Atypical phacolytic glaucoma diagnosed by biometry and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) in a patient with CMV anterior uveitis.

PURPOSE: To report a case of phacolytic glaucoma with atypical presentation in a patient which was diagnosed with biometry swept source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) and anterior segment spectral domain OCT (SD-OCT). METHODS: A 56-year-old male with a history of cytomegalovirus (CMV) chronic anterior uveitis in the right eye presented with a white cataract, minimal anterior chamber reaction and intraocular pressure (IOP) of 56 mmHg. Visual acuity was light perception. The anterior chamber was deep, without evidence of macroscopically visible capsular rupture. A surgical intervention was necessitated with the puzzle being whether to proceed with a trabeculectomy or a combined phaco-trabeculectomy. After a routine preoperative assessment with intraocular lens Master700, the disintegration of the natural lens was noticed. Anterior segment Spectralis OCT confirmed a lamellar separation of the anterior one third of the lens, resembling a poultaceous material. After an uneventful phacoemulsification, visual acuity was 6/6, IOP was well-controlled on maximum topical antiglaucoma treatment and no CMV recurrence was observed. RESULTS: The diagnosis of phacolytic glaucoma was established with the aid of current imaging OCT systems. Both OCT images were suggestive of a phacolytic nature of our case, despite the fact that the clinical presentation was not in concordance with such a typical case. In view of our findings the decision was to proceed with cataract extraction alone. CONCLUSION: This is the first time that we image and document the phacolytic nature of a natural lens. Our patient did not have the typical clinical presentation and was differentially diagnosed with biometry SS-OCT and confirmed by anterior segment SD-OCT.

Correlations of Corneal Endothelial Morphology and Corneal Thickness With Anterior Segment Parameters in Healthy Individuals.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between central corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), endothelial morphology, and corneal thickness (central corneal thickness) with the anterior chamber depth, corneal volume (CV), white-to-white (WTW) distance, mean anterior chamber angle (CAmean), and gender in healthy individuals. METHODS: This observational study included 136 healthy volunteers. The ECD, coefficient of variation of cell area, and hexagonal cell appearance ratio (%Hex) were measured by means of specular microscopy. The central corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, CV, WTW distance, and the angle width of 12 points were taken by the Pentacam HR Scheimpflug anterior segment imaging. The arithmetical mean of the 12 points was considered as the CAmean. We used mixed effect linear regression model for the statistical analysis of the data. RESULTS: ECD was positively correlated with CV ( P = 0.028), while after adjusting for age, it was negatively correlated with age ( P < 0.001). Coefficient of variation of cell area was positively correlated with CAmean ( P = 0.036), while after adjusting for age, it was positively correlated with age ( P < 0.001) and CAmean ( P = 0.005). Hex was negatively correlated with WTW ( P = 0.023) and CAmean ( P = 0.025), and after adjusting for age, this correlation remained the same ( P = 0.029 when correlated with WTW and P = 0.035 with CAmean). CONCLUSIONS: There were significant changes in the morphology of the corneal endothelial cells in eyes with wider anterior chamber angle. Greater pleomorphism and polymegethism of the corneal endothelium was observed in healthy patients with wider CAmean. Deepening of the anterior chamber as myopia progresses could render the corneal endothelium more fragile and susceptible to mechanical stress, which is an area worthy of further study.

Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Changes in Patients Diagnosed With Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the association between optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) parameters and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Two independent reviewers searched the electronic databases (MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online), Scopus, Embase (Excerpta Medica Database), Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform) from inception until April 2023. According to the inclusion criteria of this review, eligible were observational studies, randomized control trials, and registry/database studies that included the eyes of adult ACS patients and assessed OCTA parameters within the macula. The pooled standardized mean differences (SMD) between patients diagnosed with ACS and healthy controls with a confidence interval (CI) of 95% were calculated using the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman random-effects method. The heterogeneity was assessed by I2 and the Cochran Q and a random effects model was applied. Seven studies were eligible and included in our systematic review (n = 898), of which three were included in the meta-analysis (n = 341). The pooled SMD in the superficial vascular plexus (SVP), deep vascular plexus (DVP), and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) were -0.46 (95% CI: -0.94 to 0.01, p = 0.05, I2 = 0%, three studies), -0.10 (95% CI: -3.20 to 3.00, p = 0.75, I2 = 67%, two studies), and 0.43 (95% CI: -1.22 to 2.09, p = 0.38, I2 = 92%, three studies), respectively. Our findings suggest that there are no differences in OCTA metrics between ACS patients and healthy individuals.

Conjunctival Marginal Zone Lymphoma in a Patient With Neurofibromatosis Type 1: A Case Report.

We present a case of painless bulbar conjunctival mass due to B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), without systemic involvement, in a 76-year-old man. Following an excision biopsy, histopathologic examination and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis, prompting a referral for hemato-oncological assessment. The patient underwent comprehensive laboratory and imaging scans, subsequently receiving combined chemo-immunotherapy that resulted in complete remission to date. This case is reported as it is crucial to recognize that a conjunctival insult might emerge in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patients.

Novel Pharmacological Therapies for the Management of Hyperlipoproteinemia(a).

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease, predisposing to major cardiovascular events, including coronary heart disease, stroke, aortic valve calcification and abdominal aortic aneurysm. Lp(a) is differentiated from other lipoprotein molecules through apolipoprotein(a), which possesses atherogenic and antithrombolytic properties attributed to its structure. Lp(a) levels are mostly genetically predetermined and influenced by the size of LPA gene variants, with smaller isoforms resulting in a greater synthesis rate of apo(a) and, ultimately, elevated Lp(a) levels. As a result, serum Lp(a) levels may highly vary from extremely low to extremely high. Hyperlipoproteinemia(a) is defined as Lp(a) levels > 30 mg/dL in the US and >50 mg/dL in Europe. Because of its association with CVD, Lp(a) levels should be measured at least once a lifetime in adults. The ultimate goal is to identify individuals with increased risk of CVD and intervene accordingly. Traditional pharmacological interventions like niacin, statins, ezetimibe, aspirin, PCSK-9 inhibitors, mipomersen, estrogens and CETP inhibitors have not yet yielded satisfactory results. The mean Lp(a) reduction, if any, is barely 50% for all agents, with statins increasing Lp(a) levels, whereas a reduction of 80-90% appears to be required to achieve a significant decrease in major cardiovascular events. Novel RNA-interfering agents that specifically target hepatocytes are aimed in this direction. Pelacarsen is an antisense oligonucleotide, while olpasiran, LY3819469 and SLN360 are small interfering RNAs, all conjugated with a N-acetylgalactosamine molecule. Their ultimate objective is to genetically silence LPA, reduce apo(a) production and lower serum Lp(a) levels. Evidence thus so far demonstrates that monthly subcutaneous administration of a single dose yields optimal results with persisting substantial reductions in Lp(a) levels, potentially enhancing CVD risk reduction. The Lp(a) reduction achieved with novel RNA agents may exceed 95%. The results of ongoing and future clinical trials are eagerly anticipated, and it is hoped that guidelines for the tailored management of Lp(a) levels with these novel agents may not be far off.

Novel Pyrimidine Derivatives as Antioxidant and Anticancer Agents: Design, Synthesis and Molecular Modeling Studies.

The heterocyclic ring system of pyrido [2,3-d]pyrimidines is a privileged scaffold in medicinal chemistry, possessing several biological activities. The synthesis of the pyrimidine derivatives was performed via the condensation of a suitable α,ß-unsaturated ketone with 4-amino-6-hydroxy-2-mercaptopyrimidine monohydrate in glacial acetic acid. Chalcones were synthesized, as starting materials, via the Claisen-Schmidt condensation of an appropriately substituted ketone and an appropriately substituted aldehyde in the presence of aqueous KOH 40% w/v in ethanol. All the synthesized compounds were characterized using IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, LC-MS and elemental analysis. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their antioxidant (DPPH assay), anti-lipid peroxidation (AAPH), anti-LOX activities and ability to interact with glutathione. The compounds do not interact significantly with DPPH but strongly inhibit lipid peroxidation. Pyrimidine derivatives 2a (IC50 = 42 µΜ), 2f (IC50 = 47.5 µΜ) and chalcone 1g (IC50 = 17 µM) were the most potent lipoxygenase inhibitors. All the tested compounds were found to interact with glutathione, apart from 1h. Cell viability and cytotoxicity assays were performed with the HaCaT and A549 cell lines, respectively. In the MTT assay towards the HaCaT cell line, none of the compounds presented viability at 100 µM. On the contrary, in the MTT assay towards the A549 cell line, the tested compounds showed strong cytotoxicity at 100 µM, with derivative 2d presenting the strongest cytotoxic effects at the concentration of 50 µΜ.

Insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease.

Insulin resistance (IR) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) represent two universal public health hazards, especially in today's Western societies. A causal-effect relationship has been established that links IR with CVD. The mediating mechanisms are perplexing, under ongoing, rigorous investigation and remain to be fully elucidated. IR is a condition encompassing hyperglycemia and compensatory hyperinsulinemia. It occurs when insulin is not capable of exerting its maximum effects on target tissues, including skeletal muscles, liver and adipose tissue. This alteration of insulin signaling pathways results in the development of cardiometabolic disorders, including obesity, dyslipidemia, low-grade inflammation, endothelial dysfunction and hypertension, all of which are predisposing factors for atherosclerosis and CVD. The management of IR can be achieved through dietary modifications, the inclusion of regular exercise routines in everyday life, pharmacological agents and other interventions tailored to each individual patient's needs. It is important to underline though that, although various antidiabetic drugs that may improve IR are available, no medications are as yet specifically approved for the treatment of IR. This narrative review will focus on the current scientific and clinical evidence pertaining to IR, the mechanisms connecting IR with CVD, as well as plausible strategies for a holistic, personalized approach for IR management.

The Triglyceride/High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) Ratio as a Risk Marker for Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Disease.

Atherosclerosis is an immunoinflammatory pathological procedure in which lipid plaques are formed in the vessel walls, partially or completely occluding the lumen, and is accountable for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). ACSVD consists of three components: coronary artery disease (CAD), peripheral vascular disease (PAD) and cerebrovascular disease (CCVD). A disturbed lipid metabolism and the subsequent dyslipidemia significantly contribute to the formation of plaques, with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) being the main responsible factor. Nonetheless, even when LDL-C is well regulated, mainly with statin therapy, a residual risk for CVD still occurs, and it is attributable to the disturbances of other lipid components, namely triglycerides (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Increased plasma TG and decreased HDL-C levels have been associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and CVD, and their ratio, TG/HDL-C, has been proposed as a novel biomarker for predicting the risk of both clinical entities. Under these terms, this review will present and discuss the current scientific and clinical data linking the TG/HDL-C ratio with the presence of MetS and CVD, including CAD, PAD and CCVD, in an effort to prove the value of the TG/HDL-C ratio as a valuable predictor for each aspect of CVD.

The Effect of the Water Drinking Test on Ocular Parameters and Choroidal Thickness in Glaucoma Suspects.

Background and objectives: We aimed to evaluate the effects of the water drinking test (WDT) on several systemic and ocular parameters, including choroidal thickness, which was assessed through optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), in glaucoma suspects. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 eyes from 20 glaucoma suspects without any systemic or ocular diseases were included in this prospective observational study. All the participants undertook the WDT, which required the drinking of 1 L of table water in 5 min. The outcome measures included IOP, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), mean ocular perfusion pressure (MOPP), ocular pulse amplitude (OPA), and subfoveal and peripapillary choroidal thickness, which were assessed at baseline and at four 15 min intervals after the WDT. Generalized least squares models and mixed model analyses that take into account repeated measurements were used to assess the changes over time of these parameters. Results: All the ocular and systemic parameters showed statistically significant changes at all time points compared to baseline apart from choroidal thickness. The peak changes were an IOP of 20.1 mmHg versus 17.3 mmHg at 45 min, an SBP of 137.6 mmHg versus 125 mmHg at 30 min, a DBP of 95.9 mmHg versus 85.7 mmHg at 15 min, and an MOP of 53.51 mmHg versus 48.89 mmHg at 15 min. Conclusions: Despite elevations in IOP and significant changes in all the assessed systemic parameters, the WDT was not associated with changes in choroidal thickness in glaucoma suspects.

Two Year Randomized Prospective Comparison of Ahmed Valve Versus Baerveldt Implant in Vitrectomized Eyes.

PRCIS: Ahmed Valve and Baerveldt shunt are efficacious options in vitrectomized eyes. Baerveldt implant achieves a lower mean intraocular pressure (IOP) at 2 years, with fewer medications and a higher percentage of medication-free patients. PURPOSE: To investigate and compare the efficacy and complications between Ahmed FP7 Glaucoma Valve (AGV) and Baerveldt 101-350 Glaucoma Implant (BGI) in vitrectomized eyes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this single-center randomized clinical trial, 43 vitrectomized eyes (39 patients) underwent glaucoma drainage device implantation. Eyes were randomized to receive either an AGV (FP7) or a BGI (101-350) and were followed for 2 years. Surgical success was defined as an IOP measurement≤18 mm Hg and≥5 mm Hg with or without glaucoma medication at 2 or more sequential visits after 3 months. The primary outcome was the comparison of the success rate at 2 years, while mean IOP, mean number of medications, and number of complications were considered secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Kaplan-Meier estimates of the 2-year success rates in IOP control after GDD implantation were similar between the 2 groups; AGV group 81.8% (95% CI: 67.2%-99.6%) and BGI group 85.7% (95% CI: 72.0%-100.0%), (log-rank test P value = 0.74). Patients in the BGI group had a statistically significant lower mean IOP compared with the AGV group in all follow-up visits at 2, 6, 12, and 24 months (11.62 vs. 17.45 mm Hg at the latter P value <0.001). The BGI group required a significantly lower number of medications for IOP control at the 2-year visit compared with the AGV group (0.76±0.99 vs. 1.5±1.06 P value = 0.02) but had a higher number of complications (62% vs. 41%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: GDDs provide a viable solution for IOP control in vitrectomized eyes. Based on our prospective comparison, both Ahmed FP7 Glaucoma Valve and Baerveldt 101-350 Glaucoma Implant are efficacious options.

Long-term clinical outcomes obtained with bilateral implantation of a multifocal intraocular lens through two different-sized corneal incisions.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term visual function and patient satisfaction in patients implanted bilaterally with the same type of multifocal intraocular lens (MIOL), using either a 2.2 mm small corneal incision with bimanual irrigation/aspiration (I/A) or a conventional 2.75 mm incision with coaxial I/A. METHODS: Prospective nonrandomized study including 100 eyes of 50 patients who underwent bilateral implantation of ReSTOR SN6AD1 through a 2.2 mm or 2.75 mm corneal incision. Outcomes included visual function measures (near, intermediate, and distance visual acuity [VA]), achievement of targeted refraction and postoperative astigmatism. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using a subjective questionnaire. RESULTS: Three and 12 months postoperatively, distance uncorrected best VA (UBVA) was 0.98 ± 0.07, UBVA at 30 cm was J1 in 100% of cases and UBVA at 60 cm was J3 in 72% of cases. Targeted refraction was achieved in 84% of cases and postoperative astigmatism was -0.4 ± 0.3 diopters. There was no statistically significant difference in UBVA in all distances, targeted refraction and postoperative astigmatism between the small-incision bimanual and the conventional coaxial group. Sixty percent of the patients were satisfied, 30% were very satisfied and 10% declared that the result did not meet their expectations. Three out of 5 nonsatisfied patients had an angle kappa of 4° and the MIOL was not well-centered. CONCLUSION: An incision size of 2.2 mm compared to 2.75 mm, did not appear to result in less surgically induced astigmatism after the implantation of a MIOL. SN6AD1 is a reliable MIOL choice for spectacle independence. Good preoperative patient selection is of crucial importance for the outcome in MIOLs.

Angiopoietin-Like Protein 3 (ANGPTL3) Inhibitors in the Management of Refractory Hypercholesterolemia.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common cause of death in a global scale and significantly depends on the elevated plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and the subsequent formation of atherosclerotic plaques. While physicians have several LDL-C-lowering agents with diverse mechanisms of action, including statins, ezetimibe, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors and inclisiran, angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) inhibitors have recently emerged as a powerful addition in the armamentarium of lipid-lowering strategies, especially for patients with refractory hypercholesterolemia, as in the case of patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH). ANGPTL3 protein is a glycoprotein secreted by liver cells that is implicated in the metabolism of lipids along with other ANGPTL proteins. These proteins inhibit lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and endothelial lipase (EL) in tissues. Loss-of-function mutations affecting the gene encoding ANGPTL3 are linked with lower total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglyceride (TG) levels. Evinacumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets, binds to, and pharmacologically inhibits ANGPTL3, which was recently approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a complementary agent to other LDL-C lowering regimens for patients aged 12 or older with HoFH, based on clinical trial evidence that confirmed its safety and efficacy in those patients. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) also represent an interesting class of agents that target and inhibit the mRNA derived from the transcription of ANGPTL3 gene. This review aims to present and discuss the current clinical and scientific data pertaining to the role of ANGPTL3 inhibitors, a novel lipid-modifying class of agents capable of reducing LDL-C levels via a mechanism independent of LDL receptors.

Wolfram Syndrome: A case report of two sisters Wolfram Syndrome: Case report of two sisters.

PURPOSE: To present a case of two siblings with optic atrophy associated with Wolfram Syndrome. OBSERVATIONS: Two young adult siblings presented with serious bilateral loss of vision and dyschromatopsia established in early adolescence. They were referred with a presumed diagnosis of Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy. At baseline, visual acuity was 20/400 in the right eye and 20/200 in the left eye in patient A and 20/200 in both eyes in patient B, color perception tested with pseudo-isochromatic plates was 0/17 in each eye, optic discs were pale, visual field testing revealed diffuse scotomas bilaterally while electrophysiology showed delayed prominent positive deflection (P100) values in both patients. Personal history revealed Type 1 diabetes mellitus since early childhood. Patients were lost to follow-up and presented 4 years later with significant VA decrease (<20/400) and suspected hearing loss. At that point, genetic testing revealed a pathogenic variation in the WFS1 gene thus confirming the diagnosis of Wolfram syndrome. Treatment with idebenone was proposed, to which only one of the siblings agreed. The other patient remained under observation, as no known treatment for optic atrophy in Wolfram syndrome exists to date. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: Wolfram syndrome is a rare neurodegenerative genetic disease associated with diabetes mellitus, optic atrophy and deafness. Careful and detailed medical and family history led to appropriate testing that confirmed the diagnosis of Wolfram syndrome. To this day, there is no definite treatment for this disease, but the experimental use of idebenone has been suggested to improve visual function. Genetic testing of family members and offspring of patients is strongly recommended.

Scleral fixation of Carlevale intraocular lens: A new tool in correcting aphakia with no capsular support.

PURPOSE: To report the clinical outcomes of the use of a novel specially designed scleral fixated intraocular lens, the Carlevale intraocular lens (carlevale IOL, Soleko, Italy) for the correction of aphakia in the absence of capsular support of variable etiology. METHODS: This retrospective, non-comparative study included 169 eyes of 169 consecutive patients who underwent 3-port pars plana vitrectomy and scleral fixation on Carlevale IOL. Inclusion criteria were at least 6 months' follow-up period, patients > 18 years old who underwent vitrectomy and Carlevale IOL placement for aphakia and inadequate capsular support. RESULTS: The median follow up period of 9 months (range 6-18 months). Mean post-operative BCVA at the last follow-up visit was 20/25 (0.09 ± 0.1 LogMAR), improving from a mean baseline BCVA of 20/80 (0.58 ± 0.49 LogMAR), a statistically significant change (p = 0.0001). Regarding the post-operative complications, a transient rise in the IOP was observed in 28 patients (16.5%) and mild vitreous hemorrhage was observed in the immediate post-operative period in eight eyes (4.7%) and it spontaneously resolved within 3 weeks. All patients demonstrated good IOL position at the end of the follow-up without IOL capture. None of the patients required re-operation. CONLCUSION: The present study represents the largest to date in evaluating the use of carlevale IOL in patients with aphakia and inadequate capsular support. The technique is safe and provides excellent post-operative IOL fixation without IOL capture in any of the patients studied.

One-Year Randomized Comparison of Safety and Efficacy of Trabeculectomy with Mitomycin C Sub-Tenon Injection versus Mitomycin C-Infused Sponges.

PURPOSE: To compare the safety and efficacy of sub-Tenon injection of mitomycin C (MMC) with application of MMC-infused sponges during trabeculectomy. DESIGN: Single-center randomized clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 56 eyes of 49 patients with open-angle glaucoma were included in this clinical trial. METHODS: In this single-center randomized clinical trial, 56 eyes of 49 patients underwent trabeculectomy with MMC for primary open-angle glaucoma. Patients were randomized into 2 groups. The injection group received a sub-Tenon injection of 0.15 ml of 0.01% MMC diluted with preservative free lidocaine 2% (n = 27). In the sponges group, sponges soaked in 0.02% MMC were applied under the Tenon's capsule and the scleral flap for 2 minutes (n = 29). Intraocular pressure, endothelial cell count, best-corrected visual acuity, and number of intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering medications were assessed before surgery and 1 week; 1, 3, and 6 months; and 1 year after surgery. Complete success was defined as IOP of 14 mmHg or less without medication. Bleb morphologic features were assessed using the Indiana Bleb Appearance Grading Scale bleb grading system. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Intraocular pressure reduction was the primary outcome. Bleb morphologic features and endothelial cell counts (ECCs) were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Mean IOP in the sponges group decreased from 30.5 ± 7.4 mmHg at baseline to 12.6 ± 5.9 mmHg at 1 year (P < 0.001); in the injection group, IOP decreased from 29.3 ± 6.8 mmHg at baseline to 12.7 ± 4.3 mmHg at 1 year (P < 0.001). No difference in IOP between the 2 groups was noted at any visit (P < 0.001). Surgical success was 81.5% and 82.8% in the injection and sponges groups, respectively, at 1 year. Mean ECC values were unchanged from baseline to 1 year after surgery for both groups (P = 0.444). Complication rates were similar in the 2 groups. Bleb morphologic features showed differences in the appearance and grading of the blebs between the 2 groups at 1 year, showing larger extent, lower height, and less vascularization in the injection group. CONCLUSIONS: Sub-Tenon injection of MMC during trabeculectomy seems to be as safe and as efficacious as conventional application of MMC with sponges at 1 year after surgery. Bleb morphologic features show notable differences that may suggest a better long-term outcome.

New and emerging lipid-modifying drugs to lower LDL cholesterol.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) represents the leading cause of death worldwide. The role of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and CVD has been well recognized. Statins are the standard of care for the management of hypercholesterolaemia, and their effectiveness in lowering LDL-C and reducing CVD risk in both primary and secondary prevention has been well established. However, several patients fail to attain optimal LDL-C goals or are intolerant to statins, especially at high doses. PCSK9 inhibitors, bempedoic acid, inclisiran, ANGPTL3 inhibitors, PPARß/δ agonists and LXR agonists are novel or upcoming LDL-C-lowering agents that have shown promising beneficial results. This review aims to present and discuss the current clinical and scientific data pertaining to the new and emerging lipid-modifying LDL-C-lowering drugs.

Acute Glaucoma Filtering Surgery Failure following Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus Infection.

Herein, we report a case of acute failure of a previously successful trabeculectomy, following an infection with herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO). HZO remains a common infection, especially among elderly and immunocompromised patients. There is a strong link between HZO infection, the incidence of secondary glaucoma, and the need for glaucoma filtering surgery. Though, to our knowledge, there are no cases reporting on the effect that a concomitant infection may have on a previously successful trabeculectomy. In our case, a 76-year-old immunocompetent male with primary open-angle glaucoma in both eyes and a history of a successful right eye trabeculectomy 1 year earlier presented with acute primary HZO involving the ophthalmic branch of the right trigeminal nerve. Appropriate topical and systemic treatment was immediately initiated. Three days later, the trabeculectomy bleb showed hyperemia and flattening and concomitant rise of intraocular pressure was noted. A week later, the cutaneous signs were improving yet the trabeculectomy had failed and high intraocular pressure was established, requiring both topical and systemic antiglaucoma medications. Our study suggests that a previously successful trabeculectomy may manifest signs of compromise and subsequent failure following a HZO infection.

Reduction of Foveal Avascular Zone After Vitrectomy Demonstrated by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of pars plana vitrectomy on foveal circulation, and in particular the foveal avascular zone (FAZ), using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). METHODS: This was a prospective, non-randomized, comparative case series of patients that underwent vitrectomy. Twenty-six eyes of 26 patients that underwent vitrectomy were studied postoperatively by OCTA. Our patients underwent 23 or 25G pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for any posterior segment pathology. Three-dimensional OCTAs (DRI Triton Swept Source OCT; Topcon) of the capillary plexus were obtained three months post-operatively. The FAZ measurements of the fellow eyes were used as controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Change in FAZ area between vitrectomized eyes and controls. RESULTS: From a total of 26 patients, 17 underwent vitrectomy due to retinal detachment (RD). Almost all patients demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in FAZ size based on the OCTA measurements. Τhe mean difference in FAZ size for the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) was -93.77 ± 71.73 µm and for the deep capillary plexus (DCP) -88.87 ± 75.41 µm, both statistically significant (p=0.000), while the amount of reduction in µm was the same for both SCP and DCP. CONCLUSION: The foveal avascular zone seems to be reduced following vitrectomy as shown by optical coherence tomography angiography. It is postulated that this may be the result of changes in the physiology of the vitrectomized eye, and that this change should be attributed to the removal of the vitreous itself rather than other structures such as the internal limiting membrane.

Tractional Retinal Detachment in a Patient With Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia.

An 86-year-old man with Waldenström's macroglobulinemia and a history of acute retinal necrosis (four years ago) presented with reduced visual acuity in his right eye of three days' duration. He developed epiretinal membrane and tractional retinal detachment, which were treated successfully. Epiretinal membrane and tractional retinal detachment usually occur one to two months after the onset of retinitis. In our case, this happened four years after the diagnosis of acute retinal necrosis syndrome, prophylactic vitrectomy, and successful treatment of acute retinal necrosis syndrome in a patient with Waldenström's macroglobulinemia.