Revisión con aguja asociada a mitomicina C en ampollas de filtración encapsuladas / Mitomycin C-associated needle revision in encapsulated filtering blebs

Objetivo: determinar la efectividad a mediano plazo de la revisión con aguja asociada a mitomicina C en la ampolla de filtración encapsulada postrabeculectomía.Métodos: estudio observacional descriptivo, prospectivo de serie de casos (30 ojos, 30 pacientes), con antecedentes de quiste de Tenon a corto plazo postrabeculectomía (1 mes-1 año). Se realizó revisión con aguja asociada a inyección subconjuntival MMC 0,01 por ciento hasta completar 3 dosis en días alternos. Se evaluaron la presión intraocular y el uso de colirios hipotensores preoperatorio y posoperatorio a la semana, 1 mes, 3 meses, 1 año y 2 años. Se definió éxito si la presión intraocular era menor de 21 mmHg sin colirio hipotensor (éxito total) y con colirios hipotensores (éxito parcial). Se registraron las complicaciones quirúrgicas. Resultados: hubo descenso significativo de la presión intraocular media preoperatoria de 27,06 ± 5,2 mmHg a 13,10 ± 3,65 mmHg, 14,83 ± 3,68 mmHg y 16,70 ± 3,38 mmHg a la semana, 1 y 3 meses posoperatorios respectivamente, y se mantuvo estable hasta 2 años (16,70 ± 2,18 mmHg); p< 0,001 para cada comparación preoperatorio vs. posoperatorio), lo que representó una reducción de la presión intraocular del 51,8 por ciento a la semana; 44,4 por ciento al mes y 37 por ciento hasta los 2 años. La media del número de colirios hipotensores se redujo significativamente de 2,0 ± 0,0 (preoperatorio) a 0,4 ± 0,0 (2 años posoperatorios), p< 0,001. El éxito fue total en el 70 por ciento de los casos y parcial en el 30 por ciento, tras 2 años posoperatorios. Las complicaciones fueron: hemorragia subconjuntival (100 por ciento de casos), atalamia (40 por ciento) y Seidel positivo (26,7 por ciento).Conclusiones: la revisión con aguja asociada a mitomicina C subconjuntival como tratamiento de la ampolla encapsulada, logra reducción del 37 por ciento de la presión intraocular durante los dos primeros años posoperatorios con un mínimo de complicaciones(AU)

Objective: to determine the medium-term effectiveness of subconjuntival mitomicyn-C associated to needle revision on encapsulated filtering bleb after trabeculectomy. Methods: prospective, descriptive and observational case series study (30 eyes, 30 patients) with a history of Tenon cyst after short term trabeculectomy (1month-1year). These patients underwent needle revision associated to subconjuntival 0,01 percent mitomycin injection to completing three doses in every other day. The intraocular pressure and the use of hypotensive drops preoperatively and postoperatively were evaluated seven days, one month, three months, one year and two years after the procedure. The success of intervention was defined as total when the intraocular pressure was less than 21mmHg without hypotensive drops and partial with hypotensive drops. Surgical complications were recorded. Results: the mean preoperative intraocular pressure decreased significantly from 27,06 ± 5,2 mmHg to 13,10 ± 3,3 mmHg, 14,83 ± 3,68 mmHg and 16,70 ± 3,38 mmHg one week, one month and three months after surgery and remained stable (16,70 ± 2,18 mmHg) for 2 years, p< 0,001 for each preoperative and postoperative comparison; this represented an intraocular pressure reduction of 51,8 percent; 44,4 percent and 37 percent after one week, one month, and up to 2 years, respectively. The mean number of hypotensive drops lowered significantly from 2,0 ± 0,0 (preoperative) to 0,4 ± 0,0 (two years after surgery), being p< 0,001. Total success was attained in 70 percent of cases and partial in 30 percent after 2 years. Surgical complications were subconjuntival haemorrhage (in all patients), atalamy (40 percent) and positive Seidel index (26,7 percent).Conclusion: subconjuntival mitomicyn-C injection-associated needle revision for encapsulated bleb reduces intraocular pressure by 37 % during the first 2 years after the procedure with minimal complications(AU)

Revisión con aguja asociada a mitomicina C en ampollas de filtración encapsuladas / Mitomycin C-associated needle revision in encapsulated filtering blebs

Objetivo: determinar la efectividad a mediano plazo de la revisión con aguja asociada a mitomicina C en la ampolla de filtración encapsulada postrabeculectomía. Métodos: estudio observacional descriptivo, prospectivo de serie de casos (30 ojos, 30 pacientes), con antecedentes de quiste de Tenon a corto plazo postrabeculectomía (1 mes-1 año). Se realizó revisión con aguja asociada a inyección subconjuntival MMC 0,01 % hasta completar 3 dosis en días alternos. Se evaluaron la presión intraocular y el uso de colirios hipotensores preoperatorio y posoperatorio a la semana, 1 mes, 3 meses, 1 año y 2 años. Se definió éxito si la presión intraocular era menor de 21 mmHg sin colirio hipotensor (éxito total) y con colirios hipotensores (éxito parcial). Se registraron las complicaciones quirúrgicas. Resultados: hubo descenso significativo de la presión intraocular media preoperatoria de 27,06 ± 5,2 mmHg a 13,10 ± 3,65 mmHg, 14,83 ± 3,68 mmHg y 16,70 ± 3,38 mmHg a la semana, 1 y 3 meses posoperatorios respectivamente, y se mantuvo estable hasta 2 años (16,70 ± 2,18 mmHg); p< 0,001 para cada comparación preoperatorio vs. posoperatorio), lo que representó una reducción de la presión intraocular del 51,8 por ciento a la semana; 44,4 por ciento al mes y 37 por ciento hasta los 2 años. La media del número de colirios hipotensores se redujo significativamente de 2,0 ± 0,0 (preoperatorio) a 0,4 ± 0,0 (2 años posoperatorios), p< 0,001. El éxito fue total en el 70 por ciento de los casos y parcial en el 30 por ciento, tras 2 años posoperatorios. Las complicaciones fueron: hemorragia subconjuntival (100 por ciento de casos), atalamia (40 por ciento) y Seidel positivo (26,7 por ciento). Conclusiones: la revisión con aguja asociada a mitomicina C subconjuntival como tratamiento de la ampolla encapsulada, logra reducción del 37 por ciento de la presión intraocular durante los dos primeros años posoperatorios con un mínimo de complicaciones(AU)

Objective: to determine the medium-term effectiveness of subconjuntival mitomicyn-C associated to needle revision on encapsulated filtering bleb after trabeculectomy. Methods: prospective, descriptive and observational case series study (30 eyes, 30 patients) with a history of Tenon cyst after short term trabeculectomy (1month-1year). These patients underwent needle revision associated to subconjuntival 0,01 percent mitomycin injection to completing three doses in every other day. The intraocular pressure and the use of hypotensive drops preoperatively and postoperatively were evaluated seven days, one month, three months, one year and two years after the procedure. The success of intervention was defined as total when the intraocular pressure was less than 21mmHg without hypotensive drops and partial with hypotensive drops. Surgical complications were recorded. Results: the mean preoperative intraocular pressure decreased significantly from 27,06 ± 5,2 mmHg to 13,10 ± 3,3 mmHg, 14,83 ± 3,68 mmHg and 16,70 ± 3,38 mmHg one week, one month and three months after surgery and remained stable (16,70 ± 2,18 mmHg) for 2 years, p< 0,001 for each preoperative and postoperative comparison; this represented an intraocular pressure reduction of 51,8 percent; 44,4 percent and 37 percent after one week, one month, and up to 2 years, respectively. The mean number of hypotensive drops lowered significantly from 2,0 ± 0,0 (preoperative) to 0,4 ± 0,0 (two years after surgery), being p< 0,001. Total success was attained in 70 percent of cases and partial in 30 percent after 2 years. Surgical complications were subconjuntival haemorrhage (in all patients), atalamy (40 percent) and positive Seidel index (26,7 percent). Conclusion: subconjuntival mitomicyn-C injection-associated needle revision for encapsulated bleb reduces intraocular pressure by 37 percent during the first 2 years after the procedure with minimal complications(AU)

Fitofotodermatite por Ruta graveolens com manifestação cutânea extensa / Phytophotodermatitis due to Ruta graveolens with extensive cutaneous manifestation

Dermatite de contato por planta ou fitodermatite é uma erupção cutânea resultante do contato com substâncias produzidas por diferentes espécies de vegetais. Ruta graveolens, popularmente conhecida como arruda, é uma planta da família das Rutaceae, que inclui algumas frutas cítricas, e contém inúmeras substâncias químicas fotossensíveis, incluindo os furocumarínicos. Relatamos um caso de reação de fitofototoxicidade grave em uma paciente que usou uma infusão de arruda pelas supostas qualidades ”místicas e purificadoras” da planta com extensa erupção cutânea.

Plant dermatitis or phytodermatitis is a cutaneous eruption resulting from contact with substances produced by different plant species. Ruta graveolens, popular known as common rue, is an herbal plant from the Rutaceae family, which includes the citrus fruits, and contains numerous photosensitizing substances, including furocoumarins. We report a severe case of phytophototoxicity reaction in a patient who used a common rue infusion because of its “powerful and purification” qualities.

Early transconjunctival needling revision with 5-fluorouracil versus medical treatment in encapsulated blebs: a 12-month prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of transconjunctival needling revision with 5-fluorouracil versus medical treatment in glaucomatous eyes with uncontrolled intraocular pressure due to encapsulated bleb after trabeculectomy. METHODS: Prospective, randomized, interventional study. A total of 40 eyes in 39 patients with elevated intraocular pressure and encapsulated blebs diagnosed at a maximum five months after primary trabeculectomy with mitomycin C were included. The eyes were randomized to either transconjunctival needling revision with 5- fluorouracil or medical treatment (hypotensive eyedrops). A maximum of two transconjunctival needling revisions per patient was allowed in the needling arm. All patients underwent follow-up for 12 months. Successful treatment was defined as an intraocular pressure ≤ 18 mmHg and a 20% reduction from baseline at the final follow-up. Clinicaltrial.gov: NCT01887223. RESULTS: Mean intraocular pressure at the final 12-month follow-up was lower in the transconjunctival needling revision group compared to the medical treatment group. Similar numbers of eyes reached the criteria for treatment success in both the transconjunctival needling revision group and the medical treatment group. CONCLUSIONS: Despite similar success rates in eyes randomized to transconjunctival needling revision with 5-fluorouracil compared to eyes receiving medical treatment, there was a significantly lower mean intraocular pressure at 12 months after transconjunctival needling revision.

Early transconjunctival needling revision with 5-fluorouracil versus medical treatment in encapsulated blebs: a 12-month prospective study

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of transconjunctival needling revision with 5-fluorouracil versus medical treatment in glaucomatous eyes with uncontrolled intraocular pressure due to encapsulated bleb after trabeculectomy. METHODS: Prospective, randomized, interventional study. A total of 40 eyes in 39 patients with elevated intraocular pressure and encapsulated blebs diagnosed at a maximum five months after primary trabeculectomy with mitomycin C were included. The eyes were randomized to either transconjunctival needling revision with 5- fluorouracil or medical treatment (hypotensive eyedrops). A maximum of two transconjunctival needling revisions per patient was allowed in the needling arm. All patients underwent follow-up for 12 months. Successful treatment was defined as an intraocular pressure ≤ 18 mmHg and a 20% reduction from baseline at the final follow-up. Clinicaltrial.gov: NCT01887223. RESULTS: Mean intraocular pressure at the final 12-month follow-up was lower in the transconjunctival needling revision group compared to the medical treatment group. Similar numbers of eyes reached the criteria for treatment success in both the transconjunctival needling revision group and the medical treatment group. CONCLUSIONS: Despite similar success rates in eyes randomized to transconjunctival needling revision with 5-fluorouracil compared to eyes receiving medical treatment, there was a significantly lower mean intraocular pressure at 12 months after transconjunctival needling revision. .

Imagen calcificada y dolor en hipocondrito derecho / Calcified image and pain in the right hypochondrium

Introducción: El cáncer de vesícula ocupa el 5° lugar de aparición de todos cánceres digestivos. En nuestro país es dos veces más frecuente que los tumores ubicados en la vía biliar principal intra o extrahepática. Objetivos: Reporte de caso y revisión bibliográfica. Reporte de Caso: Mujer de 52 años, sin antecedentes clínicos de relevancia, que consulta por dolor abdominal, náuseas y vómitos de 14 días de evolución. Se realiza una ecografía que evidencia engrosamiento parietal y litiasis vesicular. En el intraoperatorio se evidencia Vesícula en Porcelana con infiltración hepática a nivel del fondo.Discusión: Destacar la importancia de una correcta interpretación de las imágenes, a los fines de tomar la conducta que mayor beneficio representa para el paciente. (AU)

Introduction: Gallbladder cancer occupies the 5th place of occurrence among all digestive system cancers. In our country, it is twice more frequent than tumors of the intra or extrahepatic principal biliary tract. Objectives: Case report and literature review. Case Report: 52-year-old woman, with no relevant clinical history, with 14 days of abdominal pain, nausea and vomit. The ultrasound scan reveals parietal thickening and gallstones. During intrasurgical exploration, porcelain gallbladder is found, with hepatic infiltration at fundus. Discussion: To highlight the importance of a correct image interpretation, in order to choose the most beneficial treatment for the patient. (AU)

Imagen calcificada y dolor en hipocondrito derecho / Calcified image and pain in the right hypochondrium

Introducción: El cáncer de vesícula ocupa el 5° lugar de aparición de todos cánceres digestivos. En nuestro país es dos veces más frecuente que los tumores ubicados en la vía biliar principal intra o extrahepática. Objetivos: Reporte de caso y revisión bibliográfica. Reporte de Caso: Mujer de 52 años, sin antecedentes clínicos de relevancia, que consulta por dolor abdominal, náuseas y vómitos de 14 días de evolución. Se realiza una ecografía que evidencia engrosamiento parietal y litiasis vesicular. En el intraoperatorio se evidencia Vesícula en Porcelana con infiltración hepática a nivel del fondo.Discusión: Destacar la importancia de una correcta interpretación de las imágenes, a los fines de tomar la conducta que mayor beneficio representa para el paciente.

Introduction: Gallbladder cancer occupies the 5th place of occurrence among all digestive system cancers. In our country, it is twice more frequent than tumors of the intra or extrahepatic principal biliary tract. Objectives: Case report and literature review. Case Report: 52-year-old woman, with no relevant clinical history, with 14 days of abdominal pain, nausea and vomit. The ultrasound scan reveals parietal thickening and gallstones. During intrasurgical exploration, porcelain gallbladder is found, with hepatic infiltration at fundus. Discussion: To highlight the importance of a correct image interpretation, in order to choose the most beneficial treatment for the patient.

Revisión con agujas y uso de mitomicina C en bulas de filtración encapsuladas / Needle revision and use of Mitomycin-C to manage encapsulated filtering blebs

La trabeculectomía es uno de los tratamientos de elección en los pacientes con glaucoma. La causa más común de fallo de esta cirugía en su primer trimestre es la bula de filtración encapsulada. Usualmente es resultado de la proliferación fibrótica subconjuntival que lleva a fallo de la bula, como por ejemplo en los glaucomas traumáticos. La revisión con agujas y la mitomicina C constituyen una opción efectiva y relativamente segura para restaurar la función de la cirugía de filtración. Se presenta un paciente donde se restableció el flujo de humor acuso con este proceder(AU)

Trabeculectomy is the surgical treatment of choice for many patients with glaucoma. The most common cause of failure during the first trimester after trabeculectomy is encapsulated bleb. Generally, that results from scarring in the subconjunctival space with a resultant intrableb fibrosis and the development of a failed bleb, for example in traumatic glaucoma. Needling bleb revision with mitomycin-C appears to be an effective and relatively safe way to revive the function of the filtration surgery. This was the case report of a patient whose aqueous humor flow was reestablished with this treatment(AU)

Penfigoide ampolloso / Bullous pemphigoid

El penfigoide ampolloso (PA) es una enfermedad cutánea ampollar subepidérmica autoinmunitaria que habitualmente se presenta en ancianos. Clásicamente el PA se caracteriza por presentar ampollas tensas, grandes en piel normal o eritematosa, con o sin prurito. Es difícil identificar al penfigoide ampollar prodrómico (PAP) o en estadio temprano. El PAP no se presenta con lesiones vesiculares o ampollar es como el penfigoide clásico. Se han publicado reportes en los que la enfermedad se manifiesta como prurito generalizado sin lesiones visibles, placas urticarianas, placas eritematosas, parches de eccema y dishidrosis, lesiones tipo prúrigo nodular, eritrodermia y lesiones vegetantes. Se reporta el caso de un paciente en la octava década de su vida que acude a nuestro servicio por presentar cuadro clínico e histopatológico de PA; mediante la anamnesis encontramos que debutó con la forma no ampollar del penfigoide, siendo tratado por diferentes diagnósticos sin mejoría hasta que presentó la fase ampollar clásica siendo el diagnóstico evidente. Presentamos este caso para tener en cuenta dentro del diagnóstico diferencialde aquellas lesiones inespecífica de curso tórpido, el estadio temprano del PA, pues un reconocimiento y tratamiento y temprano puede prevenir la progresión a PA clásico cuyo curso es crónico, con fases de exacerbaciones y remisiones espontáneas, que puede resultar en morbilidad significativa.

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune subepidermal blistering skin disease that typically occurs in the elderly. Classically (BP) is characterized by tense blisters, large normal or erythematous skin, with or without pruritus. Itis difficult to identify the prodromal bullous pemphigoid(PBP) or early stage. The PBP is not presented with vesicular lesions or bullous pemphigoid such as classic. Reports have been published in which the disease manifests as generalized pruritus without visible lesions, urticarial plaques, erythematous plaques, patches of eczema and dyshidrosis, nodular prurigo-like lesions, erythroderma and vegetative lesions. We report the case of a patient inthe eighth decade of his life referred to our department to present clinical and histopathological picture bullouspemphigoid; through history we find that debuted with the bullous pemphigoid is not being treated for different diagnoses did not improve until presented by the classic blister stage diagnosis being evident. We present this case to account for the differential diagnosis of those injuries nonspecific chronic course, the early stage of the BP, asan early recognition and treatment can prevent progression to classical PA whose course is chronic, with periods of exacerbations and spontaneous remissions, which can result in significant morbidity.

Angina bullosa hemorrhagica: report of 4 cases.

Angina bullosa hemorrhagica is characterized by the sudden appearance of solitary or multiple hemorrhagic blisters on oral mucosa, with diameters ranging from 2 mm to 3 cm. The soft palate is most commonly affected, but angina bullosa hemorrhagica may also appear on the buccal mucosa, lips and tongue border. Clinically, the blisters have a dark red to purple appearance, and may or may not be painful. The blisters usually break, releasing bloody content and leaving an ulcer surface that heals within 7 to 10 days. In this article the authors describe four cases of angina bullosa hemorrhagica attended in Stomatology Department of Dental School, Sao Paulo State University. In case 1, a 29-year-old male presented with a sudden hemorrhagic blister on the soft palate. A drainage was performed and after seven days of follow-up the patient reported no symptoms. In case 2, a 63-year-old male presented complaining of a blister on the palate six days earlier that had spontaneously broken. General exam showed hypertension under medical control. An incisional biopsy was performed and after seven days follow-up the healing was completed. In case 3, a 61-year-old male arrived complaining of a sudden appearance of an hemorrhagic blister on the soft palate that had spontaneously broken. The patient had systemic hypertension under medical control. The ulcer healed in 10 days follow-up. In case 4, a 49-year-old woman presented complaining of pain and an ulcer on the soft palate. The patient reported the rapid onset of a blood blister during a meal that broke in few minutes. The resolution occurred after 14 days. Angina bullosa hemorrhagica seems to be more common than reported in the literature and knowledge of the condition is important to right diagnosis and approach when necessary.

Clinical management for epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica.

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) consists of a group of genetic hereditary disorders in which patients frequently present fragile skin and mucosa that form blisters following minor trauma. More than 20 subtypes of EB have been recognized in the literature. Specific genetic mutations are well characterized for most the different EB subtypes and variants. The most common oral manifestations of EB are painful blisters affecting all the oral surfaces. Dental treatment for patients with EB consists of palliative therapy for its oral manifestations along with typical restorative and periodontal procedures. The aim of this article is to describe two dental clinical treatments of recessive dystrophic EB cases and their specific clinical manifestations. The psychological intervention required during the dental treatment of these patients is also presented.

Ceratopatia bolhosa: etiopatogênese e tratamento: [revisão] / Bullous keratopathy: etiopathogenesis and treatment: [review]

A ceratopatia bolhosa caracteriza-se pelo edema corneano estromal acompanhado de bolhas epiteliais e subepiteliais devido à perda de células e/ou alterações da junção endotelial. Nos casos mais avançados, ocorre espessamento do estroma e presença de fibrose subepitelial e vascularização corneana. Apresenta baixa de acuidade visual devido à diminuição da transparência da córnea e pode estar acompanhada de sensação de corpo estranho, lacrimejamento e dor devido as alterações epiteliais como a presença de bolhas íntegras ou rotas. Ceratite bolhosa é uma das principais causas de transplante de córnea em diferentes regiões e países. A principal etiologia é a perda de células endoteliais, principalmente após cirurgia de catarata e na distrofia endotelial de Fuchs. Sabe-se que atualmente há cerca de 20 milhões de pessoas com catarata no mundo, e esta complicação pode afetar 1 a 2 por cento das cirurgias de catarata. Este texto faz uma revisão sobre a etiopatogênese da ceratopatia bolhosa e sobre os tratamentos clínicos e cirúrgicos disponíveis para a doença.

Bullous keratopathy is characterized by corneal stromal edema with epithelial or subepithelial bullae due to cell loss and endothelial decompensation. In more advanced cases, subepithelial fibrosis, formation of a posterior collagenous layer or retrocorneal fibrous membrane, and corneal vascularization can occur. Decreased vision is present because the loss of corneal transparency with symptoms like tearing and pain caused by epithelial bullae that can rupture. Currently, bullous keratopathy is the most common indication for penetrating keratoplasty and regraft. The main etiology is the endothelial cell loss after ophthalmic surgeries as cataract surgery. Cataract affects approximately 20 million people worldwide, and this complication can occur in 1 to 2 percent of cataract surgeries. This study revised bullous keratopathy etiopathogenesis, clinical and surgical treatment available for this corneal disease.

Clinical management for epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) consists of a group of genetic hereditary disorders in which patients frequently present fragile skin and mucosa that form blisters following minor trauma. More than 20 subtypes of EB have been recognized in the literature. Specific genetic mutations are well characterized for most the different EB subtypes and variants. The most common oral manifestations of EB are painful blisters affecting all the oral surfaces. Dental treatment for patients with EB consists of palliative therapy for its oral manifestations along with typical restorative and periodontal procedures. The aim of this article is to describe two dental clinical treatments of recessive dystrophic EB cases and their specific clinical manifestations. The psychological intervention required during the dental treatment of these patients is also presented.

[Bullous keratopathy: etiopathogenesis and treatment]. / Ceratopatia bolhosa: etiopatogênese e tratamento.

Bullous keratopathy is characterized by corneal stromal edema with epithelial or subepithelial bullae due to cell loss and endothelial decompensation. In more advanced cases, subepithelial fibrosis, formation of a posterior collagenous layer or retrocorneal fibrous membrane, and corneal vascularization can occur. Decreased vision is present because the loss of corneal transparency with symptoms like tearing and pain caused by epithelial bullae that can rupture. Currently, bullous keratopathy is the most common indication for penetrating keratoplasty and regraft. The main etiology is the endothelial cell loss after ophthalmic surgeries as cataract surgery. Cataract affects approximately 20 million people worldwide, and this complication can occur in 1 to 2% of cataract surgeries. This study revised bullous keratopathy etiopathogenesis, clinical and surgical treatment available for this corneal disease.

Long-term intraocular pressure control of eyes that developed encapsulated blebs following trabeculectomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term intraocular pressure (IOP) control of eyes that developed an encapsulated bleb (EB) following trabeculectomy. METHODS: Between 1994 and 1995, 25 eyes developed EBs and were randomized to medical treatment or needling without adjunct antimetabolites. Among the 25 patients who developed an EB, 21 were followed for at least 6 months. A control group of 21 consecutive eyes, which underwent trabeculectomy during the same period and that did not develop EBs was retrospectively selected. Success was defined as IOP <21 mmHg with or without medications. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to compare the groups. RESULTS: Among the 21 eyes that developed EBs, 12 (57%) had undergone transconjunctival needling and nine (43%) had received medical treatment. Mean follow-ups were 30.0 +/- 14.0 months, 33.3 +/- 18.5 months, and 37.4 +/- 2.6 months for the needling, medical treatment, and control groups, respectively (P = 0.19). Kaplan-Meier survival curves demonstrated that the control group showed a significantly lower chance of failure than both the needling and the medical treatment groups (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Encapsulated blebs may be associated with an increased risk for surgical failure.

Angina bullosa hemorrhagica.

BACKGROUND: In 1967, Badham used the term angina bullosa hemorrhagica (ABH) to describe an entity we already knew as traumatic oral hemophlyctenosis (TOH) (1933) and later renamed recurrent oral hemophlyctenosis (ROH) (1971). OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to review and discuss the literature, and to report 54 new cases seen between 1989 and 1996. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-four patients were thoroughly assessed to determine the clinical features, histology, etiology, pathogenesis, differential diagnosis, and therapy. RESULTS: In 35 patients (64.8%), the lesions predominated on the palate and in nine (16.6%) on the oral mucosa. The incidence was similar in both sexes (women, 52%; men, 48%) and the condition affected mostly the 51-70-year age group. ABH was never documented in children under 10 years of age. In 24 cases (44.4%), diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia, and/or a family history of diabetes was found. CONCLUSIONS: ABH is a disorder more common than the literature would suggest. Although the causes may be multiple (mucosal trauma, inhaled corticosteroids), the available data indicate that, in these patients, the presence of an alteration in glucose metabolism should be considered.