In vitro amoebicidal effects of arabinogalactan-based ophthalmic solution.

The main corneal infections reported worldwide are caused by bacteria and viruses but, recently, the number of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) cases has increased. Acanthamoeba genus is an opportunistic free living protozoa widely distributed in environmental and clinical sources, with two life-cycle stages: the trophozoite and the cyst. AK presents as primary symptoms eye redness, epithelial defects, photophobia and intense pain. An early diagnosis and an effective treatment are crucial to avoid blindness or eye removal but, so far, there is no established treatment to this corneal infection. Diverse research studies have reported the efficacy of commercialized eye drops and ophthalmic solutions against the two life cycle stages of Acanthamoeba strains, that usually present preservatives such as Propylene Glycol of Benzalkonium chloride (BAK). These compounds present toxic effects in corneal cells, favouring the inflammatory response in the so sensitive eye tissue. In the present work we have evaluated the efficacy of nine proprietary ophthalmic solutions with and without preservatives (ASDA Dry Eyes Eyedrops, Miren®, ODM5®, Ectodol®, Systane® Complete, Ocudox®, Matrix Ocular®, Alins® and Coqun®) against the two life cycle stages of three Acanthamoeba strains. Our work has demonstrated the high anti-Acanthamoeba activity of Matrix Ocular®, which induces the programmed cell death mechanisms in Acanthamoeba spp. trophozoites. The high efficacy and the absence of ocular toxic effects of Matrix Ocular®, evidences the use of the Arabinogalactan derivatives as a new source of anti-AK compounds.

Focal laser for idiopathic macular telangectasia type 1 refractory to ozurdex, ranibizumab and aflibercept. / Láser focal para telangectasia macular idiopática tipo 1 refractario a ozurdex, ranibizumab y aflibercept.

We present a case of a woman with idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 1, characterized by the presence of a capillary macroanaeurysm associated with macular edema with a macular star pattern. Several differential diagnoses were proposed, in which the study with a multimodal image was key to clarify the diagnosis. In addition, the various treatments used and their effectiveness are discussed.

Desprendimiento del epitelio pigmentario de la retina en la retinopatía por malaria / Detachment of retinal pigment epithelium in retinopathy due to malaria

CASO CLÍNICO: Varón de 45 años de edad, acude diagnosticado de paludismo con afectación neurológica. Dos meses más tarde refiere metamorfopsia en el ojo izquierdo. En el fondo de ojo se aprecia retinopatía palúdica bilateral, observándose en la tomografía de coherencia óptica (OCT) macular un desprendimiento del epitelio pigmentario (DEP) parafoveal en el ojo izquierdo. Se inicia tratamiento específico antipalúdico, evidenciándose desaparición de la retinopatía. DISCUSIÓN: El Plasmodium falciparum es responsable de la retinopatía en el paludismo neurológico. Debiéndose realizar en estos pacientes una exploración fundoscópica y OCT macular porque está asociado a una mortalidad mayor cuando existe afectación retiniana

CASE REPORT: A 45-year-old man was diagnosed with malaria with neurological involvement. Two months later he referred metamorphopsia in the left eye. Malarial retinopathy was observed in the fundus examination. The Optic Coherence Tomography (OCT) of the macula showed parafoveal pigment epithelium detachment (DEP). Specific anti-malarial treatment was initiated, with the disappearance of the retinopathy being observed. DISCUSSION: Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for the retinopathy in neurological malaria. A funduscopic examination and macular OCT should be performed in these patients, as it is associated with a higher mortality when there is a retinal involvement

Detachment of retinal pigment epithelium in retinopathy due to malaria. / Desprendimiento del epitelio pigmentario de la retina en la retinopatía por malaria.

CASE REPORT: A 45-year-old man was diagnosed with malaria with neurological involvement. Two months later he referred metamorphopsia in the left eye. Malarial retinopathy was observed in the fundus examination. The Optic Coherence Tomography (OCT) of the macula showed parafoveal pigment epithelium detachment (DEP). Specific anti-malarial treatment was initiated, with the disappearance of the retinopathy being observed. DISCUSSION: Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for the retinopathy in neurological malaria. A funduscopic examination and macular OCT should be performed in these patients, as it is associated with a higher mortality when there is a retinal involvement.

Variante genética del síndrome de Stickler / Genetic variant of Stickler's syndrome

Casos clínicos: Se remiten para estudio tres pacientes miopes de una misma familia por presentar vítreo degradado de manera severa, membranas ecuatoriales, hiperplasia del epitelio pigmentario de la retina, envainamiento vascular y esclerosis de predominio periférico. Se solicita estudio genético que confirma el diagnóstico de síndrome de Stickler con una variante en la mutación del gen COL2A1. Discusión: El síndrome de Stickler se debe sospechar en familias que presenten un fenotipo característico con sinéresis vítrea y las referidas alteraciones en la retina, pudiendo existir en ocasiones variantes genéticas que no expresan en su totalidad el fenotipo clásico (AU)

Cases reports: Three myopic components of a same family came for study because presented severely degraded vitreous, equatorial membranes, retinal pigment epithelium hyperplasia, vascular sheathed and sclerosis of peripheral predominance. A genetic study confirmed the diagnosis of Stickler syndrome with a variant in the mutation of the COL2A1 gene. Discussion: Stickler's syndrome should be suspected in families with a characteristic phenotype with vitreous syneresis and alterations in the retina, but there may be genetic variants that do not express the classic phenotype (AU)

Retinopatía MEK. Casos clínicos / MEK Retinopathy. Clinical case reports

CASOS CLÍNICOS: Se presentan 3 casos clínicos de retinopatía MEK asociados al uso de la combinación de cobimetinib y vemurafenib, caracterizados por la alteración del epitelio pigmentario de la retina y desprendimiento neurosensorial. Dos de ellos conservaron la visión de la unidad, el tercero desarrolló un gran desprendimiento neurosensorial bilateral con una agudeza visual final de 0,6 en el ojo derecho y de 0,1 en el izquierdo. DISCUSIÓN: Las nuevas estrategias terapéuticas frente al melanoma cutáneo metastásico condicionan la aparición de alteraciones del epitelio pigmentario de la retina con desprendimientos serosos, lo que obliga a una vigilancia estrecha bajo tomografía de coherencia óptica macular

CASE REPORTS: Three clinical cases are presented of MEK retinopathy associated with the combination of cobimetinib and vemurafenib characterised by alteration of the retinal pigment epithelium and neurosensory detachment. Two of the cases conserved the vision of the unit, and the third developed a large bilateral neurosensory detachment with final visual acuity of 0.6 for the right eye and 0.1 for the left one. DISCUSSION: The new therapeutic strategies against metastatic cutaneous melanoma condition the appearance of alterations of the pigmentary epithelium of the retina with serous detachments, leading to close monitoring with macular optical coherence tomography

Genetic variant of Stickler's syndrome. / Variante genética del síndrome de Stickler.

CASES REPORTS: Three myopic components of a same family came for study because presented severely degraded vitreous, equatorial membranes, retinal pigment epithelium hyperplasia, vascular sheathed and sclerosis of peripheral predominance. A genetic study confirmed the diagnosis of Stickler syndrome with a variant in the mutation of the COL2A1 gene. DISCUSSION: Stickler's syndrome should be suspected in families with a characteristic phenotype with vitreous syneresis and alterations in the retina, but there may be genetic variants that do not express the classic phenotype.

MEK Retinopathy. Clinical case reports. / Retinopatía MEK. Casos clínicos.

CASE REPORTS: Three clinical cases are presented of MEK retinopathy associated with the combination of cobimetinib and vemurafenib characterised by alteration of the retinal pigment epithelium and neurosensory detachment. Two of the cases conserved the vision of the unit, and the third developed a large bilateral neurosensory detachment with final visual acuity of 0.6 for the right eye and 0.1 for the left one. DISCUSSION: The new therapeutic strategies against metastatic cutaneous melanoma condition the appearance of alterations of the pigmentary epithelium of the retina with serous detachments, leading to close monitoring with macular optical coherence tomography.

Mácula en cúpula asociada a la retinocoroidosis miópica. Utilidad de la espironolactona / Dome shaped macula associated with myopic retinochoroidosis. Use of spironolactone

Casos clínicos: Se presentan los casos de 3 mujeres de 22, 36 y 55 años de edad con retinocoroidosis miópica bilateral. Las pacientes presentan disminución de agudeza visual unilateral, tonometría y biomicroscopia bilateral normal. En la funduscopia se evidencia maculopatía unilateral, y en la tomografía de coherencia óptica (OCT), mácula en cúpula con desprendimiento neurosensorial (DNS). Iniciado tratamiento con espironolactona, en todos los casos se comprueba mejoría por OCT. Discusión: Se discute el mecanismo etiopatogénico de la mácula en cúpula. La OCT se demuestra como técnica fundamental en el seguimiento de esta patología. Tras la evidencia mostrada, se postula tratamiento inicial con espironolactona (AU)

Cases reports: The cases are presented of three women of 22, 36 and 55 years old with bilateral myopic retinochoroidosis. They had unilateral decreased visual acuity, normal bilateral tonometry, and biomicroscopy. Funduscopy showed bilateral and unilateral myopic maculopathy, and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) showed a dome shaped macula with neurosensory detachment. Treatment was started with spironolactone and an improvement by OCT was shown in all cases. Discussion: The etiopathogenic mechanism of the dome shaped macula is discussed. OCT demonstrated to be the fundamental test in the follow-up of this condition. After the evidence shown, initial treatment with spironolactone is suggested (AU)

Dome shaped macula associated with myopic retinochoroidosis. Use of spironolactone. / Mácula en cúpula asociada a la retinocoroidosis miópica. Utilidad de la espironolactona.

CASES REPORTS: The cases are presented of three women of 22, 36 and 55 years old with bilateral myopic retinochoroidosis. They had unilateral decreased visual acuity, normal bilateral tonometry, and biomicroscopy. Funduscopy showed bilateral and unilateral myopic maculopathy, and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) showed a dome shaped macula with neurosensory detachment. Treatment was started with spironolactone and an improvement by OCT was shown in all cases. DISCUSSION: The etiopathogenic mechanism of the dome shaped macula is discussed. OCT demonstrated to be the fundamental test in the follow-up of this condition. After the evidence shown, initial treatment with spironolactone is suggested.

Espironolactona, alternativa terapéutica en el tratamiento de la epiteliopatía difusa crónica / Spironolactone, a therapeutic alternative in the treatment of diffuse retinal pigment epitheliopathy

CASOS CLÍNICOS: Se presentan 2 casos clínicos de epiteliopatía difusa crónica (EDC) con respuesta favorable a espironolactona. En el primer paciente se visualizan regiones de desprendimiento neurosensorial (DNS), y en el segundo múltiples DNS, quistes intrarretinianos secundarios y desprendimiento del epitelio pigmentario de la retina. DISCUSIÓN: Tras el tratamiento con espironolactona, se observa mejoría de la agudeza visual y de las alteraciones estructurales en ambos pacientes (disminución del DNS y quistes intrarretinianos). Los fármacos antagonistas de los receptores de aldosterona usados para formas persistentes de coriorretinopatía central serosa (CRCS) tienen resultados alentadores, y podrían ser una alternativa terapéutica en la EDC

CASE REPORT: Two cases are presented of patients with chronic diffuse epitheliopathy (CDE) that showed a favourable response when treated with spironolactone. The first patient had regions of neurosensory detachment (DNS) and the second, multiple DNS, secondary intra-retinal cysts and retinal pigment epithelium detachment. DISCUSSION: After treatment with spironolactone, both patients showed a visual acuity improvement and structural changes (reduced neurosensory retinal detachment and cystoid degeneration). Aldosterone receptor agonists (ARA) used for persistent forms of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy show encouraging results and could represent a therapeutic alternative for CDE

Retinopatía solar bilateral. Autofluorescencia y tomografía de coherencia óptica / Bilateral solar retinopathy. Autofluorescence and optical coherence tomography

CASO CLÍNICO: Varón de 33 años, que refiere disminución de agudeza visual bilateral desde hace 5 años. No presenta antecedentes de interés. Militar de profesión y probable exposición ocular solar previa. Se aprecian en el fondo de ojo lesiones pigmentadas focales maculares, con alteración de la capa de los fotorreceptores a nivel foveal, evidenciada por tomografía de coherencia óptica (OCT) en varios sectores de la fóvea. DISCUSIÓN: La retinopatía solar está asociada a profesiones con exposición solar de riesgo. El diagnóstico está basado en la autofluorescencia y OCT macular que nos va a aportar datos fundamentales para establecer la causa

CASE REPORT: A 33-year-old man referred decreased bilateral visual acuity for five years, with no history of interest. Military profession and probably previous sun exposure. Focal pigmented lesions in the macular area of the fundus were observed, with impairment of the photoreceptor layer in the fovea, observed by optical coherence tomography (OCT), in various sectors of the fovea. DISCUSSION: Solar retinopathy is associated with professions at risk of sun exposure. The diagnosis is based on autofluorescence and macular OCT, that later will provide key data to establish the cause

Bilateral solar retinopathy. Autofluorescence and optical coherence tomography. / Retinopatía solar bilateral. Autofluorescencia y tomografía de coherencia óptica.

CASE REPORT: A 33-year-old man referred decreased bilateral visual acuity for five years, with no history of interest. Military profession and probably previous sun exposure. Focal pigmented lesions in the macular area of the fundus were observed, with impairment of the photoreceptor layer in the fovea, observed by optical coherence tomography (OCT), in various sectors of the fovea. DISCUSSION: Solar retinopathy is associated with professions at risk of sun exposure. The diagnosis is based on autofluorescence and macular OCT, that later will provide key data to establish the cause.

Spironolactone, a therapeutic alternative in the treatment of diffuse retinal pigment epitheliopathy. / Espironolactona, alternativa terapéutica en el tratamiento de la epiteliopatía difusa crónica.

CASE REPORT: Two cases are presented of patients with chronic diffuse epitheliopathy (CDE) that showed a favourable response when treated with spironolactone. The first patient had regions of neurosensory detachment (DNS) and the second, multiple DNS, secondary intra-retinal cysts and retinal pigment epithelium detachment. DISCUSSION: After treatment with spironolactone, both patients showed a visual acuity improvement and structural changes (reduced neurosensory retinal detachment and cystoid degeneration). Aldosterone receptor agonists (ARA) used for persistent forms of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy show encouraging results and could represent a therapeutic alternative for CDE.

Sarcoidosis. Comienzo como pseudotumor orbitario / Sarcoidosis. Debut as orbital pseudotumour

CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente mujer de 78 años remitida para estudio de pseudotumor orbitario izquierdo de 17 días de evolución. Observamos proptosis, dolor sin limitación de los movimientos oculares, edema periorbitario y ptosis palpebral, clínica compatible con pseudotumor orbitario. La resonancia magnética orbitaria evidencia una masa adyacente al globo ocular ocupando la vertiente superoexterna y aumento de partes blandas a nivel de la glándula lagrimal. El estudio anatomopatológico de una lesión palpebral demuestra la presencia de granulomas no caseificantes. DISCUSIÓN: Se realiza el diagnóstico de sarcoidosis orbitaria definitiva. El tratamiento oral con corticoides y metotrexato logra el control de la enfermedad

CASE REPORT: 78 year-old female patient being investigated for a left orbital pseudotumour of 17 days onset. She had proptosis, pain, with no limitation of eye movements, periorbital oedema, and upper eyelid ptosis, compatible with an orbital pseudotumour. The MRI showed an upper outer left orbital mass adjacent to the side of eyeball and an increase in soft tissue at the level of lacrimal gland. The histopathology study of an eyelid lesion demonstrated the presence of non-caseating granulomas. DISCUSSION: A definitive diagnosis of orbital sarcoidosis was made. Oral treatment with corticosteroids and methotrexate achieved gradual control of the disease

Sarcoidosis. Debut as orbital pseudotumour.

CASE REPORT: 78 year-old female patient being investigated for a left orbital pseudotumour of 17 days onset. She had proptosis, pain, with no limitation of eye movements, periorbital oedema, and upper eyelid ptosis, compatible with an orbital pseudotumour. The MRI showed an upper outer left orbital mass adjacent to the side of eyeball and an increase in soft tissue at the level of lacrimal gland. The histopathology study of an eyelid lesion demonstrated the presence of non-caseating granulomas. DISCUSSION: A definitive diagnosis of orbital sarcoidosis was made. Oral treatment with corticosteroids and methotrexate achieved gradual control of the disease.

Combinación de la anhidrasa carbónica tópica y sistémica en el tratamiento de la retinosquisis ligada al cromosoma X / A combination of topical and systemic carbonic anhydrase in the treatment of chromosome X-linked retinoschisis

CASO CLÍNICO: Varón de 17 años que desde el año 2000 refiere disminución progresiva de agudeza visual bilateral. Se observan en la retina máculas en patrón de «rueda de bicicleta». El electrorretinograma informa de disminución en la amplitud de la onda b. Los potenciales evocados visuales son normales. La tomografía de coherencia óptica muestra edema macular bilateral. Todo ello compatible con el diagnóstico de retinosquisis ligada al cromosoma X (RLX). DISCUSIÓN: Se realiza consejo genético y se explica el patrón de herencia ligada al X.Se instaura tratamiento con dorzolamida tópica y acetazolamida oral evidenciando una mejoría significativa del grosor macular

CASE REPORT: A 17 year-old male patient, who since 2000 has referred to a progressive bilateral decrease in visual acuity. A «bicycle wheel» macula pattern was observed in his retina. The electroretinogram showed a decrease in the b-wave amplitude. The visual evoked potentials were normal. Optical coherence tomography showed bilateral macular edema. All this supported the diagnosis of X-linked retinoschisis. DISCUSSION: Genetic counseling was given and the pattern of X-linked inheritance was explained. A significant improvement of the macular thickness was observed after treatment with topical dorzolamide and oral acetazolamide

A combination of topical and systemic carbonic anhydrase in the treatment of chromosome X-linked retinoschisis.

CASE REPORT: A 17 year-old male patient, who since 2000 has referred to a progressive bilateral decrease in visual acuity. A "bicycle wheel" macula pattern was observed in his retina. The electroretinogram showed a decrease in the b-wave amplitude. The visual evoked potentials were normal. Optical coherence tomography showed bilateral macular edema. All this supported the diagnosis of X-linked retinoschisis. DISCUSSION: Genetic counseling was given and the pattern of X-linked inheritance was explained. A significant improvement of the macular thickness was observed after treatment with topical dorzolamide and oral acetazolamide.

[Lipoid pneumonia: presentation of a case]. / Neumonía lipoidea: a propósito de un caso.

We report a case of lipoid pneumonia treated in our Health Centre. It is a disease that occurs rarely, but is important in Primary Care. This condition has been known since 1925, when it was first described by Laughlen, who described a case of lipoid pneumonia secondary to an injection of oil in the nasopharyngeal area. Today it is a rarity, and it is most frequently associated with the use of oil-based nasal drops (which are now decreasing in use). Its aetiology may be endogenous or exogenous. Although the pathological diagnosis is generally the most important, sometimes a lesion in the chest X-ray can lead us to suspect it due to the patient's history. This was a case of acute lipoid pneumonia in a young patient, who periodically performed as a "fire eater".

Neumonía lipoidea: a propósito de un caso / Lipoid pneumonia: presentation of a case

Se presenta un caso de neumonía lipoidea atendida en nuestro centro de salud. Se trata de una enfermedad rara que es importante conocer en atención primaria para poder pensar en ella. Esta entidad se conoce desde 1925, cuando fue descrita por primera vez por Laughlen, quien describió un caso de neumonía lipoidea secundaria a una inyección de aceite en la zona nasofaríngea. En la actualidad constituye una rareza, siendo su causa más frecuente la utilización de gotas nasales con aceites en su composición (cada vez en menor uso). Su etiología puede ser endógena y exógena. Aunque el diagnóstico anatomopatológico suele ser la mayor parte de las veces el más relevante, el estudio de una lesión radiológica en puede, en ocasiones, hacer sospechar el cuadro en función de los antecedentes del paciente. El caso que aquí se presenta es el de una neumonía lipoidea aguda en paciente joven que realizaba actuaciones esporádicas como «tragador de fuego»(AU)

We report a case of lipoid pneumonia treated in our Health Centre. It is a disease that occurs rarely, but is important in Primary Care. This condition has been known since 1925, when it was first described by Laughlen, who described a case of lipoid pneumonia secondary to an injection of oil in the nasopharyngeal area. Today it is a rarity, and it is most frequently associated with the use of oil-based nasal drops (which are now decreasing in use). Its aetiology may be endogenous or exogenous. Although the pathological diagnosis is generally the most important, sometimes a lesion in the chest X-ray can lead us to suspect it due to the patient's history. This was a case of acute lipoid pneumonia in a young patient, who periodically performed as a “fire eater”(AU)