Early and complete vitrectomy versus tap and inject in acute post cataract surgery endophthalmitis presenting with hand motion vision; a quasi-experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Based on endophthalmitis vitrectomy study, intravitreal injection of antibiotics is preferred for initial management of cases of acute post cataract surgery endophthalmitis (APCE) with presenting vision of hand motions (HM). This study aimed to compare outcomes of early and complete vitrectomy (VIT) and vitreous tap and antibiotic injection (T&I) in cases of APCE presented with vision of HM. METHODS: In this prospective study, cases of APCE with vision of HM between 2018 and 2020 were enrolled. According to the time of presentation, the patients were arranged into two groups (VIT vs. T&I). Demographic data, elapsed time to developing endophthalmitis, past medical history, microbiology results, complications, and final visual acuity were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Seventy-six eyes of 76 patients were enrolled. Fifty-three eyes underwent T&I and twenty-three were arranged into the VIT group. Past medical history of 34.2% of patients was significant for diabetes mellitus. There was a statistically significant lower logMAR in VIT group compared to T&I group (diff = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.24, P-value = 0.007). The comparison of the diabetic and non-diabetic patients in both groups showed that the visual outcome was better in non-diabetic cases compared to the diabetic subjects. There was no statistically significant difference between the diabetic and non-diabetic groups regarding the superiority of procedure. CONCLUSION: Based on our results, we could recommend that it's maybe better to do early and complete vitrectomy as the initial management of APCE with the vision of HM. Past medical history of diabetes mellitus is not a determining factor for choosing initial management between vitrectomy and antibiotic injection.

Acute retinal necrosis caused by co-infection with multiple viruses in a natalizumab-treated patient: a case report and brief review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Acute retinal necrosis is considered a rare infectious uveitis. This condition is usually caused by varicella-zoster virus or herpes simplex virus. Acute retinal necrosis caused by co-infection with multiple viruses is extremely rare. Herein, we report a case of acute retinal necrosis caused by co-infection with herpes simplex virus (type I and II) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in a natalizumab-treated patient due to multiple sclerosis. CASE PRESENTATION: An adult man presented with a complaint of decreased vision of the right eye from 12 days ago. He was a known case of multiple sclerosis receiving natalizumab. Examination of the right eye revealed severe conjunctival injection, fine diffuse keratic precipitates, 3 + anterior chamber and vitreous cells, elevated intraocular pressure (26 mmHg), a blurred optic disk with hemorrhagic patches, and occlusive vasculitis plus confluent necrotizing patches in the peripheral retina compatible with diagnosis of acute retinal necrosis. He underwent anterior chamber and vitreous tap, and real-time PCR detected HSV I & II and VZV on the vitreous specimen. A second PCR showed the same result. After neurological consultation, natalizumab was discontinued and intravenous acyclovir was started followed by oral acyclovir and oral prednisolone to control the disease, which was successful. CONCLUSIONS: Although rare, multiple-viral infection should be considered in the physiopathology of acute retinal necrosis, especially in immunosuppressed patients.

Intravitreal bevacizumab alone or combined with 1 mg triamcinolone in diabetic macular edema: a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the results of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injection alone or in combination with intravitreal 1 mg triamcinolone acetonide (IVT) in center-involved diabetic macular edema. METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial study, ninety-two eyes of 46 patients with bilateral center-involved diabetic macular edema and no previous treatment were included in the study. One eye of each patient was randomly assigned to 1.25 mg of IVB injection or combination of 1.25 IVB and 1 mg IVT. Evaluation of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), intraocular pressure (IOP) and grading of lens opacity was conducted at baseline, and weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 after treatment. Retreatment was performed at a 6-week interval whenever indicated based on CMT. RESULTS: Between the groups, BCVA changes were not statistically different until 24-week follow-up (P > 0.05), but at 24 weeks after treatment, BCVA improvement was significantly better in IVB group (P = 0.049). Significant CMT reduction was observed in each group along the follow-up period (P = 0.001). The mean CMT reduction was more significant in combination (IVB + IVT) group at 2 weeks of follow-up (P < 0.001), but CMT changes were not significant between the groups at weeks 12th and 24th after injection. Overall, retreatment was applied for 59 eyes up to 24 weeks (33 in the IVB group, 26 in the IVB + IVT group). Among patients with 2 or more injections, number of injections was significantly lower in IVB + IVT group (P = 0.043). Three eyes within IVB + IVT group developed IOP rise beyond 21 mmHg, which were controlled with topical anti-glaucoma medications within 1 week. Changes in lens opacity were not significant between two groups. CONCLUSION: Eyes treated with IVB plus 1 mg IVT injections had more significant reduction in CMT in early post-injection, but this effect was transient. Although after 24 weeks visual acuity improvement was better in IVB group, combination therapy may decrease the number of injections. Combining 1 mg of intravitreal triamcinolone with bevacizumab was not accompanied with significant side effects.

Epidemiological characteristics and prognostic factors of post-traumatic endophthalmitis.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the prognostic factors and features of post-traumatic endophthalmitis. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled adult patients (>18 years old) diagnosed with post-traumatic endophthalmitis. Their medical records were reviewed and the patient demographic characteristics, features of injury, management, outcomes and microbiology data were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 131 eyes from 131 patients were enrolled. Post-traumatic endophthalmitis was more common in male patients (122 of 131 patients: 93.1%), in those aged 30-44 years (51 of 131 patients: 38.9%), in those injured with a metallic object (86 of 131 patients; 65.6%), in those with a penetrating injury (90 of 131 patients; 68.7%) and those that were injured at work (106 of 131 patients; 80.9%). The mean ± SD time of presentation to the hospital and developing endophthalmitis was 40.60 ± 19.32 h and 5.19 ± 2.55 days, respectively. Of the cultures, 84 of 131 (64.1%) were negative and 22 of 131 (16.8%) were positive for Staphylococcus species. Patients with delayed presentation, an intraocular foreign body, traumatic cataract, retinal detachment, larger wounds, positive smears and cultures and work-related injuries had worse outcomes. CONCLUSION: Immediate presentation to an ophthalmic centre and timely diagnosis and intervention may lead to better outcomes.

Outbreak of postoperative endophthalmitis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa: a case report and brief literature review.

Endophthalmitis is the most serious complication of cataract surgery. A cluster of endophthalmitis is a devastating event for surgeons. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the main causative pathogen of Gram-negative endophthalmitis, which can be suggestive of the occurrence of an outbreak.Ten patients diagnosed with endophthalmitis after cataract surgery performed by one surgeon were analyzed in this study. At presentation, five patients had obvious clinical findings of endophthalmitis with visual acuity of light perception, two patients had poor light perception/no light perception of vision complicated by concomitant keratitis, and three patients had earlier signs of infection (e.g., a lower degree of anterior chamber and vitreous cells, better presenting visual acuity, and greater visibility of the fundus). Investigations revealed that the source of infection was growth of P. aeruginosa on the phaco probe. All of the surgeries had been performed by the same contaminated probe without sterilization between surgeries. This finding emphasizes the importance of strict adherence to sterility protocols during high-risk surgeries such as intraocular surgeries. Additionally, this report aims to emphasize to surgeons that negligence of simple but vital steps of sterility for any reason, such as limitations in time or equipment, can lead to catastrophic events.

Pachydermoperiostosis: A clinicopathological description.

PURPOSE: To report a case of pachydermoperiostosis (PDP) and a review of the literature. METHODS: A 32-year-old man was referred to our clinic with bilateral eyelid swelling and blepharoptosis. On examination, marked blepharoptosis was noted, and his eyelids were found to be floppy. Systemic examination was significant for clubbing of digits, coarse acromegalic facial features, and furrowing and oiliness of the skin of scalp and forehead. RESULTS: The patient was diagnosed as a case of PDP. On the brain MRI, the pituitary gland was enlarged, and the border of clivus was irregular. Pituitary and thyroid hormone levels were normal. He underwent bilateral lateral tarsal strip (LTS) procedure to address the eyelid laxity. Histopathologic examination revealed marked sebaceous gland hyperplasia with mucin deposition in the dermis. CONCLUSION: Floppy eyelid syndrome, clubbing, and acromegaloid face are main features that could lead to the diagnosis of PDP.

Comparison Between Bactec Peds Plus F Broth and Conventional Medium for Vitreous Culture.

Purpose: To evaluate the yield of Bactec Peds Plus F broth for vitreous sample culture in cases with infectious endophthalmitis in comparison to conventional medium. Patients and Methods: Consecutive cases of clinically suspected endophthalmitis were prospectively enrolled in this study. Cultures of the vitreous sample were performed in both Bactec Peds Plus F broth and conventional mediums. Results: Forty eyes of 40 patients who were clinically suspected of infectious endophthalmitis with different etiologies were enrolled in this study. The positive culture yield was 50% and 35% in Bactec Peds Plus F broth and conventional mediums, respectively (p = 0.07). The result of Bactec group was not significantly different among patients who had a history of intravitreal antibiotic injection (p > 0.05) (Table 2). However, results of the conventional method were significantly negative in the previous intravitreal antibiotic injection group (p = 0.02). There was no correlation between the methods of vitreous sampling in both culture methods. Conclusion: Although the difference between two culture methods was not statistically significant in this study, Bactec Peds Plus F broth showed higher positive culture yield in patients with a history of intravitreal antibiotic injection.

The Accuracy of Digital Imaging in Diagnosis of Retinopathy of Prematurity in Iran: A Pilot Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate sensitivity and specificity of digital retinal image reading in the diagnosis of referral-warranted retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). METHODS: Infants referred to the ROP clinic underwent fundus examination through indirect ophthalmoscopy. Fundus photographs were acquired using RetCam (shuttle 2; Clarity medical systems, Pleasanton, CA, USA). Four retinal specialists who were blind to patients' information reviewed the RetCam fundus photographs. By comparing the results of photographs' readings with that of indirect ophthalmoscopy as the gold standard, the sensitivity and specificity of telescreening was determined. RESULTS: A total of 147 treatment-naïve patients met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in the study. Mean gestational age (GA) was 28.6 ± 2.0 weeks. Digital retinal imaging had sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 35% in detecting referral-warranted ROP in our study. Positive predictive value of digital photography was 80%, and negative predictive value was 43%. CONCLUSION: Digital photography for diagnosis of ROP may show good potential as a screening modality in developing countries. It can facilitate early diagnosis, prevent unnecessary referrals, and be implemented for investigational purpose. However, the overall study result did not provide evidence to propose digital photography as a substitute for indirect ophthalmoscopy in the diagnosis of ROP.

A survey of incidental ocular trauma by pencil and pen.

AIM: To determine characteristic features of ocular trauma resulted from self-trauma by writing instruments among pediatric population. METHODS: Thirty-six children who suffered from self-inflicted ocular trauma with a writing instrument were included in this prospective cross-sectional study. RESULTS: The mean age was 5.6±2.7y with male: female ratio of 1.77. The right eye was involved two times more than the left eye. The superomedial (55.5%) and inferomedial (30.6%) quadrants were the most common sites of injury. The leading culprit was colored pencils (44.4%). During surgical exploration, no foreign body (FB) was found in 25 (69.4%) patients while an FB was found in 11 (30.5%) patients. Brain injury was present in two patients (5.6%) and only in superomedial quadrant injuries. Zone 1 was the most common site for ocular trauma associated with penetrating injury. The mean ocular trauma score (OTS) in penetrating injuries was 3.8±1.2. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.3±0.6 upon admittance and 0.08±0.21 after one year. The final BCVA was significantly correlated with the entrance site, better final BCVA was found in nasal entrance site (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The ophthalmologists should keep a high index of suspicion to rule out penetrating eye injuries related to writing instruments in a young uncooperative child. Brain injury is a life-threatening event that should be ruled out by appropriate imaging. Medial canthal area as the most common site needs an especial attention in writing instrument injuries.

Removal of subfoveal perfluorocarbon liquid: Report of 3 cases.

PURPOSE: To report removal of retained subfoveal perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) after vitrectomy for retinal detachment. METHODS: Three patients underwent 3-port 23-gauge vitrectomy in an attempt to remove retained subfoveal PFCL bubble secondary to retinal detachment surgery. In two patients, removal was achieved via a 23-G needle whereas the third patient with multiple small subfoveal droplets, multiple punctures were required and in that case a small 40-G needle was used.We assessed best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fundus imaging, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) of all patients before and after surgery. RESULTS: The subfoveal PFCL was successfully removed in all 3 eyes and although a functional improvement was documented, outer retinal atrophy and photoreceptor loss was observed in all our cases. CONCLUSIONS: SD-OCT allows early recognition of retained subfoveal PFCL. Surgical removal may lead to retinal morphologic restoration and functional improvement. While we achieved complete removal of PFCL with both 23-G and 40-G instrumentation, we believe the versatility and ease justifies the universal usage of 40-G retinotomy needles.

Cytomegalovirus retinitis in an immunocompetent patient: A case report.

PURPOSE: To report a case of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in an immunocompetent adult patient. METHODS: A 61-year-old woman with proven CMV retinitis and no evidence of HIV or other underlying immunodeficiencies was referred. RESULTS: She was referred with history of recent right eye visual loss. In fundus examination, she had signs of retinal vasculitis. After initial examination, she was found to have CMV retinitis documented by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of vitreous sample. She had neither underlying risk factor in any assessed work-up nor any concomitant disease in 10 months follow-up. She received intravitreal ganciclovir with good response to treatment. CONCLUSION: Ophthalmologists should take into account infectious causes of retinal vasculitis before approaching anti-inflammatory or anti-VEGF therapy.

Subfoveal Choroidal Thickness after Panretinal Photocoagulation with Red and Green Laser in Bilateral Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy Patients: Short Term Results.

Purpose. To compare subfoveal choroidal, central retinal, and peripapillary nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness after panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) with red and green laser in diabetic patients. Study Design. Randomized clinical trial. Methods. A total of 50 patients with bilateral proliferative diabetic retinopathy and no diabetic macular edema underwent PRP. One eye was randomly assigned to red or green laser. Subfoveal choroidal, central retinal, and RNFL thicknesses were evaluated at baseline and 6 weeks after treatment. Results. The mean subfoveal choroidal, central retinal, and peripapillary nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness increased significantly in each eye 6 weeks after PRP (P values in red laser group: <0.01, 0.03, and <0.01, resp., and in green laser group <0.01, <0.01, and <0.01). There was no difference between red and green laser considering subfoveal choroidal, central retinal, and peripapillary nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness increase after PRP (P values: 0.184, 0.404, and 0.726, resp.). Conclusion. Both red and green lasers increased mean subfoveal choroidal, central retinal, and peripapillary nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness significantly 6 weeks after PRP, but there is no difference between these two modalities in this regard.

Complement factor H and LOC387715/ARMS2/HTRA1 variant's frequencies and phenotypic associations in neovascular age-related macular degeneration, a pilot study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the frequency of 12 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of complement factor H (CFH) and LOC387715/ARMS2/HRTA1 and their association with some of the presenting clinical features of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: In this prospective non-comparative case series forty four naïve patients with neovascular AMD were genotyped using sequencing or Sequenom iPLEX technology. Descriptive tests were used for displaying the magnitude of each allele, gender distribution, and age at diagnosis. Fisher exact test was used to evaluate the correlation between visual acuity (VA) and different alleles. Also Kruskal-Wallis test was used for comparison between age at the time of diagnosis and different alleles. RESULTS: The most frequent SNP among studied patients was rs1061147 with 100% frequency rate. The least common was rs2672598 with a frequency of 52.27%. Only the allele rs800292 of CFH locus on 1q32 was associated with VA better than 20/200 (p value = 0.034). The frequency of this allele was 77.27% (34 patients) in this study. There was no significant association between any of alleles, and VA worse than 20/200(p > 0.05). Fifteen patients had bilateral exudative AMD (34.09%). There was no significant difference between alleles in bilateral neovascular AMD and unilateral disease. Also bilateral and unilateral patients were not different in terms of age, gender or VA (p value: 0.330, 0.764 and 0.456 respectively). There was also no significant association between any of SNPs and bilaterality of disease. CONCLUSION: We designated the frequencies of SNPs of CFH and LOC387715/ARMS2/HRTA1 in neovascular AMD in a sample of Iranian patients. Only the allele rs800292 of CFH locus on chromosome 1q32 was associated with better VA.

Acute bilateral endophthalmitis following bilateral intravitreal bevacizumab (avastin) injection.

The clinical presentation and management of two patients who presented with acute bilateral endophthalmitis following bilateral intravitreal bevacizumab injection. Both cases were diagnosed clinically and subsequent to a vitreous sample, intravitreal ceftazidime (2.25 mg/0.1 ml) and vancomycin (1 mg/0.1 ml) were injected. One patient had a significant improvement in signs and symptoms after intravitreal antibiotics. However, there were was no improvement in the other patient and pars plana vitrectomy was performed bilaterally. Vitreous cultures were positive in both cases for Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Retinal nerve fiber thickness is reduced in sleep apnea syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of glaucoma, visual field abnormalities, as well as changes in retinal nerve fiber layer in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 51 patients with OSAS were included. Based on apnea hypopnea index (AHI), there were 26, 6 and 19 cases of severe (AHI⩾30), moderate (15⩽AHI<30), and mild (5⩽AHI<15) OSAS, respectively. The control group was matched for age, sex and body mass index. Prevalence of glaucoma and ocular hypertension as well as the following values were assessed and compared between two groups: best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness (CCT), cup:disk ratio, mean deviation (MD), pattern standard deviation, and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) parameters using glaucoma diagnosis measurement (GDx). RESULTS: Seven eyes (6.7%) had intraocular pressure (IOP)>21mmHg; of these, four eyes (3.9%) had glaucoma. No significant difference was detected in CCT between the two groups. IOP was significantly higher in the OSAS group before (p<0.001) and after (p<0.001) correcting for CCT. There was a significant difference between groups in MD and most GDx parameters including DISK (temporal-superior-nasal-inferior-temporal) average (p=0.002), superior average (p=0.05) and nerve fiber indicator (NFI) (p=0.03), where those in the patient group showed lower values. There was a significant positive correlation between AHI and both IOP and NFI. CONCLUSIONS: OSAS patients had a higher prevalence of glaucoma and ocular hypertension. OSAS patients also had higher IOP, worse visual field indices, and lower RNFL parameters compared with the control group.