Tubulointerstitial Nephritis and Uveitis Syndrome During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Series.

Objectives: To report the ocular findings, laboratory results, and management of patients with tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis syndrome (TINU), whose numbers increased during the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Materials and Methods: Demographic characteristics, ophthalmic examination findings, laboratory results including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), serum SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody, and treatment of patients diagnosed with TINU between March 2020 and March 2022 were evaluated retrospectively. Results: The study included 19 eyes of 10 patients (6 female/4 male). The mean age was 13.5±2.4 years (range: 8-16 years). The mean follow-up duration was 13.5±6.1 months (range: 6-24 months). All patients presented with anterior uveitis. Anterior uveitis was bilateral in 9 patients (90%) and unilateral in 1 patient (10%). Posterior segment findings were normal in 8 patients (80%), and bilateral optic disc edema was observed in only 2 patients (20%). None of the patients had a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and/or vaccination history. The SARS-CoV-2 PCR test was negative in all patients at presentation. The SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody test was reactive in 7 patients (70%). Recurrent uveitis developed in 8 patients (80%) during follow-up. Systemic immunomodulatory therapy was required for the control of ocular inflammation in 7 patients (70%) with severe uveitis flare-ups. Conclusion: TINU is a multisystemic autoimmune disease, especially in response to environmental triggering factors such as viral infections. Although TINU is a rare disease, the number of cases increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected at a significant rate of 70% in these patients, who did not have a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination. Previous asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in children may be a triggering factor in the development of TINU.

The Presence of Optic Disc Drusen in Eyes with Uveitis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the coexistence of optic disc drusen (ODD) in eyes with uveitis. METHODS: In this retrospective, observational study, patients followed up in a uvea clinic with all types of uveitis were evaluated. ODD were confirmed by ocular ultrasonography, optic nerve head enhanced-depth imaging optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence, and fundus photography. RESULTS: ODD were detected in 17 of 545 (3.1%) uveitis patients. The mean age was 18.9 ± 10.4 years, and 76.5% were female. 45.5% were anterior, 42.4% were panuveitis, 6.1% were intermediate, and 6.1% were posterior uveitis. ODD were found bilaterally in all 17 patients; uveitis was unilateral in one patient. 58.8% were under the age of 18, and in this group, the rate of buried ODD was 78.9% (p = 0.039). In adults (seven patients), ODD were buried in 42.9%. CONCLUSION: ODD can be detected in eyes with uveitis and may clinically mimic optic disc edema, lead to misdiagnosis and/or overtreatment.

Sympathetic Ophthalmia: Demographic Characteristics, Clinical Findings, and Treatment Results.

Objectives: To evaluate the demographic characteristics, clinical findings, and treatment approach of patients with sympathetic ophthalmia (SO). Materials and Methods: The records of 14 patients with SO between 2000 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients' Snellen best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), detailed ophthalmological examination, optical coherence tomography (OCT), enhanced depth imaging-OCT (EDI-OCT), fundus fluorescein angiography findings, and treatment approaches were recorded. Results: The study included the 14 sympathizing eyes of 14 patients with SO (7 female, 7 male). The mean age was 48.5±15.4 years (range: 28-75), and the mean follow-up duration was 55.1±48.7 months (range: 6-204). Ten patients (71%) had a history of ocular trauma and 4 (29%) had a history of ocular surgery. The time to symptom onset in the sympathizing eye after trauma or ocular surgery ranged from 15 days to 60 years. The most common posterior segment findings were optic disc edema (36%) and exudative retinal detachment (36%). In the acute period, the mean choroidal thickness value on EDI-OCT was 716.5±63.6 µm (range: 635-772) and decreased to 296±81.6 µm (range: 240-415) after treatment. Treatment with high-dose systemic corticosteroid was given to 8 patients (57%), azathioprine (AZA) to 7 (50%), AZA and cyclosporine-A combination to 7 (50%), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors to 3 patients (21%). Recurrence was observed in 4 patients (29%) during follow-up. At last follow-up, BCVA values were better than 20/50 in 11 (79%) of the sympathizing eyes. Remission was achieved in 13 patients (93%), but 1 patient (7%) lost her vision due to acute retinal necrosis. Conclusion: SO is a bilateral inflammatory disease that presents with granulomatous panuveitis after ocular trauma or surgery. Favorable functional and anatomical results can be obtained with early diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment.

The outcomes of cataract surgery in eyes with Fuchs uveitis.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate clinical results in eyes undergoing phacoemulsification intraocular lens (IOL) implantation due to Fuchs, uveitis (FU) related complicated cataract. METHODS: Post-surgical outcomes of 56 eyes of 55 FU patients were evaluated retrospectively. Three groups were formed according to the IOL model: hydrophilic SAF6125 (Optima fold) acrylic, hydrophobic SN60AT (Alcon), and hydrophobic AAB00 (Abbott). Postoperative posterior capsular opacification (PCO) development and PCO development time, neodymium number: YAG laser posterior capsulotomy rate, giant cell (GC) deposition on the IOL, and the development time of GC deposits were compared among the groups. All patients were followed postoperatively on the 1st day, 1st week, 2nd and 6th weeks, and then at 3-month intervals. RESULTS: The hydrophilic SAF6125 IOL was implanted in 10 eyes, hydrophobic SN60AT in 24 eyes and AAB00 IOL in 22 eyes. The mean postoperative follow-up time was 34.1 ± 30.1 (6-144) months. PCO developed in 7 eyes (70%) in the hydrophilic SAF6125 group, 17 eyes (70.8%) in the hydrophobic SN60AT and 13 eyes (59.1%) in the AAB00 group. There was no statistically significant difference among the three IOL groups in the PCO development, the PCO development time and YAG laser capsulotomy rates (P = 0.674, P = 0.111, and P = 0.507, respectively). The PCO development time was significantly longer in the hydrophobic SN60AT than AAB00 group (P = 0.027). GC deposits were detected in 3 eyes (30%) in the hydrophilic SAF6125 group, 7 eyes (29.1%) in the hydrophobic SN60AT and 3 eyes (13.6%) in the AAB00 group. GC deposition and the development time of GC deposits were similar among the three IOL groups (P = 0.575, P = 0.804). At the final follow-up, BCVA was ≥ 20/40 in 41 eyes (73.2%). CONCLUSION: The GC deposits and PCO development were the most important problems in these eyes with hydrophilic or hydrophobic IOLs despite good visual and postoperative results. New developments are needed in terms of IOL design or content in eyes with FU.

Evaluation of Vitreolenticular Interface in Eyes with Fuchs Uveitis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the vitreo-lenticular interface (Berger space) in Fuchs uveitis (FU). METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 20 FU patients (Group 1), the fellow eyes of patients (Group 2) and 20 healthy individuals (Group 3). RESULTS: Berger space was detected in all, and hyperreflective spots were identified in Berger spaces in 65% of FU eyes through optical coherence tomography (OCT). The measurements of Berger space the distance in central, nasal, and temporal 2 mm were 715 ± 101µ, 620 ± 66µ, and 676 ± 76µ in group 1; 370 ± 40µ, 321 ± 41µ, 297 ± 39µ in group 2 and 290 ± 37µ, 267 ± 32µ, 227 ± 28µ in group 3. There was a statistical difference between groups 1, 2nd, and 3rd in all the values. CONCLUSION: The detection of the Berger space is the crucial finding of this study. Visualizing the vitreolenticular area may reveal new insights for pathology and OCT-guided investigations.

Bilateral Granulomatous Panuveitis in A Patient with COVID-19.

PURPOSE: To present a case of panuveitis with granulomatous intraocular inflammation and vasculitis related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). CASE REPORT: A 46-year-old female patient had blurred vision in both eyes during 8 days after COVID-19 symptoms. Anterior segment examination revealed anterior chamber cells in the both eyes, mutton fat keratic precipitates and posterior synechiae in the left eye. Small peripheral iris nodules and mild vitritis were accompanying in both eyes. Fundus examination revealed multiple superficial retinal infiltrate lesions in the peripheral retina with retinal periphlebitis in both eyes. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography showed hyperreflective superficial retinal infiltrates. Fluorescein angiography (FA) and indocyanine green angiography demonstrated hypofluorescent foci due to blockade of retinal infiltrates. Peripheral vascular leakage was detected on FA in both eyes. CONCLUSION: This case showed that COVID-19 infection can cause granulomatous panuveitis. Autoimmune mechanisms related to COVID-19 may lead to ocular inflammation.

Acute retinal necrosis: clinical features, management and outcomes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical features, treatment, and visual outcome of patients with acute retinal necrosis (ARN). METHODS: The data of patients were retrospectively reviewed. Factors associated with visual loss and factors affecting the risk for retinal detachment (RD) development were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-four eyes of 24 patients (7 female/17 male, mean age 43.7 years, mean follow-up period 31.0 months) were included. In ocular fluid samples of 15 (83%) out of 18 eyes, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests were positive for herpes simplex virus (seven eyes; 39%), varicella zoster virus (six eyes; 33%), cytomegalovirus (one eye; 6%), and adenovirus (one eye; 6%). Central retinal occlusive vasculitis was observed in three (13%) eyes. Systemic antiviral therapy was given to all patients, and additional intravitreal ganciclovir was administered in seven eyes (29%). The most common complication was RD (46%). There was no statistically significant difference in the frequency of RD between herpes simplex virus- and varicella zoster virus-positive patients (p = .617). The rate of RD was similar in eyes undergoing prophylactic laser photocoagulation (LPC), eyes undergoing vitrectomy + LPC, and eyes not undergoing LPC (p = .237). The number of eyes with final visual acuity below 20/200 was significantly higher in eyes with RD than without RD (p = .047). CONCLUSION: Prophylactic LPC and vitrectomy did not show clear benefits in terms of preventing RD development. RD was the most common complication and a major factor for a poor visual prognosis.

An objective evaluation of lens transparency after vitrectomy surgery with different intravitreal tamponades.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the effects of different intraocular tamponade agents on lens density after vitrectomy. METHODS: The participating patients were divided into four groups according to the tamponade agent used: a sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) group, a perfluoropropane (C3F8) group, a silicone oil group, and a no tamponade group. Lens density measurements were performed preoperatively and two weeks, one month, and three months postoperatively using a Pentacam HR device with a Scheimpflug camera. The postoperative values were compared with the preoperative baseline values, also the values were compared between the four groups. RESULTS: The study included 82 eyes (82 patients). In the SF6 group, lens density significantly increased in all zones two weeks and one and three months postoperatively (all P < .05). In the C3F8 group, lens density significantly increased in all zones three months postoperatively (all P < .01). In the silicone oil group, the zone 1, zone 2, and average lens density (ALD) value significantly increased one and three months postoperatively (all P < .05). In the no tamponade group, the zone 1, zone 2, and ALD values significantly increased three months postoperatively (all P < .05). There were no significant differences between the four groups in any zone either preoperatively or postoperatively (all P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Although increases in lens density were observed earlier in the tamponade groups than in the no tamponade group, between the groups over the follow-up period were no differences. We need the development of new surgical methods and materials to prevent post-vitrectomy lens damage in the future.

Peripapillary and Macular Choroidal Vascularity Index in Eyes with Fuchs' Uveitis.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the choroidal vascularity alterations of macula and peripapillary area in eyes with unilateral Fuchs uveitis (FU). METHODS: This study included 18 eyes with unilateral FU and 18 healthy fellow eyes. The choroidal vascularity index (CVI) was analyzed, and the results were compared between eyes with FU and healthy fellow eyes (control group). RESULTS: The mean subfoveal (s)CVI (%) value was significantly lower in the FU group as compared with the control group: 60.92 ± 2.63 vs. 64.01 ± 2.54, respectively (p = .001). The mean pCVI (%) values of superior and inferior quadrant were significantly lower in the Fuchs group as compared with the control group:58.87 ± 4.48 vs. 61.98 ± 3.32, respectively, in superior quadrant (p = .035); and 57.29 ± 6.65 vs. 61.44 ± 4.76, respectively, in inferior quadrant (p = .014). CONCLUSION: The chronic continuous inflammation in FU causes inflammation-mediated thinning in the vascular area of the subfoveal and peripapillary choroid. The changes in the peripapillary region are remarkable in terms of the further glaucoma risk of these eyes.

Fuchs' Uveitis: Is It Different from What We Know?

BACKGROUND: To describe ocular findings in Turkish patients with Fuchs' uveitis (FU). METHODS: The medical records of FU were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The study included 281 eyes of 258 patients with FU. There were diffusely spread keratic precipitates (KPs)[(medium sized in 253 (90.0%) eyes, stellate-medium in 28 (10%) eyes)], Koeppe nodules (KN) in 64 (22.8%) eyes and cataract in 129 (45.9%) eyes. There was vitreous infiltration of varying grades in all eyes (100%) with grade 1 haze in 96 (34.2%) eyes, grade 2 haze in 69 (24.6%) eyes, and grade 3 haze in 63 (22.4%) eyes. Stellate-medium KPs were significantly more likely in eyes with KN than in eyes without KN (28.1 vs. 4.6%, p <.001) and in eyes with +3 vitreous haze than in those without +3 vitreous haze (28.6 vs. 4.6%, p <.001). CONCLUSION: Vitreous involvement is the most frequent posterior segment finding. Posterior involvement is a feature that should not be ignored.Stellate-medium KPs and KN may be an indicator of increased and chronic inflammation.

Choroidal Vascularity Index as a Potential Inflammatory Biomarker for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate choroidal vascularity index (CVI) and to investigate the association of CVI with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as an indicator of inflammation in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective study included newly diagnosed OCD patients and healthy controls. All patients underwent EDI-OCT imaging to assess the subfoveal choroidal thickness (sCT) and peripapillary CT (pCT). CVI was defined as the ratio of luminal area to stromal area after binarization on EDI-OCT images. RESULTS: A total of 39 patients with OCD and 25 controls were included. The sCT, pCT, and CVI values were significantly higher in the OCD vs. control group (p˂0.05 for all). The NLR values were significantly higher in the OCD vs. control group (p = .007). A significant positive correlation was noted between CVI and NLR (p = .039). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that systemic inflammation may play a role in the pathogenesis of OCD.

Effects of diabetes duration and HgA1C level on corneal endothelial morphology.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of the HbA1c level and the duration of diabetes mellitus on the corneal endothelium morphology and to compare between healthy individuals and diabetes mellitus patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety patients who applied to the Health Sciences University Ulucanlar Eye Training and Research Hospital between January 2016 and January 2017 were included in this prospective randomized study. In the study, 45 diabetes mellitus patients and 45 healthy individuals were evaluated. The diabetes patients were compared in terms of HbA1c level, diabetes mellitus duration, corneal endothelial cell density, coefficient of variation, standard deviation, and hexagonality with healthy control group. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found in the endothelial cell densitometer, coefficient of variation, and standard deviation measurements between the diabetes mellitus patients and the control (healthy) group. But, there was no statistically significant difference between 6A (hexagonality) and central corneal thickness measurements. There was a negative correlation between HbA1c levels and diabetes mellitus times and endothelial cell densitometer values in the patients with diabetes mellitus diagnosis and standard deviation values in the positive direction. There was a statistically significant difference between diabetes mellitus patients with the diagnosis of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and proliferative diabetic retinopathy in the endothelial cell densitometer and standard deviation values. But there was not any statistically significant difference between coefficient of variation, 6A, and central corneal thickness values. CONCLUSION: The endothelial cell densitometer in diabetes mellitus patients with retinopathy is lower than that in healthy individuals. There is a negative correlation between retinopathy severity and corneal endothelial cell density. Diabetes affects negatively not only vascular tissues but also avascular cornea.

An objective evaluation of crystalline lens density using Scheimpflug lens densitometry in different uveitis entities.

AIM: To measure lens densities with a Pentacam HR device in patients with active uveitis. Measurements were taken at the onset of the attack and after the treatment of inflammation. METHODS: The study included 51 eyes with different anterior uveitis aetiologies and a control group of 48 eyes of age- and gender-matched healthy subjects. Lens densitometry measurements were taken with a Scheimpflug camera on a Pentacam HR device. All the examinations and measurements were performed on the first presentation with the onset of the attack and were repeated at 1st and 3rd months after treatment. Lens densitometry measurements were compared with those of the healthy control group and the healthy fellow eyes of the uveitic patients. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was determined between the groups in respect of age and gender (p > 0.05). At 3 months, Pentacam densitometry of zones 3 value was determined to be significantly high in the uveitic eyes compared to the healthy eyes (p = 0.018). The average lens density value (ALD) at 1 month was statistically significantly higher than the baseline value in the uveitic eyes (p = 0.034). There was no significant change in the ALD value at 3 months compared to the baseline and 1-month values (p = 0.386, p = 0.736, respectively). CONCLUSION: Even if there is no cataract development that can be clinically observed in eyes with anterior uveitis, lens density in zone 3 showed a significant increase at the end of 3 months compared to the baseline value. This change can be evaluated objectively with Scheimpflug imaging.

Phacoemulsification in patients with uveitis: long-term outcomes.

BACKGROUND: To assess the long-term outcomes of phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in eyes with uveitis. METHODS: One hundred and five eyes of 81 patients, who underwent phacoemulsification and IOL implantation between January 2009 and July 2016, were included in this study. The demographic data, preoperative clinical findings, postoperative outcomes, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. All collected data and risk factors with regard to visual prognosis were analyzed with the help of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0 software program (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). RESULTS: During follow-up (mean: 35.2 ± 22.2 months), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) improved in 87.7% of all eyes and reached a level of 0.3 LogMAR or greater in 61.3% of eyes. Postoperative complications included posterior capsule opacification (50.9%), posterior synechiae (21.7%), cystoid macular edema (16%), epiretinal membrane (13.2%), glaucoma (11.3%), increased intraocular pressure (8.5%), and severe inflammation (6.6%). Uveitis recurred in 55.7% of all eyes. The risk for the development of cystoid macular edema was found to be associated with recurrence in the early postoperative period. Low visual acuity risk was 11.1-fold higher with macular scarring (p = 0.001) and 14-fold higher with optic atrophy (p < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: With appropriate management during the pre- and postoperative periods, phacoemulsification and IOL implantation surgery can be safe and effective in eyes with uveitis. However, great caution must be taken to prevent complications both before and after the surgery.

Ultrastructural Analysis of the Anterior Lens Epithelium in Cataracts Associated with Uveitis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the transmission electron microscopic findings of lens epithelial cells (LECs) in patients with different subtypes of uveitis and to compare the findings with those in age-matched controls. METHODS: In this prospective case-control study, the anterior lens capsules were taken from 47 eyes of 47 patients with uveitis of different subtypes (17 with Fuchs uveitis syndrome [FUS], 13 with -Behçet's uveitis, 10 with idiopathic uveitis, and 7 with herpetic keratouveitis) and from 15 eyes of 15 control patients. RESULTS: In the FUS group, the LECs had homogeneous thickening and irregularity, with some small vacuoles and widespread, oval-shaped pigment clusters in some areas. In the Behçet uveitis group, there was evident thinning in the lens epithelium. The subepithelial tissue under the epithelium was thickened, and edematous areas were detected. In the idiopathic uveitis group, the LECs were thinner with small vacuoles, and the cubic structure of the LECs was transformed into a squamous one. Moreover, the LECs included some small vacuoles, similar to those in the FUS group. In the herpetic keratouveitis group, two prominent cell types were observed: (1) completely normal LECs and (2) degenerated-type LECs with pyknotic nuclei, condensation of chromatin, swelling in the cytoplasm, membrane ruptures, and intra-cytoplasmic inclusion bodies. In the control group, the LECs and all of their elements occurred in normal ultrastructural patterns, with the exception of a few small intraepithelial vacuoles, which were fewer in number and smaller than those in the FUS and idiopathic uveitis groups. CONCLUSION: The electron microscopic analysis of LECs of patients with different subtypes of uveitis revealed significant ultrastructural alterations, which may be related to the summation of oxidative stress and intraocular inflammation.

Serum and vitreous resistin levels in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

AIM: The aim of the study was to investigate the serum and vitreous levels of resistin in patients with the proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and to compare those with age-matched control subjects. METHODS: The study included 45 eyes with PDR (group 1) and a control group of 22 (group 2). All eyes underwent vitrectomy surgery. The lipid profile, fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c and resistin levels were investigated in blood samples of all subjects. Complete ophthalmological examinations were evaluated. Vitreous samples were collected from both groups during vitrectomy surgery and resistin levels were investigated in those samples. The results were evaluated using SPSS 9.0 software. RESULTS: The demographic characteristics of the diabetic group and the control group were similar (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups in respect of mean visual acuity (VA), body mass index (BMI) values, or lipid profiles (p ˃ 0.05). There was no measurable value of resistin in the vitreous samples of all the eyes. The mean blood resistin level was 367 ng/ml in the control group and 387 ng/ml in the study group and the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In the light of the findings of this study, it can be assumed that resistin did not pass through the vitreous at measurable levels. However, the serum resistin levels of the diabetic patients were higher than those of the control group although not statistically significant. Therefore, it can be considered that resistin does not play a major role in retinal neovascularization.

23-gauge transconjunctival vitrectomy for posterior segment intraocular foreign bodies.

BACKGROUND: This study is a report of the outcomes of 23-gauge (G) transconjunctival vitrectomy (TV) performed to treat a posterior segment intraocular foreign body (IOFB). METHODS: The data of 14 eyes of 14 patients who underwent 23-G TV for the removal of a posterior segment IOFB were reviewed in this study. Surgery was initiated with a 23-G system in each case and the posterior segment IOFB was removed through the enlarged sclerotomy site. All of the patients were male. The mean age of the patients was 36.6+-11.0 years. RESULTS: The foreign body (FB) was located in the vitreous in 11 eyes and in the retina in 3 eyes. Before the 23-G TV, complicated cataract was detected in 6 eyes, vitreous hemorrhage was detected in 5 eyes, and retinal detachment was detected in 1 eye. The size of the FB ranged from 3 mm to 7 mm; 12 of the FBs were metallic and 2 were glass. Silicone oil was used as a tamponade agent in 5 eyes and gas tamponade (C3F8) was used in 4 eyes. The mean follow-up time was 8.15+-2.9 months. At the last examination, of the 14 eyes included in the study, the visual acuity (VA) was 0.1 or better in 10 eyes and less than 0.1 in 4 eyes because 2 eyes had peri-macular scar, 1 eye had massive sub-epiretinal membrane and 1 eye had retinal re-detachment. CONCLUSION: 23-G TV is seen as an effective and minimally invasive technique to remove posterior segment IOFBs.

Aqueous humor IL-8, IL-10, and VEGF levels in Fuchs' uveitis syndrome and Behçet's uveitis.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the levels of interleukin (IL)-8, IL-10, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the aqueous humor (AqH) of patients with Behçet's uveitis (BU) and Fuchs' uveitis syndrome (FUS) during an inactive period and compared these levels with those in the AqH of noninflammatory healthy control subjects. METHODS: This prospective and case-control study included 33 patients (16 patients with BU and 17 patients with FUS) and 35 control subjects. IL-8, IL-10, and VEGF levels in the AqH were quantified by performing sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the cytokine levels in the different groups, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: IL-8 levels were significantly higher in the AqH of patients with BU and FUS than in the AqH of control subjects (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). IL-10 levels were significantly lower in the AqH of patients with BU than in the AqH of patients with FUS and of control subjects (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Although VEGF levels were higher in the AqH of patients with FUS than in the AqH of patients with BU and of control subjects, the difference was significant only between patients with FUS and control subjects (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We observed a significant decrease in IL-10 levels in the AqH of patients with BU and a significant increase in VEGF levels in the AqH of patients with FUS compared to controls. IL-8 and VEGF levels showed no significant difference among uveitis patients.

Purtscher-like retinopathy with serous macular detachment in pre-eclampsia.

Purtscher-like retinopathy has been rarely described during postpartum period in patients with pre-eclampsia. We present an unusual combination of serous macular detachment coexisting with Purtscher-like retinopathy as a complication of pre-eclampsia during postpartum period.