A Study of Retinal and Choroidal Vessel Changes in Chronic Alcoholics

Purpose@#To compare the retinal and choroidal vessels of chronic alcoholics with non-alcoholics. @*Methods@#This study included alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) patients admitted between December 2020 and October 2021, along with age-matched controls. Retinal and choroidal vessel densities, measured using image binarization at the superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), choriocapillaris, and choroidal layers, were compared between ALD patients and controls. Correlations between clinical parameters and vessel densities in ALD patients were also analyzed. @*Results@#Vessel densities at SCP, DCP, choriocapillaris, and choroidal layers were not significantly different between controls and ALD patients (p = 0.496, 0.988, 0.909, and 0.317, respectively). Platelet time and international normalized ratio (INR) were positively correlated with SCP density in ALD patients (r = 0.393 and 0.393; p = 0.015 and 0.015, respectively). @*Conclusions@#ALD does not significantly affect vessel densities in the retina and choroid. The positive correlations of platelet time and INR with SCP may be related to vessel dilatation, but they require further investigation.

Clinical Factors Affecting Subfoveal Choroidal Thickness and Choroidal Vascularity Index after Phacoemulsification for Cataracts

Purpose@#To investigate clinical factors affecting subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) after cataract surgery. @*Methods@#A retrospective medical record review was performed of 62 patients (95 eyes) who underwent cataract surgery. The SFCT and CVI were calculated based on cross-section measurements obtained from enhanced depth imaging-optical coherence tomography preoperatively and postoperatively at 1 week, 1 month, and 2 months. The changes in SFCT and CVI were analyzed with respect to anesthesia, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), and phaco power/time. @*Results@#Regardless of anesthesia, DM, or HTN, SFCT had increased at 1 week postoperatively and continued to decrease up to 2 months postoperatively. In the case of topical anesthesia and patients without DM or HTN, the CVI was significantly higher at 1 month postoperatively, but was followed by a steady reduction up to the 2-month follow-up. In the case of retrobulbar anesthesia and patients with DM or HTN, the CVI increased up to 2 months postoperatively. @*Conclusions@#In this study, clinical factors had a significant impact on the change in CVI after surgery, but not on the SFCT. This suggests that the presence of DM affects the change in the choroidal vessels after cataract surgery.

Clinical Factors Affecting Subfoveal Choroidal Thickness and Choroidal Vascularity Index after Phacoemulsification for Cataracts

Purpose@#To investigate clinical factors affecting subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) after cataract surgery. @*Methods@#A retrospective medical record review was performed of 62 patients (95 eyes) who underwent cataract surgery. The SFCT and CVI were calculated based on cross-section measurements obtained from enhanced depth imaging-optical coherence tomography preoperatively and postoperatively at 1 week, 1 month, and 2 months. The changes in SFCT and CVI were analyzed with respect to anesthesia, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), and phaco power/time. @*Results@#Regardless of anesthesia, DM, or HTN, SFCT had increased at 1 week postoperatively and continued to decrease up to 2 months postoperatively. In the case of topical anesthesia and patients without DM or HTN, the CVI was significantly higher at 1 month postoperatively, but was followed by a steady reduction up to the 2-month follow-up. In the case of retrobulbar anesthesia and patients with DM or HTN, the CVI increased up to 2 months postoperatively. @*Conclusions@#In this study, clinical factors had a significant impact on the change in CVI after surgery, but not on the SFCT. This suggests that the presence of DM affects the change in the choroidal vessels after cataract surgery.

Serial Follow-up of Commotio Retinae Using Ultra-wide Field Imaging

PURPOSE: To quantify the size of commotio retinae and investigate its spontaneous resolution over time using ultra-wide field (UWF) color fundus photography.METHODS: We analyzed serial UWF color fundus photographs of 33 eyes of 33 ocular trauma patients with commotio retinae. Total visible retinal areas and the areas of commotio retinae were measured at baseline, 3 days, 1 week, and 4 weeks from the initial traumatic event.RESULTS: The median time of observation was 10.8 ± 12.1 (4-44) weeks. Spontaneous resolution of commotio retinae was observed in all patients, and no patients experienced any complications during the follow-up period. The mean percentage of commotio retinae at 3 days significantly decreased compared to the baseline (8.51 ± 9.66% versus 12.23 ± 10.39%; p < 0.001), and more decreased at 1 week (1.04 ± 2.75%; p < 0.001), but no significant differences were observed between 1 week and 4 weeks (0.00 ± 0.00%; p = 0.219). The spontaneous resolution percentages during the first 3 days, between 3 days and 1 week, and during the next 4 weeks were 12.97 ± 13.44%/day, 19.62 ± 9.22%/day, and 0.87 ± 1.87%/day, respectively (p = 0.192 and p < 0.001, respectively). The resolution rate was higher during the first 1 week.CONCLUSIONS: We quantified the size of commotio retinae using UWF color fundus photography. Most patients with commotio retinae resolved spontaneously during the first 1 week following trauma, and all cases completely resolved at 1 month without any complications.

Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implantation in a Behcet's Disease Patient with Macular Edema, Vasculitis after Cataract Surgery

PURPOSE: To report a case of macular edema and retinal vasculitis treated with intravitreal dexamethasone implantation in a Behcet's disease patient after cataract surgery. CASE SUMMARY: A 26-year-old male with Behcet's disease, without recurrence of uveitis for 3 months, underwent phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation for a cataract in the left eye. The preoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of the left eye was 0.15. At day 1 after surgery, his BCVA was 0.4, and slit lamp examination of his left eye revealed a mild anterior chamber reaction. At 1 week after surgery, he presented with left vision impairment, his BCVA was 0.04, and mild inflammation was observed in both the anterior chamber and the vitreous in his left eye. Unilateral macular edema was confirmed with optical coherence tomography, and fluorescein angiography revealed retinal vasculitis on the fovea and peripheral retina. Intravitreal dexamethasone implantation was performed in his left eye, 1 month after treatment, the macular edema and retinal vasculitis had improved, and the BCVA of his left eye was 0.8. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with Behcet's disease, intravitreal dexamethasone implantation can be an effective treatment option for macular edema and retinal vasculitis after cataract surgery.

Effect of Acetazolamide on Choroidal Morphology in Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

PURPOSE: We sought to elucidate the influence of acetazolamide on choroidal structure changes during the treatment of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 45 eyes from 45 patients with acute CSC who were divided into an acetazolamide group (group 1, n = 20) and an observation group (group 2, n = 25). The main outcome measures were the changes in best-corrected visual acuity, subretinal fluid (SRF) height, subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) at one week, one month, two months, and three months, respectively.RESULTS: Although statistical significance was not reached, best-corrected visual acuity improved in both groups at month 3 (from 0.06 ± 0.07 to 0.01 ± 0.03 in group 1 and 0.17 ± 0.24 to 0.09 ± 0.18 in group 2; p = 0.083 and 0.183, respectively). Separately, SRF height and CVI showed a significant decrease at three months in both groups (all p < 0.05), while a significant SRF height decrease was also noted in group 1 at one month (p = 0.038). In group 1, a significant decrease in the SFCT and CVI started at one week and one month (p = 0.021 and 0.008), respectively. However, in group 2, a significant decrease in the SFCT and CVI started at one month and two months (p = 0.005 and 0.015), respectively.CONCLUSIONS: Acetazolamide has no effect on final functional or anatomical status at three months in eyes with CSC but does shorten the time for SRF absorption and accompanying choroidal structural changes.

Two Cases of Acute Retinal Necrosis after Viral Meningitis

PURPOSE: To report two cases of acute retinal necrosis following viral meningitis. CASE SUMMARY: A 52-year-old woman who has had viral meningitis presented with visual loss of right eye. Slit-lamp examination showed conjunctival injection and inflammatory cells (2+) in the anterior chamber of the right eye. Funduscopic examination showed multiple yellow-whitish spots in the peripheral retina. Fluorescein fundus angiography showed early hypofluorescence and the late vascular leak in the peripheral retina. After the patient was diagnosed with Acute retinal necrosis (ARN), intravenous acyclovir (2,100 mg/m²/day) was administered. During the treatment period, the retinal detachment of the right eye was found, so the authors performed pars plana vitrectomy. After the surgery, new retinal lesions weren't observed in both eyes during follow-up. A 57-year-old man previously treated with possible viral meningitis presented with visual loss of his right eye. Funduscopic examination showed multiple yellow-whitish spots in the peripheral retina. Fluorescein fundus angiography showed the late vascular leak in the peripheral retina. In the systemic evaluation, Herpes simplex virus and Cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin G were detected. With the impression of ARN, intravenous acyclovir (2,100 mg/m²/day) was administered. No new retinal lesions were observed in both eyes during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: We report rare cases of ARN occurring after viral meningitis. Uveitis in patients with recent history of meningitis should be examined carefully under the suspicion of ARN.

Hypersensitivity myocarditis confirmed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and endomyocardial biopsy

Myocarditis often occurs due to viral infections and postviral immune-mediated responses. Hypersensitivity myocarditis is a rare form of myocarditis. Numerous drugs can induce myocarditis, which is typically reversible after withdrawal of the causative agent. Here, we report a case of hypersensitivity myocarditis that was probably triggered by amoxicillin and that resolved completely with heart failure management as well as discontinuation of the drug. A 68-year-old woman presented with acute chest pain mimicking acute coronary syndromes, but the coronary angiography was normal. A recent history of taking medications, skin rash, and peripheral eosinophilia suggested a diagnosis of hypersensitivity myocarditis, which was confirmed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and endomyocardial biopsy.

A Case of Rheumatoid Arthritis with Chronic Eosinophilic Pneumonia Associated with Eosinophilic Pleural Effusion

We describe a 48-year-old man with family history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affected by chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (CEP) with severe peripheral eosinophilia. CEP might develop as a complication of longstanding active RA. The patient with 5 months history of seropositive RA and chronic respiratory symptoms, alveolar and blood eosinophilia, peripheral pulmonary infiltrates and pleural effusion on chest imaging. The lung may be involved as an extraarticular manifestation of RA. However, CEP is not recognized as a typical lung manifestation of RA, and the two diseases rarely coexist. The effusion was an eosinophil predominant exudates and was characterized by low pH, and glucose level and high lactic dehydrogenase. The patient responded rapidly to combination of steroids and disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs.

Three cases of glycogenic hepatopathy mimicking acute and relapsing hepatitis in type I diabetes mellitus

Glycogenic hepatopathy (GH) is an uncommon cause of serum transaminase elevation in type I diabetes mellitus (DM). The clinical signs and symptoms of GH are nonspecific, and include abdominal discomfort, mild hepatomegaly, and transaminase elevation. In this report we describe three cases of patients presenting serum transaminase elevation and hepatomegaly with a history of poorly controlled type I DM. All of the cases showed sudden elevation of transaminase to more than 30 times the upper normal range (like in acute hepatitis) followed by sustained fluctuation (like in relapsing hepatitis). However, the patients did not show any symptom or sign of acute hepatitis. We therefore performed a liver biopsy to confirm the cause of liver enzyme elevation, which revealed GH. Clinicians should be aware of GH so as to prevent diagnostic delay and misdiagnosis, and have sufficient insight into GH; this will be aided by the present report of three cases along with a literature review.

A Case of Sustained Cholestasis Caused by Acute A Viral Hepatitis in Dubin-Johnson Syndrome / 대한소화기학회지

Dubin-Johnson syndrome is a rare clinical entity. It shows intermittent symptoms such as chronic or intermittent jaundice, abdominal pain, weakness, nausea, vomiting, anorexia and diarrhea. Symptoms are precipitated or aggravated by pregnancy, alcoholism, surgical procedures and intercurrent disease. Chronic idiopathic jaundice is typical of Dubin-Johnson syndrome and its prognosis is good. We describe a case of prolonged cholestasis for more than 10 months caused by acute A viral hepatitis in a patient with Dubin-Johnson syndrome. It is a first report of cholestasis complicated by acute A viral hepatitis in a patient with Dubin-Johnson syndrome.

A Case of Surgically Treated Serous Macular Detachment Associated With Optic Disc Pit

PURPOSE: To report the clinical results of a planned vitrectomy, laser photocoagulation and gas tamponade for the treatment of serous macular detachment associated with optic disc pit. However, laser photocoagulation was performed on a postoperative outpatient basis for subretinal fluid. CASE SUMMARY: A 13-year-old women presented with central visual disturbance in the left eye. Her best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.16. On ophthalmic examination, the patient was diagnosed with optic disc pit combined with serous macular detachment. After 3 months, the serous macular detachment increased and visual acuity decreased to 0.1. Pars plana vitrectomy combined with complete posterior vitreous detachment was performed. After intravitreal injection of perfluorodecalin, internal drainage of the subretinal fluid using the back flush needle around the optic disc pit was performed, but the fluid was not drained. The planned intraoperative photocoagulation was not performed due to a large serous macular detachment. Gas tamponade was performed and a facedown position was maintained for 1 week followed by laser photocoagulation. The subretinal fluid was completely absorbed and visual acuity was improved. In addition, recurrence was not observed throughout the follow-up period.

Short-term Effect of Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injection Preventing Panretinal Photocoagulation-Induced Macular Edema in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of intravitreal bevacizumab injection in preventing panretinal photocoagulation (PRP)-induced macular edema and visual dysfunction in proliferative diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of 40 consecutive eyes (20 patients) with proliferative diabetic retinopathy whose visual acuity (logMAR) was 0.2 or less, foveal thickness (microm) was 280 or less, and retinopathy was bilaterally symmetrical. In Group 1 (20 eyes), PRP was performed with intravitreal bevacizumab injection 1 week before the initiation of PRP, but in Group 2 (20 eyes) PRP alone was performed. In all eyes, PRP was completed using the same technique. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and foveal and parafoveal thicknesses were measured before treatment and 1 and 3 months after PRP. RESULTS: Before treatment, the mean BCVA and foveal and parafoveal thicknesses were not statistically significantly different between the two groups (p>0.05). At 1 and 3 months after PRP, the mean BCVA improved and the foveal and parafoveal thicknesses were significantly smaller in Group 1 than in Group 2 (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal bevacizumab injection before PRP could help prevent PRP-induced macular edema and visual dysfunction in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy and good vision.

Short-term Effect of Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injection Preventing Panretinal Photocoagulation-Induced Macular Edema in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of intravitreal bevacizumab injection in preventing panretinal photocoagulation (PRP)-induced macular edema and visual dysfunction in proliferative diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of 40 consecutive eyes (20 patients) with proliferative diabetic retinopathy whose visual acuity (logMAR) was 0.2 or less, foveal thickness (microm) was 280 or less, and retinopathy was bilaterally symmetrical. In Group 1 (20 eyes), PRP was performed with intravitreal bevacizumab injection 1 week before the initiation of PRP, but in Group 2 (20 eyes) PRP alone was performed. In all eyes, PRP was completed using the same technique. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and foveal and parafoveal thicknesses were measured before treatment and 1 and 3 months after PRP. RESULTS: Before treatment, the mean BCVA and foveal and parafoveal thicknesses were not statistically significantly different between the two groups (p>0.05). At 1 and 3 months after PRP, the mean BCVA improved and the foveal and parafoveal thicknesses were significantly smaller in Group 1 than in Group 2 (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal bevacizumab injection before PRP could help prevent PRP-induced macular edema and visual dysfunction in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy and good vision.

Glaucoma Discrimination by Combined Use of Frequency Doubling Technology and Heidelberg Retina Tomography II

PURPOSE: This study investigated whether the combined use of Frequency Doubling Technology and Heidelberg Retina Tomography II increases the usefulness of glaucoma detection. METHODS: The study subjects were, 59 patients with POAG and 34 normal persons were selected. The authors defined a total of six discriminative criteria: F1, in which the conventional analysis of FDT was used; F2, in which the FDT scoring system was used; F3, in which the Moorfield classification of HRT was used; F4, in which the new HRT discrimination function `Z' was used; F5, in which F1 and F3 were combined, and F6, in which F2 and F4 were combined; The usefulness of each criterion was investigated. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, and area under the ROC curve of the six discriminative criteria were: 86.4%, 58.8%, and 0.740 in F1, 4.5%, 80.0% (cutoff: 12.50), and 0.882 in F2, 79.7%, 61.8%, and 0.679 in F3, 77.6%, 74.3% (cutoff: 0), and 0.857 in F4, 77.6%, 71.4% (cutoff: 1.0805), and 0.767 in F5, and 86.2%, 91.4% (cutoff: 0.495) and 0.931 in F6. CONCLUSIONS: Combined use of functional (FDT) and morphological (HRT) aspects, which are early parameters of glaucoma damage, gave more useful results than a single analysis of each. Thererfore, the combined use will help the early detection of glaucoma.

Bicanalicular Silicone Tube Intubation after Simple Probing in Common Canaliculus Obstruction

PURPOSE: To investigate the surgical outcome of silicone tube intubation after simple probing performed in obstruction of distal part of canaliculus or common canaliculus. METHODS: Silicone tube intubation was done in 24 patients with obstruction of distal part of canaliculus or common canaliculus, whose obstruction was readily opened by simple probing under mild pushing pressure and who had successful lacrimal irrigation after probing. Silicone tube was removed at about 6 months after operation and the epiphora improvement, dye disappearance test, and lacrimal irrigation test were evaluated at 2 month after the intubation and 2 months after the tube removal. RESULTS: The average of probing to perforate the obstructed canaliculus were 2.1. At 1 month after the intubation, epiphora was improved in 19 patients (79.2%), and 18 patients (75.0%) showed a grade 2+ or lower in dye disappearance test, and lacrimal irrigation was successful in 21 patients (87.5%). 2 months after the tube removal, epiphora was improved in 18 patients (75.0%), and 18 patients (75.0%) showed a grade 2+ or lower in dye disappearance test, and lacrimal irrigation was successful in 20 patients (83.3%). CONCLUSIONS: When the obstruction of distal part of canaliculus or common canaliculus is thin membranous nature, good surgical outcome can be expected by silicone tube intubation after simple probing using mild pushing pressure without other special procedure.

Changes of the Concentrations of Hepatocyte Growth Factor in Vitreous and Serum in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy Patients

PURPOSE: To evaluate the correlation between hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) levels and the process of proliferative diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: Fourteen patients who had undergone vitrectomy were included in the study. Eight were diabetic patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and six were non-diabetic controls. Vitreous and serum HGF was identified by Western blot analysis and then the level of HGF was measured with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Western blot analysis confirmed 69kD polypeptide of HGF in vitreous and in serum of all 14 patients. Intravitreal concentrations of HGF was higher in PDR patients than in non-diabetic patients (p0.05). While PDR patients did not show any correlation between the serum and the vitreous levels of HGF, control subjects showed a statistical significance (correlation coefficient=0.829; p=0.042). The ratio of serum HGF to vitreous HGF concentration was remarkably higher in PDR patients than in controls. CONCLUSIONS: Our result showed that increased concentration of HGF in vitreous seemed to be directly involved in the pathogenesis of PDR. Therefore vitreous level of HGF could be utilized as an indicator of the progression of PDR.

A Case of Myositis Ossificans Progressiva

No abstract available.

Changes in Auditory Brainstem Resposes in Hyperbilirubinemic Neonates Before and after Exchange Transfussion and Phototherapy

No abstract available.

A Clinical Study on Patients with Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Pneumonia in Childhood

No abstract available.