Case Reports Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Presenting as Epiphora Sachin Jain, M.D.*, Rakesh M. Patel, M.D.*, Ziad Hage, M.D.†, Janet Lim, M.D.*, Samuel Lee, M.D.*, Sepideh Amin-Hanjani, M.D.†, Pete Setabutr, M.D.*, and Vinay K. Aakalu, M.D.* Abstract: A 52-year-old woman underwent a right frontotemporal craniotomy for microsurgical clip obliteration of a ruptured right dorsal variant ophthalmic segment carotid aneurysm. During the craniotomy, a defect involving the orbital roof was inadvertently created. The patient was noted postoperatively to have fluid egressing from her OD. The fluid was analyzed and based on glucose and chloride levels was determined to be cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CT scan of the head demonstrated the orbital roof defect created during surgery. After placement of a lumbar drain, fluid egress from the eye significantly decreased, further confirming the suspicion for CSF leak. Patient was found to have a conjunctival defect of the OD, approximately 2.5 cm × 1.5 cm, extending to the fornix from 9 to 12 o’clock. The conjunctival defect and fornix were repaired with an amniotic membrane graft and a temporary tarsorrhaphy with subsequent resolution of CSF egress. The case report is in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
CASE REPORT A 52-year-old woman underwent a right frontotemporal craniotomy for microsurgical clip obliteration of a ruptured right dorsal variant ophthalmic segment carotid aneurysm. The perforator attachment to a high-speed pneumatic drill was used to create burr holes at the surgical keyhole above the pterion, along the superior temporal line and above the zygoma, and a pterional frontotemporal craniotomy was performed using a straight drill attachment with a footplate. After elevation of the bone flap, the orbital roof was noted to be very thin and a defect measuring approximately 1 cm × 1.5 cm was visualized posterior to the orbital rim, on the anterolateral aspect of the orbital roof. A portion of the periorbita protruded through the defect, and a breach in the periorbita was also noted with protrusion of orbital fat. The periorbita and fat were gently coagulated and covered with oxidized cellulose (SURGICEL Original Absorbable Hemostat; Ethicon, New Brunswick, NJ). At the conclusion of the procedure, the orbital roof defect was covered with titanium mesh. Immediately postoperatively, the patient reported tearing from the OD. On examination, the patient’s vision was 20/20 OU, Ishihara plates were 11/11 OU, and no relative afferent pupillary defect was noted in either eye. Persistent egress of serosanguineous fluid from the OD was noted. Extraocular Departments of *Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, and †Neurosurgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A. Accepted for publication February 25, 2014. Supported by an unrestricted graft from Research to Prevent Blindness, New York, NY. V.K.A. is supported by NEI/NIH K12 Clinical Scientist Training Grant (5K12E4021475), Bethesda, MD. Supported by P30–Core Grant for Vision Research (5P30EY001792-35). The authors have no financial or conflicts of interest to disclose. Supplemental digital content is available for this article. Direct URL citations appear in the printed text and are provided in the HTML and PDF versions of this article on the journal’s website (www.op-rs.com). Address correspondence and reprint requests to Rakesh M. Patel, M.D., 1855 West Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60612. E-mail: [email protected] DOI: 10.1097/IOP.0000000000000190
e26
motility was limited in supraduction and ptosis was noted, initially thought to be secondary to a partial third nerve palsy attributable to surgical intervention. Anterior segment examination revealed a conjunctival defect of the OD, approximately 2.5 cm × 1.5 cm, extending to the fornix from 9 to 12 o’clock. A subconjunctival hemorrhage was noted in the area adjacent to the defect without any findings of a ruptured globe. After instillation of fluorescein dye, a stream of clear fluid originating from the superotemporal fornix was noted. This fluid was found to have a glucose of 95 mg/dl (normal CSF glucose 50–80 mg/dl or two-third of the serum glucose level [measured to be 181 mg/ dl in the patient’s serum 3 hours prior to fluid collection], normal tear glucose level less than 26 mg/dl) and chloride of 126 mmol/l (normal CSF chloride 110–125 mmol/l, normal tear chloride 120–135 mmol/l) consistent with CSF.1,2 A noncontrast head CT scan demonstrated a craniotomy defect involving the anterolateral aspect of the orbital roof, which appeared fragmented and covered by a metallic mesh (Fig. 1). A small amount of air was identified below the mesh, and small bone fragments appeared to be depressed into the orbit and encroaching upon the superior rectus muscle. The eyelids were patched closed, and the patient was placed on moxifloxacin ophthalmic drops. Once the diagnosis of oculorrhea was made, a lumbar drain was placed to diminish the egress of fluid from the eye to allow for possible spontaneous closure of the wound. The following day, slow fluid egress persisted that greatly increased with clamping of the lumbar drain further confirming the diagnosis of a CSF leak. Given the large size of the conjunctival defect and the brisk nature of fluid egress, spontaneous cessation of the leak seemed unlikely with a lumbar drain alone. Thus, a plan was made to repair the conjunctival defect the next day, approximately 36 hours after the initial presentation. In the operating room, the patient was noted to have a 1.7 cm × 2.0 cm defect of the conjunctiva and Tenon’s capsule starting approximately 5–8 mm from the limbus (Fig. 2). This
FIG. 1. CT orbits. Aand B, Coronal sections showing superolateral orbital roof defect with titanium mesh. C, Sagittal section revealing the extent of orbital roof defect.
Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg, Vol. 32, No. 2, 2016
Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg, Vol. 32, No. 2, 2016
FIG. 2. Intraoperative photograph. Extensive conjunctival defect noted extending posteriorly to the fornix.
defect was located from 9 to 12 o’clock and extended to the fornix with persistent egress of fluid (see Video, Supplemental Digital Content, http://links.lww.com/IOP/A92). The temporal aspect of the superior rectus muscle fibers and the superior fibers of the lateral rectus muscle could be directly visualized in the area of the defect. Amniotic membrane placement was chosen as the method to repair the defect. Initially, the amniotic membrane (AmbioDry; OKTOS Surgical Corporation, Costa Mesa, CA) was laid flat over the defect with fibrin glue (Tisseel; Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Glendale, CA). However, the membrane did not adhere due to persistent fluid accumulation. Neurosurgery therefore increased the CSF outflow from the lumbar drain, and the head of the bed was elevated approximately 10° decreasing the egress of fluid. The amniotic membrane was then secured to the edges of the conjunctiva using multiple interrupted 8-0 polyglactin sutures medially, laterally, and anteriorly. Sutures were also placed as posterior as possible securing the graft to the globe with lamellar passes through the sclera. Finally, a large diameter bandage contact lens was placed and the eyelids were closed with a temporary suture tarsorrhaphy. A gentle pressure dressing was placed over the OD prior to conclusion of the case. Postoperatively, the lumbar drain remained open draining CSF at 10–15 ml/hr. Starting from postoperative day 1, CSF no longer leaked from the eye. Four days after the conjunctivoplasty, fornix reconstruction, and tarsorrhaphy, the lumbar drain was clamped and subsequently removed after it was confirmed that the patient no longer had a CSF leak. The suture tarsorrhaphy was removed 6 weeks from the time of placement with the conjunctival defect and fornix completely epithelialized without fluid leak. Six months after the repair, the patient continues to remain asymptomatic without any CSF leak.
DISCUSSION CSF leaks into the orbit are rarely reported in the ophthalmic literature but do occur as a complication seen after various orbital surgeries, including external3,4 and endonasal5,6 dacryocystorhinostomy, orbital decompression,5 and orbital exenteration.7 In these cases, the CSF leak presents as rhinorrhea, instead of tearing. To the authors’ knowledge, there has never been a reported case of a CSF leak presenting as epiphora following craniotomy. The 2 most common causes of CSF leak have been reported to be accidental trauma (44%) and surgical trauma (29%).8 The most common site of the CSF leak has been shown to be at the cribriform plate (35%), followed by sphenoid sinus
Case Reports
(26%), anterior ethmoid (18%), frontal sinus (10%), posterior ethmoid (9%), and inferior clivus (2%).9 In this case, the site of the CSF leak was expected to be in the orbital roof, given the location of the craniotomy and operative findings. The defect in the orbital roof was noted intraoperatively and later confirmed by a CT scan. Joshi and Crockard10 reported on an 8-month-old child who developed a traumatic CSF fistula that presented as tearing. CT demonstrated a fracture involving the ethmoidal air cells, which was confirmed during surgery. Repair was performed from above to reposition the herniated brain from the fracture site. In another report, Dryden and Wulc11 reported on a 4-year-old child who had chronic CSF leakage presenting as tears following midface trauma. In this case, the tearing simulated a lacrimal duct obstruction leading the patient to undergo a dacryocystorhinostomy, which did not resolve the tearing. The CSF leak was subsequently repaired via a craniotomy approach. In patients with a suspected CSF leak presenting as epiphora, glucose and chloride can be measured in the fluid. In addition, a beta-2-transferrin level can be obtained, but this is frequently a laboratory test that needs to be sent out, possibly delaying the diagnosis. In this patient, given the recent craniotomy for clipping of an aneurysm complicated by an orbital roof defect, the epiphora that developed postoperatively was concerning for a CSF leak. Glucose and chloride levels and the cessation of the leak with the lumbar drain confirmed the authors’ suspicions. To avoid a craniotomy or orbitotomy for repair of the orbital roof, a less invasive approach with repair of the conjunctiva and fornix was pursued. During the craniotomy approach, an inadvertent defect was created at the anterior aspect of the orbital roof. The authors hypothesize the neurosurgical drill penetrated through the orbital roof into the soft tissue of the orbit causing tissue drag resulting in injury to the upper fornix, conjunctiva, Tenon’s capsule, levator muscle, and superior rectus. The herniated orbital fat noted intraoperatively and the postoperative clinical findings of ptosis, supraduction limitation, and exposed bare sclera support this hypothesis. Management of CSF leaks should follow a graded approach. The first step is often observation with bed rest, elevation of the head, and avoidance of any maneuver that would increase intracranial pressure.5 In addition, some surgeons will initiate antibiotics to prevent meningitis although evidence is lacking in supporting its use.12 All these measures were attempted in the patient without success due to the briskness of the leak. A decision was then made to place a lumbar drain to stop the leak and tape the eyelids shut in hopes of allowing the wound to granulate. Although the drain did decrease the egress of fluid, the leak persisted, increasing significantly once the drain was clamped. Therefore, given the size of the conjunctival defect and the brisk nature of the CSF leak, the oculoplastics team in conjunction with neurosurgery felt it was necessary to repair the defect to promote re-epithelialization and ultimately halt the CSF leak without unnecessary delays. The conjunctiva and fornix were reconstructed with amniotic membrane, and the eyelids were sutured shut with a temporary tarsorrhaphy in hopes of immobilizing the eye. This technique proved successful, as the patient no longer had any leak of fluid from the eye postoperatively.
CONCLUSION CSF leak presenting as epiphora has rarely been reported in the literature. Checking glucose and chloride levels can help differentiate CSF from tears. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case of such a clinical presentation after a neurosurgical
© 2014 The American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Inc.
e27
Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg, Vol. 32, No. 2, 2016
Case Reports
procedure. This leak was successfully treated with repair of the conjunctiva and fornix defect using amniotic membrane and placement of a temporary tarsorrhaphy.
REFERENCES 1. Van Haeringen JH. Clinical biochemistry of tears. In: Milder B, Weil B, eds. The Lacrimal System. Norwalk, CT: Appleton-Century Crofts, 1983:23–48. 2. Gasset AR, Braverman LE, Fleming MC, et al. Tear glucose detection of hyperglycemia. Am J Ophthalmol 1968;65:414–20. 3. Neuhaus RW, Baylis HI. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage after dacryocystorhinostomy. Ophthalmology 1983;90:1091–5. 4. Bagheri A, Naghibozakerin J, Yazdani S. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage during dacryocystorhinostomy in a patient with meningoencephalocele. Eur J Ophthalmol 2005;15:500–3. 5. Badilla J, Dolman PJ. Cerebrospinal fluid leaks complicating orbital or oculoplastic surgery. Arch Ophthalmol 2007;125:1631–4. 6. Fayet B, Racy E, Assouline M. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage after endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy. J Fr Ophtalmol 2007;30:129–34. 7. Wulc AE, Adams JL, Dryden RM. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage complicating orbital exenteration. Arch Ophthalmol 1989;107:827–30. 8. Schick B, Weber R, Mosler P, et al. [Long-term follow-up of frontobasal dura-plasty]. HNO 1997;45:117–22. 9. Lindstrom DR, Toohill RJ, Loehrl TA, et al. Management of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea: the Medical College of Wisconsin experience. Laryngoscope 2004;114:969–74. 10. Joshi KK, Crockard HA. Traumatic cerebrospinal fluid fistula simulating tears. Case report. J Neurosurg 1978;49:121–3. 11. Dryden RM, Wulc AE. Pseudoepiphora from cerebrospinal fluid leak: case report. Br J Ophthalmol 1986;70:570–4. 12. Korinek AM, Baugnon T, Golmard JL, et al. Risk factors for adult nosocomial meningitis after craniotomy: role of antibiotic prophylaxis. Neurosurgery 2006;59:126–33; discussion 126–33.
Spindle Cell Lipoma of the Conjunctiva Fariha Shafi, F.R.C.Ophth.*, Bipin Gonglore, MS, FRCS*, Soupramanien Sandramouli, FRCS, MD*, and Hardeep S. Mudhar, Ph.D., F.R.C.Path.† Abstract: A 67-year-old woman presented with progressive enlargement of a long-standing mass on the surface of her OS associated with ocular surface irritation. The mass was excised en bloc. Histopathological examination showed a well-defined encapsulated tumor composed of wiry collagen containing bland spindle cells that were strongly positive for CD34 with scattered mature adipocytes. These features confirmed a diagnosis of spindle cell lipoma.
L
ipomas are the most common mesenchymal neoplasm. They most commonly develop on the trunk and extremities. Interestingly, lipomas have only rarely been reported in ocular tissues and many of these cases involve the orbit. Clinically, conjunctival lipomas must be differentiated from herniated orbital fat, dermoids, and the lacrimal gland.1 *New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton, West Midlands; and †National Specialist Ophthalmic Pathology Service, Department of Histopathology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, England, United Kingdom Accepted for publication February 14, 2014. The authors have no financial or conflicts of interest to disclose. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Fariha Shafi, F.R.C.Ophth., New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton Road, Wolverhampton, WV10 0QP England, United Kingdom. E-mail: [email protected] DOI: 10.1097/IOP.0000000000000189
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Spindle cell lipoma is a distinct variant of lipoma in which mature fat is replaced by collagen-forming spindle cells.2,3 A patient who developed spindle cell lipoma of the nasal bulbar conjunctiva with no orbital involvement is reported. To the authors knowledge, this is the first reported case of conjunctival spindle cell lipoma.
CASE REPORT A 67-year-old Caucasian woman was referred to the oculoplastic service with a swelling on the surface of her OS, which had been present for approximately 1 year but in recent months had increased slightly in size. The mass was associated with ocular surface irritation, and there was no history of associated pain, bleeding, or discharge. Her medical history included Crohn disease and a recent diagnosis of rectal carcinoma. On examination, her visual acuity was 20/40 OD and 20/40 OS. A soft mobile subconjunctival mass was present on the nasal conjunctiva measuring 8 mm in diameter (Fig. 1). There was no associated overlying inflammation or discoloration of the conjunctiva. No proptosis or resistance to retropulsion was noted, and extraocular movements were full. Pupillary reactions were normal, and dilated examination of the fundus was unremarkable. An excision biopsy of the lesion was performed under local anesthetic. Intraoperatively, the mass was noted to be a discrete smooth surfaced white nodule, which was confined to the bulbar conjunctiva and did not involve the orbit. The mass was removed en bloc after a careful dissection from the underlying sclera and sent for histopathological examination. Gross examination revealed a well-defined, smooth surfaced white nodule measuring 6 × 4 × 3 mm, the cut surface of which displayed a solid white appearance. Microscopy revealed a benign soft tissue lesion composed mostly of wiry, ropey collagen (Fig. 2A). Scattered among the collagen were groups of mature adipocytes (Fig. 2B), bland stromal spindle cells (Fig. 2C), and occasional mast cells (Fig. 2D). The spindle cells were strongly positive for CD34 (Fig. 2E) and negative for S100, melan-A, and smooth muscle actin (not shown). There were no neurofilament-positive axons among the collagen fibers. There were no floret-type cells or lipoblasts, and no mitotic activity was identified. The features were with those of a typical spindle cell lipoma. There was no evidence of metastatic carcinoma (Fig. 2).
DISCUSSION A recent clinical survey of 1,643 conjunctival tumors by Shields et al.4 revealed that the most common diagnoses were nevus (28%), melanoma (13%), primary acquired melanosis (11%), squamous cell carcinoma (11%), and lymphoid tumor (8%). Lipomatous tumors were only found in 23 patients (1%), and of these, only 3 patients were diagnosed with lipoma (the remaining 20 patients had the diagnosis of herniated orbital fat). Spindle cell lipoma is a distinct variant of lipoma in which spindle cells replace normal fat and was first described by Enzinger and Harvey2 in 1975. It is found more frequently in men aged 50 to 70 years (mean age 56 years) and is usually located in the subcutaneous tissue of the shoulder and posterior neck. Histologically, spindle cell lipomas are wellcircumscribed, rarely encapsulated masses consisting of mature adipocytes that are separated and partly replaced by groups of small, slender spindle cells. These cells show uniformity and have a single elongated nucleus and narrow, bipolar cytoplasmic processes.2 They lack atypia and possess little or no pleomorphism and have a varying quantity of dense birefringent collagen and mast cells. Floret cells are not found, but areas of vascularization may be present within the lesion.5 There are only 3 reported cases of spindle cell lipoma in the orbit.3,5,6
© 2014 The American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Inc.
CASE REPORT A 52-year-old woman underwent a right frontotemporal craniotomy for microsurgical clip obliteration of a ruptured right dorsal variant ophthalmic segment carotid aneurysm. The perforator attachment to a high-speed pneumatic drill was used to create burr holes at the surgical keyhole above the pterion, along the superior temporal line and above the zygoma, and a pterional frontotemporal craniotomy was performed using a straight drill attachment with a footplate. After elevation of the bone flap, the orbital roof was noted to be very thin and a defect measuring approximately 1 cm × 1.5 cm was visualized posterior to the orbital rim, on the anterolateral aspect of the orbital roof. A portion of the periorbita protruded through the defect, and a breach in the periorbita was also noted with protrusion of orbital fat. The periorbita and fat were gently coagulated and covered with oxidized cellulose (SURGICEL Original Absorbable Hemostat; Ethicon, New Brunswick, NJ). At the conclusion of the procedure, the orbital roof defect was covered with titanium mesh. Immediately postoperatively, the patient reported tearing from the OD. On examination, the patient’s vision was 20/20 OU, Ishihara plates were 11/11 OU, and no relative afferent pupillary defect was noted in either eye. Persistent egress of serosanguineous fluid from the OD was noted. Extraocular Departments of *Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, and †Neurosurgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A. Accepted for publication February 25, 2014. Supported by an unrestricted graft from Research to Prevent Blindness, New York, NY. V.K.A. is supported by NEI/NIH K12 Clinical Scientist Training Grant (5K12E4021475), Bethesda, MD. Supported by P30–Core Grant for Vision Research (5P30EY001792-35). The authors have no financial or conflicts of interest to disclose. Supplemental digital content is available for this article. Direct URL citations appear in the printed text and are provided in the HTML and PDF versions of this article on the journal’s website (www.op-rs.com). Address correspondence and reprint requests to Rakesh M. Patel, M.D., 1855 West Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60612. E-mail: [email protected] DOI: 10.1097/IOP.0000000000000190
e26
motility was limited in supraduction and ptosis was noted, initially thought to be secondary to a partial third nerve palsy attributable to surgical intervention. Anterior segment examination revealed a conjunctival defect of the OD, approximately 2.5 cm × 1.5 cm, extending to the fornix from 9 to 12 o’clock. A subconjunctival hemorrhage was noted in the area adjacent to the defect without any findings of a ruptured globe. After instillation of fluorescein dye, a stream of clear fluid originating from the superotemporal fornix was noted. This fluid was found to have a glucose of 95 mg/dl (normal CSF glucose 50–80 mg/dl or two-third of the serum glucose level [measured to be 181 mg/ dl in the patient’s serum 3 hours prior to fluid collection], normal tear glucose level less than 26 mg/dl) and chloride of 126 mmol/l (normal CSF chloride 110–125 mmol/l, normal tear chloride 120–135 mmol/l) consistent with CSF.1,2 A noncontrast head CT scan demonstrated a craniotomy defect involving the anterolateral aspect of the orbital roof, which appeared fragmented and covered by a metallic mesh (Fig. 1). A small amount of air was identified below the mesh, and small bone fragments appeared to be depressed into the orbit and encroaching upon the superior rectus muscle. The eyelids were patched closed, and the patient was placed on moxifloxacin ophthalmic drops. Once the diagnosis of oculorrhea was made, a lumbar drain was placed to diminish the egress of fluid from the eye to allow for possible spontaneous closure of the wound. The following day, slow fluid egress persisted that greatly increased with clamping of the lumbar drain further confirming the diagnosis of a CSF leak. Given the large size of the conjunctival defect and the brisk nature of fluid egress, spontaneous cessation of the leak seemed unlikely with a lumbar drain alone. Thus, a plan was made to repair the conjunctival defect the next day, approximately 36 hours after the initial presentation. In the operating room, the patient was noted to have a 1.7 cm × 2.0 cm defect of the conjunctiva and Tenon’s capsule starting approximately 5–8 mm from the limbus (Fig. 2). This
FIG. 1. CT orbits. Aand B, Coronal sections showing superolateral orbital roof defect with titanium mesh. C, Sagittal section revealing the extent of orbital roof defect.
Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg, Vol. 32, No. 2, 2016
Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg, Vol. 32, No. 2, 2016
FIG. 2. Intraoperative photograph. Extensive conjunctival defect noted extending posteriorly to the fornix.
defect was located from 9 to 12 o’clock and extended to the fornix with persistent egress of fluid (see Video, Supplemental Digital Content, http://links.lww.com/IOP/A92). The temporal aspect of the superior rectus muscle fibers and the superior fibers of the lateral rectus muscle could be directly visualized in the area of the defect. Amniotic membrane placement was chosen as the method to repair the defect. Initially, the amniotic membrane (AmbioDry; OKTOS Surgical Corporation, Costa Mesa, CA) was laid flat over the defect with fibrin glue (Tisseel; Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Glendale, CA). However, the membrane did not adhere due to persistent fluid accumulation. Neurosurgery therefore increased the CSF outflow from the lumbar drain, and the head of the bed was elevated approximately 10° decreasing the egress of fluid. The amniotic membrane was then secured to the edges of the conjunctiva using multiple interrupted 8-0 polyglactin sutures medially, laterally, and anteriorly. Sutures were also placed as posterior as possible securing the graft to the globe with lamellar passes through the sclera. Finally, a large diameter bandage contact lens was placed and the eyelids were closed with a temporary suture tarsorrhaphy. A gentle pressure dressing was placed over the OD prior to conclusion of the case. Postoperatively, the lumbar drain remained open draining CSF at 10–15 ml/hr. Starting from postoperative day 1, CSF no longer leaked from the eye. Four days after the conjunctivoplasty, fornix reconstruction, and tarsorrhaphy, the lumbar drain was clamped and subsequently removed after it was confirmed that the patient no longer had a CSF leak. The suture tarsorrhaphy was removed 6 weeks from the time of placement with the conjunctival defect and fornix completely epithelialized without fluid leak. Six months after the repair, the patient continues to remain asymptomatic without any CSF leak.
DISCUSSION CSF leaks into the orbit are rarely reported in the ophthalmic literature but do occur as a complication seen after various orbital surgeries, including external3,4 and endonasal5,6 dacryocystorhinostomy, orbital decompression,5 and orbital exenteration.7 In these cases, the CSF leak presents as rhinorrhea, instead of tearing. To the authors’ knowledge, there has never been a reported case of a CSF leak presenting as epiphora following craniotomy. The 2 most common causes of CSF leak have been reported to be accidental trauma (44%) and surgical trauma (29%).8 The most common site of the CSF leak has been shown to be at the cribriform plate (35%), followed by sphenoid sinus
Case Reports
(26%), anterior ethmoid (18%), frontal sinus (10%), posterior ethmoid (9%), and inferior clivus (2%).9 In this case, the site of the CSF leak was expected to be in the orbital roof, given the location of the craniotomy and operative findings. The defect in the orbital roof was noted intraoperatively and later confirmed by a CT scan. Joshi and Crockard10 reported on an 8-month-old child who developed a traumatic CSF fistula that presented as tearing. CT demonstrated a fracture involving the ethmoidal air cells, which was confirmed during surgery. Repair was performed from above to reposition the herniated brain from the fracture site. In another report, Dryden and Wulc11 reported on a 4-year-old child who had chronic CSF leakage presenting as tears following midface trauma. In this case, the tearing simulated a lacrimal duct obstruction leading the patient to undergo a dacryocystorhinostomy, which did not resolve the tearing. The CSF leak was subsequently repaired via a craniotomy approach. In patients with a suspected CSF leak presenting as epiphora, glucose and chloride can be measured in the fluid. In addition, a beta-2-transferrin level can be obtained, but this is frequently a laboratory test that needs to be sent out, possibly delaying the diagnosis. In this patient, given the recent craniotomy for clipping of an aneurysm complicated by an orbital roof defect, the epiphora that developed postoperatively was concerning for a CSF leak. Glucose and chloride levels and the cessation of the leak with the lumbar drain confirmed the authors’ suspicions. To avoid a craniotomy or orbitotomy for repair of the orbital roof, a less invasive approach with repair of the conjunctiva and fornix was pursued. During the craniotomy approach, an inadvertent defect was created at the anterior aspect of the orbital roof. The authors hypothesize the neurosurgical drill penetrated through the orbital roof into the soft tissue of the orbit causing tissue drag resulting in injury to the upper fornix, conjunctiva, Tenon’s capsule, levator muscle, and superior rectus. The herniated orbital fat noted intraoperatively and the postoperative clinical findings of ptosis, supraduction limitation, and exposed bare sclera support this hypothesis. Management of CSF leaks should follow a graded approach. The first step is often observation with bed rest, elevation of the head, and avoidance of any maneuver that would increase intracranial pressure.5 In addition, some surgeons will initiate antibiotics to prevent meningitis although evidence is lacking in supporting its use.12 All these measures were attempted in the patient without success due to the briskness of the leak. A decision was then made to place a lumbar drain to stop the leak and tape the eyelids shut in hopes of allowing the wound to granulate. Although the drain did decrease the egress of fluid, the leak persisted, increasing significantly once the drain was clamped. Therefore, given the size of the conjunctival defect and the brisk nature of the CSF leak, the oculoplastics team in conjunction with neurosurgery felt it was necessary to repair the defect to promote re-epithelialization and ultimately halt the CSF leak without unnecessary delays. The conjunctiva and fornix were reconstructed with amniotic membrane, and the eyelids were sutured shut with a temporary tarsorrhaphy in hopes of immobilizing the eye. This technique proved successful, as the patient no longer had any leak of fluid from the eye postoperatively.
CONCLUSION CSF leak presenting as epiphora has rarely been reported in the literature. Checking glucose and chloride levels can help differentiate CSF from tears. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case of such a clinical presentation after a neurosurgical
© 2014 The American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Inc.
e27
Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg, Vol. 32, No. 2, 2016
Case Reports
procedure. This leak was successfully treated with repair of the conjunctiva and fornix defect using amniotic membrane and placement of a temporary tarsorrhaphy.
REFERENCES 1. Van Haeringen JH. Clinical biochemistry of tears. In: Milder B, Weil B, eds. The Lacrimal System. Norwalk, CT: Appleton-Century Crofts, 1983:23–48. 2. Gasset AR, Braverman LE, Fleming MC, et al. Tear glucose detection of hyperglycemia. Am J Ophthalmol 1968;65:414–20. 3. Neuhaus RW, Baylis HI. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage after dacryocystorhinostomy. Ophthalmology 1983;90:1091–5. 4. Bagheri A, Naghibozakerin J, Yazdani S. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage during dacryocystorhinostomy in a patient with meningoencephalocele. Eur J Ophthalmol 2005;15:500–3. 5. Badilla J, Dolman PJ. Cerebrospinal fluid leaks complicating orbital or oculoplastic surgery. Arch Ophthalmol 2007;125:1631–4. 6. Fayet B, Racy E, Assouline M. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage after endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy. J Fr Ophtalmol 2007;30:129–34. 7. Wulc AE, Adams JL, Dryden RM. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage complicating orbital exenteration. Arch Ophthalmol 1989;107:827–30. 8. Schick B, Weber R, Mosler P, et al. [Long-term follow-up of frontobasal dura-plasty]. HNO 1997;45:117–22. 9. Lindstrom DR, Toohill RJ, Loehrl TA, et al. Management of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea: the Medical College of Wisconsin experience. Laryngoscope 2004;114:969–74. 10. Joshi KK, Crockard HA. Traumatic cerebrospinal fluid fistula simulating tears. Case report. J Neurosurg 1978;49:121–3. 11. Dryden RM, Wulc AE. Pseudoepiphora from cerebrospinal fluid leak: case report. Br J Ophthalmol 1986;70:570–4. 12. Korinek AM, Baugnon T, Golmard JL, et al. Risk factors for adult nosocomial meningitis after craniotomy: role of antibiotic prophylaxis. Neurosurgery 2006;59:126–33; discussion 126–33.
Spindle Cell Lipoma of the Conjunctiva Fariha Shafi, F.R.C.Ophth.*, Bipin Gonglore, MS, FRCS*, Soupramanien Sandramouli, FRCS, MD*, and Hardeep S. Mudhar, Ph.D., F.R.C.Path.† Abstract: A 67-year-old woman presented with progressive enlargement of a long-standing mass on the surface of her OS associated with ocular surface irritation. The mass was excised en bloc. Histopathological examination showed a well-defined encapsulated tumor composed of wiry collagen containing bland spindle cells that were strongly positive for CD34 with scattered mature adipocytes. These features confirmed a diagnosis of spindle cell lipoma.
L
ipomas are the most common mesenchymal neoplasm. They most commonly develop on the trunk and extremities. Interestingly, lipomas have only rarely been reported in ocular tissues and many of these cases involve the orbit. Clinically, conjunctival lipomas must be differentiated from herniated orbital fat, dermoids, and the lacrimal gland.1 *New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton, West Midlands; and †National Specialist Ophthalmic Pathology Service, Department of Histopathology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, England, United Kingdom Accepted for publication February 14, 2014. The authors have no financial or conflicts of interest to disclose. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Fariha Shafi, F.R.C.Ophth., New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton Road, Wolverhampton, WV10 0QP England, United Kingdom. E-mail: [email protected] DOI: 10.1097/IOP.0000000000000189
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Spindle cell lipoma is a distinct variant of lipoma in which mature fat is replaced by collagen-forming spindle cells.2,3 A patient who developed spindle cell lipoma of the nasal bulbar conjunctiva with no orbital involvement is reported. To the authors knowledge, this is the first reported case of conjunctival spindle cell lipoma.
CASE REPORT A 67-year-old Caucasian woman was referred to the oculoplastic service with a swelling on the surface of her OS, which had been present for approximately 1 year but in recent months had increased slightly in size. The mass was associated with ocular surface irritation, and there was no history of associated pain, bleeding, or discharge. Her medical history included Crohn disease and a recent diagnosis of rectal carcinoma. On examination, her visual acuity was 20/40 OD and 20/40 OS. A soft mobile subconjunctival mass was present on the nasal conjunctiva measuring 8 mm in diameter (Fig. 1). There was no associated overlying inflammation or discoloration of the conjunctiva. No proptosis or resistance to retropulsion was noted, and extraocular movements were full. Pupillary reactions were normal, and dilated examination of the fundus was unremarkable. An excision biopsy of the lesion was performed under local anesthetic. Intraoperatively, the mass was noted to be a discrete smooth surfaced white nodule, which was confined to the bulbar conjunctiva and did not involve the orbit. The mass was removed en bloc after a careful dissection from the underlying sclera and sent for histopathological examination. Gross examination revealed a well-defined, smooth surfaced white nodule measuring 6 × 4 × 3 mm, the cut surface of which displayed a solid white appearance. Microscopy revealed a benign soft tissue lesion composed mostly of wiry, ropey collagen (Fig. 2A). Scattered among the collagen were groups of mature adipocytes (Fig. 2B), bland stromal spindle cells (Fig. 2C), and occasional mast cells (Fig. 2D). The spindle cells were strongly positive for CD34 (Fig. 2E) and negative for S100, melan-A, and smooth muscle actin (not shown). There were no neurofilament-positive axons among the collagen fibers. There were no floret-type cells or lipoblasts, and no mitotic activity was identified. The features were with those of a typical spindle cell lipoma. There was no evidence of metastatic carcinoma (Fig. 2).
DISCUSSION A recent clinical survey of 1,643 conjunctival tumors by Shields et al.4 revealed that the most common diagnoses were nevus (28%), melanoma (13%), primary acquired melanosis (11%), squamous cell carcinoma (11%), and lymphoid tumor (8%). Lipomatous tumors were only found in 23 patients (1%), and of these, only 3 patients were diagnosed with lipoma (the remaining 20 patients had the diagnosis of herniated orbital fat). Spindle cell lipoma is a distinct variant of lipoma in which spindle cells replace normal fat and was first described by Enzinger and Harvey2 in 1975. It is found more frequently in men aged 50 to 70 years (mean age 56 years) and is usually located in the subcutaneous tissue of the shoulder and posterior neck. Histologically, spindle cell lipomas are wellcircumscribed, rarely encapsulated masses consisting of mature adipocytes that are separated and partly replaced by groups of small, slender spindle cells. These cells show uniformity and have a single elongated nucleus and narrow, bipolar cytoplasmic processes.2 They lack atypia and possess little or no pleomorphism and have a varying quantity of dense birefringent collagen and mast cells. Floret cells are not found, but areas of vascularization may be present within the lesion.5 There are only 3 reported cases of spindle cell lipoma in the orbit.3,5,6
© 2014 The American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Inc.
