Refractive outcomes of immediately sequential bilateral cataract surgery in eyes with long and short axial lengths.

PURPOSE: To report the refractive outcomes of long (≥25.00 mm) and short (≤22.00 mm) axial length (AL) eyes undergoing immediately sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS). METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, patients who underwent ISBCS were identified and eyes of patients with bilateral long and short ALs were included. Pre- and postoperative biometry, autorefraction, and ocular comorbidities or complications were recorded. The primary outcome was the mean refractive prediction error. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients (74 eyes) with long ALs and 18 patients (36 eyes) with short ALs were included. The means ± standard deviations of the ALs were 26.40 ± 1.38 mm and 21.44 ± 0.46 mm in the long and short AL groups, respectively. In long AL eyes, the mean absolute error from the biometry-predicted refraction was - 0.16 ± 0.46 D, corresponding to 74% of eyes achieving a refraction within ±0.50 D of the predicted value. In short AL eyes, the mean absolute error was - 0.63 ± 0.73 D, corresponding to 44% of eyes achieving a refraction within ±0.50 D of the predicted value. Eight (44.4%) patients with short AL eyes had a myopic deviation greater than ±0.50 D from the predicted result in both eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to patients with long AL eyes, ISBCS in patients with short ALs had a wider variance in refractive outcome and a lower rate of achieving a postoperative refraction within ±0.50 D of the predicted target.

Graft dislocation following Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty: a comparative cohort analysis of Optisol GS and organ culture preserved corneas.

Previous studies have suggested risk factors for graft dislocation after Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). We aimed to investigate the influence of eye bank storage solution as a risk factor for graft dislocation, as this could have significant implications for eye banking practices. This retrospective analysis compared cohorts from the QEII Health Sciences Center, Halifax, Canada (donor corneas preserved in Optisol GS) and the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia (donor corneas preserved in organ culture). Patient, surgical, and post-operative data were collected for consecutive DSAEK surgeries performed between 2012 and 2020. Risk factors were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression modeling. 654 DSAEK surgeries were performed during the study period: 271 in the Optisol GS storage cohort and 383 in the organ culture cohort. The most common indications were pseudophakic bullous keratopathy, Fuchs endothelial dystrophy, and failed previous DSAEK. The incidence of graft dislocation requiring surgical repositioning was 9.6% (n = 26) in the Optisol GS cohort and 12.0% (n = 46) in the organ culture cohort (OR, 0.50, 95% CI, 0.20-1.13). Development of graft dislocation was associated with intraoperative venting incisions (OR, 2.50, 95% CI, 1.12-5.51) and a post-operative wound leak (OR, 55.24, 95% CI, 10.20-514.85). The incidence of DSAEK dislocation was similar between study sites using Optisol GS and organ culture, suggesting changes in eye bank storage solution would not mitigate this post-operative complication. Intraoperative creation of venting incisions and post-operative wound leaks and were factors associated with graft dislocation.

Congenital Aberrant Lacrimal Gland Ductules Presenting as a Nonhealing Upper Eyelid Lesion.

A 2-year-old girl presented with a history of a recurrent painless red and swollen lesion on the right upper eyelid. Examination demonstrated an 8.0-mm erythematous papule with overlying crusting skin in the lateral aspect of the right upper eyelid. Probing under general anesthesia revealed openings in the right temporal brow region and upper eyelid that led to aberrant ductules traveling toward the lacrimal gland. The temporal ductule was surgically excised, whilst the eyelid ductule was redirected to the fornix.

Antibiotic use among older adults on an acute care general surgery service.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotics play an important role in the treatment of many surgical diseases that affect older adults, and the potential for inappropriate use of these drugs is high. Our objective was to describe antibiotic use among older adults admitted to an acute care surgery service at a tertiary care teaching hospital. METHODS: Detailed data regarding diagnosis, comorbidities, surgery and antibiotic use were retrospectively collected for patients 70 years and older admitted to an acute care surgery service. We evaluated antibiotic use (perioperative prophylaxis and treatment) for appropriateness based on published guidelines. RESULTS: During the study period 453 patients were admitted to the acute care surgery service, and 229 underwent surgery. The most common diagnoses were small bowel obstruction (27.2%) and acute cholecystitis (11.0%). In total 251 nonelective abdominal operations were performed, and perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis was appropriate in 49.5% of cases. The most common prophylaxis errors were incorrect timing (15.5%) and incorrect dose (12.4%). Overall 206 patients received treatment with antibiotics for their underlying disease process, and 44.2% received appropriate first-line drug therapy. The most common therapeutic errors were administration of second- or third-line antibiotics without indication (37.9%) and use of antibiotics when not indicated (12.1%). There was considerable variation in the duration of treatment for patients with the same diagnoses. CONCLUSION: Inappropriate antibiotic use was common among older patients admitted to an acute care surgery service. Quality improvement initiatives are needed to ensure patients receive optimal care in this complex hospital environment.

CONTEXTE: Les antibiotiques jouent un rôle important dans de nombreux cas de chirurgie chez les adultes âgés, et le risque d'utilisation inappropriée de ces médicaments est élevé. Notre objectif était de décrire l'utilisation des antibiotiques chez les patients âgés admis au service chirurgical d'urgence d'un centre hospitalier universitaire de soins tertiaires. MÉTHODES: Nous avons recueilli de manière rétrospective les données détaillées sur le diagnostic, les comorbidités, la chirurgie et l'utilisation d'antibiotiques chez les patients de 70 ans et plus admis dans un service chirurgical d'urgence. Nous avons évalué le bien-fondé du recours aux antibiotiques (prophylaxie et traitement périopératoire) en fonction des lignes directrices publiées. RÉSULTATS: Durant la période de l'étude, 453 patients ont été admis au service chirurgical d'urgence et 229 ont subi une chirurgie. Les diagnostics les plus fréquents étaient : occlusion de l'intestin grêle (27,2 %) et cholécystite aigüe (11,0 %). En tout, 251 interventions abdominales urgentes ont été effectuées et l'antibioprophylaxie périopératoire était justifiée dans 49,5 % des cas. Les erreurs les plus fréquentes en matière de prophylaxie ont été : moment mal choisi (15,5 %) et dose incorrecte (12,4 %). En tout, 206 patients ont reçu une antibiothérapie pour un processus pathologique sous-jacent et 44,2 % ont reçu un traitement antibiotique de première intention approprié. Les erreurs thérapeutiques les plus fréquentes concernaient l'administration d'antibiotiques de deuxième ou de troisième intention sans indication (37,9 %) et l'utilisation d'antibiotiques lorsque cela n'était pas indiqué (12,1 %). On a noté une variation considérable de la durée des traitements chez des patients porteurs de diagnostics semblables. CONCLUSION: L'utilisation inappropriée des antibiotiques a été fréquente chez les patients adultes admis dans un service chirurgical d'urgence. Des initiatives s'imposent sur le plan de l'amélioration de la qualité pour s'assurer ainsi que les patients reçoivent des soins optimaux dans cet environnement hospitalier complexe.

Failure of metyrosine therapy for preoperative management of pheochromocytoma: a case report.

PURPOSE: Pheochromocytomas (PHEOS) are rare catecholamine-secreting adrenal tumours requiring surgical resection. Preoperative alpha-adrenergic receptor blockade to prevent intraoperative hypertension has traditionally been achieved with phenoxybenzamine. Due to changes in the availability of phenoxybenzamine in Canada, alternate therapies are needed for patients. We report our first experience using metyrosine, a tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitor, for preoperative management in a symptomatic patient with a unilateral PHEO. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 50-yr-old male was referred to our centre with a history of symptoms suggestive of a catecholamine-secreting PHEO, including tachycardia, diaphoresis, nervousness, and tremor. Computerized tomography revealed a right adrenal mass, and additional positive imaging and elevated urine epinephrine levels supported a diagnosis of PHEO. The patient was admitted to hospital five days prior to surgery, and metyrosine therapy was initiated and titrated to 4 g daily over four days. Despite adequate blood pressure (BP) control leading up to the resection, the initial BP reading in the operating room was 191/106 mmHg, but it subsequently declined and was well controlled during induction (100-110 mmHg systolic BP). Significant hypertension (up to 201/110 mmHg) developed upon tumour manipulation and resolved with phentolamine administration and surgical isolation of the tumour. The patient's BP remained stable throughout the residual part of the procedure and in the recovery room and step-down unit. CONCLUSION: In the case of this patient's PHEO, the use of metyrosine was unsatisfactory in achieving sufficient inhibition of catecholamine synthesis as evidenced by significant intraoperative hypertension. Metyrosine could have a role in preoperative management of these patients, but it may not be optimal as monotherapy for some patients with actively secreting tumours.

Association Between Indication for Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty and Rural Residency.

PURPOSE: Residing in rural locations can be a barrier to health care access. This study investigated the impact of residing in rural and small town (RST) areas on Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) indications and outcomes in Atlantic Canada. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis examined consecutive DSAEKs performed in Nova Scotia between 2017 and 2020. Patient rurality was determined by the Statistical Area Classification system developed by Statistics Canada. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess for factors associated with DSAEK indication, including repeat keratoplasty, RST residence status, and travel time. RESULTS: Of 271 DSAEKs during the study period, 87 (32.1%) were performed on the eyes of RST residents. The median postoperative follow-up time was 1.6 years. Undergoing DSAEK for a previous failed keratoplasty was not associated with a higher odds of RST residency (odds ratio [OR], 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.19-1.16; P = 0.13) but was associated with travel time (OR, 0.78 for each increasing hour of travel; 95% CI, 0.61-0.99; P = 0.044). RST residency was not associated with the occurrence of graft failure (OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.17-1.17; P = 0.13). CONCLUSIONS: Residing in a rural area in Atlantic Canada was not associated with DSAEK graft failure. Repeat endothelial keratoplasty was associated with shorter travel time for corneal surgery but not rural residency status. Further research in this field could inform regional health strategies aimed at improving equity and accessibility to ophthalmology subspecialist care.

UTILIZATION OF PREOPERATIVE MIDPERIPHERAL OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY FOR TAILORED SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF PROLIFERATIVE VITREORETINOPATHY.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to report on the use of preoperative spectral domain optical coherence tomography to assess retinal pathology and guide the surgical approach to proliferative vitreoretinopathy. METHODS: A case report was discussed. RESULTS: A 70-year-old man developed proliferative vitreoretinopathy after surgical repair of a macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. In preparation for further surgery, inferior preretinal fibrosis and membranes were identified on preoperative optical coherence tomography. The patient underwent successful vitrectomy with peeling of the membranes resulting in markedly improved visual acuity. CONCLUSION: Widely available spectral domain optical coherence tomography can be used preoperatively to image the midperipheral retina and guide surgical decision-making in the management of proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

Relentlessly Progressive Sweet Syndrome of the Eye with Scleritis and Choroidal Infiltration.

PURPOSE: To describe a case of Sweet syndrome, a dermatologic inflammatory disease, with progressive, unrelenting ocular findings. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 73-year-old male was evaluated with a six-month history of Sweet syndrome, manifesting as cutaneous erythematous edematous papules on the dorsal arms and shins and confirmed with biopsy demonstrating neutrophil infiltration with nuclei fragmentation and lack of vasculitis. He initially noted a unilateral red eye with ocular pain and was found to have scleritis and choroidal infiltration. The patient's ocular disease progressed despite treatment with systemic corticosteroids, intraocular Ozurdex ®, systemic dapsone, and subtenons triamcinolone. Systemic evaluation was negative for malignancy or other inflammatory syndromes. Following 7 months of non-manageable ocular pain enucleation was offered to the patient, but he declined. CONCLUSION: Sweet syndrome, a dermatologic condition, can be associated with unilateral scleritis and choroidal infiltration that are relentlessly progressive despite maximal systemic and ocular corticosteroid therapy.

Ultra-Widefield Imaging of Peripheral Vascular Abnormalities in Idiopathic Macular Telangiectasia Type 1.

Purpose: This work reports unusual peripheral vascular anomalies on ultra-widefield angiography in a case of idiopathic macular telangiectasia (IMT) type 1. Methods: A case report is discussed. Results: A 51-year-old woman with a 6-year history of IMT type 1 presented with ongoing vision symptoms from persistent macular edema despite extended antivascular endothelial growth factor therapy. Examination and macular imaging findings were consistent with a diagnosis of IMT type 1, and ultra-widefield angiography additionally demonstrated nonperfusion, terminal vascular loops, and arteriovenous anastomosis without exudation or telangiectasis. The patient's condition remained stable after she elected observation. Conclusion: While extrafoveal vascular anomalies are a known feature of IMT type 1, they commonly consist of peripheral telangiectasias and exudation. Describing new peripheral vascular abnormalities in IMT adds to our knowledge of this condition and could be of value for diagnosis, management, and further study.

Serpiginous Choroiditis Presenting in Association With Clostridium difficile Infection and Ulcerative Colitis.

Purpose: This work reports a case of serpiginous choroiditis (SC) in association with ulcerative colitis and Clostridium difficile infection. Methods: A case report is discussed. Results: A 35-year-old man with a history of ulcerative colitis and recently treated C difficile infection presented with a rapid decline in central visual acuity in both eyes. Examination findings included geographic creamy-white lesions extending from the peripapillary region in both eyes. Multimodal imaging and negative infectious workup results supported the diagnosis of SC. Visual acuity and examination findings improved after initiation of systemic prednisone therapy. Adalimumab was initiated as a steroid-sparing treatment. At the last follow-up, 5 months after the initial presentation, SC and ulcerative colitis both remain in remission. Conclusions: SC has been previously described in patients with systemic disorders, including autoimmune conditions. This patient developed SC following C difficile infection and in the context of active ulcerative colitis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of SC in association with these entities.

Unilateral benign yellow dot maculopathy.

PURPOSE: To describe a unique case of unilateral benign yellow dot maculopathy. OBSERVATIONS: A 25-year-man was evaluated after incidental finding of yellow dots in the right macula. The findings of examination and multimodal imaging were in keeping with a diagnosis of benign yellow dot maculopathy. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: Benign yellow dot maculopathy is a recently described entity with either a sporadic or dominant inheritance pattern. This is the first known report of the characteristic findings of this phenotype presenting unilaterally.

Structural integrity of intraocular lenses with eyelets in a model of transscleral fixation with the Gore-Tex suture.

PURPOSE: To compare fracture characteristics of intraocular lenses (IOLs) used in transscleral fixation with the Gore-Tex suture. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. DESIGN: Experimental study. METHODS: A model was designed to compare the eyelet fracture characteristics of enVista MX60 IOL (model available before June 2018), the enVista MX60E IOL (current model), the Akreos AO60 IOL, and the CZ70BD IOL. Tension was applied through the Gore-Tex suture and measured with a digital force gauge. Two suture configurations (radial and nonradial) were tested using the MX60E IOL. RESULTS: A total of 25 trials were conducted. The mean eyelet fracture force was 1.666 newtons (N) for the MX60 IOL (range, 1.000-2.000), 1.000 N for the MX60E IOL (range, 1.000-1.000), 2.330 N for the AO60 IOL (range, 2.000-3.000), and 0.998 N for the CZ70BD IOL (range, 0.990-1.000). When compared with the MX60E IOL, a greater eyelet strength was observed with the MX60 (P = .024) and AO60 (P = .004) IOLs. Radial and nonradial suture configurations did not affect the MX60E eyelet fracture force. CONCLUSIONS: The enVista MX60E eyelet may be less resistant to Gore-Tex suture tear out compared with the MX60 and AO60 IOLs. Altering suture configuration did not affect enVista eyelet resistance to fracture. During off-label use in transscleral fixation, extra caution should be taken when handling IOLs and applying tension on sutures.

Ab interno suture tube occlusion of the Baerveldt glaucoma implant for management of postoperative hypotony: A case series

Purpose: Delayed hypotony can be a vision threatening complication following aqueous shunt surgery in patients with glaucoma. Multiple medical and surgical management strategies have been utilized, but results have been inconsistent. The present case series describes management of delayed hypotony associated with the Baerveldt glaucoma implant (BGI) by surgically introducing 4-0 polypropylene suture into the tube lumen. Observations: The cases of four patients who presented with hypotony following BGI surgery were reviewed. Following BGI tube lumen occlusion with suture, sustained intraocular pressure increase (mean 7.25 mmHg, range 4-14) was noted in all patients and visual acuity improved in three cases. Conclusions and importance: This is the first report of ab interno suture occlusion of the BGI for management of post-operative hypotony. Further studies are required to determine the utility of this procedure, but our results suggest that in select patients, ab interno suture occlusion be advantageous in managing delayed hypotony refractive to medical therapy.