Search

Impression cytology (IC) has been widely used as a method for evaluating the ocular surface and superficial cells layers in the diagnosis and follow-up after treatment of several ocular surface tumors of both epithelial and melanocytic origin. Information regarding this can be found in the English-language literature since 1992. Using either cellulose acetate or Biopore membranes for specimen collection, a high correlation has been found between IC and tissue histology. Compared with exfoliative cytology with spatula, IC is less traumatic to the patient's eye, provides a precise location of the area being studied, and allows accurate observation of the cells the way they exist in vivo. The additional advantage of IC is the preservation of limbal stem cells responsible for continuous corneal epithelium renewal; these can be affected after incisional or excisional biopsy at the corneoscleral limbus, which is the most frequent site of appearance of tumors in the stratified epithelium. Treatment for ocular surface squamous neoplasia has historically included surgery, but nonsurgical interventions have also been adopted. Hence, in certain cases, ophthalmologists may prefer interventions less invasive than surgical biopsy such as of impression cytology for both initial diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of treatment for ocular surface lesions. Nevertheless, it should be considered that IC may be less helpful if the results conflict with the clinical picture or if the clinical diagnosis is uncertain and results are negative. In such cases, surgical biopsy is required for accurate diagnosis. The purpose of this review is to examine the published literature on the utilization of IC for the diagnosis and management of ocular surface tumors and to discuss the requirement for further investigation on the subject.

Here we describe the case of a 65-year-old Caucasian female who presented with an amelanotic malignant conjunctival melanoma and highlight the clinical and pathological features of this rare entity that displayed exclusive corneal invasive growth without evidence of conjunctival tumors other than primary acquired melanosis. Impression cytology aided in the initial diagnosis. The patient underwent surgical treatment. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry revealed an invasive amelanotic melanoma limited to the cornea and exhibiting S-100, Melan A, and HMB-45 positivity. The absence of pigmentation delayed early clinical detection and treatment. Awareness of this nonpigmented melanoma is important for early recognition and appropriate management.

Purpose: This study was designed to evaluate the use of human amniotic membrane for ocular surface reconstruction after conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma resection., Methods: Amniotic membrane was obtained at the time of cesarean section and was preserved at -80 masculineC in glycerol and cornea culture media at a ratio of 1:1. The inclusion criteria were patients presenting proliferating lesions suggestive of squamous cell carcinoma (flat or elevated white lesions resembling "fish meat") that involve the conjunctiva, limbus and cornea. Eight eyes of 8 patients with conjunctival "squamous cell carcinoma" underwent tumor resection with amniotic membrane transplantation. Three of these cases underwent total corneal epitheliectomy and amniotic membrane transplantation associated with limbal autograft., Results: Mean follow-up time was 17.8 months (range, 10-35 months). In four patients (71.4%) surgical treatment was successful, with good ocular surface stability. In two patients (28.6%) results were partially successful, with mild cicatricial alterations. One patient was excluded from the study due to aggressive tumor recurrence with intraocular invasion that needed to be removed with exenteration., Conclusion: This study suggests that amniotic membrane transplantation is a good alternative for ocular surface reconstruction after conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma resection.

Purpose: To evaluate the costs and efficacy of type A botulinum toxin in the treatment of essential blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm., Methods: Pacients with essential blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm had their files analyzed. All patients were treated with type A botulinum toxin (Dysport) between April 2002 and May 2004 at the Oculoplastic Clinics of "Santa Casa de São Paulo". Twenty-seven patients presented essential blepharospasm and 23 presented hemifacial spasm. Information about the patient's degree of satisfaction after treatment, complaints and personal costs were recorded by a questionnaire, and information about the costs of Dysport treatment were obtained at the administration department of "Santa Casa de São Paulo". Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests were used for statistical analysis., Results: 1- The annual treatment costs were R Dollars 1,239.32 for essential blepharospasm and R Dollars 661.72 for hemifacial spasm. 2- The patient's annual costs were R Dollars 145.48 for essential blepharospasm and R Dollars 6.07 for hemifacial spasm. 3- The hospital's annual costs for the treatment were R Dollars 1,095.84 for essential blepharospasm and R Dollars 535.65 for hemifacial spasm. 4- Dysport treatment is successful in both essential blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm., Conclusions: The costs of essential blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm treatment with Dysport are high, mainly because of the toxin price. On economic analysis of health, we can conclude that this procedure has an excellent cost-benefit ratio.