Chronic lymphedema of the eyelid: case series.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the clinical features, management and outcomes of treatment of chronic lymphedema of the eyelid in a tertiary referral setting.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
15 patients referred to the authors with unilateral or bilateral eyelid swelling of greater than 3 months duration.


METHODS
Clinical features, patient management, response to treatment.


RESULTS
Chronic eyelid lymphedema was associated with acne rosacea in 9 patients, radiotherapy in 1 patient, trauma in 1 patient and post-vitrectomy silicone oil leak in 1 patient. In the remaining 4 patients no associated condition or factor was identified. Surgical debulking was performed in 9 cases with improvement in all cases and no complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Chronic eyelid lymphedema is a rare condition most commonly associated with rosacea. In our experience, surgical resection of involved subcutaneous tissue was helpful.
Chalasani
Rajeev
R
Ophthalmology Registrar, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
McNab
Alan
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004318:Doxycycline / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005141:Eyelid Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005143:Eyelids / Q000187:drug effects / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019370:Observation; D012393:Rosacea / Q000150:complications; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D004318:Doxycycline