Prognostic factors and clinical features of rhino-orbital-mucormycosis cases: an update for patient and visual survivals.

AIM: To determine the frequency of patients' vision survival and prognostic factors and evaluate clinical features in rhino-orbital mucormycosis. METHODS: Forty-three eyes of 43 patients followed up with orbital mucormycosis infections were included in the study. Demographic characteristics of the patients, symptoms at admission, ophthalmologic and non-ophthalmologic examination findings, clinical findings during follow-up, medical and surgical procedures, and complications were recorded. Patient survival was determined by assessing the incidence of mortality, and vision survival was defined as achieving a final visual acuity of at least light perception. RESULTS: Twenty-seven (62.8%) patients were male, and 16 (37.2%) were female. When the underlying disease status of the patients was examined, it was observed that all patients had an underlying disease and diabetes constituted the majority (65.2%). Periorbital swelling (69.8%) and ophthalmoplegia (53.5%) were the most common symptoms and findings at the admission of patients with mucormycosis infection. The disease resulted in death in 22 (51.2%) patients. The presence of fever and shorter duration of antifungal therapy were associated with lower patient survival. Exenteration surgery was not found to be associated with the survival of the patients. Frozen eye, loss of pupillary light reflex, and development of central retinal artery occlusion were associated with lower vision survival. CONCLUSION: This study presents one of the most extensive patient series in the literature on rhino-orbital mucormycosis. Knowing the patients' symptoms at the time of admission and the clinical findings during the infection process will increase awareness about the disease.

Management and Clinical Outcomes of Eyes With Posterior Segment Intraocular Foreign Bodies Seen at a Tertiary Referral Center.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the prognostic factors regarding the visual and anatomic outcomes of eyes with posterior segment intraocular foreign body (PS-IOFB). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The medical records of 95 patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy and PS-IOFB removal between 2004 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Data on anatomical and visual outcomes, as well as preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 31.9 ± 12.3 years. The mean follow-up time was 21.9 ± 28.3 months. The median time interval from trauma to IOFB removal was 9 days. In univariate analysis, there was a positive correlation between initial visual acuity (VA) and final VA (P < 0.001). A higher ocular trauma score (OTS) was significantly associated with both anatomical and functional success (P < 0.001). Linear regression analysis showed that OTS was not superior to initial VA in predicting final VA (r = 0.625 vs r = -0.601). Anatomic and functional outcomes were not affected by the injury site, nature of PS-IOFB, or timing of PS-IOFB removal (P > 0.05 for all). Subretinal IOFB location, the need for silicone oil tamponade, and endophthalmitis (P = 0.005, P < 0.001, P = 0.044, respectively) were risk factors for poor visual outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The initial VA, the extent of the initial ocular damage, and the presence of endophthalmitis are important prognostic factors for functional success. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024;55:xx-xx.].

Comparison of cytotoxic, apoptotic and oxidative properties of Akacid plus and chlorhexidine in corneal epithelial cell culture.

PURPOSE: This study aims to compare the cytotoxic, apoptotic, and oxidative effects of a new cationic disinfectant, Akacid Plus, with chlorhexidine, on the human corneal epithelial cell line. METHODS: Time-dependent cytotoxicity studies were performed with the Alamar Blue method. Apoptotic activity was investigated by flow cytometric methods. Reactive oxygen species levels were measured with the ROS cellular test kit. BAX, BCL2 and caspase 3, 9, 12 mRNA expressions were evaluated by PCR, as well as BAX and BCL2 protein expressions by Western-Blot. RESULTS: At the fifth minute of the treatment, the viability was 68.15% with Akacid Plus and 43.95% with chlorhexidine. At the 15th minute, no significant difference was observed with both solutions. In the apoptotic evaluation, Akacid Plus significantly increased the early and late apoptotic activity in the cell line (p < 0.0001), while a significant increase was observed in late apoptosis and necrosis levels with chlorhexidine (p < 0.001). Chlorhexidine also induced gene expression of BAX, BCL2, caspase 3, 9 and BAX proteins (p < 0.05), while reducing protein expression of BCL2 (p < 0.001). Akacid Plus induced the gene expressions of BCL2, CASP3 and caspase 9, reduced gene expressions of BAX and caspase 12 and protein expression of BCL2 (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in the ROS level with both solutions (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Due to the widespread use of cationic polymers in ophthalmology, this new molecule with high antimicrobial activity and relatively low cytotoxicity may be of interest for clinical use. Further investigations are necessary to fully understand the ophthalmologic potential of this solution.

Choroidal Vascularity Index and Choroidal Thickness Changes Following Renal Transplantation.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate changes in subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), choroidal vascularity index (CVI), estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and intraocular pressure (IOP) after renal transplantation. Materials and Methods: A total of 49 renal transplantation patients were included in this prospective study. CVI and SFCT on enhanced-depth imaging optic coherence tomography (EDI-OCT), MAP at the cubital fossa, GFR, and IOP were measured preoperatively and at postoperative 1 week and 1 month. In the analysis of EDI-OCT images, luminal area (LA) and stromal area of the choroid were determined using the image binarization method. CVI was defined as the ratio of LA to total choroid area. The effects of GFR, IOP, and MAP on CVI and SFCT were investigated. Results: The study included 23 women (47%) and 26 men (53%) with a mean age of 26.28±8.25 years (range: 18-52). Changes between preoperative, postoperative 1-week, and postoperative 1-month GFR values, CVI, and SFCT measurements were evaluated. There were significant differences between preoperative and postoperative GFR and SFCT measurements (p<0.001), but no significant differences between preoperative and postoperative CVI (p=0.09), MAP (p=0.14), or IOP (p=0.84) measurements. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that SFCT increased significantly with GFR, while there was no change in CVI values.

Investigation of changes in retinal vascular parameters and choroidal vascular index values during the early recovery period of COVID-19: The COVID-OCTA study.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 effects microvasculature in many tissues. This study investigated whether the choroidal structure is also affected. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 80 patients with COVID-19 and the same number of age- and gender-matched healthy individuals. All participants' right eye measurements were examined. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) was used for imaging. Otherwise, two independent researchers used the Choroidal vascular index (CVI) for choroidal parameters calculation. RESULTS: Superior and deep flow values were lower in the COVID-19 group than in the control group, and vascular density (VD) values were lower in all regions in this group. Except for the superior mean VD, there was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.003). However, the COVID-19 group had significantly lower subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFChT) measurements than the control group (p = 0.001). In addition, no significant difference was observed between the groups in evaluating mean CVI values (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Noninvasive diagnostic tools such as OCTA and EDI-OCT can be used to monitor early changes in diseases affecting microvessels, such as from COVID-19.

Quantitative Evaluation of Macular Vessel Density Measurement by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Patients with Inactive Ocular Sarcoidosis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the macular vessel density (VD) in inactive ocular sarcoidosis (OS) and investigate the relationship between VD and both disease duration and visual acuity (VA). METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed at a tertiary hospital. The macular VDs of patients with OS were obtained using optical coherence tomography angiography and compared with healthy subjects. RESULTS: Deep whole image macular VD (WI-MVD), parafoveal, and perifoveal VDs were lower in OS group (p = .01, p = .01, p = .02, respectively). Negative correlation between disease duration and both superficial and deep WI-MVD, parafoveal, and perifoveal VDs was obtained (for all p < .05). There was a positive correlation between VA and superficial VD (p < .001, r = 0.848 for WI-MVD). CONCLUSION: OS affects deep VD significantly. Changes in superficial VD affect VA more. Disease duration is an important factor affecting macular VD.

Assessment of dynamic thiol-disulfide homeostasis in patients with lipoid proteinosis (Urbach-Wiethe syndrome).

OBJECTIVE: Lipoid proteinosis is a rare autosomal recessive genetic dermatological disease that occurs due to the accumulation of hyaline material in the skin and mucous membranes. This study aimed to investigate whether dynamic thiol-disulfide homeostasis is a new marker of oxidative stress in patients suffering from lipoid proteinosis. METHODS: The study group involved 17 patients with lipoid proteinosis and 17 healthy controls with same gender and age. Native thiol, total thiol, disulfide levels, and thiol-disulfide indexes were measured with the fully automated spectrophotometric method described by Erel and Neselioglu, and the results of the two groups were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Serum total thiol and native thiol levels were significantly lower in lipoid proteinosis group compared to the control group (p=0.020 and p=0.014, respectively). The disulfide levels were found to be higher in lipoid proteinosis group, but there was no significant difference between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Impaired dynamic thiol-disulfide homeostasis was observed in lipoid proteinosis patients, suggesting that thiol-disulfide homeostasis may have a role in the pathogenesis of this disease.

Cytotoxic, Apoptotic, and Oxidative Effects of Preserved and Preservative-Free Brimonidine in a Corneal Epithelial Cell Line.

Purpose: This study aims to compare the cytotoxic, apoptotic, and oxidative effects of preserved and preservative-free forms of brimonidine 0.15% on the human corneal epithelial cell (HCEC) line. Methods: Time-dependent cytotoxicity studies were performed with the Alamar Blue method. For apoptotic studies, PE Annexin V and 7-amino-actinomycin (7-AAD) staining and flow cytometry were performed. Messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3, -9, -12, and protein expressions of Bax and Bcl-2 were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot method, respectively. Results: Cell viability was 76.4% with the preserved solution and 36.05% with the preservative-free solution at the fifth minute. No significant difference was observed with either solution at the 15-min mark, whereas cell viability did not change significantly after 1 h. In the apoptosis evaluation, it was observed that the preservative-free solution increased the early apoptotic activity to a greater degree (P < 0.05). Preservative-free solution also induced gene expression of proapoptotic Bax, caspase-9 and -12, and protein expression of Bax while reducing the protein expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 (P < 0.0001). Preserved solution induced only the gene expression of caspase-12, and reduced the protein expression of Bcl-2 (P < 0.0001). No significant difference was observed in the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels of either solution compared with the control group (P > 0.05). Conclusion: It was demonstrated that the preserved solution is less cytotoxic to the HCEC line in the early period, has less early apoptotic activity, and does not significantly increase ROS levels.

Assessment of dynamic thiol-disulfide homeostasis in patients with lipoid proteinosis (Urbach-Wiethe syndrome)

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Lipoid proteinosis is a rare autosomal recessive genetic dermatological disease that occurs due to the accumulation of hyaline material in the skin and mucous membranes. This study aimed to investigate whether dynamic thiol-disulfide homeostasis is a new marker of oxidative stress in patients suffering from lipoid proteinosis. METHODS: The study group involved 17 patients with lipoid proteinosis and 17 healthy controls with same gender and age. Native thiol, total thiol, disulfide levels, and thiol-disulfide indexes were measured with the fully automated spectrophotometric method described by Erel and Neselioglu, and the results of the two groups were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Serum total thiol and native thiol levels were significantly lower in lipoid proteinosis group compared to the control group (p=0.020 and p=0.014, respectively). The disulfide levels were found to be higher in lipoid proteinosis group, but there was no significant difference between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Impaired dynamic thiol-disulfide homeostasis was observed in lipoid proteinosis patients, suggesting that thiol-disulfide homeostasis may have a role in the pathogenesis of this disease.

Comparison of the effects of psoriasis and vitiligo on retina pigment epithelium thickness.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to compare retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) thickness in patients with psoriasis and vitiligo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The right eyes of 67 psoriasis and 65 vitiligo patients and 71 healthy individuals were included in the study. The RPE thicknesses were analyzed with the spectral domain-optical coherence tomography after routine ophthalmological examinations (SD-OCT). RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were detected when psoriasis and vitiligo patients were compared in terms of RPE levels (p = 0.033). When compared with the Control Group, no significant differences were found with psoriasis patients, but a significant difference was detected with vitiligo patients (p = 0.515, p = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Although no changes were detected in RPE in psoriasis, the decreased RPE thickness in vitiligo may be an indicator of the effect of melanin loss on the posterior segment of the eye in vitiligo. For this reason, measurement of RPE thickness with OCT can help in detecting the damage in vitiligo patients.

Evaluation of retinal and choroidal microcirculation in Behçet's disease.

PURPOSE: To investigate retinal perfusion by optical coherence tomography (OCT)-angiography and choroidal vascular features using an OCT-based image binarization method in patients with Behçet's disease (BD) without clinical ocular involvement. METHODS: This study included 38 patients with non-ocular BD and 35 healthy participants. Macular region was evaluated with OCT-angiography (Optovue, Inc., Fremont, CA). A 6.0 × 6.0 mm rectanglescan centred on the fovea was used to record the scans. The enhanced depth imaging OCT scans (Heidelberg Eye Explorer version 1.8.6.0; Heidelberg Engineering) of the macula and peripapillary scans of the optic nerve head were binarized using ImageJ software (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA). The luminal area (LA), stromal area (SA), total choroidal area (TCA), and choroidal thickness (CT) were analysed. The choroidal vascularity index (CVI) was calculated as the ratio of the LA to the TCA. RESULTS: Vessel density values of the superficial and deep macular capillary plexus were similar between the two groups (all p > 0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the CT and TCA values in the macula and in all peripapillary sectors (all p > 0.05). However, the macula and temporal, nasal, and inferior sectors of the peripapillary area had significantly lower CVI values in the BD group compared with controls (p = 0.009, p = 0.002, p = 0.010, and p = 0.008, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Retinal microperfusion deficit was not observed in non-ocular Behçet patients. CVI may be a more robust marker than CT to indicate choroidal perfusion. A reduced CVI may suggest subclinical ocular involvement and choroidal ischemia in these patients.

Evaluation of inner ear and hearing functions in lichen planus patients.

BACKGROUND: Lichen planus (LP), which affects skin, nails, hair, and mucosal surfaces, is a chronic, autoimmune, and inflammatory disease, and autoimmune diseases may affect the inner ear. AIMS: This study aims to investigate hearing and inner ear functions of the LP patients. PATIENTS/METHODS: The present study was formed by 49 patients who were clinically and histopathologically diagnosed with LP and did not receive any treatment. The healthy group consisted of 52 healthy individuals. Pure tone audiometry (PTA) and distortion product otoacoustic emission tests were used in the hearing evaluation. RESULTS: At frequencies of 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 kHz in the right ear and 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 kHz in the left ear in PTA, the lichen group's hearing thresholds were higher than the healthy group's. Upon comparing the hearing thresholds of LP patients with oral mucosa involvement and LP patients without oral mucosa involvement, there were significant differences between the groups at 1, 4, and 8 kHz in the right ear and at 0.25, 0.5, 2, 4, 6, and 8 kHz in the left ear. CONCLUSION: Because of the increasing hearing thresholds, we think that hearing and inner ear functions of LP patients, particularly with oral mucosal involvement, are negatively affected.

Evaluation of choroidal circulation and stromal features in Graves' disease.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate choroidal thickness (CT) and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) in patients with Graves' disease (GD) without ocular involvement. METHODS: Fifty patients diagnosed with GD and 50 age and gender matched healthy control subjects were retrospectively evaluated. Measurements were taken from five different points on CT images. Choroid images were classified as lumen regions (LA) and stromal regions (SA) using the image binarization method. CVI was calculated by dividing LA by the total choroidal area (TCA). The effects of Thyrotropin Receptor Antibody (TRAb), age, GD duration, blood pressure, axial length measurements, and intraocular pressure were analyzed on CT and CVI measurements. RESULTS: Mean age was 40.1 ± 13.5 years in the patient group and 39.3 ± 13.6 years in the control group (p = 0.89). There was no significant difference between the GD group and control group in terms of CT measurements. There was a significant difference between the mean CVI measurements of the GD group and control group (68.03 ± 3.41 and 66.62 ± 3.11, respectively) (p < 0.001). Univariate linear regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between TRAb and CVI (p = 0.013). CONCLUSION: While there was no significant difference between the CT measurements of the GD group and the control group, the GD group had significantly higher CVI measurements.

Evaluation of Ocular Surface and Dry Eye Symptoms in Face Mask Users.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the ocular surface and symptoms of dry eye in individuals who wear face masks on a daily basis. METHODS: This prospective study evaluated 52 right eyes of 52 subjects (26 men, 26 women) who routinely wore face masks for at least 8 hrs a day. Mean age was 30.48±6.01 years. All patients were assessed with Schirmer-1 test, Tear Break-up Time (TBUT), Oxford staining grade, and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) at initial clinical admission (T1), after 8 hrs of face mask use (T2), and after 15 days of greater than 8 hrs daily wear of face masks with the open portions of the mask taped down (T3). RESULTS: Mean TBUT was 13.03±2.18 seconds(s) at T1, 9.12±1.85 sec at T2, and 12.78±2.05 sec at T3. Mean Schirmer-1 test results were 16.87±3.01 mm at T1, 12.97±2.74 mm at T2, and 17.01±2.95 mm at T3. There was a significant difference between T1 and T2, and between T2 and T3 in TBUT (P<0.001), Schirmer-1 results (P<0.001), and Oxford staining grade (P=0.030, P=0.003, respectively). There was a significant difference between all examination times in OSDI score (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Improper use of face masks may cause increased ocular irritation and dry eye symptoms. Taping down the upper portion of the face mask blocks exhaled air from directly entering the eyes, preventing potential symptoms of dry eye.

Microwave Radiometry at Frequencies From 500 to 1400 MHz: An Emerging Technology for Earth Observations.

Microwave radiometry has provided valuable spaceborne observations of Earth's geophysical properties for decades. The recent SMOS, Aquarius, and SMAP satellites have demonstrated the value of measurements at 1400 MHz for observing surface soil moisture, sea surface salinity, sea ice thickness, soil freeze/thaw state, and other geophysical variables. However, the information obtained is limited by penetration through the subsurface at 1400 MHz and by a reduced sensitivity to surface salinity in cold or wind-roughened waters. Recent airborne experiments have shown the potential of brightness temperature measurements from 500-1400 MHz to address these limitations by enabling sensing of soil moisture and sea ice thickness to greater depths, sensing of temperature deep within ice sheets, improved sensing of sea salinity in cold waters, and enhanced sensitivity to soil moisture under vegetation canopies. However, the absence of significant spectrum reserved for passive microwave measurements in the 500-1400 MHz band requires both an opportunistic sensing strategy and systems for reducing the impact of radio-frequency interference. Here, we summarize the potential advantages and applications of 500-1400 MHz microwave radiometry for Earth observation and review recent experiments and demonstrations of these concepts. We also describe the remaining questions and challenges to be addressed in advancing to future spaceborne operation of this technology along with recommendations for future research activities.

Comparison of refractive outcomes using Scheimpflug Holladay equivalent keratometry or IOLMaster 700 keratometry for IOL power calculation.

PURPOSE: This study aims to compare postoperative refractive error results using Pentacam (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH) Holladay equivalent keratometry readings (EKR) or IOLMaster 700 (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG) keratometry (K) values in IOL power calculation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 54 eyes of 31 patients who underwent cataract surgery. Preoperative biometric measurements of all patients were obtained using IOLMaster 700 followed by Pentacam measurements. IOLMaster 700 K measurements on horizontal (K1) and vertical (K2) axes and EKR measurements on 2 mm (EKR2mm), 3 mm (EKR3mm) and 4.5 mm (EKR4.5 mm) corneal zones were recorded. EKR4.5 mm value and IOLMaster 700 K values were used in Holladay-II, SRK/T, Haigis, and Hoffer-Q formulas to calculate predictive refractive error (PRE). Absolute refractive error (ARE) was calculated as the absolute difference between actual postoperative refractive error (APRE) and PRE values. RESULTS: Mean age was 72.2 ± 8.3 (51-87) years and mean IOL power was 21.5 ± 2.9 D (18-23 D). There was no significant difference between PRE values when IOLMaster 700 K measurements and EKR4.5 mm K measurements were used in Holladay-II, SRK/T, Haigis, and Hoffer-Q formulas (p = 0.571, p = 0.833, p = 0.165, p = 0.347, respectively). There was no significant difference between APRE and ARE values (p = 0.124). According to mean ARE results, the closest estimate was achieved when the IOLMaster 700 K values were used in the Holladay-II formula (p = 0.271). CONCLUSION: IOLMaster 700 K measurement and Pentacam EKR4.5 mm measurements can be used interchangeably. IOLMaster 700 K values yielded the most predictive measurement of the refractive result using the Holladay-II formula.

The effect of secukinumab treatment on inflammatory parameters in patients with psoriasis: A multicentre restrospective study.

AIM: Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the skin with remission and relapses. The aim of this study was to investigate the change in inflammatory parameters such as neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and mean platelet volume (MPV) in patients receiving secukinumab treatment for psoriasis vulgaris (PV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, we evaluated the laboratory results of 40 patients who were followed up with a diagnosis of PV and received secukinumab treatment in three different dermatology clinics between July 2018 and September 2019. RESULTS: Neutrophil count and leukocyte count were significantly decreased after secukinumab treatment. (P < .001) There was no statistically significant difference between lymphocyte count, platelet count, MPV, NLR and PLR values before treatment and at the 4th month of treatment (P values .230, .065, .110, .915 and .365, respectively). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, it can be concluded that parameters such as NLR, PLR and MPV are not suitable parameters for monitoring the effects of secukinumab treatment on inflammation.

Evaluation of thiol/disulphide balance in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate serum thiol disulphide levels in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) compared with a healthy control group and to investigate whether thiol/disulphide balance can be used as a new marker of oxidative stress in CL patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective study included 47 patients diagnosed with CL and 46 healthy individuals without any disease. Native thiol, disulphide and total thiol levels were used in plasma. Disulphide/total thiol, disulphide/native thiol and native thiol/total thiol levels were measured. RESULTS: Disulphide, native thiol disulphide and total thiol disulphide levels were significantly lower in CL patients compared with the control group. However, there was no statistically significant difference between CL patients and the control group in terms of disulphide/native thiol, disulphide/total thiol and native thiol/total thiol values. CONCLUSION: Based on the data in our study, it can be said that the use of thiol/disulphide balance as a new oxidative stress marker in CL patients is not appropriate, but studies with a larger number of patients are needed.

Atypical and unusual morphological variants of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

OBJECTIVE: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a skin disease characterised by prolonged nodulo-ulcerative lesions of the skin that heals with atrophic scar. Clinical features of CL vary depending on the type of parasite and host immune resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical features of atypical and unusual morphological variants of CL patients diagnosed in our clinic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, 27 CL patients with atypical clinical features among 486 patients admitted to our clinic between July 2018 and September 2019 and diagnosed as CL by slit-skin smear examination or histopathological examination were included. RESULTS: Of 27 patients, 15 (55.5%) were male and 12 (44.5%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 25.8 ± 7.62 years. Seven (25.9%) patients had lupoid lesions, five (18.6%) patients had eczematoid lesions, four (14.8%) patients had lip lesions, three (11.1%) patients had erysipelas-like lesions, two (7.4%) patients had eyelid lesions, two (7.4%) patients had sporotrichoid lesions, two (7.4%) patients had verrucous lesions, one (3.7%) patient had psoriasiform lesion and one (3.7%) patient had paronychial lesion. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, rare clinical forms of CL are presented in this study. It should be kept in mind that CL may have very different clinical features and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of eczema, psoriasis, erysipelas, sporotrichosis, paronychia and verrucous lesions.

Evaluation of inflammatory parameters in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a vector-borne parasitic disease characterized by various skin lesions that can cause deformities when healed. Our aim in this study is to show the utility of parameters such as neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), thrombocyte/lymphocyte ratio (TLR), and mean thrombocyte volume (MTV) as auxiliary laboratory methods in CL patients. About 107 patients who were admitted to our dermatological and venereal diseases outpatient clinic between January 2018 and January 2019 and were diagnosed with CL by microscopic examination and 74 healthy individuals were included in the study. There were no significant differences between the patient and control group in terms of neutrophil counts, leukocyte counts, platelet counts, and NLR values (P values: .271, .053, .263, and .459, respectively). When the TLR and MTV values of patients with CL and those of the healthy controls were compared, it was found that TLR and MTV values were statistically higher in patients with CL (P values of .010 and .044, respectively). Based on these data, NLR was not considered to be a suitable parameter for demonstrating inflammation in CL patients, but TLR and MTV were held to be an appropriate parameter for demonstrating inflammation in CL patients. In addition, we think that the increase in MTV and TLR, can be used as an auxiliary laboratory test in the diagnosis of CL disease.