Inhibition of Pannus Formation by Wutoutang in AIA Rats with Wind-cold-dampness Bi Syndrome Via Down-regulating HIF-1α/VEGFA/Ang Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the inhibitory effect of Wutoutang on pannus formation in adjuvant-induced arthritis （AIA） rats with wind-cold-dampness Bi syndrome and its potential mechanism. MethodA total of 40 male SD specific pathogen-free （SPF） rats were selected and divided into blank group， wind-cold-dampness Bi syndrome group ［Complete Freund's Adjuvant （CFA）， 200 μg］， Wutoutang group （15 g·kg-1·d-1）， and indometacin group （10 mg·kg-1） according to random number table method. Except for the blank group， the other groups were given wind-cold-dampness stimulation before the CFA injection. After the rats were administered for 30 days， the basic conditions， onset time， arthritis index score， and foot swelling volume of AIA rats with wind-cold-dampness Bi syndrome were observed. Finally， peripheral arterial blood， ankle joint， and synovial tissue were taken. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect serum hypoxia-inducible factor-1α （HIF-1α）， vascular endothelial growth factor A （VEGFA） protein content， and rheumatism， including anti-O （ASO）， C-reactive protein （CRP）， and rheumatoid factor （RF）. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining revealed the changes in joint histomorphology. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of HIF-1α and VEGFA， two important proteins in the ankle pathway. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to reveal mRNA levels of HIF-1α， VEGFA， angiopoietin-1 （Ang-1）， and angiopoietin-2 （Ang-2） in rat synovial tissue. ResultThe foot swelling volume and arthritis score of AIA rats with wind-cold-dampness Bi syndrome were substantially higher （P<0.01） compared with the blank group. Serum CRP， RF， and ASO levels were considerably elevated （P<0.01）. HE staining showed obvious hyperplasia of ankle synovium and synovial inflammation， angiogenesis and pannus formation， and aggravated bone destruction， indicating successful modeling. After the intervention of Wutoutang， the onset time was delayed （P<0.01）. Foot swelling volume and arthritis score were decreased （P<0.01）. Serum CRP， RF， and ASO levels were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The inflammatory hyperplasia of synovial tissue， angiogenesis and pannus formation， and bone destruction were alleviated. The mRNA levels of HIF-1α， VEGFA， Ang-1， and Ang-2 in the synovial membrane were significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The expressions of HIF-1α and VEGFA in serum and ankle joints were decreased （P<0.01）. In the indomethacin group， the onset time of the disease was delayed （P<0.01）. Foot swelling volume and arthritis score were decreased （P<0.01）. Serum CRP， RF， and ASO levels were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. HIF-1α/VEGFA/Ang signaling pathway was activated， and pathological tissue injury was improved. ConclusionWutoutang can delay the onset time of AIA rats with wind-cold-dampness Bi syndrome， reduce foot swelling volume， arthritis score， rheumatic activity， and improve joint histopathology. It can inhibit pannus formation， and its mechanism may be related to down-regulating the expression of the HIF-1α/VEGFA/Ang pathway.

Surgical application of Ong speculum in simple limbal epithelial transplantation and pterygium surgery

Ong speculum is used in glaucoma surgeries such as trabeculectomy to expose the superior part of the globe. The large inferior blade pushes the inferior conjunctival fornix, due to which the eyeball rotates downwards. It has not been used in other anterior segment surgeries before. We used this speculum in simple limbal epithelial transplantation (SLET) and pterygium surgery to expose superior bulbar conjunctiva for harvesting limbal and conjunctival grafts, respectively. As the superior conjunctiva and sclera become exposed, it facilitates the steps of harvesting limbal biopsy and conjunctival graft in SLET and pterygium surgery. This eliminated the need for a superior rectus suture or an assistant who would keep the globe rotated downwards. Its position could also be maneuvered to adjust the site of exposure when dissecting the area of pannus in SLET. Thus, it makes the superior conjunctiva more accessible.

Effect of Juanbi Qianggu Formula on biological behaviors of fibroblast-like synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis by regulating FGFR1 signaling pathway based on network pharmacology and cell function experiments / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism of Juanbi Qianggu Formula(JBQGF), an empirical formula formulated by the prestigious doctor in traditional Chinese medicine, in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis based on network pharmacology and cell function experiments. The main active components and targets of JBQGF were obtained through Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP) and Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine(ETCM), and the core targets underwent functional enrichment analysis and signaling pathway analysis. Cytoscape 3.6.0 was used to construct a visualized "active component-target-signaling pathway" network of JBQGF. After screening, nine potential pathways of JBQGF were obtained, mainly including G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathway and tyrosine kinase receptor signaling pathway. As previously indicated, the fibroblast growth factor receptor 1(FGFR1) signaling pathway was highly activated in active fibroblast-like synoviocytes(FLS) in rheumatoid arthritis, and cell and animal experiments demonstrated that inhibition of the FGFR1 signaling pathway could significantly reduce joint inflammation and joint destruction in collagen-induced arthritis(CIA) rats. In terms of the tyrosine kinase receptor signal transduction pathway, the analysis of its target genes revealed that FGFR1 might be a potential target of JBQGF for rheumatoid arthritis treatment. The biological effect of JBQGF by inhibiting FGFR1 phosphorylation was preliminarily verified by Western blot, Transwell invasion assay, and pannus erosion assay, thereby inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP2) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand(RANKL) and suppressing the invasion of fibroblasts in rheumatoid arthritis and erosive effect of pannus bone. This study provides ideas for searching potential targets of rheumatoid arthritis treatment and TCM drugs through network pharmacology.

A Case Report of Reoperation for Björk-Shiley Mechanical Valve 38 Years after Mitral Replacement / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

The patient was a 68-year-old woman who had undergone initial mitral repair at 24 years of age, and had undergone mitral replacement using the Björk-Shiley convexo-concave valve at 30 years of age. She developed exertional dyspnea 38 years after mitral replacement with hemolytic anemia. Precise examination revealed mitral stenosis and perivalvular leak. At the reoperation, severe calcified pannus was found at the ventricular side just beneath the mitral artificial valve, and made stenosis with the inadequate leaflet opening. The mitral valve remnant ring was severely calcified and the sawing ring was detached partially. Repeated valve replacement was successfully done by the reinforcement of the mitral valve ring with xenopericardium.

A Case of Redo-Aortic Valve Replacement for a Lillehei-Kaster Valve Implanted 42 Years Ago / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

We present a case of redo aortic valve replacement (AVR) in a 71-year-old man with a Lillehei-Kaster valve implanted 42 years prior. The patient initially underwent AVR and open mitral commissurotomy procedures for aortic regurgitation complicated with mitral stenosis in 1978 at the age of 29. Thereafter, he was followed at our outpatient clinic and treated without anticoagulant therapy for the initial two decades of the postoperative period. During the long-term follow-up, the mean pressure gradient remained between 40 and 60 mmHg and there were no adverse events noted before occurrence of heart failure triggered by tachycardia and pneumonia. Following improvement of heart failure, redo AVR was performed. There was no structural damage, thrombosis, or Lillehei-Kaster valve opening restrictions, though severe pannus growth on the left ventricle side was observed, which was thought to be the cause of the increased pressure gradient. This is the first known report of redo AVR after many years in a patient who underwent Lillehei-Kaster valve implantation. Furthermore, no other study has noted findings regarding pressure gradient change during the long-term follow-up period in such cases.

Research Progress of Role of Autophagy in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention / 中国实验方剂学杂志

For rheumatoid arthritis， glucocorticoids or immunosuppressive agents are currently used in clinical treatment， but long-term use of these drugs has large side effect on humans， and immunosuppressive agents are expensive. To a certain extent， its wide application is limited. The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） has a long history and little toxic and side effect， but its specific mechanism of action needs further exploration. The process of autophagy is an active biological process in which cells themselves are stimulated by the outside world through intracellular signal transduction to maintain a stable internal environment. Its abnormality is involved in the occurrence of many diseases. At present， studies have shown that abnormal autophagy is closely related to the occurrence and development of rheumatoid arthritis， which can interfere with the pathological changes of RA pannus formation， synovial inflammation and bone destruction and affect the disease process. In recent years， many studies have found that traditional Chinese medicine and its active ingredients can affect the pathological development of rheumatoid arthritis by regulating autophagy. This article investigates the relevant literature on the intervention of rheumatoid arthritis by regulating autophagy through using TCM， with a view to providing new ideas for basic research， new drug development and clinical treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Inhibitory Effect of Duanteng Yimu Decoction on Pannus Formation in Mice with Collagen-induced Arthritis Based on VEGF Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the mechanism of Duanteng Yimu decoction （DTYM） in the inhibition of pannus formation in collagen-induced arthritis （CIA） mice. Method:Twenty-four SPF-grade DBA/1 male mice were randomly divided into the following four groups： a blank group （NC group）， a model group （CIA group）， a methotrexate group （MTX group）， and a DTYM group， with six mice in each group. The mice， except for those in the NC group， were modeled. From the second immunization， the medium， MTX （1 mg·kg^-1）， and DTYM （15.4 g·kg^-1） were administered at an equal volume by gavage for 35 days. Mice were observed for general condition and the arthritis index. The knee and ankle joints were scanned by microcomputed tomography （micro CT）. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） and safranin O/fast green staining were performed to observe pathological changes. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the expression of platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 （CD31）， vascular endothelial growth factor-<italic>α</italic> （VEGF-<italic>α</italic>）， vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 （VEGFR2）， and phosphorylated（p）-VEGFR2. Result:Compared with the NC group， the CIA group showed red and swollen ankle joints， increased arthritis index scores （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）， manifest injury in the knee and ankle joints， reduced cartilage thickness， elevated Micro CT bone destruction scores of knee and ankle joints （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， and up-regulated absorbance values of synovial CD31， VEGF-<italic>α</italic>， VEGFR2， and p-VEGFR2 （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Compared with the CIA group， the DTYM group showed relieved ankle joint redness and swelling， reduced arthritis index scores of mice three weeks after administration （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）， intact joint surfaces of the knee and ankle joints， thickened cartilage， declining Micro CT bone destruction scores in both the knee and ankle joints （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）， and lowered absorbance values of CD31， VEGF-<italic>α</italic>， VEGFR2， and p-VEGFR2 in the synovium （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Conclusion:DTYM can inhibit the pannus formation in CIA mice presumedly by regulating the VEGF pathway.

Pannus y artritis reumatoide: evolución histórica y fisiopatológica / Pannus and rheumatoid arthritis: Historic and pathophysiological evolution

RESUMEN La proliferación del tejido sinovial, que es llamada pannus, se ha considerado como una manifestación tardía, inactiva e irreversible de la artritis reumatoide (AR), contrario a lo que históricamente se ha estudiado. Se realizó una búsqueda de la literatura para realizar una revisión narrativa e histórica respecto al surgimiento del término pannus y su papel en la artritis reumatoide. Estudios de microscopia de luz han mostrado el carácter destructivo de este tejido con hallazgos característicos de la AR, corroborados con microscopia electrónica arios más tarde. Estos hallazgos llevaron a caracterizar el componente celular del pannus con gran número de células inmunológicas y de líneas celulares específicas con propiedades especiales como los sinoviocitos similares a fibroblastos. Este componente celular es el origen de una gran cantidad de citoquinas y proteinasas que perpetúan y causan el daño óseo y del cartílago. Este componente inflamatorio ha sido evidente también con el desarrollo de técnicas de imágenes, como la resonancia magnética y la ultrasonografía, que muestran un papel activo del tejido sinovial engrosado, junto a la hipervascularización en el daño articular y la reversibilidad de estos cambios tras el tratamiento. Las evidencias contempladas permiten concluir que el pannus como evidencia histológica (más que clínica) se refiere a la proliferación del tejido sinovial e incluye un gran componente celular activo que genera y perpetúa la inflamación y, por tanto, la enfermedad.

ABSTRACT Pannus refers to synovial tissue proliferation, and has been considered a late, inactive and irreversible manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), contrary to historical findings. A literature search was performed on terminology about pannus and its historical role in the pathophysiology of RA. Light microscopy studies have shown the destructive impact of pannus tissue with very specific abnormalities, corroborated a year later with electronic microscopy. Some of these findings are the isolation of the immunological cells inside the tissue, especially one cell line with particular capacities, called synoviocytes similar to fibroblasts. This cellular component is the source a large quantity of cytokines and proteinases that perpetuate and cause bone and cartilage damage. Inflammation has been seen in many image techniques, such as magnetic resonance and ultrasound. These show the role of tissue widening and hyper-vascularization in tissue damage, and some reversibility after treatment of RA. With the evidence presented it is possible to conclude that pannus refers to a histological (more than clinical) term for synovial hypertrophy, and includes a large component of cell activity that generates and perpetuates inflammation and thus the disease.

Pannus does not occur only in rheumatoid arthritis: a pathological observation of pannus of knee osteoarthritis / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the histopathological features of the synovium between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA).@*METHODS@#We retrospectively analyzed the synovial specimens obtained after synovial surgery in 72 cases of RA and 24 cases of OA. Two independent pathologists reviewed the sections of the synovial tissues with HE staining, quantitatively scored the degree of fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) hyperplasia, vascular hyperplasia, fibroplasia, and lymphocyte infiltration, and examined the presence plasma cell infiltration. The pathological morphology of the synovial tissues was evaluated in relation with the clinical data of the patients.@*RESULTS@#Pannus formation was also detected in the synovium of OA patients, which showed a lesser degree of OA-FLS hyperplasia, fibrosis and lymphocyte infiltration and a significantly lower rate of plasma cell infiltration compared with the pannus in RA patients. Vascular proliferation was also milder in the pannus of OA patients than in RA pannus, but the difference was not statistically significant. In OA patients, the pannus could be observed under a microscope and was difficult to distinguish from that in RA patients.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Pannus formation occurs also in the synovium of OA patients but with milder FLS hyperplasia, fibrosis and lymphocyte infiltration and a lower rate of plasma cell infiltration compared with the pannus in RA patients. These differences in the pannus between OA and RA can be of potential value in the diagnosis and treatment of the patients.

A Case of Aortic Valve Re-replacement for Starr-Edwards Ball Valve 45 Years after Implantation / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

This patient is a 72-year-old-man who had undergone aortic valve replacement using a Starr-Edwards Ball Valve to treat aortic valve stenosis when he was 28 years old. In April 2015, he was admitted with cardiac failure of NYHA III. Echocardiography showed a remarkable increase of aortic valve pressure gradient and progressive change in mitral valve stenosis and tricuspid valve regurgitation. The Starr-Edwards Ball Valve was replaced using a CEP MAGNA EASE prosthesis, the mitral valve was replaced using a CEP MAGNA MITRAL EASE prosthesis with tricuspid annuloplasty using the MC3 ring. Cloth wear of the Starr-Edwards Ball Valve cage and all-round pannus formation under the valve seat was found at the operation, and the cause of the higher pressure gradient may have been the pannus. The postoperative period of this case following the initial aortic valve implantation of the Starr-Edwards Ball Valve is the longest known in Japan as far as we could discover.

Research progress of vascular endothelial growth factor in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis / 中国医师进修杂志

Essential of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is destruction of invasive pannus formation in cartilage, bone and surrounding tissues Chronic inflammation of synovial membrane. Vascular endothelial growth Factor (VEGF) increases vascular permeability and induces angiogenesis. It plays a very important role in the process of joint erosion and destruction of RA. It not only promotes the formation of RA synovial pannus formation, but also acts as a direct proinflammatory factor in the pathogenesis of RA.

Study on effects of Yishen Juanbi Pill on histopathologic changes in ankle joint of type II collagen induced arthritis in rats and its mechanism / 中草药

Objective: To observe the therapeutical effect of Yishen Juanbi Pill (YJP) on type II collagen induced arthritis (CIA) in rats and the histopathologic changes in ankle joint and to explore its possible mechanism on rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: The therapeutical effect of YJP on CIA rat paw swelling and the histopathologic morphology of the local tissue of ankle joint were observed by the type II CIA rat model. The expression of VEGF of the synovial membrane was assayed by the immunohistochemical method. The changes in VEGF gene expression of peripheral lymphocytes and hepatic tissue were analyzed with gene chip after the treatment with YJP. Results: The decreased swelling degrees of foot of rats in low-, mid-, and high-dose YJP groups were increased obviously than that of the model group (P 1.5). Conclusion: YJP can significantly inhibit joint swelling. YJP can significantly down-regulate the VEGF-B gene expression, thereby inhibit the formation of synovial tissue pannus and reduce cartilage and bone damages.

A Case of Transvalvular Removal of Subvalvular Pannus beneath the Monocusp Tilting-Disk Mechanical Valve at the Aortic Position Using CUSA / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

We describe our surgical treatment in a patient with subvalvular aortic stenosis due to pannus formation beneath a monocusp mechanical valve. In this case, transvalvular removal of subvalvular pannus using a CUSA (Cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator) was performed successfully. A 77-year-old woman underwent aortic valve replacement with a monocusp tilting-disk mechanical valve (Björk-Shiley, 23 mm) 30 years previously. Reoperation for severe aortic stenosis due to calcified subvalvular pannus formation was required. Intraoperative findings revealed no limitation of leaflet motion of the valve but presence of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction caused by subvalvular pannus formation under the major orifice of the prosthesis. Because of difficulty of exposure of the prosthetic valve due to severely calcified valsalva sinus wall, simple re-do aortic valve replacement seemed to be almost impossible. Therefore, we tried transvalvular removal of the pannus. A scalpel could not be applied due to severe calcification of the pannus. Then we used CUSA and removed the pannus successfully. Finally, subvalvular stenosis (LVOTO) was ameliorated and a decrease of trans-aortic valve velocity was recognized. She is doing well without recurrence 1.5 years after the surgery.

Thoracolumbar Epidural Pannus Causing Paraplegia in Rhematoid Arthritis / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Rheumatoid pannus involvement of the cervical spine like the atlanto-axial instability is common, but rheumatoid pannus involvement of the thoracolumbar spine is very rare. A 70-year-old woman with a 20-year medication history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) came to a hospital because of paraparesis without trauma. Radiologic examination showed that the mass in the posterior aspect of the spinal canal of T12 to L2 was compressing the spinal cord. She underwent mass removal and posterior decompression. Histologic findings revealed lymphocytes with chronic inflammation which was seen in histologic findings of RA. Therefore, we supposed that the mass was a rheumatoid pannus and that it had caused paraparesis. We report a good result of paraparesis caused by thoracolumbar epidural pannus by RA in a patient who was treated with pannus removal and posterior decompression.

Bioprosthetic Valve Dysfunction due to Pannus after Tricuspid Valve Replacement / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

Prosthetic valve dysfunction due to pannus formation is an infrequent but serious complication of tricuspid valve replacement. An 87-year-old woman underwent tricuspid valve re-replacement for severe prosthetic valve stenosis and regurgitation. On removal, thick fibrous pannus and chordal attachments were observed on the ventricular side of the cusp, which corresponded to the septal leaflet of the native valve. Microscopic examination revealed inflammatory cell infiltration accompanied with severe fibrosis and scarring had compromised and broken the prosthetic valve cusp under the pannus. The elastic fiber, which was detected in the base of the pannus, suggested it was a remnant of the native tricuspid valve leaflet. Prevention of native tissue attachment to the prosthetic valve cusp, which may cause severe pannus formation, appears to be extremely important for the long-term outcome and valve durability. The choice of prosthesis for the tricuspid position remains controversial. We should especially consider the height of stent posts and the continuity between the cusp and suture ring in the choice of the bioprosthetic valve for tricuspid position.

A Case of Double Valve Replacement due to Prosthetic Valve Dysfunction after Infective Endocarditis / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

A 56-year-old woman was admitted due to a cerebral hemorrhage two years after undergoing aortic valve replacement, mitral valve annuloplasty, and tricuspid valve annuloplasty. During treatment, she developed infective endocarditis. Although this was successfully treated conservatively, a surgical approach was subsequently adopted due to progressive mitral stenosis. Echocardiography revealed gradual proliferation of abnormal tissue overhanging the mitral valve around the prosthetic mitral annularring, as well as increased flow velocity in the artificial aortic valve. The cause of the increased flow velocity could not be determined on echocardiography. However, multidetector computed tomography revealed abnormal subprosthetic tissue that obstructed the opening and closing of the prosthetic aortic valve. Resection of the abnormal tissue and double valve replacement were performed. Prosthetic valve dysfunction due to pannus proliferation is relatively rare (around 1-2%), but it should be considered as a potential long-term postoperative complication. Though turbulent flow has been suggested as a potential cause, the exact etiology remains unknown. Furthermore, the disease course may be fulminant or gradual and symptomatic, leading to difficulties with diagnosis. A case of double valve replacement conducted for valve dysfunction due to abnormal tissue proliferation occurring two years after aortic valve replacement, mitral valve annuloplasty, and tricuspid valve annuloplasty followed by infective endocarditis is reported, along with a review of the related literature.

Intermittent, Non Cyclic Severe Mechanical Aortic Valve Regurgitation

Mechanical aortic prosthesis dysfunction can result from thrombosis or pannus formation. We describe an unusual case of intermittent, non cyclic mechanical aortic prosthesis dysfunction due to pannus formation with thrombus in the absence of systolic restriction of disk excursion, that presented with intermittent severe aortic regurgitation.

Cervical Compressive Myelopathy Due to Rheumatoid Pannus Presenting as Occipital Neuralgia

No abstract available.

Disfución valvular protésica en mujer embarazada con sustitución valvular mitro-aórtica / Prosthetic valve dysfunction in a pregnant woman wirh mitral-aortic replacement

Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 42 años con antecedentes de fiebre reumática en la infancia y sustitución valvular mitro aórtica con prótesis mecánicas hace 10 años. En el curso de una gestación del tercer trimestre presenta insuficiencia cardíaca rápidamente progresiva diagnosticándose por ecografía y radioscopia, una disfunción de la prótesis en posición aórtica. Tras realizar fibrinolíticos y conducta expectante inicial se descompensa en un episodio agudo de fibrilación auricular requiriendo cesárea de urgencia y cirugía cardíaca posterior. En la misma se evidencia afectación extensa de las prótesis aórtica y mitral por pannus resolviéndose quirúrgicamente. Se analiza el tratamiento instituido en esta compleja situación y la evolución de la paciente.

Case report: female, 42 years old, antecedents of rheumatic fever in childhood and mitro aortical valvular substitution by mechanical prosthesis ten years ago. In third trimesterpregnancy, shows quickly progressive cardiac fail. Ultrasonography and fluoroscopy show aortic prosthesisvalve dysfunction. After thrombolytic therapy,descompensation occured, due to an acute atrial fibrillation episode.Emergency caesarean is required and subsequent cardiac surgery showed length affectation by pannus in both,aortic and mitral prosthesis. Analysis of the treatment and patient`s evolution in this complex situation.

Two Cases of Tsutsugamushi Disease with Ocular Disease and Eschars on the Lower Eyelid

PURPOSE: To report two cases of tsutsugamushi disease, showing ocular manifestations with eschars on the lower eyelids. METHODS: Two patients who have tsutsugamushi disease with ocular manifestations were examined by standard ophthalmic procedures. Eschars were observed in both patients on the medial canthal lower lid. Conjunctival injection and episcleral vessel dilations were also observed in both patients. One patient had limbal vasculitis with pannus. RESULTS: It is possible that eschars, which are the pathognomonic sign in tsutsugamushi disease, can occur on the eyelid, as well as on the axilla, perineum, abdomen, and extremities, which have been commonly observed sites. Ocular manifestations, including conjunctival injection, episcleral vessel dilation, or limbitis may be observed. These conditions may respond well to treatment with 0.1% Fluorometholone.