Low-dose intravitreal injection of 4 mg preservative-free gentamicin and superficial lamellar keratectomy combined with modified Gundersen grafts to control chronic heterochromic iridocyclitis and secondary keratitis in horses.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a combined treatment approach for heterochromic iridocyclitis and secondary keratitis (HIK) in horses. ANIMAL STUDIED: A total of 15 horses (16 eyes). PROCEDURES: Sixteen eyes from 15 horses (mean age 14.1 years, range 6-26 years) received low-dose (4 mg) intravitreal preservative-free gentamicin injection (IVGI) and modified Gundersen grafts with standing sedation and local anesthesia following a clinical diagnosis of HIK. Additional therapies of suprachoroidal triamcinolone (8 mg) injection, episcleral bromfenac implants, and suprachoroidal cyclosporine implants were performed in individual cases. Leptospira titers were also reported when available. RESULTS: The most frequent ophthalmic findings were pigmented keratic precipitates (n = 15/16 eyes, 94%), corneal edema (n = 14/16 eyes, 88%), and pigmented cells suspended in the anterior chamber (n = 7/16 eyes, 44%). Postoperative treatment generally consisted of topical and systemic NSAIDs, topical antibiotics, and a topical mydriatic agent. Complications included persistent corneal edema (7/16, 44%), corneal ulceration (6/16, 38%), graft failure requiring revision (2/16, 13%), stromal abscess (1/16, 6%), surgery site infection (1/16, 6%), and suspected retinal degeneration following IVGI (1/16, 6%). One case was enucleated 6 months after treatment (1/16, 6%). Of the 12 eyes with at least 3 months of post-treatment follow-up, 10 were comfortable and visual with static or improved symptoms of HIK. CONCLUSIONS: This multimodal treatment approach aims to address both the anterior uveitis and endothelial decompensation frequently seen in horses with HIK. The surgery can be performed under standing sedation. Continued evaluation and long-term follow-up is necessary in all horses with HIK.

Automated quantification of uveitic keratic precipitates by use of anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of ocular inflammation via common imaging modalities like optical coherence tomography (OCT) has emphasised cell visualisation, but automated detection of uveitic keratic precipitates (KPs) remains unexplored. METHODS: Anterior segment (AS)-OCT dense volumes of the corneas of patients with uveitic KPs were collected at three timepoints: with active (T0), clinically improving (T1), and resolved (T2) inflammation. At each visit, visual acuity and clinical grading of the anterior chamber cells were assessed. A bespoke algorithm was used to create an en face rendering of the KPs and to calculate their volume and a ratio of the volume of precipitates over the analysed area. The variation of AS-OCT-derived measurements over time was assessed, and compared with clinical grading. RESULTS: Twenty eyes from 20 patients (13 females, mean age 39 years) were studied. At T0, the mean volume of the corneal KPs was 0.1727 mm3 , and it significantly reduced to 0.1111 mm3 (p = 0.03) only at T2. The ratio between the volume of the KPs and the corneal area decreased from T0 (0.007) to T1 (0.006; p = 0.2) and T2 (0.004; p = 0.009). There was a statistically significant correlation between the AC cell count and the AS-OCT volume measurements of the KPs at the three time points. CONCLUSIONS: AS-OCT can image uveitic KPs and through a bespoke algorithm we were able to create an en face rendering allowing us to extrapolate their volume. We found that objective quantification of KPs correlated with inflammatory cell counts in the anterior chamber.

Comparison of Clinical Characteristics between Rubella Virus and Cytomegalovirus Associated Chronic Unilateral Anterior Uveitis.

PURPOSE: To identify the clinical characteristics that may predict the diagnosis of Rubella virus (RV) or Cytomegalovirus (CMV) among cases of chronic treatment resistant or steroid dependent unilateral anterior uveitis (AU). METHODS: Thirty-three consecutive patients with a diagnosis of CMV and 32 patients with RV chronic AU were enrolled. The respective frequency of certain demographic and clinical characteristics was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The presence of abnormal vessels in the anterior chamber angle (75% and 6.1%, respectively, p < .001), vitritis (68.8%-12.1%, p < .001), iris heterochromia (40.6%-15.2%, p = .022) and iris nodules (21.9%-3%, p = .027) were more common among RV AU. Conversely, intraocular pressure greater than 26 mmHg was more commonly encountered in CMV associated AU (63.6%-15.6%, respectively, p < .001) and large keratic precipitates were detected only in CMV-associated AU. CONCLUSIONS: RV- and CMV-induced chronic AU differ significantly in the prevalence of specific clinical characteristics.

Temporary Myopic Shift in a Patient with Multiple Parallel-Line Endotheliitis.

Here, we report the case of a patient with multiple parallel-line endotheliitis with myopic shift, which has not been previously reported. A 36-year-old man visited our clinic with blurred vision in his left eye. A slit lamp examination revealed an interesting pattern of multiple parallel lines of keratic precipitates, along with subtle corneal edema. The spherical equivalents measured in the right and left eyes were -9.25 and -11.875 diopter, respectively, with the left eye showing more myopic progression. On specular microscopy, endothelial cell loss was found in the left eye. After administration of a weak topical steroid, keratic precipitates and corneal edema resolved completely within 2 days. The myopic shift in his left eye recovered to -10.0 diopters. Multiple parallel-line endotheliitis can be easily treated with a weak topical steroid in a short period. A temporary myopic shift may occur, which in this case resolved upon disease recovery. However, corneal endothelial cell loss is inevitable; therefore, careful monitoring is needed.

Anterior Uveitis Associated with Human Herpesvirus 7 Infection Diagnosed by Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Herpetic anterior uveitis (AU) is usually caused by the herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, and cytomegalovirus. Herein, we report a case of herpetic AU associated with human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) infection. STUDY DESIGN: A case report. CASE PRESENTATION: A 49-year-old female patient presented with complaints of blurred vision and hyperemia in the right eye. Slit-lamp examination revealed bilateral fine and a few small white keratic precipitates (KPs), Descemet membrane folds in the right eye, and severe and mild cellular infiltration in the anterior chamber of the right and left eye, respectively. HHV-7 viral DNA was detected by a polymerase chain reaction assay of an aqueous humor sample. The AU improved significantly with topical steroids. CONCLUSION: We report a rare case of herpetic AU characterized by fine and small white KPs in which only HHV-7 DNA was detected in the aqueous humor.

In Vivo Confocal Microscopy of Keratic Precipitates in Vitreoretinal Lymphoma.

PURPOSE: To investigate the morphological features of keratic precipitates (KPs) with in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) in vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL). METHODS: Patients with biopsy-proven VRL were reviewed, and 12 patients (16 eyes) with KPs examined by IVCM were included. RESULTS: Five distinct KP morphologies on IVCM were observed: dendritic, nibbling, linear, globular, and stippled. Dendritic KPs were discovered in 9 eyes (56.3%), with a hyperreflective core and multiple thin pseudopodia. Nibbling KPs were found in 8 eyes (50.0%), featuring irregularly hyperreflective borders and a mottled reflective interior. Linear, stippled, and globular KPs were self-explanatory and affected nearly all eyes. Globular KPs seem to be formed by hyperreflective cells with large nuclei and prominent nucleoli, similar to atypical lymphocytes in vitreous cytology. CONCLUSIONS: IVCM could provide more insight into the morphological traits of KPs than clinical observation, highlighting its potential for identifying VRL involving the anterior segment.

Keratic Precipitates: The Underutilized Diagnostic Clue.

The morphology of keratic precipitates (KPs) may yield important diagnostic clues. However, KPs have not been described in a standardized manner and the traditional classification of granulomatous or non-granulomatous KPs is not helpful in differentiating infectious from noninfectious uveitis. A granulomatous uveitis may initially appear non-granulomatous. We suggest three ways to examine KPs that may aid in differentiating the infectious from noninfectious etiologies. The first method is the in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) description and classification of KPs, in which the "non-granulomatous" subset of dendritiform and infiltrative KPs should be differentiated from smooth-rounded KPs and globular KPs which are "granulomatous." The second and third clues are the distribution and color of the KPs. KPs that extend beyond the midline may suggest an infective cause, and fresh pigmented KPs suggest a viral cause. Careful examination of the KPs may immediately reveal the clues to the diagnosis, minimizing unnecessary tests and costs.

Floral Pattern of Keratic Precipitates in Vitreoretinal Lymphoma on In Vivo Confocal Microscopy.

PURPOSE: To describe the morphological patterns of keratic precipitates (KPs) in vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) using in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM). METHODS: Six eyes of three biopsy-proven VRL patients were included. KPs were identified and analyzed on IVCM. RESULTS: On examination, pigmented KPs in four eyes, white central KPs in two eyes and anterior chamber cells with flare in six eyes and pseudo hypopyon in one eye were identified. A typical floral pattern of KPs on IVCM was noted in all eyes. Three eyes each showed the complete and incomplete floral patterns, respectively. Resolution of KPs on IVCM was noted after chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: In addition to the routinely used clinical and imaging markers like the visual acuity, presence of lymphomatous cells in the vitreous and optical coherence tomography findings, the presence and appearance of KPs on IVCM can also be considered as a useful, diagnostic and treatment monitoring marker in VRL.

Relationships between the clinical characteristics and copy numbers of DNA of cytomegalovirus determined by real-time PCR.

PURPOSE: To determine whether there is a correlation between the clinicals characteristics including various types of keratic precipitates and the copy numbers of the DNA of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in eyes with CMV corneal endotheliitis. METHODS: We reviewed the medical charts of four cases of corneal endotheliitis that were CMV-positive. We have classified types of clinical phenomenon into four types: coin-shaped KPs, sectoral corneal edema with or without Khodadoust line-like KPs, mutton-fat KPs, and fine KPs and have graded their severity. We also determined the copy numbers of the DNA of CMV in the aqueous humor by real-time polymerase chain reaction before and during the treatment. We evaluated the correlation between the patterns of clinical characteristics and copy number of the DNA of CMV. RESULTS: There were clinical improvements in all eyes following topical ganciclovir in conjunction with low dose of topical steroid treatment, with or without oral valganciclovir. The clinical characteristics and the copy numbers of the DNA of CMV varied during the treatment period. The presence of coin-shaped KPs was correlated with high copy numbers (105-103 copies/ml) of the DNA of CMV. The copy numbers of the DNA of CMV with sectoral corneal edema with or without Khodadoust line-like KPs ranged from 104 to 102 copies/ml, and it was occasionally accompanied by high intraocular pressure. Mutton-fat KPs were observed inferiorly, sometimes together with coin-shaped KPs and sectoral corneal edema, or solely. The copy numbers in eyes with mutton-fat KPs varied and occasionally less than the cutoff level. Fine-pigmented KPs were observed after the resolution of the endotheliitis, and no DNA of CMV was detected in the aqueous humor. CONCLUSIONS: Careful observations of the clinical characteristics such as the KPs and corneal edema might be helpful in estimating the amount of the DNA of CMV in eyes with corneal endotheliitis.

Anterior segment optical coherence tomographic characterisation of keratic precipitates.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) can be used to visualise keratic precipitates (KPs) on the corneal endothelium. However, there has been no correlation between characteristic clinical appearances of KPs and AS-OCT morphology. We wished to assess the potential diagnostic role of AS-OCT in patients presenting with inflammatory eye disease and KPs. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Six patients with inflammatory KPs were compared to one patient with infective interface keratitis following Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) and one patient with endothelial pigment. AS-OCT was performed in each case and morphological features of the KPs were compared. Reflectivity of KPs was also compared numerically by measuring their relative lightness. RESULTS: AS-OCT images in acute and active inflammation generally demonstrated hyperreflective KP variants in comparison to conditions with moderate or longstanding inflammation. In the patient with infective interface keratitis, KPs were evident on the endothelial surface but no changes could be identified at the graft-host interface. There were no significant differences between infective and inflammatory KPs to help distinguish between the two. Endothelial pigment deposits were clearly differentiated from keratic precipitates with smaller, poorly defined deposits on the endothelium surface which were isoreflective to the cornea. CONCLUSION: Hyperreflective KPs could be suggestive of newly deposited KPs and active inflammation; they may also be increased in KPs of herpetic origin. AS-OCT should not be used to differentiate infective infiltrate from inflammatory KPs if a patient were to present with post-operative inflammation and interface infection should still be suspected even if only endothelial deposits are identified on AS-OCT. AS-OCT may be used as a diagnostic and monitoring tool to assess response to treatment in cases where anterior segment inflammation of uncertain aetiology is present.

A Review of Corneal Endotheliitis and Endotheliopathy: Differential Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Treatment.

The corneal endothelium plays an integral role in regulating corneal hydration and clarity. Endotheliitis, defined as inflammation of the corneal endothelium, may disrupt endothelial function and cause subsequent visual changes. Corneal endotheliitis is characterized by corneal edema, the presence of keratic precipitates, anterior chamber inflammation, and occasionally limbal injection, neovascularization, and co-existing or superimposed uveitis. The disorder is classified into four subgroups: linear, sectoral, disciform, and diffuse. Its etiology is extensive and, although commonly viral, may be medication-related, procedural, fungal, zoological, environmental, or systemic. Not all cases of endothelial dysfunction leading to corneal edema are inflammatory in nature. Therefore, it is imperative that practitioners consider a broad differential for patients presenting with possible endotheliitis, as well as familiarize themselves with appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic modalities.

Human adenoviral type 54 keratoconjunctivitis accompanied by stellate keratitis and keratic precipitates: two cases.

BACKGROUND: Of the 10 patients with adenoviral type 54 keratoconjunctivitis examined at Nojima Hospital, 2 developed stellate keratitis and mutton-fat keratic precipitates (KPs) following acute symptoms. CASE PRESENTATION: We encountered 10 cases of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis from August to October 2017. All patients were adults with a mean age of 60.9 ± 10.0 years. The species D human adenovirus (HAdV)-54 was detected in the conjunctival scrapings of these patients. Fluorometholone instillation was administered during the first week for acute symptomatic relief. Case 1: A 64-year-old female was prescribed with fluorometholone instillation, which was discontinued after 1 week when her symptoms alleviated. One week after discontinuation of the instillation, she presented with blurred vision in her left eye with KPs and multiple stellate keratitis. The anterior chamber had no apparent cells. Her symptoms disappeared after 1 week of betamethasone instillation. Case 2: A 66-year-old female was prescribed with 0.1% fluorometholone instillation, which was discontinued within10 days. Three months after the appearance of initial symptoms, multiple subepithelial corneal infiltrates (MSI) appeared in her eyes. Stellate keratitis and dark-brown pigmentation were observed in the centres of MSI, with several cells in the anterior chamber. Betamethasone was prescribed, and MSI and stellate keratitis improved within 1 week. However, KPs were observed in the left eye. The instillation was continued for 3 more weeks until symptoms improved. CONCLUSIONS: MSI is an immune reaction that occurs after the disappearance of acute symptoms. Here, corneal findings and KPs were observed after improvement in eye redness and discontinuation of steroids. These symptoms were presumed to be secondary inflammation due to immune response to the adenoviral antigen. The clinical features of HAdV-54 keratoconjunctivitis on the ocular surface are initially moderate, but become active in the subacute to chronic phases. This may develop atypical findings, including stellate keratitis with KPs. Although early steroid administration can relieve acute symptoms, it may facilitate chronic corneal immunological reaction.

Differential Diagnosis of Viral-Induced Anterior Uveitis.

Diagnosis of uveitis is often challenging, but can be easy in typical viral-induced anterior uveitis (VIAU). Associated symptoms and signs are an important source of information. Certain classical clinical features such as keratic precipitates (KPs) distribution, iris atrophy, elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), and unilaterality are commonly used to support the diagnosis of VIAU. However, many etiologies of anterior uveitis may to a certain extent mimic VIAU, especially the ones with unilateral granulomatous KPs and elevated IOP. This review begins with how the clinician can differentiate viral from nonviral anterior uveitis, and subsequently focuses on the key features which may aid in differentiating among the different viruses that cause VIAU.

Hypertensive acute granulomatous anterior uveitis as a side effect of topical brimonidine. / Uveítis anterior aguda hipertensiva granulomatosa bilateral como efecto adverso a brimonidina tópica.

CLINICAL CASE: The case concerns an 81-year-old woman on treatment with a topical fixed combination of timolol and brimonidine who was diagnosed in the Emergency Department with acute anterior granulomatous hypertensive uveitis. The patient responded favourably to the withdrawal of the eye drops without showing any subsequent relapse. DISCUSSION: Uveitis due to brimonidine is a rare adverse effect, but it must be known. Once the diagnosis is suspected, the effective treatment is the withdrawal of brimonidine, with or without the addition of topical corticosteroids to control inflammation depending on the severity of the condition. It is a process with an excellent prognosis.

In Vivo Laser Confocal Microscopy Using the HRT-Rostock Cornea Module: Diversity and Diagnostic Implications in Patients with Uveitis.

PURPOSE: Keratic precipitates (KP) are a common feature of uveitis. We prospectively examined KP with the Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph II confocal laser scanning microscope and Rostock Corneal Module (HRT-RCM) to explore their diagnostic implications. METHODS: Prospective, observational, multicenter study. HRT-RCM images were classified by two masked observers. RESULTS: 120 scans on 120 eyes from 110 subjects were included. The majority (N = 93) had non-infectious uveitis. Sixty eyes had active disease at scanning. Eight KP morphologies were defined. Agreement between the two masked graders was high (Kappa value across all categories = 0.81). Cluster and nodular KP were associated with active infectious uveitis (p < 0.01): patients with cluster KP (odds ratio [OR] = 3.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.43, 6.45) and nodular KP (OR = 3.89, 95% CI: 1.42, 10.65) were more likely to have infectious uveitis than those without. CONCLUSIONS: Laser confocal microscopy of KP may have a role in determining between infectious and non-infectious uveitis.

Clinical Features and Prognosis of Herpetic Anterior Uveitis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical features, complications, visual outcomes and treatment modalities in patients clinically diagnosed with herpetic anterior uveitis (AU). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 67 patients seen at the Umraniye Training and Research Hospital, Ophthalmology Clinic, Uveitis and Cornea Department from January 2009 to June 2013. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients (55.2%) were female and 30 (44.7%) patients were male. The average follow-up period was 12.9 ± 10.6 months (range: 1-45 months). The most common ocular findings were granulomatous keratic precipitates (KPs) (82.2%), corneal involvement (62.6%), iris atrophy (41.7%) and transient elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) (40.2%). Recurrences were observed in 46.2% of the eyes and the median recurrence rate was 1.0 during the follow-up period. Topical steroids and oral antiviral (acyclovir) therapy were applied to all patients during active episodes. Long-term oral acyclovir was used in 29.8% of the patients. Recurrence rates were significantly lower in patients who used oral acyclovir for more than 6 months, whereas complications rates and final visual acuity did not show any difference between groups. Final visual acuity was better than 20/40 in 61.1% of eyes, and visual impairment was due to corneal scarring or cataract formation. CONCLUSION: Herpetic AU can present with or without corneal involvement. Granulomatous KPs, iris atrophy and elevated IOP are important clinical findings for the diagnosis of cases without corneal involvement. Long-term oral acyclovir treatment (more than 6 months) and is important to decrease recurrence rates and possible complications. Visual prognosis is favorable in cases without corneal scarring.

Polymerase chain reaction in unilateral cases of presumed viral anterior uveitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Anterior uveitis is the most common form of intraocular inflammation. The main aim of this study was to determine the viral etiology in patients with unilateral cases of anterior uveitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 12 consecutive patients with the diagnosis of idiopathic unilateral anterior uveitis were included prospectively. Aqueous specimens were obtained from each patient by anterior chamber paracentesis and subjected to the detection of viral DNA/RNA genome by polymerase chain reaction assay for herpes simplex virus, varicella zoster virus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and rubella virus. RESULTS: There were six male and six female patients. The mean age was 43 years, with an age range of 11-82 years. All 12 cases presented with unilateral anterior uveitis. In four (33%) patients, polymerase chain reaction was positive for viral genome. Two patients were positive for herpes simplex virus type 1, one patient was positive for cytomegalovirus and one for Epstein-Barr virus. CONCLUSION: Recent molecular diagnostic assays would help in the identification of the causative agent in patients with unilateral anterior uveitis.

Clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical characterization of a novel equine ocular disorder: heterochromic iridocyclitis with secondary keratitis in adult horses.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical, histopathologic and immunohistochemical characteristics of an equine ocular inflammatory disease resulting in anterior uveitis and corneal endothelial inflammation associated with iris pigment dispersion and retrocorneal fibrous membrane (RFM) formation. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS STUDIED: Sixteen horses with evidence of pigmented keratic precipitates (KPs), corneal edema, and/or iris depigmentation. Information collected from the medical records included signalment, clinical signs, prereferral treatment duration and response to therapy, ophthalmic examination findings, postreferral treatment, response to therapy, and outcome. RESULTS: Twenty-one eyes from 16 horses were affected. Age ranged between 9 and 25 years (Average 16.1 years). Blepharospasm, epiphora, and/or corneal opacification were the first clinical signs noted. At the time of referral pigmented KPs, corneal edema, iridal depigmentation, and retrocorneal membranes were commonly seen. Treatment included topical and/or systemic anti-inflammatories and antibiotics with variable response. Reduction or cessation of anti-inflammatory therapy resulted in worsening of clinical signs and disease progression. Eight eyes ultimately required enucleation. Histopathology changes include iridal pigment loss and dispersion, RFM formation, and keratitis. Variable degrees of lymphoplasmacytic inflammation were dominated by T-cells within the corneal stroma, RFM, iris, and ciliary body with occasional multinucleated giant cells. CONCLUSIONS: Heterochromic iridocyclitis with secondary keratitis (HIK) is characterized by uveal inflammation with pigment dispersion and suspected corneal endothelial dysfunction. Horses being treated for HIK require diligent and frequent follow-up examinations in combination with aggressive local immune suppression to control the disease. However, HIK may not respond to therapy and enucleation may ultimately be required to ensure the horse's comfort.