Clinicopathologic Correlations of Retrocorneal Membranes Associated With Endothelial Corneal Graft Failure.

PURPOSE: To provide clinicopathologic correlations for retrocorneal membranes associated with Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) failure. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: The specimens and medical records of the patients diagnosed with clinically significant retrocorneal membranes associated with DSAEK failure at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute or the University of Miami Veterans Hospital between October 2015 and March 2020 were reviewed for demographics, clinical presentation, comorbidities, and surgeries performed. Histopathologic analysis was performed on hematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid-Schiff sections. Immunohistochemical studies were performed for smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), pancytokeratin, and CK7. Immunofluorescence was performed for vimentin, N-cadherin, ROCK1, RhoA, ZEB1, and Snail. RESULTS: A total of 7 patients (3 male and 4 female) were identified to have a clinically significant retrocorneal membranes at the time of graft failure. The average age at the time of first DSAEK was 70 years (range: 55-85 years). All patients were pseudophakic and had a glaucoma drainage device in place; 1 had a history of failed DSAEK. Ranging from 0 to 47 months after surgery, a variably thick retrocorneal fibrous membrane was observed, eventually leading to graft failure. Four patients underwent subsequent penetrating keratoplasty and 3 underwent repeat DSAEK. On histopathologic evaluation, a pigmented fibrocellular tissue was identified along the posterior margin of the corneas and DSAEK buttons in all cases. Further characterization with immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence demonstrated membranes to be negative for pancytokeratin and positive for α-SMA, vimentin, CK7, N-cadherin, ZEB1, Snail, ROCK1, and RhoA. CONCLUSIONS: Fibrocellular retrocorneal membrane proliferation may be associated with DSAEK failure in patients with previous glaucoma drainage device surgery. Our results demonstrate myofibroblastic differentiation and a lack of epithelial differentiation. Positivity for markers of an endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition indicates possible endothelial origin and could be the hallmark for future targeted pharmacotherapy.

Salzmann nodular degeneration: prevalence, impact, and management strategies.

PURPOSE: This review will summarize the clinical and histological presentation of Salzmann nodular degeneration (SND), its prevalence and risk factors, potential underlying mechanisms, diagnostic tools, management options, and impact on cataract surgery and co-morbid ocular surface diseases. METHOD: PubMed review of 44 articles published between 1976 and 2018. RESULTS: SND is a corneal disease characterized by whitish gray or bluish nodules on the peripheral or central cornea. The clinical presentation of SND is variable and the nodules can be asymptomatic or cause foreign body sensation and/or blurred vision. Histologically, SND appears as subepithelial nodules with thin overlying epithelium, disrupted or absent Bowman's layer, and activated fibroblasts within the nodule. SND pathogenesis is not fully understood but is thought to involve poor epithelial protection and disruption of the epithelial-stromal interface, allowing for penetration of epithelially derived growth factors into the stroma and subsequent activation of stromal fibroblasts, eventually leading to sub-epithelial deposition of disorganized extracellular membrane components. SND most commonly occurs in Caucasian females in a bimodal distribution, occurring in the fifth or eighth and ninth decades of life. Risk factors for SND include ocular surface diseases and surgery. Surgical intervention is recommended in individuals with symptomatic nodules - primarily superficial keratectomy performed with or without intraoperative mitomycin C, photokeratectomy, and/or amniotic membrane transplantation. These procedures have been successful in removing the lesion and reducing corneal irregularity, but have variable recurrence rates (0-31%). CONCLUSION: The pathogenesis of SND is complex and multifactorial. Advances in diagnostic and treatment modalities have allowed for earlier and more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of SND.

Clinicopathologic Correlation of the Optic Pit Glial Plug in Optic Disc Pit Maculopathy.

This is a report of a 31-year-old woman with unilateral vision loss due to serous retinal detachment and schisis-like changes associated with an optic disc pit. The patient was initially observed but worsened clinically and underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling, laser photocoagulation, and removal of an optic pit plug. Histopathological analysis of the specimen disclosed that the plug consisted of fibrovascular neural tissue. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2018;49:e287-e291.].

Blue Nevi of the Ocular Surface: Clinical Characteristics, Pathologic Features, and Clinical Course.

PURPOSE: Blue nevus is a melanocytic tumor that is commonly found in the skin. Extracutaneous presentations, including the ocular surface, are rare. As such, the purpose of this study was to characterize the clinical features and clinical course of congenital melanocytic tumor (blue nevus) of the conjunctiva. DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-one patients with 23 blue nevi of the ocular surface that were excised surgically between 2000 and 2016. METHODS: Chart review of patients identified from a database search of the Florida Lions Ocular Pathology Laboratory records. Pathologic diagnoses were confirmed by 2 pathologists (S.R.D. and G.E.). All specimens were bleached and, tissue permitting, stained using SOX10 (MilliporeSigma, Darmstadt, Germany) and CD68 (Leica Biosystems, Nussloch, Germany). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical characteristics, pathologic features, and clinical course. RESULTS: Mean age of the population was 55±15 years; 71.4% (n = 15) were white and 57.1% (n = 12) were men. One patient had 3 lesions, for a total of 23 lesions examined. Clinically, 13 lesions were on the bulbar conjunctiva, 3 were on the tarsal conjunctiva, 3 were in the fornix, 2 were caruncular, 1 was episcleral, and 1 was at the limbus. Before excision, 8 patients were thought to have primary acquired melanosis, 4 with concern for primary conjunctival melanoma, and 1 thought to have metastatic disease from a plantar melanoma. Five lesions were thought to be benign, and in 8 patients, the lesions were identified incidentally after other ocular surgeries, with no diagnosis of the lesions before excision. Pathologic features were consistent with simple blue nevi in 21 lesions and cellular blue nevus in 2 lesions. No malignant transformations were noted in any patient over the mean 20.2-month follow-up period (range, 2 weeks-103 months). CONCLUSIONS: Blue nevus is a rare deeply pigmented congenital melanocytic lesion with a benign clinical course that can appear clinically similar to primary acquired melanosis or melanoma.

Cardio-Metabolic Health Venezuelan Study (EVESCAM): Design and Implementation / Estudio Venezolano de Salud Cardio-Metabólica (EVESCAM): Diseño e Implementación

The EVESCAM (EstudioVenezolano de Salud Cardio-Metabólica) is the first national, population survey in Venezuela, designed to examine the prevalence of diabetes and cardio-metabolic risk factors and its relationship with lifestyle. It is a cross-sectional, cluster sampling study, which recruited 4454 participants aged ≥ 20 years. The data were collected in community health-care centers by trained health professionals and medical students. The data collected from each subject included, after informed consent, structured questionnaires (clinical, demographic, physical activity, nutritional and psychological), anthropometric measurements (weight, height and waist circumference), body fat by bioelectrical impedance, hand grip, blood pressure, electrocardiogram, and biochemical measurements (standard 75 g oral glucose tolerance test, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides). The data will be used to estimate the prevalence of overweight, obesity, prediabetes, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemias, sarcopenia and metabolic syndrome; and to examine their relationships with lifestyle factors. The risk of coronary heart disease and impaired glucose regulation will be estimated using the Framingham Coronary Heart Disease Risk Score and the Latin America adaptation of the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (LA-FINDRISC), respectively. These results will guide national cardiovascular and diabetes prevention strategies, and will be available for government agencies to help in the implementation of public health policies.

El EVESCAM (Estudio Venezolano de Salud Cardio-Metabólica) es el primer estudio poblacional de muestreo nacional en Venezuela diseñado para examinar la prevalencia de diabetes y factores de riesgo cardio-metabólico, y su relación con el estilo de vida. Se trata de un estudio transversal de muestreo por conglomerados, reclutando 4454 participantes de 20 años o más. Los datos fueron recogidos en centros de salud de la comunidad por profesionales de salud y estudiantes de medicina entrenados. Después del consentimiento infor mado, los datos recolectados en cada sujeto incluyeron: cuestionarios estructurados (clínico, demográfico, actividad física, nutricional y psicológico), medidas antropométricas (peso, talla y circunferencia de cintura), grasa corporal por impedancia bioeléctrica, fuerza de aprehensión de la mano, presión arterial, electrocardiograma y medidas bioquímicas (prueba de tolerancia a la glucosa oral estándar con 75 g de glucosa, colesterol total, colesterol HDL, colesterol LDL y triglicéridos). Los datos se utilizarán para estimar la prevalencia de sobrepeso, obesidad, prediabetes, diabetes, hipertensión arterial, dislipidemias, sarcopenia y síndrome metabólico; y para examinar sus relaciones con factores de estilo de vida. El riesgo de cardiopatía coronaria y de alteración de la regulación de la glucosa se calculará utilizando la puntuación de riesgo de la enfermedad coronaria de Framingham y la adaptación para Latinoamérica de la puntuación finlandesa del riesgo de diabetes (LA-FINDRISC), respectivamente. Estos resultados guiarán las estrategias nacionales de prevención cardiovascular y diabetes, y estarán disponibles para que las agencias gubernamentales ayuden en la implementación de las políticas de salud pública.

The Impact of the Transition to an Electronic Medical Record on Patient Perceptions in a Pediatric Ophthalmology Practice.

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of the transition from traditional paper-based medical records to electronic medical records in a pediatric ophthalmology practice at a tertiary care center. METHODS: A prospective, cross-sectional survey was completed at three time points: 2 weeks prior to (phase 1), 2 weeks after (phase 2), and 3 months after (phase 3) the electronic medical record transition. The survey consisted of 10 Likert-type scaled questions assessing patient satisfaction and two free response questions estimating the wait time, which was completed by patients or parents/guardians whose child/children (younger than 18 years) had an appointment in the pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus clinic. Satisfaction scores and waiting times were compared within each phase and across phases and between different appointment types. RESULTS: A total of 382 surveys were collected: 158 from phase 1, 68 from phase 2, and 156 from phase 3. Overall, patient satisfaction was high at all three time points. Patients' estimates of waiting time compared to actual waiting time were not significantly different at any phase; however, patients' estimates of time spent with the physician were significantly underestimated in phase 1 (20 vs 25 minutes, P = .04) and were correct or overestimated in phase 3. CONCLUSIONS: Patients were satisfied with the service regardless of the use of paper charts or electronic medical records. The electronic medical record system does not seem to improve patients' waiting time, but has a significant impact on the perception of time spent with the physician. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2016;53(3):173-178.].

Clinical Features, Antibiotic Susceptibility Profiles, and Outcomes of Infectious Keratitis Caused by Achromobacter xylosoxidans.

PURPOSE: Reports on Achromobacter xylosoxidans ocular infections are increasing, drawing attention to its emerging role in infectious keratitis. The purpose of this study is to report the clinical features, antibiotic sensitivities, and visual outcomes of infectious keratitis secondary to Achromobacter xylosoxidans. METHODS: A microbiology database and clinical chart review was performed in all patients diagnosed with A. xylosoxidans keratitis at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute between the years 1987 and 2014. Initial presentation, antimicrobial susceptibilities, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), treatment course, and outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients were identified. The main risk factors were corneal graft (n = 8, 28.6%) and contact lens wear (n = 8, 28.6%). On presentation, visual acuity was 20/100 or worse in 20 (71.2%) patients. Hypopyon was present in 7 (25.0%) patients. In most cases, topical fluoroquinolones or tobramycin were the initial treatment, often accompanied by vancomycin. High susceptibility rates were found for piperacillin [100%, minimum inhibitory concentration for 90% of isolates (MIC90) = 8] and ticarcillin (100%, MIC90 = 16). Low susceptibility rates were documented for ciprofloxacin (46.7%, MIC90 = 8), tobramycin (26.7%, MIC90 = 16), and gentamicin (20%, MIC90 = 16). One (3.6%) patient suffered endophthalmitis. Six (21.4%) patients underwent therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty, and 2 (7.1%) patients had conjunctival flap surgery. Visual acuity at final follow-up was 20/100 or worse in 16 (57.1%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Infectious keratitis caused by A. xylosoxidans is associated with poor visual outcomes. Fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides are not appropriate treatments for these ocular infections. Further studies are needed to define the clinical application of compound piperacillin and ticarcillin eye drops.

Estudio venezolano de salud cardiometabólica (EVESCAM): descripción general y muestreo / Venezuelan cardiometabolic health study (EVESCAM): overview and sampling

El Estudio Venezolano de Salud Cardio-Metabólica (EVESCAM) es el primer estudio multicéntrico sobre la Salud cardiometabólica del venezolano. Evaluar la prevalencia de diabetes y Factores de Riesgo Cardio-Metabólico (FRCM), y su relación con el estilo de vida en Venezuela. Es un estudio poblacional, transversal, con muestreo por conglomerados, cuyo objetivo es evaluar a 4200 participantes ≥ 20 años de las 8 regiones de Venezuela. Los datos serán recolectados en centros asistenciales por profesionales de la salud y estudiantes de medicina previamente capacitados y certificados. Después de obtener el consentimiento informado, en cada participante se realizarán: a. Cuestionarios estructurados para obtener datos clínicos, demográficos, de actividad física, nutricionales, psicológicos y estratos sociales; b. examen físico (peso, talla, grasa corporal por bioimpedancia, circunferencia de la cintura, fuerza de aprehensión de la mano, presión arterial y electrocardiograma) y c. Pruebas bioquímicas (Prueba de Tolerancia a la Glucosa -PTGO- estándar 75 g, colesterol total, HDL-colesterol, LDL-colesterol y triglicéridos). Además se calculará el riesgo de enfermedad cardíaca coronaria (por puntaje de Framingham) y la regulación de la glucosa alterada (por puntaje FINDRISC modificado). Se estimará la prevalencia de sobrepeso, obesidad, prediabetes, diabetes, hipertensión, dislipidemias, sarcopenia, síndrome metabólico y su relación con los factores de estilo de vida (nutrición, actividad física, estrés psicosocial, uso de tabaco y alcohol). En esta primera parte se explica la metodología y la aplicación del muestreo a la Ciudad de Barquisimeto.

This is the first cardiometabolic multicentric study of the Venezuelan people cardiometabolic health. To evaluate the relationship of the prevalence of diabetes and risk factors with Venezuelan lifestyle. This is a population, transverse, with conglomerates of 4200 of 20 or more years-old in 8 areas of Venezuela. Data were colected in different health centers by physicians and medical students, who had been enabled for this. After obtaining consented inform, to each participant the following was applied: 1) structured questionaires for clinical data, demography, physical activity, nutrition, psicological traits and social status. 2. complete physical examination, including EKG). 3. Glucose tolerance test, lipid profile, Framingham score and FINDRISK modified score. Prevalence of overweight, obesity, prediabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, sarcopenia, metabolic syndrome and their relationship with lifestyle factors. This is the first parte in the city of Barquisimeto.

Identificación en tiempo real de la anatomía biliar mediante fluorescencia utilizando fluoresceína sódica / Real time identification of biliary anatomy by fluorescence using fluorescein sodium

Objetivo: Desarrollar, en un modelo experimental animado, la técnica de colangiografía intraoperatoria utilizando fluoresceína sódica. Determinar la dosis de fluoresceína sódica necesaria para obtener la mejor visualización de la vesícula y del árbol biliar. Método: Estudio de tipo experimental, en el que se incluyeron 6 conejos albinos de raza Nueva Zelanda, distribuidos en 3 grupos equitativamente, según la dosis de fluoresceína sódica (5 mg/kg, 7,5 mg/kg, 15 mg/kg). Cumplido el protocolo anestésico, se administró la dosis de fluoresceína sódica según el grupo correspondiente, vía endovenosa. Se realizó una laparotomía por línea media superior, exteriorizándose el hígado y se realizó una maniobra de eversión, para la fácil identificación del sistema biliar extrahepático. Posteriormente, y con los sistema de iluminación, se registraron los parámetros de fluorescencia con cada dosis. No se realizó eutanasia. Ambiente: Centro veterinario privado "Colmillos y garras" Resultados: En todos los casos se logró registrar fluorescencia, siendo la dosis que permitió una mejor visualización la de 7,5 mg/kg. El tiempo promedio en el cual se empezó a ver fluorescencia en la vesícula biliar fue de 5 minutos; el tiempo promedio en el cual se alcanzó la totalidad del fenómeno fue de 18 minutos y, en todos los casos, la fluorescencia persistió por 30 minutos. Conclusión: La identificación de las vías biliares guiada por fluorescencia, utilizando fluoresceína sódica y con la fuente de luz UV de 5 mm de diámetro diseñada por los autores es factible, siendo la dosis con mejor visualización, la de 7,5 mg /kg de peso(AU)

Objective: To develop an experimental animal model technique using sodium fluorescein intraoperative cholangiography. To Determine the dose of sodium fluorescein necessary for the best display of the gallbladder and biliary tree. Methods: Experimental study. 6 New Zealand white albino rabbits divided into 3 groups depending on the dose of sodium fluorescein (5 mg / kg, 7.5 mg / kg, 15 mg / kg) were used. Prior anesthetic protocol corresponding fluorescein sodium was administered according included Animal group intravenously. Upper midline incision was used, exteriorization of the liver allow easy identification of extrahepatic biliary system and subsequently illuminated with fluorescence. Parameters were recorded for each dose. No euthanasia was performed. Environment: Private Veterinary Centre "Colmillos y Garras". Results: In all cases, we recorded fluorescence. The dose that allowed the best visualization was 7.5 mg / kg. The average time in which fluorescence began to be visible in the gallbladder was 5 minutes, the average time in which the total fluorescence was reached was 18 minutes in all cases fluorescence persisted until 30 minutes. Conclusion: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy guied using sodium fluorescein fluorescence and UV light source of 5 mm diameter is feasible. Better visualization is obtained with the dose 7.5 mg / kg(AU)

Tiroidectomía endoscópica transaxiliar en cerdo modelo de entrenamiento / Endoscopic thyroidectomy transaxillary in pig model of training

Para demostar la seguridad y factibilidad de la técnica endoscópica mínimamente invasiva transaxilar sin uso de gas para disecar y remover la glándula tiroides en cerdo. Se utilizó un ejemplar de raza landrace durox pietran york de 2 meses de edad y 25 Kg, un equipo de endoscopia STORZ® y bisturí armónico Ultracision®. Se realizó tiroidectomía endoscópica transaxiliar sin gas, previa intubación endotraqueal del cerdo, con visualización de ambos nervios recurrentes y arterias tiroideas, tiempo quirúrgico: Abordaje axilar 20 minutos, abordaje endoscópico 40 minutos. La facilidad con la que se realizó la cirugía en este animal de experimentación, nos permite proponer el uso de cerdos para el entrenamiento y capacitación en la cirugía endoscópica de la tiroides.

To demonstrate the safety and feassibility of minimally invasive endoscopic technique without using gas transaxillary to dissect and remove the thyroid gland in pig. We used a pig race landrace durox pietran york 2 months of age and 25 kg, a team of STORZ® endoscope and harmonic scalpel Ultracision®. Transaxillary endoscopy thyroidectomy was performed without gas after endotracheal intubation the pig, with visuali alization of both recurrent nerves and thyroid arteries, surgical time: 20 minutes axillary approach, endoscopic approach 40 minutes. The ease with which they performed the surgery in animal experiments, this paper proposes the use of pigs for training and training in endoscopic surgery of the thyroid.

Variaciones en la distribución de las ramas de la arteria celíaca / Variations in the distribution of the branches of the celiac artery

La arteria celíaca es un vaso corto que se origina en la cara anterior de la aorta abdominal. El objetivo de este estudio es describir las variaciones en las ramas de este importante elemento vascular, ampliando así la información existente al respecto. Se disecaron 50 especímenes de fetos venezolanos entre 25 y 39 semanas de edad gestacional, previamente fijados en formol al 10 por ciento y perfundidos con vinil rojo, observándose los siguientes hallazgos: A) En el 64 por ciento (32 casos) se observó la descripción clásica de ramificación, con las arterias gástrica izquierda, hepática común y lienal como únicas ramas; B) En el 28 por ciento (14 fetos) se encontró la emergencia de ramas adicionales como las arterias frénicas inferiores, pancreática dorsal, gástrica derecha, gastroduodenal y suprarrenal inferior izquierda; C) En el 4 por ciento la arteria hepática común no formó parte de las ramas de la arteria celíaca, dividiéndose ésta en las arterias gástrica izquierda y lienal con elementos adicionales como las arterias mesentérica superior y gástrica derecha; D) En el 2 por ciento las arterias gástrica izquierda y hepática común se originaron de la arteria celíaca, mientras que la arteria lienal se encontró formando un tronco con la mesentérica superior y; E) En el 2 por ciento no se localizó a la arteria celíaca y las tres ramas clásicas: gástrica izquierda, hepática común y lienal, emergían directamente de la aorta

The celiac artery is a short vessel that takes origin at the front surface of the abdominal aorta. The aim of this study is to describe the variability in the branching pattern of this important vascular element, thus expanding the information available. 50 Venezuelans fetuses ranging from 25 to 39 weeks gestacional age were dissected, previously 10 percent formalin fixed and perfused with red vinyl, with the following findings: A) In 64 percent (32 cases) classical description of branching was observed, with the left gastric artery, hepatic and lienal as unique branches; B) In 28 percent (14 fetuses) the emergence of additional branches as: inferior phrenic arteries, dorsal pancreatic, right gastric, gastroduodenal and left inferior adrenal arteries were seen; C) In 4 percent common hepatic artery was not part of the branches of the celiac artery, and it divided into the left gastric artery and lienal with additional features such as superior mesenteric artery and right gastric; D) In 2 percent the left gastric artery and common hepatic artery originated from celiac artery, while lienal artery was forming a trunk with superior mesenteric, and; E) In 2 percent was not found the celiac artery and the three traditional branches: left gastric, common hepatic and lienal, emerged directly from the aorta

A behavioral treatment program as a therapy in the control of primary hypertension / Un tratamiento conductal como terapia para el control de la hipertensión primaria

In order to assess the effects of a Behavioral Treatment Program in the control of primary hypertension, twenty one unmedicated hypertensives were randomly allocated to three groups: first, a treatment group (BHG) receiving a Behavior Treatment which included: deep muscle relaxation, peripheral temperature Biofeedback and anxiety management training; second, the placebo attention control group (PHG) and third, a control group of hypertensives too (CHG). Addicionaly, were compared with seven normotensives subjects (CNG). The post-treatment measures showed a significant reduction (p<0.001) in systolic and diastolic values only in the (BHG). In a six months follow-up the (BHG) group still showed a significant reduction in the systolic and diastolic BP (p<0.02;p<0.01). Moreover individual variations in response to treatment were observed in this group, (BHG)