Accutome PachPen handheld ultrasonic pachymeter: intraobserver repeatability and interobserver reproducibility by personnel of different training grades.

To assess the intra-observer repeatability and inter-observer reproducibility of central corneal thickness (CCT) measurements of PachPen (Accutome, Inc., Pennsylvania, USA), a hand-held, portable ultrasonic pachymeter when used by an ophthalmic nurse compared to an ophthalmologist. Ophthalmology Clinic, University of Malaya Medical Center In this prospective study, CCT was measured in 184 eyes of 92 healthy subjects, first by a corneal surgeon experienced in ultrasound pachymetry (Observer 1) followed by an ophthalmic nurse new to the procedure (Observer 2). Nine measurements were obtained from each eye by each observer, independently. Measurements were compared between the observers. Coefficients of repeatability and reproducibility were calculated. The Bland-Altman plot was used to assess agreement between observers. Mean age of the study population was 54.3 ± 15.2 years old and consisted of 43.5% male. Mean CCT as measured by Observers 1 and 2 were 528.3 ± 32.9 and 530.7 ± 33.3 µm, respectively. Observer 1 showed higher repeatability of measurements compared to that of Observer 2 (coefficient of repeatability 3.46 vs. 5.55%). The measurements by both observers showed high correlation (0.96) and good agreement (mean difference -2.4 µm; 95% limits of agreement -21.4, 16.7 µm). Coefficient of reproducibility of measurements between observers was 5.08%. Accutome PachPen hand-held ultrasound pachymeters gives excellent intra-observer repeatability and inter-observer reproducibility by personnel of different training grades.

Refractive outcomes comparison between the Lenstar LS 900® optical biometry and immersion A-scan ultrasound.

To determine the accuracy of intraocular lens (IOL) calculations in eyes undergoing phacoemulsification cataract surgery with IOL implantation using immersion A-scan ultrasound (US) and Lenstar LS 900(®) biometry. In this prospective study, 200 eyes of 200 patients were randomized to undergo either Lenstar LS 900(®) or immersion A-scan US biometry to determine the IOL dioptric power prior to phacoemulsification cataract surgery. Post-operative refractive outcomes of these two groups of patients were compared. The result showed no significant difference between the target spherical equivalent (SE) and the post-operative SE value by the Lenstar LS 900(®) (p value = 0.632) or immersion A-scan US biometry (p value = 0.438) devices. The magnitude of difference between the two biometric devices were not significantly different (p value = 0.868). There was no significant difference in the predicted post-operative refractive outcome between immersion A-scan US biometry and Lenstar LS 900(®). Based on the results, the immersion A-scan US technique is as accurate as Lenstar LS 900(®) in the hands of an experienced operator.

ATRA-induced cerebral sinus thrombosis.

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and Idarubicin are part of the AIDA protocol employed for the treatment of Acute promyelocytic leaukaemia (APML) and has been associated with marked improvement in the prognosis. However, it is known to worsen the haematological picture during the course of induction of therapy. Herein, we present a case of an APML patient who developed a rare documented incidence of cerebral sinus thrombosis, first noticed as an ophthalmology referral. This 22 year old lady, a known APML patient was then started on chemotherapy based on AIDA protocol but 17 days into the initiation of therapy, she began to complain of blurred vision on the right eye. Anterior segments were normal but both fundi showed papilloedema with peripapillary haemorrhages. A contrast MRI that was then ordered showed multiple filling defects in numerous venous sinuses. She was started on anticoagulant treatment and the findings resolved. Though a rare case of its side-effects, ATRA usage in APML has a multitude of presentations since its primary pathology lies in the inherent pro-coagulant potential.