SARS-COV-2 PANDEMIC FROM THE OPHTHALMOLOGIST`S PERSPECTIVE. A REVIEW.

In December 2019, a novel coronavirus (CoV) epidemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged from China. Coronaviruses belong to enveloped ssRNA viruses and are classified into four genera: Alpha coronavirus, Beta coronavirus, Gamma coronavirus and Delta coronavirus. It is assumed that SARS-CoV-2 is spread primarily during a personal contact via bigger respiratory droplets. These droplets with viruses can be directly inhaled by other people or can lend on the surfaces with the possibility of further spreading. The ocular surface has been suggested as one of possible infection entries. Human eye has its own renin-angiotensin system with present ACE2 receptors, which bind the virus through spike protein. The most common symptoms of the SARS-CoV-2 infection are fever, cough and dyspnoea. Several clinical entities, such as conjunctivitis, anterior uveitis, retinitis, and optic neuritis have been associated with this infection. The most common ophthalmologic symptom associated with COVID-19 disease is conjunctivitis. Some studies indicate that eye symptoms are commonly present in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia and that it is possible to detect viral RNA from the conjunctival sac of these patients. In ophthalmologic praxis, we manage not only the therapy of the eye structures` inflammation in relation with this infection, but also the overall management of the visits and the supervision of the patients who are at risk and positive for coronavirus. Ophthalmologists could potentially have a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection due to personal communication with the patients, frequent exposure to tears and eye secrets and the use of devices. We would like to provide an ophthalmologist`s perspective on this topic.

SCOTOMAS IN THE VISUAL FIELD AS THE FIRST SIGN OF INTRACRANIAL EXPANSION. CASE REPORT.

The most common cause of visual field loss in ophthalmology is glaucoma. Other causes of visual field damage include local damage to the eye itself in intrabulbar or retrobulbar neuritis or injuries. However, they can also be caused by general diseases, e.g. in endocrine orbitopathy, toxic and nutritional neuropathy, or in diseases that are localized intracranially. Each of these findings in itself suggests the nature of the lesion, its intracranial location, lateral occurrence, as well as in which part of the visual pathway the lesion is located. The use of perimeter has therefore become the primary examination method, which is available, is not demanding and will quickly allow a diagnosis to be made. When found on a perimetric examination, it is necessary to indicate targeted imaging examinations, such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. The article describes a patient who was primarily examined at the Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and the University hospital of Bratislava. The patient reported visual field outages, and after subsequent computed tomography, she was interdisciplinary managed and surgery was done on at the Neurosurgical Department. After the operation, there was a significant improvement without a pathological finding on the perimeter.

PRES SYNDROME.

The aim of this review, as well as the case report, is to become familiar with the syndrome, although it is not very common, but may still be encountered by an ophthalmologist during clinical practice. It is also interesting to point out how the clinical unit can be independent and unchangeable in medicine and, on the other hand, in the context of the reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (PRES syndrome), the name can be changed. As such, cortex blindness arises after complete destruction of the visual cortex of both occipital lobes, often as a result of vascular circulatory disorders. PRES syndrome is characterized by magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography, where bilateral irregular hypodensive arteries are present in the occipital lobes that cause transient cortex blindness within the syndrome, which in its name carries the word reversible. Case report: A patient who was hospitalized at the Pneumology Department in which PRES syndrome and transient cortex blindness were diagnosed.

PUPILLOTONIA AND ADIE SYNDROME.

The aim of the work is to approach the examination of the pupil with a focus on anisocoria, its characteristics and approach to the diagnosis of pupillotonia and Adie's syndrome and its clinical evaluation. Pupil function is important not only in neurophthalmological examination but also in general ophthalmological examination. First of all, we need to know how the reflex arc works in order to be able to exclude or confirm whether the parasympathetic or sympathetic is affected. It is also necessary to know the exact characteristics of the pupil, such as size, shape, placement, function and reaction to light and at close range. Only on this basis can we distinguish pathological features. We do not often encounter this diagnosis, but it is necessary to keep it in mind, especially in the field of neurophthalmology but also in general ophthalmology. We also present three cases of pupilotonia and Adie's syndrome, which we diagnosed at the Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, after the patient himself came by emergency admission or was sent directly to ophthalmology clinic. In the discussion, we present various other diagnoses, where the reflex arc may not be affected, but the pathological pupil is caused by intraocular tumors, general systemic diseases and, last but not least, local therapy or alkaloids.

[THE BRAF MUTATION AND THE POSSIBILITIES OF UVEAL MELANOMA METASTASING PROGNOSTIC MARKERS IDENTIFICATION]. / MUTÁCIA BRAF A MOZNOSTI IDENTIFIKÁCIE PROGNOSTICKÝCH MARKEROV METASTÁZOVANIA UVEÁLNEHO MELANÓMU.

AIM: The aim is to assess the BRAF gene mutations in patients with posterior uveal melanoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the group of patients with malignant melanoma of the uvea, who were indicated to enucleation between 1.1 2015 to 1.3.2016. We analyzed stage of uveal melanoma, volume, cell type and BRAF gene mutations. RESULTS: In clinical study of 20 patients after enucleation due to uveal melanoma at the Department of Ophthalmology in Bratislava, patient age was ranged from 22 to 89 years with a median of 62 years. In 14 patients (70 %) enucleation was the primary treatment and in 6 patients (30 %) enucleation was after irradiation (brachytherapy, Leksell gama knife, linear accelerator). In 17 cases (85 %) the mutation of the BRAF gene was negative and in 3 cases the sample was not assessable for the BRAF mutation. CONCLUSION: BRAF gene mutation is confirmed by several studies found in malignant melanoma of the skin. The histopathology findings in our group did not confirmed our theory, that since the uveal melanoma itself has the similar origin as skin melanoma, should also contain a BRAF mutation.Key words: malignant melanoma of the uvea, mutation of the BRAF gene, chromosomal abnormalities as a prognostic factor.

[Technical Options of Documentation of the Anterior Segment and the eye Fundus Findings within Mission]. / Technické moznosti vysetrenia a dokumentácie nálezov predného a zadného segmentu oka v rámci humanitárnych projektov.

Documentation of the anterior segment and the eye fundus with instruments that enable quality precision diagnostics is a common and important part of screening in humanitarian ophthalmology projects. It is the essential element in diagnosis, monitoring and management of eye diseases. In sub saharan countries within the screening for ophthalmologist are not available the modern technologies such as biomicroscope (slit lamp) or fundus camera. We describe our experience with photographs of anterior segment of the eye by using digital camera and Smartphone. The documentation of the eye fundus was recorded through 20D Volk spherical lens to Smartphone. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Within the screening projects in collaboration with St. Elisabeth University of Health and Social Sciences for eye diseases in the year 2014 in Bigugu, Rwanda and in 2015 in Mapuordit, South Sudan, we examined patients who were unable to reach ophthalmologic care. We used a flashlight, a direct ophthalmoscope, tables to determine visual acuity on illiterate, Schiøtz tonometer, Volk lens, Smartphone. Patients who underwent screening, and needed glasses, got from humanitarian collection already used dioptric eyeglasses or sunglasses. For documentation of the anterior segment we used a digital camera and for patients in whom it was necessary to document fundus findings detected by direct ophthalmoscopy we took the opportunity of Smartphone with 8 Mpix camera and the LED flash and Volk lens plus 20 Diopters. RESULTS: In 2014 within the project in Bigugu, Rwanda and in 2015 in Mapuordit, South Sudan, we examined patients in an improvised clinic without access to electricity.We examined in 2014 a total of 340 patients and in 2015 a total of 290 patients. Patient age was due to the unavailability of designated identification records estimated with the help of an interpreter. In both groups, the mean age of the patients was about 30 years. The most common diseases leading to blindness were cataract, trachoma, post-traumatic conditions. Infectious diseases and consequences of untreated infectious diseases were the cause of 20% of the permanent changes on the surface of the eye or the adnexa. In the group of HIV positive patients we did not mention pathological findings on the eye fundus. CONCLUSION: Anterior segment findings documentation with digital camera or mobile phone and fundus examination using a Smartphone and Volks lens with a value of plus 20D is inexpensive and manageable technique which can capture high quality and reproducible images. These techniques are suitable for photo documentation of anterior segment and also eye fundus screening within humanitarian projects of eye diseases in developing countries. KEY WORDS: anterior segment examination, eye fundus examination, Smartphone, digital camera, humanitarian screening projects of eye diseases.

Is it sufficient to repeat LINEAR accelerator stereotactic radiosurgery in choroidal melanoma?

OBJECTIVES: One day session LINAC based stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) at LINAC accelerator is a method of "conservative" attitude to treat the intraocular malignant uveal melanoma. METHODS: We used model Clinac 600 C/D Varian (system Aria, planning system Corvus version 6.2 verification IMRT OmniPro) with 6 MeV X by rigid immobilization of the eye to the Leibinger frame. The stereotactic treatment planning after fusion of CT and MRI was optimized according to the critical structures (lens, optic nerve, also lens and optic nerve at the contralateral side, chiasm). The first plan was compared and the best plan was applied for therapy at C LINAC accelerator. The planned therapeutic dose was 35.0 Gy by 99 % of DVH (dose volume histogram). RESULTS: In our clinical study in the group of 125 patients with posterior uveal melanoma treated with SRS, in 2 patients (1.6 %) was repeated SRS indicated. Patient age of the whole group ranged from 25 to 81 years with a median of 54 TD was 35.0 Gy. In 2 patients after 5 year interval after stereotactic radiosurgery for uveal melanoma stage T1, the tumor volume increased to 50 % of the primary tumor volume and repeated SRS was necessary. CONCLUSION: To find out the changes in melanoma characteristics after SRS in long term interval after irradiation is necessary to follow up the patient by an ophthalmologist regularly. One step LINAC based stereotactic radiosurgery with a single dose 35.0 Gy is one of treatment options to treat T1 to T3 stage posterior uveal melanoma and to preserve the eye globe. In some cases it is possible to repeat the SRS after more than 5 year interval (Fig. 8, Ref. 23).

[Exenteration of the Orbit for Basal Cell Carcinoma]. / Exenterácia ocnice pre bazocelulárny karcinóm.

AIM: Primary treatment of basal cell carcinoma of the lower eyelid and the inner corner is essentially surgical, but advanced lesions require extensive surgical interventions. In some cases it is necessary to continue with the mutilating surgery--exenteration of the orbit. In this work we evaluate the indications of radical solutions in patients with basal cell carcinoma invading the orbit and the subsequent possibility for individually made prosthesis to cover the defect of the cavity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Indications to exenteration of the orbit in patients with basal cell carcinoma findings in 2008-2013. Case report of 2 patients. RESULTS: In period 2008-20013 at the Dept. of Ophthalmology, Comenius University in Bratislava totally 221 patients with histologically confirmed basal cell carcinoma of the eyelids and the inner corner were treated. In 5 cases (2.7 %) with infiltration of the orbit the radical surgical procedure, exenteration was necessary. In 3 patients exenteration was indicated as the first surgical procedure in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma, since they had never visited ophthalmologist before only at in the stage of infiltration of the orbit (stage T4). In one case was indicated exenteration after previous surgical interventions and relapses. After healing the cavity patients got individually prepared epithesis. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of basal cell carcinoma involves the radical removal of the neoplasm entire eyelid and stage T1 or T2 can effectively cure virtually all tumors with satisfactory cosmetic and functional results. In advanced stages (T4 stage) by infiltrating the orbit by basal cell carcinoma exenteration of the orbit is necessary. This surgery is a serious situation for the patient and also for his relatives. Individually made prosthesis helps the patient to be enrolled to the social environment.

[Stereotactic Rediosurgery for Uveal Melanoma; Postradiation Complications]. / Stereotaktická rádiochirurgia (LINAC) uveálnych melanómov; postradiacné komplikácie.

OBJECTIVE: The authors evaluate a group of patients with malignant uveal melanoma treated with stereotactic radiosurgery in the year. 2009-2011 on a linear accelerator LINAC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 2009-2011 were followed 40 patients with malignant melanoma of the uvea in stage T2 and T3 treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (LINAC), the therapeutic dose of 35,0 Gy TD, TD max 42,0 Gy. We evaluated the influence of factors (age, exposure risk structures, time) to intraocular pressure (IOP) and temporal changes in intraocular pressure after surgery between the control group and the group of patients who underwent enucleation. The normality of data distribution was tested Shapiro-Wilk W test and graphically. The relations between the parameters were tested using simple and multiple linear regression (correlation coefficient r, the significance level p). RESULTS: The mean age of the group of 40 patients with malignant melanoma of the uvea treated by one day session stereotactic radiosurgery on a linear accelerator in the year. 2009-2011 was 55.13±11.11 years. Average maximum radiation dose to sensitive structures has been the target of 12,0 Gy to the optic nerve and the ciliary 10,0 Gy. The analysis in our group confirmed that the prevalence of the tumor independent of sex, increasing with age, with most patients are diagnosed between 60 and 70 years of age. Analysis of the difference in intraocular pressure (IOP) before surgery showed no significant difference between the group of men and women (p=0.54). Using simple linear regression, we confirmed assumptions, related to IOP before stereotactic radiosurgery with age (r=-0.09, p=0.65). Multiple linear regression, we evaluated the relationship between predictors (dose at-risk structures--lens and optic nerve) and the change in IOP from the value before stereotactic radiosurgery at each time interval. Relations between predictors (Dose aperture--L, the dose of the optic nerve--O) and IOP of the file being described partial correlation coefficients after 2 weeks. For the relationship is significant correlation between the dose and the IOP in the lens at the time of 1 year, 1.5 years, and 2 years after the stereotactic radiosurgery. CONCLUSION: A single stereotactic radiosurgery on a linear accelerator LINAC is possible at a dose of 35,0 to 38,0 Gy in intraocular melanomas in stage T1 to T3. According to our results, this is a highly effective method of treatment of uveal melanomas elevation to 6 mm and a capacity of up to 0,4 cm3. Secondary glaucoma is one of the most serious causes of enucleation after one day session stereotactic radiosurgery at linear accelerator (LINAC) for uveal melanoma. The percentage of enucleation in our investigated group (17.5%) for secondary glaucoma is about the same as in other studies.

[Malignant Choroidal Melanoma in T4 Orbital Stage; Prosthesis of the Orbit]. / Exenterácia ocnice pre malígny melanóm choroidey v stádiu T4; moznosti epitetického riesenia.

AIM: Diagnosis and treatment of tumors of the eye is extremely difficul; surgical treatment in advanced stages, when the tumor grows in the orbit, leads to extensive radical surgery of the face. The extent and nature of surgical procedures depends on the nature of the tumor process, in advanced stages is indicated mutilating surgery--exenteration of the orbit. Exenteration of the orbit due to the extrascleral extension of malignant melanoma of the uvea is very rare, unfortunately, even today in certain cases it is necessary to make such a mutilating surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Case report--65 year old female patient, sent to our Departement in 2008 with the finding of the pigment deposits on the posterior pole of the left eye. Ultrasound study found elevations of up to 3 mm, she was asked to come for further control in three months interval. She did not coma, furthermore she sporadically attended another eye clinic. In 2011 she was treated for secondary glaucoma--cyclocryopexia. Due to pain another surgery--tarzoraphia was indicated. In 2012 she underwent surgery at St. Elisabeth Cancer Institute in Bratislava--Nefrectomia transperitoneally l. dx., excision hepatis. Histological examination in addition to the primary papillary renal carcinoma--mucinous tubular T1 Nx Mx type, found the metastasis of malignant melanoma to the liver and right kidney. She underwent the diagnostic procedure to find the origo of the melanoma. The patient was subsequently admitted to our clinic with blind painfull eye for enucleation. During the surgery the was found retrobulbar tumor ingrowth. Histopatholigical findings confirmed malignant melanoma. Indicated was exenteration of the orbit due to malignant melanoma T4 N0 M2 stage in June 2012. After healing of the cavity she was recommended to design an individual prosthesis. After completing several courses of palliative chemotherapy during a recent review in January 2015 the patient is without recurrence of the melanoma in the orbit RESULTS: Histological examination confirmed malignant melanoma in stage G2, predominantly epithelioid type, spindle cell type in part B of pips, tumor fills the entire back and part of the anterior chamber, grows through the sclera and optic nerve is completely overgrown by tumor mass and spreads into orbit. The immunophenotype is suggesting a better prognosis (S100+, melanoma+, +HMB45, cyklin D1 3%, 10% of p53, Ki67 3%). Tissue eyelashes were infiltrated by numerous micrometastases. The patient after exenteration of the orbit after 3 months got an individual epithesis. Local orbit cavity is more than 24 months after exenteration without recurrence of melanoma. The patient is still undergoing outpatient chemotherapy and feels good. CONCLUSION: The treatment of malignant tumors of the orbit and the eye is difficult, in most cases surgical treatment is indicated, with the additional radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Malignant tumors at an advanced stage should to be solved radically. Exenteration of the orbit leads to produce a large defect in the orbit and this part of the face. Patients in the active age after surgery followed by facial defects after such procedures have disadvantage in work and thie defect leads to serious socio-economic challenges. Patients with individually made prosthesis comprising a refund of the eyeball and the surrounding soft tissues allow active life and full application of the private as well as professional life.

[Non-melanotic Tumors of the Eyelids Skin and Inner Corner - Basocellular Carcinoma]. / Nemelanómové nádory koze mihalníc a vnútorného kútika - bazocelulárny karcinóm.

AIM: Non-melanoma skin cancer cases in the European population are increasing. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common non-melanoma skin cancer of the eyelids and in the inner corner of the eyelid. Due to the latest statistics compiled and published in 2008 in the Slovak Republic (SR) there were registered 5,173 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer (C44 according to ICD-10) in both sexes together (of which women accounted for 51.2 %). The proportion of non-melanoma skin cancer accounted for 17.2 % (16.3 % of men and 18 % of women) of the total number of all reported cancer cases (n = 30,144). The aim of this study is to evaluate the number of clinical relapses in a group of patients. MATERIAL: Retrospectively analyzed data from the medical records of patients with newly detected basal cell carcinoma in period between Jan. 1 2008 to Dec. 31 2013 who underwent surgery and outpatient follow-up at the Department of Ophthalmology and the University Hospital in Bratislava. METHODS: The incidence of relapse was evaluated up to date Dec. 31 2014. We followed the following parameters: location and tumor size, TNM classification, histopathological degree of differentiation, the edges of excised tissue and evaluated recurrence rate separately for each parameter. Statistics were analyzed by chi2 test, which was found to be significant for P < 0.05. The results of continuous parameters were expressed as arithmetic mean ± standard deviation. RESULTS: At the Department of Ophthalmology Faculty of Medicine and UNB, Ruzinov Hospital, in Bratislava, in the period 2008 - 2013 were treated 219 basal cell carcinomas in 217 patients and basal cell carcinoma was histologically confirmed. Basal cell carcinomas were divided into groups according to the stage: G1 (n = 139), G 1-2 (n = 41) and G 2 (n = 39). Localization was more frequent on left side (n = 112) compared to the right one (n = 107). We recorded significantly lower incidence (n = 5) in the area - angulus externus, prevalent occurrence was in the inner area - angulus internus (n = 65). The incidence in the lower eyelid (palpebra inferior) was recorded more frequently (n = 127) as in the upper eyelid (palpebra superior) - (n = 24). During these six years period we have seen 11 recurrences (5.02 %). Exenteration of the orbit was indicated in 5 cases (2.7 %). CONCLUSION: When monitoring patients with newly detected eyelid basal cell carcinoma, operated at the Department of Ophthalmology Faculty of Medicine and UNB in period 2008-2013, incidence of recurrence was recorded in 11 cases, accounting for 5.02 %, which is about one percentage point lower share than in the previous reporting period from period 2005 -2007 from the same Department. The occurrence of relapses corresponds to those in the literature. None of the clinical parameters statistically did affect significantly the incidence of relapses. KEY WORDS: eyelid basal cell carcinoma, non-melanoma skin cancer, tumors eyelashes.