Unilateral choroidal tuberculoma as an initial manifestation of presumed ocular tuberculosis: a case report / Tuberculoma coroidal unilateral como manifestação inicial de tuberculose ocular presumida: relato de caso

ABSTRACT Choroidal tuberculomas are present in patients with ocular tuberculosis. They usually occur in a patient with previous history of tuberculosis, and are rarely the initial presentation, with no prior systemic manifestations. We present a patient with unilateral choroidal tuberculoma as the initial presentation of presumed ocular tuberculosis, which enabled earlier initiation of treatment.

RESUMO Os tuberculomas de coroide apresentam-se em pacientes com tuberculose ocular. Geralmente, ocorrem em indivíduos com história prévia de tuberculose e raramente têm apresentação inicial sem manifestações sistêmicas anteriores. Relatamos o caso de um paciente com tuberculoma de coroide unilateral com apresentação inicial de tuberculose ocular presumida, permitindo o início mais precoce do tratamento.

Optical Coherence Tomography-based Diagnosis of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy in Korean Patients

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of an optical coherence tomography (OCT)-based diagnosis of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) in Korean patients. METHODS: This retrospective, observational case series included 263 eyes of 263 patients (147 eyes with PCV and 116 eyes with typical exudative, age-related macular degeneration [AMD]) who had been diagnosed with treatment naïve exudative AMD. Eyes with three or more of the following OCT findings were diagnosed with PCV: multiple retinal pigment epithelial detachment (RPED), a sharp RPED peak, an RPED notch, a hyporeflective lumen representing polyps, and hyperreflective intraretinal hard exudates. The OCT-based diagnosis was compared with the gold-standard indocyanine green angiography-based method. The sensitivity and specificity of the OCT-based diagnosis was also estimated. An additional analysis was performed using a choroidal thickness criterion. Eyes with a subfoveal choroidal thickness greater than 300 µm were also diagnosed with PCV despite having only two OCT features. RESULTS: In eyes with PCV, three or more OCT features were observed in 126 of 147 eyes (85.7%), and the incidence of typical exudative AMD was 16 of 116 eyes (13.8%). The sensitivity and specificity of an OCT-based diagnosis were 85.7% and 86.2%, respectively. After applying the choroidal thickness criterion, the sensitivity increased from 85.7% to 89.8%, and the specificity decreased from 86.2% to 84.5%. CONCLUSIONS: The OCT-based diagnosis of PCV showed a high sensitivity and specificity in Korean patients. The addition of a choroidal thickness criterion improved the sensitivity of the method with a minimal decrease in its specificity.

Idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy masquerading as choroidal tumors: one year follow-up of a peripheral lesion / Vasculopatia polipoidal idiopática da coroide simulando tumores da coroide: um ano de seguimento de uma lesão periférica

ABSTRACT This case report describes peripheral idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (IPCV) with a collection of small aneurysmal dilations that masqueraded as choroidal tumors in an elderly patient. A 68-year-old African American woman was referred to us with a suspected diagnosis of asymptomatic vascular choroidal tumor and choroidal capillary hemangioma, affecting the temporal peripheral fundus. Upon examination, optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed two large hemorrhagic pigment epithelium detachments (PED), and indocyanine green angiography (ICG) confirmed the diagnosis of IPCV. One year later, there was reduction in the hemorrhagic pigment epithelium detachments and the lesion took on a different appearance, resembling a choroidal osteoma. No treatment was necessary despite the presence of multiple polyps. IPCV is a rare condition that can resemble other choroidal diseases depending on the stage of presentation. OCT is the best tool to determine the characteristics of the lesions, and indocyanine green angiography should be used to confirm the diagnosis. Not all cases require treatment.

RESUMO Relato de um caso de vasculopatia polipoidal idiopática da coroide (IPCV) com múltiplas dilatações aneurismáticas em região temporal periférica da retina, em uma paciente idosa que assemelhou-se com alguns tumores de coroide no seguimento de um ano. Paciente de 68 anos da raça negra, assintomática, foi encaminhada com a hipótese diagnóstica de um tumor vascular de coroide e hemangioma capilar da coroide, em região temporal inferior periférica da retina. Ao exame de tomografia de coerência óptica (OCT) era observado dois grande descolamentos de epitélio pigmentado (DEP), sendo confirmado o diagnóstico de vasculopatia polipoidal idiopática da coroide pela angiografia com indocianina verde (ICG). Após um ano, houve absorção do descolamento do epitélio pigmentado hemorrágico assemelhando-se assim ao osteoma de coroide. Nenhum tratamento foi necessário apesar da quantidade dos pólipos. A vasculopatia polipoidal idiopática da coroide é uma doença rara que, dependendo do estágio da apresentação, pode se assemelhar com algumas doenças da coroide. A tomografia de coerência óptica pode ilustrar melhor as características das lesões e a ICG confirma o diagnóstico. Nem todos os casos necessitam ser tratados.

Birdshot retinochoroidopathy review / Revisão sobre retinocoroidopatia do tipo "birdshot"

Birdshot retinochoroidopathy (BSRC) is a distinct type of posterior uveitis originally described in the 1940s. Its characteristics include minimal anterior segment inflammation and diffuse posterior choroidopathy with vitritis and retinal vasculitis. The precise etiology of this disease is yet to be elucidated. However, various treatment modalities have been employed with the ultimate goal of durable remission of this vision threatening intraocular disease. The purpose of this review is not only to emphasize the importance of recognizing BSRC, but also to discuss the new discoveries, immune mediators, current and new therapies, and techniques applied to monitor and accomplish disease remission.

Retinocoroidopatia do tipo "birdshot" é um tipo de uveíte posterior originalmente descrita na década de 1940. Achados característicos incluem inflamação mínima do segmento anterior, retinocoroidopatia difusa associada à vitreíte e vasculite retiniana. A etiologia da doença ainda não foi completamente definida, entretanto várias modalidades de tratamento têm sido utilizadas com o objetivo de atingir a remissão. O objetivo desta revisão é enfatizar não só a importância do reconhecimento da doença como também discutir novas descobertas relacionadas a mediadores imunes, formas de tratamentos e como monitorar a doença.

Espesor coroideo central medido por tomografía de coherencia óptica de profundidad mejorada en sujetos bajo tratamiento crónico intravítreo con antiangiogénicos / Central choroidal thickness measured by enhanced depht imaging optical coherence tomography in subjects under chronic treatment with intravitreal anti­vascular endothelial growth factor

Objetivos: medir el grosor macular coroideo (GC) y describir las características en el OCT mediante imágenes de profundidad mejorada con tomografía de coherencia óptica (EDI OCT) en pacientes con Degeneración Macular Relacionada con la Edad (DMRE) variedad neovascular, que se sometieron a múltiples inyecciones intravítreas con agentes antiangiogénicos y compararlo con pacientes con DMRE temprana y sanos. Métodos: estudio transversal de casos y controles, apareado por edad y sexo. Un total de 74 ojos de 58 voluntarios, 21 con DMRE húmeda y en tratamiento crónico intravítreo con terapia antiangiogénica (> 10 inyecciones en un período de 30 meses), 21 con DMRE temprana y 32 voluntarios sanos se sometieron a imágenes de alta definición usando SD-OCT (RTVue) con técnica de imagen de profundidad mejorada (EDI OCT). El espesor coroideo promedio se comparó entre los 3 grupos y se realizó una descripción morfológica de los hallazgos. Se llevó a cabo un análisis de regresión lineal univariado para evaluar la relación del GC con la edad, el género, la agudeza visual, el diagnóstico de DMRE y el tratamiento. Resultados: después de controlar las diferencias de edad y sexo, el número de inyecciones de antiangiogénicos no mostró correlación estadísticamente significativa con el grosor macular coroideo (p = 0,689). Entre diferentes variables, la edad fue la única asociada con el GC en el grupo de sanos (p<0.05). El género no mostró relación con el espesor coroideo central en los grupos de DMRE, fue estadísticamente significativo sólo en el grupo de individuos sanos.(p=0.008). La diferencia de grosor coroideo entre los 3 grupos no fue estadísticamente significativa (p=0.064), sólo hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p<0.001) entre el grupo de sujetos con DMRE temprana y los sanos; los pacientes sanos tienen medidas coroideas significativamente más gruesas (234.9 µ IC 95%= 201.5 ­ 268.2) que los otros 2 grupos. Los pacientes con DMRE neovascular mostraron coroides más gruesas en promedio (175.07 µ IC del 95% = 139,3 - 210,8) comparados con aquellos con DMRE temprana (126.3 µ IC 95%= 94.9 ­ 157.6). El valor de GC comparando entre cada medida fue irregular en pacientes con DMRE neovascular, pero fue regular en los pacientes con DMRE temprana y los sanos, mostrando una distribución lineal. Conclusiones: no se encontró correlación entre el número de inyecciones de antiangiogénicos y el GC, lo cual apoya el concepto que las aplicaciones de antiangiogénicos no afectan el GC de acuerdo con lo que otros estudios han indicado. Se observó una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre el grosor coroideo de los pacientes sanos y los pacientes con DMRE temprana.

Purpose: to measure macular choroidal thickness (CT) and describe EDI OCT characteristics in patients with neovascular AMD who underwent multiple intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF agents, and to compare it with early AMD eyes, and healthy eyes, Methods: this is an age-matched, sexmatched, case-control, cross-sectional study. A total of 74 eyes of 58 patients were evaluated. 21 eyes with neovascular AMD and chronic anti-angiogenic intravitreal treatment (>10 injections in a 30 month period), 21 eyes with early AMD and 32 eyes of healthy volunteers underwent SD-OCT (RTVue) with EDI technique. The average choroidal thickness (CT) was compared with the average CT value of an age-matched, sex-matched, early AMD group and a healthy control group. A description of the morphological findings was done. Univariate linear regression analyses were perform to evaluate choroidal thickness with age, gender, BCVA and AMD diagnosis and treatment. Results: after controlling for age differences the number of Anti VEGF injections showed no statistically significant correlation with macular choroidal thickness (p=0,689). Among different covariates, age was associated with CT (p<0.05) only in the healthy patients group. Gender showed not significant association with CT in AMD groups, it was statistically significant only on the healthy group (p=0.008). There was a difference in CT in the three groups but it was not statistically significant (p=0.064), it only showed a significant difference (p<0.001) between the early AMD and the healthy group. Healthy subjects had significant thicker choroidal measurements (234.9 µ CI 95%= 201.5- 268.2) than the other 2 groups; Patients with neovascular AMD showed thicker choroids (175.07 µ CI 95% =139.3-210.8) compared with early AMD (126.3µ CI 95%=94.9-157.6). The macular CT value was uneven in patients with neovascular AMD, but it was even in patients with early AMD and healthy subjects, showing a linear distribution. Conclusions: no correlation between the number of injections and GC antiangiogenics was found, which supports the concept that antiangiogenic applications do not affect the GC according to what other studies have indicated. A statistically significant difference between the choroid thickness in healthy patients and patients with early AMD was observed.

A Korean Woman with Reactive Lymphoid Hyperplasia of the Uvea

No abstract available.

Choroidal Venous Pulsations at an Arterio-venous Crossing in Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy

It has been reported that pulsations in abnormal vessels are observed on indocyanine green (ICG) angiography in half of patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), although the mechanism of the pulsation is unknown. In this study, we report a case of PCV showing venous pulsations at an arterio-venous (A-V) crossing, and discuss a possible mechanism of polypoidal vessel formation and pulsations in PCV. A 66-year-old female presented with a reddish-orange elevated lesion and serous retinal detachment in the macula of her left eye, and was diagnosed as PCV. She was treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT), and followed-up through routine examinations, including ICG angiography. ICG angiography at presentation showed a branching vascular network and choroidal venules with dye leakage (polypoidal vessels) in the left eye. Pulsations, supposedly of venous origin, were observed at an A-V crossing in the abnormal vessels. Within 3 months after PDT, the polypoidal vessel ceased to leak and the pulsations vanished. The reddish-orange lesion gradually decreased in size with complete disappearance of retinal detachment. This study suggests that an unusual compression at an A-V crossing may make a venule polypoidal, and fluctuations of blood flow and pressure in the venule may cause pulsatile movements of the vessel wall.

Short-term Effectiveness of Intravitreal Bevacizumab vs. Ranibizumab Injections for Patients with Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of intravitreal injections of bevacizumab and ranibizumab in patients with treatment-naive polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). METHODS: Records from 106 consecutive patients who received intraviteral bevacizumab (n = 58, 1.25 mg) or ranibizumab (n = 52, 0.5 mg) for treatment of PCV were retrospectively reviewed. After three initial monthly loading injections, injection was performed as needed. The main outcome measures included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), foveal central thickness (FCT) as assessed by spectral domain optical coherence tomography, and the changes in polypoidal lesions based on an indocyanine green angiography. RESULTS: The average number of injections was 3.31 +/- 1.25 in the bevacizumab group and 3.44 +/- 0.92 in the ranibizumab group. Mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution of BCVA from baseline to 6 months after injection improved by 0.17 in the bevacizumab group (p = 0.03) and by 0.19 in the ranibizumab group (p = 0.01). Average FCT decreased from 322 +/- 62.48 microm to 274 +/- 40.77 microm in the bevacizumab group (p = 0.02) and from 338 +/- 50.79 microm to 286 +/- 36.93 microm in the ranibizumab group (p = 0.02). Polyp regression rate was 20.7% (12 of 58 eyes) in the bevacizumab group and 21.2% (11 of 52 eyes) in the ranibizumab group. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in BCVA improvement achieved, FCT improvement achieved, and polyp regression rate between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal injections of bevacizumab and ranibizumab have similar effects in stabilizing of visual acuity, macular edema, and regression of polypoidal complex in PCV eyes over the short term.

Indocyanine Green Angiographic Findings of Obscure Choroidal Abnormalities in Neurofibromatosis

We report two cases of choroidal neurofibromatosis, detected with the aid of indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) in patients with neurofibromatosis (NF)-1, otherwise having obscure findings based on ophthalmoscopy and fluoresceine angiography (FA). In case 1, the ophthalmoscopic exam showed diffuse bright or yellowish patched areas with irregular and blunt borders at the posterior pole. The FA showed multiple hyperfluorescent areas at the posterior pole in the early phase, which then showed more hyperfluorescence without leakage or extent in the late phase. The ICGA showed diffuse hypofluorescent areas in both the early and late phases, and the deep choroidal vessels were also visible. In case 2, the fundus showed no abnormal findings, and the FA showed weakly hypofluorescent areas with indefinite borders in both eyes. With the ICGA, these areas were more hypofluorescent and had clear borders. Choroidal involvement in NF-1 seems to occur more than expected. In selected cases, ICGA is a useful tool to be utilized when an ocular examination is conducted in a patient that has no definite findings based on the ophthalmoscope, B-scan, or FA tests.

Echographic evaluation of optic disc excavation

To evaluate the role of high resolution B-scan echography in differentiating the causes of optic disc excavation. A prospective study was conducted on 30 subjects presenting to Al-Zahraa University Hospital [2009 - 2011] with optic nerve excavation. Of these patients 10 with coloboma, 10 with cup-shaped posterior staphyloma and 10 with glaucomatous optic nerve cupping were identified. Horizontal and vertical approaches for optic disc excavations were evaluated using B-scan echography. Specific echographic criteria for excavation configurations were successfully estimated. High-resolution contact B-scan echography may provide useful differentiation for optic disc excavations in eyes with opaque media

Flare up of choroiditis and choroidal neovasculazation associated with punctate inner choroidopathy during early pregnancy.

A 28-year-old, healthy female, who had a recent repeated history of miscarriage, presented with bilateral choroidal neovascular membranes (CNVM), for which she received photodynamic therapy with three doses of lucentis, at intervals of one month each, to which she responded. After five months, the patient again presented with complaints of diminution of vision since 15 days. She had a history of miscarriage two days before presenting to our clinic. CNVM was scarred at this time and the fundus picture showed multiple small punctate spots around the fovea at the level of the choroid, which showed early hyperfluroscence on fundus fluorescein angiography, suggestive of punctate inner choroidopathy. She was advised systemic steroids, to which she responded dramatically.

Central serous chorioretinopathy mistaken for tuberculous choroiditis

To report a patient erroneously diagnosed with tuberculous choroiditis who was accordingly treated with long term steroids which in turn, worsened the actual disease process that turned out to be central serous chorioretinopathy [CSC]. A 59-year-old Caucasian man developed a chorioretinal disease in his right eye in 1997. Having a positive tuberculin skin test, tuberculous chorioretinitis was suspected and antituberculous therapy was administered for 4 months. In 2005, visual symptoms in the same eye recurred and despite negative interferon gamma release assay, tuberculous choroiditis was considered as the diagnosis and the patient further received massive corticosteroid therapy along with antituberculous agents. Despite a deteriorating clinical picture, therapy was continued. Upon initial examination at our center, no sign of inflammation was observed and a diagnosis of CSC was made, consequently steroid therapy was terminated. In some chorioretinopathies, it is difficult to differentiate inflammatory from non-inflammatory causes. One should observe the course of the disease and question the initial diagnosis when no improvement or deterioration occurs despite therapy

Mefenamic acid-induced bilateral transient myopia, secondary angle closure glaucoma and choroidal detachment.

Drug-induced secondary angle closure is quite common and in the majority of cases simply stopping the medication leads to rapid reversal of the condition and resolution of glaucoma. We describe here a patient who presented with secondary angle closure glaucoma and myopia following mefenamic acid ingestion which was managed successfully by stopping the medication, symptomatic treatment and reassurance.

Central serous chorioretinopathy after dacryocystorhinostomy operation on the same side.

A 43-year-old man developed central serous choroidoretinopathy in his left eye following dacryocystorhinostomy operation on the same side. He was using xylometazoline nasal drops in his left nostril. Action of xylometazoline or the stress related to the operation or the effect of both factors played the role in the causation of this ocular condition. Omission of nasal drops or relief from stress resulted in full recovery of vision and complete resolution of symptoms within one month.

Bartonelosis ocular: Reporte de tres casos / Ocular bartonellosis: Report of three clinical cases

The characteristic clinical presentation of cat scratch disease is subacute regional lymphadenopathy; nevertheless, 5-25 percent of Bartonella henselcie infections may present an atypical or systemic form, with potential eye involvement. We describe three clinical cases of ocular bartonellosis in two adolescents and one young adult, who had close contact with cats; all of them presented persistent fever ranging from 15 to 21 days, and two of them developed a sudden unilateral loss of visual acuity associated with optic neuritis. The other patient presented retinal choroiditis and unilateral retinal microgranulomas, with normal visual acuity. Patients received macrolides as sole antimicrobial or in association with rifampin, and one patient was additionally treated with systemic corticoids. The outcome was favorable in two patients; one patient developed a permanent visual deficit. Ocular bartonellosis must be suspected in patients with close contact to cats or with cat scratches whom develop persistent fever and sudden loss of visual acuity.

La enfermedad por arañazo de gato se manifiesta típicamente como una linfadenopatía regional sub-aguda; sin embargo, 5 a 25 por ciento de los pacientes infectados por Bartonella henselae desarrollan formas atípicas o sistémicas de la enfermedad, pudiendo evolucionar con compromiso ocular. Consideramos de interés describir las características clínicas, tratamiento y evolución de tres pacientes con bartonelosis ocular, dos adolescentes y un adulto joven, que tenían antecedentes de contacto y/o rasguño por gatos. Todos cursaron con síndrome febril prolongado, con 15 a 21 días de duración, asociado a pérdida súbita de la agudeza visual unilateral en dos casos, cuya fondoscopia reveló neuritis óptica. El otro paciente presentó retino-coroiditis y microgranulomas retiñíanos, con agudeza visual conservada. Todos recibieron tratamiento antimicrobiano con macrólidos solos o asociados a rifam-picina y uno recibió además corticosteroides sisté-micos. La evolución fue satisfactoria en dos, quedando un paciente con déficit visual permanente. Recomendamos sospechar bartonelosis ocular en pacientes con antecedentes de contacto y/o rasguños por gatos, que cursan con un síndrome febril prolongado y/o disminución súbita de la agudeza visual.

A Case of Oculomotor Nerve Palsy and Choroidal Tuberculous Granuloma Associated with Tuberculous Meningoencephalitis

We report a rare case of oculomotor nerve palsy and choroidal tuberculous granuloma associated with tuberculous meningoencephalitis. A 15-year-old male visited our hospital for an acute drop of the left eyelid and diplopia. He has been on anti-tuberculous drugs (isoniazid, rifampin) for 1 year for his tuberculous encephalitis. A neurological examination revealed a conscious clear patient with isolated left oculomotor nerve palsy, which manifested as ptosis, and a fundus examination revealed choroidal tuberculoma. Other anti-tuberculous drugs (pyrazinamide, ethambutol) and a steroid (dexamethasone) were added. After 3 months on this medication, ptosis of the left upper eyelid improved and the choroidal tuberculoma decreasedin size, but a right homonymous visual field defect remained. When a patient with tuberculous meningitis presents with abrupt onset oculomotor nerve palsy, rapid re-diagnosis should be undertaken and proper treatment initiated, because the prognosis is critically dependent on the timing of adequate treatment.

The white dot syndromes

Several entities must be considered when a patient presents with a white dot syndrome. In most cases these can be distinguished from one another based on the appearance or distribution of the lesions, the clinical course, or patient variables such as age, sex, laterality, and functional and image examinations. In this paper we review the distinctive and shared features of the white dot syndromes, highlighting the clinical findings, diagnostic test results, proposed etiologies, treatment, and prognosis.

Várias doenças devem ser consideradas quando nos deparamos com paciente com uma entidade clínica incluída no grupo das "síndromes dos pontos brancos retinianos". O diagnóstico diferencial na maioria das vezes é baseado na aparência e/ou na distribuição das lesões, no curso clínico, ou por algumas variáveis relacionadas ao paciente, tais como idade, sexo, lateralidade, bem como por meio de exames funcionais e de imagem. O presente artigo revisa os achados clínicos das doenças que fazem parte do grupo das "síndromes dos pontos brancos retinianos", enfatizando as similaridades e as diferenças entre essas entidades. Os exames complementares, bem como a etiologia, o tratamento e o prognóstico de cada uma delas são descritos e comentados.

Fundus fluorescein angiography of choroidal tubercles: case reports and review of literature.

The aim of this communication was to report the fundus fluorescein angiography findings in three patients with choroidal tubercles. In all cases, there was a marked peritubercular inflammation. The tubercles themselves showed an initial hypofluorescence or minimal hyperfluorescence that increased in the late phases. Clinicians need to be familiar with these new findings as they may help in the diagnosis of ocular tuberculosis.

Seguimento de portadores de coriorretinopatia serosa central por meio da tomografia de coerência óptica / Evaluation of central serous chorioretinopathy with optical coherence tomography

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a tomografia de coerência óptica como método objetivo de diagnóstico e de seguimento da coriorretinopatia serosa central. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional descritivo de 16 (dezesseis) olhos de portadores de coriorretinopatia serosa central unilateral, em fase aguda. Estes pacientes foram submetidos à medida da acuidade visual e a exame oftalmológico completo, incluindo biomicroscopia da mácula, angiofluoresceinografia e tomografia de coerência óptica. Nenhum dos pacientes foi submetido a qualquer tipo de tratamento. RESULTADO: Dos 16 casos consecutivos de coriorretinopatia serosa central, 12 pacientes completaram o seguimento até a resolução da doença. A idade variou entre 27 e 50 anos, com média de 38,9 anos. A predominância foi do sexo masculino. Na tomografia de coerência óptica, o descolamento da retina neurossensorial foi observado em todos os casos e 33,3 por cento dos pacientes apresentaram descolamento do epitélio pigmentado da retina. Houve diferença significativa em todas as variáveis estudadas, constatando melhora na acuidade visual, diminuição na espessura e no volume macular na resolução da doença. CONCLUSÃO: Tomografia de coerência óptica mostrou boa eficácia para detectar e quantificar alterações maculares em olhos com coriorretinopatia serosa central, podendo ser útil em avaliações clínicas na fase aguda e na resolução da doença.