Atypical case of choroidal osteoma associated to polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy and preretinal neovascular membrane.

PURPOSE: To report a very rare and atypical case of an elderly Caucasian female patient who developed perilesional multiple polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) as a probable complication of choroidal osteoma (CO), associated to preretinal neovascular membrane overlying the lesion. METHODS: Observational case report. CASE OBSERVATION: A 60-year-old Caucasian woman presented with blurred vision in her right eye (RE). Fundus examination revealed a round white-yellowish calcified deep lesion in the juxta-papillary superior area, measuring 4 disc-diameters, with well-defined scalloped margins and an irregular surface. B-scan ultrasonography and orbital tomography confirmed the diagnosis of choroidal osteoma (CO). Further investigation with multimodal imaging including infracyanine green angiography, fluorescein angiography, swept source optical coherence tomography and angiography highlighted the presence of multiple aneurysmal choroidal dilations around the CO, corresponding to PCV. We also noted the presence of a preretinal neovascular membrane overlying the CO. The patient was monitored with regular follow-up since no signs of activity were detected on multimodal imaging. CONCLUSION: Our case report represents an exceptional and atypical association between pre-retinal neovascularization, PCV and choroidal osteoma. While the mechanisms underlying the development of PCV and pre-retinal neovascularization in the setting of CO are not well understood, it is imperative for ophthalmologists to recognize this association as a potential cause of sudden vision loss in patients with CO, and to consider appropriate diagnostic and management strategies.

Prevalence and predictors of metamorphopsia after successful vitrectomy surgery for macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

AIM: To estimate metamorphopsia prevalence, predictors and etiologies in patients operated for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) with detached macula with successful results. METHODS: Retrospective study including 50 eyes of 50 patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy for RRD with detached macula with standard silicone oil (SO) tamponade. Patients who had successful surgery with durable anatomic reapplication of the retina after SO removal were included. Patients were examined on day 1, day 7,1 month, and 3 months after surgery. Best corrected visual acuity, Amsler grid, fundus biomicroscopy, Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) and fundus auto-fluorescence (FAF) were performed in all patients after surgery. Structural abnormalities such as macular folds, macular epiretinal membrane, cystoid macular edema, and foveal disruption of the ellipsoid layer were observed on SD-OCT. Macular displacement was identified on FAF. RESULTS: We identified metamorphopsia as post-operative visual impairment in 27 patients among 50 (54%). Clinical assessment found that a delay > 7 days between symptoms and surgery (p < 0.001), more than 2 detached quadrants (p=0.012), and stage C of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (p=0.035) were associated to metamorphopsia. Regarding multimodal imaging findings, only macular folds and macular displacement were significantly correlated with the occurrence of postoperative metamorphopsia (p <0.001). CONCLUSION: Metamorphopsia is a common complaint after vitrectomy for RRD. Macular rotation and folds would be the main causes after complete and durable reapplication of the retina.

Autologous retinal graft for the management of large macular holes associated with retinal detachment.

To present the efficacy of autologous neurosensory retinal transplantation in macular holes surgery with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Eleven eyes of 11 patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment associated to a large macular hole were enrolled between January 2019 and January 2021 in the Department A of the Hedi Rais Institute of Ophthalmology (Tunis, Tunisia). All patients underwent a 23 G pars plana vitrectomy. An autologous neurosensory retinal patch was placed inside the macular hole. Long-acting silicone tamponade was carried out. Clinical features of the macular area, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fundus examination, and SD-OCT were recorded before surgery, at 1- and 3-month follow-up after surgery. The mean age of our population was 56.6 ± 10.33 years old, ranged from 45 to 76 years old. Final retinal reattachment was achieved clinically in all eyes. The Spectral domain-Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) follow-up showed the macular hole closure. The retinal patch was demonstrated by OCT at each control. BCVA improved from 1.52 ± 0.23 Logarithm of the Minimum Angle of Resolution (LogMAR) to 0.89 ± 0.16 LogMAR 3 months after surgery (p= 0.014). No adverse events were registered during the study. Autologous neurosensory retinal transplantation has been efficient to treat macular hole associated to rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Further multicentric studies with a large number of patients are needed to establish the results of this technique in complex cases.

E-learning for Ophthalmology Training Continuity During COVID-19 Pandemic: Satisfaction of residents of Hédi Raies Institut of Ophthalmology of Tunis.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 pandemic created great challenges for the continuity of medical education. At the Hédi Raies Institut of Ophthalmology of Tunis (HRIO), the need to ensure continuity in the teaching of ophthalmology has stimulated the development of a new e-learning resource based on clinical case studies. AIM:   To evaluate level of satisfaction of HRIO residents in regard to clinical case-study-based e-learning of ophthalmology. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey including 40 ophthalmology residents doing their internship at the ROHI during the first half of 2020. Learners were tutored in e-learning via the Moodle online learning platform and using a problem-solving format based on clinical case studies describing various ophthalmologic conditions. Data collection was carried out through an online survey after four months of training, designed to assess learners' satisfaction with the e-learning. RESULTS: Mean age of participants was 29.95 ± 1.73 years. The majority had found the navigation easy, the content relevant to their training objectives, and were satisfied with the discussion forums as a method of communication. All respondents were satisfied with clinical cases presented through the platform and felt that they helped them to better understand the content. Among them, 97.5% considered that this teaching method corresponded to their training needs. There was a statically significant difference in the level of knowledge before and after e-learning teaching, taking into account the residents' appreciation (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the importance of virtual learning in ophthalmology in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. E-learning is well appreciated by ophthalmology residents, relatively easy to integrate to their training program, and reduces issues of time, patient availability and case exposure.

Central corneal thickness in a healthy Tunisian population.

AIM: To study the central corneal thickness of a Tunisian population and determine the influence of age, gender, axial length and refractive error on central corneal thickness (CCT) values. METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted on 608 eyes of consecutive Tunisian patients without ophthalmic disease. Corneal tomography (Oculus Pentacam, USA) and a complete eye examination were performed on all patients. The relationship between the central corneal thickness values and variables of age, refractive error, axial length and gender was assessed. RESULTS: The mean central corneal thickness was 522±37.17µm (range 461 to 655 µm). No statistical association was found between central corneal thickness values and variables of age, refractive error, axial length and gender. CONCLUSIONS: The normal CCT value in the Tunisian population was of 522±37.17 µm. We have analyzed, for the first time, normal central corneal thickness values of a healthy Tunisian population.

Eye trauma in the workplace: about 110 cases.

AIM: To evaluate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of occupational ocular trauma in order to determine prognostic factors of these eye accidents. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of 110 patients who were victims of occupational accidents that caused eye trauma. They were treated in Department A, Hédi Rais Ophthalmology Institute in Tunis, between March 2018 and March 2019. We collected information from the patients' files according to a standard form. The data collected were: patient demographics, circumstances of the accident, consultation time, clinical examination data and temporary disability. The data were entered and statistically analysed using SPSS 20.0 software. We used the "t-student" and the "chi-deux" as statistical tests. The significance level was set at 5%. RESULTS: We collected 120 eyes from 110 patients. The average age was 37 years with a male predominance. Almost half of the patients (45.4%) were construction workers.  In 34% of the cases, a metal object was responsible for the trauma. Projection of superficial foreign bodies was noted in 44.3% of cases and contusion in 34% of cases. The average visual acuity of the traumatised eye was 8/10 and depended on the nature of the trauma.  Palpebral ecchymosis (30.9%) and conjunctival hyperhaemia (48.5%) were the most common bio microscopic signs found. Eight cases of corneal wounds were noted, three cases of corneo-scleral wounds associated in 2 cases with an intra-ocular foreign body as well as three cases of bursting of the globe were noted. The risk factors of poor prognosis found were: male sex (p=0.042), the mechanism of the trauma: projection of a foreign body (p=0.0052) and the following occupations: bricklayer, mechanic and construction worker (p<0.0001). The average temporary disability caused by eye trauma was 5 days with a standard deviation of 6 days. CONCLUSION: Our study described the severity of eye injuries related to work-related accidents. The most important prognostic factors will be the male gender, the mechanism of the trauma and the occupation. These traumas represent a major public health problem. Prevention is the only way to improve the final prognosis.

Prognostic factors for visual recovery in idiopathic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: a prospective study of 90 patients.

AIM: To determine the preoperative clinical and tomographic factors involved in the postoperative visual prognosis of macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. METHODS: We conducted a prospective analytical study of 90 eyes of 90 patients who suffered from macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and were treated in department "A" of "Hedi Raies Institute of Ophthalmology", Tunis. All the patients were examined prior and after the operation, with a thorough interrogation and complete ophthalmological examination. Also, we continued assessing their status for 6 months. We looked for the clinical factors predictive of postoperative visual recovery. The data collected was stored using Excel software and analyzed using SPSS version 18 for Windows (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). For all statistical tests, the significance level was set at p=0.05. RESULTS: The mean preoperative visual acuity (VA) was 1.73 +/- 0.34 LogMAR. It was significantly correlated with management delay (p<0.001). Postoperative VA was 0.61 +/- 0.43 LogMAR. The various pre-operative clinical risk factors for poor final visual recovery (VA<5/10) were: preoperative VA ≥ 2 LogMAR, management delay > 15 days (p<0.01), proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) stage C or greater (p=0.01), and number of detached retinal quadrants > 2 (p=0.05). Furthermore, we have found that the preoperative tomographic risk factors for poor visual recovery were: height of sub retinal fluid > 760µm (p < 0.001), disruption of the external limiting membrane and/or ellipsoid zone (p < 0.001), presence of cavitations in the external and/or internal nuclear layer (p = 0.002), and finally the absence of a thickening of the photoreceptor outer segments (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Predictive preoperative clinical factors in macula off RRD are mainly preoperative visual acuity, the management delay, number of quadrants reached and PVR stage. Mastering these factors builds a better understanding of the functional recovery after macula-off retinal detachment and helps advise the patients who will consequently be more involved in the management of this serious disease. Spectral domain OCT allows detection of specific microscopic macular changes. These anomalies could be predictive of final postoperative visual outcome.

Ruptured retinal macroaneurysm complicated by a retro hyaloidal hematoma: about a case and review of the literature.

A 45 years old patient consulted for a sudden decrease in visual acuity in the right eye. Ophthalmological examination gave visual acuity limited to luminous perceptions with a calm anterior segment, a transparent lens and at the fundus examination a dense, massive, two-level intra-retinal and retro hyaloidal pigeon nest hemorrhage with a fusiform whitish lesion on the path of the upper temporal artery. The suspected diagnosis was a complicated ruptured retinal macroaneurysm with massive retinal and retro hyaloidal hemorrhage. Fluorescein angiography confirmed the diagnosis. Our course of action was an emergency programmed evacuation vitrectomy with gas tamponade. The evolution was marked by a clear improvement in visual acuity. The rupture of retinal macroaneurysm is a frequent and serious accident. The complications of this rupture can threat the vision. Care is still being discussed. Randomized studies on large series are necessary to decide on the best therapy.

Superficial Temporal Muscle Fascia Grafting: Successful Transplant of Surgical-induced Necrotizing Scleritis.

To report the case of a surgical-induced necrotizing scleritis (SINS) following vitreoretinal surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, successfully managed by superficial muscle temporal fascia grafting. An 18-year-old teenager, with a history of a 23G vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment of the left eye, presented with intense left ocular pain, decreased visual acuity to counting fingers and eye redness. Split lamp examination showed: Conjunctival infiltration with silicone oil, circumferential sclera thinning with ectasia of the underling uvea. The fundus examination showed an attached retina. Necrotizing scleritis was the retained diagnosis. SINS was the final diagnosis. An immunosuppressive therapy was started. Superficial muscle temporal fascia grafting was performed to cover the necrotizing sclera. The patient did well postoperatively without sclera thinning or ectasia and the fascia grafting still intact without retraction after 6 months of follow-up. This is the first case in the literature that used the superficial temporal muscle fascia as a graft for sclera reinforcement in SINS. We propose new support to reinforce the deficient sclera. This graft must be associated with prompt immunosuppressive therapy at high doses.

Cyclosporin A eye drop and subepithelial adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis infiltrates.

INTRODUCTION: The adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis infiltrates may be a source of significant visual impairment justifying the use of various therapeutic means. AIM: Evaluate the efficiency and safety of use of cyclosporine A 0,5% eye drop in the treatment of subepithelial infiltrates. METHODS: It was a prospective study of 37 eyes of 22 patients with adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis with subepithelial infiltrates treated with cyclosporine A 0,5% eye drop. Cyclosporine A 0,5% was prepared from the injectable form of cyclosporine (Sandimmun®) and artificial tears. The cyclosporine A 0,5% was first administered at 4 drops per day for 15 days, then at a rate of 2 drops per day for a variable period ranging from 15 days to 6 months. The use of this molecule has been motivated by the presence of a persistent dazzlement, by visual acuity under 6/10 or an astigmatism superior to 1 diopter. RESULTS: At the end of follow, dazzlement disappeared in all patients; the final average visual acuity was 8/10 and corneal astigmatism average was of 0.75 diopter. The slit lamp examination showed a marked decrease in the number and density of subepithelial infiltrates from the 15th day. A 29-year-old patient, however, presented some intercostal vesicles due to zonal recrudescence but with spontaneous and quick resolve in the same time of taking topical cyclosporine. No local complications were observed in our patients. The average follow-up was 13 months. CONCLUSION: Topical cyclosporine A is an effective and well-tolerated alternative to corticosteroids in the subepithelial infiltrates occurring as sequelae of adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis.

Microbiologic profile of the mycosic absess on a reference center in Tunisia.

AIM: Given the increase in cases of fungal keratitis in recent years due to the inadvertent use of large -spectrum antibiotics and corticosteroids on the one hand and the emergence of contactology on the other hand, this study has was carried out in order to better understand the microbiological profile of fungal keratitis, particularly as a function of risk factors in a referral center in Tunisia. METHODS: We report a retrospective study of 43 patients (45eyes) hospitalized for fungal corneal abscess between January 2007 and December 2017. All patients benefited from corneal sampling by scraping the cornea with direct examination and culture. RESULTS: During the study period, 482 patients with corneal abscess were treated at the Ophthalmology Department of the Hédi Raies A Institute in Tunis. 45 eyes of 43 consecutive patients had keratomycosis (9.3%). The direct examination was positive in 71.1% of the cases and the culture in 73.3%. In 78.8% of the cases filaments were isolated: the fusarium being the most found species is in 39.4% of the patients particulary in cases of ocular trauma. Yeast species were more frequently found in surface pathology or local or general deficency. CONCLUSION:   It is important to guide the microbiological diagnosis of mycotic keratitis according to the clinical context, particularly in the case of negativity of the samples in order to establish a suitable treatment to improve the prognosis of this pathology, which represents one of the most difficult forms of infectious  keratitis to manage.

The interest of the OCT spectral Domain for the diagnosis of the acromatopsia.

AIM: the interest of the OCT spectral Domain for the diagnosis of the acromatopsia. CASE REPORT:   It's about 2 brothers consulting for low vision. The big brother, has a vision of 1/ 20 in two eyes. The anterior segment and the fundus examination were normals. The OCT SD shows a disappearance of the ellipsoid line in the macular region with an optic hole. The Global ERG has demonstrated flat plots in photopic component and normal in scotopic component. The ishihara test has showed an absence of the chromatic sense. The acromatopsia was the selected diagnosis.  The exam of the second brother showed a visual acuity limited 1/20 in the right eye and counting finger in the left eye, associated to photophobia and nystagmus. The OCT and global ERG gave the same results. CONCLUSION: The typical clinical picture with the ERG's data gave the diagnosis of the acromatopsia. An early diagnosis is necessary for a suitable life of the patient and genetic consulting. This paper demonstrated the importance of the OCT SD for the diagnosis when it's correclated to the clinic.

[Intraocular foreign body and endophthalmitis: risk factors and management]. / Corps étranger intraoculaire et endophtalmie: facteurs de risque et prise en charge.

This study aims to identify the risk factors for post-traumatic endophthalmitis (PTE) due to intraocular foreign body (IFB) in patients with penetrating injuries of the globe and to assess treatment outcomes. We conducted a descriptive, retrospective study of 60 patients hospitalized for penetrating wound due to intraocular foreign body at the Hedi Rais Institute of Ophthalmology, Tunis, over a period of 10 years. Our study involved the patients with penetrating ocular trauma due to intraocular foreign body associated with post-traumatic endophthalmitis. We also determined the clinical risk factors for endophthalmitis in these patients. We collected data from the medical records of 60 patients with penetrating injury due to intraocular foreign body. Clinical symptoms of endophthalmitis were reported in ten of these patients (16.66%). All IFBs were located in the posterior segment. Mean LogMAR visual acuity (VA) at baseline was 2.26. Final Mean LogMAR VA was 2.18. We found a statically significant correlation between the occurrence of endophthalmitis and the following factors: rural origin p=0.021, delays in removing IFB p=0.01, posterior location IFB p=0.012, capsule rupture p=0.022, associated retinal detachment p<0.0001. The identification of risk factors for post-traumatic endophthalmitis allow for better treatment adaptation and preventive measures of this complication to improve prognosis and quality of life.

Choroidal neovascularization following argon laser photocoagulation for central serous chorioretinopathy.

INTRODUCTION: Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a rare complication after laser photocoagulation for central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR).That's why , little is known about its management. Anti-VEGF therapy has emerged as the treatment of choice in patients with CNV. We report a case of a patient who developed iatrogenic CNV after having argon laser photocoagulation for a CSCR, treated with intravitreal injections of Bevacizumab. AIM: The goal of our paper is to show the efficacy and safety of the intravitreal injections of antiVEGF and discuss the alternative of argon laser photocoagulation to avoid complications. CASE PRESENTATION:   A 35-year-old pregnant woman diagnosed in August 2014 with an acute CSCR in the right eye. The patient was treated by a focal photocoagulation of the leakage point . In December 2015, she was complaining of metamorphopsia in the same eye .The BCVA was 10/10 in the right eye , and the funduscopic examination showed agrayish-white neovascular membrane, which corresponded to the area of the previous photocoagulation.The fluorescein angiography , OCT and the OCT angiography demonstrated the choroidal neovascular membrane .The patient received 3 intravitreal injections of Bevacizumab at monthly intervals in the right eye.The patient was followed-up at regular intervals and she became asymptomatic during three years. CONCLUSION: Choroidal neovascualrization may be an iatrogenic complication after argon photocoagulation in CSCR. Intravitreal injections of anti VEGF appear to be a promising treatment option for iatrogenic CNV due to photocoagulation.

Outcomes of transconjunctival 23-gauge vitrectomy for diabetic tractionnal retinal detachment.

INTRODUCTION: The transconjunctival 23-gauge vitrectomy without sutures (VTCSS) combines the advantages of the 20 and 25-gauge system. It currently represents the gold standard for the surgical management of vitreoretinal pathologies, especially in diabetic patients. AIM: Evaluate the anatomical and functional results of the VTCSS 23 gauge in diabetic tractionnal retinal detachment (DRT). METHODS: This is a retrospective study of patients undergoing vitrectomy 23 gauges from February 2015 to February 2017. Each patient a complete ophthalmological examination with collection of  pre operative peroperative and postoperative data. The vitrectomy was performed by 3 ways through the 23-gauge cannula system Results :We collected 52 eyes presenting a DRT. The average age of patients was 50.62 years old. The average glycated hemoglobin (HBA1C) was 9.3%. The average time to treatment was 76.92 days. The results were as follows: For anatomical results: anatomical success rate was 92.30%. Functionally: A significant improvement in mean AV from 1/80 to 1.25 / 10 after surgery (p = 0.022), a statistically significant correlation between the final postoperative VA and the management delay (p <0.001); significant correlation between preoperative VA and final postoperative VA (p <0.001). CONCLUSION: The VTCSS 23 gauge is an effective and safe surgery for DRT  surgery in diabetic patients with a gain in time and comfort for the patient.

Results of vitrectomy in giant tear retinal detachments.

INTRODUCTION: Giant tear retinal detachments have long been recognized for their management difficulties and poor anatomical surgical prognosis. METHOD: Retrospective, descriptive study of 15 patients collected from IOHRT Department A. These patients were treated for rheumatogenic retinal detachment by giant tear. All patients underwent endocular vitreoretinal surgery. A visual acuity, FO and OCT check was performed at 7 days, 21 days, 45 days and 3 months, 6 months and 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: Our study included 15 eyes from 15 patients with rheumatogenic giant tear retinal detachments. The average follow-up is 9 months. The average age of the patients was 45 years. Six patients were severely short-sighted; 30% of patients had stage C vitreous proliferations at diagnosis. Immediate postoperative anatomical reapplication was achieved in 85% of patients. After 1 year, anatomical reapplication was achieved in 100% of patients. The average visual acuity was 2/10. CONCLUSION: Surgery for rheumatogenic retinal detachment caused by a giant tear is a procedure that is still considered difficult with uncertain results. The progress of endocular surgery and tamponade methods has made it possible to revolutionize the prognosis of these detachments.

Malignant glaucoma management: literature review.

Malignant glaucoma remains a challenging complications of ocular surgery. It has been reported to occur spontaneously or after any ophthalmic procedure, it is most commonly encountered after glaucoma surgery. The clinical diagnosis is made in the setting of a patent peripheral iridotomy and axial flattening of the anterior chamber. Intraocular pressure is usually elevated, but it may be normal in some cases. The exact etiology of this condition is not fully understood, several mechanisms have been proposed. This review discusses pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, imaging modalities, and current treatment strategies for this rare form of secondary glaucoma.

Postoperative Endophtalmities: therapeuthic results and Early vitrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative endophthalmitis is a public health issue due to its bad prognosis; its treatment is both surgical and medical. Classically, surgical treatment was done if visual acuity is limited to light perception only. AIM: To evaluate therapeutic results Of postoperative endophtalmitieS and to Compare therapeutics almost used intravitreal injection of antibiotics versus early vitrectomy. METHODS: It's a retrospective comparative study  includIng 120 cases of acute postoperative endophthalmitis hospitalized in a referral ophthalmology department between July 2007 and June 2013. A comparison was conducted between two groups of 24 and 94 patients; the first-line treatment was early vitrectomy for the first group and intravitreal antibiotic injection alone for the second group. RESULTS: The overall incidence rate was 0.38 %, Streptococcus and Staphylococcus Epidermidis where the most common bacterial strain (16 patients each). The treatment outcome was very favorable for 11 patients with final visual acuity  higher or equal to 2/10, the outcome was intermediate for 43 patients and poor for 66 patients because of final visual acuity lower than or equal to 1/20, loss of media transparency or anatomical or functional loss of the eye. The prognostic factors statistically correlated to treatment outcome where intense initial inflammation (p<0.001), high bacterial virulence (p=0.002), bacteria culture positive to Streptococcus (p=0.024), a defectuous operative incision (p= 0.012), age over 80 (p=0.022) and posterior capsule rupture (p=0.013). Early vitrectomy group (group1) achieved a higher percentage of good outcome (60% vs 41.5%,  p=0.098 ). CONCLUSION: Functional result is better in the Vitrectomy group than in the antibiotic intravitreal injections group whereas not Statically signifiant.