Central retinal vein occlusion in patients with metastatic solid tumors on tyrosine kinase inhibitors: a report of case series and literature review.

Background: Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is a rare adverse effect related to the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in patients with metastatic malignancies, which has only been reported in several case reports. Case presentation: We reported the case series of three CRVO patients on regular regimens of TKIs as part of targeted therapies for metastatic malignancies, all of whom were otherwise healthy with no or well-controlled systemic conditions. All these patients received injections of intravitreal dexamethasone implant (IDI) and achieved a fluid-free macula at the end of the visit. In addition, we reviewed the existing literature on this subject and present here an updated analysis of the related TKIs, ocular presentation, treatment, and prognosis. Conclusion: All patients diagnosed with CRVO on TKIs received dexamethasone implant treatment and obtained a fluid-free macula. We would like to raise awareness among our colleague oncologists about the possibility of CRVO related to TKI use and the necessity for patients to be screened regularly by a retinal specialist.

Effect of Kinesio taping on edema and wrist functions in patients with distal radius fracture followed conservatively with a cast: A randomized controlled single-blinded study.

BACKGROUND: Data in the literature on the results of Kinesio taping (KT) application after cast removal in patients with distal radius fracture (DRF) are quite limited. PURPOSE: It was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of KT applied immediately after cast removal in addition to the exercise program on edema, functionality, range of motion, and muscle strength in patients with conservatively followed DRF. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled single-blinded clinical study. METHODS: This study was conducted with 64 patients with a diagnosis of DRF. The patients were randomized as Kinesio taping group (KTG) and control group. Both groups received a conventional home exercise program. KT was applied to patients in KTG for 10 days. Circumference and volume measurements were taken at baseline and day 10. Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire for Disability, Visual Analog Scale, grip strength, and wrist joint range of motion measurements were taken at baseline, day 5, and day 10. RESULTS: The circumference difference between the affected extremity and the healthy extremity was statistically greater in the control group on the fifth day at the wrist level (<0.001) and 6 cm proximal to the wrist (p = 0.001). The circumference difference between the affected extremity and the healthy extremity was statistically greater in the control group on the 10th day at the wrist level (p < 0.05) and 6 cm proximal to the wrist (p = 0.01). Wrist extension angle (<0.001), wrist flexion angle (p = 0.001), and supination angle (p = 0.001) were higher in KTG on the 10th day. On the 10th day, the grip strength (p < 0.05) was higher in the KTG, while the Visual Analog Scale value (p < 0.01), Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire for Disability score (p < 0.01), and the percentage of strength loss in the healthy arm (p < 0.01) were lower in the KTG. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with DRF who were treated conservatively with a cast, the inclusion of Kinesio taping (KT) in the rehabilitation program was found to be effective in reducing edema and pain, as well as improving functionality, strength, and range of motion.

Unmasking Negative Pressure Pulmonary Edema Following Hanging: A Case Series.

Pulmonary edema is a rare mechanism of death that develops after partial hanging, a potential complication that physicians should consider early in the management of these patients. This case series discusses the presentation, evaluation, and treatment course of three patients who had attempted suicide by hanging and were admitted to the hospital. These patients were admitted to the intensive care unit after being stabilized and supportive treatment was provided. In all the cases, a radiological scan of the chest revealed diffuse infiltrates consistent with pulmonary edema on both sides, features of which were also noted during a diagnostic bronchoscopy. After providing the best intensive care in the hospital, two patients clinically improved, and one patient succumbed to cardiac arrest. As most patients will be brought dead to the hospital following hanging, negative pressure pulmonary edema remains underdiagnosed. Thus, this case series enumerates the possible etiologies of negative pressure pulmonary edema and its contribution to death following suicidal hanging.

[Aflibercept in a real-world setting: the AURIGA study : 24-month results of the German cohort of treatment-naïve patients with macular edema following retinal vein occlusion receiving intravitreal aflibercept]. / Aflibercept im klinischen Alltag: die AURIGA-Studie : 24-Monats-Ergebnisse der deutschen Kohorte behandlungsnaiver Patienten mit Makulaödem bei retinalem Venenverschluss unter Therapie mit intravitrealem Aflibercept.

BACKGROUND: AURIGA is the largest prospective real-world study to evaluate intravitreal aflibercept 2 mg (IVT-AFL) treatment of macular edema (ME) secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and diabetic macular edema. Here we present the 24-month data from the German cohort of treatment-naïve patients with ME due to RVO. METHODS: Treatment-naïve patients with ME secondary to RVO were treated with IVT-AFL 2 mg in the routine clinical practice. The primary endpoint was mean change in visual acuity (VA, early treatment diabetic retinopathy, ETDRS, letters) at month 12 compared to baseline. Analyses were descriptive. RESULTS: Analysis included 130 patients with RVO (n = 61, 46.9% with central RVO, n = 69, 53.1% with branch RVO). The mean (± SD) time the RVO patients remained in the study was 18.4 ± 7.4 months. The mean VA gain (95% confidence interval) in the overall cohort was +10.9 (7.5-14.2) letters at month 12 and +9.7 (6.1-13.3) at month 24 (baseline VA 56.5 ± 18.9 letters). At 24 months, 67% of RVO patients gained ≥5 letters and 40% gained ≥15 letters. The mean number of injections was 4.4 ± 1.3 up to month 6, 6.2 ± 2.7 up to month 12 and 8.2 ± 4.5 up to month 24. The mean central retinal thickness (CRT) reduction was -206µm (-252 to -160µm) at 12 months and -219µm (-263 to -175µm) at 24 months (baseline CRT 507 ± 177 µm). The safety profile was consistent with that of previous studies. DISCUSSION: In the German AURIGA cohort of treatment-naïve patients with ME secondary to RVO, IVT-AFL 2 mg treatment in clinical practice resulted in rapid and clinically relevant VA gains and a reduction in CRT. These results were largely maintained over 24 months despite the low injection frequency from month 6.

Effect of ranibizumab combined with laser photocoagulation in the treatment of diabetic macular edema.

Objective: To explore the clinical effect of ranibizumab combined with laser photocoagulation (LP) in treating diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 118 patients with DME admitted to The Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University from May 2021 to March 2023. Among them, 38 patients received LP alone (Laser-group), 39 patients received ranibizumab alone (Ranibizumab-group), and 41 patients received LP combined with ranibizumab (Combined-group). The improvement of macular edema (ME), visual acuity, and complications between the groups were compared. Results: The time of ME regression, exudation absorption and fundus hemorrhage absorption in the Combined-group was shorter than in the Laser-group and the Ranibizumab-group (P<0.05). After treatment, the CMT and RNV of the three groups decreased compared to pretreatment levels and were lower in the Combined-group compared to the Laser-group and the Ranibizumab-group (P<0.05). BCVA increased after the treatment in all groups, and was markedly higher in the Combined-group than in the Laser and the Ranibizumab-groups (P<0.05). NO were higher in the Combined-group compared to the Laser-group and the Ranibizumab-group. The post-treatment VEGF levels decreased in all groups, and were significantly lower in the Combined-group compared to the Laser-group and the Ranibizumab-group (P<0.05). The incidence of complications in the Combined-group was lower than in the Laser-group and the Ranibizumab-group (P<0.05). Conclusions: Compared to ranibizumab or LP alone, ranibizumab combined with LP is more effective in reducing ME in patients with DEM, and is associated with fewer complications.

Intravitreal Injection of Conbercept Combined with Dexamethasone for Macular Edema Following Central Retinal Vein Occlusion.

Background: To compare the efficacy of intravitreal injections of Conbercept combined with dexamethasone (DEX) for macular edema (ME) following central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Methods: This was a prospective, single-masked, randomised, controlled clinical trial. Patients with ME following CRVO were randomised into groups to receive intravitreal injections of 0.5 mg Conbercept plus 0.2 mg DEX or 0.5 mg Conbercept alone on day 0 followed by repeat injections as indicated. The primary outcome measure was the change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from baseline to month 12. Secondary outcome measures included decrease in central retinal thickness (CRT), injection frequency and interval and percentage of patients who gained more than 15 ETDRS letters or achieved a CRT of < 250 µm at month 12. Results: 33 males (51%) and 32 females (49%) were initially recruited with an average age of 56.64 ± 13.88 years. Patients in the Conbercept and Conbercept + DEX groups gained an average of 14.55 ± 19.19 and 14.88 ± 17.68 ETDRS letters, respectively, at months 12 (t = 4.221, P = 0.000; and t = 4.834, P = 0.000) with no significant difference between the two groups (t = 0.071, P = 0.943). In the Conbercept group, the mean reduction in CRT from baseline to month 12 was 435.26 ± 293.37 µm (t = 8.261, P = 0.000) compared to 431.36 ± 294.55 (t = 8.413, P = 0.000) in the Conbercept + DEX group. There was no significant difference between the two groups (t = 0.053, P = 0.958). The Conbercept + DEX group received fewer intravitreal injections. No major complications occurred. Conclusion: Conbercept, alone or with DEX, can improve BCVA and reduce CRT in ME following CRVO without serious adverse events. The treatment interval was longer in the Conbercept + DEX group. Trial Registration: The study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry at 5 July 2017. (http://www.chictr.org.cn, 05/07/2017 Registration Number: ChiCTR-INR-17011877).

Delayed hypersensitivity reaction after hyaluronic acid filler (VCY-20).

Hyaluronic acid (HA) filler, a transient injectable used for rejuvenating facial treatments, has become increasingly popular over time since it doesn't require surgery. Although these procedures are generally safe, there are some application-related complications. These issues fall into three categories: reactions with early, delayed, or late onset. This case report features a 55-year-old female patient who developed widespread facial edema as a result of a delayed hypersensitivity reaction that happened after HA filler was applied.

Trabecular thickening on mammography post-COVID vaccine and RSV vaccine: Case report.

Ipsilateral axillary adenopathy post-COVID mRNA vaccine has been widely reported and guidelines for management have been established. Isolated changes of axillary tail trabecular thickening without associated adenopathy in the breast present a diagnostic dilemma and no official guidelines have thus far been reported. This finding has been reported after COVID mRNA vaccine and has never been reported with any other vaccine. We report on a patient with such changes on screening mammography 1.5 months after the fifth dose of a COVID-mRNA vaccine and 1 week after RSV vaccine. This raises the possibility that such changes can be seen with vaccines other than the COVID mRNA series of vaccines. The main differential diagnosis includes mastitis and inflammatory breast cancer. The transient nature of this finding with spontaneous resolution at diagnostic mammography and the vaccination history helps to establish the diagnosis and exclude breast cancer.

Late-onset corneal edema after customized crosslinking for progressive keratoconus.

Purpose: We describe a patient after customized crosslinking (CXL) for progressive keratoconus who developed corneal edema with spontaneous resolution. Observations: A 24-year-old male with progressive keratoconus of the left eye underwent a customized CXL procedure with a total energy of 10 J/cm2 for 16.4 minutes. Preoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was 20/30 with a maximum keratometry (K)-value of 58.6 diopter (D) and the thinnest point measured 414 µm. The preoperative endothelial cell density (ECD) was 2414 cells/mm2. During treatment, corneal thickness was 325 µm after epithelial debridement and 375 µm after the application of 0.1 % riboflavin containing HPMC. After the treatment, antibiotic and steroid drops were prescribed for 5 days and 3 weeks, respectively. At the 1-month post-CXL visit the patient had no complaints, visual acuity and clinical examination showed no irregularities. At the 4-months post-CXL visit the patient complained of blurry vision. The CDVA was 20/100 and slit-lamp examination showed microcystic corneal edema. The corneal thickness at the thinnest point measured 440 µm. One month later the edema had resolved spontaneously and CDVA had restored to 20/25. Corneal thickness at the thinnest point measured 415 µm, the ECD was 1514 cells/mm2 and confocal microscopy showed normal structural changes in the anterior stroma after CXL, with the demarcation line located at a depth of 414 µm, just above the corneal endothelium. Conclusions and importance: We report a case of corneal edema following customized CXL with endothelial cell loss that resolved spontaneously. We recommend either adhering to a minimal stromal thickness of 400 µm before administering UV-A irradiation, using a contact lens or adjusting the irradiation to prevent this complication.

Cardiovascular effects of breath-hold diving at altitude.

Hypoxia, centralization of blood in pulmonary vessels, and increased cardiac output during physical exertion are the pathogenetic pathways of acute pulmonary edema observed during exposure to extraordinary environments. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of breath-hold diving at altitude, which exposes simultaneously to several of the stimuli mentioned above. To this aim, 11 healthy male experienced divers (age 18-52y) were evaluated (by Doppler echocardiography, lung echography to evaluate ultrasound lung B-lines (BL), hemoglobin saturation, arterial blood pressure, fractional NO (Nitrous Oxide) exhalation in basal condition (altitude 300m asl), at altitude (2507m asl) and after breath-hold diving at altitude. A significant increase in E/e' ratio (a Doppler-echocardiographic index of left atrial pressure) was observed at altitude, with no further change after the diving session. The number of BL significantly increased after diving at altitude as compared to basal conditions. Finally, fractional exhaled nitrous oxide was significantly reduced by altitude; no further change was observed after diving. Our results suggest that exposure to hypoxia may increase left ventricular filling pressure and, in turn, pulmonary capillary pressure. Breath-hold diving at altitude may contribute to interstitial edema (as evaluated by BL score), possibly because of physical efforts made during a diving session. The reduction of exhaled nitrous oxide at altitude confirms previous reports of nitrous oxide reduction after repeated exposure to hypoxic stimuli. This finding should be further investigated since reduced nitrous oxide production in hypoxic conditions has been reported in subjects prone to high-altitude pulmonary edema.

Alcohol Endotheliitis: A Report of a Rare Case.

Sudden transient loss of vision after an acute bout of alcohol consumption in patients with chronic alcoholism is rare. The underlying mechanism is a transient depression of the endothelial pump due to ethanol toxicity following a large amount of alcohol consumption in chronic alcoholic patients. Here, we report a rare case of a 60-year-old male patient who came to the outpatient department with complaints of sudden loss of vision associated with redness following a large amount of alcohol consumption. The case was managed by prompt diagnosis and topical and oral corticosteroid therapy. This is a rare case of acute toxic endotheliitis due to ethanol toxicity with only a few cases reported in the past.

Decompressive craniectomy in the acute fulminant cerebral edema.

Acute fulminant cerebral edema is a type of rapidly progressive encephalitis that occurs in children and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We present a clinical case with seizures, rapid neurological deterioration and the early appearance of cerebral herniation signs. Although the radiological tests were initially normal and there are no established parameters that predict the evolution of encephalitis to a rapidly progressive subtype, the clinical evolution forced to consider the decompressive craniectomy due to the lack of response to the medical management of the cerebral edema. It may be necessary take a brain biopsy to confirm the etiology of the encephalitis origin of acute fulminant cerebral edema. The objective of surgery should be not only to increase survival, but also to reduce subsequent neurological sequelae.

Dystrophin 71 deficiency causes impaired aquaporin-4 polarization contributing to glymphatic dysfunction and brain edema in cerebral ischemia.

OBJECTIVE: The glymphatic system serves as a perivascular pathway that aids in clearing liquid and solute waste from the brain, thereby enhancing neurological function. Disorders in glymphatic drainage contribute to the development of vasogenic edema following cerebral ischemia, although the molecular mechanisms involved remain poorly understood. This study aims to determine whether a deficiency in dystrophin 71 (DP71) leads to aquaporin-4 (AQP4) depolarization, contributing to glymphatic dysfunction in cerebral ischemia and resulting in brain edema. METHODS: A mice model of middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion was used. A fluorescence tracer was injected into the cortex and evaluated glymphatic clearance. To investigate the role of DP71 in maintaining AQP4 polarization, an adeno-associated virus with the astrocyte promoter was used to overexpress Dp71. The expression and distribution of DP71 and AQP4 were analyzed using immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, and co-immunoprecipitation techniques. The behavior ability of mice was evaluated by open field test. Open-access transcriptome sequencing data were used to analyze the functional changes of astrocytes after cerebral ischemia. MG132 was used to inhibit the ubiquitin-proteasome system. The ubiquitination of DP71 was detected by immunoblotting and co-immunoprecipitation. RESULTS: During the vasogenic edema stage following cerebral ischemia, a decline in the efflux of interstitial fluid tracer was observed. DP71 and AQP4 were co-localized and interacted with each other in the perivascular astrocyte endfeet. After cerebral ischemia, there was a notable reduction in DP71 protein expression, accompanied by AQP4 depolarization and proliferation of reactive astrocytes. Increased DP71 expression restored glymphatic drainage and reduced brain edema. AQP4 depolarization, reactive astrocyte proliferation, and the behavior of mice were improved. After cerebral ischemia, DP71 was degraded by ubiquitination, and MG132 inhibited the decrease of DP71 protein level. CONCLUSION: AQP4 depolarization after cerebral ischemia leads to glymphatic clearance disorder and aggravates cerebral edema. DP71 plays a pivotal role in regulating AQP4 polarization and consequently influences glymphatic function. Changes in DP71 expression are associated with the ubiquitin-proteasome system. This study offers a novel perspective on the pathogenesis of brain edema following cerebral ischemia.

Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors, sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists do not worsen diabetic macular edema.

AIMS: There are limited studies on dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 inhibitor (DPP-4i), sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2-i), and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist use and occurrence of diabetic macular edema (DME). The objective of this study was to determine the association between DPP-4i, SGLT2-i, and GLP-1 receptor agonist use and occurrence of DME. METHODS: Proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the change in hazard of developing DME associated with DPP-4i, SGLT2-i, or GLP-1 receptor agonist use. Models accounted for age at DR diagnosis, DR severity (proliferative vs non-proliferative stage), time-weighted average of HbA1c level, sex, and self-reported race/ethnicity. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The hazard ratio of developing DME after diagnosis of DR was 1.2 (CI = 0.75 to 1.99; p = 0.43) for DPP-4i use, 0.93 (CI = 0.54 to 1.61; p = 0.81) for GLP-1 receptor agonist use, 0.82 (CI = 0.20 to 3.34; p = 0.78) for SGLT2-i use, 1.1 (CI = 0.75 to 1.59; p = 0.66) for any one medication use, 1.1 (CI = 0.62 to 2.09; p = 0.68) and for any two or more medications use. CONCLUSIONS: We did not find an association between DPP-4i, SGLT2-i, or GLP-1 receptor agonist use and increased hazard of development of DME among patients with DR.

Improving the Quality of Life of a Kidney Transplant Patient With Limb Edema: Amplatzer Vascular Plug Embolization of an Arteriovenous Fistula.

An arteriovenous fistula is the preferred vascular access option for hemodialysis patients. However, complications, such as high-output heart failure and upper limb edema due to central vein stenosis, may arise.  We describe a case of a 65-year-old kidney transplant patient with severe edema in the left arm due to central vein stenosis and ipsilateral umerocephalic arteriovenous fistula. He was a previous hemodialysis patient and received his kidney transplant in 2015. This patient had an eight-month waiting list to undergo surgical ligation of the arteriovenous fistula. Since his quality of life was decaying, we decided to perform a peripheral vascular embolization with Amplatzer® vascular plugs (Abbott, Green Oaks, IL). After a two-month follow-up, the arm edema was significantly reduced, and no immediate complications were reported. This case highlights that the Amplatzer® vascular plug is a safe and effective alternative for arteriovenous fistula embolization in patients with arm edema due to central vein stenosis.

Effects of vitrectomy combined with internal limiting membrane peeling in patients with diabetic macular edema.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic macular edema (DME), a chronic microvascular complication of diabetes, is a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness. Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) can restore the normal macular structure and reduce macular edema, whereas internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling is used to treat tractional macular diseases. Despite the advantages, there is limited research on the combined effects of PPV with ILM peeling. AIM: To observe the effects of PPV combined with ILM peeling on postoperative central macular thickness (CMT), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), cystoid macular edema (CME) volume, and complications in patients with DME. METHODS: Eighty-one patients (92 eyes) diagnosed with DME at the Beijing Shanqu Liangxiang Hospital between January and December 2022 were randomly divided to undergo PPV alone (control group: 41 patients, 47 eyes) or PPV + ILM peeling (stripping group: 40 patients, 45 eyes); a single surgeon performed all surgeries. The two groups were compared preoperatively and 1 and 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Preoperatively, both groups had comparable values of CMT, BCVA, and CME volume (P > 0.05). After surgery (both 1 and 3 months), both groups showed significant reductions in CMT, BCVA, and CME volume compared to preoperative levels, with the stripping group showing more significant reductions compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Further repeated-measures ANOVA analysis for within-group differences revealed significant effects of group and time, and interaction effects for CMT, BCVA, and CME volume (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the incidence of complications between the groups (retinal detachment: control = 2, stripping = 1; endophthalmitis: Control = 4, stripping = 1; no cases of secondary glaucoma or macular holes; χ 2 = 0.296, P = 0.587). CONCLUSION: PPV with ILM peeling can significantly improve the visual acuity of patients with DME, reduce CMT, and improve CME with fewer complications.

A Curious Case of Weakness: Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis Presenting With Muscle Weakness.

Disease manifestations of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV), a small vessel vasculitis with multisystemic effects, include respiratory, renal, nervous, gastrointestinal, and skin implications. Muscle weakness and inflammatory myopathy are rare manifestations of AAV. We report the case of a 77-year-old female with a medical history of hypothyroidism and osteoarthritis who presented with a two-month history of worsening muscle weakness (mainly proximal). She endorsed dysphagia, a 40-lb unintentional weight loss, and persistent sinusitis with middle ear effusions, requiring bilateral tympanostomy. The physical examination was notable for 2/5 muscle strength in her hip flexors and extensors, with 4/5 strength in other extremities. Lower extremity MRI showed diffuse intramuscular edema between fat planes and intramuscular septal regions. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (70 mm/hr), C-reactive protein (141 mg/L), creatine kinase (690 U/L), and anti-myeloperoxidase (MPO) antibodies (>999 AU/mL) were elevated. A thigh biopsy revealed fibrinoid necrosis of small intramuscular arteries, confluent circumferential granulomatous vessel wall inflammation, and associated mild chronic inflammation, including occasional eosinophils and a few plasma cells. She was diagnosed with MPO-positive AAV. The patient was started on high-dose steroids (prednisone), with a taper on a disease-modifying agent, azathioprine, with significant improvement in symptoms over the next four months and complete resolution at 16-month follow-up. This patient's clinical presentation of predominant lower extremity weakness due to inflammatory myositis is an unusual manifestation of AAV. Clinicians should keep a broad differential diagnosis and consider the possibility of AAV, especially in cases of muscle weakness presenting as inflammatory myositis, in the absence of other clinical manifestations of systemic vasculitis or specific myositis serologies.

Mixture Theory-Based Finite Element Approach for Analyzing the Edematous Condition of Biological Soft Tissues.

In hydrated soft biological tissues experiencing edema, which is typically associated with various disorders, excessive fluid accumulates and is encapsulated by impermeable membranes. In certain cases of edema, an indentation induced by pressure persists even after the load is removed. The depth and duration of this indentation are used to assess the treatment response. This study presents a mixture theory-based approach to analyzing the edematous condition. The finite element analysis formulation was grounded in mixture theory, with the solid displacement, pore water pressure, and fluid relative velocity as the unknown variables. To ensure tangential fluid flow at the surface of tissues with complex shapes, we transformed the coordinates of the fluid velocity vector at each time step and node, allowing for the incorporation of the transmembrane component of fluid flow as a Dirichlet boundary condition. Using this proposed method, we successfully replicated the distinct behavior of pitting edema, which is characterized by a prolonged recovery time from indentation. Consequently, the proposed method offers valuable insights into the finite element analysis of the edematous condition in biological tissues.

Novel Approaches for Early Detection of Retinal Diseases Using Artificial Intelligence.

BACKGROUND: An increasing amount of people are globally affected by retinal diseases, such as diabetes, vascular occlusions, maculopathy, alterations of systemic circulation, and metabolic syndrome. AIM: This review will discuss novel technologies in and potential approaches to the detection and diagnosis of retinal diseases with the support of cutting-edge machines and artificial intelligence (AI). METHODS: The demand for retinal diagnostic imaging exams has increased, but the number of eye physicians or technicians is too little to meet the request. Thus, algorithms based on AI have been used, representing valid support for early detection and helping doctors to give diagnoses and make differential diagnosis. AI helps patients living far from hub centers to have tests and quick initial diagnosis, allowing them not to waste time in movements and waiting time for medical reply. RESULTS: Highly automated systems for screening, early diagnosis, grading and tailored therapy will facilitate the care of people, even in remote lands or countries. CONCLUSION: A potential massive and extensive use of AI might optimize the automated detection of tiny retinal alterations, allowing eye doctors to perform their best clinical assistance and to set the best options for the treatment of retinal diseases.