Fucoidan modulates SIRT1 and NLRP3 to alleviate hypertensive retinopathy: in vivo and in vitro insights.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension influences the inflammatory pathological changes in the retina. The function of the inflammasomes is significant. To see if Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) regulates angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertensive retinopathy and inflammation by modulating NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation and the potential protective effects of fucoidan (FO) in mouse retinal vascular endothelial cells (mRECs) and mice retina. METHODS: The diagnosis of hypertensive retinopathy was made after three weeks of Ang II infusion (3000 ng/kg/min). One day prior to the commencement of Ang II infusion, the mice were treatment with NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 (10 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneal injections) or FO (300 mg/kg/day, oral gavage). A blood pressure was recorded. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to conduct pathological alterations, dihydroethidium bromide (DHE) was utilized to assess oxidative stress damage in the retina, and fluorescence angiography was used to identify vascular disorders in the eye. Using immunohistochemical labeling, NLRP3 expression was found. Reactive protein and mRNA expression levels in mouse retina and cells were assessed using Western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). RESULTS: NLRP3 inflammasome activation and SIRT1 decrease were brought about by Ang II infusion. Retinopathy and dysfunction were lessened by MCC950 target-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation, while overexpression of SIRT1 had the opposite impact on NLRP3 inflammasome activation, indicating that SIRT1 functions as an upstream regulator of NLRP3 activity. FO may improve SIRT1 expression and decrease NLRP3 activation in retinopathy and dysfunction brought on by Ang II, and the effects were consistent across both in vivo and in vitro models. CONCLUSIONS: SIRT1 adversely regulates the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, which in turn increases Ang II-induced inflammation and hypertensive retinopathy. FO may mitigate Ang II-induced retinopathy and dysfunction via modulating the expression of SIRT1/NLRP3. This implies practical approaches to the management of hypertensive retinopathy.

THE DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF MULTISPECTRAL FUNDUS IMAGING IN HYPERTENSIVE RETINOPATHY.

PURPOSE: To observe the diagnostic value of multispectral fundus imaging (MSI) in hypertensive retinopathy (HR). METHODS: A total of 100 patients with HR were enrolled in this cross-sectional study, and all participants received fundus photography and MSI. Participants with severe HR received fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA). The diagnostic consistency between fundus photography and MSI in the diagnosis of HR was calculated. The sensitivity of MSI in the diagnosis of severe HR was calculated by comparison with FFA. Choroidal vascular index was calculated in patients with HR using MSI at 780 nm. RESULTS: MSI and fundus photography were highly concordant in the diagnosis of HR with a Kappa value = 0.883. MSI had a sensitivity of 96% in diagnosing retinal hemorrhage, a sensitivity of 89.47% in diagnosing retinal exudation, a sensitivity of 100% in diagnosing vascular compression indentation, and a sensitivity of 96.15% in diagnosing retinal arteriosclerosis. The choroidal vascular index of the patients in the HR group was significantly lower than that of the control group, whereas there was no significant difference between the affected and fellow eyes. CONCLUSION: As a noninvasive modality of observation, MSI may be a new tool for the diagnosis and assessment of HR.

Association of Mean Platelet Volume with Grades of Hypertensive Retinopathy.

OBJECTIVE: Hypertension is the most prevalent non communicable disease causing deaths even before evidence of target organ damage. Platelet activation is associated with risk of vascular events. Identification of mean platelet volume (MPV) values in patients with hypertensive retinopathy (HR) can help in prognostication and risk stratification of possible complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients presenting to the outpatient department over a period of 18 months underwent clinical examination, blood sampling, direct ophthalmoscopic examination, and two-dimensional echocardiography. RESULTS: Out of 104 subjects, there were a total of 25 females and 79 males. Patients with grade 1HR had a mean MPV value of 9.4, those with grade 2 HR had a mean MPV of 9.8, among people with grade 3 HR the mean MPV was 10.1, and those with grade 4 HR had a mean MPV of 10.9. CONCLUSION: In our study, we have seen that MPV increases with increasing severity of HR, thus implying that MPV probably plays a role in HR. Testing of MPV can be used to decide whether preventative treatments should be instituted to the prevent the severe complications of retinopathy and thus decrease the risk and occurrence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.

Résumé Objectif:L'hypertension est la maladie non transmissible la plus répandue causant des décès avant même la preuve de lésions des organes cibles. L'activation plaquettaire est associée à un risque d'événements vasculaires. Identification des valeurs moyennes du volume plaquettaire (MPV) chez les patients atteints d'hypertension La rétinopathie (HR) peut aider au pronostic et à la stratification du risque de complications possibles.Matériel et méthodes:Les patients se présentant à le service ambulatoire a fait l'objet d'un examen clinique sur une période de 18 mois, d'un prélèvement sanguin, d'un examen ophtalmoscopique direct et l'échocardiographie bidimensionnelle.Résultats:Sur 104 sujets, il y avait un total de 25 femmes et 79 hommes. Patients de grade 1 HR avaient une valeur moyenne de MPV de 9,4, celles de grade 2 HR avaient une MPV moyenne de 9,8, parmi les personnes de grade 3 HR, la MPV moyenne était de 10,1, et celles avec un grade 4 HR avait un MPV moyen de 10,9.Conclusion:Dans notre étude, nous avons vu que la MPV augmente avec la gravité croissante de la FC, donc ce qui implique que le MPV joue probablement un rôle dans les RH. Le test de MPV peut être utilisé pour décider si des traitements préventifs doivent être instituts prévenir les complications graves de la rétinopathie et ainsi diminuer le risque et la survenue d'événements cardiovasculaires et cérébrovasculaires.

Associations between brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity and hypertensive retinopathy in treated hypertensive adults: Results from the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial (CSPPT).

Although the association between persistent hypertension and the compromise of both micro- and macro-circulatory functions is well recognized, a significant gap in quantitative investigations exploring the interplay between microvascular and macrovascular injuries still exists. In this study, the authors looked into the relationship between brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and hypertensive retinopathy in treated hypertensive adults. The authors conducted a cross-sectional study of treated hypertensive patients with the last follow-up data from the China Stoke Primary Prevention Trial (CSPPT) in 2013. With the use of PWV/ABI instruments, baPWV was automatically measured. The Keith-Wagener-Barker classification was used to determine the diagnosis of hypertensive retinopathy. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the connection between baPWV and hypertensive retinopathy were determined using multivariable logistic regression models. The OR curves were created using a multivariable-adjusted restricted cubic spline model to investigate any potential non-linear dose-response relationships between baPWV and hypertensive retinopathy. A total of 8514 (75.5%) of 11,279 participants were diagnosed with hypertensive retinopathy. The prevalence of hypertensive retinopathy increased from the bottom quartile of baPWV to the top quartile: quartile 1: 70.7%, quartile 2: 76.1%, quartile 3: 76.7%, quartile 4: 78.4%. After adjusting for potential confounders, baPWV was positively associated with hypertensive retinopathy (OR = 1.05, 95% CI, 1.03-1.07, p < .001). Compared to those in the lowest baPWV quartile, those in the highest baPWV quartile had an odds ratio for hypertensive retinopathy of 1.61 (OR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.37-1.89, p < .001). Two-piece-wise logistic regression model demonstrated a nonlinear relationship between baPWV and hypertensive retinopathy with an inflection point of 17.1 m/s above which the effect was saturated .

The use of echocardiography compared to electrocardiogram when screening for left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive patients: A cross-sectional study.

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is often used as an indicator to assess hypertension-mediated organ damage (HMOD), alongside hypertensive retinopathy (HR) and nephropathy. Assessment of HMOD is crucial when making decisions about treatment optimization. Despite longstanding debate over its reliability to detect LVH, it is common practice to perform an electrocardiogram (ECG) instead of directly assessing left ventricular mass with echocardiography. In this study, the presence of LVH was evaluated using both ECG and echocardiography among consecutive patients suspected of therapy-resistant hypertension or secondary hypertension in the outpatient clinic of the Department of Internal Medicine at the Diakonessen Hospital, Utrecht, the Netherlands, between July 15, 2017, and July 31, 2020. The primary endpoints were the specificity and sensitivity of ECG as a diagnostic tool for LVH, with echocardiography serving as the reference method. Among the 329 participants, we identified 70 individuals (21.3%) with true LVH based on echocardiography. The ECG displayed a sensitivity of 47.9% and a specificity of 75.3%. Moreover, the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve was 0.604. In conclusion, ECG demonstrates limited value in identifying LVH. Considering the importance of accurately assessing HMOD for treatment optimization of hypertension, the role of ECG as a diagnostic tool for LVH is, therefore, questionable. Instead, we recommend employing standard echocardiography as a more reliable diagnostic.

El fondo de ojo, una ventana a la microvasculatura del paciente hipertenso / The fundus, a window to microvasculature in hypertensive patients

Introducción: La hipertensión arterial constituye una de las enfermedades más frecuentes en la población general. En la actualidad llega a una prevalencia global del 30 al 45 %. La microcirculación retiniana puede considerarse como una representación anatómica de las características fisiológicas y funcionales de la circulación coronaria y cerebral. Objetivos: Profundizar en la relación existente entre los niveles de presión arterial y el daño del órgano diana, específicamente a través del fondo de ojo, así como de las posibles complicaciones oftalmológicas derivadas de la hipertensión arterial, y la comparación de algunas de las clasificaciones existentes sobre los cambios oftalmológicos que esta provoca. Métodos: Se emplearon los métodos de análisis-síntesis y análisis bibliográfico y documental. Los motores de búsqueda utilizados fueron: Google y Google Académico, y las bases de datos Hinari, SciELO Cuba, Pubmed, entre otras. Conclusiones: La retinopatía hipertensiva es una de las complicaciones adversas de la hipertensión arterial aguda o crónica. Por su parte, las oclusiones venosas y la formación de macroaneurismas, constituyen otras de gran envergadura. Mientras más eficaz sea el diagnóstico y seguimiento de los pacientes hipertensos, menos recursos se necesitarán para su tratamiento, y se evitarán así las complicaciones de otros órganos diana como el cerebro y el riñón, lo que provocaría en los pacientes una mayor discapacidad.

Introduction: arterial hypertension is one the most frequent diseases in general population. Nowadays, it reaches a global prevalence of 30 to 45 %. Retinal microcirculation can be considered as an anatomical representation of the physiological and functional characteristics of the coronary and cerebral circulation. Objectives: to delve into the relationship between blood pressure levels and target organ damage, specifically through the fundus, as well as the possible ophthalmological complications derived from arterial hypertension, and the comparison of some of the existing classifications on the ophthalmological changes that it causes. Methods: analysis - synthesis and bibliographic- documentary analyses were the used methods. Google and Google Scholar as well as Hinari, SciELO Cuba, Pubmed and others databases were the search engines. Conclusions: hypertensive retinopathy is one of the adverse complications of acute or chronic arterial hypertension. On the other hand, venous occlusions and the formation of macroaneurysms constitute other serious ones to consider. The more effective the diagnosis and follow-up of hypertensive patients, the fewer resources will be needed for their treatment, thus avoiding complications in other target organs such as the brain and kidney, which would cause greater disability in patients.

Impacto de la retinopatía hipertensiva asociada a cardiopatías coronarias / Impact of hypertensive retinopathy associated with coronary heart disease

Introducción: La asociación entre la retinopatía hipertensiva y cardiopatías coronarias es un tema de una larga controversia. La retinopatía hipertensiva ha sido definida como un predictor de mortalidad y morbilidad en pacientes hipertensos desde hace mucho tiempo. Además, estudios recientes han demostrado que la microvasculatura retiniana refleja la patología en los pequeños vasos sistémicos, incluida la microcirculación coronaria. Objetivos: El objetivo fue realizar una revisión sistemática y un análisis cualitativo y cuantitativo mediante un metanálisis para determinar la asociación entre la retinopatía hipertensiva y cardiopatías coronarias. Métodos: Se realizó la búsqueda sistemática de estudios relacionados con el tema. La fuente de búsqueda fue PubMed y Google Scholar. La revisión sistemática y meta-análisis se desarrollaron con las pautas Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA). Resultados: Se demostró que existe una asociación entre la retinopatía hipertensiva y la enfermedad de la arteria coronaria. (P=0,01; RR 1,29; IC 95 por ciento: 1,06 a 1,56), se evaluó la hipertrofia ventricular izquierda como desenlace, se encontró un efecto estadísticamente significativo que asocia a la retinopatía hipertensiva con la hipertrofia ventricular izquierda (p=0,03; RR: 1,71; IC 95 por ciento: 1,31 a 2,24). Conclusiones: Se encontró asociación entre retinopatía hipertensiva y las cardiopatías coronarias más frecuentes (Enfermedad coronaria e HVI)(AU)

Introduction: The association between hypertensive retinopathy and coronary heart disease is a subject of long-standing controversy. Hypertensive retinopathy has long been defined as a predictor of mortality and morbidity in hypertensive patients. In addition, recent studies have shown that the retinal microvasculature reflects pathology in small systemic vessels, including the coronary microcirculation. Objectives: The aim was to perform a systematic review and a qualitative and quantitative analysis by meta-analysis to determine the association between hypertensive retinopathy and coronary heart disease. Methods: A systematic search for studies related to the topic was performed. The search source was PubMed and Google Scholar. The systematic review and meta-analysis were developed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Results: An association between hypertensive retinopathy and coronary artery disease was demonstrated (P=0.01; RR 1.29; 95 percent CI: 1.06 to 1.56), left ventricular hypertrophy was evaluated as an outcome, a statistically significant effect was found associating hypertensive retinopathy with left ventricular hypertrophy (P=0.03; RR: 1.71; 95 percent CI: 1.31 to 2.24). Conclusions: An association was found between hypertensive retinopathy and the most frequent coronary heart diseases (coronary artery disease and LVH)(AU)

Retinopatia hipertensiva maligna secundária a lúpus eritematoso sistêmico em adolescente / Malignant hypertensive retinopathy secondary to systemic lupus erythematous in adolescent

RESUMO O lúpus eritematoso sistêmico é uma doença que pode apresentar comprometimento oftalmológico geralmente benigno, sendo as alterações mais encontradas a síndrome do olho seco e a catarata. Nos pacientes com a doença estável, o dano oftalmológico parece estar relacionado ao tratamento sistêmico a longo prazo, o que enfatiza a importância do exame oftalmológico completo de rotina. Porém, quando a doença está em franca atividade e, em especial, quando há o envolvimento renal, deve-se iniciar o tratamento precoce com corticoterapia sistêmica e com medidas de suporte, para se evitarem repercussões mais complexas, como as crises hipertensivas que podem levar ao óbito.

ABSTRACT Systemic lupus erythematosus may present ophthalmological involvement, usually benign, and the most common changes are dry eye syndrome and cataract. In patients with stable disease, ophthalmologic damage appears to be related to long-term systemic treatment, emphasizing the importance of routine complete ophthalmologic examination. However, in full-blown disease, especially when there is renal involvement, early treatment should start with systemic steroid therapy and supportive measures, to avoid major repercussions, such as hypertensive crises that may lead to death.

Endothelial lesion and complement activation in patients with Scleroderma Renal Crisis / Lesão endotelial e ativação do complemento em pacientes com crise renal esclerodérmica

Abstract In kidney biopsies reviews, scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) is characterized by vascular endothelial injuries, C4d deposits on peritubular vessels, and acute and chronic injuries coexisting on the same biopsy. The clinical signs of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) are described in systemic sclerosis (SSc), nevertheless, it has not been related to acute injuries described on kidney biopsies. We report a case of SRC in a patient with scleroderma-dermatomyositis overlap syndrome, which also showed clinical and histopathological data of TMA. On fundus examination, a severe acute hypertensive retinopathy was found. The kidney biopsy showed severe endothelial damage with widening of mucoid cells at the level of the intima, focal concentric proliferation on most small arterioles, and C3, C4d, and IgM deposits along the capillary walls. The genetic study of complement only showed the presence of membrane cofactor protein (MCP) risk haplotypes, without other genetic complement disorders. We understand that in a patient with TMA and SSc, the kidney damage would be fundamentally endothelial and of an acute type; moreover, we would observe clear evidence of complement activation. Once further studies correlate clinical-analytical data with anatomopathological studies, it is likely that we will be forced to redefine the SRC concept, focusing on the relationship between acute endothelial damage and complement activation.

Resumo Nas revisões de biópsias renais, a crise renal esclerodérmica (CRE) é caracterizada por lesões endoteliais vasculares, depósitos de C4d em vasos peritubulares e lesões agudas e crônicas que coexistem na mesma biópsia. Os sinais clínicos de microangiopatia trombótica (MAT) são descritos na esclerose sistêmica (ES); no entanto, não foram relacionados às lesões agudas descritas nas biópsias renais. Relatamos um caso de CRE em um paciente com síndrome de superposição de esclerodermia-dermatomiosite, que também apresentou dados clínicos e histopatológicos de MAT. No exame de fundo do olho, foi encontrada uma retinopatia hipertensiva aguda grave. A biópsia renal mostrou lesão endotelial grave com alargamento das células mucoides ao nível da íntima, proliferação concêntrica focal na maioria das pequenas arteríolas e depósitos de C3, C4d e IgM ao longo das paredes dos capilares. O estudo genético do complemento mostrou apenas a presença de haplótipos de risco da proteína cofator de membrana (PCM), sem outros distúrbios genéticos do complemento. Entendemos que em um paciente com MAT e ES, o dano renal seria fundamentalmente endotelial e do tipo agudo; além disso, observaríamos evidências claras de ativação do complemento. Uma vez que novos estudos correlacionam dados clínico-analíticos com estudos anatomopatológicos, é provável que sejamos forçados a redefinir o conceito de CRE, enfocando a relação entre dano endotelial agudo e ativação do complemento.

Optical coherence tomography angiography findings in malignant hypertensive retinopathy / Achados da angiografia por tomografia de coerência óptica na retinopatia hipertensiva maligna

ABSTRACT A 33-year-old male presented to our clinic with low vision in both eyes that started during the previous week. Visual acuity was 20/63 in the right eye and 20/50 in the left eye. Fundus examination revealed signs of hypertensive retinopathy; thus, a multidisciplinary approach was adopted for the diagnosis and treatment of this patient. We consulted the nephrology and cardiology departments on this case. Upon diagnosing malignant hypertension and renal failure, the patient was put on hemodialysis. His visual acuity was 20/20 at 6 months, whereas foveal assessment on optical coherence tomography angiography revealed neither marked superficial and deep capillary density loss and foveal avascular zone enlargement nor a decrease in disc flow and radial peripapillary capillary density. Early diagnosis and treatment of malignant hypertension are critical in preventing progression of end-organ damage including the eyes. Optical coherence tomography angiography may be useful in cases when fundus fluorescein angiography is relatively contraindicated (e.g., renal failure).

RESUMO Um homem de 33 anos apresentou-se à nossa clínica com baixa visão em ambos os olhos que começou uma semana antes. A acuidade visual foi de 20/63 no olho direito e 20/50 no olho esquerdo. O exame de fundo de olho revelou sinais de retinopatia hipertensiva; então, adotou-se uma abordagem multidisciplinar para o diagnóstico e tratamento desse paciente. Consultamos os departamentos de nefrologia e cardiologia neste caso. Ao diagnosticar hipertensão maligna e insuficiência renal, o paciente foi colocado em hemodiálise. Sua acuidade visual era 20/20 aos 6 meses, enquanto a avaliação foveal com angiotomografia de coerência óptica não revelou perda de densidade capilar superficial e profunda acentuada e aumento da zona avascular foveal nem uma diminuição no fluxo de disco e na densidade capilar peripapilar radial. O diagnóstico precoce e o tratamento da hipertensão maligna são fundamentais na preveção da progressão de danos nos órgãos-alvo, incluindo os olhos. A Angiografia por tomografia de coerência óptica pode ser útil nos casos em que a angiografia com fluoresceína do fundo de olho é relativamente contraindicada (por exemplo, insuficiência renal).

Hidroxicloroquina y retinopatía en pacientes reumatológicos / Hydroxychloroquine use and retinopathy in rheumatologic patients

: relacionar el uso de hidroxicloroquina con la presencia de retinopatía en pacientes reumatológicos. Métodos: se realizó un estudio retrospectivo y descriptivo, de revisión de historias clínicas de pacientes reumatológicos en tratamiento con hidroxicloroquina. Se seleccionaron aquellos con evaluación oftalmológica previa al inicio del tratamiento y estudios como la OCT-SD. Se recolectaron variables clínico epidemiológicas, cálculo de dosis diaria y acumulada del fármaco, y duración del tratamiento. Resultados: se revisaron 150 historias, de las cuales 47 cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión; 44 (93,6%) eran del género femenino y 3 (6,4%) del género masculino. La edad promedio fue de 47 ± 14 años. La hipertensión arterial fue la comorbilidad más frecuente. La patología reumatológica más frecuente fue el Lupus (53,2%). La dosis diaria de hidroxicloroquina fue ≤ 6,5 mg/kg/día en los 47 pacientes; el tiempo promedio de consumo fue de 5 años; y la dosis acumulada promedio fue de 498,5 ± 503,68 gramos. Se detectó toxicidad retiniana en 18 pacientes (38,3%), de los cuales: 17(36,2%) tuvo daño precoz y 1 (2,1%) daño moderado. Se observó relación estadística significativa entre toxicidad retiniana y dosis acumulada menores a 1.000 gramos (p= 0,032) y un tiempo de consumo mayor o igual a 5 años (p = 0,045) Conclusiones: las alteraciones iniciales en las capas externas de la retina ayudan a la detección precoz de toxicidad retiniana por hidroxicloroquina, siendo la OCT-SD un método sensible y fácil de realizar en la práctica clínica(AU)

To establish the relationship between the use of hydroxychloroquine and retinopathies in rheumatologic patients. Methods: This is a retrospective, descriptive study of the medical charts of rheumatologic patients' who were receiving hydroxychloroquine. We selected patients previously seen in ophthalmologic services, and ophthalmologic coherence tomography (SD OCT) had been realized. We collected clinical and epidemiologic variables such as daily doses, accumulated doses and prescription duration. Results: we selected 47 medical charts; the female gender is 44 and three gender male. Mean age was 47 +14 years.Hypertension was the most frequent comorbidity.Lupus was the most frequent rheumatologic illness.Hydroxychloroquine daily dose was < 6.5 mg/Kg/day and treatment`s mean duration was 5 years; average accumulated dosage was 498.5 + 503.68 grs. We established retinal toxicity in 18 patients (38.3%), in which 17 (36.2%) had early damage, and 1(2.1%) had moderated damage. There was a statistical correlation between retinal toxicity and accumulated doses of less than 1.000 grs. (p: 0.032) as well as with time of use > 5 years (p:0.045) Conclusions: Early alterations of retinal superficial layers help in the detection of early retinal toxicity due to hydroxychloroquine use. OCTSD is a feasible and sensible study in daily medical practice(AU)

Retinal changes in solid organ and bone marrow transplantation patients / Alterações retinianas em pacientes de um programa de transplante de órgãos sólidos e de medula óssea

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate retinal changes in patients who underwent solid organ or bone marrow transplantation. Methods A retrospective analysis of medical records of patients evaluated from February 2009 to December 2016. All patients included underwent funduscopy. Clinical and demographic data regarding transplantation and ophthalmological changes were collected. Results A total of 126 patients were analyzed; of these, 108 underwent transplantation and 18 were in the waiting list. Transplantation modalities were heart, lung, kidney, liver, pancreas, combined pancreas and kidney and bone marrow transplantation. The main pre-transplantation comorbidities were diabetes and arterial hypertension. Of the 108 transplanted patients, 82 (76%) had retinal changes. All patients who underwent pancreas or combined pancreas and kidney transplantation had diabetic retinopathy. The main retinal changes found were diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, retinal vascular occlusions, chorioretinal infections and central serous chorioretinopathy. Conclusion Retinal changes were either related to preexisting conditions, mainly diabetic retinopathy, or developed postoperatively as a complication of the surgical procedure, or as an infection related to the immunosuppressive status, or due to drug toxicity. These patients may present with complex ophthalmological changes and should be carefully evaluated prior to surgery and further followed by an ophthalmologist skilled in the management of diabetic retinopathy and posterior pole infections.

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar as alterações retinianas de pacientes submetidos a transplantes de órgãos sólidos ou de medula óssea. Métodos Análise de prontuário dos pacientes avaliados no período de fevereiro de 2009 a dezembro de 2016. Todos os pacientes incluídos foram submetidos à avaliação fundoscópica. Foram coletados dados demográficos e clínicos, referentes ao transplante e às alterações oftalmológicas encontradas. Resultados Foram avaliados 126 pacientes, sendo 108 submetidos a transplantes e 18 que aguardavam o procedimento. Foram avaliados pacientes submetidos a transplantes de coração, pulmão, rim, fígado, pâncreas, pâncreas-rim e medula óssea. As principais comorbidades pré-transplante foram diabetes e hipertensão arterial. Dos 108 pacientes transplantados, 82 (76%) apresentaram alterações retinianas. Todos os pacientes submetidos ao transplante de pâncreas ou pâncreas-rim apresentaram alterações retinianas relacionadas ao diabetes. As principais alterações retinianas detectadas foram retinopatia diabética, retinopatia hipertensiva, oclusões vasculares retinianas, infecções coriorretinianas e coriorretinopatia serosa central. Conclusão As alterações retinianas estavam relacionadas a doenças preexistentes, principalmente à retinopatia diabética, ou surgiram após o transplante, como complicação do procedimento cirúrgico, ou como complicação infecciosa associada à imunossupressão, ou ainda por toxicidade medicamentosa. Tais pacientes podem apresentar alterações oculares complexas, devendo ser submetidos à avaliação retiniana pré-operatória cuidadosa e ao acompanhamento pós-operatório por oftalmologista especializado no manejo da retinopatia diabética e de doenças infecciosas do segmento posterior ocular

Confirmación diagnóstica y frecuencia de patrón angiográfico de coroidoretinopatía serosa central en Bogotá (Colombia) / Diagnostic confirmation and angiography pattern frequency of Central Serous Coroidoretinopathy in Bogotá (Colombia)

Objetivo: El propósito de este estudio es determinar la cifra de confirmación diagnóstica de coroidoretinopatía serosa central durante Junio 2012 a Noviembre 2013, describir la frecuencia de los diferentes patrones angiográficos y características como sexo, ocupación, edad y antecedentes médicos más frecuentes. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo. Con la revisión de la historia de ingreso y reporte del resultado de 71 pacientes que asistieron al centro de diagnóstico Angiografía Digital SAS, de Bogotá (Colombia) para la realización del examen retinal angiografía fluoresceínica en ambos ojos con criterio de inclusión de impresión diagnóstica clínica de Coroidoretinopatía Serosa Central. Se utilizó el programa SPSS Versión 21, para realizar el análisis estadístico de los datos obtenidos. Resultados: Se encontró que en 74.3% (52 pacientes) se confirmó la enfermedad, en 25,7% (18 pacientes) se descartó la presencia de Coroidoretinopatía Serosa Central. Se excluyó 1 paciente por datos incompletos. El patrón angiográfico más frecuente fue de puntos expansivos 80.8% (42 pacientes), seguido en frecuencia por el patrón en humo de chimenea 15.4% (8 pacientes) y por último el patrón difuso 3.8% (2 pacientes). Estos resultados se presentaron con mayor frecuencia en hombres que en mujeres, las ocupaciones más frecuentes fueron independiente-comerciante y profesionales en salud, el rango de edad más frecuente fue de 41 a 45 años y la mayoría de los pacientes no presentaron antecedentes médicos. Conclusión: En nuestro medio demográfico de Bogotá (Colombia) se confirma la impresión diagnóstica clínica de Coroidoretinopatía serosa Central en 74,3% con el examen de Angiografía fluoresceínica de retina para un total de 70 pacientes que consultaron en un periodo de 16 meses. El patrón angiográfico más frecuente es de puntos expansivos 80,8%, a pesar que el patrón angiográfico patognomónico y más conocido por la sociedad médica oftalmológica es el de humo de chimenea.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic confirmation of central serous chorioretinopathy during June 2012 to November 2013, the frequency of different angiographic patterns and demographic characteristics such as gender, occupation, age and medical history. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study was conducted. With the revision of the clinical record and reports of 71 patients who attended the diagnostic center Angiografía Digital SAS, Bogota (Colombia) for the realization of retinal fluorescein angiography examination in both eyes that met the inclusion criteria of clinical diagnostic impression of Central serous choroidopathy. SPSS version 21 program was used to perform the statistical analysis of the data obtained. Results: In this setting the confi rmation of CSC with angiography was 74.3% (52 patients) and in 25.7% (18 patients) the presence of Central Serous Chorioretinopathy was discarded. One patient was excluded because of incomplete data. The most common angiographic pattern was expansive points 80.8% (42 patients), followed in frequency by the smoke-stack pattern in 15.4% (8 patients) and fi nally the diffuse pattern 3.8% (2 patients).CSC occurred more often in men than in women, the most common occupations were independent and health-related occupations, the most common age range was 41-45 years and there was no frequent report of medical problems. Conclusion: In our geographic setting the clinical diagnosis of central serous chorioretinopathy was confi rmed in 74,3% of the cases with fl uorescein angiography for 70 patients seen in a lapse of time of 16 months. The most frequent angiography pattern was expansive dots in contrary to the most known pattern of smoke-stack pattern.

Medición de la microcirculación retiniana luego del tratamiento antihipertensivo / Measuring retinal circulation after antihypertensive treatment

Background and objective: With the development of image processing techniques, it has become possible to measure the changes in retinal vessels of hypertensive patients by means of eye fundus photographs. Patients and method: In this paper we aim to classify retinal vessels automatically into arterioles and venules. In order to do so, we have compared three different strategies based on the colour of the pixels in images through an analysis of 78 hypertensive patients' eye fundus images. The first strategy classifies all the vessels by applying a clustering algorithm. The second divides the retinal image into four quadrants and classifies the vessels that belong to the same quadrant independently from the rest of the vessels. The third strategy classifies the vessels by dividing the retinal image into four quadrants that are rotated inside the mentioned image. Results: The third strategy was the one that obtained the best results, since it minimizes the number of unclassified vessels. In the initially analysed set of 20 images, we correctly classified 86.53% of the vessels, and this percentage remains similar in a set of 58 images examined by three medical experts. This confirms the validity of the method that automatically calculates the arteriovenous ratio (AVR).Conclusion: Our results are an improvement on those previously described in the bibliography, reducing the number of non-classified vessels. Furthermore, the method entails low computational costs.

Fundamento y objetivo: El desarrollo de técnicas de procesado de imágenes ha devuelto interés para poder medir de una forma objetiva los cambios en la estructura microvascular del hipertenso a través de las fotografías digitales del fondo de ojo. Pacientes y método: Para clasificar de forma automática los vasos de la retina en arteriolas y vénulas, con una elevada precisión, hemos comparado tres estrategias diferentes basadas en la información del color de los pixeles de la imagen del fondo de ojo, analizando 78 imágenes de fondo de ojo de hipertensos. La primera estrategia clasificaría todos los vasos aplicando un algoritmo de agrupamiento. La segunda divide la retina en cuatro cuadrantes y clasifica los vasos que pertenecen al mismo cuadrante independientemente del resto de los vasos. La tercera estrategia clasifica los vasos dividiendo la retina en cuadrantes que son rotados. Resultados: La mejor estrategia resultó la tercera porque minimiza el error y el número de vasos no clasificados. La característica vectorial más determinante está basada en la media o la mediana del componente gris del espacio de color RGB. Para las 20 imágenes inicialmente analizadas hemos clasificado correctamente el 86.53% de los vasos, y este porcentaje permanece similar en el grupo de 58 imágenes examinadas por tres expertos, lo que confirma la validez del método, para el cálculo del índice arteriovenoso de forma automática. Conclusión: Nuestros resultados son superiores a los descritos previamente, reduciendo además el número de vasos no clasificados. Por otro lado, el costo computacional del método es bajo

Um novo olhar da retinopatia hipertensiva: a aplicação prática de novas tecnologias / A new look at hypertensive retinopathy: the practical application of new technologies

O exame de fundo de olho tem importância histórica e mantém sua relevância nos dias atuais, por possibilitar de maneira não invasiva, observar e avaliar o “interior” do corpo humano, além de ser um importante marcador de lesão de órgão-alvo em hipertensos. O surgimento de tecnologias de aquisição de imagens digitais permitiu acessar o fundo de olho de maneira mais simples, com grande definição, muitas vezes não necessitando dilatação da pupila. Isso tornou a observação do fundo de olho, que outrora era realizada apenas por pessoas com treinamento especial, fosse feita com extrema facilidade e quase sem treinamento. Estas “facilidades” permitiram que inúmeros artigos científicos fossem realizados, estabelecendo características do fundo de olho como relevante marcador de lesão de órgão-alvo em hipertensos. A incorporação de tecnologias virtuais na prática da medicina facilitará o acesso dos pacientes, reduzirá custos e certamente irá revolucionar a relação médico-paciente nos próximos anos.

Eye fundus examination is of historical importance, and maintains its relevance nowadays, by enabling non-intrusive observation and evaluation “inside” the human body, as well as being an important marker of target organ damage in hypertensive patients. The emergence of technologies for digital image acquisition have enabled easier access to the eye fundus, with greater definition, and often without having to dilate the pupil. As a result, eye fundusexamination, once carried out only by people with special training, is now performed with extreme ease and almost no training. These “facilities” have led to numerous scientific articles, establishing the characteristics of the eye fundus as a relevant marker of target organ damage in hypertensive patients. The incorporation of virtual technologies into the practiceof medicine will facilitate patient access, reduce costs, and without doubt, revolutionize the doctor-patient relationship in the coming years.

Síndrome de encefalopatía posterior reversible con afectación del tronco cerebral y médula espinal y retinopatía hipertensiva grado IV / Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome with brain stem and spinal cord involvement and grade iv hypertensive retinopathy

El síndrome de leucoencefalopatía posterior reversible se presenta con síntomas de edema cerebral e imágenes hiperintensas en las secuencias T2 y FLAIR en la resonancia magnética (RM) de cerebro. Las lesiones típicamente comprometen la región parietooccipital, aunque también pueden tener localizaciones atípicas. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 33 años que consultó por trastornos visuales asociados con dolor de cabeza intenso e hipertensión grave (220/140 mmHg). El examen del fondo de ojo reveló retinopatía hipertensiva grado IV y la RM mostró lesiones hiperintensas en T2 y FLAIR a nivel centropontino, bulbo y médula espinal, las cuales regresaron tras el control sostenido de la presión arterial. (AU)

The posterior reversible leukoencephalopathy syndrome presents with symptoms of cerebral edema. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, hyperintensities on T2 -weighted and FLAIR sequences typically affect the parietal-occipital region; however it may also have atypical locations. We report the case of a 33 year old patient with visual disturbances associated with intense headache and severe hypertension (220/140 mmHg). The Fundus examination revealed grade IV hypertensive retinopathy, and MRI showed hyperintense lesions in T2 and FLAIR affecting the pontine center, medulla and spinal cord, which regressed after sustain blood pressure control. (AU)

Quality of Life on Arterial Hypertension: Validity of Known Groups of MINICHAL / Qualidade de Vida na Hipertensão Arterial: Validade de Grupos Conhecidos do MINICHAL

Introductions: In the care of hypertension, it is important that health professionals possess available tools that allow evaluating the impairment of the health-related quality of life, according to the severity of hypertension and the risk for cardiovascular events. Among the instruments developed for the assessment of health-related quality of life, there is the Mini-Cuestionario of Calidad de Vida en la Hipertensión Arterial (MINICHAL) recently adapted to the Brazilian culture. Objective: To estimate the validity of known groups of the Brazilian version of the MINICHAL regarding the classification of risk for cardiovascular events, symptoms, severity of dyspnea and target-organ damage. Methods: Data of 200 hypertensive outpatients concerning sociodemographic and clinical information and health-related quality of life were gathered by consulting the medical charts and the application of the Brazilian version of MINICHAL. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare health-related quality of life in relation to symptoms and target-organ damage. The Kruskal-Wallis test and ANOVA with ranks transformation were used to compare health-related quality of life in relation to the classification of risk for cardiovascular events and intensity of dyspnea, respectively. Results: The MINICHAL was able to discriminate health-related quality of life in relation to symptoms and kidney damage, but did not discriminate health-related quality of life in relation to the classification of risk for cardiovascular events. Conclusion: The Brazilian version of the MINICHAL is a questionnaire capable of discriminating differences on the health‑related quality of life regarding dyspnea, chest pain, palpitation, lipothymy, cephalea and renal damage. .

Fundamento: No cuidado ao hipertenso, é importante que o profissional de saúde disponha de ferramentas que possibilitem avaliar o comprometimento da qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde, de acordo com a gravidade da hipertensão e o risco para eventos cardiovasculares. Dentre os instrumentos criados para avaliação da qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde, destaca-se o Mini-Cuestionario de Calidad de Vida en la Hipertensión Arterial (MINICHAL), recentemente adaptado para a cultura brasileira. Objetivo: Estimar a validade de grupos conhecidos da versão brasileira do MINICHAL em relação à classificação de risco para eventos cardiovasculares, sintomas, intensidade da dispneia e lesões de órgãos-alvo. Métodos: Foram investigados 200 hipertensos em seguimento ambulatorial, cujos dados sociodemográficos, clínicos e de qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde foram obtidos por meio de consulta ao prontuário e da aplicação da versão brasileira do MINICHAL. O teste de Mann-Whitney foi utilizado para comparar qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde em relação aos sintomas e às lesões de órgãos-alvo. Teste de Kruskal-Wallis e ANOVA com transformação nos ranks foram empregados para comparar qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde em relação à classificação de risco para eventos cardiovasculares e intensidade da dispneia, respectivamente. Resultados: O MINICHAL discriminou qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde em relação aos sintomas e dano renal (lesões de órgãos-alvo), porém não discriminou qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde em relação à classificação de risco para eventos cardiovasculares. Conclusão: A versão brasileira do MINICHAL é um instrumento capaz de discriminar diferenças na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde em relação aos sintomas de dispneia, precordialgia, palpitação, lipotímia, cefaleia e presença de dano renal. .

Retinopatia em pacientes hipertensos e/ou diabéticos em uma unidade de saúde da família / Retinopathy in patients with hypertension and/or diabetes in a family health unit

Objetivo: Identificar a prevalência de alterações à oftalmoscopia direta em pacientes com diagnóstico de hipertensão e/ou diabetes mellitus em uma Unidade de Saúde da Família (USF). Método: Estudo individual, observacional, prioritariamente descritivo, do tipo transversal, com amostra composta por coorte de 50 pacientes hipertensos e/ou diabéticos matriculados no programa HIPERDIA de uma Unidade de Saúde Familiar (USF) do município de Ananindeua - Pará, entre os meses de setembro e novembro de 2009. Resultados: Foi realizada oftalmoscopia em 46 pacientes. Observou-se alteração à oftalmoscopia em 27 (58,7%). Ao realizar a análise específica (excluindo-se os achados de estreitamento arteriolar e ingurgitamento venoso) houve alterações em 18 (39,1%), sendo 45,5% com DM e HAS, quarenta por cento com DM e 36% com HAS. Conclusão: A elevada prevalência de alterações à oftalmoscopia encontradas no presente estudo demonstra sua eficácia como método de rastreio no contexto da atenção primária a saúde, justificando seu uso. Corrobora, ainda, a importância da atenção primária à saúde na prevenção da retinopatia hipertensiva e diabética, através do controle periódico de pacientes de alto risco vascular como a população estudada. .

Purpose: To identify the prevalence of abnormal ophthalmoscopy in patients with systemic hypertension (SH) and / or diabetes mellitus (DM) in a Family Health Unit (FHU). Method: was performed a individual study, observational, primarily descriptive and crosssectional of a sample of a cohort of 50 patients with hypertension and / or diabetic enrolled in the program HIPERDIA in a FHU of the city of Ananindeua - Para, between the months of september and november 2009. Results: ophthalmoscopy was performed in 46 patients and 27 (58.7%) had some alteration. When performing a specific analysis (excluding the findings of arteriolar narrowing and venous engorgement) were changes in 18 (39.1%), 45.5% with DM and SH, 40% with DM and 36% with SH. Conclusion: The high prevalence of the changes in ophthalmoscopy found in this study demonstrates that effectiveness as a screening method in the context of primary health care, justifying that use. corroborates also the importance of primary care in the prevention of diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy, through periodic control of patients at high vascular risk as the population studied. .