Evaluation of the Clinical Profile and Treatment Outcomes of Ocular and Adnexal Rhinosporidiosis in a Tertiary Eye Care Centre

Abstract

Aim: To describe the demographics, histopathology, treatment modalities, outcomes, and recurrence rates for patients diagnosed with ocular and adnexal rhinosporidiosis.Methods: This prospective descriptive study was conducted at the Department of Orbit, Oculoplasty, and Oncology at a tertiary eye care centre in South India. Fifty patients with a clinical diagnosis of ocular and adnexal rhinosporidiosis who presented from March 2005 to October 2007 were included. All patients underwent complete conjunctival and lid mass excision with cautery, and all patients with rhinosporidiosis of the lacrimal system underwent dacryocystectomy.Results: The mean age at presentation was 30.42 years (SD, 16.89 years; range, 1-70 years). The mean follow-up was 14.2 months (range, 12-18 months). The most common site was the conjunctiva (n = 26; 52%), followed by the lacrimal sac (n = 13; 26%) and the eyelids (n = 11; 22%). There was a single recurrence (2%) involving the lacrimal sac. Endonasal polypectomy and exploration of the sac region was done. There were no further recurrences during subsequent follow-up. The diagnosis was confirmed histopathologically for all patients.Conclusions: Rhinosporidiosis is an ocular disorder with high recurrence rates. Histopathological examination following excision biopsy is recommended for all patients for a conclusive diagnosis. Recurrence rates can be low if complete meticulous excision is performed coupled with cauterization of the lesion.