New Insights into Cervicofacial Vascular Anomalies.

Congenital cervicofacial vascular anomalies are extremely rare and present many difficulties in diagnosis and treatment requiring a multidisciplinary approach. Firstly, there is little consensus on this subject among head and neck specialists. There are two main types of vascular anomalies: vascular tumors and vascular malformations. Vascular malformations are also divided into malformations with slow blood flow (veins, lymphatics, capillaries or combined) and malformations with a fast blood flow (arteriovenous malformations and fistula). Vascular tumors like hemangiomas are known for their spontaneous involution with aging, while vascular malformations grow in dimensions with age. It is very important to choose the correct differential diagnosis between cervicofacial hemangiomas and vascular malformations for proper therapy management. Anamnesis and clinical exams help in raising suspicions about the real nature of a cervico-vascular anomaly. Furthermore, imaging brings in-depth details of the anomaly, ranging from ultrasound and contrast CT to MRI scanning and minimally invasive angiography. Angiography with selective embolization is rarely a curative procedure for arteriovenous malformations, being more suitable as a preliminary step before attempted surgical removal. Surgery is clearly necessary when there are aesthetic and functional deficits. Slow-flow vascular malformations present a reduced morbidity, and in cases without involution, the surgical ablation is reserved for the cases with aesthetic dysfunctions or psychological trauma. Lymphatic malformations must undergo surgical ablation when they are associated with mass effects and compression of great vessels or aerial viscera. The prognosis after surgical removal is good, with a low rate of recurrence or morbidity. Fast-flow vascular malformations require a combined approach, with embolization and excision in the next 48 h for safety reasons. Removal may be followed by reconstructive surgery depending on the location and dimensions of the malformation, with a possible secondary recovery of the normal microscopic vessels. Some of the masses may hinder the normal airflow and swallowing. Pathology is the gold standard for confirming the clinical and imaging diagnosis.

Visual Function Improvement after Plasma Exchange Therapy for Acute Optic Neuritis in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders: Case Series and Review.

OBJECTIVE: Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) are autoimmune-mediated central nervous system disorders distinguished by the presence of serum aquaporine-4 IgG antibody (AQP4-Ab). The clinical panel comprises severe optic neuritis (ON) and transverse myelitis, which can result in incomplete recovery and a high risk of recurrence. METHODS: This study aimed to evaluate the visual outcomes of three patients with severe acute ON in NMOSD that was non-responsive to intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP), who received plasma exchange therapy (PLEX). We included three patients (P1, P2 and P3) with severe acute ON who had no improvement after IVMP treatment and were admitted to the ophthalmology department at the Emergency University Hospital Bucharest from January 2022 to September 2023. All three patients with ON were diagnosed in accordance with the criteria described by the Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial. All the subjects were experiencing their first attack. RESULTS: The mean recruitment age was 35.3 ± 7.71. All patients were seropositive for the AQP4 antibody. All patients were tested for serum myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody but only one showed a positive test (P3). Lesions visible in orbital MRI indicated the involvement of retrobulbar, canalicular and/or intracranial segments. All three subjects had no response or incomplete remission after an IVMP protocol (5 days of 1000 mg intravenous methylprednisolone in sodium chloride 0.9%). The mean time from onset of optic neuritis to PLEX was 37.6 days. The PLEX treatment protocol comprised five cycles of plasma exchange treatment over 10 days, with a plasma exchange session every other day. An amount of 1 to 1.5 volumes of circulating plasma were dialyzed for 2-4 h. At 1 month after the completion of PLEX therapy, BCVA and VF parameters were improved in all three patients. CONCLUSION: The treatment of ON remains subject to debate and is somewhat controversial. Plasma exchange must be considered as a rescue therapy when IVMP is insufficient for AQP4-ON patients. This study revealed that PLEX treatment effectively improves the visual outcomes of patients experiencing their first attack of severe acute isolated ON after high-dose IVMP treatment. This study suggests that PLEX may be associated with improved visual outcomes in NMOSD acute optic neuritis.

Candida auris Outbreak in a Multidisciplinary Hospital in Romania during the Post-Pandemic Era: Potential Solutions and Challenges in Surveillance and Epidemiological Control.

Candida auris is a newly emerging yeast, which is raising public health concerns due to its outbreak potential, lack of protocols for decontamination and isolation of patients or contacts, increased resistance to common antifungals, and associated high mortality. This research aimed to describe the challenges related to identifying the outbreak, limiting further contamination, and treating affected individuals. We retrospectively analyzed all cases of C. auris detected between October 2022 and August 2023, but our investigation focused on a three-month-long outbreak in the department of cardio-vascular surgery and the related intensive care unit. Along with isolated cases in different wards, we identified 13 patients who became infected or colonized in the same area and time, even though the epidemiological link could only be traced in 10 patients, according to the epidemiologic investigation. In conclusion, our study emphasizes the substantial challenge encountered in clinical practice when attempting to diagnose and limit the spread of an outbreak. Therefore, it is crucial to promptly apply contact precaution measures and appropriate environmental cleaning, from the first positive case detected.

Extracranial Facial Nerve Schwannoma-Histological Surprise or Therapeutic Planning?

Schwannomas (neurilemomas) are benign, slow-growing, encapsulated, white, yellow, or pink tumors originating in Schwann cells in the sheaths of cranial nerves or myelinated peripheral nerves. Facial nerve schwannomas (FNS) can form anywhere along the course of the nerve, from the pontocerebellar angle to the terminal branches of the facial nerve. In this article, we propose a review of the specialized literature regarding the diagnostic and therapeutic management of schwannomas of the extracranial segment of the facial nerve, also presenting our experience in this type of rare neurogenic tumor. The clinical exam reveals pretragial swelling or retromandibular swelling, the extrinsic compression of the lateral oropharyngeal wall like a parapharyngeal tumor. The function of the facial nerve is generally preserved due to the eccentric growth of the tumor pushing on the nerve fibers, and the incidence of peripheral facial paralysis in FNSs is described in 20-27% of cases. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examination is the gold standard and describes a mass with iso signal to muscle on T1 and hyper signal to muscle on T2 and a characteristic "darts sign." The most practical differential diagnoses are pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland and glossopharyngeal schwannoma. The surgical approach to FNSs requires an experienced surgeon, and radical ablation by extracapsular dissection with preservation of the facial nerve is the gold standard for the cure. The patient's informed consent is important regarding the diagnosis of schwannoma and the possibility of facial nerve resection with reconstruction. Frozen section intraoperative examination is necessary to rule out malignancy or when sectioning of the facial nerve fibers is necessary. Alternative therapeutic strategies are imaging monitoring or stereotactic radiosurgery. The main factors which are considered during the management are the extension of the tumor, the presence or not of facial palsy, the experience of the surgeon, and the patient's options.

Highlights on Genetic Polymorphism Associated with Thromboembolic Risk; Implications in Ophthalmic and Autoimmune Disorders-A Review.

The present paper explores genetic polymorphism and its association with thromboembolic retinal venous disorders, such as central/hemi-retinal vein occlusion, as well as possible correlations with other ocular findings, such as closed angle glaucoma, but also with autoimmune general disorders. In this review, we are highlighting the importance of establishing a correspondence between all of the above, since they all have complex etiopathogeneses; sometimes, when all coexist together, they could generate effects that may be very difficult to manage. There are studies supporting that genetic polymorphism, such as the variant MTHFR A1298C, may increase the risk for developing glaucoma, especially in the heterozygote model. Being aware of all these aspects may prove to be useful in patients with several associated diseases, as a combined effort between several medical specialties may prove to the benefit of these patients. Our review, completed with an exemplifying clinical case, shows that it is necessary to raise awareness of all aspects of a complex medical situation, including the genetic one, of a patient being at risk for thromboembolic episodes, for preventing them or managing them promptly and properly in the future.

Management of Aesthetic and Functional Deficits in Frontal Bone Trauma.

Frontal bone trauma has an increasing incidence and prevalence due to the wide-scale use of personal mobility devices such as motorcycles, electric bicycles, and scooters. Usually, the patients are involved in high-velocity accidents and the resulting lesions could be life-threatening. Moreover, there are immediate and long-term aesthetic and functional deficits resulting from such pathology. The immediate complications range from local infections in the frontal sinus to infections propagating inside the central nervous system, or the presence of cerebrospinal fluid leaks and vision impairment. We review current trends and available guidelines regarding the management of cases with frontal bone trauma. Treatment options taken into consideration are a conservative attitude towards minor lesions or aggressive surgical management of complex fractures involving the anterior and posterior frontal sinus walls. We illustrate and propose different approaches in the management of cases with long-term complications after frontal bone trauma. The team attending to these patients should unite otorhinolaryngologists, neurosurgeons, ophthalmologists, and maxillofacial surgeons. Take-home message: Only such complex interdisciplinary teams of trained specialists can provide a higher standard of care for complex trauma cases and limit the possible exposure to further legal actions or even malpractice.

"Off-label" use of intravitreal bevacizumab in non-ischemic macular edema secondary to retinal vein obstructions.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravitreal Bevacizumab in treatment of non-ischemic macular edema secondary to retinal vein obstruction (RVO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 2-year-retrospective study was performed on 26 patients hospitalized for non-ischemic macular edema secondary to RVO. All the patients underwent a complete ophthalmologic exam, with best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) testing, fundus photography, fluorescein angiography (FA) and macular thickness measurement by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Reevaluation was performed monthly for VA, OCT, and ophthalmoscopy and, at every 3 months, by FA. A standard protocol of 0.05 ml intravitreal Bevacizumab injection was applied. Further administrations were performed according to clinical evolution. RESULTS: The medium follow-up period was of 9,7 months (6-20 months). There were no significant complications following the procedure. The number of intravitreal Bevacizumab injections varied from 2-5/ patient. All the patients experienced an improvement in VA and a significant regression of macular edema. The smallest number of intravitreal Bevacizumab injections and the best visual prognosis were observed in cases with branch retinal vein obstruction (BRVO) and early presentation (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: As a pathogenic therapy, intravitreal Bevacizumab is a safe, repeatable procedure and it may be considered an effective and lasting treatment for non-ischemic macular edema secondary to RVO. Intravitreal Bevacizumab should be included in the therapeutic protocol of RVO, both for early and delayed presentations. Abbreviations: RVO = retinal vein obstruction, BRVO = branch retinal vein obstruction, CRVO = central retinal branch obstruction, BCVA = best corrected visual acuity, FA = fluorescein angiography, OCT = optical coherence tomography.

Fulminant bilateral acute retinal necrosis after chickenpox - a case report.

We present the case of a 34-year-old male, admitted for progressive bilateral loss of vision after a recent episode of chickenpox. Ophthalmological exam revealed bilateral acute retinal necrosis. As the patient was following a drug detoxification program, he was tested for HIV, HVB, HVC, and results highly positive. Immediate intravenous therapy with high doses of acyclovir and methylprednisolone was initiated, but the evolution was extremely severe resulting in necrotic retinal detachment. Surgery was performed in right eye, but no improvement of visual acuity was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The fulminant evolution of bilateral acute retinal necrosis and the lack of response to maximal intravenous therapy were clinical elements indicating coexistent immunosuppressive disease. Very severe acute retinal necrosis may occur in immunosuppressed patients, leading to blindness.