Long-Term Density Changes in Corneal Layers After Primary Pterygium Excision With Topical Mitomycin-C.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term change in average corneal densities at 18 months after primary pterygium excision with topical adjuvant mitomycin-C application, particularly the relationship between anterior and posterior corneal layer densities. METHODS: Prospective observational case series. Patients were imaged with the Pentacam at 18 months after their surgery. Average corneal densities were the primary outcome and were compared with postoperative weeks 1, 4, and 12 data using paired t test. RESULTS: In all, 31 eyes of 31 patients were recruited. Mean age at time of operation was 62.0 ± 9.4 years. Mean best-corrected logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution visual acuity at 18 months was 0.14. The mean total anterior, central, and posterior average corneal densities were 30.6, 25.9, and 20.5 respectively. Compared with postoperative week 1 data, the anterior layer was reduced by 12.7% (P = 0.0144); however, there was no significant change in the central and posterior layers (P = 0.5353 and 0.0858, respectively). Subgroup analyses did not support the use of a 10- to 12-mm annulus as opposed to total-diameter data, and density reduction effect at 18 months from week 12 and week 1 seemed to be stronger in males (P = 0.0074 and 0.0042, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Anterior corneal scars continued to diminish in density with time. Previous finding of a significant increase in posterior layer density at postoperative week 12 is likely not a result of optical phenomenon caused by a less dense anterior layer. Sex difference in terms of scar remodeling may be present.

The Incidence of Postoperative Endophthalmitis Before and After a Revised Preoperative Surgical Site Preparation Protocol.

PURPOSE: To compare the incidence of postoperative endophthalmitis before and after the implementation of a preoperative surgical site preparation protocol for cataract surgery. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: Records of patients with postoperative endophthalmitis between January 2006 and August 2013 were reviewed. A revised protocol implemented after January 2009 included the addition of preoperative 0.3% topical tobramycin, 10% povidone-iodine for cleansing, and using a disposable sterile drape. The incidence, microbiological profile, and outcomes of these cases were analyzed. RESULTS: The incidence of preprotocol endophthalmitis was significantly higher than in the postprotocol period (P = 0.018). More patients in the preprotocol group grew Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pneumoniae as compared with those in the postprotocol group (P = 0.014). A smaller number of patients attained a poor visual outcome after the implementation of the revised protocol (P = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, the addition of antibiotic eye drops before cataract surgery and perioperative cleansing with 10% povidone-iodine were effective means to reduce the incidence of postoperative endophthalmitis.

The value of preprocedure computed tomography for planning insertion of inferior vena cava filters.

PURPOSE: To determine if valuable information could be obtained from abdominal computed tomography (CT) performed before insertion of an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on IVC filter insertions with a CT performed before the procedure. Cavagram and CT were compared for renal vein and IVC anatomy, the diameter of the IVC, and the prevalence of iliocaval thrombus. Correlations were assessed among 3 reference standards for measuring the IVC at cavography. RESULTS: The mean IVC diameter was 23.0 mm on CT. On cavagram the mean IVC diameter was assessed by using 3 reference standards: 20.7 mm, with the catheter tip as a reference; 26.9 mm, with a radiopaque ruler; and 23.4 mm, by using a lumbar vertebral body. There was good correlation among the 3 measures of IVC diameter (Pearson's r = 0.75, P < .0001) but moderate correlation with CT (r = 0.36-0.56, P < .001). The sensitivity of cavagram for detecting retroaortic and circumaortic renal veins was 40% and 0%, respectively. Nineteen accessory renal veins (12.8%) were not seen by cavagram. Thirteen patients (8.8%) had iliocaval thrombus on cavagram, of which 12 (92.3%) were not previously detected by CT. CONCLUSIONS: CT is more sensitive than cavagram for detection of renal vein variants and the level of the lowest renal vein. Therefore, if available, the CT should be reviewed before placement of an IVC filter to optimize positioning. Cavagram remains the criterion standard for detection of iliocaval thrombosis and is necessary before IVC filter insertion.