Mean Amplitude of Diurnal Variation of Sub-Foveal Choroidal Thickness among Adults with Healthy Eyes Visiting Outpatient Department of a Tertiary Eye Care Centre.

Introduction: The choroid, particularly the choroidal vasculature, plays an important role in the pathophysiology of various ocular diseases. Diurnal variation in the thickness of the choroid has been reported in previous studies. This study aimed to find the mean amplitude of diurnal variation of sub-foveal choroidal thickness among adults with healthy eyes visiting the outpatient Department of a tertiary eye care centre. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among adults with healthy eyes presenting to the outpatient Department of a tertiary eye care centre from 1 February 2023 to 3 June 2023 after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee. After a comprehensive medical eye examination, sub-foveal choroidal thickness measurement was performed using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography at the baseline and subsequent interval afterwards. A convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 95% Confidence Interval. Results: Among 60 eyes, the mean amplitude of the diurnal variation of subfoveal choroidal thickness was 35.16±14.08 microns (31.59-38.72, 95% Confidence Interval). The mean amplitude for the right eye was 36.30±14.08 microns, and for the left eye, it was 34.23±14.08 microns. Conclusions: The amplitude of diurnal variation of subfoveal choroidal thickness from this study was found to be similar to other studies done in international settings. Keywords: choroid; circadian rhythm; cross-sectional study; Ophthalmology.

Minimally invasive procedure for optic disc pit maculopathy: vitrectomy with scleral plug and analysis on pattern of resolution.

Optic disc pit maculopathy (ODP-M) is a rare complication of optic disc pit which can cause irreversible visual impairment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the anatomical and functional outcomes and pattern of resolution of ODP-M following vitrectomy with posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) induction and scleral tissue plug for treatment of ODP-M without ILM peeling, laser or use of long term gas/tamponade or head positioning. This retrospective study included 7 patients with ODP-M, meeting the inclusion criteria. Patients were followed up for 6 months. Complete anatomical success was defined as "Total resolution of all the fluid in retinal compartments". All of the patients had complete resolution of the optic pit maculopathy following surgery. The mean duration for complete resolution was 18.3 weeks. Pattern of resolution of ODP-M was found to be resolution of the subretinal fluid (SRF) followed by disappearance of the retinoschitic lesions (RL) and finally disappearance of macular edema (ME). The proposed minimally invasive procedure (MIP) can produce comparably good and equally reliable results for the treatment of ODP-M.

Normative Vascular Features on OCT Angiography in Healthy Nepalese Eyes.

Purpose: To establish normative data on morphological characteristics and quantitative parameters of Foveal Avascular Zone (FAZ) as well as their systemic and ocular associations using OCT angiography (OCT-A) in healthy Nepalese subjects. Patients and Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional, population-based study recruiting 210 healthy samples (420 eyes) aged 10 to 70 years was conducted. All the samples underwent detailed comprehensive eye examination followed by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) and Enhanced Depth Imaging performed in each eye using Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography. Foveal avascular zone area and vessel density in superficial and deep retinal plexus and Sub foveal Choroidal Thickness (SFCT) were evaluated. Ocular and systemic associations of these parameters were also studied in a multivariate analysis utilizing linear regression. Results: The mean superficial and deep FAZ area was 459.96 ± 124.75 µm (95% confidence interval [CI], 443.08-476.83) and 589.0 ± 141.39 µm (95% CL, 570.77-609.02), respectively. The vessel density in superficial capillary plexus was 54.03 ± 9.34% (95% CL, 53.98-54.11) while the vessel density in deep capillary plexus was 25.91 ± 38% (95% CL, 25.85-25.96). The mean SFCT in this study was 308.89 ± 68.87µm (95% CL, 299.64-318.14 µm). There was no statistically significant inter-eye difference in the FAZ parameters. Myopic eyes had smaller FAZ, lesser vessel density and thinner SFCT. Association was observed between superficial FAZ area and systolic blood pressure, and deep FAZ area and diastolic blood pressure. Conclusion: This study reports the normative data on FAZ parameters in healthy Nepalese subjects which can serve as references for interpreting these parameters in different retinal-choroidal diseases.

Nontubercular Mycobacteria Associated Uveitis in HIV Positive Patients.

PURPOSE: To report clinical features and outcomes of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) presenting as uveitis in HIV positive patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of HIV positive patients who were diagnosed as uveitis due to NTM. RESULTS: Six eyes of four HIV positive patients with NTM were studied. Average age at presentation was 35.5 years (range 30-38). With specific PCR primers, Mycobacterium avium was detected in three patients (75%) and Mycobacterium fortuitum in one patient (25%). Culture was positive in two cases. Two eyes (33.33%) each had endophthalmitis and necrotizing retinitis like picture, one eye (16.66%) each had chorioretinitis and frosted branch angitis like. Visual acuity improved in two eyes (33.33%), worsened in three eyes (50%), and remained unchanged in one eye (16.6%). CONCLUSIONS: NTM infection is a unique entity in immunosuppressed with poor visual outcome. PCR forms a useful tool for rapid diagnosis and timely initiation of specific anti-tuberculosis therapy.

Uveitis in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis.

BACKGROUND: There is a close correlation between ankylosing spondylitis and uveitis, other less common ocular manifestations being episcleritis and scleritis. Though the prognosis of uveitis is good, prompt treatment is required to prevent long-term complications. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of uveitis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis who follow outpatient clinic of a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done in medicine outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital for 6 months. Ethical clearance was obtained from the institutional review board of National Academy of Medical Sciences. Convenient sampling was done. The data collected were entered in Microsoft excel to tabulate the data and analyze the results. RESULTS: Out of 81 participants, 26 patients had a history of uveitis (32%). Most of the patients in this study were of 18-30 years. Uveitis was most common in patients with both axial and peripheral disease (41%) compared to those with just peripheral disease (32%). Uveitis was more common among males (32.2%) than females (31.5%). CONCLUSION: In patients with spondyloarthritis uveitis was present in 32% of the patient with more common in patient with both axial and peripheral arthritis. Timely diagnosis of uveitis in ankylosing spondylitis can prevent the sequelae with prompt treatment.

Disseminated Tubercular Granulomas Associated with the Use of Azathioprine.

Purpose: To describe a case of multiple disseminated choroidal tuberculomas in a patient of early-phase Vogt-Koyanagi- Harada (VKH) disease being treated with Azathioprine.Methods: A retrospective chart review.Results: A 55-year-old female, a diagnosed case of VKH disease, was being treated with oral steroids and Azathioprine. During one of her follow-up visit, she was detected with multiple subretinal granulomas with surrounding fluid in both eyes. Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), Indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) favored the presence of choroidal granulomas and Positron emission Tomography (PET) scan revealed lesions in spleen as well. She was started on anti-tubercular therapy along with oral steroids. She responded very well to treatment and her choroidal granulomas resolved in follow-up.Conclusion: Disseminated tubercular granulomas can rarely occur with the use of oral Azathioprine and poses caution for its use in cases requiring long-term immunosuppressants.

Ocular Tuberculosis in Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Systemic Tuberculosis Co-infected Patients.

Purpose: To describe the prevalence and clinical findings of ocular tuberculosis (TB) in Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and systemic TB co-infected patients.Methods: In this prospective, observational, non-comparative case series, we included HIV and systemic TB co-infected patients, who underwent a detailed ophthalmic and systemic evaluation.Results: Of 85 patients, ocular tuberculosis was seen in eleven patients and their 16 eyes (12.9%). Without the benefit of eye exam, the diagnosis of disseminated TB was missed in 5/52 (9.6%) and 2/25 (8%) of patients clinically assumed to have pulmonary and Extrapulmonary TB, respectively.Conclusion: HIV patients with the disseminated TB have higher risk for ocular TB. As ocular symptoms are rare, still all of them need a detailed ocular examination to look for active ocular TB which will reclassify isolated pulmonary/extrapulmonary to disseminated TB warranting a detailed systemic examination.

Ultra-Widefield Fundus Autofluorescence in Cytomegalovirus Retinitis.

Purpose: To study the role of ultra-wide field (UWF) fundus autofluorescence (FAF) in the management of CMV (cytomegalovirus) retinitis.Material and methods: In this prospective, observational, non-randomized study, we followed up patients with active CMV retinitis on UWF fundus photograph (FP) and UWF-FAF.Results: A total of 16 patients (24 eyes) were studied. There were 13 males and mean age of patients was 37 (range 9-56) years. On UWF FP, out of 24 eyes, 13 (54.2%) had granular lesions, 3 (12.5%) had necrotizing pattern, 1 (4.1%) had a frosted branch angiitis (FBA), and 7 (29.2%) had a mixed pattern. UWF-FAF showed better delineation of borders of lesions in 7 eyes (29.1%), larger area of involvement in 8 eyes (33.3%), picked up 7 of 9 (77.77%) eyes of recurrence and helped differentiate cotton wool spots from retinitis lesion in one eye.Conclusion: UWF-FAF is useful in the management of CMV retinitis.

Spectrum of Newly Diagnosed Cytomegalovirus Retinitis in a Developing Country in the HAART Era.

Purpose: To characterize the presenting features of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in HIV-positive patients in a developing country in the HAART era.Methods: Retrospective chart review of all patients with CMV retinitis seen at a tertiary-care referral center between January 2006 to June 2017. Demographic and clinical data were collected to study the presenting features and risk factors for blindness.Results: Fifty-five patients with treatment-naïve CMV retinitis were enrolled; 75% were males. CD4 counts were below 50 cells/µL in 51.1%. Bilateral presentation was seen in 61.5%. Half (50.6%) of the eyes were blind at first examination. Zone 1 involvement was present in 46% of the eyes. Retinal area involvement > 25% was the only factor associated significantly with higher incidence of blindness (p = 0.016).Conclusions: There was extensive and bilateral presentation of CMV retinitis due to delayed presentation. Screening for CMV retinitis, irrespective of CD4 counts, may help in developing nations.

OUTCOME OF ENDOVASCULAR PROCEDURES ON OCULAR FINDINGS IN TAKAYASU ARTERITIS.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcome of endovascular procedures on ocular findings in patients with Takayasu arteritis. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients who underwent percutaneous endovascular stenting of aortic arch arteries for Takayasu arteritis (TA) and who had documented retinopathy findings before and after the procedure. Change in visual acuity, regression of retinopathy, and development of complications after endovascular procedure were studied over a follow-up of 6 months. RESULTS: Ten eyes of five patients were included. Eyes which had Stage II or less of retinopathy before the endovascular procedure had favorable outcome; however, those with advanced stage of retinopathy at presentation had poor outcomes. Patients who underwent revascularization of both-sided arteries within 1 month had better anatomical and functional outcomes as compared with those who underwent sequential endovascular procedures on their arteries after a gap of 3 months or more. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous endovascular stenting of aortic arch arteries, affected in TA, can lead to reversal of retinopathy changes and restoration of vision if done before neovascular complications set in.

Surgical Intervention in Inciting Eyes of Patients with Sympathetic Ophthalmia: A Case Series and Review of Literature.

Purpose: To analyze the outcomes of surgical procedures on inciting eye of patients with Sympathetic ophthalmia (SO). Methods: Retrospective study of patients with SO who underwent surgical procedures on inciting eyes between January 2000 and December 2015. Outcome measures included flare up of inflammation in either eye and change in visual acuity in the inciting eye. Results: Four SO patients underwent surgeries in their inciting eyes after adequate control of inflammation. Surgical procedures included penetrating keratoplasty, glaucoma drainage device implantation, pars plana vitrectomy, and silicon oil removal. Keratoplasty, glaucoma surgery, and silicon oil removal were well tolerated, with no flare up of disease. The patient who underwent pars plana vitrectomy, however, had a poor outcome. Conclusions: Surgical intervention in inciting eyes of patients with SO, after being adequately treated with oral steroids and immunosuppression, is a viable option for improving anatomic and functional outcomes in these eyes.

Cytomegalovirus Disease in HIV-infected Children-A Single-Centre Clinical Experience over 23 Years.

BACKGROUND: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) results in significant morbidity and mortality in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected individuals. There is paucity of literature on paediatric CMV disease, especially from developing countries. METHODS: A retrospective review of records of all HIV-infected children with evidence of CMV disease was done. RESULTS: A total of 15 children were found to have CMV disease (retinitis in all, pneumonia in two and invasive gastrointestinal disease in one). Median CD4+ T cell count and percentage at diagnosis of CMV disease was 64.5 cells/µl and 3.6%, respectively. Intravenous ganciclovir was used in patients with active CMV disease. Of the 15 children, three died while two were lost to follow-up. Symptomatic patients had poor visual outcome and almost all children who were diagnosed on active screening attained normal vision. CONCLUSION: Retinitis is the most common CMV disease in HIV-infected children. Early detection by active screening and initiation of systemic ganciclovir reduces the morbidity.

Progressive outer retinal necrosis after rituximab and cyclophosphamide therapy.

We report a case of progressive outer retinal necrosis (PORN) in a patient of microscopic polyangitis (MPA), being treated with immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclophosphamide and rituximab. Her aqueous tap was positive for Varicella Zoster virus and she was treated with oral and intravitreal antivirals, along with discontinuation of one of the immunosuppressive agents, i.e. rituximab, which might have led to reactivation of the virus causing necrotizing retinitis lesions. Rituximab and cyclophosphamide are extremely potent drugs, which are necessary to manage immunological disorders such as MPA. However, they may predispose the patient to serious complications like viral infections, including PORN.

Outcomes of 23- and 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomies for dislocated intraocular lenses.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcome of 23-gauge as compared with 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy (TSV) in the management of dislocated intraocular lenses (IOLs). DESIGN: Retrospective, non-consecutive, comparative, interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with dislocated intraocular lens who underwent sutureless PPV using either 23-gauge or 25-gauge instruments. METHODS: The patients who presented with a dislocated IOL, underwent TSV with repositioning of the intraocular lens, either in the sulcus or scleral-fixated sutured/glued. RESULTS: Of the total 61 eyes, 33 (54.09%) underwent 23-gauge TSV and 28 (45.90%) underwent 25-gauge TSV. The mean logMAR BCVA at baseline and 6 months after surgery was 0.8 and 0.46 in the 23-gauge group, and 0.82 and 0.47 in the 25-gauge group. There was no significant difference in logMAR BCVA values between the two groups at any time point of time during the follow-up. The mean postoperative IOP on postoperative day 1 was 14.76 ± 5.4 in 23-gauge group and 17.57 ± 7.9 in the 25-gauge group (p = 0.10). Retinal break was noticed intraoperatively in two cases in 23-gauge group and in three cases in 25-gauge group (p = 0.509). Postoperative complications included IOL decentration in one case of 23-gauge vitrectomy and two cases in 25-gauge group (p = 0.5), cystoid macular edema in four patients in 23-gauge group and six cases of 25-gauge group (p = 0.3) and retinal detachment in one case in each group (p = 0.9). CONCLUSIONS: 25-gauge appears to be as safe and as effective as 23-gauge TSV in the management of dislocated intraocular lenses.

Idiopathic retinal vasculitis, aneurysms, and neuroretinitis (IRVAN) syndrome: clinical perspectives.

Idiopathic retinal vasculitis, aneurysms, and neuroretinitis (IRVAN) syndrome typically affects young, healthy individuals. Despite the dramatic fundus appearance seen in this syndrome, these patients are usually asymptomatic. The syndrome includes peculiar vascular abnormalities in the form of multiple aneurysmal dilatations seen along retinal arterioles and optic nerve-head arterioles, which are best appreciated on fluorescein angiography. Neuroretinitis and retinal vasculitis are seen in all patients, and manifested by staining of the optic nerve head and diffuse leakage from vessels, mainly arterioles, on fluorescein angiography. The devastating vision-threatening outcomes of this syndrome include exudative retinopathy and extensive peripheral retinal nonperfusion areas, which can eventually lead to neovascularization. This review summarizes current knowledge on the variable clinical aspects of this disease, highlighting diagnostic and treatment strategies.

Ocular mycobacteriosis-dual infection of M. tuberculosis complex with M. fortuitum and M. bovis.

BACKGROUND: We report unfavorable outcome in a patient with subretinal granuloma caused by dual infection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex with Mycobacterium fortuitum and Mycobacterium bovis in an immunosuppressed, non-HIV patient. We did a systematic review of literature on dual infection due to M. tuberculosis and M. fortuitum via MEDLINE and PUBMED and could not find any case reported of causing this kind of dual infection in the eye. RESULTS: A 38-year-old Indian male patient presented with decreased vision in the left eye for 3 months, diagnosed as tubercular choroidal granuloma with associated retinal angiomatosis proliferans (RAP) lesion. He also had multiple enlarged lymph nodes in the chest, and sternal pus sample was positive for acid-fast bacilli (AFB). M. tuberculosis complex was detected by gene expert. The patient was started on antitubercular treatment (ATT) whereby the lung lesions improved but the ocular lesion showed initial clinical improvement followed by worsening. Twenty-five-gauge diagnostic pars plana core vitreous surgery was done whereby sample demonstrated a large number of AFB on Ziehl-Neelsen stain and auramine-rhodamine stain. The vitreous sample showed growth on routinely inoculated mycobacteria growth indicator tube (MGIT) 960 tubes, and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Gene Xpert MTB/ RIF assay (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA), and line probe assay (LPA) were positive for ocular tuberculosis. In view of nonresponse to conventional ATT, a suspicion of dual infection of M. tuberculosis complex with a nontubercular mycobacteria was kept and a subculture was made onto the solid Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ) medium from the positive MGIT 960 tubes. Two morphologically distinct types of colonies were obtained on LJ slopes. Subsequently, the two etiological agents were identified as M. fortuitum and M. bovis by PCR from the vitreous sample. CONCLUSIONS: Co-infection of M. tuberculosis complex with nontubercular mycobacterium (NTM) has never been reported from ocular tuberculosis before. In immunosuppressed individuals, who test positive for MTB, not responding to the standard ATT, one needs to have a high index of clinical suspicion to rule out associated NTM infection and initiate appropriate multidrug systemic antibiotic therapy early.