Otolaryngological findings in congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction and implications for prognosis

AIM—To investigate otolaryngological abnormalities associated with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) and their effect on the prognosis.
METHODS—65 consecutive cases of CNLDO were followed up with routine otorhinolaryngological examination with tympanometry.
RESULTS—Otitis media with effusion (OME) and uvula bifida were detected in 44.6% and 9.2% of the children, respectively. Medical treatment and probing were less effective in patients with OME (p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS—OME and uvula bifida are significant anomalies associated with CNLDO and the former has a marked effect on the prognosis. This finding may help to determine the patients who will need further treatment after massage and probing.


Microphthalmos: Clinical and ultrasonographic findings

We analyzed ocular and ultrasonographic findings of microphthalmos and associated ocular and systemic pathologies in 27 microphthalmic eyes. A high incidence of consanguinous marriages (26%) was present among the parents of patients. Associated systemic abnormalities were growth retardation, congenital rubella, cleft lip and palate, facial hemangioma, inguinal hernia, clinodactyly, Hurler syndrome, Goltz-Gorlin syndrome and Hallermann-Streiff syndrome. A variety of ocular/systemic abnormalities were encountered. Early ultrasonographic diagnosis and description of other ocular and systemic pathologies are essential. © Copyright 2007 by ASCO All rights of any nature whatsoever reserved

The Role Of Apoptosis In Blepharoptosis

Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of apoptosis in the pathogenesis of blepharoptosis. Patients and methods Forty-five eyelids of 43 consecutive patients (16 female, 27 males) that underwent levator resection surgery for ptosis correction were included in the study. Twenty-six of the eyelids had congenital myogenic ptosis and 19 had aponeurotic ptosis. Levator palpebrae superioris function and height of the vertical palpebral fissure were measured in all patients. After levator resection surgery, the distal part of the levator aponeurosis was fixed and sent for evaluation. Apoptotic cells were detected using Apop Tag Plus Peroxidase In Situ Apoptosis Detection Kit. Results The mean levator palpebrae superioris function was 8.4 mm (range 5-10 mm) in congenital ptosis group and 12.1 mm (range 10-17 mm) in the aponeurotic ptosis group. The mean height of the vertical palpebral fissure in patients with congenital ptosis and aponeurotic ptosis were 6.5 mm (range 5-9 mm) and 6.1 mm (3-9 mm), respectively. The mean apoptotic index of congenital ptosis and aponeurotic ptosis were 27.3 (16-39) and 29.8 (18-41), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between congenital and aponeurotic ptosis groups in a mean apoptotic index (P<0.05). Apoptotic index was not correlated with age, levator palpebrae superioris function, palpebral fissure height, and lid crease height in two groups. Conclusion We found no statistically significant difference between two subtypes of blepharoptosis regarding apoptosis. According to this study, apoptosis seems to have no significant role in the development of aponeurotic blepharoptosis.Wo