

The study included 58 dacryops specimens from 55 patients with an average age of 41.2 years (range, 4-78 years). The most common location was the upper lid (60.3%), whereas the least expected location was the caruncle (6.9%). The most common site of dacryops occurrence was in the accessory lacrimal gland (55.2%), the main lacrimal gland (32.8%), and then ectopic dacryops (12%). All patients presented with lid swelling alone except for 3 patients who experienced secondary mechanical ptosis. On physical examination, conjunctival scarring existed in 4 patients (6.9%). Preoperative diagnosis of dacryops was accurate in 44.8% of the cases. Dacryops of the main lacrimal gland was accurately diagnosed clinically in all cases compared with other locations, which was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The causes of inaccurate clinical diagnoses were hidrocystoma (26.9%), inclusion cyst (11.5%), and dermoid cyst (7.7%), whereas the remaining cases were diagnosed as cysts without a specific subtype (53.9%). Recurrence of the lesion was observed in 2 cases (3.5%). No clinical or histopathologic factors were associated with a risk of recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Dacryops can represent a diagnostic challenge to ophthalmologists. Familiarity with clinical presentations and findings is required to diagnose dacryops outside the main lacrimal gland.

Lacrimal gland regeneration: The unmet challenges and promise for dry eye therapy

DED (Dry eye disease) is a common multifactorial disease of the ocular surface and the tear film. DED has gained attention globally, with millions of people affected.. Although treatment strategies for DED have shifted towards Tear Film Oriented Therapy (TFOT), all the existing strategies fall under standard palliative care when addressed as a long-term goal. Therefore, different approaches have been explored by various groups to uncover alternative treatment strategies that can contribute to a full regeneration of the damaged lacrimal gland. For this, multiple groups have investigated the role of lacrimal gland (LG) cells in DED based on their regenerating, homing, and differentiating capabilities. In this review, we discuss in detail therapeutic mechanisms and regenerative strategies that can potentially be applied for lacrimal gland regeneration as well as their therapeutic applications. This review mainly focuses on Aqueous Deficiency Dry Eye Disease (ADDE) caused by lacrimal gland dysfunction and possible future treatment strategies. The current key findings from cell and tissue-based regenerative therapy modalities that could be utilised to achieve lacrimal gland tissue regeneration are summarized. In addition, this review summarises the available literature from in vitro to in vivo animal studies, their limitations in relation to lacrimal gland regeneration and the possible clinical applications. Finally, current issues and unmet needs of cell-based therapies in providing complete lacrimal gland tissue regeneration are discussed.

Lacrimal Gland Lesions Biopsied in a Tertiary Eye Center in Saudi Arabia: A Clinical, Radiological, Surgical, and Histological Review

Purpose

To study the demographics and clinical presentation of biopsied lacrimal gland lesions in a tertiary eye center and determine the accuracy of radiological imaging and blood investigations in reaching the diagnosis. We also studied the histopathological outcome of different lacrimal gland biopsy approaches.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective review of patients’ charts from 2014 to 2021 who underwent lacrimal gland biopsy. The data collected included demographics, clinical presentations, surgical approaches used, blood workup done, and histopathological and radiological diagnoses. The accuracy of radiological imaging in diagnosing lacrimal gland pathologies was evaluated by comparing radiological interpretation to the final pathological report.

Results

In a total of 48 cases, the most common lacrimal gland lesion was nonspecific inflammation of the lacrimal gland (34%, n=17) followed by lymphoproliferative lesions (25%, n=12). Females (62.5%, n=30) were more affected than males (37.5%, n=18). Other lesions included pleomorphic adenoma, angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia, and IgG4 disease. Complete blood investigations were performed in 45.8% of patients and a systemic disease was found in only 18.2%. The initial assumptive diagnosis based on MRI and CT scan images was congruous with the histopathological diagnosis in 42% and 12%, respectively. Three surgical approaches were used for incisional biopsy in this study, including sub-periosteal, trans-septal, and palpebral lobe biopsy. Lateral orbitotomy was done in all excisional biopsy cases. We found no statistical difference in the histopathological outcome between the different surgical approaches used.

Conclusion

Nonspecific inflammation and lymphoproliferative disorders are the most common causes of lacrimal gland lesions. Blood work-up should not be used to waive off the need for lacrimal gland biopsy, and the diagnosis should preferably be based on histopathology results. The MRI is a useful tool to diagnose lacrimal gland lesions; however, histopathology remains the gold standard method.

Bilateral lacrimal gland lymphoma: Case report and literature review

Ocular adnexal lymphoma accounts for approximately 1%-2% of non-Hodgkin lymphomas and 8% of extranodal lymphomas. Lacrimal gland lymphoma, especially bilateral lacrimal gland lymphoma, is rare, and imaging is often utilized to differentiate lacrimal lymphoma from other types of masses that involve the lacrimal gland and the fossa. We describe a 74-year-old male patient presenting with bilateral eye proptosis, lachrymose without pain, and no changes in eyesight. Brain-orbit magnetic resonance imaging revealed bilateral lacrimal fossa masses with regular contours, moderate enhancement, and restriction on diffusion imaging, consistent with a lymphoma diagnosis, which was confirmed by histopathological results. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography was used to determine lymphoma grading. MRI, especially diffusion imaging, can be useful for guiding clinicians in the diagnosis and differentiation of lacrimal gland lymphoma from other lesions.

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the lacrimal gland in a patient with the CRTC1-MAML2 fusion gene

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) of the lacrimal gland (LG) is a rare entity. A 47-year-old woman was aware of periorbital swelling for 3 months. At presentation, the patient showed periorbital swelling in the right eye. CT scan showed an isodense mass in the anterior superolateral part of the orbit. MRI delineated the mass as enhancing, extra-conal tumor appearing isointense on T1-weighted sequences, and to be of mixed intensity on T2-weighted sequences. The tumor was totally resected. Microscopically, the tumor tissue was comprised of squamous, epithelioid cells, and cells with plump and clear cytoplasm. Necrosis, neural invasion, or mitotic figures were not observed. Immunohistochemical examination revealed intense staining for cytokeratin 7. A subset of the cells was positively stained with periodic acid-Schiff and mucicarmine stains. Genetic analysis revealed the presence of the CRTC1-MAML2 fusion. The CRTC1-MAML2 fusion may be a useful indicator for the prognosis and planning of adjuvant therapy.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the orbit, Part 2: Characterization of orbital pathologies

In this article we focus on a systematic approach to assess common orbital lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The identification of the probable compartment or structure of origin helps narrow the differential diagnosis of a lesion. Analyzing the morphology, appearance, and signal intensity on various sequences, the pattern, and degree of contrast enhancement are key to characterize lesions on MRI. Imaging features suggesting cellularity and vascularity can also be determined to help plan for biopsy or surgery of these lesions. MRI can also distinguish active from chronic disease in certain pathologies and aids in selecting appropriate medical management. MRI may thus serve as a diagnostic tool and help in guiding therapeutic strategies and posttreatment follow-up.

Masses of the Lacrimal Gland: Evaluation and Treatment

Lacrimal gland lesions account for approximately 9 to 10% of all biopsied orbital masses. Potential causes include nongranulomatous and granulomatous inflammation, autoimmune disease, lymphoproliferative disorders, benign epithelial proliferation, malignant neoplasia, and metastatic disease. Inflammatory lesions and lymphoproliferative disorders are the most common and may be unilateral or bilateral; they may also be localized to the orbit or associated with systemic disease. Both benign and malignant epithelial lacrimal gland masses tend to be unilateral and involve the orbital lobe, but a more rapid onset of symptoms and periorbital pain strongly suggest malignant disease. On orbital imaging, both inflammatory and lymphoproliferative lesions conform to the globe and surrounding structures, without changes in adjacent bone, whereas epithelial lacrimal gland masses often show scalloping of the lacrimal gland fossa. Malignant epithelial lacrimal gland tumors can also have radiographic evidence of bony invasion and destruction. Masses of the lacrimal gland may be due to a broad range of pathologies, and a good working knowledge of common clinical characteristics and radiographic imaging findings is essential for diagnosis and treatment. All patients with inflammatory, lymphoproliferative, and epithelial neoplastic lesions involving the lacrimal gland require long-term surveillance for disease recurrence and progression.

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of Lacrimal Gland with Bone Remodeling

Adenoid cystic carcinoma is the most common type of malignancy seen in the lacrimal glands and is generally characterized by invasive malignant appearance with irregular margins and associated bone erosion or destruction. The authors report an unusual patient with a large expansile, well-circumscribed lacrimal adenoid cystic carcinoma with adjacent bone remodeling, radiologically mimicking a benign lesion.

Imaging of Lacrimal Gland Pathologies: A Radiological Pattern-Based Approach

Despite their unassuming size, lacrimal glands can have a variety of pathologies affecting them which often poses a diagnostic challenge clinically in view of their nonspecific presentation as palpable lump in the superolateral aspect of the orbit. There are a myriad of pathological entities ranging from inflammatory to neoplastic lesions that can affect the lacrimal glands. Cross-sectional imaging is must for the detection, characterization, and mapping of these lesions. In this pictorial review, we propose a radiological pattern-based approach for various lacrimal gland lesions that provides a working algorithm for radiologists in the evaluation of lacrimal gland pathologies.

Congenital unilateral absence of the lacrimal gland combined with lipoma. A rare case of unilateral congenital alacrima

The purpose of this report is to describe a case of a unilateral congenital absence of the lacrimal gland in a 7-year-old girl with ocular symptoms, no tear production and a conjunctival tumour at the supero-external angle of the right eye. The visual acuity was 20/20 in both the eyes. The right eye showed mucous secretion, corneal erosions and filaments. Anamnesis, physical examination and clinical tests ruled out systemic diseases associated with congenital alacrima, as well as rheumatic, immunological and infectious diseases. Nuclear magnetic resonance, with various fat suppression techniques, demonstrated the absence of the right lacrimal gland and the presence of a tumour compatible with lipoma. This case, to our knowledge, is the first report of unilateral absence of the lacrimal gland combined with lipoma.

Value of quantitative multiparametric MRI in differentiating pleomorphic adenomas from malignant epithelial tumors in lacrimal gland

PURPOSE

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the quantitative parameters derived from diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI in differentiating lacrimal gland pleomorphic adenomas (LGPAs) from lacrimal gland malignant epithelial tumors (LGMETs).

METHODS

Seventy-seven cases with LG epithelial tumors confirmed by histopathology (47 LGPAs and 30 LGMETs) underwent DWI and DCE-MRI. The quantitative parameters including the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), the volume transfer constant (K^trans), the efflux rate constant from the extravascular extracellular space (EES) to blood plasma (K_ep), and the extravascular extracellular volume fraction (V_e) were used to differentiate LGPAs from LGMETs. Independent-samples t test was conducted to compare these parameters. The diagnostic performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

RESULTS

Compared with LGPAs, LGMETs had significantly lower ADC value (1.090 ± 0.169mm²/s) (P < 0.001), higher K^trans value (0.892 ± 0.517/min) (P = 0.001), and K_ep value (1.300 ± 1.131/min) (P = 0.002). ADC as a diagnostic index showed a better diagnostic efficacy in predicting malignant tumors (AUC 0.914, sensitivity 90.0%, specificity 85.1%, and accuracy 87.0%) than K^trans and K_ep alone. The combination of ADC and K^trans presented the optimal diagnostic performance for the differentiation (AUC 0.938, sensitivity 93.3%, specificity 87.2%, accuracy 89.6%).

CONCLUSION

The quantitative parameters including ADC, K^trans, and K_ep derived from DWI and DCE-MRI might be potential imaging biomarkers in differentiating LGPAs from LGMETs. The combination of ADC and K^trans is superior to other quantitative parameters in distinguishing LGPAs from LGMETs.

Lacrimal gland pleomorphic adenoma and malignant epithelial tumours: clinical and imaging differences

AIMS

To investigate the clinical and imaging features of primary and recurrent lacrimal gland pleomorphic adenoma (LGPA), as well as lacrimal gland malignant epithelial tumours (LGMET).

METHODS

Retrospective comparative case series from September 2000 to September 2016 in a single tertiary institution. Medical records of cases with histopathologically proven primary LGPA (PLGPA), recurrent LGPA (RLGPA) and LGMET were reviewed.

RESULTS

Sixty-four patients with LGPA (55 primary and nine recurrent) and 36 patients with LGMET underwent surgical excision in the study period. There was no significant difference in terms of age, gender or laterality. In terms of symptom duration, that of LGMET (7.1 months) was significantly shorter than PLGPA (23.9 months), which in turn was significantly shorter than RLGPA (127.1 months). Proptosis was the most common presenting symptom among all three groups. On CT, LGMET and RLGPA were significantly more likely to have ill-defined margins (p<0.001) and be heterogeneous (p<0.001) than PLGPA. RLGPAs (56%) were significantly more likely to have calcification than LGMET (34%), which in turn was more likely to have calcification than PLGPA (13%); LGMET (40%) and RLGPA (33%) were significantly more likely to have bony invasion than PLGPA (2.2%). On MRI, LGMETs (55%) were significantly more likely to have a tail or wedge sign indicating infiltration into the posterior orbit than PLGPA (0%) or RLGPA (0%).

CONCLUSION

Our study adds important information regarding differentiating clinical and radiological features between malignant and benign epithelial lacrimal gland tumours that would aid in their management.

The role of biopsy in lacrimal gland inflammation: A clinicopathologic study

PURPOSE

To determine the causes of lacrimal gland inflammation based on histopathology and systemic evaluation.

METHODS

This is a retrospective case series study. From the University of British Columbia Orbit Clinic between January 1976 and December 2008, we reviewed the medical records of 60 patients who presented with inflammatory features of the lacrimal gland (i.e., erythema, edema, or tenderness) in which the diagnoses were not possible clinically and on imaging alone. As was our routine practice, all these patients underwent lacrimal gland biopsy before starting any treatment.

RESULTS

The histopathologic findings of the 60 patients showed that 37 (61.7%) had identifiable types of lacrimal inflammation including 10 with Sjogren's syndrome, seven with sarcoidal reaction, six with feature of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly known as Wegener's granulomatosis), five with lymphoma, two with sclerosing inflammation, two with IgG4-related dacryoadenitis, and one patient each with infectious dacryoadenitis, myoepithelial carcinoma, xanthogranuloma, eosinophilic angiocentric fibrosis, and eosinophilic allergic granulomatous nodule. The histopathologic findings of the remaining 23 (38.3%) patients showed nonspecific inflammation of the lacrimal gland. 23 patients (38.3%) had associated systemic diseases. 48 patients (80%) were treated successfully and 10 (16.7%) had recurrence of inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

We recommend that in patients presenting with lacrimal gland inflammation (i.e., erythema, edema, tenderness) in which the specific diagnosis cannot be made clinically and on imaging, biopsy is warranted for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. We found that the majority of these patients (61.7%) had specific histopathology, and 38% had systemic diseases.

A retrospective review of cases preoperatively diagnosed by radiologic imaging as cavernous venous malformations

The purpose of this study is to examine orbital lesions identified on preoperative radiologic imaging as cavernous venous malformations (CVMs), identify their imaging characteristics, and determine if these may help differentiate CVMs from other intraorbital masses. An IRB-approved retrospective chart review over 30 years was undertaken identifying lesions "consistent with cavernous hemangioma" on radiologic studies, which were subsequently surgically resected with a tissue diagnosis. All radiologic images (CT and MRI) obtained preoperatively were re-reviewed by a single masked neuroradiologist. The pattern of contrast enhancement on sequential MRI views was used to determine whether the enhancing characteristics helped identify CVMs compared to other intraorbital masses. Fifty-seven orbital lesions consistent with a CVM were identified on imaging. Fourteen (25%) of them were resected, of which nine (64%) were found to be CVMs on pathologic examination. Five (36%) were found to be a different lesion, most commonly schwannoma (21%). On imaging, CVMs tended to display heterogeneous progressive enhancement, whereas other tumors, in particular schwannomas, enhanced at their maximum level immediately. Based on these characteristics, on re-review, the masked neuroradiologist was able to differentiate a CVM versus other tumors for all 14 imaging cases. This study suggests that examining the pattern of contrast enhancement may help to correctly differentiate a CVM from other isolated, encapsulated orbital lesions on CT/MR imaging.

Characteristics of orbital lymphoma: a clinicopathological study of 26 cases

OBJECTIVE

Evaluation of the medical data of patients with orbital and adnexal lymphoma.

DESIGN

Cohort study of all cases diagnosed with orbital or adnexal lymphoma at Meir Medical Center between 1993 and 2007.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-six patients, with intraorbital or subconjunctival masses with orbital involvement, were examined and followed up between 1 and 8 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Examined data included: clinical presentation, age, gender, imaging, tumor location, surgical management, and pathological diagnosis.

RESULTS

Presenting signs and symptoms included proptosis, eyelid lesions, tearing, chemosis, decreased visual acuity, ptosis, pain, squint, and optic nerve compression. In five cases, lymphoma was misdiagnosed on neuroimaging. Bone changes were seen in four patients. All cases were B cell lymphomas; with the majority (22 cases) of small B cell type; consisting of primary extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue and two cases of small cell lymphoma. One small cell lymphomas was of follicular type on a background of CLL, and the other was CLL/SLL type. Fourteen cases were primary orbital disease, and 12 cases were systemic disease. Macroscopic appearance of lymphoma at open biopsy was characteristic in most cases. Flow cytometry phenotyping gave rapid reliable diagnosis of the disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Epiphora or chemosis in the presence of an orbital mass should alert the ophthalmologist to suspect lymphoma. Lymphoma may be easily misinterpreted on neuroimaging for other diseases. Bone changes seen on CT are more common than is generally perceived. Macroscopic appearance at open biopsy was characteristic.

Plexiform Neurofibroma Involving the Lacrimal Gland

Background

To present a rare case of a 2-year-old girl with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) who presented with ptosis of the right upper eyelid along with a tumor in the eyelid.

Methods

A magnetic resonance imaging scan of the orbit revealed a solid tumor located extraconally at the site of the right lacrimal gland. A transcranial orbitotomy was performed.

Results

Histopathological examination demonstrated expanded nerve branches/fascicles cut in various planes in between normal lacrimal gland acini. These findings were consistent with a plexiform neurofibroma presumably deriving from the lacrimal nerve and/or a supraorbital nerve branch.

Conclusion

This is the first case of a plexiform neurofibroma involving the lacrimal gland ever described and the tumor shows similarities with neurofibroma in other salivary glands with a high recurrence rate. Plexiform neurofibromas are frequently seen in patients with NF1 and rarely undergo malignant transformation.

Usefulness of colour Doppler flow imaging in the management of lacrimal gland lesions

OBJECTIVE

To assess the role of colour Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) in the diagnosis and management of lacrimal fossa lesions.

METHODS

Institutional ethical committee approval was obtained. Fifty-one patients with 62 lacrimal fossa lesions were retrospectively included from 2003-2015. All patients underwent conventional ultrasonography and CDFI, with a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the vascularization. All patients had lacrimal gland surgery. Definitive diagnosis was based on pathological examination.

RESULTS

The study included 47 non-epithelial lesions (NEL) and 15 epithelial lesions (EL), with 24 (39 %) malignant lesions and 38 (61 %) benign lesions. NEL were significantly more likely to present with septa (p < 0.001), hypoechogenicity (p < 0.001), high vascular intensity (p < 0.001), both central and peripheral vascularization (p < 0.001), tree-shape vascularization (p < 0.05) and a low resistance index (RI) (p < 0.0001). EL were significantly more likely to present with the presence of cysts (p < 0.001), and a higher RI. Receiver operating characteristic curves identified a RI value of 0.72 as the best cut-off to differentiate NEL from EL, with a sensitivity and specificity of 100 %.

CONCLUSION

CDFI is a valuable tool in the differential diagnosis of lacrimal fossa lesions. Resistance index measurement enables substantial distinction between EL and NEL, thus providing crucial data for surgical management.

KEY POINTS

• CDFI is a valuable tool in lacrimal fossa lesions. • Resistance Index measurement enables substantial distinction between epithelial and non-epithelial lesions. • Management of patients becomes more appropriate.

Evaluation of Lacrimal Gland Dimensions and Volume in Turkish Population with Computed Tomography

INTRODUCTION

Computed tomography (CT) is a widespread method for evaluating head and neck pathologies. The lacrimal glands (LGs) are usually visible in routine head and neck CT scans. LG pathologies usually manifests with changes in gland sizes, so it is important to know the normal values of the LG dimensions and volume. The LG sizes may change with age, gender and race. The normal values of LG dimensions and volume in Turkish population was not reported before.

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the dimensions and volumes of the LGs by CT in a Turkish population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two hundred seventeen consecutive paranasal CT scans of subjects evaluated retrospectively. Measurements of LG dimensions were performed in axial and coronal paranasal CT images. The LG volume was calculated with Aquarius software by outlining the gland in all consecutive axial images.

RESULTS

Four hundred orbits of 200 subjects were included to the study. The mean axial LG length in right and left orbits were 16.2±2.0 mm and 16.0±2.0 mm and the mean axial width of the right and left orbits were 4.1±0.7 mm and 4.0±0.7 mm. The right and left LG mean values for coronal length and width were equal 18.3 ±2.2 mm and 4.1±0.7mm respectively. The mean LG volume was 0.617±0.210 cm(3) in right and 0.597±0.197 cm(3) in the left orbits. There were statistically significant differences in the axial width and volume of the LG according to sides, however there was no significant difference according to gender. Age and LG measurements were negatively correlated.

CONCLUSION

Our study may serve as a guide to determine the average values of the LG measurements in Turkish population and find out the orbital pathologies that involves the LG.

Orbital tumours and tumour-like lesions: exploring the armamentarium of multiparametric imaging

Although the orbit is a small anatomical space, the wide range of structures present within it are often the site of origin of various tumours and tumour-like conditions, both in adults and children. Cross-sectional imaging is mandatory for the detection, characterization, and mapping of these lesions. This review focuses on multiparametric imaging of orbital tumours. Each tumour is reviewed in relation to its clinical presentation, compartmental location, imaging characteristics, and its histological features. We herein describe orbital tumours as lesions of the globe (retinoblastoma, uveal melanoma), optic nerve sheath complex (meningioma, optic nerve glioma), conal-intraconal compartment (hemangioma), extraconal compartment (dermoid/epidermoid, lacrimal gland tumours, lymphoma, rhabdomysarcoma), and bone and sinus compartment (fibrous dysplasia). Lesions without any typical compartmental localization and those with multi-compartment involvement (veno-lymphatic malformation, plexiform neurofibroma, idiopathic orbital pseudotumour, IgG4 related disease, metastases) are also reviewed. We discuss the role of advanced imaging techniques, such as MR diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), diffusion tensor imaging, fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography CT (FDG-PET CT), and positron emission tomography MRI (MRI PET) as problem-solving tools in the evaluation of those orbital masses that present with non-specific morphologic imaging findings. Main messages/Teaching points • A compartment-based approach is essential for the diagnosis of orbital tumours. • CT and MRI play a key role in the work-up of orbital tumours. • DWI, PET CT, and MRI PET are complementary tools to solve diagnostic dilemmas. • Awareness of salient imaging pearls and diagnostic pitfalls avoids interpretation errors.

Adjuvant Radiotherapy with Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy of Lacrimal Gland Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

BACKGROUND & AIM

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of lacrimal gland is a rare tumour with aggressive behaviour. There is sparse data to address optimum therapy for such tumours. So, the present study was aimed at evaluating the role of adjuvant three dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) in cases of incomplete (R1) resection along with review of literature pertaining to management of lacrimal adenoid cystic carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the demographic and treatment data of 10 biopsy proven ACC of lacrimal gland patients, treated from December 2006 to June 2013. They were treated with radiotherapy following surgical resection. Eight patients underwent gross total excision of the tumour mass (enbloc excision) followed by conformal radiotherapy to a dose of 60 Gray/30fractions/ 6 weeks. Two patients with advanced disease were treated with palliative radiotherapy after biopsy.

RESULTS

The median age was 32 years. There were equal numbers of male and female patients. The median duration of symptoms was 7 months. At a median follow up of 21 months, eight patients had no evidence of disease and had complete tumour response, two patients worsened, and one of the two had systemic failure with bone metastasis.

CONCLUSION

Despite a small sample size and short follow, enbloc surgical excision with adjuvant radiotherapy is well tolerated and shows good control in ACC of lacrimal gland.

Computed tomographic dimensions of the lacrimal gland in healthy orbits

PURPOSE

The aims of this study were to evaluate the normal range of the dimensions of lacrimal glands in the healthy orbits of Korean subjects and to evaluate their association with clinical findings.

METHODS

A retrospective survey of patients who had visited the Korea University Medical Center and had undergone orbital computed tomographic scan was performed. One hundred eighty Korean patients (90 men and 90 women) who were older than 20 years and without orbital disease were included. Patients with trauma to the orbits or any known lacrimal gland disease were excluded. The length and width of the lacrimal gland were measured in axial and coronal sections using the largest image. The primary outcome was a descriptive analysis of the distribution of dimensions in normal orbits. We analyzed the results and identified associations with age, sex, and laterality and compared our results with a previous study on normal white lacrimal gland dimensions.

RESULTS

The mean lacrimal gland axial length was 14.9 mm in the right orbit and 14.7 mm in left orbit. Coronal lengths averaged 20.9 mm in the right orbit and 20.7 mm in the left orbit. The axial width was 4.1 mm in the right orbit and 4.3 mm in the left orbit. The coronal width averaged 3.6 mm in the right orbit and 3.8 mm in the left orbit. A significant inverse linear relationship was observed in both orbits between gland size and age in all dimensions, with the exception of axial width.

CONCLUSIONS

This study presents a normal range of Korean lacrimal gland dimensions as measured by computed tomography. This range can aid in differentiating diseased and nondiseased lacrimal glands, especially when used in combination with physical examination. These data may also be useful in clinical trials that involve lacrimal gland size.

Orbital lobe resection provides a definite diagnosis of lacrimal gland lesions: a report of three cases

BACKGROUND

Entities of lacrimal gland lesions comprise almost inflammatory and lymphoproliferative processes as well as benign and malignant solid tumors and usually cannot be differentiated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exclusively. Hence, representative tissue samples are needed to arrive at sufficient histopathological diagnosis for further treatment decisions.

CASE REPORT

Three women aged between 18 and 67 years were admitted to our center with clinical signs of a space-occupying mass in the lacrimal fossa. MRI revealed a circumscribed lacrimal gland lesion in all three cases. The orbital lobe was resected through a lateral orbitotomy approach for histopathological evaluation. Findings confirmed the diagnoses of pleomorphic adenoma, dacryoadenitis, and low-grade B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Further surgery was not necessary. No recurrence or symptoms of "dry eye" were observed over the course of a 1-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION

In cases of non-specific masses in the lacrimal gland on MRI, histopathological diagnoses are vital and can be sufficiently provided by resection of the orbital lobe. Symptoms of dry eye are uncommon, and secondary surgical intervention can be avoided in cases of the presented entities. Further studies with larger patient cohorts are warranted to confirm these findings.

Tumor pathology of the orbit

The term orbital tumor covers a wide range of benign and malignant diseases affecting specific component of the orbit or developing in contact with them. They are found incidentally or may be investigated as part of the assessment of a systemic disorder or because of orbital signs (exophthalmos, pain, etc.). Computed tomography, MRI and Color Doppler Ultrasound (CDU), play a varying role depending on the clinical presentation and the disease being investigated. This article reflects long experience in a reference center but does not claim to be exhaustive. We have chosen to consider these tumors from the perspective of their usual presentation, emphasizing the most common causes and suggestive radiological and clinical presentations (progressive or sudden-onset exophthalmos, children or adults, lacrimal gland lesions, periorbital lesions and enophthalmos). We will describe in particular muscle involvement (thyrotoxicosis and tumors), vascular lesions (cavernous sinus hemangioma, orbital varix, cystic lymphangioma), childhood lesions and orbital hematomas. We offer straightforward useful protocols for simple investigation and differential diagnosis. Readers who wish to go further to extend their knowledge in this fascinating area can refer to the references in the bibliography.

Accuracy of fine needle aspiration biopsy processed by cytologic smear and cell block techniques for the diagnosis of lacrimal gland tumors: a study of 48 cases

OBJECTIVE

To study the accuracy of fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) processed by smear cytology and cell block (CB) techniques for the diagnosis of lacrimal gland tumors (LGTs).

STUDY DESIGN

In a prospective study, we enrolled 48 consecutive patients with LGTs. Immediately after excision of LGTs, the tissues were underwent FNAB with 23-gauge needles. The FNAB samples were processed to produce cytologic smears and CB from which slides were cut for immunohistochemical staining. The remainders were submitted for routine histopathologic processing. The diagnostic value of FNAB was assessed by comparing the FNAB diagnoses to those made by routine histopathology.

RESULTS

Cytopathologic evaluations based on smear cytology and CB with sections stained immunohistochemically can distinguish non-epithelial lesions from epithelial ones in all cases. The diagnostic sensitivities, specificities, and accuracies for distinguishing benign from malignant lesions were: cytologic smears--76%, 68%, and 71%, respectively; CB with immunohistochemical staining--88%, 87%, and 88%, respectively. The accuracy of the tissue diagnosis compared to routine histopathology was less for cytologic smears (58%) than for CB with immunohistochemistry (81%; P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

FNAB of LGT processed using a CB technique capable of producing immunohistochemically stained slides results in a greater percentage of accurate tissue diagnoses than do cytologic smears, when compared to routine histopathology.

Cancer around the brain

BACKGROUND

Neuro-oncologists are familiar with primary brain tumors, intracerebral metastases meningeal carcinomatosis and extracerebral intracranial tumors as meningeoma. For these conditions, and also some other rare tumor entities several treatment options exist. Cancer can also involve structures around the brain as the dura, the base of the skull, the cavities of the skull and tissue around the bony skull, the skin, the tissue of the neck. and either compress, invade or spread in the central or peripheral nervous system.

METHODS

A systematic literature research was conducted determining symptoms and signs, tumor sites of nerve invasion, tumor types, diagnostic techniques, mechanisms of nerve invasion, and important differential diagnosis. Additional cases from own experience were added for illustration.

RESULTS

The mechanisms of tumor invasion of cranial nerves is heterogenous and not only involves several types of invasion, but also spread along the cranial nerves in antero- and retrograde fashion and even spread into different nerve territories via anastomosis. In addition the concept of angiosomas may have an influence on the spread of metastases.

CONCLUSION

In addition to the well described tumor spread in meningeal carcinomatosis and base of the skull metastases, dural spread, lesions of the bony skull, the cavities of the skull and skin of the face and tissue of the neck region need to be considered, and have an impact on therapeutic decisions.

Epithelial lacrimal gland tumors: A comprehensive clinicopathologic review of 26 lesions with radiologic correlation

AIM

To study the prevalence, clinicopathological and radiological correlations of epithelial lacrimal gland tumors and compare these with similar published literature. The study was also designed to look at the natural history of benign mixed tumors (BMT) in regard to recurrence and malignant degeneration.

METHODS

THIS WAS A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF ALL SUSPECTED EPITHELIAL TUMORS OF THE LACRIMAL GLAND SURGICALLY EXCISED AT KING KHALED EYE SPECIALIST HOSPITAL (KKESH) FOR THE PERIOD: 1983-2008. Exclusion criteria included structural lesions (dacryops) and inflammatory lesions. We included 26 cases of epithelial lacrimal gland tumors (from 24 patients). The histopathologic slides and the radiologic findings were reviewed. The corresponding demographic and clinical data were obtained by chart review using a data sheet.

RESULTS

BMT accounted for 12/26 of the lesions while malignant lesions including adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) were more common (14/26). The mean age was 44.27 years (range 12-75). Commonest clinical presentation was proptosis. Median duration of symptoms in the BMT cases was 30 months and 7 months in the ACC group. The 12 BMT cases were primary in 9 and recurrent in 3 patients. The 11 ACC cases showed mostly cribriform pattern and low histopathologic grade. We had 2 cases of malignant mixed tumor (MMT) one of which arising in a recurrent tumor. One case of primary mucoepidermoid carcinoma with histopathologic grade 2 was noted. Radiologically, a well-defined appearance with bone remodeling was observed in BMT in contrast to invasive appearance with destruction in malignant lesions.

CONCLUSION

Our series information indicated a different distribution of benign and malignant epithelial lesions with a slightly higher rate of malignancy. BMT was the commonest benign tumor where recurrence was a squeal of incomplete surgical excision. ACC was the commonest malignant tumor with shorter duration of symptoms and radiologic evidence of invasiveness that correlated with the histopathologic features.

Orbital masses: CT and MRI of common vascular lesions, benign tumors, and malignancies

A wide variety of space occupying lesions may be encountered in the orbit. CT and MR imaging frequently help confirm the presence of a mass and define its extent. Characteristic imaging features may help distinguish among lesions that have overlapping clinical presentations. This review focuses on some of the common orbital masses. Common vascular lesions that are reviewed include: capillary (infantile) hemangioma, cavernous hemangioma (solitary encapsulated venous-lymphatic malformation), and lymphangioma (venous-lymphatic malformation). Benign tumors that are reviewed include: optic nerve sheath meningioma, schwannoma, and neurofibroma. Malignancies that are reviewed include: lymphoma, metastasis, rhabdomyosarcoma, and optic glioma. Key imaging features that guide radiological diagnosis are discussed and illustrated.

Percutaneous embolization of an orbital hemangiopericytoma with Onyx facilitates its surgical excision

This is a case report on the surgical treatment of orbital hemangiopericytoma. The patient initially underwent an attempted excision of the tumor with significant hemorrhage elsewhere, which precluded its complete excision. Due to continued growth and pain, the patient underwent percutaneous embolization with Onyx-18 under fluoroscopic radiographic guidance. The patient continued to have pain, progressive enlargement of the tumor, and underwent surgical excision. The excision was noted to have minimal bleeding and was relatively easy to dissect and excise compared with the typical hemangiopericytoma. Embolization with Onyx-18 may be a useful preoperative treatment option for hemangiopericytomas and other vascular lesions of the orbit, and elsewhere.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland: CT and MRI findings

Purpose

To highlight the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of lacrimal gland adenoid cystic carcinoma.

Methods

We reviewed the clinical records and imaging findings of 17 patients who were histopathologically diagnosed with primary adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland between August 1998 and November 2010. Orbital CT scans were performed in 17 patients and MRI scans were obtained in 13 patients.

Results

On the CT scans, out of 4 cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma, 3 showed characteristic features of a soft tissue mass with poorly enhancing areas representing cystic changes, and 4 of 17 cases had contiguous bony erosion. On the MRI scans, all cases had mixed signal intensity on T2-weighted images, and 6 cases showed poorly enhancing areas.

Conclusions

Enhanced CT and MRI (including T2-weighted) are helpful in the diagnosis of primary adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland.

Orbital dermoid and epidermoid cysts: case study

INTRODUCTION

Dermoid and epidermoid cysts of the orbit belong to choristomas, tumours that originate from the aberrant primordial tissue. Clinically, they manifest as cystic movable formations mostly localized in the upper temporal quadrant of the orbit. They are described as both superficial and deep formations with most frequently slow intermittent growth. Apart from aesthetic effects, during their growth, dermoid and epidermoid cysts can cause disturbances in the eye motility, and in rare cases, also an optical nerve compression syndrome.

CASE OUTLINE

In this paper, we described a child with a congenital orbital dermoid cyst localized in the upper-nasal quadrant that was showing signs of a gradual enlargement and progression. The computerized tomography revealed a cyst of 1.5-2.0 cm in size. At the Maxillofacial Surgery Hospital in Nis, the dermoid cyst was extirpated in toto after orbitotomy performed by superciliary approach. Postoperative course was uneventful, without inflammation signs, and after two weeks excellent functional and aesthetic effects were achieved.

CONCLUSION

Before the decision to treat the dermoid and epidermoid cysts operatively, a detailed diagnostic procedure was necessary to be done in order to locate the cyst precisely and determine its size and possible propagation into the surrounding periorbital structures. Apart from cosmetic indications, operative procedures are recommended in the case of cysts with constant progressions, which cause the pressure to the eye lobe, lead to motility disturbances and indirectly compress the optical nerve and branches of the cranial nerves III, IV and VI.

Neuroimaging in neuro-ophthalmology

The modern imaging era has introduced a variety of techniques that aid in the evaluation of complex neurologic problems. To optimize the yield of neuroimaging the clinician must, first and foremost, determine the nature of the neuro-ophthalmic disorder; and then localize the lesion. Once the localization of the neuro-ophthalmic problem is understood, the optimal imaging modality can be directed toward the anatomic region of interest. In this article the approach to neuroimaging is discussed, with emphasis on the anatomic localization of lesions affecting afferent and efferent visual function.

Lacrimal gland involvement in lymphomatoid granulomatosis and review of the literature

Objective. To describe the clinicoradiological and histopathological findings in a case of lacrimal gland enlargement secondary to lymphomatoid granulomatosis (LG) and to review the literature. Design. Case report and systematic literature review. Methods. A 75-year-old woman presented with right ptosis. Computerised tomography showed lacrimal gland enlargement, and biopsy done was inconclusive. She subsequently developed pulmonary symptoms and underwent transbronchial biopsy that was diagnosed as LG. Pub Med and OVID databases were searched using the term “orbit/eye involvement in lymphomatoid granulomatosis”. Articles that predated the databases were gathered from current references. Results. The patient underwent lacrimal gland biopsy which revealed necrotic and inflamed tissue with no further categorisation but transbronchial biopsy helped in establishing the diagnosis of LG. On initiation of prednisolone and cyclophosphamide, her orbital lesion resolved but the patient died following massive pulmonary hemorrhage within a month of diagnosis. Conclusion. Ophthalmic involvement in LG is very rare. Varied presentations are due to central nervous system involvement, vasculitis, or infiltration of ocular or orbital structures. LG is an angiocentric and angiodestructive granulomatous disorder and can involve any tissue, thus accounting for the variable presentations reported in literature.

Uncommon presentation of an intradiploic orbital epidermoid tumor: case report

PURPOSE

Epidermoid tumors are uncommon entities that usually occur intradurally in the cerebellopontine angle and parasellar cisterns. The few cases that have been reported to occur in the intraorbital location involve patients in the first four decades of life. To our knowledge, an elderly person presenting with an orbital epidermoid tumor has never been reported.

METHODS

A 67-year-old man presented with left-sided headache and eye pain. He was found to have a hemorrhagic lesion eroding bone of the greater and lesser wings of the sphenoid that was compressing the frontal and temporal lobes and displacing the globe. Significant edema of the frontal lobe was noted.

RESULTS

Aggressive surgical excision was performed with cranioplasty and orbital reconstruction. Near resolution of the patient's proptosis and eye pain was achieved. Histologic analysis revealed the lesion to be an epidermoid tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

Hemorrhage into a growing intradiploic orbital epidermoid and surrounding frontal lobe edema created an unusual presentation of this rarely occurring entity in an elderly man. Surgical excision allowed appropriate histologic diagnosis and resolution of symptoms. Epidermoid tumor is a rare but possible entity in the differential diagnosis of elderly patients presenting with acute ocular pain and proptosis.

The Importance of Clinicians Reviewing CT Scans in Suspected Lacrimal Gland Disease Causing Eyelid Swelling, Even if Radiologists Previously Interpreted them as Normal

Purpose:

To highlight the importance of deliberate evaluation of the lacrimal gland during routine orbital imaging by both radiologists and clinicians, which may avoid delays in diagnosis of eyelid swelling related to lacrimal gland disease.

Methods:

We present four cases referred to a tertiary ophthalmic plastic and orbital centre for assessment of chronic upper eyelid swelling of unknown aetiology. All four cases had been investigated with orbital CT imaging, reported to be normal by consultant radiologists.

Results:

Careful review of existing imaging provided valuable information concerning the lacrimal gland and helped identify a pathological cause in all four cases.

Conclusions:

Lacrimal gland disease can be missed radiologically without evaluation of coronal as well as standard axial orbital imaging. Clear communication with the radiologist as well as personally reviewing scans can avoid such pitfalls.

Orbital dermoid cyst with intratumoral inflammatory hemorrhage: case report

An 85-year-old female presented with a 3-month history of worsening hyperlacrimation and blurred vision following blunt head injury. Her past medical history was unremarkable. Her blood examination identified no abnormal findings. Neuroophthalmological inspection revealed extraocular movement disorder and mild exophthalmos on the affected side. Her visual acuity was not disturbed. Neuroimaging showed a cystic mass located extraconally in the superolateral compartment of the anterior orbit, without enhancement by contrast medium. Surgical exploration resulted in escape of chocolate-colored, liquefied hematoma during dissection. No vascular lesion was found. A grayish-white cyst wall was found adhering strongly to the lateral and superior rectus muscles. The lacrimal gland was not identified. The mass was totally resected. Histological examination indicated dermoid cyst with inflammatory interstitial hemorrhage. No component of vascular malformation or atypia was found. Hyperlacrimation and extraocular movement improved postoperatively. We thought that the previous blunt head injury might have induced intratumoral hemorrhage in the preexisting dermoid cyst and that the escaped contents caused inflammatory irritation, resulting in the hyperlacrimation. Dermoid cyst may show atypical presentation with intratumoral hemorrhage and should always be included in the differential diagnosis of orbital tumor.