ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY: The objective of this study is to enter on an inventory and to appreciate the severity of the ocular burn caused by the latex of manchineel tree and to propose a therapeutic attitude. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We report on the results of a prospective study included 11 patients examined in the Department of Ophthalmology (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Fort-de-France) between November 1992 and November 1993. All of them presented with ocular burn due to a contact with the latex of the manchineel tree. RESULTS: The study included 11 patients, 8 adults and 3 children, the mean age was 22.9 years (range 4-40). All of them had hyperhemia and conjunctival erosions of various intensity. Ten patients had corneal lesions: superficial punctate keratitis in 5 cases and corneal ulcers in 5 cases. Three cases of corneal ulcerations were associated with an inflammatory reaction of the anterior segment. Both eyes were affected in 4 cases (37%), and only the right one in the other cases (63%). Seven patients had cutaneous lesions (63%), of whom 4 periocular burns of superficial second degree. Full recovery was obtained within 15 days for all the patients. CONCLUSION: Ocular lavage is the first treatment, as for all chemical burns. Local antibiotherapy is used systematically to prevent superinfection. With a proper treatment, a complete recovery with no sequelae is obtained.
Subject(s)
Burns, Chemical , Eye Burns/chemically induced , Latex/adverse effects , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Male , Martinique , Retrospective Studies , TreesABSTRACT
Cogan's syndrome consists of non syphilitic interstitial keratitis associated with vestibuloauditory dysfunction. This syndrome is rare and very few cases have been reported since Cogan's first characterization in 1945. We present the case of a 24-year-oldman with a history of recurrent access of arthralgia and glomerulonephritis. Bilateral corneal disease consists of peripheral whitish patchy opacities in deep stroma. The patient also shows bilateral severe deafness, fever, meningeal and tetrapyramidal syndrome. Ocular involvement responds well to corticosteroids therapy but hearing loss is severe and often irreversible.
Subject(s)
Cochlear Diseases/complications , Keratitis/complications , Vestibular Diseases/complications , Adult , Humans , Male , SyndromeABSTRACT
Retinal artery occlusion related to ocular compression is an uncommon but severe complication of general anaesthesia, most of the time results in blindness. We report a case of central retinal artery occlusion following spinal surgery. We discuss the mechanism of blindness and review the circumstances that may lead to this complication. Proper positioning of the head and avoidance of ocular compression will prevent the occurrence of retinal occlusion during general anaesthesia.
