Choroidal involvement in patients with catastrophic anti-phospholipid syndrome: Two case reports.

PURPOSE: To describe choroidal involvement in catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS). METHODS: We report here two cases of bilateral CAPS choroidopathy in two female patients. RESULTS: Case report 1: A thirty-five-year-old female patient, with history of primary anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS), treated with anticoagulants, presented an acute renal failure following a salpingectomy. She complained of bilateral acute blurred vision. Ophthalmologic evaluation revealed visual acuity (VA) of 5/10, extensive serous retinal (SRD) detachment, areas of hypofluorescence on fluorescein angiography (FA), and non-perfusion areas in the choriocapillaris, on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A), in both eyes. Considering the diagnosis of probable CAPS, the patient received intravenous pulse steroids, plasmapheresis, intravenous anticoagulation and haemodialysis, with favourable evolution. Case report 2: A thirty-three-year-old female patient, with history of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and secondary APS, treated with corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents and anti-coagulation, presented a myocardiac infarction. She complained of bilateral acute blurred vision. Ophthalmologic evaluation revealed VA of 1/10 in the RE and 6/10 in LE, bilateral extensive SRD, leakage points on FA and non-perfusion areas in the choriocapillaris on OCT-A. Criteria of probable CAPS were fulfilled. Treatment with intravenous pulse steroids, anticoagulation and reanimation modalities allowed VA improvement. Alveolar haemorrhage and cardiogenic shock led to fatal evolution. CONCLUSION: Our case reports highlight the importance of early diagnosis and ophthalmic evaluation in CAPS. Multidisciplinary approach and rapid initiation of effective treatment, based on corticosteroids, anticoagulation and plasmapheresis, allow better vital and visual prognosis.

Complex organosulfur molecules on comet 67P: Evidence from the ROSINA measurements and insights from laboratory simulations.

The ROSINA (Rosetta Orbiter Spectrometer for Ion and Neutral Analysis) instrument aboard the Rosetta mission revolutionized our understanding of cometary material composition. One of Rosetta's key findings is the complexity of the composition of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. Here, we used ROSINA data to analyze dust particles that were volatilized during a dust event in September 2016 and report the detection of large organosulfur species and an increase in the abundances of sulfurous species previously detected in the coma. Our data support the presence of complex sulfur-bearing organics on the surface of the comet. In addition, we conducted laboratory simulations that show that this material may have formed from chemical reactions that were initiated by the irradiation of mixed ices containing H2S. Our findings highlight the importance of sulfur chemistry in cometary and precometary materials and the possibility of characterizing organosulfur materials in other comets and small icy bodies using the James Webb Space Telescope.

Retinal artery macroaneurysm complicated with subhyaloid hemorrhage: two case reports.

The authors report two cases of retinal artery macroaneurysm (RAM) complicated with subhyaloid hemorrhage. There are multiple cases about RAM that have been published; however, none of them present all the different treatments with its benefits and its limitations. Our study highlights all aspects of treatment. RAM is an uncommon pathology that affects generally elderly women with systemic vascular pathologies. It is often unilateral, and the patients stay mostly asymptomatic. Most cases of RAM regress without any treatment. A case of a 54-year-old male, with a medical history of hypertension who presented with an acute and unilateral decreased visual acuity (VA). Initial VA was limited to counting fingers at 1 m in the right eye (RE). The anterior segment was normal in both eyes. A fundus examination in the RE showed a large subhyaloid hemorrhage associated to retinal hemorrhage. Fluorescein angiography in the RE did not reveal any sign of macroaneurysm due to blockage of fluorescein by the hemorrhage. In the left eye, there was a hyperfluorescent paramacular lesion. Optical coherence tomography showed the hyperreflectivity of the subhyaloid hemorrhage and the underlying retinal layers could not be seen. Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser hyaloidotomy was performed for this patient to release the trapped hemorrhage into the vitreous, 3 weeks after initial loss of vision with a good visual outcome after the treatment. An 80-year-old woman, with medical history of rheumatoid arthritis who presented with an acute loss of vision in the RE. VA in the RE was 20/200. She had a nuclear cataract in both eyes. A fundus examination showed a subyaloid hemorrhage. Fluorescein angiography in the RE revealed a hyperfluorescent structure emanating from the superotemporal arcade of the artery compatible with a macroaneurysm. The patient was treated with three intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor injections with poor visual outcomes. Vision loss occurs with RAM complications. They mainly involve hemorrhages and macular exudations and are usually associated with poor visual recovery. There is no established treatment for RAM and its complications. There are many options, but the optimal therapy is still unknown.

Surgical management of post-traumatic iris cyst: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Cysts of the iridociliary complex could be primary or secondary. Small and asymptomatic iris cysts can be monitored, whereas larger cysts require treatment as they can cause severe complications. Treatment modalities can range from minimally invasive techniques to aggressive surgical procedures. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of an 11-year-old child who applied to our department with blurred vision. The anterior segment examination of the right eye revealed an oval, light brown, semi translucid cyst, located in the iris extending to corneal endothelium. The iris cyst was managed surgically. A pigment magma on the anterior surface of the lens was observed and was respected in order not to induce a cataract. Surgical treatment consisted of total removal of the external cyst layer. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: There are numerous different methods for treating iris cysts. The main goal of treatment is to be as little intrusive as possible. Cysts that are small, stable, and asymptomatic can be observed. To avoid major issues, larger cysts may need to be treated. When less intrusive treatments have failed, surgery is always the final option. In our case, the post-traumatic iris cyst was immediately treated surgically by aspiration followed by excision of its wall, because of the significant visual disturbance, the age of the patient, and the corneal endothelial touch. CONCLUSION: Surgical intervention remains the last option, especially when less invasive options did not reveal to be successful due to the extensive nature of the lesion.

Efficacy of a premedication with melatonin during cataract surgery under peribulbar block: a prospective randomized double-blinded study.

INTRODUCTION: Cataract is a ubiquitous pathology. Its prevalence increases with age. Nowadays, cataract surgery is increasingly performed on an outpatient basis under locoregional anesthesia. In this context, sedation-analgesia is essential but not without risks. AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of premedication with melatonin on intraoperative sedation-analgesia. METHODS: This is a prospective randomized double-blind study including patients proposed for scheduled cataract surgery by phacoemulsification under peribulbar anesthetic block. The participants will be randomized into two groups: group (M) will receive 05 tablets of melatonin (10mg sublingual) and group (P) will receive 05 tablets of Sucralose sublingually. Perioperative sedation-analgesia will be evaluated by the Ramsey score, the bisectral index, the simple verbal scale (EVS) and by the perioperative consumption of midazolam and alfentanyl. Secondary endpoints will be the degree of preoperative anxiety (Amsterdam Preoperative, Anxiety and Information Scale), the perioperative tonus of the eyeball, intraoperative nicardepine consumption and patients and surgeons satisfaction. A value of p <0.05 will be considered statistically significant. EXPECTED RESULTS: The administration of melatonin as a premedication for scheduled cataract surgery will allow a better quality of intraoperative sedationanalgesia, a reduction in the doses consumed of midazolam and alfentanyl, improves surgical conditions, leads to a decrease in ocular tone, and optimizes surgical safety conditions for the patient.

Postcoital visual loss due to valsalva retinopathy: A case report.

Valsalva retinopathy is a rare pathology presenting as a sudden and painless loss of vision affecting young subjects with no medical history. It is the result of an increase of intraocular venous pressure, leading to retrohyaloid haemorrhage. We describe here the clinical presentation of a retrohyaloid hemorrhage resulting from a valsalva mechanism following a sexual activity, in a 28-year-old patient treated by Neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser hyaloidotomy with a visual recovery of 20/20 on 3 weeks follow-up. Valsalva retinopathy is a rare and an easy-to-diagnose pathology that is safely handled by Nd:YAG laser hyaloidotomy for a quick visual acuity recovery.

Behçet's disease presenting as neuroretinitis with pre-papillary vitreous infiltrate: a case report.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of Behçet's disease (BD) presenting as a panuveitis with neuroretinitis and pre-papillary vitreous infiltrate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A case report. RESULTS: A 43-year-old male presented with severely decreased vision in the left eye. Ophthalmological examination revealed unilateral non granulomatous panuveitis with occlusive retinal vasculitis, neuroretinitis and pre-papillary vitreous infiltrate. Initial swept source OCT revealed a "funnel-shaped" hyperreflective lesion overlying the optic disc corresponding to the pre-papillary vitreous infiltrate associated with optic disc edema and a serous retinal detachment extending to the macula. Examination by an internal medicine specialist revealed buccal aphthous ulcer and pseudofolliculitis lesions. BD diagnosis was made and the patient received corticosteroid and immunosuppressive therapy. The pre-papillary vitreous infiltrate resolution under treatment was documented with repeat swept source OCT. CONCLUSION: Pre-papillary vitreous infiltrate has been rarely reported in the literature. This finding is a typical feature in severe cases of BD uveitis and is usually associated with a neuroretinitis. Optic disc OCT is useful to make the diagnosis and to monitor the resolution of the pre-papillary vitreous infiltrate.

Kyrieleis arteritis associated with toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis: A case report.

-Kyrieleis arteritis is a rare manifestation in posterior uveitis-Kyrieleis arteritis is most frequently reported in ocular toxoplasmosis.-The pathogenesis still highly debated.-It is characterized by the presence of focal, segmental plaques or exudates within retinal arteries.-These plaques are usually reversible.-The prognosis is usually good.

Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy associated with serous retinal detachment: A case report.

We report the occurrence of serous retinal detachment (SRD) in acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE). A 22-year-old man with no general or ophthalmological pathological history presented with an acute and bilateral decreased visual acuity. There was no notion of recent flu or recent vaccination. There were anterior chamber cells and vitreous cells. Fundus revealed white-yellowish lesions, scattered on posterior pole and periphery, associated with SRD in both eyes. Fluorescein Angiography showed early hypofluorescence followed by late hyperfuorescence. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed hyperreflective bands of the outer nuclear layer and interruption of the ellipsoid zone associated with bilateral SRD. Repeat OCT revealed a spontaneous and complete regression of SRD in both eyes, and improvement of visual acuity after one week of evolution without any treatment. Serous retinal detachment is an uncommon manifestation of APMPPE. It is more suggestive of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease (VKH), although angiographic features are typically observed in APMPPE. Moreover, spontaneous decrease of SRD within a few days is more in favor of APMPPE.

White-centered retinal hemorrhage revealing acute leukemia: A case report.

Retinal manifestations have been described as an inaugural manifestation of acute leukemia. Retinal hemorrhage, and in particular white-centered hemorrhages are among the most frequently observed signs. We report here the case of a 34-year-old Caucasian man with no medical history who presented to our emergency department with a decrease in visual acuity associated with asthenia. Ophthalmological examination revealed bilateral white-centered hemorrhages. The etiological assessment confirmed the diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia. Whenever Roth spots are found in fundus examination, a complete ophthalmological examination along with a wide etiological investigation must be conducted.

Sterile endophthalmitis after intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection: A case report series.

Corticosteroids have proven their effectiveness in the treatment of cystoid macular edema. Especially after an intravitreal injection. Triamcinolone acetonide is the most commonly used in the treatment of macular edema. Noninfectious endophthalmitis is a form of endophthalmitis that can occur in the absence of a defined germ after an intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide. We report here the case of three diabetic patients, who presented with visual blur, three days after an intra vitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection performed in the right eye. The vitreous inflammation resolved spontaneously in the first two cases after three weeks, and after four weeks for the third. The diagnosis of sterile endophthalmitis was made in view of the spontaneous resolution of the inflammation without the use of intravitreal injection of antibiotics and/or vitreoretinal surgery.

A challenging case of an intraorbital foreign body in a child: A case report.

Apart from congenital causes, orbital trauma is a leading cause of unilateral vision loss in children. We report the case of a 2-year-old child who was victim of an orbital trauma of the right eye caused by a ballpoint pen. He consulted us the day after the trauma with significant palpebral edema making the examination difficult. An emergency CT scan of the orbit and brain showed the presence of a right intraorbital foreign body. The patient underwent removal of the foreign body by an anterior orbitotomy with general antibiotic therapy and a simple postoperative course. Penetrating trauma to the orbit should raise the suspicion of the presence of a foreign body. A CT scan should be performed to specify its location. The extraction of the foreign body can be a challenge that requires an experienced surgical team.

Contribution of optical coherence tomography angiography OCT-A in diabetic maculopathy.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) increases the risk of blindness by 25 times. Advanced researchs are justified for better management, leading to the role of Optical Coherence Tomography-Angiography (OCT-A), a new non-invasive imaging technique exploring retinal vascularization.Our purpose is to identify microvascular macular anomalies of DR on OCT-A with qualitative and quantitative evaluation of their impact on retinal vascularization. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study where 120 eyes of 66 diabetic patients were enrolled. All patients were diabetic and went through OCT-A imaging. RESULTS: Microanevrysms were identified in both superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) where they were more frequently visualized. Macular edema was present in 16,7% of cases in the SCP, and in 30% in DCP. Edema spaces were more frequently present in DCP (p < 0,05). Capillary nonperfusion areas were identified in 82,5% of cases in SCP and in 60% of cases in DCP. The main peri-foveal vascular density was 18,95 ± 5,37%. The main surface of foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in the SCP was 462,52 µm2 and was 555,04 ± 329,11 µm2 in the DCP where it was larger. CONCLUSION: OCT-A is a modern imaging tool that could be used for the diagnosis and monitoring of DR as well as the understanding of its pathophysiology.

Cat scratch disease neuroretinitis: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Cat scratch disease (CSD) is a ubiquitous infectious disease caused by a Gram-negative intracellular bacillus, Bartonella henselae. Neuroretinitis is a classical but rare manifestation of CSD. CASE PRESENTATION: A 20-year-old woman presented with a 5-day-history of reduced vision in the left eye (LE). Two weeks before eye symptoms, she complained from fever, fatigue and arthromyalgia which resolved spontaneously. In the LE, visual acuity (VA) was 7/10, fundus photography showed optic disc edema with macular exudates arranged in incomplete macular star. Serologic test for Bartonella henselae using indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA) was highly positive (1:2560 UI/L) for immunoglobulin G (Ig G). The diagnosis of CSD associated neuroretinitis has been made and the patient was treated with doxycycline, rifampicin and oral prednisolone. Twelve months after the end of therapy, VA was 10/10, fundus photography and Macular OCT were normal. DISCUSSION: In CSD, neuroretinitis occurs 2-3 weeks after systemic symptoms. The clinical features of CSD are not specific hence the need for bacteriological diagnosis which is based mainly on serologic testing by the detection of Ig G and Ig M by IFA or ELISA. The treatment of CSD-associated neuroretinitis is not standardized. Antibiotics active against intracellular bacteria, with or without systemic corticosteroids, should be prescribed especially in severe cases. The outcome of Bartonella henslae neuroretinitis is usually favourable. CONCLUSION: Despite rarely reported in Tunisia, CSD should be considered in patients with presence of typical neuroretinitis with macular star and of a history of contact with cats.

Optical coherence tomography angiography vessel density parameters in primary open-angle glaucoma.

BACKGROUND: Many studies suggest the existence of an alteration of the retinal hemoperfusion in primary open-angle glaucoma. The OCT-A is a novel technique that allows to provide information on retinal microcirculation in a non-invasive way, thus it represents a possible imaging target for the early diagnosis and follow-up of glaucoma. The aim of our work is to evaluate the contribution of vascular parameters provided by OCT-A and their diagnostic abilities in the different stages of primary open-angle glaucoma. METHOD: This is a prospective cross-sectional study involving 200 eyes of control subjects and 250 eyes of glaucomatous subjects divided into early glaucoma, moderate glaucoma and advanced glaucoma subgroups. They were assessed for MD, LV by visual field, RNFL and GCC thickness by SS-OCT papillary and macular vascular densities by SS-OCT A. RESULTS: OCT-A vessel densities determined in the optic nerve head, in the peripapillary and in the macular regions were significantly lower in glaucomatous eyes. Among the vascular parameters studied the whole image vascular density showed the best diagnostic ability in the discrimination between glaucomatous eyes and healthy eyes with an AUC of 0.949. Nevertheless, the diagnostic ability of vascular parameters remains lower than of the structural parameters RNFL (AUC: 0.981). A significant correlation was found between structural, functional and vascular parameters with r < 0.05. The quadratic non-linear model defines better the relationship between structural, vascular and functional damage in glaucoma. CONCLUSION: The OCT-A plays an important role in the early diagnosis and follow-up of PAOG. It also contributes to the understanding of some aspects of the vascular role in glaucoma.

Optic nerve avulsion: Case report.

INTRODUCTION: Optic nerve avulsion is a traumatic disinsertion of optic nerve fibres from the globe at the level of the lamina cribrosa. It is an uncommon and severe complication of blunt ocular trauma. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 15 years old male presented to the emergency department after being kicked by a horse. Initial ophthalmologic examination of the left eye (LE), exhibited eyelid hematoma, subconjunctival hemorrhage, VA was limited to light perception and there was a left relative afferent pupillary defect. Dilated fundus examination of the LE revealed an extensive vitreous and preretinal hemorrhage overlaying the optic disc and retina edema.The diagnosis of LE optic nerve head avulsion (ONA) was made. Five years after the accident, VA of LE detecting hand motion, fundus examination revealed a superior dragging of the optic disc, fibroglial scarring, retinal vessel narrowing and retinal epithelium hyperplasia. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: In case of ONA, the avulsion can be missed initially due to vitreous and retinal hemorrhage overlaying the optic nerve, in such cases multimodal imaging can be a useful tool to the diagnosis and to evaluate associated ocular damage. Healing process of the avulsed optic nerve is characterized by the development of fibroglial proliferation. Visual outcome is poor and the final visual acuity range from light perception or no light perception in total ONA. CONCLUSION: Optic head nerve avulsion is a rare and severe disease and initial diagnosis is challenging due to associated media opacities. The prognosis is poor and the injury leads to permanent visual impairment.

Retinal vein occlusions: an OCT- Angiography analysis.

AIM: To analyze microcirculatory abnormalities, central avascular area and capillary density in OCT-angiography in retinal venous occlusions (RVO). METHODS: This is a descriptive study of 35 patients (35 eyes) with RVO who consulted at the  ophthalmology department of Farhat Hached Hospital in Sousse between January 2014 and July 2018. The diagnosis of retinal venous occlusion was established on clinical examination, fundus photography and fluorescein angiography. All patients underwent OCT-angiography and OCT B-scan. RESULTS: Our study includes a total of 35 patients (35 eyes). Of these patients, 20 (57.1%) had branch retinal vein occlusion and 15 (42.8%) had central retinal vein occlusion. The loss or rarefaction of the capillary plexus concerned the deep capillary plexus (DCP) more than the superficial one (SCP). This rarefaction was observed in 25 eyes (71.42%) in both DCP and SCP. The widening of the central avascular zone and the rupture of the peri-foveolar anastomotic mesh were better or as visible as fluorescein angiography. Vascular tortuosity was easy to analyze and was more evident in the SCP than the DCP. Twenty-six (74.28%) patients had vascular tortuosity in DCP and 30 patients (85.71%) had this vascular tortuosity in SCP. Capillary dilatation and microaneurysms were better visible in the DCP than the SCP. These vascular abnormalities were found in 26 cases (74.28%) in the DCP and in 17 cases (48.57%) in the SCP. CONCLUSIONS: OCT-A is a non-invasive examination that allows very precise analysis and follow-up of both macular edema and superficial and deep capillary plexus architecture during retinal vein occlusions.

Severe corneal abscess: epidemiology and clinicobacteriological aspect.

AIM: To assess epidemiological, clinical and microbiological characteristics of patients presenting with a clinically diagnosed severe corneal abscess at the Farhat Hached Hospital Department of Ophthalmology (Sousse). METHODS: A retrospective, descriptive and anlalytic study of patients presenting severe corneal abscess was conducted over 5 years, from january 1st of 2013 to septembre 3Oth of 2017. The epidemiological, clinical and microbiological aspects, were analyzed. RESULTS: one hundred and one of of 100 patients were presented severe corneal abscess. The mean age was 54,1 ans years old. The mean delay for referral was 15,5days. The most frequent Risk factor was chronic keratopathy noted in 59% ofcases. Corneal trauma was noted in (30%) and use of contact lenses in (12%).Visual acuity was less than 1/10 in 72% of the patients. Bacteriological cultures isolated an organism in 39.9 % of cases. Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (23,3%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16,7%), streptococcus (13,3%) were the most frequent species that have been found. CONCLUSION: A good preliminary analysis of the risk factors, the mode of infection, and the appropriate search for the incriminated germs, allow secondarily an adequate management of the severe corneal abscesses.

Retinal vasoproliferative tumor in intermediate uveitis: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Retinal vasoproliférative tumors (VPTs) have been reported as uncommon complications of intermediate Uveitis. CASE DESCRIPTION: A patient consulted for a gradually decreased vision in the right eye (RE). The examination of the RE found a corrected visual acuity at 20/100 with normal eye pressure measured. The anterior segment was deep and quiet and 2+ vitreous haze was found. Funduscopy showed a VPT. Retinal fluorescein angiography of the RE revealed macular cystoid edema also objectified by the Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). Intermediate Uveitis was considered idiopathic. The patient received a cryoapplication and was put on oral corticosteroid therapy with improvement of visual acuity and a regress of both vitreous inflammation and cystoid macular edema. CONCLUSION: The association of a VPT with intermediate uveitis represents a real diagnostic and therapeutic challenge and imposes rigorous care and monitoring strategy combining internist and ophthalmologist.

Cytomegalovirus retinitis following corticosteroid overdose for Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease.

A 33-year-old patient was diagnosed with acute Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease and was prescribed prednisolone (1 mg/kg/day) and azathioprine (2.5 mg/kg/day). She mistakenly took an excessively high dose (4 mg/kg/day) of prednisolone for 14 days. The erroneous dose of corticosteroids was progressively corrected. Several weeks after initial presentation, the patient developed a polymerase chain reaction-proven bilateral cytomegalovirus retinitis, with extensive occlusive arteritis in the right eye. Systemic immunosuppressive therapy was temporarily discontinued and viral retinitis was successfully managed with systemic and intravitreal ganciclovir. Corticosteroids were reintroduced to control recurrent VKH disease. Final visual acuity was 20/1000 in the right eye and 20/50 in the left eye.