Orbital Polymyositis and Giant Cell Myocarditis Martin L. Leib, MD, 1.2 Jeffrey G. Odel, MD,2,3 Michael]. Cooney, BS 2 Background: Orbital polymyositis associated with giant cell myocarditis rarely has been reported in the literature. The authors report the clinical, neuroradiographic, and histopathologic features of the only patient to survive this usually fatal syndrome after cardiac transplantation. Findings: This 22-year-old white woman presented in 1991 with periorbital redness, swelling, and pain in both eyes that was unresponsive to antibiotic therapy. Results of her examination were significant for limited extraocular movements, ptOSiS, erythema, edema, chemosis, and exophthalmos. Electrocardiogram and chest x-ray were normal. Orbital computed tomographic scan showed swelling of the extraocular muscles up to and including their insertions. The patient was given the diagnosis of orbital polymyositis and her condition improved clinically and radiographically while taking parenteral steroids. One month after discharge, the patient was in cardiogenic shock. Endomyocardial biopsy showed giant cell myocarditis, and the patient underwent emergent cardiac transplan- tation. Despite a complicated postoperative course, the patient has done remarkably well. Conclusion: Although this disorder is rare, this case suggests the need for a high index of suspicion for giant cell myocarditis in patients with inflammatory orbital polymyositis. In non-Graves orbital polymyositis the patient should be questioned and instructed concerning the signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure. Chest x-ray, Holter monitoring, and electrocardiogram also should be performed and be repeated with an echocardiogram if there are any cardiac symptoms. In addition, early endomyocardial biopsy should be considered in the proper clinical setting, al- lowing timely diagnosis and expeditious cardiac transplantation. Ophthalmology 1994;101:950-954 The aSSOCiatIon of giant cell myocarditis with orbital polymyositis is, indeed, arare disorder. To our knowledge, there have been only twol.2 such cases reported in the literature. Because of the lethal nature of giant cell myo- carditis, there is need to exert extra caution when dealing with patients who have orbital polymyositis in the absence of Graves disease. Case Report A 22-year-old white woman was admitted to Columbia-Pres- byterian Medical Center on September 16, 1990, with a 3-week history of periorbital redness, swelling, itching, and pain on ex- traocular movement in the right eye which was greater than in the left. Six days before admission, she was seen by a local pe- diatrician who initiated warm soaks and cefadroxil (Duricef) (500 mg orally twice daily). The next day, her symptoms wors- ened; the tense right upper lid was drained unsuccessfully, and the left upper lid was injected with triamcinolone. The antibiotic was changed to amoxicillin (500 mg orally 3 times daily). Two days before admission, she felt better, but by the day of admission fever, right leg tenderness, diffuse periorbital pain, proptosis, conjunctival injection, and pain in adduction developed. She became dizzy and weak and was brought to the emergency room. Her medical history was significant for asthma, vitiligo, and multiple food allergies. Originally received: May 19, 1993. Revision accepted: November 8, 1993. I Orbit and Plastics Service, The Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Co- lumbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York. 2 College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York. 3 Neuro-Ophthalmology Service, The Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York. Reprint requests to Martin L. Leib, MD, Orbit and Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery, The Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, 635 West 165th St, New York, NY 10032. 950 On admission, her oral temperature was 37.5° C. The infec- tious disease service was consulted, and bilateral orbital cellulitis
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Orbital Polymyositis and Giant Cell MyocarditisOrbital Polymyositis and Giant Cell Myocarditis
Martin L. Leib, MD, 1.2 Jeffrey G. Odel, MD,2,3 Michael]. Cooney, BS2
Background: Orbital polymyositis associated with giant cell myocarditis rarely has been reported in the literature. The authors report the clinical, neuroradiographic, and histopathologic features of the only patient to survive this usually fatal syndrome after cardiac transplantation.
Findings: This 22-year-old white woman presented in 1991 with periorbital redness, swelling, and pain in both eyes that was unresponsive to antibiotic therapy. Results of her examination were significant for limited extraocular movements, ptOSiS, erythema, edema, chemosis, and exophthalmos. Electrocardiogram and chest x-ray were normal. Orbital computed tomographic scan showed swelling of the extraocular muscles up to and including their insertions. The patient was given the diagnosis of orbital polymyositis and her condition improved clinically and radiographically while taking parenteral steroids. One month after discharge, the patient was in cardiogenic shock. Endomyocardial biopsy showed giant cell myocarditis, and the patient underwent emergent cardiac transplan tation. Despite a complicated postoperative course, the patient has done remarkably well.
Conclusion: Although this disorder is rare, this case suggests the need for a high index of suspicion for giant cell myocarditis in patients with inflammatory orbital polymyositis. In non-Graves orbital polymyositis the patient should be questioned and instructed concerning the signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure. Chest x-ray, Holter monitoring, and electrocardiogram also should be performed and be repeated with an echocardiogram if there are any cardiac symptoms. In addition, early endomyocardial biopsy should be considered in the proper clinical setting, al lowing timely diagnosis and expeditious cardiac transplantation. Ophthalmology 1994;101:950-954
The aSSOCiatIon of giant cell myocarditis with orbital polymyositis is, indeed, a rare disorder. To our knowledge, there have been only twol.2 such cases reported in the literature. Because of the lethal nature of giant cell myo carditis, there is need to exert extra caution when dealing with patients who have orbital polymyositis in the absence of Graves disease.
Case Report
A 22-year-old white woman was admitted to Columbia-Pres byterian Medical Center on September 16, 1990, with a 3-week history of periorbital redness, swelling, itching, and pain on ex traocular movement in the right eye which was greater than in the left. Six days before admission, she was seen by a local pe diatrician who initiated warm soaks and cefadroxil (Duricef) (500 mg orally twice daily). The next day, her symptoms wors ened; the tense right upper lid was drained unsuccessfully, and the left upper lid was injected with triamcinolone. The antibiotic was changed to amoxicillin (500 mg orally 3 times daily). Two days before admission, she felt better, but by the day of admission fever, right leg tenderness, diffuse periorbital pain, proptosis, conjunctival injection, and pain in adduction developed. She became dizzy and weak and was brought to the emergency room. Her medical history was significant for asthma, vitiligo, and multiple food allergies.
Originally received: May 19, 1993. Revision accepted: November 8, 1993.
I Orbit and Plastics Service, The Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Co lumbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York.
2 College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York.
3 Neuro-Ophthalmology Service, The Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York.
Reprint requests to Martin L. Leib, MD, Orbit and Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery, The Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, 635 West 165th St, New York, NY 10032.
950
On admission, her oral temperature was 37.5° C. The infec tious disease service was consulted, and bilateral orbital cellulitis
Leib et al . Orbital Polymyositis and Giant Cell Myocarditis
Figure 1. Initial clinical presentation demonstrates marked ptosis, mod erate lid erythema and edema, and exophthalmos in the right eye which was greater than in the left eye.
was suggested. Oxacillin (2 g intravenously every 4 hours) and ceftazidine (I g intravenously every 8 hours) were initiated. High resolution orbital computed tomography (CT) was ordered, and the ophthalmology service was consulted.
On bedside examination, her near visual acuity was 20/30 in the right eye and 20/20 in the left at 14 inches. The pupils were equal and reactive to light and accommodation. There was no relative afferent pupillary defect. Color vision by American Optical Hardy Rand Ritter Color Plates was 3.5/6 in the right eye and 2/6 in the left. The extraocular movements were painful and limited to I mm in all fields of gaze in the right eye greater than the left.
Results of the external examination showed ptosis, moderate erythema, edema, mild chemosis, and exophthalmos in the right eye greater than the left (Fig I). The corneas were clear, and anterior chambers were deep. The intraocular pressure and re sults of the funduscopic examination were normal.
Orbital CT scans showed moderate preseptal swelling and swelling of the extraocular muscles up to and including their insertions as seen on the axial views (Fig 2). The muscles, par ticularly the right and left medial recti, have a tapering outline, with the greatest swelling seen in the middle of the muscle but with some extension of the swelling into the muscle insertions. The right lateral rectus is the exception, having a uniform degree of swelling throughout. Coronal views showed enlargement of all of the extraocular muscles in both eyes (Fig 3).
Laboratory investigation showed a leukocyte count of 15,000 with 58% neutrophils, 2% bands, 1 % metamyelocytes, 19% lym phocytes, 8% monocytes, and 12% eosinophils. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 3 mm/hour. The creatinine phospho kinase was 197 V/l (normal, I-50 V/l). Thyroid function studies were within normal limits. Anti-thyroglobulin antibody, anti-
Figure 2. High-resolution orbital computed tomographic scan in axial projection shows moderate preseptal inflammation and swelling of the extraocular muscles up to and including the insertions.
microsomal antibody, antinuclear antibody, latex fixation, anti double-stranded DNA antibody, and lupus anticoagulant were negative. Serum electrophoresis showed an increase in the alpha I and alpha 2 fractions. Total hemolytic complement was within normal limits. Cultures of the eyelids, conjunctivae, blood, and urine were negative. No parasites were detected in the stool, and Lyme, Trichinella. and Toxoplasma gondii titers were negative. Electrocardiogram and chest x-rays were normal.
In view of the CT and laboratory findings, the diagnosis of orbital polymyositis was made, and the patient was given a total of 400 mg parenteral methylprednisolone over 3 days with marked improvement clinically and radiographically (Fig 4). Her medication then was switched to oral prednisolone (80 mg daily), and she was discharged 1 month after admission with a tapering regimen.
Figure 3. High-resolution orbital computed tomographic scan in coronal projection shows inflammation of all of the extraocular muscles in both eyes.
951
Figure 4. After high-dose intravenous parenteral methyl prednisolone, high-resolution orbital computed tomographic scan demonstrated marked reduction in extraocular muscle inflammation.
In mid-October 1990, an exotropia of 18 prism diopters de veloped. Palpebral fissures measured 5 mm in the right eye and 4.5 mm in the left, with levator function measuring 7 and 10 mm, respectively. The exotropia increased to 45 prism diopters by mid-November. Exophthalmometry readings measured 19.5 mm in the right eye and 20.5 mm in the left at a base of 106 mm.
One month after discharge, the patient was in cardiogenic shock. The echocardiogram showed global hypokinesis (Fig. 5). Viral titers for cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, Mycoplasma. and coxsackievirus were negative. An endomyocardial biopsy showed evidence of muscle necrosis, and one half ofthe specimen was infiltrated with lymphocytes, monocytes, numerous eosin ophils, and prominent multinucleated giant cells (Fig 6). His tologic features were compatible with giant cell myocarditis.
The patient failed to respond to immunosuppressive therapy, including high-dose steroids, cyclosporine, and azathioprine. After I week, she underwent cardiac transplantation. Her post operative course was complicated by a duodenal ulcer, Salmo nella sepsis, and cardiac rejection despite high doses of steroids and cyclosporine. In January 1991, she started taking FK-506 and has done remarkably well. Her last examination was on January 20, 1993. She currently is taking FK-506 orally twice daily, prednisolone (5 mg orally twice daily), ciprofloxacin (orally every day), ranitidine (orally every day), calcium (Os-cal) (orally every day), and multiple vitamins. Her best-corrected visual acuity is 20/20 in both eyes. Results of the neuro-ophthalmic examination are within normal limits. Results of the slit-lamp examination show early posterior subcapsular cataracts. The in traocular pressure and results ofthe dilated fundus examination are normal.
Results of recent laboratory studies are normal, including a negative test for anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies.
Discussion
The association of orbital polymyositis and giant cell myocarditis has been presented in two isolated case reports in the literature.1,2 Klein et all and Kattah et af have described two women with orbital myositis in whom fatal
952
cardiac arrhythmias later developed. At autopsy, both pa tients were found to have a giant cell myocarditis identical to that seen in our patient. Biopsy of extraocular muscles in the patient described by Klein et all showed minimal extraocular muscle inflammation and no giant cells, whereas extraocular muscle biopsy done in Kattah et al's2 patient showed intense mononuclear cell inflammation with giant cells. The differences in the histology of the extraocular muscles in these two patients suggest that they were at different stages of the same pathologic process.
Giant cell myocarditis is a rare, idiopathic, and usually fatal syndrome that can either cause sudden death or rap idly progressive congestive heart failure and arrhythmiaY Unless endomyocardial biopsy is performed, giant cell myocarditis usually is diagnosed at autopsy. Histopath ologically, there is a mononuclear cell infiltration accom panied by multinucleated giant cells and myocyte necrosis, with areas of myocyte regeneration and fibrosis.s
There is considerable debate in the literature about the origin of the giant cells in giant cell myocarditis. It has been argued that the giant cells are derived from myo cardial fibers either as a result of degeneration or regeneration3,6,7 or from histiocytes.8,9 Features that sug gest a myogenic derivation include a smooth transition between giant cells and the myocardium, direct contact between giant cells and myofibrils and lipofuscin granules within the giant cells.4 Other studies using immunohis tochemical techniques maintain that the giant cells arise from histiocytes and are therefore inflammatory in nature. Theaker et al8 demonstrated positive staining of giant cells with monoclonal antibodies EBM 11 and KB90, which are specific macrophage markers not found on myocytes. They also found negative staining for desmin, a myocyte marker, on the giant cells.8 In a similar manner, Hales et al9 demonstrated positive staining of giant cells with monoclonal antibodies to MAC387, another specific macrophage marker.
The differential diagnosis of idiopathic giant cell myo carditis includes infection with spirochetes, fungi, my-
Figure 5. Echocardiogram shows dilated heart chambers. Echocardiog raphy should be used in patients with non-Graves orbital polymyositis who have cardiac symptoms.
Leib et al . Orbital Polymyositis and Giant Cell Myocarditis
Figure 6. Cardiac muscle demonstrates the cardinal histologic features of giant cell myocarditis, including extensive myocyte damage with re placement by granulation tissue and marked mononuclear cell infiltration with multinucleated giant cells (arrows) (hematoxylin-eosin, X200).
cobacteria, foreign body reaction, and sarcoidosis.6,10 In our patient, no infectious agent was isolated from the myocardium, making infection unlikely. Differentiating cardiac sarcoidosis from giant cell myocarditis can be dif ficult to impossible ifno lung manifestations of sarcoidosis are present. 11 In our patient, sarcoidosis was unlikely in view of her normal chest x-ray and normal angiotensin converting enzyme level.
Because giant cell myocarditis has been found in as sociation with different autoimmune conditions such as thymoma, myasthenia gravis, systemic lupus erythema tosus, dermatomyositis, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, and pernicious anemia, it has been postulated that giant cell myocarditis may arise from an organ-specific autoim mune response.3.12 Namba et al13 noted that the autoim mune conditions associated with giant cell myocarditis often precede the myocardial manifestation by many years. Humbert et al 12 reported a man with ulcerative colitis, by use of immunofluorescence techniques, to have both immunoglobulins in the myocardium and circulating specific antimyofibril antibodies. The presence of anti heart antibodies, however, does not necessarily establish
an autoimmune basis for the condition.7 Our patient had a history of vitiligo, a disease that is thought to have an autoimmune basis, lending more credence to the associ ation of giant cell myocarditis with autoimmune diseases.
Computed tomography and magnetic resonance im aging permit the identification of the anatomic nidus pri marily involved in idiopathic inflammation, and conse quently, the antiquated term pseudotumor has been sup planted by orbital myositis, dacryoadenitis, perineuritis, scleritis, and lymphoid hyperplasia. The radiographic and clinical separation of these entities is not artificial. Neither are they necessarily the clinical expression of the identical inflammatory process, in that they differ in their clinical response to one mode of therapy. 14
Several radiographic features have emerged for each entity. In orbital myositis, and as was observed in our patient, one sees diffuse enlargement of one or more extraocular muscles with extension up to and including the muscle insertion. This is in contrast to the true taper of Graves orbitopathy in which the muscle insertion is spared. Alteration of the orbital fat lucency also is seen in orbital myositis, and spill-over onto the globe may give a positive ring sign. 15 Unique to the myositis seen in association with myocarditis, every extraocular mus cle was involved, including the obliques. Nonspecific radiographic signs include occlusive and constrictive changes in the proximal segment of the superior ophthalmic vein when venography and magnification arteriography are used. 16
Neuroradiographic imaging generally is confirmatory and orbital biopsy, therefore, unnecessary.17-19 Orbital myositis is notable for chemosis, proptosis, bulbar pain, episcleral injection of the involved muscle(s), unimpaired vision, and rapid and dramatic response to corticosteroid treatment.20,21 Orbital myositis generally is idiopathic, al though a case has been reported in association with Lyme disease.22
Myasthenia gravis rarely causes inflammation of mus cles.1 Russe1l23 described lymphocyte infiltration into ex traocular muscles along with skeletal muscle fiber necrosis and inflammatory myocardial fiber necrosis and phago cytosis without giant cells in several patients with myas thenia gravis and thymoma. Burke et al6 reported giant cell myocarditis and skeletal myositis in a patient with myasthenia and malignant thymoma. Extraocular mus cles were involved clinically but were not examined his tologically. In our patient, there was no evidence of thy moma radiographically. In addition, serologic testing failed to demonstrate anti-acetylcholine receptor anti bodies.
Graves disease can cause progressive myocarditis and skeletal myositis in conjunction with extraocular muscle infiltration. 1 One case has been reported in which both the heart and skeletal muscle contained giant cells.24 The clinical, laboratory, and radiographic findings in our pa tient are not consistent with Graves disease.
Both polymyositis and dermatomyositis can cause ophthalmoplegia and ptosis.25 However, granulomatous inflammation with giant cells are not present in the myo cardium.26
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Ophthalmology Volume 101, Number 5, May 1994
Although an extraocular muscle biopsy was not per formed in our patient, it is clear that our patient, and those described by Klein and Kattah, represent three reports of idiopathic orbital polymyositis with asso ciated giant cell myocarditis. Although this disorder is rare, these three cases indicate the need for a high index of suspicion for giant cell myocarditis in patients who present with inflammatory orbital panmyopathy, par ticularly in association with eosinophilia. We suggest that in non-Graves orbital polymyositis the patient be questioned and instructed concerning the signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure . Chest x-ray, Holter monitoring, and electrocardiogram should be per formed and be repeated together with an echocardio gram if there are any cardiac symptoms. In addition, early endomyocardial biopsy should be considered in the proper setting, allowing timely diagnosis and ex peditious cardiac transplantation.
References
I. KJein BR, Hedges TR III, Dayal Y, Adelman LS. Orbital myositis and giant cell myocarditis. Neurology 1989;39:988- 90.
2. Kattah lC, Zimmerman LE, Kolsky MP, et al. Bilateral orbital involvement in fatal giant cell polymyositis. Oph thalmology 1990;97:520-5.
3. Davies MJ, Pomerance A, Teare RD. Idiopathic giant cell myocarditis-a distinctive c1inico-pathological entity. Br Heart 1 1975;37:192-5.
4. Hosenpud JD, McAnulty JH, Niles NR. Unexpected myo cardial disease in patients with life threatening arrhythmias. Br Heart J 1986;56:55-61 .
5. Avellini C, Alampi G, Cocchi Y, e t al. Acute idiopathic interstitial giant cell myocarditis. A histological and im munohistological study of a case. Pathologica 1991 ;83:229- 35.
6. Burke JS, Medline NM, Katz A. Giant cell myocarditis and myositis. Associated with thymoma and myasthenia gravis. Arch Pathol 1969;88:359-66.
7. Peison B, Lowenstein EC. Giant-cell myocarditis. N Y State J Med 1973;73:2259-63.
8. Theaker JM, Gatter KC, Heryet A, et al. Giant cell myo carditis: evidence for the macrophage origin of the giant cells. J Clin Pathol 1985;38: 160-4.
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9. Hales SA, Theaker JM, Gatter KC. Giant cell myocarditis associated with lymphoma: an immunocytochemical study. J C1in Pathol 1987;40: 1310-13.
10. Wilson MS, Barth RF, Baker PB, et al. Giant cell myocar ditis. Am J Med 1985;79:647-52.
II. Davidoff R, Palacios I, Southern J, et al. Giant cell versus lymphocytic myocarditis. A comparison of their clinical features and long-term outcomes. Circulation 1991 ;83:953- 61.
12. Humbert P, Faivre R, Fellman D, et al. Giant cell myocar ditis: an autoimmune disease? Am Heart J 1988;115:485- 7.
13. Namba T, Brunner NG, Grob D. Association of myasthenia gravis with pemphigus vulgaris, Candida albicans infection, polymyositis and myocarditis. J Neurol Sci 1973;20:231- 42.
14. Leib ML. Computed tomography of the orbit. Int Ophthal mol Clin 1986;26(3): 103-21.
15. Guibert-Tranier F, Piton J, Calabet A, Caille 1M. Orbital syndromes-CT analysis of 100 cases. Comput Tomogr 1979;3:241-65.
16. Wilner HI, Gupta KL, Kelly lK. Orbital pseudotumor: as sociation of orbital vein deformities and myositis. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 1980;1 :305-9.
17. Kennerdell JS, Dresner Sc. The nonspecific orbital inflam matory syndromes. Surv Ophthalmol 1984;29:93-103.
18. Dresner SC, Rothfus WE, Siamovits TL, et al. Computed tomography of orbital myositis. AJR Am J Roentgenol 1984;143:671-4.
19. Rootman J. Diseases of the Orbit: A Multidisciplinary Ap proach. Philadelphia: 18 Lippincott, 1988;159-75.
20. Hankey GJ, Silbert PL, Edis RH, Nicoll AM. Orbital my ositis: a study of six cases. Aust N Z J Med 1987; 17:585- 91.
21. Slavin ML, Glaser JS. Idiopathic orbital myositis. Report of six cases. Arch Ophthalmol 1982; 100: 1261-5.
22. Seidenberg KB, Leib ML. Orbital myositis with Lyme dis ease. Am J Ophthalmol 1990;109:13-16.
23. Russell DS. Histological changes in the striped muscles in myasthenia gravis. J Pathol Bacteriol 1953;65:279-89.
24. Terplan KL, Constantine AB, KoepfGF, Dayton GO. Ma lignant exophthalmos with subacute myocarditis and gen eralized myositis. NY State J Med 1951;51:2750-3.
25. Susac JO, Garcia-Mullin R, Glaser JS. Ophthalmoplegia in dermatomyositis. Neurology 1973;23:305-10.
Martin L. Leib, MD, 1.2 Jeffrey G. Odel, MD,2,3 Michael]. Cooney, BS2
Background: Orbital polymyositis associated with giant cell myocarditis rarely has been reported in the literature. The authors report the clinical, neuroradiographic, and histopathologic features of the only patient to survive this usually fatal syndrome after cardiac transplantation.
Findings: This 22-year-old white woman presented in 1991 with periorbital redness, swelling, and pain in both eyes that was unresponsive to antibiotic therapy. Results of her examination were significant for limited extraocular movements, ptOSiS, erythema, edema, chemosis, and exophthalmos. Electrocardiogram and chest x-ray were normal. Orbital computed tomographic scan showed swelling of the extraocular muscles up to and including their insertions. The patient was given the diagnosis of orbital polymyositis and her condition improved clinically and radiographically while taking parenteral steroids. One month after discharge, the patient was in cardiogenic shock. Endomyocardial biopsy showed giant cell myocarditis, and the patient underwent emergent cardiac transplan tation. Despite a complicated postoperative course, the patient has done remarkably well.
Conclusion: Although this disorder is rare, this case suggests the need for a high index of suspicion for giant cell myocarditis in patients with inflammatory orbital polymyositis. In non-Graves orbital polymyositis the patient should be questioned and instructed concerning the signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure. Chest x-ray, Holter monitoring, and electrocardiogram also should be performed and be repeated with an echocardiogram if there are any cardiac symptoms. In addition, early endomyocardial biopsy should be considered in the proper clinical setting, al lowing timely diagnosis and expeditious cardiac transplantation. Ophthalmology 1994;101:950-954
The aSSOCiatIon of giant cell myocarditis with orbital polymyositis is, indeed, a rare disorder. To our knowledge, there have been only twol.2 such cases reported in the literature. Because of the lethal nature of giant cell myo carditis, there is need to exert extra caution when dealing with patients who have orbital polymyositis in the absence of Graves disease.
Case Report
A 22-year-old white woman was admitted to Columbia-Pres byterian Medical Center on September 16, 1990, with a 3-week history of periorbital redness, swelling, itching, and pain on ex traocular movement in the right eye which was greater than in the left. Six days before admission, she was seen by a local pe diatrician who initiated warm soaks and cefadroxil (Duricef) (500 mg orally twice daily). The next day, her symptoms wors ened; the tense right upper lid was drained unsuccessfully, and the left upper lid was injected with triamcinolone. The antibiotic was changed to amoxicillin (500 mg orally 3 times daily). Two days before admission, she felt better, but by the day of admission fever, right leg tenderness, diffuse periorbital pain, proptosis, conjunctival injection, and pain in adduction developed. She became dizzy and weak and was brought to the emergency room. Her medical history was significant for asthma, vitiligo, and multiple food allergies.
Originally received: May 19, 1993. Revision accepted: November 8, 1993.
I Orbit and Plastics Service, The Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Co lumbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York.
2 College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York.
3 Neuro-Ophthalmology Service, The Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York.
Reprint requests to Martin L. Leib, MD, Orbit and Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery, The Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, 635 West 165th St, New York, NY 10032.
950
On admission, her oral temperature was 37.5° C. The infec tious disease service was consulted, and bilateral orbital cellulitis
Leib et al . Orbital Polymyositis and Giant Cell Myocarditis
Figure 1. Initial clinical presentation demonstrates marked ptosis, mod erate lid erythema and edema, and exophthalmos in the right eye which was greater than in the left eye.
was suggested. Oxacillin (2 g intravenously every 4 hours) and ceftazidine (I g intravenously every 8 hours) were initiated. High resolution orbital computed tomography (CT) was ordered, and the ophthalmology service was consulted.
On bedside examination, her near visual acuity was 20/30 in the right eye and 20/20 in the left at 14 inches. The pupils were equal and reactive to light and accommodation. There was no relative afferent pupillary defect. Color vision by American Optical Hardy Rand Ritter Color Plates was 3.5/6 in the right eye and 2/6 in the left. The extraocular movements were painful and limited to I mm in all fields of gaze in the right eye greater than the left.
Results of the external examination showed ptosis, moderate erythema, edema, mild chemosis, and exophthalmos in the right eye greater than the left (Fig I). The corneas were clear, and anterior chambers were deep. The intraocular pressure and re sults of the funduscopic examination were normal.
Orbital CT scans showed moderate preseptal swelling and swelling of the extraocular muscles up to and including their insertions as seen on the axial views (Fig 2). The muscles, par ticularly the right and left medial recti, have a tapering outline, with the greatest swelling seen in the middle of the muscle but with some extension of the swelling into the muscle insertions. The right lateral rectus is the exception, having a uniform degree of swelling throughout. Coronal views showed enlargement of all of the extraocular muscles in both eyes (Fig 3).
Laboratory investigation showed a leukocyte count of 15,000 with 58% neutrophils, 2% bands, 1 % metamyelocytes, 19% lym phocytes, 8% monocytes, and 12% eosinophils. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 3 mm/hour. The creatinine phospho kinase was 197 V/l (normal, I-50 V/l). Thyroid function studies were within normal limits. Anti-thyroglobulin antibody, anti-
Figure 2. High-resolution orbital computed tomographic scan in axial projection shows moderate preseptal inflammation and swelling of the extraocular muscles up to and including the insertions.
microsomal antibody, antinuclear antibody, latex fixation, anti double-stranded DNA antibody, and lupus anticoagulant were negative. Serum electrophoresis showed an increase in the alpha I and alpha 2 fractions. Total hemolytic complement was within normal limits. Cultures of the eyelids, conjunctivae, blood, and urine were negative. No parasites were detected in the stool, and Lyme, Trichinella. and Toxoplasma gondii titers were negative. Electrocardiogram and chest x-rays were normal.
In view of the CT and laboratory findings, the diagnosis of orbital polymyositis was made, and the patient was given a total of 400 mg parenteral methylprednisolone over 3 days with marked improvement clinically and radiographically (Fig 4). Her medication then was switched to oral prednisolone (80 mg daily), and she was discharged 1 month after admission with a tapering regimen.
Figure 3. High-resolution orbital computed tomographic scan in coronal projection shows inflammation of all of the extraocular muscles in both eyes.
951
Figure 4. After high-dose intravenous parenteral methyl prednisolone, high-resolution orbital computed tomographic scan demonstrated marked reduction in extraocular muscle inflammation.
In mid-October 1990, an exotropia of 18 prism diopters de veloped. Palpebral fissures measured 5 mm in the right eye and 4.5 mm in the left, with levator function measuring 7 and 10 mm, respectively. The exotropia increased to 45 prism diopters by mid-November. Exophthalmometry readings measured 19.5 mm in the right eye and 20.5 mm in the left at a base of 106 mm.
One month after discharge, the patient was in cardiogenic shock. The echocardiogram showed global hypokinesis (Fig. 5). Viral titers for cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, Mycoplasma. and coxsackievirus were negative. An endomyocardial biopsy showed evidence of muscle necrosis, and one half ofthe specimen was infiltrated with lymphocytes, monocytes, numerous eosin ophils, and prominent multinucleated giant cells (Fig 6). His tologic features were compatible with giant cell myocarditis.
The patient failed to respond to immunosuppressive therapy, including high-dose steroids, cyclosporine, and azathioprine. After I week, she underwent cardiac transplantation. Her post operative course was complicated by a duodenal ulcer, Salmo nella sepsis, and cardiac rejection despite high doses of steroids and cyclosporine. In January 1991, she started taking FK-506 and has done remarkably well. Her last examination was on January 20, 1993. She currently is taking FK-506 orally twice daily, prednisolone (5 mg orally twice daily), ciprofloxacin (orally every day), ranitidine (orally every day), calcium (Os-cal) (orally every day), and multiple vitamins. Her best-corrected visual acuity is 20/20 in both eyes. Results of the neuro-ophthalmic examination are within normal limits. Results of the slit-lamp examination show early posterior subcapsular cataracts. The in traocular pressure and results ofthe dilated fundus examination are normal.
Results of recent laboratory studies are normal, including a negative test for anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies.
Discussion
The association of orbital polymyositis and giant cell myocarditis has been presented in two isolated case reports in the literature.1,2 Klein et all and Kattah et af have described two women with orbital myositis in whom fatal
952
cardiac arrhythmias later developed. At autopsy, both pa tients were found to have a giant cell myocarditis identical to that seen in our patient. Biopsy of extraocular muscles in the patient described by Klein et all showed minimal extraocular muscle inflammation and no giant cells, whereas extraocular muscle biopsy done in Kattah et al's2 patient showed intense mononuclear cell inflammation with giant cells. The differences in the histology of the extraocular muscles in these two patients suggest that they were at different stages of the same pathologic process.
Giant cell myocarditis is a rare, idiopathic, and usually fatal syndrome that can either cause sudden death or rap idly progressive congestive heart failure and arrhythmiaY Unless endomyocardial biopsy is performed, giant cell myocarditis usually is diagnosed at autopsy. Histopath ologically, there is a mononuclear cell infiltration accom panied by multinucleated giant cells and myocyte necrosis, with areas of myocyte regeneration and fibrosis.s
There is considerable debate in the literature about the origin of the giant cells in giant cell myocarditis. It has been argued that the giant cells are derived from myo cardial fibers either as a result of degeneration or regeneration3,6,7 or from histiocytes.8,9 Features that sug gest a myogenic derivation include a smooth transition between giant cells and the myocardium, direct contact between giant cells and myofibrils and lipofuscin granules within the giant cells.4 Other studies using immunohis tochemical techniques maintain that the giant cells arise from histiocytes and are therefore inflammatory in nature. Theaker et al8 demonstrated positive staining of giant cells with monoclonal antibodies EBM 11 and KB90, which are specific macrophage markers not found on myocytes. They also found negative staining for desmin, a myocyte marker, on the giant cells.8 In a similar manner, Hales et al9 demonstrated positive staining of giant cells with monoclonal antibodies to MAC387, another specific macrophage marker.
The differential diagnosis of idiopathic giant cell myo carditis includes infection with spirochetes, fungi, my-
Figure 5. Echocardiogram shows dilated heart chambers. Echocardiog raphy should be used in patients with non-Graves orbital polymyositis who have cardiac symptoms.
Leib et al . Orbital Polymyositis and Giant Cell Myocarditis
Figure 6. Cardiac muscle demonstrates the cardinal histologic features of giant cell myocarditis, including extensive myocyte damage with re placement by granulation tissue and marked mononuclear cell infiltration with multinucleated giant cells (arrows) (hematoxylin-eosin, X200).
cobacteria, foreign body reaction, and sarcoidosis.6,10 In our patient, no infectious agent was isolated from the myocardium, making infection unlikely. Differentiating cardiac sarcoidosis from giant cell myocarditis can be dif ficult to impossible ifno lung manifestations of sarcoidosis are present. 11 In our patient, sarcoidosis was unlikely in view of her normal chest x-ray and normal angiotensin converting enzyme level.
Because giant cell myocarditis has been found in as sociation with different autoimmune conditions such as thymoma, myasthenia gravis, systemic lupus erythema tosus, dermatomyositis, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, and pernicious anemia, it has been postulated that giant cell myocarditis may arise from an organ-specific autoim mune response.3.12 Namba et al13 noted that the autoim mune conditions associated with giant cell myocarditis often precede the myocardial manifestation by many years. Humbert et al 12 reported a man with ulcerative colitis, by use of immunofluorescence techniques, to have both immunoglobulins in the myocardium and circulating specific antimyofibril antibodies. The presence of anti heart antibodies, however, does not necessarily establish
an autoimmune basis for the condition.7 Our patient had a history of vitiligo, a disease that is thought to have an autoimmune basis, lending more credence to the associ ation of giant cell myocarditis with autoimmune diseases.
Computed tomography and magnetic resonance im aging permit the identification of the anatomic nidus pri marily involved in idiopathic inflammation, and conse quently, the antiquated term pseudotumor has been sup planted by orbital myositis, dacryoadenitis, perineuritis, scleritis, and lymphoid hyperplasia. The radiographic and clinical separation of these entities is not artificial. Neither are they necessarily the clinical expression of the identical inflammatory process, in that they differ in their clinical response to one mode of therapy. 14
Several radiographic features have emerged for each entity. In orbital myositis, and as was observed in our patient, one sees diffuse enlargement of one or more extraocular muscles with extension up to and including the muscle insertion. This is in contrast to the true taper of Graves orbitopathy in which the muscle insertion is spared. Alteration of the orbital fat lucency also is seen in orbital myositis, and spill-over onto the globe may give a positive ring sign. 15 Unique to the myositis seen in association with myocarditis, every extraocular mus cle was involved, including the obliques. Nonspecific radiographic signs include occlusive and constrictive changes in the proximal segment of the superior ophthalmic vein when venography and magnification arteriography are used. 16
Neuroradiographic imaging generally is confirmatory and orbital biopsy, therefore, unnecessary.17-19 Orbital myositis is notable for chemosis, proptosis, bulbar pain, episcleral injection of the involved muscle(s), unimpaired vision, and rapid and dramatic response to corticosteroid treatment.20,21 Orbital myositis generally is idiopathic, al though a case has been reported in association with Lyme disease.22
Myasthenia gravis rarely causes inflammation of mus cles.1 Russe1l23 described lymphocyte infiltration into ex traocular muscles along with skeletal muscle fiber necrosis and inflammatory myocardial fiber necrosis and phago cytosis without giant cells in several patients with myas thenia gravis and thymoma. Burke et al6 reported giant cell myocarditis and skeletal myositis in a patient with myasthenia and malignant thymoma. Extraocular mus cles were involved clinically but were not examined his tologically. In our patient, there was no evidence of thy moma radiographically. In addition, serologic testing failed to demonstrate anti-acetylcholine receptor anti bodies.
Graves disease can cause progressive myocarditis and skeletal myositis in conjunction with extraocular muscle infiltration. 1 One case has been reported in which both the heart and skeletal muscle contained giant cells.24 The clinical, laboratory, and radiographic findings in our pa tient are not consistent with Graves disease.
Both polymyositis and dermatomyositis can cause ophthalmoplegia and ptosis.25 However, granulomatous inflammation with giant cells are not present in the myo cardium.26
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Ophthalmology Volume 101, Number 5, May 1994
Although an extraocular muscle biopsy was not per formed in our patient, it is clear that our patient, and those described by Klein and Kattah, represent three reports of idiopathic orbital polymyositis with asso ciated giant cell myocarditis. Although this disorder is rare, these three cases indicate the need for a high index of suspicion for giant cell myocarditis in patients who present with inflammatory orbital panmyopathy, par ticularly in association with eosinophilia. We suggest that in non-Graves orbital polymyositis the patient be questioned and instructed concerning the signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure . Chest x-ray, Holter monitoring, and electrocardiogram should be per formed and be repeated together with an echocardio gram if there are any cardiac symptoms. In addition, early endomyocardial biopsy should be considered in the proper setting, allowing timely diagnosis and ex peditious cardiac transplantation.
References
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2. Kattah lC, Zimmerman LE, Kolsky MP, et al. Bilateral orbital involvement in fatal giant cell polymyositis. Oph thalmology 1990;97:520-5.
3. Davies MJ, Pomerance A, Teare RD. Idiopathic giant cell myocarditis-a distinctive c1inico-pathological entity. Br Heart 1 1975;37:192-5.
4. Hosenpud JD, McAnulty JH, Niles NR. Unexpected myo cardial disease in patients with life threatening arrhythmias. Br Heart J 1986;56:55-61 .
5. Avellini C, Alampi G, Cocchi Y, e t al. Acute idiopathic interstitial giant cell myocarditis. A histological and im munohistological study of a case. Pathologica 1991 ;83:229- 35.
6. Burke JS, Medline NM, Katz A. Giant cell myocarditis and myositis. Associated with thymoma and myasthenia gravis. Arch Pathol 1969;88:359-66.
7. Peison B, Lowenstein EC. Giant-cell myocarditis. N Y State J Med 1973;73:2259-63.
8. Theaker JM, Gatter KC, Heryet A, et al. Giant cell myo carditis: evidence for the macrophage origin of the giant cells. J Clin Pathol 1985;38: 160-4.
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9. Hales SA, Theaker JM, Gatter KC. Giant cell myocarditis associated with lymphoma: an immunocytochemical study. J C1in Pathol 1987;40: 1310-13.
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II. Davidoff R, Palacios I, Southern J, et al. Giant cell versus lymphocytic myocarditis. A comparison of their clinical features and long-term outcomes. Circulation 1991 ;83:953- 61.
12. Humbert P, Faivre R, Fellman D, et al. Giant cell myocar ditis: an autoimmune disease? Am Heart J 1988;115:485- 7.
13. Namba T, Brunner NG, Grob D. Association of myasthenia gravis with pemphigus vulgaris, Candida albicans infection, polymyositis and myocarditis. J Neurol Sci 1973;20:231- 42.
14. Leib ML. Computed tomography of the orbit. Int Ophthal mol Clin 1986;26(3): 103-21.
15. Guibert-Tranier F, Piton J, Calabet A, Caille 1M. Orbital syndromes-CT analysis of 100 cases. Comput Tomogr 1979;3:241-65.
16. Wilner HI, Gupta KL, Kelly lK. Orbital pseudotumor: as sociation of orbital vein deformities and myositis. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 1980;1 :305-9.
17. Kennerdell JS, Dresner Sc. The nonspecific orbital inflam matory syndromes. Surv Ophthalmol 1984;29:93-103.
18. Dresner SC, Rothfus WE, Siamovits TL, et al. Computed tomography of orbital myositis. AJR Am J Roentgenol 1984;143:671-4.
19. Rootman J. Diseases of the Orbit: A Multidisciplinary Ap proach. Philadelphia: 18 Lippincott, 1988;159-75.
20. Hankey GJ, Silbert PL, Edis RH, Nicoll AM. Orbital my ositis: a study of six cases. Aust N Z J Med 1987; 17:585- 91.
21. Slavin ML, Glaser JS. Idiopathic orbital myositis. Report of six cases. Arch Ophthalmol 1982; 100: 1261-5.
22. Seidenberg KB, Leib ML. Orbital myositis with Lyme dis ease. Am J Ophthalmol 1990;109:13-16.
23. Russell DS. Histological changes in the striped muscles in myasthenia gravis. J Pathol Bacteriol 1953;65:279-89.
24. Terplan KL, Constantine AB, KoepfGF, Dayton GO. Ma lignant exophthalmos with subacute myocarditis and gen eralized myositis. NY State J Med 1951;51:2750-3.
25. Susac JO, Garcia-Mullin R, Glaser JS. Ophthalmoplegia in dermatomyositis. Neurology 1973;23:305-10.
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