Orbicularis myectomy with levator advancement in Schwartz-Jampel syndrome

PURPOSE: Schwartz-Jampel syndrome is a disorder of continuous myotonia caus ing blepharospasm, acquired ptosis, and blepharophimosis. We report the man agement of the associated eyelid anomalies with orbicularis oculi myectomy, levator aponeurosis resection, and lateral canthopexy. METHODS: Interventional case reports. Two patients with Schwartz-Jampel syn drome presented with blepharospasm, acquired ptosis, and blepharophimosis. Orbicularis myectomy, levator aponeurosis resection, and lateral canthopexy were performed to relieve the blepharospasm and to correct the ptosis and blepharophimosis. RESULTS: Significant functional and cosmetic improvements were achieved by increasing the palpebral fissure height and length while greatly decreasing the blepharospasm of the patients. No recurrence of the blepharospasm or e yelid anomalies has been noted after 1 and 15 years of follow-up, respectiv ely. CONCLUSION: The blepharospasm and eyelid alterations caused by Schwartz-Jam pel syndrome should be treated to provide functional and cosmetic improveme nts. Our technique of myectomy, levator resection, and lateral canthopexy p rovides an excellent, long-lasting result. (C) 2001 by Elsevier Science Inc . All rights reserved.