Disseminated silicone granulomatosis in the face and orbit

Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep. 2018 Feb 4:10:32-34. doi: 10.1016/j.ajoc.2018.01.037. eCollection 2018 Jun.

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of disseminated silicone granulomatosis presenting with ptosis, proptosis and vision loss.

Observations: A 56-year-old female presented with ptosis, proptosis, and vision loss and was noted to have palpable, erythematous masses involving the orbit, face, trunk, and body. She had a history of bilateral silicone breast implants and cosmetic facial filler injections. Orbital biopsy demonstrated non-caseating granulomas with foreign-body giant cells and vacuoles containing material consistent with silicone. Removal of the patient's breast implants and systemic immunosuppression led to dramatic granuloma regression.

Conclusions: Silicone can induce a severe, systemic inflammatory response and should be considered in the differential for facial and periorbital granulomas in patients with a history of silicone breast implants. Management of disseminated silicone granulomatosis is challenging and requires multimodal treatment with silicone removal and systemic immunomodulation.

Keywords: Autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome; Breast implants; Disseminated; Orbit; Silicone; Silicone granulomatosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports