Background: A carotid-cavernous sinus fistula (CCF) is an abnormal communication between the internal carotid artery and/or the external carotid artery and the cavernous sinus. There is a paucity of information on the ophthalmic outcomes of endovascular treatment for CCF in the Philippines. Objectives: This study aimed to describe the clinical experience of CCF in our institution in order to further our understanding of the disease. This study described the demographic profile, risk factors, and clinical features of patients with CCF, and compared the data of patients according to the type of CCF. The study discussed the changes in clinical features over time in CCF patients who chose not to undergo endovascular treatment. The study also discussed the clinical outcomes of CCF patients who underwent endovascular treatment and compared the clinical outcomes to CCF patients who did not undergo endovascular treatment. Methods: A retrospective cohort study design was performed using a medical record review of patients clinically diagnosed with CCF from January 2011 to June 2019. Results: One hundred twenty medical records of patients diagnosed with CCF were included. Based on angiographic findings, patients were grouped according to type of CCF, with 86 patients in Group 1 or Direct CCF, 23 patients in Group 2 or Indirect CCF, and 11 patients in Group 3 or Mixed type of CCF. The patients were also grouped according to treatment, with 109 patients in Group A, or patients who did not undergo endovascular treatment, and 11 patients in Group B, or patients who underwent endovascular treatment. There was a male predominance in CCF, most occurring in the age range of 26 to 35 years. Risk factors for CCF were trauma and hypertension. Clinical features included the presence of blurring of vision, proptosis, corkscrewing of conjunctival vessels, extraocular movement limitation, diplopia, audible bruit, elevated intraocular pressure, and pulsation. Findings on Computed Tomography scan included dilated superior ophthalmic vein, proptosis, and enlarged extraocular muscles. Direct CCF (Group 1) occurred mostly in males, with mean age of 39.1 years, and with trauma as the major risk factor. Indirect CCF (Group 2) occurred mostly in females, with mean age of 52.1 years, and with hypertension as the major risk factor. Regardless of the type of CCF, patients who did not undergo endovascular treatment can exhibit spontaneous improvement or worsening of clinical features. Patients who underwent endovascular treatment generally had favorable clinical outcomes, manifesting as either improvement or no worsening of features. There were minimal ophthalmic complications associated with treatment. Conclusion Endovascular treatment is safe and effective in the improvement of visual acuity, corkscrewing of conjunctival vessels, amount of proptosis, extraocular movement limitation, diplopia, and presence of audible bruit.

Objective: This study aims to describe the design, development, and implementation of the UP Med Webinars as a method for delivering continuing medical education online. Methods: Thematic analysis was done to organize information to describe the three phases of development: design, planning, and implementation of the UP Med Webinars for the period of 2015-2021. Results: The University of the Philippines Medical Alumni Society, in collaboration with seven units from the University of the Philippines Manila, contributed resources to the design of the UP Med Webinars. A committee on continuing medical education composed of alumni celebrating their silver jubilee led the planning each year. A total of 435 webinars were conducted from 2015 to 2021. Attendance steadily grew from less than 50 to more than 600 participants per session. These webinars covered a wide range of topics and were attended by medical professionals from different disciplines. Continuing professional development units were provided for free. Conclusion The UP Med Webinars was able to deliver post-graduate content online to healthcare professionals in the Philippine medical community. A well-organized set of partners collaborating to design and develop continuing medical education online was key to its continuous implementation and expansion.
education ; medicine

Objectives: To provide a representative data on the local profile of motorcycle-related ocular trauma seen in a tertiary hospital over a period of one year. Methodology: A retrospective case review of all motorcycle-related trauma patients seen at the emergency room of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) by the Trauma Service of the Department of Surgery and referred to the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (DOVS) for eye injuries was conducted. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the prevalence and types of injuries, and the factors affecting these injuries. Results: Thrity-four charts were reviewed; 9 (26.5%) patients had bilateral ocular involvement and 25 (73.5%) unilateral, a total of 43 eyes. The patients were mostly males in their productive age, belonged to the lower economic bracket, and came from nearby Southern Luzon provinces and the National Capital Region (NCR). Most of the injuries incurred were mild and involved the external surface of the eye. Night motorcycle driving, fair weather, and alcohol use were risks identified for motorcycle-related ocular injuries. Helmet use was the only identifiable risk indirectly correlated with severity of ocular injury. Conclusion Although majority of the ophthalmic injuries were classified as mild, and eyes involved had generally good visual potential, helmet use was the only identifiable risk associated with the severity of the ocular injury
Motorcycles

Objective: We report a case of orbitofrontal cholesterol granuloma as a rare differential diagnosis of orbital erosion in the diploe of the frontal bone. Methods: This is a case report. Results: A 50-year-old man presented with right eye proptosis. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the orbit showed a fairly delineated homogeneous mass centered in the diploe of the right frontal bone with calcification and rugged erosion of the frontal bone and with expansion into the right superotemporal orbit. The patient was initially diagnosed with malignant lacrimal gland tumor on the right. He underwent orbitotomy with excision of the mass. Histopathologic studies of the excised mass revealed a cholesterol granuloma. Conclusion Cholesterol granulomas of the frontal bone in the superotemporal orbit are rare benign lesions that present with bone destruction and can be mistaken for lacrimal gland malignancies. Surgical excision has a high success rate with low incidence of recurrence.
Orbit ; Diagnosis, Differential

Objective: To describe the use of autologous-fat grafting in postenucleation-socket syndrome. Methods: This is a case report. Results: There was marked improvement in the gross appearance of the treated orbit of the patient. There was relief in enophthalmos and superior-sulcus deformity. Bilateral orbital symmetry was achieved. Postoperatively, only minimal bruising and swelling both in the orbit and source site were observed, which resolved in 4 weeks. Conclusion The use of autologous-fat graft is a novel but highly effective technique and a good alternative in treating patients with postenucleation-socket syndrome.

Objective: To determine the tear and ocular surface profile of the anophthalmic socket in relation to the contralateral normal eye. Methods: Twenty-five adult patients with unilateral anophthalmic sockets were included into the study. They were at least 2 months post-enucleation or post-evisceration and without any topical medications on the anophthalmic socket and control eye for at least 2 weeks. Assessment was performed using the following parameters: (1) meibomian gland evaluation, (2) ocular surface staining, (3) degree of conjunctival inflammation, (4) Schirmer I and II, and (5) conjunctival impression cytology. Results: Mucoid discharge (52%) was the most common complaint in anophthalmic sockets, followed by itchiness (40%), tearing (36%), and dryness (4%). Compared to control eyes, the anophthalmic sockets had more pronounced and statistically significant lid wiper epitheliopathy, conjunctival staining, and bulbar inflammation. Meibomian gland dysfunction, Schirmer I and II, and conjunctival impression cytology showed no difference between the 2 groups. There was a correlation between the symptoms complained and the ocular staining patterns of the anophthalmic sockets. Conclusion Anophthalmia predisposes to various ocular surface problems, such as a change in the composition of tears, specifically an increase in the mucin component and a decrease in the aqueous and lipid components, resulting to increased tear viscosity.
onjunctiva ; Cytology

Background: Asians with Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) may have earlier compressive features due to narrower orbital apex and increased orbital volume. Objective: To determine the risk factors associated with activity and severity of GO among adults. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional analytical study of 163 adults with Graves’ disease (GD) from the outpatient clinics of the Philippine General Hospital. Demographics, clinical data, thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) and urine iodine (UIE) levels were obtained. All participants were evaluated for activity and severity of GO by a single ophthalmologist. Results: The population was predominantly composed of females (81%) and nonsmokers (69%), with a mean age of 35 + 11 years and median GD duration of 2 years. Median TRAb was 8.9 U/L while UIE was 171 mcg/L. Eight percent exhibited active GO, with 85% having mild disease. Multivariate analysis showed male sex to be associated with severe disease (OR 3.71, p=0.041), while elevated TRAb was associated with both active (OR 1.03, p=0.002) and severe GO (OR 1.02, p=0.007). Conclusion Lower rates of active and severe GO were seen compared to previous reports. In this population of predominantly nonsmokers, elevated TRAb emerged as a risk factor for active and severe GO.
Graves Ophthalmopathy ; Graves Disease ; Long-Acting Thyroid Stimulator