Bilateral multifocal chorioretinitis as the only presentation of acute West Nile virus infection: a case report.

BACKGROUND: To describe a case of bilateral multifocal chorioretinitis as the only presentation of acute West Nile virus (WNV) infection in the absence of neurological involvement. CASE PRESENTATION: A 78-year-old Italian woman was admitted to our emergency department because she noticed blurry vision in both eyes. She did not report fever, fatigue, or neurological symptoms in the last few days. Multimodal imaging showed the presence of bilateral hyperfluorescent lesions with a linear distribution, that corresponded to hypocyanescent spots on indocyanine green angiography. Antibody serology showed the presence of IgM antibodies, IgG antibodies, and ribonucleic acid (RNA) for WNV. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain ruled out central nervous system involvement. Three months later, the patient reported spontaneous resolution of her symptoms and remission of the chorioretinal infiltrates. CONCLUSIONS: In endemic areas, it is important to think of acute WNV infection as an explanatory etiology in cases of multifocal chorioretinitis, even without neurological involvement.

The Association of Tobacco Smoking, Second-hand Smoke, and Novel Tobacco Products With COVID-19 Severity and Mortality in Italy: Results From the COSMO-IT Study.

BACKGROUND: Despite the robust evidence of an excess risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity and mortality in ever smokers, the debate on the role of current and ex-smokers on COVID-19 progression remains open. Limited or no data are available on the link between electronic cigarette (e-cigarette), heated tobacco product (HTP) and second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure and COVID-19 progression. To fill this knowledge gap, we undertook the COvid19 and SMOking in ITaly (COSMO-IT) study. METHODS: A multi-centre longitudinal study was conducted in 2020-2021 in 24 Italian hospitals on a total of 1,820 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients. We estimated multivariable odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to quantify the association between smoking-related behaviours (ie, smoking status, e-cigarette and HTP use, and SHS exposure) and COVID-19 severity (composite outcome: intubation, intensive care unit admission and death) and mortality. RESULTS: Compared to never smokers, current smokers had an increased risk of COVID-19 mortality (OR 2.17; 95% CI, 1.06-4.41). E-cigarette use was non-significantly associated to an increased risk of COVID-19 severity (OR 1.60; 95% CI, 0.96-2.67). An increased risk of mortality was observed for exposure to SHS among non-smokers (OR 1.67; 95% CI, 1.04-2.68), the risk being particularly evident for exposures of ≥6 hours/day (OR 1.99; 95% CI, 1.15-3.44). CONCLUSION: This multicentric study from Italy shows a dismal COVID-19 progression in current smokers and, for the first time, in SHS exposed non-smokers. These data represent an additional reason to strengthen and enforce effective tobacco control measures and to support smokers in quitting.

Factors associated with a change in smoking habit during the first COVID-19 lockdown: an Italian cross-sectional study among ever-smokers.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown period lasted from March to May 2020, resulted in a highly stressful situation yielding different negative health consequences, including the worsening of smoking habit. METHODS: A web-based cross-sectional study on a convenient sample of 1013 Italian ever smokers aged 18 years or more was conducted. Data were derived from surveys compiled by three different groups of people: subjects belonging to Smoking Cessation Services, Healthcare Providers and Nursing Sciences' students. All institutions were from Northern Italy. The primary outcome self-reported worsening (relapse or increase) or improvement (quit or reduce) of smoking habit during lockdown period. Multiple unconditional (for worsening) and multinomial (for improving) logistic regressions were carried out. RESULTS: Among 962 participants, 56.0% were ex-smokers. Overall, 13.2% of ex-smokers before lockdown reported relapsing and 32.7% of current smokers increasing cigarette intake. Among current smokers before lockdown, 10.1% quit smoking and 13.5% decreased cigarette intake. Out of 7 selected stressors related to COVID-19, four were significantly related to relapse (OR for the highest vs. the lowest tertile ranging between 2.24 and 3.62): fear of being infected and getting sick; fear of dying due to the virus; anxiety in listening to news of the epidemic; sense of powerlessness in protecting oneself from contagion. In addition to these stressors, even the other 3 stressors were related with increasing cigarette intensity (OR ranging between 1.90 and 4.18): sense of powerlessness in protecting loved ones from contagion; fear of losing loved ones due to virus; fear of infecting other. CONCLUSION: The lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with both self-reported relapse or increase smoking habit and also quitting or reduction of it.

Covid-19 and ex-smokers: an underestimated prognostic factor?

Dear Editor, The recent and explosive worldwide outbreak of Covid-19 leads many scientists and clinicians to identify the most responsible triggering risk factors in individuals without comorbidities, as well as potential prognostic factors. A notable field of research has been conducted on the role of smoking, which has been initially hypothesized as being a protective factor for Covid-19....

Multimodal imaging of multifocal chorioretinitis secondary to endogenous candida infection.

PURPOSE: To present multimodal imaging of multifocal chorioretinitis secondary to endogenous candida infection in a young adult. METHODS: A 49-year-old woman who presented for evaluation of bilateral endogenous candida chorioretinitis underwent complete ophthalmic examination, in addition to fundus photography (FP), enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence (FAF), fluorescein angiography (FA), indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). RESULTS: Multimodal imaging of both eyes of the patient affected by endogenous candida chorioretinitis was performed. FP showed multiple white chorioretinal lesions at the posterior pole, FAF showed dark dot at the posterior pole surrounded by hyperautofluorescence area, FA showed early hyperfluorescence round perifoveal lesion at the posterior pole and small hyperfluorescence dots under the inferior retinal vessels. Early ICGA showed hypofluorescence dots at the posterior pole. Late ICGA showed dark hypofluorescence dots at the posterior pole surrounded by faint hyperautofluorescent ring. OCTA showed dark areas corresponded to hypoperfusion areas seen with early ICGA. CONCLUSION: We reported multimodal imaging of an unusual occurrence of multifocal chorioretinitis due to immunosuppression. These findings suggested that the infection resulted from choroidal infiltration via the short posterior ciliary arteries with resultant breakthrough into the retina, rather than via the central retinal artery. By comparing findings on OCTA with data obtained from traditional systems, we are gaining essential information on the pathogenesis of endogenous candida chorioretinitis.

[Formaldehyde in electronic cigarettes and in heat-not-burn products: let's make the point]. / La formaldeide nelle sigarette elettroniche e nei riscaldatori di tabacco (HnB): facciamo il punto.

The spread of electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) and of the so-called heat-not-burn (HnB), also known as heated tobacco products, presented as a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes, required further in-depth studies to demonstrate the real benefits or possible risks linked to this type of habit among smokers and possible new smokers. There are numerous harmful substances produced by these devices, such as metals, organic compounds, and aldehydes. The presence of formaldehyde is particularly worrying: its indoor concentration is 2.7, 1.2, and 40 µg/m3 for HnB, e-cigs, and traditional cigarettes, respectively. The evidence of this substance, which numerous epidemiological studies have already shown to be harmful to health (in particular, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified it as a group 1 carcinogen), would lead to the need to modify the legislation with more restrictive rules on the use of these devices in public environment and in particular in the presence of more susceptible subjects, such as minors and pregnant women.

The overlapping spectrum of flat irregular pigment epithelial detachment investigated by optical coherence tomography angiography.

PURPOSE: To describe the OCT angiography characteristics of flat irregular pigment epithelial detachments (PEDs), an overlapping tomographic feature of various macular disorders. METHODS: Consecutive patients with a dimpled retinal pigment epithelium profile on OCT, referred for a second opinion, were enrolled. Fluorescein (FA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) were performed in all patients and compared to previous examinations, when available. In all patients, enhanced depth imaging-OCT and OCT angiography were performed upon referral and at subsequent follow-ups. RESULTS: Twenty-five eyes from 25 patients (9 women and 16 men, mean age of 63.4 years) were enrolled. The diagnoses of CSCR were already established by the referring physicians in 10 patients, acute in 15% and chronic in 26%; 48% of patients were referred with a diagnosis of type 1 CNV, and 11% of CSCR complicated by CNV. After performing OCT angiography, 2 masked examiner identified 7 type 1 CNV (29%), 18 eyes with pachychoroid disease of which 31% pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathies (PPEs) at baseline evolved to CSCR, 22% PPE at baseline evolved to pachychoroid neovasculopathy, 18% pachychoroid neovasculopathy stable. CONCLUSION: Central serous chorioretinopathy, type 1 CNV, and the pachychoroid spectrum of diseases cause abnormalities in the choroidal circulation that make the overlying RPE dysfunctional, resulting in flat irregular PED. Discrimination between avascular and vascular flat irregular PEDs is crucial for a good visual outcome, but since chronic alterations of the RPE can compromise the diagnostic specificity of FA and ICGA, OCT angiography may become a fundamental tool to differentiate these clinical entities.

Bilateral multiple evanescent white dot syndrome.

PURPOSE: To present a single case of bilateral multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS). METHODS: A single case with three months of follow-up using imaging studies including fundus color photography (FP), fluorescein angiography (FA), indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), fundus autofluorescence (FAF), spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), en face SD-OCT and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is presented. RESULTS: The patient presented with bilateral MEWDS, ultimately with complete resolution of symptoms. FP revealed foveal granularity and white punctate deep retinal spots, FA found early wreath-like hyperfluorescence, while ICGA showed hypofluorescent dots and spots in the early and late stages. FAF showed areas of hyperautofluorescence. SD-OCT revealed disruption of the ellipsoid zone (EZ) and accumulation of hyperreflective material of variable size and shape. En face SD-OCT demonstrated hyporeflective areas corresponding to areas of EZ disruption as well as hyperreflective dots in the outer nuclear layer. OCTA showed areas of photoreceptor slab black-out corresponding to areas of EZ disruption and light areas of flow void or flow disturbance in the choriocapillaris slab. CONCLUSIONS: This case represents an unusual case of bilateral MEWDS with complete resolution within three months.

Two cases of primary vitreoretinal lymphoma: a diagnostic challenge : The supporting role of multimodal imaging in the diagnosis of primary vitreoretinal lymphoma.

PURPOSE: To report two cases of primary vitreoretinal lymphoma (PVRL), which presented as intermediate and posterior uveitis. METHODS: Combined clinical assessment, multimodal imaging with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence, fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, brain magnetic resonance imaging and vitreous and retinal biopsy. Case 1 was a 48-year-old woman who complained of visual loss in her right eye secondary to a diffuse vitreous opacification and multiple chorioretinal lesions. Case 2, a 74-year-old man, presented with low vision in his right eye due to a wide chorioretinal lesion at the posterior pole, vitreous opacification and posterior uveitis in both eyes. RESULTS: Diffuse large B cell lymphoma was histologically diagnosed in the cerebellum in the first case and in chorioretinal tissue in the second patient. Atypical lymphoid cells were detected and allowed to make a diagnosis of primary central nervous system lymphoma in case 1 and PVRL in case 2. CONCLUSION: PVRL often masquerades ad intermediate or posterior uveitis. The management of the patients needed a team of pathologists, haematologists and ophthalmologists to achieve the correct diagnosis and choose the more appropriate therapy. Some peculiar characteristics on multimodal imaging, even in atypical cases of PVRL, should raise suspicious for PVRL and lead to a diagnostic vitrectomy and/or retinal biopsy.

Optical coherence tomography angiography in acute arteritic and non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of our study was to describe the feature of acute non-arteritic or arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NA-AION and A-AION) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) and to compare it with fluorescein angiography (FA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). METHODS: In this retrospective, observational case-control study four NA-AION patients and one A-AION patient were examined by FA, ICGA and OCT-A within 2 weeks from disease presentation. The characteristics of the images were analyzed. Optic nerve head (ONH) and radial peripapillary capillaries (RPC) vessel densities (VDs) were compared between NA-AION and controls. RESULTS: In two of four NA-AION cases and in the A-AION patient, OCT-A clearly identified the boundary of the ischemic area at the level of the optic nerve head, which was comparable to optic disc filling defects detected by FA. In the other two NA-AION cases, a generalized leakage from the disc was visible with FA, yet OCT-A still demonstrated sectorial peripapillary capillary network reduction. Both ONH and RPC VDs were reduced in NA-AION patients, when compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: OCT-A was able to identify microvascular defects and VD reduction in cases of acute optic disc edema due to NA-AION and A-AION. OCT-A provides additional information in ischemic conditions of the optic nerve head.

RETINAL ASTROCYTIC HAMARTOMA: Optical Coherence Tomography Classification and Correlation With Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.

PURPOSE: To propose a classification of retinal astrocytic hamartoma based on spectral domain optical coherence tomography and correlate each class with systemic manifestations of tuberous sclerosis complex. METHODS: Retrospective chart review conducted at four international referral medical retina centers. There were 43 consecutive patients with an established diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis complex based on presence of at least 2 major or 1 major and 2 minor features of the diagnostic criteria. Clinical and spectral domain optical coherence tomography features regarding retinal astrocytic hamartoma were documented. RESULTS: The mean patient age at presentation was 16.2 years. The retinal astrocytic hamartoma was classified as Type I (n = 41), Type II (n = 25), Type III (n = 20), or Type IV (n = 12). Patients with Type II showed greater number of cutaneous fibrous plaques (odds ratio = 64.8; 92% confidence interval: 64.2-65; P < 0.001); those with Type III displayed higher incidence of subependymal giant-cell astrocytomas (odds ratio = 43.2; 95% confidence interval: 43.0-43.3; P < 0.001); and those with Type IV showed higher incidence of pulmonary lymphangiomyomatosis (odds ratio = 126; 95% confidence interval: 122-128; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Retinal astrocytic hamartoma can be classified into four morphologic groups, based on spectral domain optical coherence tomography. There are important systemic tuberous sclerosis complex correlations with each class.

Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness modification after internal limiting membrane peeling.

PURPOSE: To identify early and late retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) modification after internal limiting membrane peeling for idiopathic macular hole or epiretinal membrane and to correlate RNFLT to visual field indices. METHODS: Single-center, prospective, interventional consecutive case series. Complete ophthalmic examination, fundus images, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography were performed in 30 eyes of 30 patients before and 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. Six peripapillary sectors (superotemporal, temporal, inferotemporal, inferonasal, nasal, superonasal) and global RNFLT were evaluated. Visual field was performed preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Significant RNFLT modification was found after surgery (P < 0.0001). Specifically, RNFLT significantly increased in all, but the temporal sectors, 1 month after surgery, and it returned to preoperative values at the third month. Six months after surgery, RNFLT was lower than basal values in the superotemporal, inferotemporal, and temporal sectors (P < 0.001, P < 0.05, and P < 0.001, respectively) with an average reduction of 18.2 ± 9.8 µm. No correlation was found between RNFLT and the visual field indices. CONCLUSION: The diffuse RNFLT increase 1 month postoperatively could be because of inflammatory responses. The reduction of RNFLT in the temporal sectors 6 months postoperatively could indicate damage to the macular retinal nerve fiber layer caused by internal limiting membrane peeling.

Spectral domain optical coherence tomography findings in patients with acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinopathy.

PURPOSE: To describe the appearance of acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis, a rare ocular manifestation of syphilis, on spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD OCT) both before and after treatment. METHODS: Ophthalmic examination and imaging studies of 30 eyes of 19 confirmed cases were analyzed both at the time of presentation and at each follow-up visit. Patients with SD OCT and fluorescein angiography at the time of presentation, and at least three documented follow-up visits after initiation of therapy, were included in the study. Standard treatment of neurosyphilis was given to each patient, including 4 million units of penicillin G administered intravenously every 4 hours for 14 days. RESULTS: Fundus examination and imaging studies were consistent with previous reports and confirmed the diagnosis of acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis. In 13 eyes (43.3%), baseline SD OCT scans were performed within 1 to 2 days of presentation and revealed a small amount of subretinal fluid, disruption of the inner segment/outer segment junction, and hyperreflective thickening of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). All 30 eyes were again scanned between Days 7 and 9 after presentation and revealed loss of the inner segment/outer segment and OS/RPE bands, and irregular hyperreflectivity of the RPE with prominent nodular elevations but without subretinal fluid. Early disruption of the external limiting membrane and punctate choroidal hyperreflectivity were seen in 1 of the 30 eyes (3.3%) and 14 of the 30 eyes (46.6%), respectively. Vision improved and the outer retinal abnormalities normalized in 28 of the 30 eyes (93.3%) after the treatment of neurosyphilis. The external limiting membrane, inner segment/outer segment band, and/or linear outer segment/RPE junction remained substantially abnormal despite treatment in 2 eyes left with 20/200 vision. CONCLUSION: Patients with acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis show characteristic outer retinal abnormalities on SD OCT imaging, including disruption of the inner segment/outer segment band, nodular thickening of the RPE with loss of the linear outer segment/RPE junction, and, in some cases, loss of the external limiting membrane, accumulation of subretinal fluid, and punctate hyperreflectivity in the choroid. Vision improved and these abnormalities reversed after treatment of neurosyphilis in most of the patients. Persistently, poor vision despite treatment was associated with long-term loss or disruption of outer retinal anatomy on SD OCT.

Vitreous hemorrhage secondary to retinal vasculopathy in a patient with dyskeratosis congenita.

The aim of this study was to report a case of vitreous hemorrhage secondary to retinal vasculitis in a patient with dyskeratosis congenita. A 16-year-old white male was referred to the Ophthalmology Clinic due to deterioration of vision in his left eye. Medical history was significant for dyskeratosis congenita associated with thrombocytopenia. General physical examination revealed reticular pigmentation on the upper half of the chest, vertical ridges and splitting of finger nails, and oral mucosal leukoplakia. Ophthalmological examination of the anterior segment was unremarkable. Retinal examination revealed vitreous hemorrhage in the left eye veiling the retinal details. A possible history of trauma was denied. Fundus examination of the right eye showed retinal vascular sheathing with a few dot and blot retinal hemorrhages. Fluorescein angiography revealed extensive areas of non-perfusion beyond the equator in the right eye, later treated with scatter laser photocoagulation. We performed a 23-gauge vitrectomy with endolaser treatment of the new vascularization areas in the left eye. After 6 months, best-corrected visual acuity in the right and left eye was 20/20 and 20/25, respectively. Rather than being confined to anterior segment abnormalities like conjunctivitis, blepharitis and nasolacrimal duct obstruction which are reported in the literature, dyskeratosis congenita can cause significant visual loss due to retinal vasculitis and vitreous hemorrhage. Therefore physicians and ophthalmologists should be aware of this possibility and prompt diagnosis and treatment could prevent further visual loss in such patients.

Early and late inner retinal changes after inner limiting membrane peeling.

Pars plana vitrectomy and inner limiting membrane (ILM) peeling are standard procedures for macular hole and epiretinal membrane surgery. However, ILM peeling is known to cause mechanical traumatic changes to the retinal nerve fiber layer. Recently there have been numerous reports of anatomical changes in the macula after ILM removal. A comprehensive review of the literature. The earliest change in the macula after ILM peeling is post-operative swelling of the arcuate retinal nerve fiber layer (SANFL), which disappears within the 3 month; the swelling is not detected on biomicroscopic fundus examination but appears as hypoautofluorescent arcuate striae in the macular region on infrared and autofluorescence imaging, with corresponding hyperreflectant swelling demonstrated on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). SANFL is followed by dissociated optic nerve fiber layer defect, faintly visible on fundus examination and corresponding on OCT to "dimples" in the inner retinal layers. The en face tomographic aspect of this defect appears as concentric macular dark spots. Post-operative foveal displacement toward the optic disc might be responsible for the stretching and thinning of the retinal parenchyma in the temporal subfield and the thickening of the nasal macula. This shortening of the papillofoveal distance after surgery is probably secondary to axonal transport and contractility alterations in the nerve fiber layer, which might also account for apoptotic and atrophic degeneration of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer. Ganglion cells do not seem to be affected by ILM peeling, even if the ganglion cell complex loses some volume because of trauma to the Müller cells contained in the ganglion cell layer. Despite its clear indication in macular hole and epiretinal membrane surgery, ILM peeling is a traumatic procedure that has acute effects on the underlying inner retinal layers. Further investigation of these subclinical changes may assist in aiding the development of minimally traumatic techniques for ILM removal.

Cytisine as a smoking cessation aid: Preliminary observations with a modified therapeutic scheme in real life.

INTRODUCTION: Cigarette smoke accounts for over 90,000 deaths each year in Italy. Tobacco dependence treatment guidelines suggest adopting an integrated pharmacological-behavioral model of intervention. Cytisine is a partial agonist of nicotinic receptors. Trials conducted to date have demonstrated its good efficacy in promoting smoking cessation. The cytisine scheme of treatment consists of 25 days of treatment. A 40-day regimen, with an escalating dose and an extended duration of the treatment, has been in use in many anti-smoking centers in Italy for several years, but to date there are no reports on the use of cytisine with this scheme. METHODS: A retrospective, real-life, observational study was conducted between January 2016 and September 2022. The 300 patients who had received at least one dose of study medication were selected. Continuous variables were compared by the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were implemented for self-reported seven-day point prevalence for abstinence at three, six and 12 months. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 59 years, 57% were women. The median smoking exposure was 33.8 pack-years. Self-reported smoking abstinence at three, six and 12 months was 68.7%, 56.3% and 47.3% respectively. 84% completed the cytisine treatment, 31.3% reported adverse events and in 8.3% these led to dropping out of the treatment. CONCLUSION: Cytisine, administered with a novel therapeutic scheme in the real-life setting of a specialized anti-smoking center, significantly promotes smoking abstinence. However, more studies are needed to assess the tolerability and efficacy of this new regimen.

Exposure to secondhand aerosol from electronic cigarettes at homes: A real-life study in four European countries.

Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use emits potentially hazardous compounds and deteriorates indoor air quality. Home is a place where e-cigarettes may frequently be used amid its increasing prohibition in public places. This study assessed the real-life scenario of bystanders' exposure to secondhand e-cigarette aerosol (SHA) at home. A one-week observational study was conducted within the TackSHS project in four countries (Greece, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom) in 2019 including: 1) homes of e-cigarette users living together with a non-user/non-smoker; and 2) control homes with no smokers nor e-cigarette users. Indoor airborne nicotine, PM2.5, and PM1.0 concentrations were measured as environmental markers of SHA. Biomarkers, including nicotine and its metabolites, tobacco-specific nitrosamines, propanediol, glycerol, and metals were measured in participants' saliva and urine samples. E-cigarette use characteristics, such as e-cigarette refill liquid's nicotine concentration, e-cigarette type, place of e-cigarette use at home, and frequency of ventilation, were also collected. A total of 29 e-cigarette users' homes and 21 control homes were included. The results showed that the seven-day concentrations of airborne nicotine were quantifiable in 21 (72.4 %) out of 29 e-cigarette users' homes; overall, they were quite low (geometric mean: 0.01 µg/m3; 95 % CI: 0.01-0.02 µg/m3) and were all below the limit of quantification in control homes. Seven-day concentrations of PM2.5 and PM1.0 in e-cigarette and control homes were similar. Airborne nicotine and PM concentrations did not differ according to different e-cigarette use characteristics. Non-users residing with e-cigarette users had low but significantly higher levels of cotinine, 3'-OH-cotinine and 1,2-propanediol in saliva, and cobalt in urine than non-users living in control homes. In conclusion, e-cigarette use at home created bystanders' exposure to SHA regardless of the e-cigarette use characteristics. Further studies are warranted to assess the implications of SHA exposure for smoke-free policy.

Causes of death in women with breast cancer: a risks and rates study on a population-based cohort.

Introduction: The increasing survival of patients with breast cancer has prompted the assessment of mortality due to all causes of death in these patients. We estimated the absolute risks of death from different causes, useful for health-care planning and clinical prediction, as well as cause-specific hazards, useful for hypothesis generation on etiology and risk factors. Materials and methods: Using data from population-based cancer registries we performed a retrospective study on a cohort of women diagnosed with primary breast cancer. We carried out a competing-cause analysis computing cumulative incidence functions (CIFs) and cause-specific hazards (CSHs) in the whole cohort, separately by age, stage and registry area. Results: The study cohort comprised 12,742 women followed up for six years. Breast cancer showed the highest CIF, 13.71%, and cardiovascular disease was the second leading cause of death with a CIF of 3.60%. The contribution of breast cancer deaths to the CIF for all causes varied widely by age class: 89.25% in women diagnosed at age <50 years, 72.94% in women diagnosed at age 50-69 and 48.25% in women diagnosed at age ≥70. Greater CIF variations were observed according to stage: the contribution of causes other than breast cancer to CIF for all causes was 73.4% in women with stage I disease, 42.9% in stage II-III and only 13.2% in stage IV. CSH computation revealed temporal variations: in women diagnosed at age ≥70 the CSH for breast cancer was equaled by that for cardiovascular disease and "other diseases" in the sixth year following diagnosis, and an early peak for breast cancer was identified in the first year following diagnosis. Among women aged 50-69 we identified an early peak for breast cancer followed by a further peak near the second year of follow-up. Comparison by geographic area highlighted conspicuous variations: the highest CIF for cardiovascular disease was more than 70% higher than the lowest, while for breast cancer the highest CIF doubled the lowest. Conclusion: The integrated interpretation of absolute risks and hazards suggests the need for multidisciplinary surveillance and prevention using community-based, holistic and well-coordinated survivorship care models.