Clinical and histopathological features of conjunctival “Teddy bear” granuloma: A case series

Abstract

Purpose To describe the clinical features, histopathological findings, and prognosis of conjunctival Teddy bear granuloma (TBG) diagnosed in a Mexican ophthalmologic referral center in a period of 64 years. Methods We reviewed clinical and histopathological material from all patients with documented conjunctival TBG. Patient′s age, gender, location, clinical signs and symptoms, duration, treatment and, specimen size, were evaluated. Formalin-fixed paraffin embedded 5 microns hematoxylin-eosin stained slides and periodic acid-Schiff special stain as well as examination under polarized light microscopy were performed in all cases. Results A total of 5 conjunctival TBG were collected. The ages of the patients ranged between 2 and 11 with a mean of 6 years. Female to male ratio was 4:1. The right inferior fornix was involved in 4 cases (80%) with clinical diagnosis of conjunctival mass of unknown etiology. Treatment consisted of surgical removal by slit-lamp biomicroscopy (3 cases) and in the operating room (2 cases). No complications were informed in a short follow-up period. Histopathologically, numerous cross-sections of synthetic and non-synthetic fibers surrounded by multinucleated foreign body giant cells, epithelioid histiocytes, lymphocytes, plasma cells and sparse neutrophils were seen. Polarization light microscopy demonstrated numerous birefringent colorful foreign fibers. The follow-up period of the patients ranged between 1 and 32 weeks with a mean of 10 weeks. Conclusions Most patients with TBG are children with vague, non-specific symptoms troubling precise clinical diagnosis. Treatment of choice involves surgical excision of the foreign body granuloma followed by topical corticosteroids. All surgical specimens obtained must be sent for histopathological examination. Special awareness is recommended during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown to prevent potential exposure to fibers that may cause conjunctival TBG.