Orbital apex syndrome affecting head and neck cancer patients: A case series

Author(s)

Prado-Ribeiro, Ana-Carolina ; Luiz, Ana-Claudia ; Montezuma, Marco-Aurelio ; Mak, Milena-Perez ; Santos-Silva, Alan-Roger ; Brandao, Thais-Bianca

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: MEDICINA ORAL PATOLOGIA ORAL Y CIRUGIA BUCAL; v. 22, n. 3, p. E354-E358, MAY 1 2017.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

Background: Orbital apex syndrome (OAS) is a complex and uncommon disorder that typically damages multiple cranial nerves in association with optic nerve dysfunction. OAS is associated with several different pathologies, however; only a few cases have been reported in association with head and neck cancer (HNC) so far. Material and Methods: A case series of HNC patients diagnosed with OAS is described including clinicopathological data, image findings, and disease outcome. Results: Ptosis and diplopia were diagnosed in four male patients with mean age of 61.2 years who were undergoing treatment for late-stage carcinomas of the tongue, larynx, and nasopharynx, eventually leading to the diagnosis of OAS. The mean overall survival rate after the diagnosis of OAS was 9.5 months. Conclusions: The current study reinforces evidence that OAS indicates poor prognosis and highlights the importance of early diagnosis. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/06138-1 - A prospective study of radiation-induced trismus in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma
• Grantee: Ana Carolina Prado Ribeiro e Silva
• Support type: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 13/18402-8 - Evaluation of the direct effects of radiation on the enamel, dentin and dental pulp of head and neck cancer patients
• Grantee: Alan Roger dos Santos Silva
• Support type: Regular Research Grants