Effect of Reducing Intraocular Pressure on Vessel Density after Trabeculectomy Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

Purpose@#To evaluate peripapillary and macular vessel density changes in glaucoma patients after lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) by trabeculectomy, using optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography. @*Methods@#A retrospective study was conducted on 20 glaucomatous eyes that underwent trabeculectomy. Preoperative and postoperative IOP, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness, peripapillary and macular vessel density measured by OCT, and OCT angiography were analyzed by the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. A regression analysis was performed to identify the factors influencing the change in vessel density. @*Results@#The mean IOP was 31.0 ± 11.80 mmHg prior to surgery, 11.47 ± 4.52 mmHg at 1 month (p < 0.001), and 11.52 ± 3.34 mmHg at 6 months (p < 0.001). Peripapillary RNFL thickness (p = 0.002) increased significantly 6 months postoperatively. Peripapillary vessel density increased significantly 6 months after surgery (p = 0.007) and the magnitude of the reversal of peripapillary vessel density was significantly associated with a greater reduction in IOP (p < 0.001), and the lower preoperative peripapillary vessel density value (p = 0.003) and change in peripapillary vessel density increased significantly. The improvement in peripapillary RNFL thickness was associated with a greater reduction in the IOP (p = 0.011). @*Conclusions@#Measuring peripapillary vessel density using OCT angiography was useful to identify the reversible changes in optic nerve damage caused by reducing IOP after trabeculectomy.

Multiple Retinal Capillary Hemangioma Associated with NeurofibromatosisType 1

Purpose@#To report a case of multiple retinal capillary hemangioma associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 and resulting neovascularglaucoma.Case summary: A 13-year-old boy was admitted with complaint of visual disturbance and dull pain in his left eye which had beguntwo weeks prior. Lisch nodules were observed in his left iris and corneal opacity with neovascularization of the iris and anglewere detected in the same eye. Multiple retinal capillary hemangiomas with increased tortuosity and congestion of feeding retinalvessels were observed on the upper equator of the left retina; in addition, vitreous hemorrhage was observed. There were noother abnormalities except iris mammillations in the right eye. Numerous café au lait macules were observed on the patient’s entirebody. He also exhibited axillary freckling. On brain magnetic resonance imaging, T2-weighted signal intensity was increasedin the basal ganglia, left thalamus, and cerebellar white matter; however, no vessel abnormalities were observed on magneticresonance angiography. High intraocular pressure (IOP) persisted despite the use of IOP lowering agents and IOP was normalizedafter trabeculectomy with mitomycin C administration. @*Conclusions@#This case shows that multiple retinal capillary hemangiomas can be accompanied by neurofibromatosis type 1,which may result in neovascular glaucoma.

Primary Marginal Zone B-cell Lymphoma of Mucosa-associated Lymphoid Tissue of the Lacrimal Sac Mimicking Dacryocystitis

PURPOSE: We report a case of a young female patient who was diagnosed with a marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma) of the lacrimal sac which mimicked dacrocystitis. CASE SUMMARY: A 23-year-old female suffered from epiphora for 3 years in the right eye. She had swelling and a painful lesion at the lacrimal sac 4 months prior and was referred to our hospital due to nasolacrimal duct obstruction and dacryocystitis. Lacrimal irrigation was performed with no passing and regurgitation with mucoid discharge. We performed orbital computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging which showed a suspected tumor of the lacrimal sac in the right eye. We then performed excision and biopsy of the tumor through the skin approach. The patient was diagnosed with a MALT lymphoma with no systemic involvement. After six cycles of chemotherapy involving rituximab with cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone, the lesion of the mass and the painful symptoms decreased, which was regarded as a complete response. However, epiphora and eye discharge persisted, showing a nasolacrimal duct obstruction, so we performed endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy with a lacrimal sac biopsy. The histological examination showed chronic inflammation, but not lymphoma. There was no recurrence of lymphoma at one year postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: If there is an epiphora and palpable lesion in the lacrimal sac area, MALT lymphoma mimicking dacyocystitis may be suspected. After the lymphoma is first diagnosed by excision and biopsy, systemic chemotherapy with dacryocystorhinostomy could be an effective treatment.

Peripheral and Central Metabolites Affecting Depression, Anxiety, Suicidal Ideation, and Anger in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Patients Using a Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated peripheral and central metabolites affecting depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and anger in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) patients. METHODS: Metabolite levels were determined in the right and left thalamus and insula, in 12 CRPS patients using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). RESULTS: There were positive correlations between valine (Val)/tNAA (N-acetylaspartate+N-acetylaspartylglutamate) and the anxiety, and a negative correlation between glutamine (Gln)/NAA and the depression. There were positive correlations between alanine (Ala)/Gln and the depression and suicidal ideation, between glutamate (Glu)/Gln and the depression and suicidal ideation, between N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG)/Gln and the depression. There was a positive correlation between Ala/NAAG and the trait anger and a negative correlation between creatine (Cr)/N-acetylaspartate (NAA) and the trait anger. There was a negative correlation between Cr/Glx (Glu+Gln) and the trait anger. High hemoglobin and alkaline phosphatase were associated with low pain levels, but CO2 and chloride showed positive correlations with pain levels in CRPS patients. Peripheral glucose, CO2 and chloride were associated with depression, anxiety, anger and suicidal ideation. CONCLUSION: The specific central and peripheral metabolites were associated with psychological disorders including depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation and anger in CRPS patients, showing pathological interactions between a painful body and mind.

Subnormal Binocular Contrast Sensitivity Summation in Patients with Intermittent Exotropia

BACKGROUND: To evaluate binocular summation ratio using contrast sensitivity (CS) testing and correlation between binocular summation and stereoacuity, and control scale in intermittent exotropia (IXT). METHODS: We conducted a prospective case-control study. Thirty-seven IXT and 41 controls were evaluated with both monocular and binocular CS testing. We compared the binocular summation ratio of IXT to that of controls. Near and distance stereoacuity was assessed and office-based control scale was evaluated. We investigated correlation between binocular CS summation ratio and stereoacuity, and control scale in IXT, respectively. RESULTS: IXT had lower binocular CS summation ratio than controls at 1.5 and 3.0 cycles/degree (1.01 ± 1.02 vs. 1.62 ± 1.88 and 1.17 ± 0.96 vs. 1.86 ± 1.75, Both P < 0.05). We found significant correlation between binocular CS summation ratio at 3.0 cycles/degree and both near and distance stereoacuity (r = −0.411, P = 0.012 and r = −0.624, P = 0.005), and ratio at 1.5 cycles/degree also correlated significantly with distance stereoacuity (r = −0.397, P = 0.034) in the IXT. Binocular CS summation ratio was correlated to control scale at 1.5 and 3.0 cycles/degree (r = −0.327, P = 0.041 and r = −0.418, P = 0.028), and the ratio significantly differed in control scale groupings analysis at the same frequencies (Both P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings of subnormal binocular CS summation ratio in IXT had correlation with stereoacuity and control scale suggest that binocular CS testing may be a useful method in assessing binocular visual function in IXT.

Frontotemporal Dermoid Cyst with Sinus Tract in a Child

PURPOSE: To report the treatment results of a frontotemporal dermoid cyst with a cutaneous fistula and sinus tract that caused recurrent periorbital cellulitis in a child. CASE SUMMARY: A 4-year-old girl who presented with left orbital swelling and tenderness visited our hospital. She had a cutaneous fistula with a small amount of purulent discharge at the left frontotemporal area. Orbital computed tomography scans showed a well-defined low density lesion in the fronto-zygomatic suture, and there was a bony defect in the left greater wing of the sphenoid bone of the orbit. Orbital magnetic resonance imaging showed a cutaneous fistula and sinus tract that extended into the middle cranial fossa. The patient was treated with intravenous antibiotics until the inflammation was resolved. Surgery was performed to remove the dermoid cyst with sinus tract. After surgery, there was no evidence of recurrence, and complications included neurologic and ophthalmic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Orbitofacial lesions, particularly frontotemporal cutaneous fistulas that present with recurrent discharge, should be regarded with suspicion in cases of deep extended dermoid cysts with sinus tract. Additionally, imaging tests should be carefully conducted before surgery.

Treatment Outcome of Serous Macular Detachment in Circumscribed Choroidal Hemangioma

PURPOSE: To determine the clinical outcome of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) for circumscribed choroidal hemangioma (CCH) with serous retinal detachment. METHODS: The medical records of patients having CCH with serous retinal detachment in macula were retrospectively reviewed. CCH and serous retinal detachment were evaluated via fundus photography, optical coherence tomography, indocyanine green angiography, and ultrasonography. RESULTS: A total of 9 eyes were enrolled in this study. The average follow-up period was 19.2 months. The mean visual acuity was 0.51 ± 0.52 (logMAR) and the mean maximum diameter and thickness of the tumor were 6,154.4 ± 2,019.9 µm and 2,224.4 ± 862.1 µm, respectively. Of the 6 eyes receiving anti-VEGF (mean number of injections: 3.16) as the first treatment for serous retinal detachment, 5 had sustained or recurred intraretinal/subretinal fluid (IRF/SRF) and needed additional PDT and transpupillary thermotherapy. In the 3 eyes that received PDT (mean number of treatments: 1.3) as an initial treatment, IRF/SRF was completely resolved. Finally, 8 eyes achieved complete resolution of SRF and IRF; however visual recovery was limited. CONCLUSIONS: PDT, even with a small number of treatments, can alleviate IRF/SRF in CCH, while anti-VEGF did not.

Reproliferation of Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane after Spontaneous Separation

PURPOSE: To report the reproliferation of membrane after a spontaneous separation in a patient with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM). CASE SUMMARY: A 62-year-old woman complained of metamorphopsia in the left eye. Her vision without correction was 0.8. On fundus examination, the epiretinal membrane was covering the fovea with posterior vitreous detachment. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed the ERM and thickened macula. Retinal break, intraocular inflammatory disease, and retinal vascular disease were not noted. We diagnosed her with idiopathic ERM and followed up regularly. At month 7, a partial separation of the membrane from the retinal surface was noted. At month 12, complete spontaneous separation of the ERM from the macula except that in the temporal area was accompanied by improvement of vision to 1.0. OCT, showing recovery of the fovea contour. However, her corrected vision decreased to 0.7 at month 17, and the ERM was again observed to cover the macula. Thickening of the ERM progressed further, and her corrected vision decreased to 0.5 at month 21. CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous separation of membrane is a rare phenomenon in idiopathic ERM. Reproliferation of membrane can develop and induce visual impairment. Therefore, regular examination is recommended in patients with spontaneous separation of membrane.