Current concepts in vitreomacular traction syndrome.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: As Reese first described the vitreomacular traction (VMT) syndrome in 1970, the knowledge base about the disease has been changing over time due to the advent of the high-definition optical coherence tomography (HD-OCT). The aim of this article was to present the current information on the pathophysiology, anatomic macular abnormality associations, treatments, and new concepts in VMT syndrome. RECENT FINDINGS: HD-OCT has provided unprecedented visualization of the vitreomacular interface, which has led to better comprehension of the VMT syndrome. The technologic advances also emphasized the need to review the basis of the VMT syndrome and define as yet unsettled and often confusing concepts. SUMMARY: The recognition of the role of VMT in a variety of macular conditions is imperative for proper diagnosis and appropriate management of these diseases.

Impaired glucose tolerance plus hyperlipidaemia induced by diet promotes retina microaneurysms in New Zealand rabbits.

UNLABELLED: With the increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome worldwide, experimental models are required to better understand the pathophysiology and therapeutic approaches to preserve pancreatic beta cells, attenuate atherosclerosis and protect target organs. The aims of this study were to develop an experimental model of impaired glucose tolerance combined with hypercholesterolaemia induced by diet and assess metabolic alterations and target organ lesions. New Zealand male rabbits were fed high-fat/high-sucrose (10/40%) and cholesterol-enriched diet for 24 weeks, when they were sacrificed. Biochemistry, fundus photographs with fluorescein angiography and pathological analyses were performed. Cholesterol-fed and normal animals of same age were compared. RESULTS: The animals with diet-induced impaired glucose tolerance combined with hypercholesterolaemia gained weight, increased blood glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-C and triglycerides and decreased HDL-C (P < 0.05 vs. baseline). Fructosamine levels and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index were increased, while there was a reduction in the HOMA-ß (P < 0.05 for all vs. baseline). Histomorphologic findings of this model were aortic atherosclerosis, hepatic steatofibrosis and glomerular macrophage infiltration. Early clinical features of diabetic retinopathy with hyperfluorescent dots consistent with presence of retina microaneurysms were seen since week 12, progressing up to the end of the experiment (P < 0.0005 vs. baseline and 12 weeks). Our model reproduced several metabolic characteristics of human diabetes mellitus and promoted early signs of retinopathy. This non-expensive model is suitable for studying mechanistic pathways and allowing novel strategic approaches.

Hipertensäo e retinopatia hipertensiva / Hypertension and hypertensive retinopathy

Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência de retinopatia hipertensiva (RH) em pacientes hipertensos (controlados e näo controlados) e normotensos na populaçäo acima dos 40 anos do município de Piraquara. Correlacionar os casos de alteraçäo retiniana com o sexo, a raça e a idade do paciente. Métodos: Durante 1998 e 2000, foram examinados no Projeto Glaucoma da Universidade Federal do Paraná 1.954 pacientes. Destes, excluíram-se aqueles abaixo de 40 anos e os diabéticos, sendo que a populaçäo considerada para este estudo foi de 1.741 pacientes. O protocolo do projeto consiste de anamnese direcionada, aferiçäo da pressäo arterial (PA), glicemiaportiras reativas, PIO e fundoscopia direta e indireta. As alteraçöes fundoscópicas pertinentes a retinopatia hipertensiva foram estudadas segundo a classificaçäo de Gans e correlacionadas conforme mencionado anteriormente. Resultados: Dos 1.741 pacientes analisados, 669 (38,43 por cento) säo hipertensos, 645 (37,05 por cento) normotensos e 427 (24,53 por cento) suspeitos de hipertensäo arterial sistêmica (HAS). Foram encontrados 211 (12,12 por cento) pacientes com sinais de RH, sendo 136 (64,46 por cento) do sexo feminino e 75 (35,54 por cento) do sexo masculino; 134 (63,98 por cento) de 40 a 60 anos e 77 (36,02 por cento) com idade superior a 60 anos; predominando as raças branca (75,83 por cento) e negra (11,37 por cento). Do total de pacientes com RH, 154 (73 por cento) eram hipertensos, 17 (2,64 por cento) normotensos e 40 (9,37 por cento) suspeitos de HAS. Dentre os hipertensos com PA controlada, 12,2 por cento apresentavam sinais de retinopatia. Já dentre os hipertensos com PA näo controlada, 25,3 por cento apresentavam sinais da patologia. Conclusäo: A prevalência de RH foi maior nos hipertensos comparativamente aos normotensos e suspeitos de HAS (p<0,001, OR=5,32). Os pacientes negros (p<0,05 e OR= 1,67), os hipertensos com PA näo controlada (p<0,01, OR=2,44) e os acima de 60 anos (p<0,001, ORTl,85) apresentaram maiores chances de desenvolverem RH.