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Background: Ophthalmic dirofilariasis is an uncommon zoonotic parasitic infection caused by species of Dirofilaria, a dog tapeworm that is transmitted to human by mosquitoes. Man is a dead?end host for the parasite. Ophthalmic involvement is rare and includes periorbital, subconjunctival, subtenon, and intra?ocular involvement. We report the removal of a subconjunctival worm and identification by light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Purpose: A 62?year?old female presented with complaints of redness, discharge, and foreign body sensation with difficulty in opening eyes in the left eye for the last 3 days. The patient is a non?vegetarian. On examination, her best corrected visual acuity in both eyes was 20/20. On slit lamp examination, there was a long, thin, round, coiled white subconjunctival live worm in the left eye superiorly. The rest of anterior segment evaluation, intra?ocular pressure, and fundus was normal in both eyes. The parasite was removed under local anesthesia from subconjunctival space [Video]. External surface morphology under LM revealed fine transverse cuticular striations with tapered cephalic and caudal ends. Uterus was long and coiled with indistinguishable masses inside. The finding was also confirmed by SEM. Synopsis: A subconjuctival parasite was removed and identified as Dirofilaria repens by characteristic LM and SEM findings. Highlight: Dirofilaria species may lodge in many tissues of human bodies including eye and adnexa. Dirofilaria is a natural parasite of carnivorous animals, mostly dogs, cats, and foxes.[1] The most common mode of transmission to human is usually by bite of mosquitoes like Culex and Aedes, which are considered as vectors, and it is often thought that parasitemia is because of accidental conduction.[1] Simple surgical removal of the worm is curative. After removal, the worm should be visualized directly under LM. All the internal structures of the transparent worm could be seen and compared with those under SEM.
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This case report describes three eyes of two patients, who were diagnosed to have endogenous fungal endophthalmitis post coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Both patients underwent vitrectomy with intravitreal anti-fungal injection. Intra-ocular samples confirmed the fungal etiology by conventional microbiological investigations and polymerase chain reaction in both cases. The patients were treated with multiple intravitreal and oral anti-fungal agents; however, vision could not be salvaged.
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Purpose: The research activity in pediatric glaucoma (PG) was qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated using a scientometric approach. Methods: The “Web of Science” database was accessed for primary bibliometric data regarding PG using search terms “pediatric glaucoma,” “paediatric glaucoma,” “congenital glaucoma,” and “childhood glaucoma.” The data was analyzed for total research productivity, citations, and scientific output in terms of journals, countries, institutions, and authors. The results were further characterized for coauthorship links and visualized by VOS viewer software. Also, the top 25 cited articles were reviewed with the above bibliometric characteristics. Results: One thousand two hundred and sixty?nine items were obtained from our search query from 1955 to 2022; these received 15,485 citations, originated from 78 countries. The top?3 contributing countries were the United States of America (n = 369), India (n = 134), and China (n = 127). LV Prasad Eye Institute (n = 58), Duke University (n = 44), and King Khalid Eye Specialist Hospital (n = 42) were the top?3 productive institutes. The top?3 prolific authors were Mandal AK (n = 53), Freedman, SF (n = 36), and Sarfarazi, M (n = 33). Journal wise, “Investigative Ophthalmology” (n = 187), “Journal of Glaucoma” (n = 92), and “Journal of AAPOS” (n = 68) were the journals in which the most articles were published. The top?25 cited documents received 3564 citations and were published between 1977 and 2016. The key areas of interest were basic sciences (genetics of childhood glaucoma) and surgical management. Conclusion: United States of America, LVPEI, Mandal AK, and “Investigative Ophthalmology” were the top rankers as far as the productivity and publications related to PG are concerned. Articles on molecular genetics in PG have received interest among the ophthalmology community.
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Purpose: To report the clinical profile of Behcet’s disease and its management with immunosuppressants and biologics in a cohort of 25 patients from a tertiary eye care center in South India. Methods: This was a retrospective, observational study. Records of 45 eyes of 25 patients between January 2016 and December 2021 were retrieved from the hospital database. Complete ophthalmic evaluation and systemic examination by the rheumatologist with appropriate investigations had been done. Results were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Results: Males (19, 76%) were found to be more affected than females (6, 24%). Mean age of presentation was 27.68 ± 11.08 years. Twenty patients had bilateral involvement (80%), and unilateral involvement was seen in five patients (20%). Seven eyes of four patients (16%) had isolated anterior uveitis, out of which one patient had unilateral and three patients had bilateral involvement. Twenty?six eyes of 16 patients (64%) had posterior uveitis, out of which six patients had unilateral and 10 had bilateral involvement. Twelve eyes of seven patients (28%) had panuveitis, out of which two patients had unilateral and five had bilateral involvement. Hypopyon was seen in five eyes (11.1%) and posterior synechiae in seven eyes (15.55%). Posterior segment findings included vitritis (24.44%), vasculitis (17.78%), retinitis (17.78%), disc hyperemia (11.11%), and disc pallor (8.89%). Steroids alone were given in five patients (20%) and intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) was given in four patients (16%). Immunosuppressive agents along with steroids were given in 20 patients (80%), of which azathioprine alone was given in seven patients (28%), cyclosporin alone was given in two patients (8%), mycophenolate mofetil alone was given in three patients (12%), combination of azathioprine and cyclosporin was given in six patients (24%), and combination of methotrexate and mycophenolate mofetil was given in one patient (4%). Biologics were given in 10 patients (40%) – adalimumab in seven patients (28%) and infliximab in three patients (12%). Conclusion: Behcet’s disease is an uncommon uveitis in India. Addition of immunosuppressants and biologics to conventional steroid therapy gives better visual outcomes.
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Purpose: To describe the clinical features and management of patients with scleritis associated with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) at a tertiary eye care center in South India. Methods: The clinical profile and management of patients presenting to a tertiary eye care center in South India with scleritis secondary to GPA from 2003 to 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. Scleritis was classified into anterior diffuse, nodular, and necrotizing scleritis with inflammation according to Watson and Hayreh’s classification. Demographic characteristics, clinical features, anti?neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) positivity, treatment response, ocular complications, and status at the last follow?up were analyzed. Statistical analysis of data was performed using Microsoft Excel 2019. Results: Nineteen eyes of 17 patients (15 cytoplasmic staining ANCA [c?ANCA], two p?ANCA positive) were included. Fifteen eyes had necrotizing scleritis, two had diffuse anterior scleritis, and two had nodular scleritis. Remission was induced using a combination of steroids and cyclophosphamide or rituximab. Maintenance therapy was instituted using tapering steroids and immunosuppressants like cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, methotrexate, or rituximab. Three eyes required a scleral patch graft. Fourteen patients had good anatomical and visual outcomes, and three were lost to follow?up. Conclusion: GPA is a rare disease, while it is the most common ANCA?associated vasculitis with scleritis. As scleritis may be the presenting sign of the disease, ophthalmologists must be aware of the various features suggestive of GPA. GPA?associated scleritis can have a good prognosis when diagnosed promptly and managed aggressively in the acute stage, and remission is maintained with adequate systemic immunosuppression.
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Purpose: To compare outcomes of surgical management of uveitic glaucoma (UG) and steroid?induced glaucoma (SIG) in children in terms of intraocular pressure (IOP) control, visual acuity, and associations for failure. Methods: This was a retrospective case–control study of consecutive UG (cases) and non?uveitic SIG (controls) in children <18 years of age who underwent surgery between January 2005 and December 2017. Results: Primary trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (MMC) was performed in 12 cases (mean age: 9.2 ± 4.3 years) and 40 controls (mean age: 10.4 ± 3.7 years) (P = 0.33). Primary phaco?trabeculectomy with MMC was performed in 11 cases (mean age: 11.4 ± 4.7 years) and 16 controls (mean age: 10.4 ± 3.4 years) (P = 0.57). IOP control (P = 0.26), visual acuity (P = 0.97), number of glaucoma medications (P = 0.06), and survival rates (49% cases vs. 68% controls at 5 years; P = 0.22) were similar between the two groups following trabeculectomy. Survival rates in the phaco?trabeculectomy group at 5 years were 68% cases vs. 69% controls (P = 0.71). IOP was higher (P = 0.008) and visual acuity was worse (P = 0.02) in cases at the last visit. Associations for failure (univariate analysis) were younger age (OR: 6.29, 95% CL: 1.43, 27.67; P = 0.03) and male gender (OR: 4.79, 95% CL: 1.09, 20.97; P = 0.04). On multivariate analysis, younger age (OR: 11.985, 95% CL: 1.071, 134.153; P = 0.04) remained significant. Preoperative number of uveitic attacks was protective on univariate (OR: 0.75, 95% CL: 0.48, 1.15; P = 0.1) and multivariate analyses (OR: 0.49, 95% CL: 0.24, 0.09; P = 0.04). Conclusion: Outcomes of trabeculectomy between cases and controls were similar in our series. However, phaco?trabeculectomy in pediatric uveitic eye group fared worse than eyes with SIG.
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Purpose: To report the prevalence, clinical profile, investigations, and visual outcomes of sarcoid intermediate uveitis in a tertiary eye care center in South India. Methods: Retrospective, observational case series. Records of 29 patients with sarcoid intermediate uveitis were retrieved. Complete ophthalmic evaluation and systemic examination by a pulmonologist with appropriate laboratory investigations were done. Results were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: Mean age group was 42.14 ± 11.31 years. The bilateral presentation was more common and females were more affected than males. Anterior chamber cells and flares in 22.4% of cases (N = 11 eyes), posterior synechiae in 20.4% (N = 10 eyes), and both small and mutton fat keratic precipitates in 14.2% of cases (N = 7 eyes) were noted; only one eye had Busacca nodules similar to other granulomatous uveitis. Cystoid macular edemas were present in three eyes. Treatment with oral steroids and systemic immunosuppression resulted in good visual recovery. The mean presenting visual acuity in right and left eye were 0.2 and 0.3, respectively. The mean final visual acuity in right and left eye was 0.1 and 0.3, respectively. Conclusion: Sarcoid intermediate uveitis is quite common in a tuberculosis endemic country like India. A complete review of systems with appropriate investigations is essential to prevent visual complications
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Purpose: To evaluate the correlation of quantitative real?time polymerase chain reaction (qRT?PCR) to the clinical characteristics of patients with viral retinitis.Methods: Retrospective case series. Results: Aqueous or vitreous samples of 20 out of 35 eyes showed qRT?PCR positivity for virus etiology (57.14%). Cytomegalovirus (CMV) was most commonly identified in nine eyes (45%). The mean DNA copy number was 2,68,339.65 copies/mL (range: 90–3205397). DNA copy number significantly correlated with the extent of clinical involvement (P = 0.013); however, there was no correlation between DNA copy number and presenting visual acuity (P = 0.31), macular involvement (P = 0.675), optic nerve involvement (P = 0.14), and development of retinal detachment (P = 0.73). There was a significant correlation between the number of DNA copies and the timing of sampling (P = 0.0005). Samples taken earlier in the course of the disease had higher viral copies than later ones. Conclusion: qRT?PCR is useful in confirming a viral etiology in over 50% of cases of suspected viral retinitis. It correlates well with the extent of clinical involvement and timing of sampling
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Purpose: To study clinical and pathological features of parasitic lesions in the ocular adnexa in a tertiary care ophthalmic center in south India. Methods: 43 cases of ocular parasitosis were analysed clinically and correlated with the pathological findings (gross morphology and histopathology) over a period of five years (2015–2020). Results: Among the 43 cases, the age group ranged from 9 months to 78 years (mean age of 41.6 years). Female patients were more common than male patients, with a percentage of 63% (27) and 37% (16) respectively. Cystic lesion in the lid or orbit was seen in 23 cases (53.4%); solid mass lesions were seen in 17 cases (39.5%); subconjunctival worms in three cases; and subretinal parasite in one. Gross examination and histopathologic study showed Dirofilaria in 23 cases (53.5%), followed by Cysticercus in six cases (14%) and Microfilariae in four cases (9.3%). Exact species identification was not possible in ten cases (23.25%). Correlation between the type of lesion and type of inflammatory cells with the specific parasite was done. Conclusion: Our study showed that important clinicopathological correlations can be made from the parasitic lesions in the eye and adnexa, which can aid in definitive diagnosis and prompt identification of the parasite for patient management
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To report a case of MEWDS post-COVID-19 infection with multimodal imaging. A 17-year-old boy reported blurring of vision in both eyes 2 months and 10 days following the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Fundus examination revealed hypopigmented lesions nasal to the optic disc, inferior periphery, and near macula in both eyes. Multimodal imaging was consistent with MEWDS. A complete systemic workup was performed to exclude infectious etiology. Fundus lesions resolved with a course of oral corticosteroids and was confirmed on multimodal imaging.
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Purpose: To describe the clinical profile, multimodal imaging, and treatment response in macular serpiginous choroiditis (MSC). Methods: Clinical records of 16 eyes (14 patients) with MSC presenting to a tertiary eye care institute between 2015 and 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Mean age of 14 patients presenting with MSC was 33 ± 13 yrs with 64% males and 36% females. Mean visual acuity of the eyes with MSC at presentation was 0.43 ± 0.46 (logMAR) improving to 0.16 ± 0.28 (logMAR) at final visit. Thirteen eyes (81.3%) had active lesion at presentation. Mantoux test was positive in seven patients (50%) and QuantiFERON TB gold test positive in 10 patients (71%). HRCT chest showed latent tuberculosis in seven patients (50%). All patients underwent multimodal imaging. All patients received oral steroids as treatment therapy; 11 patients also received immunosuppressives, nine patients received additional anti?tubercular therapy (ATT). Mean duration of follow?up for the patients was 18 ± 10 months. A total of eight (50%) eyes had recurrence of lesions after an average duration of 14 ± 14 (3?36) months and were restarted on the treatment as per the requirement. At final follow?up, all eyes showed a good response to treatment and had healed lesions. Comparing the final BCVA to the initial BCVA, 38% (n = 6) showed improvement, 56% (n = 9) remained stable, and 6% (n = 1) eyes worsened at the final follow?up. Conclusion: Clinical profile and presentation of MSC is similar to that of CSC, and combination treatment with intravenous methyl prednisolone (IVMP), steroids, immunosuppressives, and ATT can salvage vision. A high suspicion of associated tuberculosis in endemic regions should be kept in mind.
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Purpose: To study the epidemiological pattern and diagnostic accuracy of histopathologically proven eyelid lesions over a period of two decades. Methods: A retrospective study of all histopathologically proven eyelid lesions from April 1996 to March 2016 was conducted. The lesions were broadly categorized as benign or malignant. Inflammatory and infectious lesions were included under the benign category. The percentage and diagnostic accuracy of each lesion was calculated. Results: There were a total of 994 (M = 551, F = 443) cases. The mean age of the patients was 43.5 ± 19.9 years. There were 809 (81.4%) benign and 185 (18.6%) malignant lesions. Benign lesions were commonly seen in the fourth decade, while the malignant ones in the late fifth decade. The upper lid was the most common site in both groups (n = 481, 48.4%). The commonest benign lesion was chalazion (n = 484, 59.8%). Dermal nevus (n = 94, 11.6%) was the most common benign neoplasm, while Molluscum contagiosum (n = 25, 3.09%) was the most common infectious lesion. Sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC) (n = 103, 55.7%) was the leading malignant lesion followed by basal cell carcinoma (n = 39, 21.1%). Eleven malignant cases were misdiagnosed as benign (5.9%). Chalazion (99.1%) and SGC (65%) had the highest diagnostic accuracy, while Molluscum (40%) and squamous cell carcinoma (40%) were the most misdiagnosed lesions in the respective groups. Conclusion: Benign eyelid lesions are far more common than malignant ones. Atypical and rare presentations may lead to misdiagnosis. Knowledge of epidemiological patterns and clinical features can help in achieving higher diagnostic accuracy.
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Parasites are a group of eukaryotic organisms that may be free‑living or form a symbiotic or parasitic relationship with the hosts. Consisting of over 800,000 recognized species, parasites may be unicellular (Protozoa) or multicellular (helminths and arthropods). The association of parasites with human population started long before the emergence of civilization. Parasitic zoonotic diseases are prevalent worldwide including India. Appropriate epidemiological data are lacking on existing zoonotic parasitic diseases, and newer diseases are emerging in our scenario. Systemic diseases such as cysticercosis, paragonimiasis, hydatidosis, and toxoplasmosis are fairly common. Acquired Toxoplasma infections are rising in immune‑deficient individuals. Amongst the ocular parasitic diseases, various protozoas such as Cystoidea, trematodes, tissue flagellates, sporozoas etc. affect humans in general and eyes in particular, in different parts of the world. These zoonoses seem to be a real health related problem globally. Recent intensification of research throughout the world has led to specialization in biological fields, creating a conducive situation for researchers interested in this subject. The basics of parasitology lie in morphology, pathology, and with recent updates in molecular parasitology, the scope has extended further. The current review is to address the recent update in ophthalmic parasites with special reference to pathology and give a glimpse of further research in this field.
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Biopsy involves the surgical removal of a tissue specimen for histopathologic evaluation. Most intraocular tumors are reliably diagnosed based on the clinical evaluation or with noninvasive diagnostic techniques. However, accurately diagnosing a small percentage of tumors can be challenging. A tissue biopsy is thus needed to establish a definitive diagnosis and plan the requisite treatment. From fine‑needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) to surgical excision, all tissue collection techniques have been studied in the literature. Each technique has its indications and limitations. FNAB has been reported to provide for 88–95% reliable and safe ophthalmic tumor diagnosis and has gained popularity for prognostic purposes and providing eye conserving treatment surgeries. The technique and instrumentation for biopsy vary depending upon the tissue involved (retina, choroid, subretinal space, vitreous, and aqueous), suspected diagnosis, size, location, associated retinal detachment, and clarity of the media. The cytopathologist confers a very important role in diagnosis and their assistance plays a key role in managing and planning the treatment for malignancies.
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A 59‑year‑old Asian Indian male presented with complaints of left eye blurring of vision associated with on and off episodes eye pain and redness since last 4 months. On examination, his best corrected visual acuity in the right eye was 6/15, N12 and left eye counting finger at 2 m, <N36. Anterior segment examination of the left eye revealed circumciliary congestion, corneal edema, mutton fat pigmented keratic precipitates, and dilated pupil with complicated cataract [Fig. 1a and b]. Intraocular pressure (IOP) in the right eye was 18 and left eye 48 mmHg. On the basis of history and clinical examination, a probable diagnosis of viral anterior granulomatous keratouveitis was made. The patient was started on topical prednisolone, homatropine, and empirical tablet acyclovir. Patient was also advised tablet. Acetazolamide, topical antiglaucoma medications (timolol and brinzolamide) in left eye to control IOP. Anterior chamber tap was done in left eye for real time polymerase chain reaction (RT‑PCR) for herpes simplex virus (HSV). RT‑PCR report was positive for HSV [Fig. 2a and b]. The patient was started with T. valacyclovir 1 g 3 times and tapering dose of topical prednisolone. The patient is on follow‑up and responding well to the treatment.
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Aims: To report our experiences using Ozurdex, a biodegradable implant, containing 0.7 mg of dexamethasone in the treatment of noninfectious intermediate uveitis. Settings and Design: Retrospective study design. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of medical records of patients with noninfectious intermediate uveitis having either cystoid macular edema (CME) or vitritis who were not responsive to standard treatment and subsequently received Ozurdex implant from March 2011 to April 2013. The outcomes measured were best‑corrected visual acuity, central retinal thickness (CRT), and vitreous haze score. Statistical Analysis Used: Paired t‑test was used to test the significance of difference between quantitative variables. A P < 0.05 is taken to denote significant relationship. Results: Twenty eyes of 15 patients with mean age of 39.8 years who received Ozurdex implant were included in the study. The mean baseline visual acuity improved from 0. 666 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) units to 0.479 logMAR units at 6 weeks after the implant. The mean CRT improved from 536.1 to 361.4 microns at 6 weeks postimplant both parameters were statistically significant. The ocular inflammation was controlled in almost all the patients. Cataract and raised intraocular pressure were documented complications. Conclusion: Ozurdex implant is a promising treatment option and efficient in controlling the inflammation and CME in cases of noninfectious intermediate uveitis not responding to standard treatment.
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Background: Sympathetic ophthalmitis (SO) has been reported following vitrectomy; however, there is a lack of data on the role of antecedent penetrating ocular trauma impacting the disease manifestation in eyes developing SO following vitrectomy. Aim: To report differences in the presentation and outcomes of SO in eyes with or without a history of antecedent penetrating trauma; SO being diagnosed after vitreoretinal (VR) surgery. Design: Comparative case series. Methods: Seventeen consecutive patients presenting with SO following VR surgery, diagnosed between 1995 and 2011 were included. Eyes with and without prior penetrating injury were included in Group I (n = 7) and Group II (n = 10), respectively. All Group I patients had received systemic steroids prior to presentation. Demographic and clinical parameters were evaluated. Results: Differences were observed between Group I and Group II mainly with regards to time interval between VR surgery and diagnosis of SO (1.5 months vs. 8 months, P = 0.10), presence of neurosensory detachments (100% vs. 30%, P = 0.01), and the inciting eye vision at presentation (nil light perception in 28.5% vs. 80%, P = 0.049). Other differences observed though not statistically significant were optic disc and retinal vessel involvement (42% vs. 70%, P = 0.28), Dalen‑Fuchs nodules (localized vs. diffuse) and leaks on fundus fluorescein angiography (pin‑head vs. pin‑point leak). Conclusion: SO in patients with antecedent penetrating ocular trauma present early with the central serous chorioretinopathy‑like picture. Prior use of systemic steroids might have a bearing on the differences in presentation and the visual acuities between the two groups.
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Publishing manuscripts is the only way by which scientists communicate with each other. In recent times, there is an increasing desire to publish manuscripts from the developing world for a variety of reasons. Though, performing a research study is challenging in itself, writing it for publication is the final frontier that can be daunting, especially for the novice. Work that remains unpublished in one form or the other is essentially incomplete or undone. Hence, it is critically important for one to publish one’s findings in a reputed journal. The purpose of this paper is to alleviate the mystique involved in manuscript writing and provide a blueprint where the subheadings given under each of the sections of introduction, methods, results and discussion can be expanded as per the particular study and the manuscript can be constructed in a stepwise manner. We hope that by following this approach, potential researchers and practicing ophthalmologists will develop the skill and aptitude for medical writing, and that the developing world shall do justice to its tremendous intellectual capital by making meaningful contributions to global scientific literature.