Authors' Reply to Letter to the Editor- in Response to: Comment on Dheyab AM et al. "Long-Term Efficacy of Oral Valganciclovir in Presumed Cytomegalovirus Unilateral Hypertensive Anterior Uveitis".

The clinical diagnosis of presumed cytomegalovirus hypertensive anterior uveitis was based on the following criteria: 1) Recurrent episodes of unilateral hypertensive anterior uveitis characterized by acute elevation of intraocular pressure, a few medium-sized or mutton-fat keratic precipitates and mild anterior chamber reaction. These findings might be associated with corneal endotheliitis and iris atrophy. 2) Posterior synechiae and vitreous involvement are typically absent. 3) Intact corneal sensation.

Long-term Efficacy of Oral Valganciclovir in Presumed Cytomegalovirus Unilateral Hypertensive Anterior Uveitis.

PURPOSE: To describe long-term efficacy and safety of oral valganciclovir in the treatment of presumed cytomegalovirus (CMV) unilateral hypertensive anterior uveitis. METHODS: Retrospective review of 40 patients (40 eyes). RESULTS: All patients presented with high intraocular pressure (mean 39.35 ± 7.58 mmHg), associated with signs of mild anterior uveitis. Oral valganciclovir resulted in control of the intraocular pressures and inflammation in 35 eyes. At the dose of ≥450 mg twice daily, no relapses were documented. The follow-up period ranged from 12 to 108 months (24.45 ± 14.56). At the final follow-up, the intraocular pressure was reduced to 14.92 ± 2.43 mmHg (<0.001). Drug-related complications in the form of leukopenia and azoospermia were reported in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: Oral valganciclovir effectively and safely controls intraocular pressure and inflammation in presumed CMV anterior uveitis. A long-term treatment course seems necessary.

Occlusive Retinal Vasculitis in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the frequency, clinical findings and outcomes of occlusive retinal vasculitis in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: A retrospective case series. RESULTS: During the period between January 2000 and December 2021, we identified 24 patients who were diagnosed to have uveitis associated with MS. Among them, four (16.6%) patients presented with bilateral occlusive retinal vasculitis who were diagnosed to have MS prior to presentation. All patients were treated successfully with a combination of systemic corticosteroids combined with mycophenolate mofetil. In addition, scatter laser photocoagulation was applied to the ischemic retina in all eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Early recognition and prompt treatment with systemic immunosuppressive agents and scatter laser photocoagulation prevent complications and improve outcomes in MS patients with occlusive retinal vasculitis.

Primary extramedullary plasmacytoma of the eyelid conjunctiva - A case report and review of the literature.

Extramedullary plasmacytomas (EMPs) are uncommon plasma cell tumors that develop in soft tissue as isolated tumors without osseous involvement while secondary lesions are associated with systemic multiple myeloma (MM). Primary extramedullary lesions are most commonly found in upper respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract and lymph nodes. They can be found either in patients with history of MM or preceding the manifestation of a systemic disease. Orbital manifestation of the lesion is rare but conjunctival involvement is very unusual. The reported cases in the English-written literature are only five cases. Herein, we report the sixth case of primary EMP in a middle-aged adult who presented with a lesion confined to the conjunctiva, unremarkable present and past medical history, and confirmed tissue diagnosis. In addition, a review and summary of the previously reported cases in the literature is presented. We aim to attract the attention of ophthalmic surgeons to consider plasmacytoma within the differential diagnosis of a conjunctival lesion.