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Background@#and Purpose Left atrial or left atrial appendage (LA/LAA) thrombi are frequently observed during cardioembolic evaluation in patients with ischemic stroke. This study aimed to investigate stroke outcomes in patients with LA/LAA thrombus. @*Methods@#This retrospective study included patients admitted to a single tertiary center in Korea between January 2012 and December 2020. Patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who underwent transesophageal echocardiography or multi-detector coronary computed tomography were included in the study. Poor outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale score >3 at 90 days. The inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis was performed. @*Results@#Of the 631 patients included in this study, 68 (10.7%) had LA/LAA thrombi. Patients were likely to have a poor outcome when an LA/LAA thrombus was detected (42.6% vs. 17.4%, P<0.001). Inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis yielded a higher probability of poor outcomes in patients with LA/LAA thrombus than in those without LA/LAA thrombus (P<0.001). Patients with LA/LAA thrombus were more likely to have relevant arterial occlusion on angiography (36.3% vs. 22.4%, P=0.047) and a longer hospital stay (8 vs. 7 days, P<0.001) than those without LA/LAA thrombus. However, there was no difference in early neurological deterioration during hospitalization or major adverse cardiovascular events within 3 months between the two groups. @*Conclusions@#Patients with ischemic stroke who had an LA/LAA thrombus were at risk of a worse functional outcome after 3 months, which was associated with relevant arterial occlusion and prolonged hospital stay.
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Purpose@#To develop a deep learning model to predict visual acuity (VA) outcomes after 12 months of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment. @*Methods@#A total of 330 treatment-naive eyes of neovascular age-related macular degeneration patients, who underwent anti-VEGF therapy between 2007 and 2020 at Konkuk University medical center, were included. The network was trained using VA at baseline, VA after three loading doses of anti-VEGF, and treatment regimen data. It was also trained using 12,300 augmented optical coherence tomography (OCT) B-scan images at baseline and after three loading doses of anti-VEGF. We generated five deep learning models using sequentially input data (VA and OCT B-scan images at baseline and after three loading doses, and treatment regimen). Prediction of VA at 12 months was performed using deep learning algorithms, such as convolutional neural network and multilayer perceptron. The outcomes were dichotomized based on whether the decremental change in VA during the 12 months of treatment was more or less than logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution 0.3. Predictive efficiency was assessed by comparing the performance of deep learning models. @*Results@#The best performing model was trained using input data, including VA at baseline and after three loading doses, treatment regimen, and OCT B-scan images at baseline and after three loading doses. The decremental outcome in VA after 12 months of anti-VEGF treatment was predicted as an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.79. The addition of OCT images at baseline and after three loading doses as input data improved the AUC, sensitivity, and negative predictive value (AUC 0.74-0.79, 0.58-0.86, and 0.90-0.95, respectively). @*Conclusions@#Our deep learning model showed relatively good performance in classifying good or poor post-treatment VA based on combined clinical information including numerical and image data.
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Purpose@#To investigate the safety of single and combined use of epinephrine and indocyanine green during cataract surgery by evaluating the effects on corneal endothelial cells. @*Methods@#From January 2017 to October 2021, 121 patients (132 eyes) who underwent cataract surgery were enrolled. Patients were divided into 4 groups: epinephrine (n = 20), indocyanine green (n = 49), epinephrine and indocyanine green combination (n = 12), and control (n = 51). Retrospective medical chart findings and endothelial cell count change data were compared among study groups before and after operation. @*Results@#Endothelial cell count change (△ECC) decreased for all groups; however, a significant difference among groups was not observed (p = 0.822). Univariate linear regression showed that △ECC was associated with postoperative hexagonality, nuclear sclerosis grade, ultrasound time, and cumulative dissipated energy (beta = -0.216, 0.254, 0.368, 0.351 and p = 0.013, p = 0.003, p < 0.001, p < 0.001). Multivariate linear regression showed that △ECC was associated with postoperative hexagonality and ultrasound time (beta = -0.215, 0.367, p = 0.010, p < 0.001). @*Conclusions@#Factors closely associated with postoperative endothelial cell loss were postoperative hexagonality and ultrasound time. No significant damage to the corneal endothelium was observed when epinephrine and indocyanine green were used alone or in combination. Thus, these agents appear safe for use in this context.
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Purpose@#The present study aimed to quantify various factors of vessel morphology, including vessel diameter, length, and complexity (fractal dimension and lacunarity) of both choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and en face Haller vessels using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and en face structural optical coherence tomography in typical neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and to identify factors associated with visual acuity (VA) loss and number of injections within a year after the day of OCTA. @*Methods@#We retrospectively analyzed 43 eyes of nAMD patients and 33 eyes of PCV patients whose OCTA was performed at least 12 months after an initial anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment. Quantitative parameters, including vessel area, vessel diameter, vessel length, fractal dimension, and lacunarity were analyzed from en face images of CNV and Haller vessels. Clinical information, including logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity and injection number of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor were acquired after 12 months from OCTA date. Using logistic regression analyses, parameters associated with logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution VA loss of 0.2 or more (VA loss group) and a number of injections of four or more (unstable group) after 12 months were analyzed. @*Results@#In typical nAMD, the VA loss group was associated with a smaller number of intersections of Haller vessels. The unstable group was associated with an increased lacunarity of CNV in typical nAMD. In PCV, both VA loss and unstable groups were associated with a higher maximal diameter of Haller vessels. @*Conclusions@#VA loss and injection number of nAMD and PCV 12 months after OCTA imaging were associated with different morphological parameters of CNV and Haller vessels. Therefore, quantitative analyses of both CNV and Haller vessels from OCTA and en face optical coherence tomography might provide prognostic information about visual outcome and injection frequency within 12 months after OCTA imaging.
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Purpose@#The present study aimed to quantify various factors of vessel morphology, including vessel diameter, length, and complexity (fractal dimension and lacunarity) of both choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and en face Haller vessels using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and en face structural optical coherence tomography in typical neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and to identify factors associated with visual acuity (VA) loss and number of injections within a year after the day of OCTA. @*Methods@#We retrospectively analyzed 43 eyes of nAMD patients and 33 eyes of PCV patients whose OCTA was performed at least 12 months after an initial anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment. Quantitative parameters, including vessel area, vessel diameter, vessel length, fractal dimension, and lacunarity were analyzed from en face images of CNV and Haller vessels. Clinical information, including logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity and injection number of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor were acquired after 12 months from OCTA date. Using logistic regression analyses, parameters associated with logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution VA loss of 0.2 or more (VA loss group) and a number of injections of four or more (unstable group) after 12 months were analyzed. @*Results@#In typical nAMD, the VA loss group was associated with a smaller number of intersections of Haller vessels. The unstable group was associated with an increased lacunarity of CNV in typical nAMD. In PCV, both VA loss and unstable groups were associated with a higher maximal diameter of Haller vessels. @*Conclusions@#VA loss and injection number of nAMD and PCV 12 months after OCTA imaging were associated with different morphological parameters of CNV and Haller vessels. Therefore, quantitative analyses of both CNV and Haller vessels from OCTA and en face optical coherence tomography might provide prognostic information about visual outcome and injection frequency within 12 months after OCTA imaging.
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Purpose@#We quantitatively analyzed the therapeutic effects of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) and dexamethasone implants used to treat macular edema caused by retinal vein occlusion. @*Methods@#Eighty-three patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) or central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) with macular edema treated from February 2009 to August 2019 via anti-VEGF injections or dexamethasone implants were enrolled. The medical records of 83 eyes were retrospectively analyzed. Horizontal B-scan spectral domain optical coherence tomography images spanning the foveal center were obtained before treatment and 1 month later. These were analyzed with the aid of Image J software and the numbers of pixels corresponding to intraretinal and subretinal fluids calculated. @*Results@#In patients with BRVO, the retinal fluid changes were identical 1 month after injection in both the anti-VEGF injection and the dexamethasone implant groups. For CRVO cases, the dexamethasone implant group exhibited a significantly higher loss of retinal fluid and thus a greater reduction in retinal edema than the anti-VEGF group. Linear regression analysis revealed that in BRVO cases poor final visual acuity was associated with a large amount of fluid at baseline and poor visual acuity 1 and 3 months after treatment. In CRVO cases, poor final visual acuity was associated with a large change in the intraretinal fluid level and poor visual acuity 3 months after treatment. @*Conclusions@#The extent of anatomical and visual acuity improvement did not differ between the anti-VEGF injection and the dexamethasone injection groups with BRVO. For CRVO patients, the short-term anatomical improvement was significantly greater in the latter group, but the extent of vision improvement was significantly higher in the former group.
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Purpose@#We quantitatively analyzed the therapeutic effects of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) and dexamethasone implants used to treat macular edema caused by retinal vein occlusion. @*Methods@#Eighty-three patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) or central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) with macular edema treated from February 2009 to August 2019 via anti-VEGF injections or dexamethasone implants were enrolled. The medical records of 83 eyes were retrospectively analyzed. Horizontal B-scan spectral domain optical coherence tomography images spanning the foveal center were obtained before treatment and 1 month later. These were analyzed with the aid of Image J software and the numbers of pixels corresponding to intraretinal and subretinal fluids calculated. @*Results@#In patients with BRVO, the retinal fluid changes were identical 1 month after injection in both the anti-VEGF injection and the dexamethasone implant groups. For CRVO cases, the dexamethasone implant group exhibited a significantly higher loss of retinal fluid and thus a greater reduction in retinal edema than the anti-VEGF group. Linear regression analysis revealed that in BRVO cases poor final visual acuity was associated with a large amount of fluid at baseline and poor visual acuity 1 and 3 months after treatment. In CRVO cases, poor final visual acuity was associated with a large change in the intraretinal fluid level and poor visual acuity 3 months after treatment. @*Conclusions@#The extent of anatomical and visual acuity improvement did not differ between the anti-VEGF injection and the dexamethasone injection groups with BRVO. For CRVO patients, the short-term anatomical improvement was significantly greater in the latter group, but the extent of vision improvement was significantly higher in the former group.
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Paroxysmal dysarthria and ataxia is characterized by abrupt onset of dysarthria and ataxia of unilateral limbs for seconds. We present a 45-year-old female patient with paroxysmal symptoms of dysarthria, right-sided ataxia, and a persistent symptom of upbeating nystagmus. Her brain fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) magnetic resonance imaging indicated potential diagnosis of demyelinating disease. The paroxysmal and persistent symptoms have recovered after phenytoin administration. Sodium channel blocker may play a role in reducing the ephaptic transmission in a demyelinated or re-myelinated lesion.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Ataxia , Brain , Demyelinating Diseases , Diagnosis , Dysarthria , Extremities , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Phenytoin , Sodium ChannelsABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To investigate the prognostic factors of visual and anatomic outcomes in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) treated with intravitreal injection of dexamethasone implant. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 32 eyes of 31 patients with DME for best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness, and height and width of both intraretinal fluid (IRF) and subretinal fluid. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine correlations between the baseline characteristics and outcomes at 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: Baseline predictor of BCVA ≥20 / 40 at month 3 was short height of baseline IRF (p = 0.02), while good baseline BCVA was a predictor for month 6 (p = 0.01). Predictors of improvement in logarithm of minimum angle of resolution BCVA 0.2 at month 3 were the absence of baseline IRF and poor baseline BCVA (p = 0.02 and p = 0.009, respectively), while poor baseline BCVA was the sole predictor at month 6 (p = 0.01). Predictor of central macular thickness ≤300 µm at month 3 was younger age (p = 0.03), while the absence of IRF was the predictor for BCVA improvement at month 6 (p = 0.02). BCVA ≤20 / 100 at month 3 was predicted by poor baseline BCVA (p = 0.01), and increased width of total IRF was the predictor at month 6 (p = 0.02). Predictor of loss of logarithm of minimum angle of resolution BCVA 0.2 at month 6 was increased width of total IRF at baseline (p = 0.04). Additional injection within 6 months was negatively associated with the presence of baseline DME (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The visual and anatomical outcome of DME treatment with dexamethasone implant can be predicted by baseline visual acuity and IRF morphology.
Subject(s)
Humans , Dexamethasone , Diabetic Retinopathy , Intravitreal Injections , Logistic Models , Macular Edema , Prognosis , Retrospective Studies , Subretinal Fluid , Visual AcuityABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To investigate the correlation between 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring and peripapillary retinal vessel width and visual field (VF) defect progression in normal tension glaucoma (NTG) patients. METHODS: All patients were classified by 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring as non-dipper (nocturnal dip < 10%) and dipper (nocturnal dip ≥ 10%) group. Vessel diameter, mean deviation (MD) value by VF test and VF progression from Glaucoma Progression Analysis (GPA) were compared among non-dipper and dipper groups. RESULTS: Retinal arterial diameter was wider in the non-dipper group compared to the dipper group (p = 0.015), while retinal venous diameter had no significant relationship between the two groups (p = 0.131). The MD value at baseline and 2 years after was worse in the non-dipper group than the dipper group, respectively (p = 0.006, p = 0.030). But, there was no significant relationship between nocturnal dip and GPA progression (p = 0.658). CONCLUSIONS: There was a statistically significant correlation between nocturnal dips and retinal arterial diameter and MD values. These results suggest that non-invasive fundus photography can predict hemodynamic features like nocturnal dip.