Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy and Evaluation of the Visual Evoked Potentials: A Review of the Literature.

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare autoimmune disorder characterised by the progressive demyelination of peripheral nerves, resulting in motor and sensory deficits. While much research has focused on clinical and electrophysiological aspects of CIDP, there is an emerging interest in exploring its impact on the visual system through visual evoked potentials (VEPs). This comprehensive review synthesises existing literature on VEP findings in CIDP patients, shedding light on their potential diagnostic and prognostic value. The review thoroughly examines studies spanning the last two decades, exploring VEP abnormalities in CIDP patients. Notably, VEP studies have consistently revealed prolonged latencies and reduced amplitudes in CIDP patients compared to healthy controls. These alterations in VEP parameters suggest that the demyelinating process extends beyond the peripheral nervous system to affect the central nervous system, particularly the optic nerve and its connections. The correlation between VEP abnormalities and clinical manifestations of CIDP, such as visual impairment and sensory deficits, underscores the clinical relevance of VEP assessment in CIDP management. Furthermore, this review addresses the potential utility of VEPs in aiding CIDP diagnosis and monitoring disease progression. VEP abnormalities may serve as valuable biomarkers for disease activity, helping clinicians make timely therapeutic decisions. Moreover, this review discusses the limitations and challenges associated with VEP assessment in CIDP, including variability in recording techniques and the need for standardised protocols. In conclusion, this review highlights the evolving role of VEPs as a non-invasive tool in CIDP evaluation. The consistent VEP abnormalities observed in CIDP patients suggest the involvement of the central nervous system in this demyelinating disorder. As our understanding of CIDP and its pathophysiology continues to evolve, further research in this area may lead to improved diagnostic accuracy and monitoring strategies, ultimately enhancing the clinical management of CIDP patients.

Assessment of Maternal Retinal Microvasculature in Preterm Pregnancy Using OCT-Angiography: a Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Pregnancy induces a cascade of hemodynamic changes that are likely to affect the maternal systemic and ocular circulation. Objective:The current study aimed to investigate retinal microvasculature alterations in women with preterm and full-term pregnancy using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A). Design:This was a cross-sectional, comparative, single-center study. Methods:The present study included 21 women with preterm pregnancy, who were in the early postpartum period, and 18 controls with full-term pregnancy. Optical coherence tomography angiography imaging was performed to analyze macular microvasculature characteristics at the retinal superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and the choriocapillaris (CC). Results:In females with preterm pregnancy, the mean values of vessel density (VD) at the SCP of the total macular area were significantly higher than those in females with full-term pregnancy (p=0.001), and the mean values of foveal, parafoveal and perifoveal VD at the SCP were higher, though not statistically significant. Similarly, the mean values of perfusion at the SCP of the total macular area were significantly higher in females with preterm pregnancy than controls (p=0.023), while the mean values of foveal, parafoveal and perifoveal perfusion were higher, though not statistically significant. The mean values of foveal avascular zone (FAZ) parameters (area, perimeter, circularity) at the SCP in females with preterm pregnancy did not have any significant differences from those of controls. Concerning the measurements of choroidal parameters, there were no statistically significant differences in subfoveal choroidal thickness, as well as the CC OCT-A characteristics between females with preterm and full-term pregnancy. Conclusions:Our study indicates that retinal blood flow alterations may be present in the early postpartum period in women with preterm pregnancy. Increased macular vasculature may reflect the systemic perfusion changes compensating for placental insufficiency.

Retinal microcirculation characteristics in obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome evaluated by OCT-angiography: a literature review.

PURPOSE: The retina may provide a window to estimate systemic vascular status; therefore, there has been interest in identifying microcirculation characteristics that possibly reflect hypoxic alterations in obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAS). Emerging evidence has suggested that retinal microvasculature investigation holds the potential to characterize the pathophysiology involved in ocular manifestations of OSAS. The advent of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) has attracted significant attention as this technique offers detailed analysis of the retinal capillary plexus. METHODS: A detailed literature search was performed in PubMed database until December 2021. We identified and reviewed all papers referring to the alterations of the retinal capillary plexus in OSAS using OCT-A. RESULTS: A comprehensive update indicates that microcirculation alterations of the retinal capillary plexus utilizing OCT-A may differ with severity of OSAS and imply the potential underlying pathophysiology of ocular manifestations. The reviewed series have revealed variability concerning microvasculature characteristics at the macular and the peripapillary area. Further studies are warranted to establish the OCT-A parameters as biomarkers regarding the evaluation of OSAS in clinical practice. CONCLUSION: Retinal capillary plexus characteristics as seen on OCT-A reflect microvasculature alterations, potentially leading to concomitant ocular comorbidity in the context of OSAS. The reviewed literature may confirm the diagnostic and prognostic value of OCT-A in the assessment of the pathophysiology of ocular manifestations in OSAS and highlight unmet needs to be addressed by future research.

A Narrative Review of the Ocular Manifestations in Noonan Syndrome.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this review is to provide an update on ophthalmological manifestations of Noonan Syndrome (NS). Emerging evidence has suggested that NS patients may present with a wide spectrum of ocular characteristics. Detailed investigation of genotype has revealed the diversity of related gene mutations. The potential association of genetic basis with clinical expressivity of phenotype remains a challenging aspect of this issue. METHODS: A literature search was performed in PubMed; we have analyzed prospective and retrospective cohort studies, case reports, and reference lists of retrieved articles until February 2021. We identified all papers referring to NS ocular manifestations referring to genotype and phenotype characteristics. RESULTS: A comprehensive update on ocular manifestations of NS patients indicates significant evidence for variability of genotype and phenotype features. Ophthalmologic features of NS are characterized by a wide spectrum of abnormalities; external ocular malformations, distortions of refraction, alignment, motilily, anterior and posterior ocular segment and visual impairment. Currently, a variety of pathogenic mutations in patients with NS have been investigated, while the nature of the genetic variants may determine expressivity. Albeit it remains a clinical diagnosis with variation in the progress of each NS phenotype. Although the available evidence that is needed to establish genotype-phenotype correlation as predicting factor in clinical practice is limited, it could aid risk assessment and patient management. CONCLUSION: A review of the existing literature sheds light on the ocular characteristics of NS. The current article discusses notable aspects of key publications on the topic, highlights the importance of the potential genotype-phenotype correlation in clinical practice, and proposes the need for further future research.

The contribution of multifocal visual evoked potentials in patients with optic neuritis and multiple sclerosis: a review.

PURPOSE: To review the evidence on the usefulness of the multifocal visual evoked potential (mfVEP) test in patients with optic neuritis (ON) and/or multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: We critically review key published evidence on the use of mfVEP in ON/MS patients and its association with other functional and structural tests. RESULTS: Multifocal VEP tests are useful in detecting abnormality in patients with ON/MS and monitor the progression of lesions (remyelination, atrophy). In addition, mfVEP has good correlation with conventional visual evoked potential (VEP), standard automated perimetry, optical coherence tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. In patients with ON, mfVEP might be useful in predicting the risk of conversion to MS.

Cytomegalovirus retinitis, in a diabetic immunocompetent patient, after intravitreal ranibizumab injection.

We here report a case of cytomegalovirus retinitis in a diabetic patient that occurred after intravitreal ranibizumab injection. A 75-year-old woman was treated with intravitreal ranibizumab injections for diabetic macular edema. During this period, a retinitis occurred in her left eye along with increased IgG and later IgM cytomegalovirus antibody titers. Ocular and intravenous ganciclovir was administered. Cytomegalovirus retinitis subsided post treatment with residual areas of retinal atrophy. Ophthalmologists should be aware of the incidence of cytomegalovirus retinitis, in diabetic patients, after ranibizumab injection.

Severe Self-Inflicted Acute Ocular Siderosis Caused by an Iron Tablet in the Conjunctival Fornix.

We present the case of a female patient who grinded a ferrous sulfate tablet and placed it at the conjunctival fornix of her left eye. She rapidly developed severe ocular siderosis, with profoundly decreased visual acuity, corneal opacities, cataract, retinal degeneration and ultimately phthisis bulbi. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the consequences of application of an iron tablet on the conjunctiva.

Isolated abducens nerve palsy after closed head injury in a child.

The authors present the rare case of a 5-year-old child with an isolated right abducens nerve palsy following a minor closed head injury. Occlusion of the left eye for 4 h daily was prescribed, and the child remained under close ophthalmological follow-up. Significant improvement was noticed in the following 6 months.

Bilateral macular edema in a patient treated with tamoxifen: a case report and review of the literature.

We present a case of a 41-year-old female patient with progressive bilateral visual loss. On examination, her best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in her right eye was 3/10 and her BCVA in her left eye was 2/10. Fundus and optical coherence tomography examination revealed severe bilateral macular edema. She had been diagnosed with breast cancer 6 years ago and was receiving tamoxifen at a dosage of 20 mg/day ever since. Tamoxifen therapy was discontinued, and the patient received 250 mg of acetazolamide three times a day for a period of 1 month. Both foveae regained their normal contour within 2 months, and her vision was restored to 10/10 BCVA 3 months later. To our knowledge, this is the first case reported where bilateral intraretinal macular edema is the only retinal manifestation in a patient on oral tamoxifen.

LATE-ONSET CAPSULAR BAG DISTENSION SYNDROME: A REPORT OF TWO CASES.

Capsular bag distension syndrome is a very rare complication of cataract surgery. Most cases occur after uneventful phacoemulsification with continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis and implantation of an intraocular lens in the capsular bag. The entity presents with reduction of visual acuity and myopic shift in the early-to-late postoperative period. Characteristic findings include the distension of the capsular bag due to the accumulation of milky material and the forward displacement of the intraocular lens. We present two cases with an unusually delayed presentation of 6 and 8 years respectively following phacoemulsification, and describe their successful management with Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy.

Tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis syndrome with concomitant Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

The authors report the association of tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis (TINU) with Hashimoto's thyroiditis in a 16-year-old boy. Oral prednisolone was administered and the renal function normalized and has remained stable for 2 years. However, two recurrences of uveitis occurred in the 2-year follow-up period.

Tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis syndrome with concomitant Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

The authors report the association of tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis (TINU) with Hashimoto's thyroiditis in a 16-year-old boy. Oral prednisolone was administered and the renal function normalized and has remained stable for 2 years. However, two recurrences of uveitis occurred in the 2-year follow-up period.

Bartonella and intraocular inflammation: a series of cases and review of literature.

PURPOSE: To present various forms of uveitis and/or retinal vasculitis attributed to Bartonella infection and review the impact of this microorganism in patients with uveitis. METHODS: Retrospective case series study. Review of clinical records of patients diagnosed with Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana intraocular inflammation from 2001 to 2010 in the Ocular Inflammation Department of the University Eye Clinic, Ioannina, Greece. Presentation of epidemiological and clinical data concerning Bartonella infection was provided by the international literature. RESULTS: Eight patients with the diagnosis of Bartonella henselae and two patients with B. quintana intraocular inflammation were identified. Since four patients experienced bilateral involvement, the affected eyes totaled 14. The mean age was 36.6 years (range 12-62). Uveitic clinical entities that we found included intermediate uveitis in seven eyes (50%), vitritis in two eyes (14.2%), neuroretinitis in one eye (7.1%), focal retinochoroiditis in one eye (7.1%), branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) due to vasculitis in one eye (7.1%), disc edema with peripapillary serous retinal detachment in one eye (7.1%), and iridocyclitis in one eye (7.1%). Most of the patients (70%) did not experience systemic symptoms preceding the intraocular inflammation. Antimicrobial treatment was efficient in all cases with the exception of the case with neuroretinitis complicated by anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and tubulointerstitial nephritis. CONCLUSION: Intraocular involvement caused not only by B. henselae but also by B. quintana is being diagnosed with increasing frequency. A high index of suspicion is needed because the spectrum of Bartonella intraocular inflammation is very large. In our study the most common clinical entity was intermediate uveitis.