Expanding MIRAgel scleral buckle simulating an orbital tumor in four cases.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To describe four patients with an enlarging orbital mass from a swollen MIRAgel scleral buckle that simulated an orbital neoplasm.

METHODS:

In a retrospective, single-center case series at the Ocular Oncology Service at Wills Eye Hospital of Thomas Jefferson University, 4 eyes of 4 patients were referred for evaluation and treatment of a suspected orbital tumor.

RESULTS:

The initial presenting features were orbital mass (case 1), strabismus (case 2), and conjunctival mass with orbital extension (cases 3 and 4). Each patient vaguely recalled previous uncomplicated retinal detachment surgery 12 to 20 years earlier. Confirmation of the buckling implant material was made with the retina surgeon in 3 cases. A nontender, forniceal conjunctival mass, deep to the Tenon fascia and appearing as a translucent firm elevation was seen in all 4 cases. Axial CT (case 1) revealed a circumscribed anterior temporal orbital mass, believed to be a large inclusion cyst, 4 times thicker than the nasal scleral buckle. Ocular ultrasonography depicted an echolucent mass in the episcleral region (cases 3 and 4) that was 2 times thicker than the nasal scleral buckle (case 3). Excision was attempted in case 1, but only piecemeal removal was achieved, leading to extensive postoperative inflammation and decreased vision. The other 3 cases were followed conservatively without excision because they were each recognized to be a swollen MIRAgel implant and not an orbital tumor.

CONCLUSIONS:

MIRAgel scleral buckle material can greatly enlarge over a period of 10 years and simulate an orbital tumor or orbital cyst. Patients often do not recall details of the retinal surgery. Caution is advised regarding excision of this material because it is friable and can lead to extensive postoperative inflammation.

• Authors: Carol L Shields, Hakan Demirci, Brian P Marr, Arman Mashayekhi, Miguel A Materin, Jerry A Shields
• Journal: Ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery (Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg) Vol. 21 Issue 1 Pg. 32-8 (Jan 2005) ISSN: 0740-9303 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15677950 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Miragel
• Polyhydroxyethyl Methacrylate

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Granuloma, Foreign-Body (chemically induced, diagnosis, surgery)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Orbital Neoplasms (diagnosis)
• Polyhydroxyethyl Methacrylate (adverse effects, analogs & derivatives)
• Postoperative Complications (chemically induced, diagnosis, surgery)
• Prostheses and Implants (adverse effects)
• Prosthesis Failure
• Reoperation
• Retinal Detachment (surgery)
• Retrospective Studies
• Sclera (diagnostic imaging, pathology)
• Scleral Buckling (instrumentation)
• Scleral Diseases (chemically induced, diagnosis, surgery)
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed
• Ultrasonography