Ocular complications in adults with psoriasis: a cross-sectional study in a referral center in Brazil.

PURPOSE: There is limited literature on the ocular manifestations in patients with psoriasis. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the prevalence of and factors associated with ocular manifestations in adults with psoriasis. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included Brazilian adults with psoriasis. The dermatological evaluation included diagnosis, clinical form, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) measurement, and location of the lesions. Patients underwent a full ophthalmological examination, including the Schirmer I test, Rose Bengala staining, and tear breakup time tests. The results were analyzed using chi-square and Pearson's linear correlation tests. RESULTS: Of the 130 patients assessed, 118 (90.8%) exhibited ocular abnormalities, with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) being the most prevalent (59.2%), followed by dry eye disease (DED) (56.2%). A significant correlation was observed between MGD and PASI (p = 0.05), and between MGD and certain treatment modalities. DED was significantly associated with PASI (p < 0.05). Concurrent use of acitretin was identified as an independent predictor of MGD (odds ratio [OR] = 3.5, p < 0.05), whereas PASI was a protective factor against DED (OR = 0.39, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Given the high prevalence of eye disease among individuals with psoriasis, routine ophthalmological assessments are recommended to prevent possible ocular complications.

Evaluating the presence of Toxoplasma gondii in peripheral blood of patients with diverse forms of uveitis.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence of Toxoplasmosis gondii in samples of peripheral blood from patients with varying etiologies of uveitis. Whole blood from patients with different forms of uveitis was tested for the presence of T. gondii using real-time PCR targeting the well-characterized 529 bp fragment. Extracted DNA was both frozen. Thirty-one patients were included in the current study and grouped as follows: acute toxoplasmosis (n = 10); toxoplasmic retinal scars (n = 9); non-infectious etiologies of uveitis (n = 6); and IgG negative for toxoplasmosis (n = 6). In total, only two patients were shown to have circulating T. gondii in peripheral blood; both of these patients were IgG positive for toxoplasmosis, were receiving immunosuppressive therapy for autoimmune uveitis, and had no clinical features of toxoplasmosis. T. gondii was identified in peripheral blood of some immunosuppressed patients. No other patients, including those with acute toxoplasmosis, had circulating parasites in peripheral blood.

Immunohistochemical Analysis of PDGFR-α, PDGFR-ß and c-Abl in Retinoblastoma: Potential Therapeutic Targets.

BACKGROUND: Our laboratory previously reported that imatinib mesylate (IM) has an inhibitory effect on two retinoblastoma (Rb) cell lines in vitro. AIMS: The purpose of this project was to determine the immunoexpression of platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)-α, PDGFR-ß and c-Abl in 61 human samples of Rb to determine if IM-sensitive receptors are present. Additionally, this paper seeks to establish a correlation between the expression of PDGFR, c-Abl and the histopathological prognosis. METHODS: Sixty-one paraffin-embedded Rbs were collected from the Henry C. Witelson Ocular Pathology Registry. PDGFR-α, PDGFR-ß and c-Abl immunostaining was performed according to the protocol provided by Ventana Medical System Inc. Immunoreactivity was correlated with the presence or absence of invasion into the choroid and optic nerve. RESULTS: Overall, c-Abl expression was identified in 50 out of 61 specimens (81.97%), PDGFR-α was identified in 20 out of 60 specimens (33.33%) and PDGFR-ß expression was identified in 57 out of 61 specimens (93.44%). Histopathological prognosis was not correlated with immunoreactivity except in the case of PDGFR-ß. CONCLUSIONS: Rb is a cancer that expresses PDGFR-α, PDGFR-ß and c-Abl, which are known targets of IM. These markers may be responsible for the documented therapeutic effect of IM on Rb cell lines.

Myopia Prevalence in Latin American Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Although myopia is a growing global concern, comprehensive studies on its prevalence among Latin American (LATAM) children and adolescents are still lacking. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the prevalence of myopia in LATAM children and adolescents aged three to 20. The study conducted a thorough literature search from January 1, 1975, to February 28, 2023, identifying 24 studies on the prevalence of myopia in LATAM that met the inclusion criteria. Quality assessment and standardized data collection were performed. The meta-analysis used a random-effects model due to heterogeneity and calculated prevalence rates. Finally, the analysis of data from 24 eligible studies revealed a myopia prevalence of 8.61% (range 0.80-47.36%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.22-13.87%, p < 0.05) among 165,721 LATAM children and adolescents. No significant age-based associations or temporal trends were observed in this study. Studies with non-cycloplegic or objective assessment exhibited a numerically higher, although statistically non-significant, myopia prevalence (10.62%, 95% CI: 4.9-21.6%) compared to studies using cycloplegia (7.17%, 95% CI: 3.40-14.50%). In conclusion, myopia affects approximately one in 11 LATAM children and adolescents. Given the increasing exposure of LATAM youth to known myopia risk factors, such as extensive near-work, online learning, and limited outdoor activities, it is crucial to monitor myopia trends in this region. Further research is imperative to address and prevent myopia in LATAM.

A Morphometric Study of the Pars Plana of the Ciliary Body in Human Cadaver Eyes.

This study aimed to determine the pars plana length in postmortem human eyes using advanced morphometric techniques and correlate demographics to ocular metrics such as age, sex, ethnicity, and axial length. Between February and July 2005, we conducted a cross-sectional observational study on 46 human cadaver eyes deemed unsuitable for transplant by the SBO Eye Bank. The morphometric analysis was performed on projected images using a surgical microscope and a video-microscopy system with a 20.5:1 correction factor. The pars plana length was measured three times per quadrant, with the final value being the mean of these measurements. Of the 46 eyes collected, 9 were unsuitable for the study due to technical constraints in conducting intraocular measurements. Overall, the average axial length was 25.20 mm. The average pars plana length was 3.8 mm in all quadrants, with no measurements below 2.8 mm or above 4.9 mm. There were no statistically significant variations across quadrants or with age, sex, axial length, or laterality. Accurately defining the pars plana dimensions is crucial for safely accessing the posterior segment of the eye and minimizing complications during intraocular procedures, such as intravitreal injections and vitreoretinal surgeries.

Ocular Biomechanics and Glaucoma.

Biomechanics is a branch of biophysics that deals with mechanics applied to biology. Corneal biomechanics have an important role in managing patients with glaucoma. While evidence suggests that patients with thin and stiffer corneas have a higher risk of developing glaucoma, it also influences the accurate measurement of intraocular pressure. We reviewed the pertinent literature to help increase our understanding of the biomechanics of the cornea and other ocular structures and how they can help optimize clinical and surgical treatments, taking into consideration individual variabilities, improve the diagnosis of suspected patients, and help monitor the response to treatment.

Toluidine blue 1% eye drop versus optical coherence tomography for margin delimitation of ocular surface squamous neoplasia.

PURPOSE: To compare the use of toluidine blue 1% eye drops with anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) for the determination of tumour margins in patients with ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN). METHODS: The study was conducted from July 2020 to June 2021 at the Ocular Oncology department at the Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil. Slit-lamp photographs after toluidine blue staining and OCT of the anterior segment were taken on the same day from patients with OSSN. Photographs and OCT images were analyzed quantitatively using the software ImageJ and IMAGEnet®, respectively. The agreement between techniques was evaluated qualitatively through the Bland-Altman graph and quantitatively through intraclass correlation (ICC). RESULTS: A total of 21 participants (71.43% males) with a clinical diagnosis of OSSN were included in the study. The average + SD diameter along the chosen axes was 4.43 ± 2.08 mm with OCT of 4.37 ± 2.03 mm with toluidine blue, a difference not statistically significant (p = 0.2891). The Bland-Altman analysis indicated a good qualitative agreement between the methods, with all cases inserted within the limits of agreement from -0.3217 to 0.4268. The ICC quantitative analysis showed an almost perfect agreement of 99.57% (95%CI: 98.96-99.83%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that OCT and toluidine eye drops are equivalent in determining margins for tumour measurements, which is particularly relevant in low-income settings where anterior segment OCT is not available. The use of toluidine blue 1% could be an useful alternative to quantify the size of the tumour, help to monitor tumour growth, and outline margins for surgical planning.

A histopathologic review of undiagnosed neoplasms in 205 evisceration specimens.

PURPOSE: Evisceration and enucleation are 2 ophthalmic surgeries used to treat blind and painful eyes. The benefits of evisceration over enucleation are many but this procedure is contraindicated in cases of a suspected intra-ocular mass. Given the lack of such studies in the literature, our aim was to review a large sample of eviscerated specimens to document the prevalence of unexpected neoplasms. METHODS: During the study period (1994-2011), 13,591 human ophthalmic specimens were received at the Henry C. Witelson Ophthalmic Pathology Laboratory and Registry. Of those, 205 were evisceration specimens. Histopathologic reports were reviewed to retrieve relevant clinical information that included clinical diagnosis, age, gender, laterality, and final histopathologic diagnosis. RESULTS: The total number of unexpected neoplasms was 4 (1.95%) including 2 (0.97%) malignancies: necrotic melanoma (1), ciliary body adenoma (1), iris nevus (1), and spindle cell melanoma (1). All the other remaining eyes had histopathologic findings that were consistent with the underlying diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: With proper pre-operative evaluation, including history, ophthalmologic examination, and imaging studies, the rate of unexpected neoplasms in evisceration specimens were low. Evisceration is a simpler and cheaper procedure when compared with enucleation, and our results corroborate its safety, whenever indicated to treat blind and/or painful eyes.

Eyelid and conjunctival paracoccidioidomycosis simulating carcinoma.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is the most prevalent systemic mycosis in immunocompetent individuals in Brazil. Ocular infection by PCM is rare; however, when infection does occur, the most common ocular sites involved are eyelid and conjunctiva. A 68-year-old white male presented with a 2-month history of a painless, ulcerated, infiltrative and diffuse whitish lesion located on the right inferior eyelid. A clinical diagnosis of malignant tumor, possibly squamous cell carcinoma, was made. The histopathologic examination showed a hyperplastic epithelium with inflammatory infiltrate of lymphocytes, plasma cells, neutrophils and histiocytes. Large numbers of giant cells were also present. Periodic acid Schiff and Grocott (silver methenamine) stains showed several large round structures with peripheral lateral small budding cells that resembled a "ship's wheel". No multinucleated fungi were seen. The fungi varied in size and small forms were round and single fungal structures. A diagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis was made PCM eyelid infection is rare and can simulate carcinoma both clinically and histopathologically.

COVID-19-related Ocular Hypertension Secondary to Anterior Uveitis as Part of a Multisystemic Inflammatory Syndrome.

It is the consensus of the medical community that ocular complications associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) are mild, self-limiting, and there are no reports to date of a sight-threatening event. We report a patient with a systemic inflammatory syndrome in the context of COVID-19, with ophthalmological (uveitis), dermatological (erythema and skin nodules), and cardiovascular (edema) manifestations. The anterior uveitis led to an increase in the intraocular pressure that failed to respond to clinical treatment and prompted a surgical intervention to save the vision. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a COVID-19-related ocular hypertension. Timely surgical intervention was key to save the vision in the patient's only eye.

Choroidal neovascular membranes express toll-like receptor 3.

BACKGROUND: Recent evidence has suggested a role for toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) in experimental models of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). To date, however, few data exist about TLR3 in human AMD. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of TLR3 in human choroidal neovascular (CNV) membranes. METHODS: Immunostaining for TLR3 was performed on sections of CNV membranes from 8 AMD patients and eyes from 4 donors without CNV. RESULTS: All CNV membranes expressed TLR3 in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. One was classified as having strong intensity, 5 as having moderate intensity and 2 as having weak intensity. All cases had ≥30% of the RPE cells staining for TLR3, ranging from 30 to 90%. No expression of TLR3 was observed in vascular endothelial cells or fibroblasts in any CNV membrane. In the donor eyes, the RPE cells near the ora serrata stained stronger than those at the posterior pole, where no staining was observed in 3 out of 4 cases. CONCLUSION: TLR3 was found in all CNV membranes and was expressed exclusively in RPE cells. The observed difference in RPE staining for TLR3 in donor eyes and CNV membranes suggests a possible role for this receptor in human neovascular AMD.

Immune expression and inhibition of heat shock protein 90 in uveal melanoma.

PURPOSE: To examine the immunohistochemical profile of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) in uveal melanoma and the cytotoxicity of an Hsp90 inhibitor, 17-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG), in uveal melanoma cell lines. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Hsp90 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry in 44 paraffin-embedded sections of primary human uveal melanoma and in five uveal melanoma cell lines (92.1, OCM-1, MKT-BR, SP6.5, and UW-1). Sulforhodamine B-based proliferation assay was used to compare uveal melanoma cell growth with a range of concentrations of 17-AAG. Changes in cell migration, invasion, cell cycle fractions, and apoptotic activity were also evaluated. Expression of intracellular proteins was determined by Western blot analysis after 17-AAG exposure. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical expression of Hsp90 was identified in 68% of the paraffin-embedded sections and significantly associated with largest tumor dimension (P = 0.03). 17-AAG significantly reduced the proliferation rates of uveal melanoma cell lines, with concentrations of 100 to 0.1 micromol/L. 17-AAG also significantly reduced the migratory and invasive capabilities of uveal melanoma cell lines. Cell cycle analysis showed that 17-AAG induced accumulations of cells in G(1). Caspase-3 protease activity analysis, a marker for apoptosis, showed a significant increase after drug exposure. The cytotoxic effect of 17-AAG was associated with decreased levels of phosphorylated Akt and cyclin-dependent kinase 4. CONCLUSIONS: The immunohistochemical expression of Hsp90 in uveal melanoma indicates worse prognosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report showing the inhibitory effect on uveal melanoma cells using 17-AAG to target Hsp90. Therefore, Hsp90 may be used as a potential target for treatment of patients with uveal melanoma.

Molecular pathways mediating liver metastasis in patients with uveal melanoma.

Uveal melanoma arises from melanocytes located in the uveal tract of the eye and is the most common primary intraocular tumor in adults. Metastatic liver disease is the overwhelming cause of death in uveal melanoma patients, with almost 50% of patients developing liver metastases up to 15 years after diagnosis. Most of these patients do not present with any evidence of overt metastasis at the time of initial diagnosis although it is assumed that they have undetectable micrometastases. Currently, there are no therapeutic modalities to prevent or efficiently treat the metastatic disease in uveal melanoma patients. Recent discoveries have shed light on the molecular pathways that may contribute to the progression of liver metastasis. The aim of this review is to describe new insights into the genetic and molecular pathways that may play a role in the development of liver metastases in uveal melanoma patients.

Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in choroidal neovascular membranes from age-related macular degeneration patients.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to investigate the expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 in human choroidal neovascular membranes. METHODS: Paraffin-embedded sections of choroidal neovascular membranes excised from 16 patients with wet age-related macular degeneration were used for this study. Sections were subjected to immunohistochemistry using a monoclonal mouse antihuman COX-2 antibody. Staining was classified as either negative or positive in retinal pigment epithelial cells, vascular endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. Serial sections were stained for vimentin expression to confirm tissue antigenicity. RESULTS: Eleven of 16 (69%) choroidal neovascular membranes stained positive for COX-2 in retinal pigment epithelial cells, with 6 (38%) of these also expressing COX-2 in vascular endothelial cells and 6 (38%) in fibroblasts. None of the sections that were negative for COX-2 in the retinal pigment epithelial cells showed COX-2 expression in the other cell types assessed. There was a statistically significant difference (P = 0.0097) in the mean ages between the COX-2 positive group (65.6 years) and COX-2 negative group (76.8 years) as determined by a two-tailed, unpaired Student's t-test. CONCLUSION: The expression of COX-2 in human choroidal neovascular membranes suggests a possible role for this modulator in age-related macular degeneration pathogenesis. The age-dependent expression observed is novel and warrants further investigation.

Mydriatic and cardiovascular effects of phenylephrine 2.5% versus phenylephrine 10%, both associated with tropicamide 1%.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To evaluate and compare cardiovascular effects (blood pressure and heart rate) of phenylephrine 2.5% versus phenylephrine 10%, and compare pupil diameter before and after instillation of eyedrops. METHODS: A total of 58 patients scheduled for funduscopy were dilated with either phenylephrine 2.5% and tropicamide 1% (group 0, n = 29 patients, 58 eyes) or phenylephrine 10% and tropicamide 1% (group 1, n = 29 patients, 58 eyes). Only one drop per eye of each drug was administered. In both groups, pupil diameter, blood pressure and heart rate were measured before and 40 min after eyedrop instillation. RESULTS: We did not observe significant changes in blood pressure or heart rate. Mean pupil diameter in group 0, before the instillation of eyedrops, was 3.51 mm and, in group 1, 2.66 mm. After medication, mean values were 7.38 mm in group 0 and 7.42 mm in group 1. Mean variation was 3.87 mm in group 0 and 4.76 mm in group 1 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results corroborate the finding that one single drop of either 2.5 or 10% phenylephrine is safe and, when 1% tropicamide is combined, satisfactory pupil dilation is achieved.

Orbital leiomyoma: histopathologic and immunohistochemical findings of a rare tumor.

A 51-year-old man was referred for evaluation of a right orbital hemangioma. Ophthalmologic examination was unremarkable except for 1 mm of proptosis OD. CT revealed a 10-mm lesion with evidence of growth from 6 to 10 mm within a year. The tumor did not compromise other orbital structures. An excisional biopsy was performed. On the basis of the histopathologic and immunohistochemical findings, the diagnosis of orbital leiomyoma was established. Orbital leiomyoma is a slow-growing tumor that can be located anywhere in the orbit. Posterior tumors are believed to originate from smooth muscle cells of vessel walls; anterior lesions may arise from the capsulopalpebral or Müller muscle. Although there are no unique features that help the radiologist to exclude other benign lesions of the orbit, the histopathologic diagnosis using immunohistochemical markers is usually straightforward. Attention to the cytologic features that exclude the malignant variant is of utmost relevance for proper diagnosis and patient counseling.

Clinical pathologic study of a cohort of patients with retinoblastoma from a developing country.

PURPOSE: To describe the histopathologic characteristics of all retinoblastoma biopsy specimens received at one institution. METHODS: All retinoblastoma biopsy specimens received between January 2000 and December 2005 were evaluated and a total of 109 eyes from 101 patients were studied. RESULTS: There were 9 (8.3%) well differentiated, 25 (23.0%) moderately differentiated, and 66 (60.5%) poorly differentiated retinoblastomas. The most common growth pattern was mixed, comprising 81 (74.4%) cases. Vitreous seeding, invasion of the anterior chamber, and invasion of the optic nerve beyond the lamina cribrosa, was present in 79 (72.5%), 24 (22.0%), and 44 (40.4%) eyes, respectively. The tumor was confined to the retina in only 26 (23.9%) cases, whereas 16 (14.8%) had minimal choroidal invasion, 45 (41.3%) had massive choroidal involvement, 10 (9.2%) had scleral invasion, and 11 (10.1%) had extraocular extension. CONCLUSION: In this study, the percentage of patients with choroidal and optic nerve invasion, reflecting a poor prognosis, was much higher than in previously reported North American series. However, similar findings have been described in other developing countries, where late diagnosis is common. This study emphasized the need for early diagnosis and treatment.

Single-cell tumor dormancy model of uveal melanoma.

BACKGROUND: Ocular melanoma is easily treated by the removal of the eye or through plaque radiotherapy. However, after removal or control of the primary tumor, patients can develop fatal liver metastases up to 20 years later. It has been reported that difficulties in imaging single cells and the propensity for tumor cells to replicate rapidly in animal models account for the deficit of single-cell tumor dormancy models. METHODS: In this paper, we performed two animal experiments using green fluorescent-labeled uveal melanoma cells in nude mice. Cells were injected via tail-vein and the experiments ran 20 and 42 days, respectively. Labeled cells were imaged in vivo via skin-flap and epifluorescent microscopy. RESULTS: The first experiment exemplified the feasibility of a single-cell tumor dormancy model; cells were present in multiple organs post-injection, but persisted solely in the liver for the duration of the experiment. The second experiment, demonstrating the presence and viability of these single, metastatic seeds 6 weeks after injection. CONCLUSION: Due to the inherent difficulties in establishing single-celled tumor dormancy models, few exist. In this paper, we have successfully developed a single-cell dormancy model of uveal melanoma, a disease that, in patients, epitomizes tumor dormancy. This model has the potential to reveal the mechanisms behind dormancy, identify patients at high risk for metastatic development, and develop new serum biomarkers for micrometastasis detection.