Free-Floating Iris Pigmented Epithelial Cyst in the Anterior Chamber.

An unusual case of a free-floating peripheral pigmented cyst in the anterior chamber is presented. A 30-year-old Caucasian male presented reporting a visual defect on his right eye in prone position over the past year. Slit-lamp examination revealed a small pigmented free-floating peripheral iris cyst at the 6 o'clock position in the anterior chamber. Ultrasound biomicroscopy revealed an unfixed epithelial pigmented cyst with an extremely thin wall and no internal reflectivity. Due to the lack of severity of visual disturbance of the patient, no surgical treatment was indicated. The patient is to be followed up annually and advised to return immediately in case of pain or any visual symptoms. Free-floating iris cysts in the anterior chamber are uncommon and remain stable in the majority of cases. Management includes only regular observation until any complications arise.

Somatostatin receptor activation (sst(1) -sst(5) ) differentially influences human retinal pigment epithelium cell viability.

PURPOSE: To investigate the differential effects of somatostatin and its receptors (sst(1-5) ) on the viability of cultured human retinal pigment epithelium (hRPE) cells. METHODS: MTT [3 (4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2, 5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide], APO Percentage(TM) and trypan blue assays were performed to assess the mechanisms via which somatostatin (10(-10) -10(-4) m) and selective receptor (sst(1-5) ) ligands (10(-12) -10(-4) m) affect cell viability. The effect of orthovanadate (phosphatase inhibitor, 10(-7) -10(-5) m) on somatostatin's (10(-5) m) actions was examined, and western blot analysis was employed to determine the presence of ssts and phosphotyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 in human RPE cells. RESULTS: Somatostatin and selective ligands for the five somatostatin receptor subtypes (sst(1-5) ) decreased cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner. The observed decrease in cell number was partly because of apoptosis via the activation of sst(1) and sst(5) receptors. Activation of sst(2) , sst(3) and sst(4) receptors led to inhibition of cell growth that did not involve apoptosis, but rather antiproliferative actions. SHP-1 was found in the human RPE cells and sodium orthovanadate reversed somatostatin's actions. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides new information regarding the involvement of ssts in human RPE cell viability and suggests that a pathway involving the phosphotyrosine phosphatase may mediate somatostatin's actions.

Two-year results of cataract extraction with implantation of the hydrophilic acrylic B-lens.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lens (B-Lens((R)), Hanita, Israel) during a 2-year follow-up period. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Meir Hospital, Sapir Medical Center, Kfar-Saba, Israel. PATIENTS & METHODS: Slit lamp biomicroscopy, refraction, visual function and patient satisfaction were recorded in 147 patients at 1 week, and at 1, 3, 12, and 24 months after surgery. RESULTS: Nine cases (6%) were associated with partial rupture of the superior haptic intraoperatively, which did not preclude in-the-bag centration of the IOL in all cases. Postoperative complications were mild or reversible and rarely observed. The posterior capsule opacification (PCO) rate increased considerably (from 0.35 to 0.80) from 1 to 2 years but was for the most clinically insignificant; 16 of the 90 cases (18%) with PCO at 2 years had clinically significant opacification of the posterior capsule. No IOL discoloration was observed. BCVA stabilized by the third month and refraction was at the predicted level at two years. Eighty-one of 91 cases (89%) had BCVA equal to or more than 20/40 and 43 of 91 (47%) gained a BCVA of 20/20 at two years. CONCLUSION: Hydrophilic acrylic B-Lens((R)) implantation is safe and effective for patients with cataract.

Central retinal vein occlusion after uncomplicated glaucoma filtering procedure combined with phacoemulsification.

We present a case of central retinal vein occlusion after an combined phacotrabeculectomy in a patient with advanced open angle glaucoma. Possible pathogenetic mechanisms for this complication are discussed.

Lamellar retinal hole formation following routine cataract surgery.

We present a case of a retinal hole detected after routine cataract surgery and discuss possible pathogenetic mechanisms of this complication.

Treatment of idiopathic orbital inflammatory disease with cyclosporine-A: a case presentation.

We present a case of idiopathic orbital inflammatory disease that was responded favorably to low-dose cyclosporine-A.

Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy: outcome and visual prognosis.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the clinical outcomes and the effect of treatment in patients with acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy. METHODS: Cases of acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy treated at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary from 1990 to 2002 and cases from the literature were identified. Data on visual acuity, ocular symptoms, bilateral involvement, foveal involvement at presentation, and treatment regimens were recorded. RESULTS: Visual acuity was 20/25 or worse in 226 (76.6%) eyes and 20/40 or worse in 172 (58.3%) eyes at presentation. At the last follow-up visit, visual acuity was 20/25 or less in 125 (42.3%) eyes and 20/40 or less in 70 (23.7%) eyes. Topical or systemic therapy was given in nearly half of the cases (54.4%). Overall, 87 (71.9%) eyes were symptomatic at last follow-up visit. Finally, measured visual acuity was more than 20/25 in 20 (87.5%) eyes without foveal involvement at presentation and in 28 (39.2%) eyes with foveal involvement. CONCLUSIONS: Although acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy shows a relatively benign prognosis, especially when compared with some of the other white dot syndromes, there are patients who experience incomplete visual recovery.

Evaluation of potential retinal toxicity of adalimumab (Humira).

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the retinal toxicity of two doses of adalimumab (Humira), a recombinant human IgG1 monoclonal antibody specific for human tumor necrosis factor (TNF), when injected intravitreally in rabbits. METHODS: Sixteen male pigmented rabbits (divided into two groups, eight animals per group) were used for this study. Two concentrations of adalimumab were tested: 0.5 mg/0.1 ml and 5 mg/0.1 ml. Each concentration was injected intravitreally randomly in one eye (study group) of each rabbit (group I received 0.5 mg/0.1 ml and group II received 5.0 mg/0.1 ml), while in the other eye (control group) 0.1 ml of sterile balanced saline solution (BSS) was injected. Slit-lamp and funduscopic examinations were performed every second day for 2 weeks for signs of infection, inflammation and toxicity. A baseline electroretinogram (ERG) was performed before the experiment and at the last follow-up day (day 14). ERG examination followed ISCEV standards. At the last follow-up day, the animals were sacrificed and the enucleated eyes were prepared for histological evaluation of retinal toxicity. RESULTS: No differences in ERG responses at photopic and scotopic conditions were observed in eyes injected with either concentration of adalimumab or BSS. Furthermore, histologic examination of the retina in the enucleated eyes (in all groups) did not demonstrate any evidence of drug toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal adalimumab did not appear toxic to the retina in this experimental model at concentrations of 0.5 and 5 mg. If found safe in additional studies, intravitreally injected adalimumab could be evaluated for efficacy in the treatment of inflammatory eye conditions.

Adverse drug reactions to treatments for ocular toxoplasmosis: a retrospective chart review.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the incidence and types of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with medications used to treat active toxoplasmic chorioretinitis. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of the clinical records of a consecutive series of patients with active toxoplasmic chorioretinitis, examined between March 1991 and August 1998. For inclusion in the review, patients had to have been diagnosed with active toxoplasmic chorioretinitis, been treated with a single drug or drug combination indicated for this condition, and been followed for at least 8 weeks. Patients who were lost to follow-up or who had incomplete chart data were excluded. Demographic data, pertinent aspects of the medical history, drug treatments, and ADRs associated with antitoxoplasmic treatment were recorded. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients met the criteria for inclusion in the review. In descending order of frequency, they received antitoxoplasmic treatment with clindamycin (n = 50), sulfadiazine (n = 40), pyrimethamine (n = 33), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (n = 16), and atovaquone (n = 10), alone or in combination. Twenty-two patients (40.0%) had a total of 27 ADRs. The most frequently occurring ADRs were rash (19 [34.5%]), mostly associated with sulfadiazine (9/40 [22.5%]) and clindamycin (6/50 [12.0%]), and gastrointestinal ADRs such as diarrhea (6 [10.9%]), stomach upset (6 [10.9%]), and bleeding (1 [1.8%]), mostly associated with clindamycin (5/50 [10.0%], 3/50 [6.0%], and 1/50 [2.0%], respectively). The incidence of ADRs associated with individual antitoxoplasmic drugs was 30.0% (3/10) for atovaquone, 26.0% (13/50) for clindamycin, 22.5% (9/40) for sulfadiazine, 12.5% (2/16) for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and 12.1% (4/33) for pyrimethamine. There were 2 serious ADRs: gastrointestinal bleeding in a patient treated with clindamycin and leukopenia in a patient treated with pyrimethamine. Twenty-five ADRs were reversed on drug discontinuation; the remaining 2 were mild and did not require drug discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS: The overall incidence of treatment-associated ADRs was high (40.0%) in these patients with ocular toxoplasmosis. The most frequently occurring ADRs were rash and gastrointestinal complaints.

Infliximab therapy for the treatment of refractory ocular inflammatory disease.

OBJECTIVE: To report the outcomes of infliximab therapy in the treatment of ocular inflammatory disease refractory to traditional immunomodulatory therapy (IMT). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 27 patients. All patients had noninfectious ocular inflammatory disease refractory to traditional IMT and received 5 mg/kg of infliximab at 2-week to 8-week intervals. Main outcome measures were clinical response, reduction in concomitant IMT, and adverse effects. Cumulative incidences of inflammation control and vision change were calculated using life-table methods. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients experienced sustained improvement in inflammation with their initial course of infliximab therapy. Cumulative incidence of inflammation resolution at 12 months was greater than 90%. Sixteen patients were able to decrease the dose of their concomitant IMT medication or stop all other IMT. Four patients were able to discontinue all other IMT while receiving infliximab therapy. Three patients with scleritis were eventually able to remain inflammation-free while not taking any medication. At 12 months, 56% and 65% of left and right eyes, respectively, showed visual acuity improvement by 2 or more Snellen lines. Only 1 patient developed an adverse event requiring therapy discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS: We found a high rate of ocular inflammation control with infliximab therapy. The incidence of adverse effects in this study was low.

Long-term results of Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation for uveitic glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To present long-term outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation for uveitic glaucoma. DESIGN: Interventional case series. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of 60 patients (60 eyes) with uveitic glaucoma who underwent Ahmed valve implantation over a four-year period at a tertiary uveitis referral center. Success definition 1 included patients with an intraocular pressure (IOP) between 5 and 21 mm Hg, reduced by 25% from that before implantation. Success definition 2 (qualified success) excluded those patients in whom serious complications occurred. RESULTS: Mean follow-up time was 30 months (range, six to 87 months; four-year results relate to a cohort of 15 patients). Success rates were 77% and 50% and qualified success rates were 57% and 39% at one and four years, respectively. At four years, 74% of the patients required glaucoma medication to maintain IOP control. The overall complication rate was 12%/person-years. The rate of visual acuity loss was 4%/person-years; that was most commonly attributed to corneal complications that were more likely to occur in patients with preoperative corneal disease (P = .01, Fisher exact test). CONCLUSIONS: Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation is a safe yet moderately successful procedure for uveitic glaucoma. Long-term success rates are enhanced with the use of glaucoma medications, and corneal complications are the most common of all potential serious complications.

Human amniotic membrane transplantation for tube exposure after glaucoma drainage device implantation.

We present a case of conjunctival melting over the tube of a glaucoma shunt, which was successfully repaired with amniotic membrane transplantation.

Conjunctival non-caseating granulomas in a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive patient attributed to sarcoidosis.

PURPOSE: To report a rare case of isolated ocular sarcoidosis in an HIV positive patient. DESIGN: Case report. METHODS: A 47-year-old HIV+ Caucasian male was referred for chronic bilateral follicular conjunctivitis. RESULTS: A conjunctival biopsy that was performed on the right eye showed sarcoidosis. General medical evaluation including a spiral thin cut chest CT scan revealed no systemic involvement. The ocular signs and symptoms resolved completely with topical corticosteroid treatment. CONCLUSIONS: HIV infection and sarcoidosis rarely coexist, presumably because their immunopathogenesis mechanisms diverge. In the absence of systemic involvement, a definite diagnosis can only be made by biopsy of the ocular tissues.

Somatostatin for Uveitic Cystoid Macular Edema (CME).

PURPOSE: To report the favorable response of bilateral recalcitrant uveitic cystoid macular edema (CME) to treatment with a somatostatin analog. METHODS: Medical ophthalmic history and the results of ophthalmic examinations were recorded. Fluorescein angiography (FA) studies were reviewed. RESULTS: A 52-year-old white female with intermediate uveitis developed bilateral recalcitrant CME. Treatment with subcutaneous injections of the somatostatin analog octreotide resulted in partial resolution of the CME and improvement of visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: Somatostatin may play a role in the treatment of CME secondary to uveitis.

Safety and efficacy of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide for uveitic macular edema.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (TA) for treating macular edema secondary to non-infectious uveitis. METHODS: Retrospective review of sixteen patients (20 eyes) with chronic cystoid macular edema (CME) as a consequence of controlled intermediate uveitis, posterior uveitis, or panuveitis who received at least one intravitreal injection of TA. Main outcome measures were visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure (IOP), formation or progression of an existing cataract, and CME resolution during the follow-up period. RESULTS: At last follow-up, VA showed improvement (compared to baseline) in 11 eyes (55%), deterioration in three eyes (15%), remained completely unchanged in one eye (5%), and showed improvement initially but returned to baseline levels in five eyes (25%). At last follow-up, CME had relapsed or was still present in 10 of the eyes (50%). The remaining eyes showed complete resolution of the CME, without evidence of recurrence during the follow-up time. Mean VA at last follow-up showed statistically significant improvement (p = 0.02) in nonvitrectomized eyes (mean baseline VA: 1.14 +/- 0.58; mean final VA: 0.96 +/- 0.66) compared to the almost unaltered mean visual acuity for vitrectomized eyes (mean baseline VA: 0.76 +/- 0.41; mean final VA: 0.71 +/- 0.48)(p = 0.40, paired samples t-test). Elevation of IOP was transient in all cases and responded well to topical medications, except for one patient who required placement of an Ahmed valve. Preexisting cataract progressed in three of the 15 phakic eyes (20%). One patient developed a retinal detachment and required additional surgery to reattach it. Patients were followed for a mean of 34 weeks (median: 32 weeks; range: 19-56 weeks). CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal TA may play a role in the treatment of uveitis-related CME. Further controlled studies are necessary to test this hypothesis.

Ocular cicatricial pemphigoid, keratomycosis, and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy.

PURPOSE: To report the case of a patient developing fungal keratitis in the context of uncontrolled ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP), which, despite intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and other immunomodulatory therapy, progressed to end-stage pemphigoid, with corneal opacification, ankyloblepharon, and xerosis. Keratoprosthesis (KPro) restored functional vision for the patient. METHODS: A 39-year-old man presented with uncontrolled CP and corneal ulcer in the left eye. Conjunctival biopsy diagnosed OCP; corneal scraping and biopsy diagnosed the cause of the corneal ulcer. OCP was treated with systemic steroids, immunosuppressive drugs, and IVIg. Visual rehabilitation was accomplished with Ahmed valve and a type II Dohlman KPro. RESULTS: Immunohistology of the biopsied conjunctiva showed IgG at the epithelial basement membrane zone, confirming the clinical diagnosis of OCP. Microbiologic studies of the corneal biopsy specimen were negative for Acanthamoeba and herpes but positive for Aspergillus niger. The patient's keratomycosis resolved with topical antifungal therapy. Treatment with Dapsone, intravenous-pulse steroid, oral cyclophosphamide, and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) failed to control the OCP, with resultant complete conjunctivization of the cornea. Keratoprosthesis improved the patient's visual acuity from hand movements to 20/20. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with uncontrolled OCP are at increased risk of corneal infection. The difficulty in diagnosing keratomycosis and the relatively rare occurrence of OCP explain the uniqueness of our reported case. OCP may progress to "end-stage" disease despite therapy. Keratoprosthesis can restore vision in selected otherwise seemingly hopeless cases.

Bilateral chronic anterior uveitis & neuro-ophthalmologic manifestations in a patient with Churg-Strauss syndrome: an unusual ocular presentation.

We describe a patient with Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) who developed bilateral chronic anterior uveitis and neuro-ophthalmologic manifestations 20 years after the onset of asthma and sinus disease. The patient was treated successfully with a combination of cyclophosphamide and prednisone, after other immunomodulatory strategies, aside from systemic prednisone, had failed.