[Simplified anesthesia protocol for cataract surgery under topical anesthesia: one year retrospective study]. / Protocole simplifié de prise en charge anesthésique chez les patients opérés de cataracte sous topique : étude rétrospective sur un an.

INTRODUCTION: The reduced supply of anesthesiologists in the hospital setting calls for a reconsideration of anesthesia management for ophthalmology patients. Therefore, a simplified management protocol has been designed through close collaboration between the involved specialists for cataract surgery under topical anesthesia (anesthetic eye drops or sub-Tenon's injection). MATERIALS AND METHODS: At the conclusion of the visit confirming the need for surgery, the surgeon completes a questionnaire designed to elicit a history of the presence of diabetes mellitus (type I or II), prior organ transplantation, chronic renal insufficiency requiring dialysis, communication difficulties, psychiatric disorders, allergy and/or a complex cataract. If one of the items is positive, the patient is scheduled for a preoperative anesthesia consult. If all the items are negative, this anesthesia evaluation is waived. The surgeon explains the fasting requirement and how to take the patient's usual medications on the morning of surgery. The patient continues his/her medications. No lab tests or chest X-ray are performed. If necessary, the surgeon prescribes preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis and any other preparation. During the surgery, the patient receives IV fluids and is monitored via EKG, non-invasive blood pressure and pulse oxymetry by a certified nurse anesthetist. The anesthesiologist on duty (one per every four rooms) is immediately available for the slightest problem. The surgeon signs the postoperative anesthesia note and discharge order. RESULTS: This procedure was assessed by one surgeon over a one year period, including 145 patients (60% of the patients recruited for this surgery), primarily outpatient (77%) under topical anesthesia (Oxybuprocaine(®)+Visthesia(®), Zeiss) or under sub-Tenon's injection (Xylocaïne(®)). No major complications were observed. Seven cases of arterial hypertension, treated with calcium channel blockers (nicardipine), and three episodes of brief anxiety were observed. CONCLUSION: This simplified anesthesia protocol appears to be safe and effective but requires more demanding involvement of the surgeon, whose scope of competence and responsibility must naturally increase. This is the only way by which cataract surgery can remain competitive.

[Prepapillary arterial loop and retinal arterial branch occlusion]. / Une boucle artérielle prépapillaire compliquée d'occlusion de branche artérielle rétinienne.

Preretinal arterial loops are congenital vascular anomalies that originate from a main branch of the central retinal artery on the optic disc. These arterial loops are usually unilateral and asymptomatic, but they can be associated with retinal artery branch occlusion. We report one case of inferior temporal retinal artery occlusion in a patient with preretinal arterial loops. Two different mechanisms are thought to be the cause of occlusion: twisting of the loop or thrombosis.

[Oguchi disease or stationary congenital night blindness: a case report]. / Syndrome d'Oguchi ou cécité nocturne congénitale stationnaire: à propos d'un cas.

INTRODUCTION: Oguchi disease, originally described in Japanese people, is a rare form of stationary night blindness in patients with normal acuity. OBSERVATION: We report the case of an 8-year-old girl who presented with an abnormal terrified behavior in the dark. Thorough questioning revealed hemeralopia. Her clinical examination (visual acuity, Goldmann visual field, and color vision) were normal. The fundus examination showed golden-brown color, grayish, almost greenish yellow discoloration in the peripheral area with no osteoclast. This abnormality disappeared after prolonged dark adaptation. The electroretinogram showed a reduced b wave amplitude under scotopic conditions. Her parents were cousins. CONCLUSION: This diagnosis should be suggested when hemeralopia is associated with typical fundus aspect resolving after dark adaptation (so called Mizuo-Nakamura phenomenon). The long-term prognosis in these patients is good in the absence of clinical progression. This is a genetic autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the gene coding for arrestin located in 2q37.1.

[Bilateral papilledema as the manifestation of Schwannoma of the cauda equina]. / Oedème papillaire bilatéral révélant un schwannome de la queue-de-cheval. A propos d'un cas.

PURPOSE: A case of schwannoma of the cauda equina in which the initial manifestation was visual loss, due to papilledema, is described. OBSERVATION: A 56-year-old man presented a history of 1 month of progressively blurred vision. On examination, visual acuity was 20/1,000 due to bilateral papilledema without spinal symptoms or neurological signs. Brain computed tomography demonstrated a nonobstructive hydrocephalus. He underwent a ventriculoperitoneal shunt without improvement. One month later, he complained of disturbance while walking associated with lower back pain. A lumbar puncture revealed an increased opening pressure. Analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid demonstrated an elevated protein level (6.8 g/l). Spinal magnetic resonance imaging showed a neurinoma of the cauda equina. We performed complete surgical resection and the histopathology diagnosis was schwannoma. Neurological dysfunctions resolved except visual acuity due to bilateral optic atrophy. DISCUSSION: The association of papilledema and spinal tumor is an unusual but well-known phenomenon. Several theories have been proposed to explain the development of increased intracranial pressure in such cases but the exact physiopathology remains unknown. CONCLUSION: Spinal cord tumor should be considered when acute papilledema associated with normal brain computed tomography and high cerebrospinal fluid protein levels are encountered. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging should then be performed.

Antiphospholipid syndrome in patients with retinal venous occlusion.

INTRODUCTION: We conducted a prospective study to determine the prevalence and the prognosis of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) in patients with retinal venous occlusion (RVO). PATIENTS: Consecutive patients presenting with retinal vein occlusion were screened for vascular risk factors (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia) and for antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL): anticardiolipin (aCL), anti-beta2-glycoprotein I, and lupus anticoagulant. Patients with a serum sample positive for aPL returned at least 6 weeks later for a new screening to determine the prevalence of antiphospholipid syndrome. All patients were followed to determine the outcome. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients presented with RVO, 16 had vascular risk factors for RVO. After two screenings for aPL, nine cases of antiphospholipid syndrome associated with RVO were diagnosed (13.2%). Eight patients were over age 50 years and none had a previous thrombotic event before RVO. All patients were treated with aspirin (160 mg/day). With a mean follow-up of 26.1+/-8.2 months (range, 16-36 months), there were no recurrences. CONCLUSION: Retinal venous occlusion is multifactorial in origin. In patients aged 50 years and older, without previous thrombotic event, aPL might not be predictive of recurrences and treatment with aspirin might be sufficient. In such patients, the routine screening for aPL does not appear warranted, but a randomized study should be conducted to really ascertain the pathogenic role of aPL and the most appropriate treatment in RVO.

[Dragged disc syndrome in a patient presenting neurofibromatosis type II: a case study]. / Syndrome d'attraction papillaire chez une patiente présentant une neurofibromatose de type II.

We report a case of dragged disc syndrome associated with neurofibromatosis type II (NF2). A 5-year-old girl with amblyopia (right eye, 20/200; left eye, 20/40) presented with dragged disk syndrome and a posterior subcapsular cataract in the left eye associated with an epiretinal membrane in the right eye. Five years later, she developed exophthalmos in the right eye associated with a cervical mass. MRI revealed schwannoma developing in the left optic nerve sheath associated with a cervicothoracic schwannoma. The child was diagnosed with NF2. Association of posterior subcapsular cataract with macular epiretinal membranes is highly suggestive of NF2, although the dragged disk syndrome has not been previously reported in NF2 to our knowledge. It may also be an ocular feature of this disease.

[Use of topical cutaneous N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of major bilateral ectropion in an infant with lamellar ichthyosis]. / Utilisation de la N-acétylcystéine en application topique cutanée dans le traitement d'un ectropion bilatéral chez un enfant atteint d'ichthyose lamellaire.

PURPOSE: To report for the first time bilateral ectropion treatment in an infant with severe lamellar ichthyosis associating N-acetylcysteine applied directly to the skin and oral acitretin. METHODS: An 8-week-old male child with major bilateral ectropion due to lamellar ichthyosis was given treatment associating oral acitretin (Soriatane) and topical N-acetylcysteine. Though the precorneal tear film quality could be maintained, after 1 month of initial treatment with acitretin only, bilateral upper eyelid ectropion remained threatening for the child's cornea. The adjunction of topical N-acetylcysteine enabled a complete regression of ectropion. No complementary surgery was needed and the eyelids remained well positioned. CONCLUSION: Topical N-acetylcysteine has been proved to have an antiproliferative effect on keratinocytes in vitro and in vivo. It may be useful in the treatment of major forms of ectropion in children with lamellar ichthyosis. Its association with conventional acitretin treatment may prevent unnecessary surgery.

[Role of trypan blue in epiretinal membrane surgery]. / Intérêt du bleu trypan dans la chirurgie des membranes épirétiniennes.

INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) results from detachment of the posterior hyaloid. Vitrectomy and peeling are the treatment of choice. Trypan blue 0.15% (TB) stains the epiretinal membrane and the internal limiting membrane (ILM), facilitating surgery and thus allowing selective and complete removal with less retinal damage. We conducted a study evaluating the advantages of selective staining associated with surgery, the incidence of postoperative damage, and the influence on final visual acuity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fourteen patients were operated on by the same surgeon, who carried out a complete vitrectomy, then fluid-air exchange for dye injection of undiluted 0.2 ml of Trypan blue 0.15% in front of the membrane, which was then easily distinguished from the area under the retina. Preoperative visual acuity, postoperative damage, as well as eye status at the end of follow-up are discussed. Transmission electron microscopy was used to determine if epiretinal membrane removal was complete and selective. Angiography was systematically used to study the state of retina before and after surgery. RESULTS: Preliminary results show that trypan blue is useful and facilitates complete removal of ERM and ILM. It may reduce long-term complications and recurrent membrane formation. Trypan blue is a staining agent that is quick and easy to use. It presents no short-term toxic effects. Functional results in 6 months show improvement of visual acuity and disappearance of metamorphopsia. CONCLUSION: Idiopathic epiretinal membrane surgery with tryptan blue staining is a better alternative than indocyanine green staining.

[Evaluation of trypan blue toxicity in idiopathic epiretinal membrane surgery with macular function test using multifocal electroretinography: seven prospective case studies]. / Evaluation de la toxicité du bleu trypan dans la chirurgie des membranes épirétiniennes idiopathiques en testant la fonction maculaire par l'électrorétinogramme multifocal. Etude prospective sur 7 cas.

INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic epiretinal membranes are considered the consequence of glial proliferation through a defect of the internal limiting membrane and can induce a functional macular syndrome associating mainly metamorphopsia and visual acuteness. Visual disturbance is not bound to the area and the degree of transparency of the membrane, but to distortion of external layers of the retina. Multifocal electroretinography (ERGm) can assess the macular area and retina extending 20 degrees. We used this tool to study macular function pre- and post-operatively with seven patients presenting idiopathic epiretinal membrane. PATIENT AND METHOD: All patients had successful vitrectomy, with 0.2 ml of 0.15% trypan blue (TB) staining to facilitate peeling. This stain is not toxic for the pigment epithelium but it becomes so for photoreceptors at doses exceeding 0.2%. We tried to estimate the echo of TB 0.15% on photoreceptors through this exam. An ERGm was done 1 week before the operation as well as 1 month and 4 months after on 14 eyes of seven patients with ERMs. RESULTS: Results show a pre-operative decrease in the electrical retinal response densities in the foveal, perifoveal and parafoveal areas. One month after operation, no significant difference was found compared to pre-operative results. However, at 4 months, an improvement of the retinal response density was observed. Retinal response densities in the macular area increased progressively after ERM surgery. CONCLUSION: The 0.15% TB facilitated ERM peeling and does not seem to present any retinal toxicity.

[Ultrastructural study of epiretinal membrane stained by trypan blue: 15 case reports]. / Etude ultrastructurale des membranes épirétiniennes idiopathiques colorées au bleu trypan.

INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic epiretinal membrane results from detachment of the posterior hyaloid and is believed to be related to naturally occurring defects in the internal limiting membrane (ILM) of the retina. Vitrectomy and peeling are the treatment of choice. Trypan blue 0.15% (TB) stains epiretinal membrane and internal limiting membrane. It allows selective and complete removal, facilitating surgery, with less retinal damage. An ultrastructural study was conducted showing ultrastructural features of idiopathic epiretinal membranes (ERM) and those of the internal limiting membrane and its connections with the retinal side. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After pars plana vitrectomy and induction of posterior vitreous detachment, 0.2 ml TB 0.15% was injected over the ERM in an air-filled eye. The stained tissue was peeled with intraocular forceps. Specimens were at once collected in 4% glutaraldehyde for a transmission electron microscopy study. RESULTS: TB may allow complete and easier ERM and ILM peeling. The staining does not present toxic effects. The major cellular contingent is represented by glial cells, participating actively in neocollagen synthesis. Their presence supports the hypothesis of a migratory movement of retinal cells toward the vitreoretinal side. CONCLUSION: The presence of an intact internal limiting membrane, the absence of optical fibers belonging to the under retina, and the absence of any sign of apoptosis make TB a useful staining agent for ERM and ILM peeling.

[Staphylococcal endophthalmitis following cataract surgery in a patient with ocular rosacea]. / Endophtalmie à staphylocoque après chirurgie de la cataracte chez un patient atteint de rosacée oculaire.

PURPOSE: To report staphylococcal endophthalmitis following cataract surgery in a patient with ocular rosacea. OBSERVATION: A 69-year-old man presented with decreased visual acuity in the right eye, a corneal abscess on the incision and hypopyon 2 weeks after phacoemulsification with intraocular lens placement. The patient was hospitalized. A diagnostic vitreous tap was performed. Antibiotic therapy was initiated both locally (two intravitreal shots + topical administration) and intravenously. RESULTS: Vitreal tap cultures indicated Staphylococcus aureus. The patient's clinical status improved 48 hours after the second intravitreal shot. The same bacterium was cultured from the patient's eyelids and incision abscess. Multilayer amniotic membrane transplantation enabled satisfactory healing of the corneal abscess, which had become perforative. CONCLUSIONS: The source of the S. aureus was the skin lesions on the patient's eyelids. Rosacea is a skin disease that frequently affects the face, nose and eyelids. Although good surgical techniques were performed, with the incision requiring suture, the risk of endophthalmitis after intraocular surgery was increased in the absence of proper preoperative treatment of the dermatological condition.

[Granulomatous uveitis and CREST syndrome: a case study]. / Uvéite granulomateuse et Crest syndrome. A propos d'un cas.

PURPOSE: To report a case of recurrent granulomatous panuveitis associated with CREST syndrome. OBSERVATION: A 74-year-old patient with CREST syndrome presented with unilateral granulomatous panuveitis in a pseudophakic eye. She had undergone cataract surgery 6 months before. The patient reported a vision loss that had been evolving for 1 month. Visual acuity was noted at 20/400. The initial clinical examination highlighted retrodescemetic precipitates and granulomatous precipitates on the IOL. A vitreous tyndall was noted. Funduscopic examination revealed papillary edema and cystoid macular edema, confirmed by fluorescein angiography. RESULTS: Topical treatment consisting in corticosteroid eye drops associated with mydriatics controlled uveitis in a few weeks. Visual recovery was 20/30. No granulomatous uveitis etiology could be highlighted. The diagnosis of chronic endophthalmitis was also ruled out. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis retained was uveitis associated with CREST syndrome. To our knowledge, this association has only been reported twice in the literature.

[Role of vitrectomy in patients with a decrease in visual acuity secondary to asteroid hyalosis]. / Indications de la vitrectomie chez les patients atteints d'une baisse d'acuité visuelle secondaire à une hyalopathie astéroïde.

PURPOSE: Asteroid hyalosis is a vitreous degeneration with calcium and phosphorus--lipid complexes in elderly patients with vascular risk factors or general disease such as diabetes mellitus. Synchysis scintillans is a complication of pathological eyes. Generally there are no symptoms. This study aims to evaluate the role of vitrectomy in patients with a decrease in visual acuity. CASE REPORTS: Pars plana vitrectomy was performed in three patients with visual acuity less than 1/10. The biomicroscope examination showed white and bright particles with rounded and variable shapes localized in the anterior vitreous, moving with the eye. The visualization of the fundus was difficult or impossible. On echography B, the vitreous was very dense with a complete posterior vitreous detachment. The vitrectomy was completed in one case by peeling an epiretinal membrane. Visual acuity was improved for two patients (6/10 or more) and stable for one patient with an atrophic DMLA. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: These results were compared with studies in the literature: in spite of complications, vitrectomy can be indicated in patients with a substantial decrease in visual acuity. However, the result is conditioned by the macular status. Fluorescein angiography can, when it is possible, evaluate the fundus before surgery.

[Orbital extension of sinus plasmacytoma secondarily transforming into multiple myeloma: a case study]. / Extension orbitaire d'un plasmocytome sinusien secondairement transformé en myélome multiple. A propos d'un cas.

We report the case of a 39-year-old man who consulted for severe exophthalmia with diplopia associated with chronic sinusitis evolving over 6 months. A cervicofacial CT scan showed a tumoral mass invading the maxillary and ethmoidal left sinus and orbital cavity. A biopsy of the mass and general evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of extramedullary plasmocytoma. Secondarily it transformed into multiple myeloma. In light of this case of extramedullary plasmocytoma in a young subject, we discuss the clinical characteristics, ophthalmologic manifestations, and the various therapeutic modalities according to the stage of the disease and the ocular repercussions.

[Ophthalmological complications of the asphyxiophilic "scarf game" in a 12-year-old child]. / Complications ophtalmologiques du "jeu du foulard" chez un enfant de 12 ans.

PURPOSE: To report a first case of Terson-like syndrome associated with asphyxiophilic practices in an adolescent. METHODS: A 12-year-old boy was referred for decreased visual acuity in his right eye. His father had been diagnosed 3 weeks before with subarachnoidal hemorrhage. Fundus examination showed a dense preretinal hemorrhage in the right eye suggestive of Terson syndrome. RESULTS: Angio-magnetic resonance imaging eliminated aneurysm and arteriovenous malformation from the diagnosis. After questioning the boy further, he reported that he had participated in the "scarf game", a very popular (but lethal) asphyxiophilic practice in middle school, some hours before he noticed a sharp drop in the visual acuity of his right eye. After 2 months of follow-up, he recovered 20/20 vision in his right eye. CONCLUSION: Retinal hemorrhages are quite rare in children. When the cause is not clear (subarachnoidal hemorrhage, arteriovenous malformation, shaken baby syndrome), it must be determined whether the patient has participated in the asphyxiophilic "scarf game" in order to prevent its lethal consequences.

[Childhood Leber hereditary optic neuropathy. A case of a 6-year-old girl with loss of vision]. / Neuropathie optique de Leber de l'enfance. A propos d'un cas de baisse d'acuité visuelle chez une enfant de 6 ans.

Leber hereditary optic neuropathy, also known as hereditary optical atrophy, is passed on by the mother. It involves a papilledema and mostly affects young people. It is a mitochondrial DNA disease due to the mutation of the NADH dehydrogenase enzyme. Mutations are not sufficient to cause visual loss. Indeed, some individuals accommodate with mutations but do not express the disease. The heteroplasmic or homoplasmic character of the mutation among patients explains why they develop the disease or not even though they carry the mutation. Symptomatology starts with a central vision loss: a painless scotoma. The disease can progress either toward progressive vision loss, blindness, or spontaneous improvement. We report the rare case of a 6-year-old girl presenting a decline in central visual acuity. The genetic study revealed the presence of the G11778A primary mutation. The physiopathogenic mechanism, the genetic hypothesis of the female form, diagnostic means, and treatment options will be discussed.

[Corneal edema in pseudophakia. A case report]. / Oedème cornéen du pseudophake. A propos d'une observation anatomo-clinique.

Pseudophakic bullous keratopathy is one of the most common complications of intraocular lenses, which explains the high rate of this condition in series of patients experiencing corneal grafts. It is caused by irreversible damage to the endothelial layer of the implanted eye involving the artificial lens, and occurs either during cataract extraction or after the operation. Intraoperative endothelial protection and the choice of an appropriate lens may contribute to decreasing this secondary disease, which can have severe consequences for many patients whose corneal graft may not restore their visual potential as well as expected. We report a clinicopathological case of a 59-year-old male, previously operated on for cataract in both eyes with an anterior chamber lens. A bilateral corneal edema occurred a few years after the operation, with a bilateral decrease in vision as a consequence. A corneal graft was performed in 2000 on the left eye in order to improve the patient's visual autonomy. The best treatment of this condition remains prevention, avoiding the use of this type of intraocular lens, whose main complication is corneal edema.

[Lymphoma revealed by isolated obliquus inferior muscle involvement in exophthalmia]. / Lymphome révélé par une atteinte isolée du muscle oblique inférieur.

Orbital lymphomas account for 4% of nontraumatic orbital disorders. We report the case of a 54-year-old patient who presented with binocular diplopia associated with right exophthalmia with an isolated obliquus inferior localization. This lymphomatous localization was unexpected, as lymphomas are described more often in the rectus superior and inferior muscles. Pathological examination found a low-grade non-Hodgkin's MALT lymphoma. This case is the basis of a review of the various diagnoses and the necessity of a biopsy prior to surgical tumor ablation that may damage an oculomotor muscle. Treatment should be medical: first-intention surgery would have abolished obliquus inferior function.

[Hypertrophic eyelid conjunctival scar. A tarsal keloid]. / Cicatrice hypertrophique de la conjonctive palpébrale ou chéloïde de la conjonctive tarsale. A propos d'une observation anatomo-clinique.

The clinicopathologic case of a 53-year-old female patient with an abnormal tumor growing on the mucous part of the superior right eyelid is reported. The patient was operated on for ten years ago and a whitish mass slowly developed on the conjunctival face of the eyelid disturbing the use of corneal lenses. It was hard, painless and had the shape of a flat mushroom. The removal was performed under local anesthesia and allowed us to resect a hard and fibrous lesion. Histopathology showed that the lesion was made of a fibrous tissue organized like a hypertrophic scar. Surgical treatment of chalazion is frequent and rarely gives rise to abnormal scarring.