Comparison of Retinal Layer Thickness in Eyes with Resolved Diabetic Macular Edema Receiving Ranibizumab with Normal Eyes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the thickness of individual retinal layers in eyes with resolved diabetic macular edema (DME) after treatment with ranibizumab (RBZ). METHODS: Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans of 25 eyes (25 patients) with DME that had been treated with RBZ (and shown resolution of edema as evident by the absence of fluid in a high-resolution grid placed on the fovea) were acquired using Spectralis HRA + OCTTM. Thickness measurements of individual layers were calculated using papillomacular bundle (PMB), central subfield, and inner- and outer-ring Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) grids. Measurements were compared to 45 normal eyes with no known retinal disease. A post-hoc analysis was done correlating visual acuity (VA) with individual retinal layer thickness. RESULTS: Full retinal thickness (FRT) was thinner than normal individuals across all 4 grids. There were similarities and differences among the 4 grids; however, PMB and inner-ring ETDRS grids displayed the most resemblance. The VA significantly correlated with the FRT measured in PMB (p = 0.004), central subfield (p = 0.02), and inner-ring (p = 0.006) ETDRS. CONCLUSIONS: Segmentation of OCT scans revealed significant differences in the overall thickness of the retina and of individual retinal layers in patients with resolved DME. PMB grid showed a stronger correlation between affected retinal layers and VA compared to ETDRS. PMB also showed significance with VA in layers that were shown to be not significant in ETDRS grid.

Interferon-α-induced retinopathy in chronic hepatitis C treatment: summary, considerations, and recommendations.

Interferons are cytokines that regulate the host's response to viral infection, particularly in the setting of the immunologic response to the hepatitis C virus (HCV). While the virus has the ability to evade the host's innate and specific immunity, exogenous interferon-α with combined ribavirin, treatments have been found to achieve a significant sustained viral response in subgroups of patients with chronic HCV. One of the major side effects of interferon-α is an ocular retinopathy characterized by flame-shaped hemorrhages and cotton wool spots visualized on funduscopic examination. There have been documented cases of more severe side effects including optic nerve and retinal artery damage; however, these instances are the minority. We sought to investigate the literature surrounding interferon-induced retinopathy, clinically correlate our findings with two recent cases, and provide recommendations for practitioners who continue to manage chronic HCV patients using interferon-α with combined ribavirin treatments.

Effect of Vitreomacular Adhesion on Treatment Outcomes in the Ranibizumab for Edema of the Macula in Diabetes (READ-3) Study.

PURPOSE: To assess the role of vitreomacular adhesion (VMA) in visual and anatomic outcomes in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: Data from patients enrolled in the Ranibizumab for Edema of the Macula in Diabetes: Protocol 3 with High Dose (READ-3) study were analyzed. METHODS: In the READ-3 study, patients with DME received monthly intravitreal injections of either 0.5 or 2.0 mg ranibizumab. Optical coherence tomography images from patients who completed the month 6 visit of the study were analyzed at the baseline visit to identify the presence (VMA+) or absence (VMA-) of VMA. Patients with any degree of vitreomacular traction were excluded from the analysis. Two independent graders graded all images. Vitreomacular adhesion was classified by size of adhesion into either focal (<1500 µm) or broad (≥1500 µm). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mean changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) at month 6 and incidence of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). RESULTS: One hundred fifty-two eyes (152 patients) were randomized in the READ-3 study. One hundred twenty-four eyes (124 patients) were eligible for the study based on study criteria. Twenty-eight eyes did not meet study criteria and were excluded from the study. At baseline, 26 patients were classified as VMA+ and 98 patients were classified as VMA-. The distribution of the 2 doses of ranibizumab (0.5 and 2.0 mg) in the 2 groups was similar. At month 6, the mean improvement in BCVA was 11.31±6.67 and 6.86±7.58 letters in the VMA+ and VMA- groups, respectively (P = 0.007). Mean improvement in CRT was -173.81±132.31 and -161.84±131.34 µm in the VMA+ and VMA- groups, respectively (P = 0.681). At month 6, among the 26 VMA+ eyes (at baseline), 7 eyes demonstrated PVD, 17 eyes showed no change in VMA status, and 2 eyes were not gradable and were excluded. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetic macular edema patients with VMA have a greater potential for improvement in visual outcomes with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. Therefore, the presence of VMA should not preclude patients with DME from receiving treatment.

Post-Radiotherapy Complications in Ewing Sarcoma: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Ewing's sarcoma (ES), the second most prevalent malignant osseous tumor in children and adolescents, primarily affects the extremities' long bones and pelvic region. Characterized by its aggressive growth, ES often presents with symptoms like swelling, pain, and neurological deficits, impacting various skeletal sites. ES involving the spine, particularly the sacral region, poses a significant challenge due to its rarity, aggressive nature, and limited sensitivity to treatments. We report the case of an 18-year-old male with recurrent metastatic ES presenting with fever, cough, and a lesion in the right humerus. Despite prior treatments and complications including spinal metastasis and cord compression, the patient's condition deteriorated, resulting in an unfortunate outcome. This case highlights the complexities in managing recurrent metastatic ES, emphasizing the need for tailored multidisciplinary approaches and early detection strategies.

Investigating therapeutic nonsense suppression in a neurofibromatosis mouse model.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a human genetic disorder caused by variants in the NF1 gene. Plexiform neurofibromas, one of many NF1 manifestations, are benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors occurring in up to 50% of NF1 patients. A substantial fraction of NF1 pathogenetic variants are nonsense mutations, which result in the synthesis of truncated non-functional NF1 protein (neurofibromin). To date, no therapeutics have restored neurofibromin expression or addressed the consequences of this protein's absence in NF1 nonsense mutation patients, but nonsense suppression is a potential approach to the problem. Ataluren is a small molecule drug that has been shown to stimulate functional nonsense codon readthrough in several models of nonsense mutation diseases, as well as in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients. To test ataluren's potential applicability in nonsense mutation NF1 patients, we evaluated its therapeutic effects using three treatment regimens in a previously established NF1 patient-derived (c.2041C > T; p.Arg681X) nonsense mutation mouse model. Collectively, our experiments indicate that: i) ataluren appeared to slow the growth of neurofibromas and alleviate some paralysis phenotypes, ii) female Nf1-nonsense mutation mice manifested more severe paralysis and neurofibroma phenotypes than male mice, iii) ataluren doses with apparent effectiveness were lower in female mice than in male mice, and iv) age factors also influenced ataluren's effectiveness.

Quantitative reliability assessment of brain MRI volumetric measurements in type II GM1 gangliosidosis patients.

Purpose: GM1-gangliosidosis (GM1) leads to extensive neurodegenerative changes and atrophy that precludes the use of automated MRI segmentation techniques for generating brain volumetrics. We developed a standardized segmentation protocol for brain MRIs of patients with type II GM1 and then assessed the inter- and intra-rater reliability of this methodology. The volumetric data may be used as a biomarker of disease burden and progression, and standardized methodology may support research into the natural history of the disease which is currently lacking in the literature. Approach: Twenty-five brain MRIs were included in this study from 22 type II GM1 patients of which 8 were late-infantile subtype and 14 were juvenile subtype. The following structures were segmented by two rating teams on a slice-by-slice basis: whole brain, ventricles, cerebellum, lentiform nucleus, thalamus, corpus callosum, and caudate nucleus. The inter- and intra-rater reliability of the segmentation method was assessed with an intraclass correlation coefficient as well as Sorensen-Dice and Jaccard coefficients. Results: Based on the Sorensen-Dice and Jaccard coefficients, the inter- and intra-rater reliability of the segmentation method was significantly better for the juvenile patients compared to late-infantile (p < 0.01). In addition, the agreement between the two rater teams and within themselves can be considered good with all p-values < 0.05. Conclusions: The standardized segmentation approach described here has good inter- and intra-rater reliability and may provide greater accuracy and reproducibility for neuromorphological studies in this group of patients and help to further expand our understanding of the natural history of this disease.

Revolutionizing Breast Cancer Detection With Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Radiology and Radiation Oncology: A Systematic Review.

The number one cause of cancer in women worldwide is breast cancer. Over the last three decades, the use of traditional screen-film mammography has increased, but in recent years, digital mammography and 3D tomosynthesis have become standard procedures for breast cancer screening. With the advancement of technology, the interpretation of images using automated algorithms has become a subject of interest. Initially, computer-aided detection (CAD) was introduced; however, it did not show any long-term benefit in clinical practice. With recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) methods, these technologies are showing promising potential for more accurate and efficient automated breast cancer detection and treatment. While AI promises widespread integration in breast cancer detection and treatment, challenges such as data quality, regulatory, ethical implications, and algorithm validation are crucial. Addressing these is essential for fully realizing AI's potential in enhancing early diagnosis and improving patient outcomes in breast cancer management. In this review article, we aim to provide an overview of the latest developments and applications of AI in breast cancer screening and treatment. While the existing literature primarily consists of retrospective studies, ongoing and future prospective research is poised to offer deeper insights. Artificial intelligence is on the verge of widespread integration into breast cancer detection and treatment, holding the potential to enhance early diagnosis and improve patient outcomes.

Management of an undetectable Diverticular Bleed: A Case Report and Literature review.

Diverticular bleeding is the most common cause of lower gastrointestinal bleeding and accounts for 20.8%-41.6% of cases in the Western world. Management involves initial resuscitation followed by diagnostic assessment. Colonoscopy is the investigation of choice as it localizes the bleed and has the potential to effectively deliver therapeutic interventions. Other diagnostic modalities include flexible sigmoidoscopy, a tagged red blood cell scan, or angiography. In cases where the bleeding source cannot be identified, intraoperative enteroscopy has emerged as a valuable tool for investigating obscure gastroenterology bleeds in specific patients. In this case report, we describe the management of a 77-year-old male with recently diagnosed pan-colonic diverticulosis who presented with multiple episodes of rectal bleeding and syncope. Due to his declining hemodynamic status and failed endoscopy and embolization, he was taken to surgery for a colectomy. Intraoperative colonoscopy was utilized to facilitate accurate identification of the pathology, assessment of anastomotic patency, and detection of surgical complications. This case report attempts to portray how the incorporation of endo-videoscopy into surgical planning has the potential to enhance patient outcomes and represent a significant advancement in the field of minimally invasive surgery.

The Management of a Urinary Bladder Leak in a Patient with Radiation Cystitis.

Urinary dysfunction following treatment for rectal adenocarcinoma is a common and complex complication. We present a case of a 69-year-old male who underwent laparoscopic-assisted left hemicolectomy and loop ileostomy after receiving chemotherapy and radiation therapy for rectal adenocarcinoma. Postoperatively, it was incidentally discovered the patient had urinary frequency and urgency. Cystoscopy revealed radiation changes to the bladder walls and a bladder leak was confirmed by cystogram. The patient underwent successful repair of the urinary bladder leak, with challenges posed by prior radiation therapy. Effective prevention and management strategies for urinary dysfunction require a comprehensive preoperative risk assessment, consideration of nerve-preserving surgical techniques, and prompt identification and repair of postoperative complications.

Neuromyelitis Optica: A Case Report From a Radiological Perspective.

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO), also known as Devic's disease, is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the optic nerve and the spinal cord. Similar to multiple sclerosis, it has a relapsing and remitting characteristic. The disease is characterized by optic neuritis and longitudinal extensive inflammation of the spinal cord. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the modality of choice for this disorder. The serological examination also shows the presence of aquaporin-4 (AQP4) autoantibodies. MRI shows longitudinal extensive transverse myelitis and signs of optic neuritis such as inflammation of the optic nerve. The treatment is based on intravenous corticosteroids with or without plasmapheresis. The current case is a 25-year-old African American male patient who presented with multiple sclerosis-like symptoms (i.e., optic neuritis and transverse myelitis) but turned out to have NMO. Serological examination reveals the absence of AQP4 autoantibodies. A radiological examination showed swelling in the cervical cord. This case report strongly focuses on the radiological findings of NMO.

Small Bowel Lymphoma Complicated With Ischemic Colitis: A Case Report.

Ischemic colitis is thought to be an injury to the colon as a result of reduced blood flow. Certain infectious diseases such as the Epstein-Barr virus can aid in the reduction of blood flow. The insult can range from inflammation and superficial injury to full-thickness necrosis. The typical regions affected are the "watershed" areas of the colon: the splenic flexure, the rectosigmoid junction, and the right colon. Because patients can present with a wide spectrum of symptoms from vague abdominal discomfort to complete abdominal catastrophe, the diagnosis of ischemic colitis is sometimes challenging to make. Patients typically present with the acute onset of crampy abdominal pain and usually pass blood mixed with stool within 24 hours. Endoscopically, ischemia is suspected in the presence of bluish hemorrhagic nodules from submucosal bleeding, cyanotic or necrotic mucosa with bleeding ulcerations, or a segmental distribution with an abrupt transition point between injured and normal mucosa. We present a case of an 80-year-old male with a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and basal cell carcinoma of the scalp diagnosed with ischemic colitis associated with positive Epstein-Barr virus B cell lymphoma.

A remarkable response to palliative treatment in metastatic breast cancer: A case report and comprehensive literature review.

The case report describes a patient with stage IV breast cancer which metastasized to the lungs. The patient's initial computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a malignant lesion in the upper outer quadrant of the left breast and multiple pulmonary nodules, suggesting pulmonary metastasis. After starting palliative chemotherapy with intravenous paclitaxel and subcutaneous injections of Herceptin, a follow-up CT scan 3 months after the initiation of treatment showed the disappearance of metastasis, and her cancer regressed to stage II breast cancer that could be surgically resected. This case report highlights the importance of timely and appropriate palliative treatment measures, which can lead to unexpected outcomes, such as the regression of metastatic lesions and the possibility of curative treatment in such advanced cancer.

A massive malignant pleural effusion due to lung adenocarcinoma in an adult male: a case report.

A significant right-sided pleural effusion was seen on chest radiography in a 53-year-old adult male who complained of bilateral chest pain, shortness of breath, and other additional symptoms. The bloody pleural effusion was removed with a chest tube, and cytopathology analysis showed moderate cellularity. After performing a high-resolution computed tomography, it was discovered that the affected lung had a significant pleural effusion on the right side as well as collapsed and consolidated lung parenchyma. Upon further examination, the right lower lobe wedge biopsy cytology smear revealed mucinous adenocarcinoma. Adults rarely experience a severe malignant pleural effusion brought on by lung adenocarcinoma, particularly in the absence of risk factors.

Gastric adenocarcinoma complicated by an intra-abdominal abscess: A case report.

Perforated gastric adenocarcinoma is a rare and challenging complication of gastric cancer, which can lead to intra-abdominal abscesses and other complications. Management of perforated gastric adenocarcinoma with an intra-abdominal abscess requires a multidisciplinary approach, including empiric antibiotic therapy and fluid resuscitation, partial gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction, and image-guided drainage. This case report highlights the complex and challenging nature of managing perforated gastric adenocarcinoma with intra-abdominal abscesses. Prompt recognition and timely intervention are essential for favorable outcomes. Postoperative care and close follow-up are also important.

Transradial access for cerebral angiography and neurointerventional procedures: A meta-analysis and systematic review.

PURPOSE: Transradial access (TRA) for diagnostic and interventional neurointerventional procedures has recently gained traction over transfemoral access (TFA) in the neurointerventional community. This meta-analysis aims to assess and summarize the utility of TRA in cerebral angiography and neurointerventional procedures. METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed utilizing Pubmed, Embase, and Scopus databases. Using PRISMA guidelines, records were extracted with the following search terms: transradial approach, transradial access, radial access, cerebral angiogram, cerebral angiography, neurointervention, and neuroendovascular. The primary outcomes assessed were case success rate, complication rate, and crossover rate from TRA to TFA. Secondary analysis was performed on procedure time, fluoroscopy time, fluoroscopy time per vessel (diagnostic procedures only), contrast dose, radial artery diameter, distal radial artery diameter, and patient preference for TRA over TFA. RESULTS: Sixty-two full-text articles were analyzed for this meta-analysis, representing 12,927 diagnostic and interventional TRA access patients. Our analysis revealed a combined diagnostic and interventional case success rate of 95.9% and complication rate of 3.5%, with crossover to TFA occurring in 4.9% of cases. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis demonstrates that TRA access for diagnostic angiography and neurointerventional procedures is a safe and effective approach, though determining a true complication rate is challenging as the definition of TRA complications has changed in various publications over time.

A Rare Case of Renal Cell Carcinoma With Inferior Vena Cava Invasion: A Life-Threatening Complication.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) arises from the renal tubular epithelial cells and comprises a group of heterogenous renal tumors. Renal tumors can metastasize to involve almost any body organ, the common sites being the lung, liver, bone, brain, adrenal gland, head, neck, and rarely, inferior vena cava (IVC), leading to lethal outcomes. We present a case of RCC with IVC invasion in a patient who presented with right-sided flank pain and gross hematuria. His routine biochemical and hematological parameters were unremarkable, and an abdominal examination revealed a complex renal mass with mild hydronephrosis. The patient underwent contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography with venography, which showed a right renal upper polar mass lesion extending into the right vein obliterating it up to its junction with the IVC. Integrating examination and imaging findings were suggestive of right renal RCC. Our case highlights the importance of standard preoperative MRI imaging to assess IVC invasion and its morphologic features including vessel breach or complete occlusion of the IVC.

Evaluation of contrast sensitivity in non-high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy treated with panretinal photocoagulation with and without intravitreal injections of ranibizumab.

PURPOSE: To evaluate contrast sensitivity in non-high-risk, treatment-naïve proliferative diabetic retinopathy patients treated with panretinal photocoagulation and intravitreal injections of ranibizumab) versus panretinal photocoagulation alone. METHODS: Sixty eyes of 30 patients with bilateral proliferative diabetic retinopathy were randomized into two groups: one received panretinal photocoagulation and ranibizumab injections (study group), while the other received panretinal photocoagulation alone (control group). All eyes were treated with panretinal photocoagulation in three sessions according to the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study guidelines. Contrast sensitivity measurements were performed under photopic conditions (85 cd/m2) with the Visual Contrast Test Sensitivity 6500 chart, allowing for the evaluation of five spatial frequencies with sine wave grating charts: 1.5, 3.0, 6.0, 12.0, and 18.0 cycles per degree (cpd). Outcomes were measured in contrast sensitivity threshold scores among and within groups, from baseline to 1, 3, and 6 months. RESULTS: Fifty-eight eyes (28 in the study group and 30 in the control group) reached the study endpoint. A comparative analysis of changes in contrast sensitivity between the groups showed significant differences mainly in low frequencies as follows: at month 1 in 1.5 cpd (p=0.001) and 3.0 cpd (p=0.04); at month 3 in 1.5 cpd (p=0.016), and at month 6 in 1.5 cpd (p=0.001) and 3.0 cpd (p=0.026) in favor of the study group. CONCLUSIONS: In eyes of patients with non-high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy, panretinal photocoagulation treatment with ranibizumab appears to cause less damage to contrast sensitivity compared with panretinal photocoagulation treatment alone. Thus, our evaluation of contrast sensitivity may support the use of ranabizumab as an adjuvant to panretinal photocoagulation for the treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Selective Patterns of Cognitive Impairment in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 6 and Idiopathic Late-Onset Cerebellar Ataxia.

PURPOSE: To determine cognitive impairment patterns in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6) compared to patients with idiopathic late-onset cerebellar ataxia (ILOCA). METHODS: Neurocognitive testing was conducted on 21 SCA6, nine ILOCA, and 27 controls subjects. Intergroup differences were assessed using the Wilcoxon signed-ranked test or Student's t-test. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed on nine cognitive variables, and Hotelling's T-squared test assessed group-specific differences. Pearson's correlations assessed changes in cognitive performance and disease progression. Intra-group differences among SCA6 were examined in a post-hoc analysis. RESULTS: SCA6 and ILOCA patients showed impairment in visuo-spatial executive function, phonemic verbal fluency, and semantic-verb word generation. ILOCA showed impairment in mental flexibility/response inhibition, verbal learning, semantic-noun verbal fluency, and forward numerical working memory. Within the first three principal components, SCA6 and ILOCA differed from controls and from each other. Verbal working and immediate visuo-spatial memory correlated with disease duration for SCA6. For ILOCA, Mini-Mental Status Exam and RCF copy correlated with disease duration. CONCLUSION: Differing patterns of cognitive dysfunction were seen in SCA6 and ILOCA. PCA suggested that distinct SCA6 subgroups may exist, SCA61 with significant ILOCA overlap in several cognitive deficits, and SCA62 showing deficits in visuo-spatial performance only.

Evaluation of contrast sensitivity in non-high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy treated with panretinal photocoagulation with and without intravitreal injections of ranibizumab / Avaliação da sensibilidade ao contraste em retinopatia diabética proliferativa de não alto risco tratada com panfotocoagulação retiniana com ou sem injeções intravítrea de ranibizumabe

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate contrast sensitivity in non-high-risk, treatment-naïve proliferative diabetic retinopathy patients treated with panretinal photocoagulation and intravitreal injections of ranibizumab) versus panretinal photocoagulation alone. Methods: Sixty eyes of 30 patients with bilateral proliferative diabetic retinopathy were randomized into two groups: one received panretinal photocoagulation and ranibizumab injections (study group), while the other received panretinal photocoagulation alone (control group). All eyes were treated with panretinal photocoagulation in three sessions according to the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study guidelines. Contrast sensitivity measurements were performed under photopic conditions (85 cd/m2) with the Visual Contrast Test Sensitivity 6500 chart, allowing for the evaluation of five spatial frequencies with sine wave grating charts: 1.5, 3.0, 6.0, 12.0, and 18.0 cycles per degree (cpd). Outcomes were measured in contrast sensitivity threshold scores among and within groups, from baseline to 1, 3, and 6 months. Results: Fifty-eight eyes (28 in the study group and 30 in the control group) reached the study endpoint. A comparative analysis of changes in contrast sensitivity between the groups showed significant differences mainly in low frequencies as follows: at month 1 in 1.5 cpd (p=0.001) and 3.0 cpd (p=0.04); at month 3 in 1.5 cpd (p=0.016), and at month 6 in 1.5 cpd (p=0.001) and 3.0 cpd (p=0.026) in favor of the study group. Conclusions: In eyes of patients with non-high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy, panretinal photocoagulation treatment with ranibizumab appears to cause less damage to contrast sensitivity compared with panretinal photocoagulation treatment alone. Thus, our evaluation of contrast sensitivity may support the use of ranabizumab as an adjuvant to panretinal photocoagulation for the treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

RESUMO Objetivos: Avaliar a sensibilidade ao contraste em pacientes virgens de tratamento com retinopatia diabética proliferativa de não alto risco, submetidos a panfotocoagulação retiniana com injeções intravítreas de ranibizumabe versus pan­fotocoagulação isolada. Métodos: Sessenta olhos de 30 pa­cientes foram randomizados em dois grupos: um submetido a panfotocoagulação com injeções de ranibizumabe (grupo estudo), e o outro submetimedo a panfotocoagulação isolada (grupo controle). Todos olhos foram tratados em 3 sessões de laser, seguindo recomendação do Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS). Avaliação da sensibilidade ao contraste foi realizada sob condições fotópicas (85 cd/m2) com tabela Visual Contrast Test Sensitivity 6500, permitindo avaliação de cinco frequências espaciais medidas com redes senoidais: 1.5, 3.0, 6.0, 12.0 e 18.0 ciclos por grau de ângulo visual (cpd). Foram realizadas medidas dos limiares de sensibilidade ao contraste intra e entre grupos na visita inicial, no 1º, 3º, e 6º mês de seguimento. Resultados: Cinquenta e oito olhos, 28 do grupo estudo e 30 do grupo controle, atingiram o término do estudo. Análise comparativa da SC entre os grupos mostrou diferença estatisticamente significante, nas baixas frequências espaciais, no 1º mês em 1.5 cpd (p=0,001) e 3.0 cpd (p=0,04), no 3º mês em 1.5 cpd (p=0,016) e no 6º mês em 3.0 cpd (p=0,026) a favor do grupo estudo. Conclusão: O tratamento com panfotocoagulação associada a injeção de ranibizumabe parece causar menos danos a sensibilidade ao contraste quando comparada com panfotocoagulação isolada em olhos com retinopatia diabética proliferativa de não alto risco. Dessa forma, os resultados apresentados podem justificar a associação do ranibizumabe à panfotocoagulação nestes pacientes.

Mycophenolate mofetil and fundus autofluorescence in the management of recurrent punctate inner choroidopathy.

PURPOSE: To compare the frequencies of attacks before and after immunomodulatory therapy (IMT) with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in recurrent punctate inner choroidopathy (PIC) and to report fundus autofluorescence (FAF) findings. METHODS: Eight patients who had at least two recurrent episodes of increased activity before MMF and 12 months of documented clinical course before and after MMF were included. The frequencies of attacks before and after MMF were compared. FAF images evaluated. RESULTS: Before MMF, the 8 patients experienced 19 attacks of recurrent disease activity; during MMF therapy, 3 (38%) patients experienced 6 recurrent episodes. The attack frequencies were 1.09 ± 0.75 before and 0.23 ± 0.32 during treatment (p = .036). Among the 6 patients who had FAF, surrounding hyperautofluorescent halo was detected in 4 and recurrence occurred in 2 who did not show any changes on the intensity during treatment. CONCLUSION: In the index study, the employment of MMF has decreased frequency of attacks in recurrent PIC. FAF may be employed to monitor and predict the response to treatment.