Diagnosis and pharmacological management of allergic conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis is an immune disease primarily attributed to a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction in the conjunctiva of the eye. Based on clinical findings and pathogenesis, allergic conjunctivitis is classified into the following subtypes: seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, perennial allergic conjunctivitis, atopic keratoconjunctivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, and giant papillary conjunctivitis.Current Concepts: The recommended initial treatment for allergic conjunctivitis involves the use of dual-effect agents exerting both antihistamine and mast cell stabilizing effects. If symptoms persist despite the application of these agents, coexisting allergic rhinitis should be considered a possible contributing factor, as this condition can also lead to ocular symptoms. Concurrent treatment of allergic rhinitis is necessary. Although oral antihistamines effectively alleviate symptoms associated with allergic conjunctivitis, potential systemic side effects must be carefully considered, particularly in older individuals and children. Steroid eye drops should be used for limited durations to minimize side effects. Unlike seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, atopic keratoconjunctivitis, and giant papillary conjunctivitis involve both type 1 hypersensitivity reactions and type 4 hypersensitivity mediated by T cells. In cases where dual-effect agents or steroid eye drops fail to yield improvements, topical immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine A or tacrolimus can be effective.Discussion and Conclusion: The pharmacological treatment of allergic conjunctivitis involves the initial use of dual-effect agents, with concurrent treatment of allergic rhinitis if present. Importantly, atopic and vernal keratoconjunctivitis can potentially lead to permanent vision loss, necessitating the application of steroid eye drops or immunosuppressant eye drops.

The Extent of Silicone Oil Emulsification Revealed by Ultra-wide-field Fundus Photography and Optical Coherence Tomography

Purpose@#We assessed the extent of silicone oil (SO) emulsification using ultra-wide-field fundus photography (wFP) and the reflective ratios of swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). @*Methods@#We retrospectively enrolled 51 eyes of 51 patients who underwent intravitreal SO tamponade with vitrectomy. Two weeks after SO tamponade and immediately before SO removal, ultra-wide-field fundus photography and SS-OCT were performed. Based on the numbers of emulsified droplets in the ultra-wide-field fundus photographs, SO emulsification was qualitatively graded from 0 to 4. Reflective ratios were calculated by dividing the OCT reflectivity of the optic cup by the OCT reflectivity of SO near the retinal surface. We analyzed the changes in the SO emulsification grade and the reflective ratio over time (RR2/RR1). @*Results@#The SO emulsification grade revealed by ultra-wide-field fundus photography was 2.12 ± 1.29, and the mean SS-OCT RR2/RR1 value was 1.14 ± 0.22. A longer duration of SO tamponade was associated with a higher emulsification grade on ultra-wide-field fundus photography and an increase in the RR2/RR1 value (both p < 0.01). We found a significant correlation between the SO emulsification grade on ultra-wide-field fundus photography and the SS-OCT RR2/RR1 (p = 0.028). @*Conclusions@#Ultra-wide-field fundus photography and SS-OCT can be used to determine objectively the extent of SO emulsification; this may indicate the appropriate SO removal time any complication.

A Comparison of Retinal Thickness Changes According to Initial Optic Disc Edema in Optic Neuritis Patients

Purpose@#To compare early changes in the macular retinal nerve fiber layer (mRNFL) and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL) thicknesses according to the severity of initial optic disc edema in optic neuritis patients using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). @*Methods@#We retrospectively reviewed 18 eyes of patients diagnosed with naïve optic neuritis along with optic disc edema who underwent SS-OCT. The central thickness of the optic nerve head and the peripapillary retinal thickness were measured at the initial visit. To quantitate the degree of initial optic disc edema, we calculated the difference of each measurement between the affected eye and the normal fellow eye. The mRNFL and mGCIPL thicknesses were measured at the initial visit and at the 1 month follow-up. The association between changes in mRNFL and mGCIPL thicknesses at the 1 month follow-up and the severity of initial optic disc edema were evaluated. @*Results@#In the affected eye, the mGCIPL thickness was reduced at 1 month. The central thickness of the optic nerve head at the initial visit correlated with the reduction in the temporal mGCIPL at 1 month (R = 0.648, p = 0.045). Furthermore, thicker nasal peripapillary retinal thickness at the initial visit correlated with a reduction in nasal (R = 0.659, p = 0.038) and temporal (R = 0.774, p = 0.009) mGCIPL at 1 month. Thicker temporal peripapillary retinal thickness at the initial visit correlated with reduction in the nasal (R = 0.646, p = 0.044) and temporal (R = 0.760, p = 0.011) mGCIPL at 1 month. @*Conclusions@#In optic neuritis patients with optic disc edema, severe optic disc edema, evaluated by peripapillary retinal thickness and central thickness of the optic nerve at the initial visit was associated with a reduced temporal mGCIPL thickness at 1 month. This study suggested that initially severe optic disc edema in optic neuritis patients can predict a rapid decline in the mGCIPL.

Corneal Endothelial Cell Loss after Phacoemulsification in Eyes with a Prior Acute Angle-closure Attack

Purpose@#To evaluate endothelial damage after cataract surgery in eyes affected by an angle-closure attack (ACA) and compare it to that in the unaffected fellow eyes (FEs) of patients with ACA and normal eyes (NEs). @*Methods@#The medical data of eyes affected by ACA, FEs (with no history of acute glaucoma attack), and NEs of patients who underwent cataract surgery with simultaneous intraocular lens implantation were retrospectively reviewed. Endothelial cell density (ECD) and central corneal thickness (CCT) measured before surgery and at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery were analyzed, and the percentages of loss in ECD and increase in CCT of the three groups were compared. @*Results@#The study enrolled 140 eyes from 100 patients (50 eyes in the ACA group, 40 eyes in the FE group, and 50 eyes in the NE group). The mean ECD was significantly lower in the ACA group than in the other groups (p 0.05). None of the eyes developed corneal edema at 3 months postoperatively. Moreover, the CCTs of the three groups were similar throughout the follow-up period (p > 0.05). @*Conclusions@#Phacoemulsification was not associated with greater endothelial cell loss in the ACA group than in the NE and FE groups. This finding shows that ACA history may not contribute to the exacerbation of corneal endothelial damage in cataract surgery.

Corneal Endothelial Cell Loss after Phacoemulsification in Eyes with a Prior Acute Angle-closure Attack

Purpose@#To evaluate endothelial damage after cataract surgery in eyes affected by an angle-closure attack (ACA) and compare it to that in the unaffected fellow eyes (FEs) of patients with ACA and normal eyes (NEs). @*Methods@#The medical data of eyes affected by ACA, FEs (with no history of acute glaucoma attack), and NEs of patients who underwent cataract surgery with simultaneous intraocular lens implantation were retrospectively reviewed. Endothelial cell density (ECD) and central corneal thickness (CCT) measured before surgery and at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery were analyzed, and the percentages of loss in ECD and increase in CCT of the three groups were compared. @*Results@#The study enrolled 140 eyes from 100 patients (50 eyes in the ACA group, 40 eyes in the FE group, and 50 eyes in the NE group). The mean ECD was significantly lower in the ACA group than in the other groups (p 0.05). None of the eyes developed corneal edema at 3 months postoperatively. Moreover, the CCTs of the three groups were similar throughout the follow-up period (p > 0.05). @*Conclusions@#Phacoemulsification was not associated with greater endothelial cell loss in the ACA group than in the NE and FE groups. This finding shows that ACA history may not contribute to the exacerbation of corneal endothelial damage in cataract surgery.

Chronic Recurrent Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Hemolyticus Endophthalmitis after Cataract Surgery

PURPOSE: To report a case of recurrent endophthalmitis due to methicillin resistant Staphylococcus hemolyticus after phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. CASE SUMMARY: A 76-year-old female visited our outpatient clinic with decreased vision 40 days after uncomplicated cataract surgery in her right eye. At the visit, anterior chamber inflammation and cloudy fluid between the posterior capsule and IOL were observed. Uveitis due to residual cortex of lens or capsular block syndrome was suspected, so YAG laser capsulotomy and subconjunctival injection of dexamethasone were performed. Two days later, hypopyon and vitreous opacity were seen. The patient underwent an emergency vitrectomy and intravitreal antibiotic injection with suspicion of bacterial endophthalmitis. The culture was negative. Twenty days after the vitrectomy, anterior chamber inflammation and vitreous opacity developed. The recurrence of endophthalmitis was suspected due to infection by bacteria in the surrounding tissue of the IOL, so the patient underwent an IOL and lens capsule removal with intravitreal antibiotic injection. At this time, the culture revealed methicillin resistant staphylococcus hemolyticus. Systemic and topical vancomycin was then administered, resulting in decreased inflammation. Twenty days after the IOL removal, decreased vision, anterior chamber inflammation, and vitreous opacity developed. Endophthalmitis was decreased by intravitreal antibiotic injection and topical antibiotic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Methicillin resistant staphylococcus hemolyticus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic recurrent endophthalmitis after cataract surgery.

The Correlation between Cognitive Function and Glaucoma

PURPOSE: To compare mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score between glaucoma group and normal control group and to evaluate the correlation between MMSE score and spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) values in both groups. METHODS: This prospective study includes thirty glaucoma patients (eleven primary open angle glaucoma and nineteen normal tension glaucoma) and thirty normal controls. Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and Ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) thickness were measured with SD-OCT, and the average values of both eyes were used. The cognitive function was evaluated with MMSE by a single examiner. RESULTS: The mean MMSE scores of glaucoma group and normal group were 26.07 ± 2.95, and 27.00 ± 1.68 respectively (p = 0.137). MMSE score of less than 24 only showed in glaucoma group. MMSE score and RNFL thickness showed statistically no signifance in correlation (R² = 0.236; p = 0.070), however, MMSE score and GC-IPL showed statistically significant correlation (R² = 0.256; p = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: Glaucoma patients tend to show low cognitive function even though the correlation between glaucoma patient and low cognitive function was not statistically significant. Therefore, the aspect of cognitive depression should be concerned, when facing glaucoma patients.

Two Cases of Plug or Stone in Remnant Intrapancreatic Choledochal Cysts Treated with Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

Incomplete resection of choledochal cysts (CCs) that extend deep into the pancreas can lead to protein plug or stone formation, pancreatitis, and cholangiocarcinoma. We encountered two cases of choledocholithiasis in remnant intrapancreatic CCs, in which the patients exhibited symptoms after 3 and 21 years of cyst excision. A 21-year-old woman who had undergone excision of a CC, as a neonate, presented with epigastric pain. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed stones inside the remnant pancreatic cyst, which were removed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and her symptoms improved. A 33-year-old woman, who underwent cyst excision 3 years ago, presented with pancreatitis. Abdominal CT showed a radiolucent plug inside the remnant pancreatic cyst. The soft, whitish plug was removed by ERCP, and the pancreatitis improved. These cases indicate that plugs and stones in CCs have the same pathogenetic mechanism, and their form depends on the time since the incomplete excision surgery.

The Effect of Intravitreal Injection on the Corneal Endothelium

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of intravitreal injection on the corneal endothelium according to the injected drug. METHODS: The present study included 118 eyes of 113 patients who received intravitreal injection. Before each injection and 1 month after the injection, specular microscopy was performed to evaluate the corneal endothelial changes and central corneal thickness. We classified the patients according to the injected drug (bevacizumab 21 eyes, ranibizumab 20 eyes, aflibercept 47 eyes, dexamathasone implant 30 eyes), phakic or pseudophakic eyes, single or multiple injections and analyzed them retrospectively. RESULTS: The mean corneal endothelial cell density was 2,693.2 ± 298.2 cells/mm² before injection and 2,686.8 ± 288.7 cells/mm² 1 month after injection, and there was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.731). According to the kind of drug, the mean corneal endothelial cell density and central corneal thickness were not significantly different before and 1 month after injection in any of the 4 groups. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant changes in corneal endothelium before and 1 month after intravitreal injection of the various drugs.

Evaluation of the Relationship between Incision Location and Change of Posterior Corneal Astigmatism

PURPOSE: To determine if there is a difference in surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) of the posterior corneal surface between superior and temporal incision and its effect on total corneal power in patients who underwent clear corneal incision cataract surgery. METHODS: A retrospective study of 81 patients (84 eyes) who underwent clear corneal incision phacoemulsification by one surgeon. Patients were divided into two groups according to the steep axis: the temporal and superior groups. Anterior, posterior and total corneal SIA (simulated keratometry [Sm K], posterior keratometry [PK] and total corneal power [TCP] respectively) were measured using autorefractive keratometry (ARK) and dual Scheimpflug imaging before and after surgery. RESULTS: There were 61 eyes with temporal incision and 23 eyes with superior incision. The mean SIA was larger in the superior incision group than in the temporal incision group according to ARK, Sm K, PK and TCP (p < 0.05). There were no significant cylindrical changes in ARK in the temporal incision group, however, there was a significant decrease in the superior incision group before and after the operation (p < 0.05). Change in the amount and axis of PK before and after operation were not significantly different, for both incision groups. There was a significant correlation between post-operative TCP and both pre-operative ARK and Sm K for both groups. However, there was no correlation between post-operative TCP and pre-operative PK. In all patients, when pre-operative PK was more than 0.5 D, SIA-ARK, SIA-Sm K and SIA-TCP were all significantly larger than when pre-operative PK was less than 0.5 D, whereas SIA-PK was not. When pre-operative PK was more than 0.5 D, there were no significant differences in SIA-ARK, SIA-Sm K, SIA-PK or SIA-TCP in the temporal incision group. However, SIA-ARK was significantly larger in the superior incision group. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant cylindrical change in PK before and after operation in both the temporal and superior incision groups. Therefore, when predicting post-operative TCP, it might be meaningful to consider SIA-ARK and SIA-Sm K.

Primary hepatic peripheral T-cell lymphoma mimicking hepatocellular carcinoma: a case report

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) are aggressive neoplasms which may involve the liver. The imaging manifestations of hepatic lymphoma are highly variable and show overlapping appearances of numerous other hepatic diseases. As the management and prognosis of lymphoma differ markedly from those of other malignant diseases, prompt diagnosis and early effective treatment are very important. Here, we report an atypical case of primary PTCL not otherwise specified involving the liver that exhibited a solitary hepatic mass mimicking hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on CT. Liver biopsy is not commonly recommended in highly suspicious cases of HCC. However, in a patient without risk factors for HCC, consideration of other diagnostic possibilities is required and needle biopsy may be a more rational choice. An imaging approach, based on a careful review of clinical and laboratory findings is essential to prevent false-positive diagnosis of HCC and subsequent invasive treatment.

Depressive Symptoms and Quality of Life in Age-related Macular Degeneration Based on Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES)

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to investigate the depressive symptoms and quality of life (QOL) in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using data obtained from the Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey V-2 (KNHANES V-2) conducted in 2011. METHODS: This was a population-based, cross-sectional study that selected 329 participants from the fifth KNHANES (2011) who were diagnosed with AMD by an ophthalmologist based on fundus photography. The prevalence of depressive symptoms and the health-related QOL (using EuroQol indices) in this cohort were also estimated. Factors associated with depressive symptoms, including socioeconomic status, QOL indices, and associated chronic diseases, were investigated using multivariate regression models. RESULTS: Depressive symptoms were observed more frequently in AMD patients than in non-AMD controls (p = 0.013). Among the total 329 AMD participants, 65 (19.8%) had depressive symptoms. There were 16 males (24.6%) and 49 females (75.4%). Upon multivariate analysis, significant factors found to be associated with depressive symptoms were female gender (odds ratio [OR], 2.082; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.001 to 4.330), being in the “dependent” group for activities of daily living (OR, 4.638; 95% CI, 2.061 to 10.435), and having “some problems” in the “anxiety-depression” dimension of the EQ-5D (OR, 7.704; 95% CI, 1.890 to 31.408). CONCLUSIONS: Female gender and being dependent on others for activities of daily living increased the association of depressive symptoms in this cohort of AMD participants. Screening for depressive symptoms in East Asian AMD patients with these characteristics should be an important component of their care.

Treatment of Acute Retinal Necrosis with Acute Kidney Injury after Intravenous Antiviral Injection

PURPOSE: In the present study, a case of acute retinal necrosis with acute renal injury due to high-dose intravenous antiviral injection which was treated by intravitreal ganciclovir injection is reported. CASE SUMMARY: A 46-year-old female visited our clinic complaining of red eye and decreased vision in the right eye. At the first visit, her corrected visual acuity was finger count in the right eye, and 20/20 in the left eye. Fundus examination of the right eye revealed multiple peripheral arterial occlusion, papilledema, and whitish necrotic infiltration at the periphery. Clinically diagnosed as acute retinal necrosis, the patient was started on intravenous acyclovir. Two days after injection, her serum creatinine level increased, therefore, intravenous acyclovir was discontinued and she was started on intravitreal ganciclovir. Five days after the intravenous injection was discontinued, the serum creatinine level returned to normal range. Four months after the first visit, visual acuity was 20/100 and no recurrence was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal ganciclovir injection can be an effective alternative in patients with acute retinal necrosis and poor kidney function.

Bilateral Simultaneous Central Retinal Vein Occlusion in a Patient with Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia

PURPOSE: The authors report a case of bilateral simultaneous central retinal vein occlusion caused by Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia. CASE SUMMARY: A 65-year-old man presented to our department complaining of decreased visual acuity for the duration of about 6 months. On his initial visit, best-corrected visual acuity was 0.02 in the right eye and 0.06 in the left eye. Based on the findings of a funduscopic examination, the patient had bilateral diffuse retinal hemorrhages, dilated tortuous veins, and macular edema. He had experienced recurrent spontaneous epistaxis 6 months previously and had undergone treatments such as intravitreal bevacizumab injection and intravitreal dexamethasone implantation at another hospital. Laboratory tests at that hospital showed anemia and hyperproteinemia, for which he was referred to our hemato-oncology department. Bone marrow biopsy was consistent with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia/lymphoplasmacytoid lymphoma, and he was treated with systemic chemotherapy. One year after the systemic chemotherapy, his best-corrected visual acuity was 0.15 in the right eye and 0.6 in the left eye. Funduscopy showed decreased bilateral retinal hemorrhages and macular edema. CONCLUSIONS: When simultaneous bilateral central retinal vein occlusion occurs in a patient with no other underlying disease such as hypertension or diabetes, it might be a sign of serum hyperviscosity, and there should be a very high level of suspicion for presence or progression of systemic disease. If such a disease is properly and timely diagnosed, effective early systemic evaluation and therapy can be administered, and it is important to have initial general treatment as well as ophthalmic treatment.

Astigmatic Correlation between the Automated Refractometry and Dual Scheimpflug Analyzer in Pseudophakic Eyes

PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between the refractive astigmatism by automated refractometry and the corneal astigmatism by a dual Scheimpflug analyzer in pseudophakic eyes. METHODS: Prospectively, 75 patients (100 eyes) were enrolled in the present study. Refractive astigmatism was obtained by automated refraction. Corneal astigmatism was obtained using automated keratometry (ARK-530A®) and dual Scheimpflug scanning analysis (Galilei G4®). All refractive values were converted to the power vector components J0 and J45 for comparison and regression analysis of refractive versus corneal astigmatism. Bland-Altman plots were created to estimate the agreement between measurements. RESULTS: The average astigmatism from each measurement was -1.11 ± 1.44 D (refractive astigmatism from automated refraction), -0.77 ± 1.06 D (corneal astigmatism from automated keratometry), -0.93 ± 1.02 D (simulated K from Galilei G4®), and -1.11 ± 1.48 D (total corneal power from Galilei G4®). Refractive J0 and keratometric J0 were significantly correlated (r = 0.557, p ≤ 0.001), as well as the corresponding J45 values (r = 0.655, p = 0.025). Refractive astigmatism and total corneal power components were also significantly correlated (J0: r = 0.618, p ≤ 0.001; J45: r = 0.608, p = 0.04). In the Bland-Altman plots, keratometric J0 and total corneal power J0 showed the best agreement. CONCLUSIONS: The accuracy of measurements for corneal refraction and astigmatism in pseudophakic eyes is higher using the dual Scheimpflug analyzer, especially for total corneal power. This value of astigmatism can take into account the refractive astigmatism of pseudophakic eyes and can be used in evaluating postoperative corneal astigmatism.

RNFL and Ganglion Cell Complex Thickness in Normal Hemifield According to the Severity of Glaucoma

PURPOSE: To analyze the thickness of the circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (cRNFL) and macular ganglion cell complex (mGCC) in apparently normal hemifield areas of glaucomatous eyes with superior or inferior visual hemifield defects according to their severity compared with the same hemifield of normal eyes using Topcon 3D spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). METHODS: The present study included 90 normal eyes and 90 glaucomatous eyes with superior or inferior visual hemifield defects that underwent cRNFL and mGCC imaging using 3D SD-OCT. The cRNFL and mGCC parameters were compared between normal hemifield in glaucomatous eyes and the same hemifield in normal eyes. The mean deviation (MD) parameters (Mild: MD > -6 dB, 54 eyes; Moderate: -6 dB ≥ MD ≥ -12 dB, 60 eyes; Severe: MD < -12 dB, 30 eyes) in glaucomatous eyes were also compared between the 3 severity groups. RESULTS: The average hemifield cRNFL thickness was 93.6 ± 24.2 µm and 118.1 ± 14.1 µm in superior normal hemifield of glaucomatous eyes and controls, respectively, and 107.8 ± 19.1 µm and 124.9 ± 17.1 µm in inferior normal hemifield of glaucomatous eyes and controls, respectively. mGCC thickness was 95.8 ± 5.9 µm and 103.5 ± 7.7 µm in superior normal hemifield of glaucomatous eyes and controls, respectively, and 93.4 ± 8.2 µm and 104.5 ± 8.2 µm in inferior normal hemifield of glaucomatous eyes and controls, respectively (all p < 0.05). The thickness parameters were decreased in normal hemifield of glaucomatous eyes, which significantly decreased according to the severity (MD) of visual field defect (all p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The measurement of cRNFL and mGCC thickness in normal hemifield of glaucomatous eyes using SD-OCT is useful in detecting structural glaucomatous changes before visual field defects appear.

RNFL and Ganglion Cell Complex Thickness in Normal Hemifield According to the Severity of Glaucoma

PURPOSE: To analyze the thickness of the circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (cRNFL) and macular ganglion cell complex (mGCC) in apparently normal hemifield areas of glaucomatous eyes with superior or inferior visual hemifield defects according to their severity compared with the same hemifield of normal eyes using Topcon 3D spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). METHODS: The present study included 90 normal eyes and 90 glaucomatous eyes with superior or inferior visual hemifield defects that underwent cRNFL and mGCC imaging using 3D SD-OCT. The cRNFL and mGCC parameters were compared between normal hemifield in glaucomatous eyes and the same hemifield in normal eyes. The mean deviation (MD) parameters (Mild: MD > -6 dB, 54 eyes; Moderate: -6 dB ≥ MD ≥ -12 dB, 60 eyes; Severe: MD < -12 dB, 30 eyes) in glaucomatous eyes were also compared between the 3 severity groups. RESULTS: The average hemifield cRNFL thickness was 93.6 ± 24.2 µm and 118.1 ± 14.1 µm in superior normal hemifield of glaucomatous eyes and controls, respectively, and 107.8 ± 19.1 µm and 124.9 ± 17.1 µm in inferior normal hemifield of glaucomatous eyes and controls, respectively. mGCC thickness was 95.8 ± 5.9 µm and 103.5 ± 7.7 µm in superior normal hemifield of glaucomatous eyes and controls, respectively, and 93.4 ± 8.2 µm and 104.5 ± 8.2 µm in inferior normal hemifield of glaucomatous eyes and controls, respectively (all p < 0.05). The thickness parameters were decreased in normal hemifield of glaucomatous eyes, which significantly decreased according to the severity (MD) of visual field defect (all p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The measurement of cRNFL and mGCC thickness in normal hemifield of glaucomatous eyes using SD-OCT is useful in detecting structural glaucomatous changes before visual field defects appear.

Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Volume Measurements in Normal Children Using Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography

PURPOSE: To measure retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) volume in normal children using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). METHODS: This study included 79 eyes of 54 normal children between 4 and 15 years of age evaluated from February 2012 to November 2012. All participants underwent ocular examination and 3D-disc scanning using SD-OCT. RNFL volume was calculated between 2.5 and 5 mm diameter circles using the length, width, and height of each pixel derived from the RNFL thickness map with Matlab software. The relationship between RNFL volume and thickness was analyzed. RESULTS: The RNFL volumes of the mean total, superior, nasal, inferior, and temporal areas were 1.48 ± 0.09 mm3, 0.45 ± 0.04 mm3, 0.29 ± 0.04 mm3, 0.46 ± 0.03 mm3, and 0.29 ± 0.04 mm3, respectively. Comparing RNFL volume and conventional circumpapillary RNFL thickness measured using built-in software, a strong correlation between mean total, superior, and inferior areas (R = 0.980, 0.953 and 0.932, respectively) and a moderate correlation between the nasal and temporal areas were observed (R = 0.545 and 0.514, respectively). The negative correlations between RNFL thickness and RNFL volumes of the mean total, superior, nasal, inferior, and temporal areas and age were not significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study reports RNFL volume measured from RNFL thickness map analysis in normal children. These data regarding RNFL volume of normal children may provide useful information for diagnosis and monitoring of pediatric glaucoma.

Ocular Manifestations of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis / 한양의대학술지

Steven-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are rare and sometimes life-threatening hypersensitivity mucocutaneous disease triggered mostly by medication and infections Major involving tissues are the mucous membranes of oral, gastrointestinal, respiratory, integument, and gynecologic tissues. Even after recovering from skin problems without sequelae, survivors can have serious ocular complications leading to blindness despite local and systemic therapy. There is no definite effective systemic and local treatment for SJS/TEN. Early detection and aggressive treatment are important for the long-term prognosis of the eye. Eyelid margin and palpebral conjunctiva and fornix should be checked thoroughly to detect the cicatrical changes that make chronic ocular surface failure such as limbal cell deficiency and complete ocular surface keratinization. Amniotic membrane transplantation and cultivated oral mucosal graft are beneficial to reduce the risk of ocular surface failure.

Lymphoepithelial cyst of the pancreas mimicking malignant cystic tumor: report of a case

Lymphoepithelial cysts of the pancreas are a type of true cyst that can mimic pseudocysts and cystic neoplasms. They are very rare, non-malignant lesions that are unilocular or multilocular cystic lesions lined predominantly by mature squamous epithelium and surrounded by non-neoplastic lymphoid elements. We, herein, present a patient with a cystic pancreas tumor mimicking a malignant cystic neoplasm. The patient was admitted with upper abdominal discomfort. Computed tomography showed a 64x39 mm cystic mass in the pancreas tail. She underwent distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy. In the fluid analysis of the pancreas cystic mass, the CEA and CA19-9 were 618 ng/ml and 3.9 U/ml, respectively. The resected pancreas specimen showed a 6.5 cm-sized cyst the pancreas tail. The cyst was well circumscribed and multilocular. The final pathology report of the resected pancreas specimen noted that the cyst was multilocular, and the cyst lining was showing stratified squamous epithelium covering the lymphoid tissue (containing lymphoid follicles), which was consistent with a lymphoepithelial cyst. The patient recovered uneventfully from surgery and has been doing well for the past 3 months. A differential diagnosis of cystic pancreatic lesions is important. We suggest that lymphoepithelial cysts, although very rare, may be included in the differential diagnosis of cystic pancreatic tumors.