Effectiveness of Treatments for Ocular Toxoplasmosis.

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of treatments for ocular toxoplasmosis (OT).Methods: A review of charts was conducted from patients who experienced an active episode of OT treated at the Federal University of São Paulo and associated sites. OT charts were reviewed to determine treatment effectiveness based on clinical judgment, taking clinical course and outcome into consideration in addition to change in best-corrected visual acuity. Treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were used to assess safety.Results: Overall, 451/1200 patient charts met the inclusion criteria. The most commonly prescribed treatment was trimethoprim + sulfamethoxazole (52.3%) followed by pyrimethamine + sulfadiazine (28%). Treatment was successful in 96.9% of patients. Irrespective of the treatment, active lesions were resolved in 63.9% of patients within 6 weeks. Vision improved in 56.3% of patients. The incidence of TEAEs was low (10%).Conclusions: All treatments were effective for active episodes of OT, with few side effects.

INTRAVITREAL INJECTIONS OF ZIV-AFLIBERCEPT FOR THE TREATMENT OF A PATIENT WITH MACULAR EDEMA SECONDARY TO BRANCH RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION.

PURPOSE: To describe the visual, tomographic, and electroretinographic findings in a patient with macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion who was submitted to three consecutive intravitreal injections of ziv-aflibercept. METHODS: The patient underwent a complete ophthalmic examination, as well as optical coherence tomography and full-field electroretinography at baseline and 90 days after the first injection. RESULTS: The best-corrected visual acuity improved from 20/400 to 20/40, and the central retinal thickness decreased from 791 µm to 198 µm after three consecutive intravitreal injections of ziv-aflibercept. Full-field electroretinography showed an increase in cone amplitude and decrease in rod amplitude. No adverse side effects were observed after injections. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal injections of ziv-aflibercept showed both effectiveness and safety in the treatment of a patient with macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion. The observed anatomic (by ophthalmic examination, optical coherence tomography) and functional (best-corrected visual acuity, full-field electroretinography) improvements and lack of serious adverse side effects demonstrates the potential of intravitreal injections of ziv-aflibercept for the treatment of macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion.

Intravitreal Angiostrongylus cantonensis: first case report in South America.

This study reports the first case of intravitreal angiostrongyliasis in South America treated with posterior worm removal via pars plana vitrectomy. This was a retrospective, observational case study. Data from medical charts, wide-field digital imaging, ocular ultrasound, and visual evoked potential studies were reviewed. A 20-month-old boy presented with eosinophilic meningitis and right eye exotropia. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid showed a positive result for Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Fundus examination revealed a pale optic disc, subretinal tracks, vitreous opacities, peripheral tractional retinal detachment, and a dead worm in the vitreous cavity. The patient underwent pars plana vitrectomy with worm removal. This case report illustrates the first case of intravitreal angiostrongyliasis in South America, possibly related to the uncontrolled spread of an exotic invasive species of snail.

Intravitreal Angiostrongylus cantonensis: first case report in South America / Angiostrongylus cantonensis intravítreo: primeiro relato de caso na América do Sul

ABSTRACT This study reports the first case of intravitreal angiostrongyliasis in South America treated with posterior worm removal via pars plana vitrectomy. This was a retrospective, observational case study. Data from medical charts, wide-field digital imaging, ocular ultrasound, and visual evoked potential studies were reviewed. A 20-month-old boy presented with eosinophilic meningitis and right eye exotropia. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid showed a positive result for Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Fundus examination revealed a pale optic disc, subretinal tracks, vitreous opacities, peripheral tractional retinal detachment, and a dead worm in the vitreous cavity. The patient underwent pars plana vitrectomy with worm removal. This case report illustrates the first case of intravitreal angiostrongyliasis in South America, possibly related to the uncontrolled spread of an exotic invasive species of snail.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar o primeiro caso na América do Sul de angiostrongilíase intravítrea tratada com vitrectomia posterior via pars plana e remoção do verme. Este foi um relato de caso observacional. O prontuário médico, sistema de imagem digital de campo amplo, ultrassonografia ocular, e potenciais evocados visuais foram revistos. Um menino de 1 ano e 8 meses de idade manifestou meningite eosinofílica e exotropia olho direito. A análise de PCR do liquor foi positiva para Angiostrongylus cantonensis. O exame de fundo de olho revelou disco óptico pálido, faixas sub-retinianas, opacidades vítreas, descolamento de retina tracional periférico e um verme morto no vítreo. O paciente foi submetido a vitrectomia posterior via pars plana com a remoção do verme. Concluindo, este é o primeiro relato de caso de angiostrongilíase intravítrea na América do Sul, possivelmente relacionado com a disseminação de uma espécie de lesma exótica neste continente.

Large colloid drusen analyzed with structural en face optical coherence tomography.

Drusen are extracellular deposits between the basal lamina of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and the inner collagenous layer of Bruch's membrane. Large colloid drusen (LCD) are located below the RPE and are characterized by multiple, large, dome-shaped RPE detachments, with marked attenuation of the ellipsoid zone overlaying the drusen. This report presents the structural en face optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings of LCD and relates them to findings from fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography. We describe the case of a 55-year-old woman who presented with the chief complaint of a 5-year history of progressively worsening vision. Her best-corrected visual acuities were 20/40 and 20/400 in the right eye and the left eye, respectively. Fundus examination showed large bilateral, symmetrical, sub-retinal, yellowish lesions compatible with LCD. We describe the structural en face OCT characteristics and angiographic findings from this patient.

Large colloid drusen analyzed with structural en face optical coherence tomography / Análise de drusas grandes coloidais através de OCT en face estrutural

ABSTRACT Drusen are extracellular deposits between the basal lamina of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and the inner collagenous layer of Bruch's membrane. Large colloid drusen (LCD) are located below the RPE and are characterized by multiple, large, dome-shaped RPE detachments, with marked attenuation of the ellipsoid zone overlaying the drusen. This report presents the structural en face optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings of LCD and relates them to findings from fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography. We describe the case of a 55-year-old woman who presented with the chief complaint of a 5-year history of progressively worsening vision. Her best-corrected visual acuities were 20/40 and 20/400 in the right eye and the left eye, respectively. Fundus examination showed large bilateral, symmetrical, sub-retinal, yellowish lesions compatible with LCD. We describe the structural en face OCT characteristics and angiographic findings from this patient.

RESUMO Drusas são depósitos extracelulares localizados entre a lâmina basal do epitélio pig mentado da retina (RPE) e a camada colágena interna da membrana de Bruch. Drusas grandes coloidais (LCD) estão localizadas abaixo do EPR, e são caracterizadas por múltiplos descolamentos cupuliformes do EPR com atenuação da zona elipsoide sobrejacente às drusas. O objetivo deste relato é apresentar os achados de tomografia de coerência óptica (OCT en face estrutural em uma paciente com LCD, bem como correlacioná-los com angiografia fluoresceínica e angiografia com indocianina verde. Descrevemos o caso de uma paciente do sexo feminino, 55 anos, que referiu baixa acuidade visual em ambos os olhos há 5 anos. Sua acuidade visual corrigida era de 20/40 no olho direito e 20/400 no olho esquerdo. Ao exame fundoscópico a paciente apresentava lesões compatíveis com drusas grandes coloidais. As características tomográficas e angiográficas também são descritas neste relato de caso.

Twelve-Month Follow-Up of Dexamethasone Implants for Macular Edema from Various Diseases in Vitrectomized and Nonvitrectomized Eyes.

Purpose. To evaluate the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), and the number of dexamethasone implants needed to treat cystoid macular edema (CME) from various etiologies over 12 months in vitrectomized and nonvitrectomized eyes. Methods. This multicenter retrospective cohort study included 112 patients with CME secondary to retinal diseases treated pro re nata (PRN) with a 0.7 mg intravitreal dexamethasone implant for 12 months. The BCVA, CRT, adverse events, safety data, and number of implants were recorded. Results. Vitrectomized and nonvitrectomized eyes received means of three implants and one implant, respectively, over 12 months (P < 0.001). The mean BCVA of all patients improved from 0.13 at baseline to 0.33 (P < 0.001) 12 months after one (P = 0.001), two (P = 0.041), and three (P < 0.001) implants but not four implants (P = 0.068). The mean baseline CRT decreased significantly (P < 0.001) from 463 to 254 microns after 12 months with one (P < 0.001), two (P = 0.002), and three (P = 0.001) implants but not with four implants (P = 0.114). The anatomic and functional outcomes were not significantly different between vitrectomized and nonvitrectomized eyes. Increased IOP was the most common adverse event (23.2%). Conclusions. Dexamethasone implant administered PRN improved VA and decreased CRT in CME, with possible long-term clinically relevant benefits for treating CME from various etiologies. Vitrectomized eyes needed more implants compared with nonvitrectomized eyes.

INTRAVITREAL INJECTIONS OF ZIV-AFLIBERCEPT FOR DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA: A Pilot Study.

PURPOSE: Diabetic macular edema is the leading cause of blindness in young adults in developed countries. Beyond metabolic control, several therapies have been studied such as laser treatment and intravitreal injections of corticosteroids or anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs. In terms of public health the long-term treatment with the current available drugs is very expensive and new therapies with the same or better effect should be investigated. This study sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal injections of ziv-aflibercept for the treatment of diabetic macular edema. METHODS: Seven consecutive patients with diabetic macular edema were enrolled. A complete examination, including full-field electroretinography, visual acuity, central retinal thickness, and evaluation of systemic and ocular complications, was performed before and at 24 weeks after intravitreal injections of ziv-aflibercept. The seven patients were submitted to six consecutive intravitreal injections of ziv-aflibercept with a 4-week interval. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in the amplitude or implicit time of any electroretinography component after intravitreal injections of ziv-aflibercept, and no systemic or ocular complication was observed. The improvement of visual acuity was significant at 24 weeks (P < 0.05). The central retinal thickness significantly decreased during the course of 24 weeks. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal injections of ziv-aflibercept seem to be a safe and effective treatment option for diabetic macular edema.

Relação entre retinopatia diabética e dermopatia diabética em pacientes portadores de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 / Relation between diabetic retinopathy and diabetic dermopathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

OBJETIVOS: Dermopatia diabética é o marcador cutâneo mais comum de diabetes mellitus. Embora, a dermopatia e a retinopatia diabéticas sejam consideradas manifestações de microangiopatia diabética, poucos estudos foram publicados a respeito de uma possível associação. Este estudo pretendeu investigar a associação de retinopatia e dermopatia diabéticas e determinar a prevalência e os fatores de risco associados com retinopatia diabética em pacientes diabéticos do tipo 2 do Ambulatório de Diabetes da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Passo Fundo no Hospital de Ensino São Vicente de Paulo. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal de 90 pacientes diabéticos tipo 2, atendidos sucessivamente em um Ambulatório de Diabetes nos quais foi realizado exame físico dermatológico e oftalmológico. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de dermopatia diabética foi de 16,6 por cento (n = 15) e a de retinopatia diabética foi de 34,4 por cento (n = 31). Destes, 67,8 por cento (n = 21) consistiam em retinopatia não-proliferativa e 32,2 por cento (n = 10) em retinopatia proliferativa. Observou-se que a duração da doença maior do que 10 anos (p = 0,001) e idade maior que 50 anos (p = 0,014) estavam associadas à retinopatia. Não se encontrou associação entre hemoglobina glicada (p = 0,5) e glicemia de jejum (p = 0,8) com retinopatia diabética. A freqüência de retinopatia diabética em pacientes com dermopatia diabética não foi maior do que nos pacientes sem dermopatia (7,7 por cento, 7 casos, p = 0,586). Não houve associação, estatisticamente significativa, entre retinopatia e dermopatia diabéticas. CONCLUSÃO: Não se encontrou associação entre dermopatia e retinopatia diabéticas entre estes indivíduos com diabetes mellitus do tipo 2. A presença de retinopatia diabética estava associada à duração da doença e à idade avançada dos pacientes.

PURPOSE: Diabetic dermopathy is the most frequent cutaneous marker of diabetes mellitus. Although diabetic dermopathy and diabetic retinopathy are both considered as manifestations of diabetic microangiopathy, there are only few reports in the literature regarding their possible association. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between diabetic dermopathy and diabetic retinopathy and to determine the prevalence and the associated risk factors for diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes patients from the Outpatient Diabetic Clinic of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Passo Fundo and Teaching Hospital Sao Vicente de Paulo. METHODS: Cross sectional study was performed in 90 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients who attend to the outpatient diabetic clinic, consecutively. Physical, dermatological and ophthalmologic evaluations were performed in all the patients. RESULTS: The prevalence of diabetic dermopathy was 16,6 percent (n = 15) and diabetic retinopathy was 34,4 percent (n = 31); 67,8 percent of those (n = 21) consisted of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and 32,2 percent (n = 10) of proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The duration of the disease greater than 10 years (p = 0,001) and age over 50 years (p = 0,014) were associated to retinopathy, but no association was found with elevated levels of HbA1c (p = 0,5) and fasting plasma glucose of 126 or higher (p = 0,8). The frequency of diabetic retinopathy in patients with diabetic dermopathy was not higher than in patients without dermopathy (7,7 percent, 7 cases, p = 0,586). There was no statistically significant association between diabetic retinopathy and diabetic dermopathy. CONCLUSION: No association between diabetic dermopathy and diabetic retinopathy in this group of type 2 diabetes patients was found. The presence of diabetic retinopathy was associated to the duration of the disease and the advanced age of the patients.