Intralesional corticosteroid injections as treatment for non-infectious orbital inflammation.

Abstract

A retrospective single-center chart review identified 19 patients treated with intralesional corticosteroid injection between 2007 and 2015 for orbital inflammatory disease. Patients were treated in the office, or intraoperatively at the time of orbital exploration and biopsy, with 5-40 mg of triamcinolone acetonide. Average follow up time was 2.44 years. Information recorded included visual acuity and eyelid position measurements, pre-injection treatment, post-injection treatment, complications, and exam findings. Nine of the identified patients received intraoperative injections, 9 in the office setting, and one received an injection in each. Eight patients (42.1%) were on oral corticosteroids prior to the injection. All patients showed initial clinical improvement after 1-2 injections and no more than a 1-2 line difference in visual acuity. Overall, six patients (31.6%) required repeat injections due to recurrence of inflammation, and seven (36.8%) required additional oral corticosteroids beyond the initial taper. Patients pre-treated with oral corticosteroids were more likely to need repeat injections (83.3% vs 16.7% respectively, p = 0.04). Compared to injections performed in the office setting, intraoperative injections were associated with fewer repeat injections (0% vs. 60.0% respectively, p = 0.01) and less need for post-injection oral steroids (0% vs. 58.3% respectively, p < 0.01). There were no systemic or permanent side effects observed from the injections. Two patients (10.5%) had transient post-injection intraocular pressure elevation, which resolved. Intralesional orbital corticosteroid injection is an effective first-line and adjunctive treatment for localized and diffuse non-infectious orbital inflammation.