Deer tick masquerading as pigmented conjunctival lesion.

PURPOSE: Conjunctival adherence of a tick is an uncommon event with few reports previously cited in the literature. We report a unique case of tick penetration, specifically a black-legged deer tick (Ixodes scapularis), into the conjunctiva. OBSERVATIONS: This patient experienced a 3-week history of unilateral mild ocular pain, decreased vision, and pigmented lesion of her right eye. Slit lamp examination demonstrated a tick attached to the conjunctiva. Pathology confirmed the insect exoskeleton. Visual appreciation of the tick demonstrated probable deer tick larval stage given the shape, size, pigmentation pattern and geographic location of the specimen. Polymyxin-trimethoprim eye drops were prescribed for use three times daily and loteprednol twice daily. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: Despite the low risk for Lyme disease, which is endemic to the Adirondack region where the patient was affected, doxycycline was prescribed for prophylaxis. In any case of suspected tick penetration to the ocular surface, immediate ophthalmologic consultation and prompt removal via the method mentioned above is recommended, as well as attention paid to the Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines regarding prophylaxis.

Congenital simple hamartoma of the retinal pigment epithelium.

Congenital simple hamartoma of the retinal pigment epithelium (CSHRPE) is a rare tumor speculated to arise from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). A case of CSHRPE is presented herein along with the related literature. A healthy 20-year-old Middle-Eastern man was evaluated for an asymptomatic retinal lesion found on routine examination of his left eye. Fluorescein angiogram, spectral domain optical coherence tomography, and A and B scan ultrasonography confirmed the suspected clinical diagnosis. For the first time high-definition OCT images are shown, which have an RPE origin for this tumor.

Intravitreal injection of ranibizumab for foveal-macular pattern dystrophy: case report.

In the recent years, anti-angiogenic medications have successfully treated other diseases associated with choroidal neovascularization. The anti-angiogenic therapy alone or combined with LASER and/or steroids has been effective in controlling ocular neovascularization, not only restricted to the treatment of typical membranes due to macular degeneration in the wet form. The discovery and subsequent use of these drugs has revolutionized medicine and ophthalmology. This report illustrates an example of successful treatment in a challenging pathology where it was found important visual and anatomical response after the use of ranibizumab.

Intravitreal injection of ranibizumab for foveal-macular pattern dystrophy: case report / Injeção intravítrea de ranibizumabe para distrofia foveal-macular em padrão: relato de caso

In the recent years, anti-angiogenic medications have successfully treated other diseases associated with choroidal neovascularization. The anti-angiogenic therapy alone or combined with LASER and/or steroids has been effective in controlling ocular neovascularization, not only restricted to the treatment of typical membranes due to macular degeneration in the wet form. The discovery and subsequent use of these drugs has revolutionized medicine and ophthalmology. This report illustrates an example of successful treatment in a challenging pathology where it was found important visual and anatomical response after the use of ranibizumab.

Nos últimos anos, os medicamentos antiangiogênicos têm tratado com sucesso outras doenças relacionadas com a neovascularização da coroide. A terapia antiangiogênica isoladamente ou combinada com LASER e/ou esteroides têm se mostrado eficaz no controle da neovascularização ocular, não se restringindo apenas ao tratamento das membranas típicas da degeneração macular na forma úmida. A descoberta e o posterior uso destas drogas vêm revolucionando a medicina e a oftalmologia. Este relato ilustra um exemplo de tratamento de sucesso numa patologia desafiadora onde se obteve importante resposta visual e anatômica após uso do ranibizumabe.

The creation of regional partnerships for regional emergency planning.

Regional partnerships for regional emergency planning are relationships developed between disparate emergency planning stakeholders from multiple jurisdictions and with different missions. Regional partnerships are essential for the management of limited resources and for responding to large-scale disasters that can overwhelm local resources. Emergency response planners develop these partnerships as needs develop within their own jurisdictions or in response to lessons learned from previous disaster responses. This paper discusses a model process for developing or enhancing an all-hazards regional emergency planning network to create regional collaboration and resource allocation. This model process can be adapted and customised in any community to develop partnerships between communities, public agencies, non-governmental organisations, faith-based organisations and the private sector within a region. The model process and how to use it in communities will be discussed, including a qualitative analysis of its application.

Maculopathy Due to Cobalamin C (cb1C) Disease in an Amish Child.

A 5-year-old Amish boy diagnosed at birth as having a defect in intracellular cobalamin metabolism, cobalamin C disease (cb1C), presented to the pediatric ophthalmology service with severe visual impairment. Ophthalmoscopy showed bilateral bull's eye macular lesions. Visual loss occurs from retinal degeneration in cb1C disease. This report highlights the importance of post-natal metabolic testing and ophthalmic evaluation in cb1C disease, especially in high-risk inbred populations.

Low dose irradiation for diffuse choroidal hemangioma.

Sturge-Weber Syndrome is a nonheritable congenital syndrome characterized by a "port-wine stain" on the face and angioma of the meninges. Ocular findings include diffuse choroidal hemangioma, retinal detachment, and various types of glaucoma. Management of diffuse choroidal hemangioma is aimed at preserving the affected eye and preventing glaucoma. In the past this has been challenging. Herein, we describe a case of Sturge-Weber Syndrome with diffuse choroidal hemangioma which was successfully treated with low dose lens-sparing external beam radiotherapy.

Emergency contraception.

OBJECTIVE: To review current knowledge about emergency contraception (EC), including available options, their modes of action, efficacy, safety, and the effective provision of EC within a practice setting. OPTIONS: The combined estradiol-levonorgestrel (Yuzpe regimen) and the levonorgestrel-only regimen, as well as post-coital copper intrauterine devices, are reviewed. OUTCOMES: Efficacy in terms of reduction in risk of pregnancy, safety, and side effects of methods for EC and the effect of the means of access to EC on its appropriate use and the use of consistent contraception. EVIDENCE: MEDLINE and the Cochrane Database were searched for English-language articles published from January 1998 through March 2003, to update the previous SOGC guidelines published in 2000. Clinical guidelines and position papers developed by health or family planning organizations were also reviewed. Key words used were: emergency contraception, post-coital contraception, emergency contraceptive pills, postcoital copper IUD. VALUES: The studies reviewed were classified according to criteria described by the Canadian Task Force on the Periodic Health Exam and the recommendations for practice were ranked based on this classification. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS: These guidelines are intended to help reduce unintended pregnancies by increasing awareness and appropriate use of EC. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Women who have had unprotected intercourse and wish to prevent pregnancy should be offered hormonal EC up to 5 days after intercourse. (II-2A) 2. A copper IUD can be used up to 7 days after intercourse in women who have no contraindications. (III-B) 3. Women should be advised that the levonorgestrel EC regimen is more effective and causes fewer side effects than the Yuzpe regimen. (I-A) 4. Either 1 double dose of the levonorgestrel EC regimen (1.5 mg) or the regular 2-dose levonorgestrel regimen (0.75 mg each dose) may be used, as they have similar efficacy with no difference in side effects. (I-A) 5. Hormonal EC should be started as soon as possible after unprotected sexual intercourse. (II-2B)6. Women of reproductive age should be provided with a prescription for hormonal EC in advance of need. (I-A) 7. The woman should be evaluated for pregnancy if menses have not begun within 21 days following EC treatment. (III-A) 8. A pelvic examination is not indicated for the provision of hormonal EC. (III-A) Validation: These guidelines have been reviewed by the Clinical Practice Gynaecology and Social and Sexual Issues Committees of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. SPONSOR: The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.