Undiagnosed Ocular Syphilis Treated With Immunosuppressive Therapy

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 242-245
Author(s):  
Palak R. Patel ◽  
Andrew C. Pittner ◽  
Pauline T. Merrill
Keyword(s):  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Immunosuppressive Therapy ◽  
Immunosuppressive Treatment ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Ocular Inflammation ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Adequate Treatment ◽  
Screening Guidelines ◽  
Ocular Syphilis ◽  
Infectious Uveitis

Purpose: The purpose of this case series is to illustrate the importance of diagnosis and treatment of infectious uveitis and to suggest syphilis screening guidelines before the initiation of immunosuppressive therapy. Method: A retrospective case series (2016-2018) from a Chicago-area academic retina practice was conducted. Primary outcomes include ocular syphilis response to discontinuation of immunomodulatory agents and initiation of penicillin treatment as assessed by improvement of visual acuity and ocular inflammation. Results: Three patients with ocular syphilis in the setting of immunosuppressive therapy are presented. Two cases were identified of misdiagnosed ocular syphilis in patients initially treated with immunosuppressive therapy including adalimumab for their uveitis. A third case of ocular syphilis in a patient being treated with infliximab for ankylosing spondylitis is also presented. Once laboratory testing confirmed the presence of syphilis, immunosuppressive therapies were immediately stopped; signs of inflammation and visual acuity improved with adequate treatment for neurosyphilis including intravenous penicillin. Conclusions: Ocular syphilis may present in a variety of ways and cannot be ruled out without appropriate testing. Syphilitic uveitis should be on the differential of any patient presenting with ocular inflammation and screened for accordingly. It is particularly critical that syphilis be screened for before starting immunosuppressive treatment for uveitis to minimize the risk of long-term ocular damage from a treatable infectious uveitis. These cases convey the importance of establishing guidelines around screening for syphilis prior to starting immunosuppressive treatment for uveitis.

scholarly journals Incidence, Risk, and Visual Outcomes after Repositioning of Acute Non-Traumatic Flap Dislocations Following Femtosecond-Assisted LASIK

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2478
Author(s):  
Majid Moshirfar ◽  
David G. West ◽  
Chase M Miller ◽  
William B. West ◽  
Shannon E. McCabe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Visual Acuity ◽  
High Myopia ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Visual Outcomes ◽  
Uncorrected Distance Visual Acuity ◽  
Incidence Risk ◽  
Mechanical Devices

Although the use of femtosecond lasers instead of mechanical devices has decreased the incidence of flap complications following laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), dislocations and striae still occur. Flap repositioning is an effective intervention to improve visual outcomes after acute flap complications in both microkeratome-assisted and femtosecond-assisted LASIK. This retrospective case series included patients undergoing flap repositioning secondary to acute flap dislocation and/or visually significant striae within the first two weeks following femtosecond LASIK (FS-LASIK) from 2015 to 2020 at a single institution. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative de-identified data were analyzed for incidence, risk factors, and visual acuity outcomes. The incidence of flap repositioning was 0.35% in 21,536 eyes (n = 70). Indications for repositioning included acute flap dislocation (35.7%) and visually significant striae (64.3%). High myopia (OR = 3.04, p = 0.001) and patient age over 50 years (OR = 3.69, p = 0.001) were the strongest risk factors for these complications. Prior to flap repositioning, uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) of 20/20 or better and 20/40 or better occurred in 19% and 57% of eyes, respectively. After repositioning, a final UDVA of 20/20 or better and 20/40 or better occurred in 78% and 98% of eyes, respectively. After repositioning, one line of UDVA was lost in two eyes (2.8%) and two lines were lost in one eye (1.4%). Risk factors for acute flap dislocation included high myopia and age over 50 years. Flap repositioning was effective in salvaging visual outcomes.

scholarly journals Combined Pars Plana Glaucoma Drainage Device Placement and Vitrectomy Using a Vitrectomy Sclerotomy Site for Tube Placement: A Case Series

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enchi Kristina Chang ◽  
Sanchay Gupta ◽  
Marika Chachanidze ◽  
John B. Miller ◽  
Ta Chen Chang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Tube Placement ◽  
Glaucoma Drainage Device ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Tube Obstruction ◽  
Pars Plana ◽  
Sclerotomy Site

Abstract Background: The purpose of this study is to report the safety and efficacy of pars plana (PP) glaucoma drainage devices (GDDs) with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) using one of the vitrectomy sclerotomy sites for tube placement in patients with refractory glaucoma.Methods: Retrospective case series of 28 eyes of 28 patients who underwent combined PP GDD and PPV between November 2016 and September 2019 at Massachusetts Eye and Ear. Main outcome measures were intraocular pressure (IOP), glaucoma medication burden, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and complications. Statistical tests were performed with R and included Kaplan-Meier analyses, Wilcoxon paired signed-rank tests, and Fisher tests.Results: Mean IOP decreased from 22.8 mmHg to 11.4 mmHg at 1.5 years (p = 0.009), and mean medication burden decreased from 4.3 to 1.7 at 1.5 years (p = 0.009). Both IOP and medication burden were significantly lower at all follow-up time points. The probability of achieving 5 ≤ IOP ≤ 18 mmHg with at least 20% IOP reduction from preoperative levels was 77.7% at 1 year and 45.8% at 1.5 years. At their last visit, four eyes (14.3%) achieved complete success with IOP reduction as above without medications, and 13 eyes (46.2%) achieved qualified success with medications. Visual acuity was unchanged or improved in 23 eyes (82.1%) at their last follow-up. Two patients had a visual acuity decrease of >2 lines. Two eyes required subsequent PPV for tube obstruction, and one eye had transient hypotony.Conclusions: The results of pars plana GDD and vitrectomy using one of the vitrectomy sclerotomy sites for tube placement are promising, resulting in significant IOP and medication-burden reductions through postoperative year 1.5 without additional risk of postoperative complications. Inserting GDDs into an existing vitrectomy sclerotomy site may potentially save surgical time by obviating the need to create another sclerotomy for tube placement and suture one of the vitrectomy ports.

scholarly journals Neurosyphilis and ocular syphilis clinical and cerebrospinal fluid characteristics: a case series

2018 ◽  
Vol 76 (6) ◽  
pp. 373-380 ◽  
Author(s):  
Conrado Regis Borges ◽  
Sérgio Monteiro de Almeida ◽  
Karen Sue ◽  
Jéssyca Luana Alves Koslyk ◽  
Mario Teruo Sato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Cranial Nerve ◽  
Cranial Nerve Palsy ◽  
Nerve Palsy ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
White Blood Cells ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Transverse Myelitis ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Ocular Syphilis

ABSTRACT Background During the first decade of this century, a significant increase in the incidence of syphilis was documented. Objective To study clinical and laboratory characteristics of central nervous system and ocular syphilis. Methods A retrospective case series of 13 patients with a clinical and laboratory diagnosis of neurosyphilis and/or ocular syphilis who had been admitted to the Neurology and Neuro-ophthalmology Service of the Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná. Results Nine patients had a diagnosis of neurosyphilis and two of them also had ocular syphilis. Four patients had a diagnosis of ocular syphilis alone. Among the patients with a diagnosis of neurosyphilis, six had symptomatic syphilitic meningitis, of whom one manifested as cranial nerve palsy alone, one as cranial nerve palsy plus ocular syphilis, two as transverse myelitis (syphilitic meningomyelitis), one as meningitis worsening the patient’s myasthenia gravis symptoms and one as meningitis plus ocular syphilis. Additionally, we diagnosed three patients with meningovascular neurosyphilis. In the univariate analysis, patients without ocular syphilis showed greater levels of total protein and white blood cells in the cerebrospinal fluid than patients with ocular syphilis. Conclusion This Brazilian case series of patients with neurosyphilis and ocular syphilis highlights the wide variability of this disease. A high degree of diagnostic suspicion is necessary when facing neurological and ocular symptoms for rapid diagnosis and appropriate management of patients.

Outcomes of corneal neurotisation using processed nerve allografts: a multicentre case series

2020 ◽  
pp. bjophthalmol-2020-317361
Author(s):  
Adam R Sweeney ◽  
Margaret Wang ◽  
Christopher L Weller ◽  
Cat Burkat ◽  
Andrea L. Kossler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Ocular Trauma ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Corneal Sensation ◽  
Corrected Visual Acuity ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Maximal Gain ◽  
Prior Infection

BackgroundCorneal neurotisation is a rapidly evolving procedure treating neurotrophic keratopathy. The variety of surgical techniques used and corresponding outcomes after corneal neurotisation are not well understood. This study describes the techniques and outcomes in the largest case series of corneal neurotisation using processed nerve allografts to date.MethodsThis is a retrospective case series of patients who underwent corneal neurotisation with human cadaveric processed nerve allografts. All patients had preoperative and postoperative description of best corrected visual acuity and measurement of corneal sensation. Comparative studies after stratification of techniques were performed.ResultsA total of 17 patients were identified. The cause of corneal anaesthesia was prior infection in eight cases, trigeminal nerve palsy in eight cases and ocular trauma in one case. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Following neurotisation surgery, the time to first gain of corneal sensation and maximal gain of sensation occurred at a mean of 3.7 months (range 1–8 months) and 6.6 months (range 3–15 months), respectively. The mean preoperative and postoperative corneal sensation as measured by Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometry was 0.36 cm (range 0–3.2 cm) and 4.42 cm (range 0–6 cm), respectively (p<0.01). Visual acuity was unchanged after neurotisation. There were no statistical differences in outcomes based on end-to-end versus end-to-side coaptations, donor nerve selection or laterality of donor nerve.ConclusionCorneal neurotisation with processed nerve allografts is a safe and effective procedure. This study provides further evidence for the use of processed nerve allografts for corneal neurotisation.

scholarly journals Comparison of Outcomes after Phacoemulsification with Two Different Corneal Incision Distances Anterior to the Limbus

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Lijun Wang ◽  
Lin Zhao ◽  
Xiting Yang ◽  
Yi Zhang ◽  
Dingying Liao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Anterior Segment ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Senile Cataract ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Corneal Incision ◽  
Clear Corneal Incision ◽  
Corneal Aberrations ◽  
Anterior Segment Parameters ◽  
Group B

Purpose. To compare visual performance and visual quality outcomes after phacoemulsification with two different clear corneal incision (CCI) distances anterior to the limbus in senile cataract patients. Methods. Retrospective case series. Patients who had undergone phacoemulsification were divided into two groups according to the CCI distances anterior to the limbus. The CCI distances in group A range from 1 mm to 1.5 mm, while those in group B range from 0.5 mm to 1 mm. The visual acuity, refraction, surgically induced astigmatism (SIA), corneal aberrations, anterior segment parameters, and subjective vision quality were evaluated. Results. This study enrolled 54 eyes, with 27 eyes per group. Both groups had significant improvement in postoperative uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant between-group differences in postoperative UDVA, CDVA, SIA, corneal aberrations, anterior segment parameters, or VF-QOL questionnaire performance (P>0.05). Conclusions. The phacoemulsification with CCI distances ranging from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm is an effective and safe therapy to senile cataract. The CCI distance anterior to the limbus that ranges from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm is recommended for routine phacoemulsification.

Comparison between Outcomes of Vitrectomy in Granulomatous and Nongranulomatous Uveitis

2015 ◽  
Vol 235 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kei Takayama ◽  
Atushi Tanaka ◽  
Sho Ishikawa ◽  
Manabu Mochizuki ◽  
Masaru Takeuchi
Keyword(s):  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Immunosuppressive Therapy ◽  
Anterior Segment ◽  
Ocular Inflammation ◽  
Posterior Segment ◽  
Ocular Complications ◽  
Granulomatous Uveitis ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Inflammation Score

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of vitrectomy in granulomatous uveitis and nongranulomatous uveitis insufficiently managed by immunosuppressive therapy. Methods: Thirty-eight eyes with granulomatous uveitis and 17 eyes with nongranulomatous uveitis that underwent vitrectomy for ocular complications between July 2006 and August 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. Visual acuity and ocular inflammation scores before and 6 months after surgery were compared. Patients treated with vitrectomy alone and those in whom vitrectomy was combined with phacoemulsification were analyzed separately. Results: The mean visual acuity improved significantly both in granulomatous and nongranulomatous uveitis. In granulomatous uveitis, the mean inflammation scores decreased significantly both in the anterior segment and in the posterior segment. In nongranulomatous uveitis, the mean inflammation score in the posterior segment decreased significantly, although it did not change in the anterior segment. Conclusion: Vitrectomy was effective for treating ocular complications both in granulomatous uveitis and nongranulomatous uveitis, with favorable outcomes of improved visual acuity and decreased uveitis activity.

scholarly journals Safety and effectiveness of intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation at Al-Dharan Eye Specialist Hospital, Al-Dharan, Saudi Arabia

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 1295
Author(s):  
Abdulaziz Alaqsam ◽  
Mohanna AL-Jindan ◽  
Ammar Almahmod ◽  
Ibrahim Gosadi
Keyword(s):  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Applanation Tonometry ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Intrastromal Corneal Ring ◽  
Case Series Study ◽  
Ring Segment ◽  
The Mean ◽  
One Year

Background: Intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation is one of the treatment options of keratoconus. This study is aiming to evaluate safety and effectivness of ICRS implantation at Al-Dharan Eye Specialist Hospital.Methods: This study is a descriptive retrospective case series study. The target population of this study is patients diagnosed with corneal ectasia who underwent ICRS implantation in Al-Dharan Eye Specialist Hospital, Al-Dharan, Saudi Arabia. Preoperative and postoperative data about uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle–corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), manifest refraction, keratometry, applanation tonometry, corneal topography, and slit-lamp biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy were retrieved from medical records of department of Medical Archive. Paired students t-test was used to compare preoperative and postoperative means of study variables.Results: The total number of recruited patients in this study was 57 patients where 62% of them were males. Sixty-six treated eyes were included in this study where no intra-operative complications were recorded. Upon comparing the mean preoperative data to the mean postoperative data at three months, six months and one year intervals, an overall improvement in the measured outcomes was witnessed. UCVA, BSCVA, and keratometric readings exhibited a statistically significant improvement when comparing preoperative with one-year postoperative findings (p<0.001).Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that ICRS implantation is a safe and effective treatment for keratoconus.

scholarly journals Intraocular Inflammation Control and Changes in Retinal and Choroidal Architecture in Refractory Non-Infectious Uveitis Patients after Adalimumab Therapy

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 510 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vittorio Pirani ◽  
Paolo Pelliccioni ◽  
Serena De Turris ◽  
Alessandro Rosati ◽  
Alessandro Franceschi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Choroidal Thickness ◽  
Ocular Inflammation ◽  
Tnf Alpha ◽  
Immunomodulatory Drugs ◽  
Adalimumab Therapy ◽  
Secondary Endpoints ◽  
Infectious Uveitis ◽  
Visual Acuity Loss

Background: Non-infectious uveitis represents a leading cause of visual impairment, and inflammation control represents a major priority in tackling visual acuity loss due to complications such as macular edema; different immunomodulatory drugs are currently being used, including anti-TNF-alpha Adalimumab. Methods: This was a monocentric observational study of 18 eyes of 18 patients with non-infectious uveitis treated with Adalimumab. The primary endpoint was the control of ocular inflammation. The secondary endpoints included the study of macular and choroidal thickness and architecture, visual acuity, changes in other treatments, and adverse effects. Results: Ocular inflammation was controlled at 12 months for 83.3% of patients. Central macular thickness improved from a median of 229.75 µm at baseline to 213 µm at 12 months, while choroidal thickness decreased by 11.54% at the end of the follow-up. A reduction of vasculitis on fluorescein angiography and of hyperreflective spots on optical coherence tomography was noted. Visual acuity also improved from 0.51 (logMAR) before treatment to 0.24 at more than 12 months (p = 0.01). A total of 11.1% of patients experienced side effects. Conclusion: Our study confirms the efficacy of adalimumab for the control of ocular inflammation, visual acuity preservation, and for corticosteroid sparing.

Efficacy of High-dose Steroids for Visual Acuity Improvement in Methanol-induced Toxic Optic Neuropathy

2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 60
Author(s):  
Theresia Yinski ◽  
Syntia Nusanti
Keyword(s):  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Optic Neuropathy ◽  
Alcohol Intoxication ◽  
Age Distribution ◽  
Case Series ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Toxic Optic Neuropathy ◽  
Sudden Blindness

Introduction : Methanol-induced toxic optic neuropathy (TON) is defined as a visual impairment due to optic nerve damage by methanol poisoning. Not only is this disease entity underdiagnosed at times, this sudden blindness is also often diagnosed at a stage where recovery of vision is no longer possible. Materials and Methods : A literature search was conducted using PubMed, ClinicalKey, Google Scholar and ScienceDirect by combining the keywords ‘methanol’ or ‘methyl alcohol’, ‘intoxication’ or ‘poisoning’, ‘toxic optic neuropathy’, and ‘visual acuity’ with ‘high-dose steroid’. Results : The total amount of subjects in each article varied from 2 to 37, with mean age distribution of 26.34 to 55 years old, where most patients were male. The follow up duration varied from 1 week to 1 year. Four articles do not mention high-dose steroids treatment as therapy while the other four mention use of 1000 mg of intravenous methylprednisolone per day with divided doses of either 2x500 mg or 4x250 mg. Improvement percentages show 100% improvement in all studies that used high-dose steroids, while in the non-high-dose steroids studies the improvement percentages range from 33.33% to 90%. Summary : High-dose steroids are showing efficacy in improving visual acuity and reducing the inflammation in methanol-induced TON. The period of how fast the therapy takes effect is inconclusive, as the mean follow-up time differs widely per study. However, because most of the reviewed studies here are retrospective case series, a larger, more comprehensive study is required to acknowledge more of the efficacy profile.

scholarly journals Cataract Surgery with a New Fluidics Control Phacoemulsification System in Nanophthalmic Eyes

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 496-504 ◽  
Author(s):  
John S.M. Chang ◽  
Jack C.M. Ng ◽  
Vincent K.C. Chan ◽  
Antony K.P. Law
Keyword(s):  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Cataract Surgery ◽  
Intraocular Lens ◽  
Vision System ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Research Committee ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Prior Approval ◽  
Line Loss ◽  
Uveal Effusion

Purpose: To report visual outcomes and complications after cataract surgery in nanophthalmic eyes with a phacoemulsification system using the active fluidics control strategy. Methods: This is a retrospective case series. All eyes with an axial length of less than 20 mm that underwent cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange using the Centurion Vision System (Alcon Laboratories Inc.) in Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital were evaluated. The visual acuity and intraoperative and postoperative complications were reported. Prior approval from the Hospital Research Committee has been granted. Results: Five eyes of 3 patients were included. The mean follow-up period was 10.2 ± 5.3 months (range, 4–18). Two eyes (40%) had a one-line loss of corrected distance visual acuity. No uveal effusion and posterior capsular tear developed. An optic crack and haptic breakage in the intraocular lens developed in 1 eye (20%) and 2 eyes (40%), respectively. Additional surgeries to treat high postoperative intraocular pressure were required in 1 eye (20%). Conclusion: The use of a new phacoemulsification system, which actively monitors and maintains the intraoperative pressure, facilitated anterior chamber stability during cataract surgery in nanophthalmic eyes. This minimized the risk of major complications related to unstable anterior chambers such as uveal effusion and posterior capsular tear. Development of intraoperative crack/breakage in a high-power intraocular lens was common.

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