Intra-arterial chemotherapy in refractory and advanced intraocular retinoblastoma

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of secondary and salvage intra?arterial chemotherapy (IAC) as a globe salvage treatment modality in advanced and refractory intraocular retinoblastoma. Methods: A retrospective chart review of advanced intraocular retinoblastoma (groups D and E International Classification of Retinoblastoma [ICRB] classification) patients refractory to intravenous chemotherapy (IVC) and undergoing IAC as the secondary and salvage treatment modality between December 2018 and June 2021 was carried out. All patients underwent the IAC procedure by super?selective ophthalmic artery catheterization and with triple?drug chemotherapeutic agents of melphalan, topotecan, and carboplatin. Data were collected about tumor regression, eye salvage, metastasis, and survival outcome at follow?up. Results: Out of 13 patients, 12 patients received secondary IAC after being primarily treated with IVC and focal therapies and one patient received rescue IAC after recurrence following primary IAC. Mean number of IAC cycles administered was 2. Overall, globe salvage rate was 53.84%, with a mean follow?up of 17.53 months (range 6–37 months), three patients had enucleation for residual tumor or tumor recurrence. One patient developed metastasis post enucleation and two patients who were lost to follow?up after enucleation advice for residual tumor developed orbital tumor extension and eventually died of metastasis. Conclusion: Secondary triple?drug IAC following failure of IVC, along with other adjunct treatment modalities might a be a cost?effective option for eye salvage in advanced intraocular retinoblastoma patients who refuse enucleation, with a globe salvage rate of 53.84%. It can also be an effective approach to improve treatment compliance and can help in addressing the barrier of treatment refusal when enucleation is advised.

Direct, spontaneous carotid‑cavernous fistula with a contracted kidney: A rare association.

We report a case of a 20‑year‑old female having systemic hypertension who presented with right‑sided proptosis, chemosis, and diminished vision, preceded by an acute episode of unilateral throbbing headache. Imaging studies revealed a right‑sided direct, spontaneous carotid‑cavernous fistula (CCF), aneurysm of internal carotid artery, bleed in the parieto‑frontal lobe, and swelling of extraocular muscles. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a small contracted right kidney measuring 64 mm × 27 mm. A direct spontaneous CCF can occur spontaneously following rupture of intracranial aneurysm without any history of trauma or connective tissue disorder. Prompt diagnosis of intravascular malformations at initial presentation can prevent neurological complications and vision loss. A team approach including emergency physicians, neurosurgeons, and ophthalmologists is needed for the proper management of such patients.

Cost‑effectiveness analysis should continually assess competing health care options especially in high volume environments like cataract surgery.

Context: Cost‑effectiveness analysis should continually assess competing health care options especially in high volume environments like cataract surgery. Aims: To compare the cost effectiveness of phacoemulsification (PE) versus manual small‑incision cataract surgery (MSICS). Settings and Design: Prospective randomized controlled trial. Tertiary care hospital setting. Subjects and Methods: A total of 52 consenting patients with age‑related cataracts, were prospectively recruited, and block randomized to PE or MSICS group. Preoperative and postoperative LogMAR visual acuity (VA), visual function‑14 (VF‑14) score and their quality‑adjusted life years (QALYs) were obtained, and the change in their values calculated. These were divided by the total cost incurred in the surgery to calculate and compare the cost effectiveness and cost utility. Surgery duration was also compared. Statistical Analysis Used: Two group comparison with Student’s t‑test. Significance set at P < 0.05; 95% confidence interval (CI) quoted where appropriate. Results: Both the MSICS and PE groups achieved comparative outcomes in terms of change (difference in mean [95% CI]) in LogMAR VA (0.03 [−0.05−0.11]), VF‑14 score (7.92 [−1.03−16.86]) and QALYs (1.14 [−0.89−3.16]). However, with significantly lower costs (INR 3228 [2700–3756]), MSICS was more cost effective, with superior cost utility value. MSICS was also significantly quicker (10.58 min [6.85–14.30]) than PE. Conclusions: MSICS provides comparable visual and QALY improvement, yet takes less time, and is significantly more cost‑effective, compared with PE. Greater push and penetration of MSICS, by the government, is justifiably warranted in our country.

One glasses too many: A case report of Benson’s syndrome.

We report a case of Benson’s Syndrome, a form of occipital Alzheimer’s disease, with posterior cortical atrophy on magnetic resonance imaging, in a 62‑year‑old male, who presented with visual problems, ascribed to the eyes, and had even undergone cataract/intraocular lens surgery in the right eye; and change of glasses 21 times over the past 2 years, with no apparent benefit. This case is of interest both on account of its rarity, and to highlight its features since the diagnosis may be missed in an ophthalmological setting where such patient may go for first consult.