Optical coherence tomography findings in fungal uveitis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to describe the vitreal, retinal, and choroidal features of eyes affected by endogenous endophthalmitis (EE) and evaluate the effects of systemic antifungal drug treatment and pars plana vitrectomy by using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). METHODS: Medical records and SD-OCT images of eyes diagnosed with EE at a single uveitis tertiary referral center in Brazil were acquired at the time of diagnosis, after 7 days of high-dose antifungal drug treatment, and at follow-up assessments performed 30 days after resolution. RESULTS: Thirteen eyes were enrolled in the study. All patients showed hyperreflective round-shaped lesions on SD-OCT and pre-retinal aggregates. Five eyes responded to antifungal systemic oral drugs despite showing vitreous opacity. The response to treatment was observable on optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. CONCLUSION: Fungal endophthalmitis showed typical features on SD-OCT, facilitating early diagnosis and treatment despite the absence of vitreous culture or biopsy. This study suggests that OCT images can be used to support diagnosis by physicians who do not have access to vitreoretinal surgery.

Clinical-Laboratory Outcome of Cryptococcus sp. Multifocal Choroiditis in Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Patients.

PURPOSE: This study aims to describe the clinical and laboratory outcomes of patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) presenting multifocal choroiditis secondary to Cryptococcus sp. infection. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical records of AIDS patients diagnosed with cryptococcal multifocal choroiditis at the Laboratory of Infectious Disease in Ophthalmology, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, from January 2022 to March 2024. Patients meeting the criteria of typical fundus appearance associated with disseminated cryptococcosis laboratory diagnosis were included. Data collected included age, gender, symptoms, plasma HIV viral load, serum T-CD4+ cell count (cells/mm3), initial visual acuity (VA), laboratory methods for cryptococcosis diagnosis, treatment, and final VA. All patients underwent multimodal evaluation including spectral domain optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography (FA), and indocyanine green angiography (ICG). RESULTS: Six patients were evaluated, comprising five males (83%) and one female (17%), with a mean age of 36.5 years (standard deviation, SD: 10,46). Five patients (83%) presented with meningeal syndrome. Mean HIV plasma viral load was 262.959 copies/mm3 (SD: 209.469), and the mean serum T-CD4 count was 13.33 cells/mL (SD: 14,63). All patients tested positive for serum cryptococcal antigen (CRAG). Four patients (67%) had positive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture and CRAG. Treatment included intravenous Amphotericin B and oral Fluconazole. Among twelve eyes (100%), four (33%) achieved visual recovery, while eight (67%) maintained initial VA. Lesions were more numerous and distinct on ICG compared to fundus examination and FA. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the importance of clinical, laboratory, and multimodal evaluations in AIDS patients presenting with cryptococcal multifocal choroiditis.

Monkeypox Infection Causing Conjunctival Vesicles and Anterior Uveitis.

Human monkeypox is a zoonosis caused by an orthopoxvirus and the clinical presentation resembles that of smallpox and chickenpox. The disease may start with a prodrome that includes lymphadenopathy, headache, fatigue, and fever, followed by a vesiculo-pustular rash. Ocular manifestations such as conjunctivitis and edema are present in approximately 20% of affected people, with a greater incidence among unvaccinated patients. Corneal involvement has also been reported and can result in corneal scarring and severe forms of keratitis. The natural course of the disease is most often benign and self-limiting, however, in some individuals, especially immunocompromised patients, there is a risk of complications such as bronchopneumonia, encephalitis, and vision loss. Herein, we present a case of a patient with monkeypox which caused conjunctival vesicles and anterior uveitis.

Bilateral acute depigmentation of the iris (BADI) and bilateral acute iris transillumination (BAIT): A case series from a center in Brazil.

Bilateral acute depigmentation of the iris and bilateral acute iris transillumination (BAIT) are similar clinical entities. The former causes acute-onset depigmentation of the iris stroma without transillumination, whereas the latter causes depigmentation of the iris pigment epithelium with transillumination. The etiopathogenesis of these conditions is not yet fully understood, but the proposed causes include the use of systemic antibiotics (especially moxifloxacin) and viral triggers. We present a case series of five female patients with a mean age of 41 (32-45) years, all of whom suffered acute onset of bilateral pain and redness of the eyes after moxifloxacin use (oral or topical). It is important for ophthalmologists to be aware of the two forms of iris depigmentation since this case series suggests that SARS-CoV-2 or its empirical treatment with moxifloxacin may trigger iris depigmentation. If this is the case, clinicians will likely see increased incidences of bilateral acute depigmentation of the iris and bilateral acute iris transillumination during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cutting-edge issues in sympathetic ophthalmia approach and six case reports: a T cell-mediated autoimmune response.

Sympathetic ophthalmia is a rare and potentially devastating bilateral diffuse granulomatous panuveitis. It is caused by surgical or non-surgical eye injuries and is an uncommon and serious complication of trauma. It is diagnosed clinically and supported by imaging examinations such as ocular ultrasonography and optical coherence tomography. Its treatment consists of immunosuppressive therapy with steroids and sometimes steroid-sparing drugs, such as cyclosporine, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, and mycophenolate mofetil. Fast and effective management with systemic immunosuppressive agents allows for disease control and achievement of good visual acuity in the sympathizing eye. By contrast, enucleation should be considered only in situations where the injured eye has no light perception or in the presence of severe trauma. In addition to a bibliographic review of this topic, we report six cases involving different immunosuppressive and surgical treatment modalities.

Ophthalmological Findings in Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection Examined at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases - INI/Fiocruz.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical characteristics, severity, and ophthalmological changes in SARS-CoV-2 patients through ophthalmological examinations performed at the reference center of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Brazil. METHODS: This cross-sectional study assessed the examination results of SARS-CoV-2 patients from July 2020 to November 2020. In total, 150 patients were included and allocated into three groups of 50 patients depending on the disease severity. Group 1 patients were in the intensive care unit (ICU), group 2 patients were in the semi-ICU, and group 3 patients were outpatients. RESULTS: Ten (6.7%) patients exhibited ophthalmological changes; five (10%), four (8%), and one (2%) patients in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Ophthalmological findings included candle flame hemorrhage and cotton wool exudates. We analyzed the general characteristics of the 10 patients with ophthalmological changes. Nine were hospitalized and one was seen on an outpatient basis. CONCLUSION: We observed ophthalmic changes in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, despite the absence of any clinical or laboratory risk factors indicative of such changes.

Bilateral Ampiginous Choroiditis following Confirmed SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

INTRODUCTION: Ampiginous Choroiditis is a rare posterior uveitis that combines clinical features of Acute Multifocal Posterior Placoid Pigment Epitheliopathy and Serpiginous Chorioretinitis. Its pathophysiology is poorly understood and further studies are necessary to understand which mechanisms start the immunologic reaction. CASE REPORT: The purpose of this article is to report a well-documented case of Ampiginous Choroiditis following in seven days a RT-PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, suggesting that the infection might have contributed as a trigger. CONCLUSION: Timely diagnosis and correct treatment are paramount to improve the visual outcomes, and the patient had successful response to systemic steroids.

Chronic conjunctivitis related to phthiriasis palpebrarum.

We describe a case of chronic conjunctivitis related to phthiriasis palpebrarum. A 36 year-old female presented with gradual pruritus and painless ocular hyperaemia over the previous 3 months. On examination, nasal pterygium, conjunctival hyperaemia, oedema, and mild hypertrophy of the palpebral margin were observed. A slit-lamp examination revealed numerous creamy oval structures approximately 1 mm in diameter localised in the middle area of the lashes, and bloody crusts and a semi-transparent deposit were present in the superior palpebral margin. Based on the observation of numerous nits at the base of the eyelashes and the ectoparasite in the palpebral margin, a diagnosis of phthiriasis palpebrarum was made. The patient was referred to an infectologist for evaluation of other sexually transmitted diseases and examination of other body areas. She was successfully treated with oral ivermectin, shampoo for ciliary hygiene and artificial tears. Other recommendations to avoid re-infestation were made, such as changing, washing and sterilising clothes, towels and sheets daily. This report emphasizes the importance of the correct diagnosis and management of this disease, considered as sexually transmitted.

Causes and characteristics of uveitis cases at a reference university hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological profile of uveitis cases treated at University Hospital Clementino Fraga Filho and to identify the presentation pattern of intraocular inflammation on the basis of clinical, anatomical, etiological, and demographic criteria. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted using data from the medical records of 408 patients with active disease who attended the ophthalmology service between March and October 2018. Age, sex, visual acuity at the time of diagnosis, anatomical and etiological diagnoses, the clinical aspect, and the main symptoms reported during anamnesis were described. RESULTS: Of the 408 patients in the study, 52% were male and 48% were female. The patients' mean age was 42 years, and most (84%) were between 19 and 64 years old. Anterior uveitis was observed in 37.75% of the patients; posterior uveitis, in 49.75%; panuveitis, in 4.66%; and intermediate uveitis, in 3.43%. Only 18 patients (4.41%) presented with scleritis. Of the 390 patients with anatomical classifications, 76% had known etiologies, with the most prevalent diagnoses being toxoplasmosis (35.4%), followed by juvenile idiopathic arthritis (6.4%), ankylosing spondylitis (5.9%), and syphilis (4.9%). Infectious uveitis corresponded to 49.7% of the patients, while 26.6% of the cases were of noninfectious origin. Anterior uveitis had the highest number of cases classified as idiopathic (49.4%). In the cases of posterior uveitis, the etiology was established 94% of the time. The most frequent symptoms were ocular pain (71.8%) and blurring vision (56.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirmed the historical importance of infectious uveitis in our population, especially ocular toxoplasmosis. Uveitis appears to have no predilection for sex but mainly affects young people of working age, thus generating social and economic consequences. Despite the evolution of diagnostic methods, idiopathic uveitis remains one of the major etiologies. Epidemiological studies point to different presentation patterns of uveitis in different populations, but these may reflect the distinct characteristics of each institution.

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy: systematic review and meta-analyses.

BACKGROUND: Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) are widely used for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSCR), but their effectiveness remains unclear. This research was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of this drugs for cCSCR. METHODS: This is a review of randomized clinical trials (RCT) comparing MRAs to placebo in adults with cCSCR, using the effects of MRAs on best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and adverse events as primary outcomes and the effects of MRAs on anatomical parameters as secondary outcomes: central subfield thickness (CST), subretinal fluid height (SFH) and central choroidal thickness (CCT). Our all-language online search included Medline (via PubMed), Central, Embase, Lilacs, Ibecs, and RCT registers platforms, as late as May 2021. We used the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (version 2) to assess the methodological quality of each study and synthesized the results in meta-analyses using a random-effects model. RESULTS: The search identified 302 records, five of which were eligible, totaling 225 cCSCR patients (aged 45-62 years; M/F ratio 3.1:1) treated for 1 to 12 months with spironolactone (50 mg/day) or eplerenone (50 mg/day) vs. placebo. Moderate-certainty evidence suggests MRAs result in little to no improvement in BCVA compared to placebo (SMD 0.22; 95% CI - 0.04 to 0.48; studies = 5; comparisons = 6; participants = 218; I2 = 0%). Very low-certainty evidence suggests that, when compared to placebo, MRAs have a very uncertain impact on adverse effects (no meta-analysis was performed), and CST (MD 18.1; 95% CI - 113.04 to 76.84; participants = 145; studies = 2; I2 = 68%). MRAs also result in little to no difference in SFH (SMD - 0.35; 95% CI - 0.95 to 0.26; studies = 5; comparisons = 6; participants = 221; I2 = 76%; moderate certainty) and CCT (MD - 21.23; 95% CI - 64.69 to 22.24; participants = 206; studies = 4; comparisons = 5; I2 = 85%; low certainty). CONCLUSION: MRAs have little to no effect on BCVA. Evidence for adverse events and CST is very uncertain. MRAs also have little to no effect on SFH and CCT. These findings should be considered when prescribing MRAs for cCSCR. This research was previous registration in the PROSPERO platform (CRD42020182601).

Lupus retinopathy: epidemiology and risk factors.

Lupus retinopathy is a clinical manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus in the visual system. It is generally asymptomatic; however, it can become a threatening condition. It is closely associated with the inflammatory activity and higher mortality of systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus retinopathy has several different clinical presentations, such as lupus microangiopathy, vascular occlusion, vasculitis, hypertensive retinopathy associated with lupus nephritis, and autoimmune retinopathy. Although the prevalence and associated factors of lupus retinopathy have been well defined in some parts of the world, there are no data from Latin America, including Brazil. As lupus retinopathy is generally asymptomatic, without a routine fundoscopy, it has been probably underestimated. This review is intended to discuss the epidemiology and risk factors of lupus retinopathy.

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) associated with mosquito-borne diseases: Chikungunya virus X yellow fever immunization.

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a demyelinating autoimmune neuropathic condition characterized by extensive bilateral and confluent lesions in the cerebral white matter and cerebellum. The basal ganglia and gray matter may also be involved. In most cases, the symptoms are preceded by viral infection or vaccination. In this report, we present a case of ADEM associated with optic neuritis presenting alongside two potential triggering factors: chikungunya virus infection and yellow fever immunization.

Anterior and Intermediate Uveitis Following Yellow Fever Vaccination with Fractional Dose: Case Reports.

Purpose: To describe two cases of anterior and intermediate uveitis following yellow fever vaccination with fractional dose. Methods: Case report. Results: Case 1: A 35 year-old healthy woman presented with unilateral anterior uveitis 10 days after the yellow fever vaccination. Testing excluded infectious and rheumatic diseases and the episode was fully recovered after a short course of topical treatment. Case 2: A 21 year-old previously healthy woman presented with blurred vision in the left eye (OS) 14 days after the yellow fever vaccination. The ophthalmic examination of the OS revealed intermediated uveitis. Testing excluded infectious and neurological diseases. After six weeks of treatment with oral prednisone, the ocular inflammation had resolved. Conclusion: Physicians should be aware of the possibility of eye inflammation following the yellow fever vaccination.

Intraocular pressure in patients with human immunodeficiency virus, correlation with TCD4, viral load and demographic characteristics: a case-control study.

PURPOSE: To compare if patients with HIV have lower intraocular pressure than patients without HIV. METHODS: The association of intraocular pressure corrected by pachymetry and the relationship with viral load (VL) and TCD4 cells was studied. A total of 99 patients with HIV (91 who were on regular treatment and in control of the disease - group 1; and 8 who were without treatment - group 2) and 100 controls were studied. RESULTS: Only age was of statistical significance; the group with HIV without control of the disease was the youngest. There was a decrease of -1.54 mmHg in the IOP of group 1 in relation to the controls and -3.63 mmHg in the IOP of group 2 in relation to the controls. CONCLUSION: HIV patients had lower IOP than the control population. However, the relationship between IOP, VL and TCD4 was not found.

Bilateral acute depigmentation of the iris (BADI) and bilateral acute iris transillumination (BAIT): A case series from a center in Brazil

ABSTRACT Bilateral acute depigmentation of the iris and bilateral acute iris transillumination (BAIT) are similar clinical entities. The former causes acute-onset depigmentation of the iris stroma without transillumination, whereas the latter causes depigmentation of the iris pigment epithelium with transillumination. The etiopathogenesis of these conditions is not yet fully understood, but the proposed causes include the use of systemic antibiotics (especially moxifloxacin) and viral triggers. We present a case series of five female patients with a mean age of 41 (32-45) years, all of whom suffered acute onset of bilateral pain and redness of the eyes after moxifloxacin use (oral or topical). It is important for ophthalmologists to be aware of the two forms of iris depigmentation since this case series suggests that SARS-CoV-2 or its empirical treatment with moxifloxacin may trigger iris depigmentation. If this is the case, clinicians will likely see increased incidences of bilateral acute depigmentation of the iris and bilateral acute iris transillumination during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis: The influence of age, number of retinochoroidal lesions and genetic polymorphism for IFN-γ +874 T/A as risk factors for recurrence in a survival analysis.

PURPOSE: To analyze risk factors for recurrent toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis. DESIGN: Single center prospective case series. POPULATION AND METHODS: A total of 230 patients with toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis were prospectively followed to assess recurrences. All patients were treated with a specific drug regime for toxoplasmosis in each episode of active retinochoroiditis. Individuals with chronic diseases and pregnant women were excluded. Survival analysis by extended Cox regression model (Prentice-Williams-Peterson counting process model) was performed to evaluate the time between recurrences according to some potential risk factors: age, number of retinochoroidal lesions at initial evaluation, sex and interferon gamma +874 T/A gene polymorphism. Hazard Ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were provided to interpret the risk effects. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-two recurrence episodes were observed in 104 (45.2%) patients during follow-up that lasted from 269 to 1976 days. Mean age at presentation was 32.8 years (Standard deviation = 11.38). The risk of recurrence during follow up was influenced by age (HR = 1.02, 95% CI = 1.01-1.04) and number of retinochoroidal lesions at the beginning of the study (HR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.07-2.40). Heterozygosis for IFN-γ gene polymorphism at position +874 T/A was also associated with recurrence (HR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.04-2.14). CONCLUSION: The risk of ocular toxoplasmosis recurrence after an active episode increased with age and was significantly higher in individuals with primary lesions, which suggests that individuals with this characteristic and the elderly could benefit from recurrence prophylactic strategies with antimicrobials. Results suggest an association between IFN-γ gene polymorphism at position +874T/A and recurrence.

Cutting-edge issues in sympathetic ophthalmia approach and six case reports: a T cell-mediated autoimmune response / As questões de ponta na abordagem da oftalmia simpática e 6 relatos de caso: uma resposta autoimune mediada por células T

ABSTRACT Sympathetic ophthalmia is a rare and potentially devastating bilateral diffuse granulomatous panuveitis. It is caused by surgical or non-surgical eye injuries and is an uncommon and serious complication of trauma. It is diagnosed clinically and supported by imaging examinations such as ocular ultrasonography and optical coherence tomography. Its treatment consists of immunosuppressive therapy with steroids and sometimes steroid-sparing drugs, such as cyclosporine, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, and mycophenolate mofetil. Fast and effective management with systemic immunosuppressive agents allows for disease control and achievement of good visual acuity in the sympathizing eye. By contrast, enucleation should be considered only in situations where the injured eye has no light perception or in the presence of severe trauma. In addition to a bibliographic review of this topic, we report six cases involving different immunosuppressive and surgical treatment modalities.

RESUMO A oftalmia simpática consiste em uma panuveíte granulomatosa bilateral rara e potencialmente devastadora, ocorrendo geralmente após trauma ocular cirúrgico ou não cirúrgico. O diagnóstico é baseado em aspectos clínicos e apoiado por exames de imagem, como ultrassonografia ocular e tomografia de coerência óptica. O tratamento consiste em terapia imunossupressora com esteróides e, eventualmente, drogas poupadoras de esteróides, como ciclosporina, azatioprina, ciclofosfamida e micofonato de mofetila. O manejo rápido e eficaz com agentes imunossupressores sistêmicos permite o controle da doença e a obtenção de boa acuidade visual no olho simpatizante. A enucleação, por outro lado, poderia ser considerada apenas em situações em que o olho lesado não tem percepção luminosa ou há trauma grave. Além de uma revisão bibliográfica sobre o tema, foi relatada uma série de 6 casos com diferentes modalidades de tratamento imunossupressor e cirúrgico.

Thrombophilic mutations and risk of retinal vein occlusion.

PURPOSE: The association of retinal vein occlusion and hereditary thrombophilia abnormalities is not established, with controversial results in the literature. This study investigates the association between retinal vein occlusion and three thrombophilic mutations: factor V 1691A (factor V Leiden), prothrombin 20210A (PT 20210A) and homozygous methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677T (MTHFR 677TT). METHODS: 55 consecutive retinal vein occlusion patients and 55 controls matched by age, gender and race, were tested for the presence of the following mutations: factor V Leiden, PT 20210A and MTHFR 677TT. The frequencies of the three mutations in cases and controls were compared. RESULTS: Factor V Leiden was found in 3.6% of patients and in 0% of controls; PT 20210A was found in 1.8% of patients and 3.6% of controls, (matched-pair odds ratio, 0.5; 95% confidence interval, 0.04 to 5.51); MTHFR 677TT was found in 9% of patients and 9% of controls (matched-pair odds ratio, 1; 95% confidence interval, 0.92 to 3.45). Arterial hypertension was more frequent in patients than controls (matched-pair odds ratio, 3.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.25 to 9.21). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that thrombophilic mutations are not risk factors for RVO. Routine investigation of hereditary thrombophilia in these patients is not justified.