The effect of cumulative energy in repeated subliminal transscleral cyclophotocoagulation: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The long-term safety and efficacy of repeated applications of subliminal transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (SL-TSCPC) with a focus on cumulative energy was evaluated in glaucoma patients. METHODS: In this retrospective, multicentric study the data of a total of 82 eyes with various causes of glaucoma that were treated with a single or multiple applications of SL-TSCPC were collected. Treatments were performed under general or local anesthesia with an 810 nm diode laser. Power was 2000 mW; duty cycle, 31.3%; total treatment duration, 80-320 s; equaling a total energy of 50-200 J per treatment session. Fifty-five eyes (55 patients) presented for all follow-ups, and these eyes were selected for further statistical analysis. The mean age was 60.0 ± 17.1 years, and 22 (40%) of the patients were female. Intraocular pressure (IOP) and dependence on further glaucoma medication were evaluated at 12 months following the initial treatment. RESULTS: Eyes underwent 1 or 2 consecutive SL-TSCPC treatments. Median (min-max) baseline IOP of 34 (13-69) decreased to 21.5 (7-61), 22 (8-68), 20 (9-68), and 19.5 (3-60) mmHg at the 1, 3, 6, and 12-month postoperative timepoints respectively. The mean (± SD) IOP decrease at 12 months was 26 ± 27%, 39 ± 32%, and 49 ± 33% in the low (below 120 J, n = 18), medium (120-200 J, n = 24), and high (above 200 J, n = 13) cumulative energy groups respectively. At the 12-month timepoint, oral carbonic anhydrase use was discontinued in ¾ of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: It was found that the repeated application of SL-TSCPC safely and efficiently decreases IOP in a Caucasian population with heterogenous causes of glaucoma, eyes with silicone oil responded to a greater extent. Inclusion of cumulative energy scales may contribute to better addressing repeated procedures in a standardized fashion.

Machine-Learning-Based Prediction of 1-Year Arrhythmia Recurrence after Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation in Patients with Structural Heart Disease.

BACKGROUND: Ventricular tachycardia (VT) recurrence after catheter ablation remains a concern, emphasizing the need for precise risk assessment. We aimed to use machine learning (ML) to predict 1-month and 1-year VT recurrence following VT ablation. METHODS: For 337 patients undergoing VT ablation, we collected 31 parameters including medical history, echocardiography, and procedural data. 17 relevant features were included in the ML-based feature selection, which yielded six and five optimal features for 1-month and 1-year recurrence, respectively. We trained several supervised machine learning models using 10-fold cross-validation for each endpoint. RESULTS: We observed 1-month VT recurrence was observed in 60 (18%) cases and accurately predicted using our model with an area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) of 0.73. Input features used were hemodynamic instability, incessant VT, ICD shock, left ventricular ejection fraction, TAPSE, and non-inducibility of the clinical VT at the end of the procedure. A separate model was trained for 1-year VT recurrence (observed in 117 (35%) cases) with a mean AUC of 0.71. Selected features were hemodynamic instability, the number of inducible VT morphologies, left ventricular systolic diameter, mitral regurgitation, and ICD shock. For both endpoints, a random forest model displayed the highest performance. CONCLUSIONS: Our ML models effectively predict VT recurrence post-ablation, aiding in identifying high-risk patients and tailoring follow-up strategies.

Drug-coated balloon therapy is more effective in treating late drug-eluting stent in-stent restenosis than the early occurring one-a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Drug-eluting stent in-stent restenosis (DES-ISR) remains one of the important assignments to be resolved in interventional cardiology, as it is present in 5%-10% of total percutaneous coronary intervention cases. Drug-coated balloon (DCB) utilization is promising, as it comes with long-term protection from recurrent restenosis in optimal conditions without the hazard of higher risk for stent thrombosis and in-stent restenosis. We aim to reduce the need for recurrent revascularization in DES-ISR, specifying the population in which the DCB therapy should be used. In this meta-analysis, the results of studies containing data on the time frame between drug-eluting stent implantation and the clinical presentation of in-stent restenosis and concomitant drug-coated balloon treatment were summarized. A systematic search was performed in Medline, Central, Web of Science, Scopus and Embase databases on November 11th, 2021. The QUIPS tool was used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. The occurrence of a major cardiac adverse events (MACE) composite endpoint, containing target lesion revascularization (TLR), myocardial infarction, and cardiac death, and each of these separately, was assessed at 12 months after the balloon treatment. Random effects meta-analysis models were used for statistical analysis. Data of 882 patients from four studies were analyzed. Across the included studies, a 1.68 OR (CI 1.57-1.80, p < 0.01) for MACE and a 1.69 OR (CI 1.18-2.42 p < 0.01) for TLR were observed, both in favor of late DES-ISR. The main limitation of the study is the relatively low patient number. Nevertheless, this analysis shows the first statistically significant results for the effect of DCB treatment in the early or late presentation of DES-ISR. As to date, intravascular imaging (IVI) remains limitedly accessible, other landmarks as the time frame of in-stent restenosis development are to be pursued to advance therapeutic outcomes. In consideration of other biological, technical and mechanical factors, time frame of occurrence as a prognostic factor could reduce the burden of recurrent revascularization in patients at an already high risk. Systematic Review Registration: identifier [CRD42021286262].

[Superior vena cava syndrome associated with bilateral angle closure glaucoma]. / A vena cava superior szindrómához társuló kétoldali zárt zugú glaucoma.

Superior vena cava syndrome is a set of symptoms resulting from partial or complete blockage of the superior vena cava. In the majority of cases, it develops secondary to lung tumors and lymphoma. It is characterized by edema of the head, neck, and upper limbs, large veins, and dyspnoea. Ophthalmological changes related to the syndrome rarely occur: eyelid swelling, conjunctival chemosis and suffusion have been described previously, and in one case, elevated episcleral pressure was also reported. Our 57-year-old female patient's superior vena cava syndrome was resolved with stent placement, and her small cell lung tumor was treated with chemotherapy. As part of the syndrome, he complained of bilateral blurred vision with a history of 4 months. During his examination, we found a bilateral closed angle, an intraocular pressure of 60 mmHg on both sides, and severe visual impairment. We performed a lens exchange combined with better semolysis, which achieved a significant reduction in intraocular pressure and managed to preserve the remaining visual acuity. After Nd:YAG laser iridotomy on the left eye, we started antiglaucoma drop treatment to reduce pain. After phacoemulsification, the morphology of the anterior chamber in the right eye improved significantly, which could be quantified by anterior segment optical coherence tomography. The ophthalmic parameters remained stable during the treatment of the underlying disease. The purpose of this publication is to draw attention to the ophthalmic symptoms of vena cava syndrome as well as to present the ophthalmic condition that sometimes accompanies the syndrome causing rapid, severe visual impairment, which, to our knowledge, has not been described before. Orv Hetil. 2022; 163(49): 1967-1971.

Sex differences in one-year recurrence and all-cause mortality following catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia in structural heart disease.

Aims: We aimed to establish sex-specific predictors for 1-year VT recurrence and 1-year all-cause mortality in patients with structural heart disease undergoing catheter ablation. Methods: We analyzed data of 299 patients recorded in our structured registry. These included medical history, echocardiography parameters, laboratory results, VT properties, procedural data. Results: Out of the 299 patients, 34 (11%) were female. No significant difference was found between women and men in terms of VT recurrence (p = 0.74) or mortality (p = 0.07). In females, severe mitral regurgitation (MR), tricuspid regurgitation (TR), presentation with incessant VT, and preprocedural electrical storm (ES) were associated with increased risk of VT recurrence. Diabetes, implanted CRT, VT with hemodynamic instability, ES and advanced MR were the risk factors of mortality in women. ACEi/ARB use predicted a favorable outcome in both endpoints among females. In men, independent predictors of VT recurrence were the composite parameter of ES and multiple ICD therapies, presentation with incessant VT, severe MR, while independent predictors of mortality were age, LVEF, creatinine and previously implanted CRT. Conclusion: According to our investigation, there are pronounced sex differences in predictors of recurrence and mortality following VT ablation.

Clinical experience with an anti-dysphotopic intraocular lens.

PURPOSE: Report experience regarding an anterior capsulotomy fixated intraocular lens (IOL) designed to prevent negative dysphotopsia (ND). METHODS: A prospective, nonrandomized clinical study was done at Péterfy Sándor Street Hospital-Clinic, and Jeno Manninger National Trauma Institute, Budapest, Hungary. The Morcher (Masket) 90S IOL has a circumferential groove on the optic that captures the anterior capsulotomy. Thus, part of the optic projects over and anterior to the capsule edge, while the bulk of the IOL is fixated within the capsular bag. We implanted the first version of the 90S IOL into the 40 eyes of 38 patients. These 40 eyes made up the primary investigational cohort. An additional 22 eyes received a modified version of the 90S IOL. The main outcome measure was the presence of ND. There was also a control group of 40 patients who received a single-piece monofocal aspheric hydrophobic acrylic IOL (877 FAB, Medicontur, Budapest, Hungary). RESULTS: None of our 66 test patients experienced ND during the follow-up period. After specific questioning, six patients reported nondebilitating PD that improved or disappeared completely in 5 cases. For the 40 eyes of the control group, there were 10 cases of ND on the first postoperative day and in 2 cases ND persisted for more than 1 year postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The 90S IOL can be used successfully to prevent ND. Since it is fixated by the anterior capsulotomy, additional advantages such as prevention of anterior capsule contraction, limited tilt, stable toric axis, perfect centration on the visual axis, and a more predictable lens position, among others, may be expected, and are under investigation.

The assessment of the impact of glistening on visual performance in relation to tear film quality.

BACKGROUND: The aim of our case control study was to evaluate the impact of glistening and tear film quality on visual performance after implantation of two different hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lenses (IOLs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our retrospective study we included cataract patients operated between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2012, with follow-up controls between January 2016 and December 2019. Z-Flex 860FAB (Medicontur) and AcrySof IQ SN60WF (Alcon) monofocal IOLs were implanted during standard phacoemulsification. Best corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA) and contrast sensitivity were monitored over the post-operative period of up to 6 years. Glistening was evaluated semi-quantitatively with slit-lamp biomicroscopy and quantitatively using Pentacam HR (Oculus). Using HD Analyzer OQAS (Visiometrics), total intraocular light diffusion was interpreted with the objective scatter index (OSI) and tear film quality was evaluated with the tear film related objective scatter index (TF-OSI). RESULTS: 26 eyes implanted with the Z-Flex and 25 eyes with the AcrySof IQ IOLs were included in the analysis. The slit-lamp evaluation of patients with the Z-Flex IOL (0.57 ± 0.60) revealed significantly less glistening (p<0.0001), compared to the AcrySof IQ group (1.82 ± 0.90), and these observations were confirmed by the Pentacam HR analyses, as well (Z-Flex group: 35.1 ± 1.63, Acrysof IQ: 39.6 ± 3.69, p<0.0001). TF-OSI differed between the two sets of patients remarkably (1.53 ± 1.03 vs. 2.51 ± 1.76 for AcrySof IQ and Z-Flex groups, respectively, p = 0.043). Both groups of patients provided similar results of BCDVA and contrast sensitivity. CONCLUSION: Glistening and tear film quality both contribute to visual performance outcomes after cataract surgery. In our study the advantage of less glistening in the Z-Flex IOL might have been masked by the adverse effects of the more pronounced tear film insufficiency of these patients, compared to the AcrySof IQ group. Among other factors, tear film quality should also be taken into consideration when comparing the impact of glistening on visual quality of patients implanted with different IOLs.

Rapid Optimization of Reaction Conditions Based on Comprehensive Reaction Analysis Using a Continuous Flow Microwave Reactor.

Generally, the flow method has the advantage of a precise control over the reaction parameters and a facile modification of the reaction conditions, while a continuous flow microwave reactor allows for the quick optimization of reaction conditions owing to the rapid uniform heating. In this study, we developed a "9+4+1 method" to optimize reaction conditions based on comprehensive reaction analysis using a flow microwave reactor. The proposed method is expected to contribute to the synthesis of various fine and bulk chemicals by reducing cost and wastage, and by conserving time.

Starflo glaucoma implant: early experience in Hungary.

AIM: To present the early experience with the implantation technique, safety and efficiency of STARflo device for open angle glaucoma (OAG). METHODS: referring intra- and postoperative clinical experience with a series of seven cases in three glaucoma centers in Hungary. RESULTS: No intraoperative complications were observed. Postoperative inflammatory signs disappeared rapidly. The mean IOP reduction was from 27.6 ± 5.0 mmHg to 18.9 ± 3.4 mmHg (32% reduction/ patient) at six months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: STARflo implant was safe and (except for one case with neovascular glaucoma) effective in our cases. The learning curve for experienced anterior segment surgeons was short.

Intracameral air following pneumatic noncontact tonometry in a recently post-perforating keratoplasty patient.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this report is to highlight the potential risk of noncontact tonometry after routine uncomplicated penetrating keratoplasty (PK). CASE REPORT: After uncomplicated PK for keratoconus, routine noncontact tonometry was performed on the second postoperative day. In spite of the adequately closed wound and the tight suture, temporary wound dehiscence occurred, and two-thirds of the anterior chamber was occupied by air. The running suture remained intact, and the Seidel test was negative. One week postoperatively, the patient's corrected distance visual acuity was 0.4 (0.4 logMAR), and the air bubble had absorbed. CONCLUSION: This is the first report to conclude that noncontact tonometry may not be sufficiently safe in the early postoperative period in normal PK cases. To prevent possible wound opening, we suggest the use of other tonometry methods during the first several months after PK.

Intraocular lens exchange in patients with negative dysphotopsia symptoms.

PURPOSE: to evaluate the results of intraocular lens (IOL) exchange in cases of severe negative dysphotopsia and to measure the distance between the iris and the IOL optic using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM). SETTING: Szent Rókus Hospital and Eye Clinic, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary. METHODS: Data of patients with major negative dysphotopsia symptoms after phacoemulsification with IOL implantation were reviewed retrospectively. In cases in which IOL exchange was performed to diminish the symptoms, the distance between the iris and the anterior surface of the IOL optic was measured by UBM and compared with that in a group of nonsymptomatic pseudophakic patients (control group). RESULTS: in 3806 cataract procedures, 5 eyes (4 patients) had severe negative dysphotopsia symptoms. Intraocular lens exchange was performed in 3 cases. In 1 case, the secondary IOL was implanted in the reopened capsular bag and the symptoms persisted. In 2 cases, the secondary IOL was implanted in the ciliary sulcus and the symptoms resolved. On UBM, the mean iris-optic distance was 0.45 mm +/- 0.07 (SD) in the symptomatic group, 0.59 +/- 0.29 mm in the control group (n = 21) (P = .353), and 0.00 mm in the sulcus-fixated group. CONCLUSIONS: The iris-optic distance was not statistically significantly different between eyes with severe negative dysphotopsia symptoms and nonsymptomatic eyes. However, when IOL exchange reduced the iris-IOL distance, the severe negative dysphotopsia symptoms resolved.

[Endophthalmitis or TASS--case report]. / Endoftalmita sau TASS--caz clinic.

We present the case of a 65-years-old female with a history of endophthalmitis after residual cortex aspiration postextracapsular cataract extraction. The patient was admitted for cataract surgery on the other eye. After phacoemulsification she developed a series of signs and symptoms on the anterior eye segment which plead for the diagnosis of endophthalmitis or toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS). Under specific therapy the evolution has been favorable.

Pseudophakic accommodation with 2 models of foldable intraocular lenses.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the amplitude of pseudophakic accommodation of 2 foldable intraocular lenses (IOLs) by measuring the anterior chamber depth (ACD) shift during a 1-year follow-up. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Medical and Health Science Center, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary. METHODS: This prospective study comprised 44 eyes of 44 cataract patients operated on with phacoemulsification and in-the-bag implantation of Akreos Disc (22 eyes) or AcrySof MA60BM (22 eyes) IOLs. The ACD was measured by A-scan during fixation at 30 cm and again after instillation of cyclopentolate 1%. The ACD shift was calculated by subtracting the ACD under cyclopentolate from the ACD during fixation at 30 cm. Follow-up measurements were performed 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Statistical analysis concerning the difference between the 2 groups was done by the Student unpaired t test. RESULTS: The ACD shift was greater in the AcrySof group than in the Akreos Disc group at all 3 follow-up examinations. The difference was highly significant between the 2 groups at 6 and 12 months (both P = .004). After the operation, the ACD shift increased continuously with time in both groups. The mean ACD shift reached 0.57 mm +/- 0.25 (SD) in the AcrySof group and 0.42 +/- 0.24 mm in the Akreos group at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: The 3-piece AcrySof MA60BM IOL with 10-degree posterior angulation had a significantly higher capacity for pseudophakic accommodation than the 1-piece plate-haptic Akreos Disc IOL. The continuous increase in the ACD shift in the postoperative period may mean that patients learn to achieve better accommodation with an IOL as time goes on.

[Morning glory syndrome -- a clinical study of two cases]. / Die Klinik des Morning-Glory-Syndroms -- Eine Falldarstellung.

BACKGROUND: Handmann was the first to describe the morning glory syndrome in 6 cases in 1929. In 1970 Kindler published some cases with an "unusual congenital anomaly of the optic disc". Since then, several authors have come to the conclusion that both authors described the same disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In January 2000, morning glory syndrome was diagnosed in two patients, mother and daughter. Ophthalmological and electrophysiological examinations, further brain scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the orbit were performed. RESULTS: Malformation of the optic disc was bilateral in both cases. Optic disc abnormality was accompanied by no other anomalies or malformations. Ultrasound examination and MRI of the orbit did not detect posterior staphyloma in our cases. Thus, our two patients are the first to be described in the literature, where the anomaly of the optic disc occurred in isolation. DISCUSSION: Our cases are different from those described in the literature as far as the characteristic anomaly of the optic disc was bilateral and the occurrence was genetical. It is also noteworthy that no other ophthalmological or general malformations could be detected in our patients besides the anomaly of the optic disc. Morning glory syndrome occurred in isolation, which makes our cases unique.