Benyam Z. Kinde, MD, PhD

All Publications

• Endocrine mucin-producing sweat gland carcinoma of the eyelid in an elderly male: A case report. American journal of ophthalmology case reports Ha, S. K., Woldetensaye, A., Brown, R. A., Hirotsu, K. E., Kinde, B. 2025; 40: 102471

  Abstract

  To report a rare case of endocrine mucin-producing sweat gland carcinoma (EMPSGC) of the eyelid, initially misdiagnosed as a chalazion.A 76-year-old South-Asian male presented with a 9-month history of a painless left upper eyelid lesion. Initial ophthalmic assessment suggested presence of a chalazion that did not resolve with medical management. Examination revealed a 5.5 × 5.5 mm mass at the central left eyelid margin. The lesion transilluminated and extended over the eyelid margin, with splayed lashes but no madarosis. Histopathological examination demonstrated cribriforming glandular epithelium with extracellular mucin and synaptophysin expression, confirming EMPSGC with associated mucinous carcinoma. The patient underwent successful Mohs micrographic surgery with oculoplastic reconstruction and with no evidence of recurrence at five-month follow-up.EMPSGC is an uncommon, low-grade adnexal neoplasm, often under-recognized due to its benign appearance. This case highlights the importance of considering EMPSGC in the differential diagnosis of persistent eyelid lesions, particularly those unresponsive to conservative treatment. Histopathologic evaluation is critical for early recognition and appropriate management of lesions.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajoc.2025.102471

  View details for PubMedID 41311661

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC12648717

• The Efficacy and Safety of Teprotumumab in Geriatrics Patients: A Multicenter Study. Ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery Shah, S. A., Chandraparnik, P., Choi, S., Amarikwa, L., Guniganti, R., Walsh, H. L., Rubio, R. H., Linaburg, T., Meyer, E., Reem, K., Sears, C., Goldin, M., Kinde, B., Dosiou, C., Malik, A., Mawn, L., Shinder, R., Wester, S., Rootman, D., Cockerham, K., Tamhankar, M., Couch, S., Harrison, A., Kossler, A. L. 2025

  Abstract

  To evaluate the efficacy and safety of teprotumumab for the treatment of thyroid eye disease in geriatric patients.This was a multicenter cohort study of patients aged 75 and older, treated between February 2020 and September 2023 across 10 tertiary institutions. Patients were included if they had moderate-to-severe thyroid eye disease and at least 1 infusion of teprotumumab. Efficacy outcome measures included improvement in clinical activity score, proptosis, and Gorman diplopia score. Safety outcome measures included teprotumumab-related adverse event (TAE) incidence, onset, and severity.Fifty patients (40 females, 10 males), average age of 79.2 years, were evaluated. Patients received an average of 6.9 infusions, with 34.0% (17/50) discontinuing treatment due to TAEs. Mean baseline clinical activity score was 4.0 ± 1.6, with a mean reduction of 4.0 ± 1.1. Proptosis improved by ≥2 mm in 86.0% (43/50) of patients, with a mean reduction of 4.24 mm. Of patients with baseline diplopia, 42.9% (18/42) experienced an improvement in Gorman diplopia score. Proptosis regression occurred in 62.5% (15/24) of patients at 2.5 years, and 27.9% (12/43) experienced thyroid eye disease reactivation on average 49.8 weeks posttreatment completion. TAEs were reported by 78.0% (39/50) of patients, with 30% (15/46) experiencing moderate TAEs and 14% (7/50) severe TAEs. The most common TAEs were muscle cramps (42.0%, 21/50), hearing impairment (38.0%, 19/46), and hyperglycemia (36.0%, 18/46).Teprotumumab is effective in reducing clinical activity score and proptosis in geriatric thyroid eye disease patients with short-term follow-up; however, high rates of adverse events, reactivation, and proptosis regression over time warrant extreme caution and selective use in this population.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/IOP.0000000000003024

  View details for PubMedID 40928425

• Risk of developing thyroid eye disease in patients with thyroid dysfunction that received a COVID-19 vaccination. Canadian journal of ophthalmology. Journal canadien d'ophtalmologie Amarikwa, L., Chandraparnik, P., Wai, K. M., Rahimy, E., Kinde, B., Koo, E., Ludwig, C. A., Dosiou, C., Mruthyunjaya, P., Kossler, A. L. 2025

  Abstract

  To assess the risk of developing thyroid eye disease (TED) after receiving mRNA COVID-19 vaccination in patients with thyroid dysfunction.A retrospective cohort study.All patients with hyperthyroidism who have no history of TED prior to March 2021 and no history of another orbital inflammatory disease.The rates of TED in patients that received or did not receive any type of COVID-19 vaccination were compared. TED incidence was also compared in those receiving influenza and Tdap vaccines. All patient records were identified using the TriNetX network (Cambridge, MA). Propensity score matching (PSM) was done to control for differences in baseline demographics and medical comorbidities. The primary outcome was the relative risk of developing TED after COVID-19 vaccination.A total of 373,909 patients with hyperthyroidism and no signs of TED were identified. After matching and assessing for vaccination status, 69,378 patients were in the COVID-19 vaccine and no COVID-19 vaccine cohorts. We found that COVID-19 vaccination resulted in an increased risk of developing TED when compared with the no COVID-19 vaccine (RR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.39-1.58), Tdap (RR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.56-2.06), and influenza cohorts (RR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.49-1.88).Patients with underlying hyperthyroidism demonstrated an increased risk of developing TED following COVID-19 vaccination. Although further studies are required to confirm these findings, patients with underlying autoimmune thyroid dysfunction should receive education on the signs and symptoms of TED and be monitored for the development of TED after COVID-19 vaccination.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jcjo.2025.06.017

  View details for PubMedID 40684801

• Pericranial Flaps and Grafts for Oculoplastic Reconstructive Surgery: A Major Review. Ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery Panneerselvam, S., Shoji, M. K., Kinde, B., Tse, B. C., Tse, D. T. 2025

  Abstract

  PURPOSE: The pericranium, a component often overlooked in oculoplastic surgery, is a rich source of reconstructive potential. While it is frequently used in craniofacial surgery, pericranial flaps and grafts are generally underutilized in oculoplastics, with limited published research. This review aims to highlight its anatomy, surgical dissection techniques, and versatile benefits to inspire and motivate the oculoplastic community to widen its application in reconstructive surgery.METHODS: A literature review of all cases published in oculoplastic surgery using pericranial flaps.RESULTS: The anatomy, operative dissection methods, and all published applications of pericranial flaps and free grafts in oculoplastic surgery are described. Vascularized flaps have been used to reconstruct eyelid and orbital defects, frontal-orbital mucoceles, and orbital-sinus fistulas. Free pericranial grafts are less frequently reported in oculoplastic literature, as they are primarily used in conjunction with a vascularized cutaneous flap for eyelid defects, but may also be used alone in the repair of forniceal contraction or cases of implant exposure.CONCLUSIONS: This review underscores the significant potential of pericranial tissue for oculoplastic reconstruction. Its advantages over existing autologous reconstructive tissues, including maintaining the integrity of overlying skin and soft tissue, rich vascularity, and convenient proximity to periocular and facial defects, make it a promising option for eyelid reconstruction. While isolating the flap may be technically challenging, pericranial flaps and grafts can significantly improve functional and cosmetic outcomes in oculoplastic reconstruction.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/IOP.0000000000002980

  View details for PubMedID 40488246

• Comparing the Ability of Google and ChatGPT to Accurately Respond to Oculoplastics-Related Patient Questions and Generate Customized Oculoplastics Patient Education Materials. Clinical ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.) Cohen, S. A., Yadlapalli, N., Tijerina, J. D., Alabiad, C. R., Chang, J. R., Kinde, B., Mahoney, N. R., Roelofs, K. A., Woodward, J. A., Kossler, A. L. 2024; 18: 2647-2655

  Abstract

  To compare the accuracy and readability of responses to oculoplastics patient questions provided by Google and ChatGPT. Additionally, to assess the ability of ChatGPT to create customized patient education materials.We executed a Google search to identify the 3 most frequently asked patient questions (FAQs) related to 10 oculoplastics conditions. FAQs were entered into both the Google search engine and the ChatGPT tool and responses were recorded. Responses were graded for readability using five validated readability indices and for accuracy by six oculoplastics surgeons. ChatGPT was instructed to create patient education materials at various reading levels for 8 oculoplastics procedures. The accuracy and readability of ChatGPT-generated procedural explanations were assessed.ChatGPT responses to patient FAQs were written at a significantly higher average grade level than Google responses (grade 15.6 vs 10.0, p < 0.001). ChatGPT responses (93% accuracy) were significantly more accurate (p < 0.001) than Google responses (78% accuracy) and were preferred by expert panelists (79%). ChatGPT accurately explained oculoplastics procedures at an above average reading level. When instructed to rewrite patient education materials at a lower reading level, grade level was reduced by approximately 4 (15.7 vs 11.7, respectively, p < 0.001) without sacrificing accuracy.ChatGPT has the potential to provide patients with accurate information regarding their oculoplastics conditions. ChatGPT may also be utilized by oculoplastic surgeons as an accurate tool to provide customizable patient education for patients with varying health literacy. A better understanding of oculoplastics conditions and procedures amongst patients can lead to informed eye care decisions.

  View details for DOI 10.2147/OPTH.S480222

  View details for PubMedID 39323727

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC11423829

• Osteopontin drives retinal ganglion cell resiliency in glaucomatous optic neuropathy. Cell reports Zhao, M., Toma, K., Kinde, B., Li, L., Patel, A. K., Wu, K. Y., Lum, M. R., Tan, C., Hooper, J. E., Kriegstein, A. R., La Torre, A., Liao, Y. J., Welsbie, D. S., Hu, Y., Han, Y., Duan, X. 2023; 42 (9): 113038

  Abstract

  Chronic neurodegeneration and acute injuries lead to neuron losses via diverse processes. We compared retinal ganglion cell (RGC) responses between chronic glaucomatous conditions and the acute injury model. Among major RGC subclasses, αRGCs and intrinsically photosensitive RGCs (ipRGCs) preferentially survive glaucomatous conditions, similar to findings in the retina subject to axotomy. Focusing on an αRGC intrinsic factor, Osteopontin (secreted phosphoprotein 1 [Spp1]), we found an ectopic neuronal expression of Osteopontin (Spp1) in other RGCs subject to glaucomatous conditions. This contrasted with the Spp1 downregulation subject to axotomy. αRGC-specific Spp1 elimination led to significant αRGC loss, diminishing their resiliency. Spp1 overexpression led to robust neuroprotection of susceptible RGC subclasses under glaucomatous conditions. In contrast, Spp1 overexpression did not significantly protect RGCs subject to axotomy. Additionally, SPP1 marked adult human RGC subsets with large somata and SPP1 expression in the aqueous humor correlated with glaucoma severity. Our study reveals Spp1's role in mediating neuronal resiliency in glaucoma.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113038

  View details for PubMedID 37624696

• Spp1 drives retinal neuron resiliency in glaucomatous neuropathy but not axotomy Zhao, M., Toma, K., Kinde, B., Li, L., Patel, A., Liao, Y., Vila, A., Kriegstein, A., Welsbie, D., Hu, Y., Han, Y., Duan, X. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC. 2023

  View details for Web of Science ID 001053758304181

• Spp1 drives retinal ganglion cell resiliency in glaucomatous neuropathy Zhao, M., Toma, K., Kinde, B., Hu, Y., Han, Y., Duan, X. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC. 2022

  View details for Web of Science ID 000844401302191

• Quality-of-Life Outcomes for Excision and Reconstruction of Periocular Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY & AESTHETIC MEDICINE Kinde, B., Idowu, O. O., Ashraf, D. C., Chen, R. M., Hirabayashi, K. E., Grob, S. R., Winn, B. J., Kersten, R. C., Vagefi, M. 2024; 26 (3): 303-309

  Abstract

  Background: Understanding how periocular nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) impacts quality of life (QoL) provides insight into the patient experience. Objective: To prospectively measure QoL of individuals with surgically treated periocular NMSC. Methods: Responses to the skin cancer index (SCI) and FACE-Q questionnaires were obtained at preoperative (PRE), postoperative week 1 (POW1), and postoperative month 3 (POM3) visits. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-test and stepwise linear regression. Results: Forty-five patients participated in the study. Improved QoL as reflected in an increased mean difference of the total SCI score at PRE and POM3 visits (25.8, 95% confidence interval [CI 20.0 to 31.6]) and FACE-Q early life impact of treatment score at POW1 and POM3 visits (19.0, 95% CI [14.9 to 23.0), and a decreased mean difference of the FACE-Q adverse effects score at POW1 and POM3 visits (-1.3, 95% CI [-2.4 to -0.1]) was observed. Linear regression of the SCI and FACE-Q scores using demographic and clinical attributes revealed several predictors of postoperative QoL. Conclusions: Surgical management of periocular NMSC results in improved QoL, demonstrated at the final postoperative visit.

  View details for DOI 10.1089/fpsam.2020.0647

  View details for Web of Science ID 000669976800001

  View details for PubMedID 34227877

• Osteopontin drives retinal ganglion cell resiliency in glaucomatous neuropathy Kinde, B., Zhao, M., Toma, K., Li, L., Hu, Y., Han, Y., Duan, X. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC. 2021

  View details for Web of Science ID 000690761400585

• Hypodiploid B-Lymphoblastic Leukemia Presenting as an Isolated Orbital Mass Prior to Systemic Involvement: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) Wang, L., Ashraf, D. C., Kinde, B., Ohgami, R. S., Kumar, J., Kersten, R. C. 2020; 11 (1)

  Abstract

  We describe a 4-year-old boy who presented with progressive right periorbital edema and proptosis, with no systemic symptoms, who was found to have B-lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an enhancing mass centered in the right superolateral extraconal orbit. Orbital biopsy was consistent with B-ALL (CD99, TdT, LCA cocktail, CD34, CD79, CD10, PAX5, MIB1 positive; CD3, CD20 negative). A subsequent bone marrow aspirate confirmed a diagnosis of B-ALL with 80% blasts by flow cytometry and haploid cytogenetic findings. The patient improved clinically after chemotherapy. There are seven cases previously reported in the literature with hematogenous orbital masses at initial presentation of childhood ALL, but all with systemic symptoms or an abnormal complete blood count (CBC) at presentation. Our case is the first report in which an orbital mass preceded detectable systemic or laboratory evidence of ALL. This patient highlights the importance of differentiating benign causes of eyelid swelling from malignant ones.

  View details for DOI 10.3390/diagnostics11010025

  View details for PubMedID 33375646

• Congenital Visual Field Loss from a Schizencephalic Cleft Damaging Meyer's Loop NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY Kinde, B., Barkovich, A., Horton, J. C. 2021; 45 (4): 277-280

  Abstract

  A healthy, asymptomatic woman was referred after incidental discovery of a right superior incongruous hemianopia. Magnetic resonance imaging disclosed a schizencephalic cleft passing through Meyer's loop of the left optic radiation. The lesion may have resulted from a focal vascular accident or disruption of cortical neurogenesis during gestation.

  View details for DOI 10.1080/01658107.2020.1844759

  View details for Web of Science ID 000592667100001

  View details for PubMedID 34366518

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC8312584

• Characteristics of Ophthalmology Trials Registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, 2007-2018. American journal of ophthalmology Turner, B. n., Rajeshuni, N. n., Tran, E. M., Ludwig, C. A., Tauqeer, Z. n., Weeks, B. n., Kinde, B. n., Pershing, S. n. 2019

  Abstract

  To perform a comprehensive analysis of characteristics of ophthalmology trials registered in ClinicalTrials.gov.Cross-sectional study METHODS: All 4,203 ophthalmologic clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov between October 1, 2007, and April 30, 2018 were identified using Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms. Disease condition terms were verified by manual review. Trial characteristics were assessed through frequency calculations. Hazard ratio and 95% confidence intervals were determined for characteristics associated with early discontinuation.The majority of trials were multi-armed (73.6%), single-site (69.4%), randomized (64.8%), and had <100 enrollees (66.3%). Thirty-three percent utilized a data monitoring committee (DMC), and 50.6% incorporated blinding. 51.6% were funded by industry, while 2.6% by the National Institute of Health (NIH). NIH trials were significantly more likely to address oncologic (NIH=15.5%, Other=3%, Industry=1.5%; p<0.001) or pediatric disease (NIH=20.9%, Other=5.9%, Industry=1.4%; p<0.001). Industry-sponsored trials (69.6% of phase 3 trials) and were significantly more likely to be randomized (Industry=68.7%, NIH=58.9%, Other=60.8%; p<0.001) and blinded (Industry=57.2%, NIH=42.7%, Other=43.5%; p<0.001). 359 trials (8.5%) were discontinued early and 530 trials (12.6%) had unknown status. Trials were less likely to be discontinued if funded by sources other than industry (HR 0.72; 95% CI 0.55-0.95; p=0.021) and/or had a DMC (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.55-0.92, p=0.010).Ophthalmology trials in the past decade reveal heterogeneity across study funding sources. NIH trials were more likely to support historically underfunded subspecialties, while Industry trials were more likely to face early discontinuation. These trends emphasize the importance of carefully monitored and methodologically-sound trials with deliberate funding allocation.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajo.2019.11.004

  View details for PubMedID 31730839