Conjunctival Myxoma: High-Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography Findings of a Rare Tumor

Cornea. 2022 Aug 1;41(8):1049-1052. doi: 10.1097/ICO.0000000000002904. Epub 2021 Nov 3.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe 2 cases of biopsy-proven conjunctival myxomas and present their optical signs on high-resolution optical coherence tomography (HR-OCT) with clinical and histopathological correlations.

Methods: Two middle-aged female patients with a clinical diagnosis of conjunctival cysts were referred for surgical treatment. Clinical assessment, photographs, ultrasound biomicroscopy, and HR-OCT images were obtained. Excisional biopsies were performed, and specimens were sent for histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses.

Results: Clinically, these patients presented with a well-circumscribed, semitranslucent, yellow-pinkish mass. Ultrasound biomicroscopy showed a dome-shaped epibulbar mass with medium-to-high internal reflectivity. No compromise of the underlying sclera was noted. HR-OCT showed a normal conjunctival epithelium, a subepithelial nonhomogeneous mass with hyperreflective and hyporeflective areas lined by a highly hyperreflective band, and mild posterior shadowing. Histopathological findings and immunoreactivity for CD34 and vimentin confirmed the diagnosis of conjunctival myxoma.

Conclusions: The HR-OCT optical signs found in our 2 cases strongly correlated with the microscopic findings. Disclosing the optical signs observed on HR-OCT can help clinicians diagnose and differentiate this lesion, guiding its management. However, more studies with a larger number of patients comparing conjunctival myxoma and other ocular surface tumors are needed to enlighten readers about the unique pattern observed by HR-OCT.

MeSH terms

  • Conjunctival Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Conjunctival Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Eye Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Acoustic
  • Middle Aged
  • Myxoma* / diagnostic imaging
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence / methods