Visual outcomes and prognostic factors in ischaemic retinal vasculitis.

PURPOSE: Our aim was to describe the visual outcomes and determine the clinical factors in ischaemic retinal vasculitis (IRV) that were predictive of a poor visual prognosis or infectious aetiology. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of consecutive presentations of IRV to Auckland District Health Board from 2009 to 2022. RESULTS: The median age at presentation was 39.2 years and 108 (53.7%) were women. The total median follow-up was 4.8 years. Infectious aetiology was present in 151 eyes (52.1%). Moderate visual loss (20/50 to 20/200) occurred in 20 eyes (6.9%) and severe visual loss (≤20/200) occurred in 41 eyes (14.1%). Median visual acuity was 20/30 (IQR 20/25 to 20/100) on presentation and 20/25 (IQR 20/20 to 20/50) at final follow-up. Retinitis (HR 4.675 p=0.048) and cystoid macular oedema (CME) (HR 7.265 p<0.001) were significantly associated with vision loss. There was concurrent macular ischaemia in 26 eyes (19.4%) and CME in 52 eyes (17.9%). Retinitis was predictive of infectious aetiology (p=0.006) and cotton wool spots for non-infectious aetiology (p<0.001). Retinal haemorrhage (HR 5.580 p=0.001), retinal vein occlusion (HR 5.071 p=0.001) and quadrants of ischaemia (HR 2.222 p=0.025) were significantly associated with vitreous haemorrhage. CONCLUSION: In patients with IRV, 21% of affected individuals sustained moderate-to-severe vision loss over 5 years. Ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography can be used to quantify the risk of neovascular complications and guide treatment.

[Bilateral panuveitis in Whipple's disease: Case report]. / Panuvéite bilatérale dans la maladie de Whipple : à propos d'un cas.

Whipple's disease is a rare disease linked to chronic infection with the intracellular gram-positive bacterium, Tropheryma whipplei. The clinical signs suggestive of this disease are the association of unexplained fever, lymphadenopathy, gastroenterological disorders (malabsorption) and inflammatory joint disorders (arthritis). However, isolated cardiological, neurological or ophthalmological forms have been described. We report the rare case of a 56-year-old patient complaining of floaters and recent visual loss, who presented with bilateral panuveitis in the absence of any systemic disorder. Clinical examination showed inflammation of the anterior segment, vitritis, inflammatory optic disc edema, focal retinitis, and venous vasculitis in both eyes. We describe the clinical characteristics and ancillary findings of the disease (fundus photos, visual field, auto-fluorescence, macular OCT, fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography). The diagnosis was made with the blood (T. whipplei) PCR test and with the help of accessory salivary gland biopsies. We describe the work-up leading to the diagnosis of Whipple's disease, the laboratory tests, and the recommended extended work-up. The patient's course was marked by complete resolution of the symptoms and clinical signs within a few months following corticosteroid therapy (1mg/kg/day) combined with hydroxychloroquine (600mg per day for 1 year) and life-long doxycycline therapy (200mg per day). In conclusion, this is a rare disease which should be discussed when dealing with steroid-resistant and/or steroid-dependent chronic uveitis with a negative work-up (especially in the presence of joint and/or digestive involvement).

Neovascular Glaucoma: A Rare Presenting Feature of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Syndrome.

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome (VKH) is an uncommon multi-system autoimmune inflammatory disorder characterized by bilateral granulomatous panuveitis with serous retinal detachment accompanied by neurological, auditory, and cutaneous manifestations like headache, hearing loss, vitiligo, and poliosis. It has a female preponderance, usually in middle age. We report the case of a 20-year-old male who presented to us with rapidly progressive visual loss accompanying granular panuveitis, complicated cataract, and a mixed mechanism neovascular glaucoma with acute angle closure. He was treated for IOP control and underwent aggressive immunosuppression and, later, bilateral laser iridotomies. It wasn't until one month after the initial presentation that he presented with vitiligo and poliosis of the eyebrows and eyelashes, clinching the diagnosis of VKH syndrome. This case highlights the diagnostic challenge faced due to acute neovascular glaucoma being the initial presenting feature of VKH; hitherto not documented before, although acute angle closure glaucoma or crisis has occasionally been reported at presentation; the classical VKH presentation being an acute posterior segment uveitis or less commonly, a chronic, recurrent panuveitis presenting with/ without complications. This case underlines the importance of considering VKH syndrome in a patient with bilateral granulomatous panuveitis, as dermatological involvement can emerge later in the disease course, by which time vision might have already been compromised significantly.

Bacillus coagulans-associated severe necrotizing scleral infection.

Purpose: We describe a case of severe scleritis possibly caused by Bacillus coagulans. Observations: Conventional laboratory evaluation was inconclusive. The associated organism was identified with metagenomic RNA deep sequencing (MDS). The infection resolved with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole treatment. Conclusions: This case demonstrates the utility of unbiased, high-throughput sequencing for infectious scleritis.

Corneal application of SOCS1/3 peptides for the treatment of eye diseases mediated by inflammation and oxidative stress.

Several blinding diseases affecting the retina and optic nerve are exacerbated by or caused by dysregulated inflammation and oxidative stress. These diseases include uveitis, age related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. Consequently, despite their divergent symptoms, treatments that reduce oxidative stress and suppress inflammation may be therapeutic. The production of inflammatory cytokines and their activities are regulated by a class of proteins termed Suppressors of Cytokine Signaling (SOCS). SOCS1 and SOCS3 are known to dampen signaling via pathways employing Janus kinases and signal transducer and activator of transcription proteins (JAK/STAT), Toll-like Receptors (TLR), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), mitogen activated kinase (MAPK) and NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3). We have developed cell-penetrating peptides from the kinase inhibitory region of the SOCS1 and SOCS3 (denoted as R9-SOCS1-KIR and R9-SOCS3-KIR) and tested them in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and in macrophage cell lines. SOCS-KIR peptides exhibited anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-angiogenic properties. In cell culture, both Th1 and Th17 cells were suppressed together with the inhibition of other inflammatory markers. We also observed a decrease in oxidants and a simultaneous rise in neuroprotective and anti-oxidant effectors. In addition, treatment prevented the loss of gap junction proteins and the ensuing drop in transepithelial electrical resistance in RPE cells. When tested in mouse models by eye drop instillation, they showed protection against autoimmune uveitis, as a prophylactic as well as a therapeutic. Mice with endotoxin-induced uveitis were protected by eye drop administration as well. R9-SOCS3-KIR was particularly effective against the pathways acting through STAT3, e.g. IL-6 and VEGF-A mediated responses that lead to macular degeneration. Eye drop administration of R9-SOCS3-KIR stimulated production of antioxidant effectors and reduced clinical symptoms in mouse model of oxidative stress that replicates the RPE injury occurring in AMD. Because these peptides suppress multiple pathogenic stimuli and because they can be delivered topically to the cornea, they are attractive candidates for therapeutics for uveitis, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.

Uveitis following COVID-19 vaccination in the pediatric population: Experience at a tertiary referral hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence and outcomes of uveitis following coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination in the pediatric population. METHODS: A case series of all patients under the age of 18years diagnosed with uveitis within 28days of COVID-19 vaccination. RESULTS: Out of 33 patients under the age of 18years who presented with uveitis from July 2021 until May 2022, eight (24.2%) developed uveitis following COVID-19 vaccination within 28days. Four had a previous history of uveitis. The mean time interval from COVID-19 vaccination to uveitis diagnosis was 14.75days. The most common anatomic diagnosis was anterior uveitis in four children, followed by panuveitis in two and posterior uveitis in two. Seven children were treated with systemic steroids/immunomodulatory agents. Improved or unaffected visual acuity was noted in all children at the final follow-up. CONCLUSION: The pediatric population may demonstrate uveitis following COVID-19 vaccination. All children were treated successfully, and good final visual acuity was achieved.

Histone deacetylases facilitate Th17-cell differentiation and pathogenicity in autoimmune uveitis via CDK6/ID2 axis.

INTRODUCTION: Autoimmune uveitis (AU) is a prevalent ocular autoimmune disease leading to significant visual impairment. However, underlying pathogenesis of AU required to develop more efficient therapy remain unclear. METHODS: We isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from AU patients and performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Besides, experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) model was established and treated with histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) Belinostat or vehicle. We extracted immune cells from Blank, EAU, and HDACi-treated EAU mice and used scRNA-seq, flow cytometry, siRNA, specific inhibitors, and adoptive transfer experiments to explore the role of HDACs and its downstream potential molecular mechanisms in the immune response of EAU and AU. RESULTS: We found highly expressed histone deacetylases (HDACs) family in AU patients and identified it as a key factor related to CD4+ effector T cell differentiation in the pathogenesis of AU. Our further studies showed that targeted inhibition of HDACs effectively alleviated EAU, restored its Th17/Treg balance, and reduced inflammatory gene expression, especially in CD4+ T cells. Post-HDACs inhibition, Treg proportions increased with enhanced immunomodulatory effects. Importantly, HDACs exhibited a positive promoting role on Th17 cells. Based on scRNA-seq screening and application of knock-down siRNAs and specific inhibitors in vitro and vivo, we identified CDK6 as a key downstream molecule regulated by HDAC1/3/6 through acetyl-histone H3/p53/p21 axis, which is involved in Th17 pathogenicity and EAU development. Additionally, HDACs-regulated CDK6 formed a positive loop with ID2, inducing PIM1 upregulation, promoting Th17 cell differentiation and pathogenicity, and correlates with AU progression. CONCLUSION: Based on the screening of clinical samples and downstream molecular functional validation experiments, we revealed a driving role for HDACs and the HDACs-regulated CDK6/ID2 axis in Th17 cell differentiation and pathogenicity in AU, proposing a promising therapeutic strategy.

Anterior Uveitis After Discontinuation of Janus Kinase Inhibitor, Ruxolitinib.

Primary myelofibrosis shows widespread fibrosis in the bone marrow and is part of myeloproliferative neoplasms in which gene mutations in hematopoietic stem cells lead to abnormal clonal expansion of one or more lineage of myeloid and erythroid cells and megakaryocytes. Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are the main therapeutic regimen for primary myelofibrosis which harbors gene mutations, resulting in continuous activation of JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Since JAK inhibitors modulate immunological state, the administration would have a potential for uveitis. A 67-year-old patient presented with weight loss of 10 kg in the past 2 years after his retirement. He showed normocytic anemia with anisocytosis and abnormal shape, as well as hepatosplenomegaly. Suspected of hematological malignancy, bone marrow biopsy led to the diagnosis of primary myelofibrosis (grade 2) with bizarre megakaryocytes and relative maintenance of myeloid and erythroid lineage. He started to have blood transfusion. Genomic DNA analysis of the peripheral blood showed a pathogenic variant in the exon 9 of calreticulin (CALR) gene while pathogenic variants in Janus kinase-2 (JAK2), and myeloproliferative leukemia virus oncogene (MPL) were absent. He began to have oral ruxolitinib 10 mg daily at the timepoint of 5 months after the initial visit and the dose was increased to 20 mg daily 8 months later but was discontinued further 4 months later because he showed the limited effect of ruxolitinib. He had blood transfusion every week or every 2 weeks in the following 2 months until he noticed blurred vision in the right eye. The right eye showed thick fibrin membrane formation in the anterior chamber in front of the pupil which prevented the fundus from visualization. The left eye showed no inflammation and optic nerve atrophy, sequel to tuberculous meningitis in childhood. The patient started to use 0.1% betamethasone six times daily and 1% atropine once daily as eye drops. A week later, fibrin membrane disappeared and the pupillary area with total iris posterior synechia was visible in the right eye. He regained the vision in the right eye and did not show relapse of uveitis only with topical 0.1% betamethasone. Uveitis might be related with the administration and discontinuation of ruxolitinib.

VKH-like uveitis during donafenib therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: a case report and review of the literature.

Background: The incidence of uveitis has risen with the use of targeted therapies, particularly prevalent in the administration of immune checkpoint inhibitors and MAP-kinase pathway inhibitors. We report the first case of VKH-like uveitis linked to Donafenib employed for the primary hepatocellular carcinoma, highlighting the necessity of ophthalmological follow-up in patients undergoing treatment with Donafenib. Case presentation: A 55-year-old man developed VKH-like symptoms, including sporadic white patches, tinnitus, headache, and mild bilateral vision reduction, after 18 months of treatment with Donafenib and Sintilimab for hepatocellular carcinoma. Based on ophthalmological examinations that fundus fluorescein angiography images demonstrating multiple focal areas of pinpoint hyperfluorescence, along with pooling indicative of neurosensory detachment and disc leakage in both eyes, choroid thickening in swept-source optical coherence tomography, and "sunset-glow" fundus appearance, a tentative diagnosis of VKH-like uveitis was made. Initially, his best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/200 in the right eye and 20/80 in the left eye. Upon discontinuing Donafenib and starting a 3-month course of oral glucocorticoids, his BCVA improved to 20/30 in the right eye and 20/40 in the left eye. Conclusion: Targeted drugs have been commonly used for cancer treatment in recent years, but challenges of ocular side effects emerged gradually. To optimize patient outcomes, regular ophthalmological follow-ups are essential for those undergoing treatment with targeted therapies like Donafenib.

Clinical manifestations and immune markers of non-HIV-related CMV retinitis.

BACKGROUND: Since the HIV epidemic in the 1980s, CMV retinitis has been mainly reported in this context. CMV retinitis in persons living with HIV is usually observed when CD4 + cells are below 50 cells/mm3. This study aims to describe the immune markers of non-HIV-related CMV retinitis as well as to describe its clinical manifestations and outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of consecutive patients with CMV retinitis not related to HIV seen at the uveitis clinic of Jules Gonin Eye Hospital between 2000 and 2023. We reported the clinical manifestations and outcomes of the patients. We additionally assessed immune markers during CMV retinitis (leukocyte, lymphocyte, CD4 + cell and CD8 + cell counts as well as immunoglobulin levels). RESULTS: Fifteen patients (22 eyes) were included. Underlying disease was hematologic malignancy in 9 patients, solid organ transplant in 3 patients, rheumatic disease in 2 patients and thymoma in one patient. The median time between the onset of underlying disease and the diagnosis of retinitis was 4.8 years. Lymphopenia was observed in 8/15 patients (mild = 3, moderate = 4, severe = 1), and low CD4 counts were observed in 9/12 patients, with less than 100 cells/mm3 in 4 patients. Hypogammaglobulinemia was detected in 7/11 patients. Retinitis was bilateral in 7/15 patients, and severe visual loss was frequent (5/19 eyes). Disease recurrence was seen in 7/13 patients at a median time of 6 months after initial diagnosis. No differences in immune markers were observed in patients with vs. without recurrence. CONCLUSION: CMV retinitis is a rare disorder that can affect patients suffering any kind of immunodeficiency. It is associated with a high visual morbidity despite adequate treatment. CD4 + cell counts are usually higher than those in HIV patients, but B-cell dysfunction is common.

[Implantable intravitreal corticosteroids in chronic noninfectious uveitis]. / Implantierbare intravitreale Kortikosteroide bei chronischer nichtinfektiöser Uveitis.

BACKGROUND: Uveitis leads to blindness in 10-15% of all cases in industrialized nations. The prevalence varies depending on the literature, ranging from 9 to 730 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Local and systemic steroid applications, along with treatment involving immunomodulators, are the primary treatment options. In cases of chronic and refractory uveitis, especially with the manifestation of uveitic macular edema, intravitreal corticosteroids can contribute to reduce or completely replace systemic immunomodulatory therapy with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics or corticosteroids. OBJECTIVE: This review article presents the currently available intravitreal corticosteroid implants used in the treatment of noninfectious uveitis. The indications, effectiveness, and side effect profiles are discussed within the context of the current literature. A total of 6 randomized controlled studies about FAc and DEX implants with more than 100 patients were included in this review. One subgroup analysis from a multicentric randomized study with 315 patients has been included as well. The outcome is discussed in this article. CONCLUSION: The efficacy and safety profile of intravitreal corticosteroids in uveitic macular edema have been evaluated in several studies in recent years. In some studies, they have been compared to systemic treatment options. With long-acting corticosteroid implants the number of relapses can be reduced and the time interval between relapses can be prolonged. Short-acting corticosteroid implants represent a treatment option during acute uveitic activity. The adverse effects of corticosteroids can be well-controlled in most cases. In phakic and/or young patients, however, adverse effects (such as cataract development) should be discussed in depth before treatment initiation as most corticosteroids are applied as long-term treatment.

Authors' Reply to Letter to the Editor- in Response to: Comment on Dheyab AM et al. "Long-Term Efficacy of Oral Valganciclovir in Presumed Cytomegalovirus Unilateral Hypertensive Anterior Uveitis".

The clinical diagnosis of presumed cytomegalovirus hypertensive anterior uveitis was based on the following criteria: 1) Recurrent episodes of unilateral hypertensive anterior uveitis characterized by acute elevation of intraocular pressure, a few medium-sized or mutton-fat keratic precipitates and mild anterior chamber reaction. These findings might be associated with corneal endotheliitis and iris atrophy. 2) Posterior synechiae and vitreous involvement are typically absent. 3) Intact corneal sensation.

Comment on "Adalimumab Dose Reduction and Withdrawal in Stable Non-Infectious Pediatric Uveitis: An Open- Label, Prospective, Pilot Study".

The study by P. D. Yuan et al. titled "Adalimumab Dose Reduction and Withdrawal in Stable Non-Infectious Pediatric Uveitis: An Open-Label, Prospective, Pilot Study" examines dose reduction and withdrawal strategies in managing pediatric uveitis with adalimumab (ADA). The study aims to optimize treatment protocols by minimizing drug exposure while maintaining disease control. However, the open-label design introduces potential bias, and the absence of a control group limits the ability to draw definitive conclusions. The small sample size and short follow-up period further constrain the study's robustness. Methodological refinements, including a randomized controlled trial design with a larger sample size, extended follow-up, detailed adverse event data, standardized tapering protocols, and incorporation of objective outcome measures, are recommended to enhance the reliability and generalizability of the findings. These improvements could significantly inform clinical practice and contribute to the evidence base for pediatric uveitis management.

Suprachoroidal Drug Delivery for Macular Edema Associated With Noninfectious Uveitis.

Purpose: To evaluate clinical trials in the literature that focus on suprachoroidal drug delivery for the treatment of noninfectious uveitis and other posterior segment diseases. Methods: A synthesis of the literature was performed. Results: In 2021, suprachoroidal space triamcinolone acetonide, a corticosteroid delivery system used for the treatment of uveitic macular edema (ME), was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. The drug-delivery system targets the suprachoroidal space using a microneedle-based device and has a favorable pharmacokinetic profile. Suprachoroidally administered investigational therapies have also been assessed in clinical trials for other posterior segment diseases, including diabetic ME, retinal vein occlusion, age-related macular degeneration, and choroidal melanoma. Conclusions: The safety and efficacy of suprachoroidal corticosteroid injections to treat uveitic ME have been shown in recent phase III clinical trials. Multiple programs are also investigating this modality of drug delivery for use in many other retinal and choroidal pathologies.

A Case of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease and Retinal Peri-Phlebitis in a Patient With Presumed Ocular Tuberculosis.

A middle-aged hypertensive female presented with headaches, tinnitus, and blurred vision for two weeks. Clinical examination revealed mild vitritis and bilateral multifocal exudative detachments at the posterior pole, together with peripheral vascular cuffing and peri-phlebitis. Laboratory testing pointed towards isolated presumed intraocular tuberculosis (IOTB) as the probable cause. However, the patient strongly responded to high-dose intravenous and tapered oral corticosteroids, leading to complete resolution of detachments within 10 days of therapy initiation. Anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) was begun after one week of presentation, and no recurrence of symptoms was noted for the next 18 months. A case of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease-like presentation occurred after a probable previous subclinical episode(s) of presumed IOTB, resulting in sclerosed vessels in the retinal periphery.

Causal association of juvenile idiopathic arthritis or JIA-associated uveitis and gut microbiota: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomisation study.

Background: The gut microbiota significantly influences the onset and progression of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and associated uveitis (JIAU); however, the causality remains unclear. This study aims to establish a causal link between gut microbiota and JIA or JIAU. Methods: Using publicly available genome-wide association studies (GAWS) summary data, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomisation (MR) analysis employing various methods, namely inverse variance weighted (IVW), simple mode, weighted mode, weighted median and MR-Egger regression methods, to assess the causal association between JIA or JIAU and gut microbiota. Sensitivity analyses, including Cochrane's Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, leave-one-out analysis and MR-PRESSO, were performed to evaluate the robustness of the MR results. Subsequently, reverse MR analysis was conducted to determine causality between gene-predicted gut microbiota abundance and JIA or JIAU. Results: The MR analysis revealed a causal association between gut microbiota abundance variations and JIA or JIAU risk. Specifically, the increased abundance of genus Ruminococcaceae UCG013 (OR: 0.055, 95%CI: 0.006-0.103, p = 0.026) and genus Ruminococcaceae UCG003 (ß: 0.06, 95%CI: 0.003-0.117, p = 0.041) correlated with an increased risk of JIA, while genus Lachnospiraceae UCG001 (OR: 0.833, 95%CI: 0.699~0.993, p = 0.042) was associated with a reduced risk of JIA, among others. Sensitivity analysis confirmed MR analysis robustness. Conclusions: This study provides substantial evidence supporting a causal association between genetically predicted gut microbiota and JIA or JIAU. It highlights the significant role of intestinal flora in JIA or JIAU development, suggesting their potential as novel biomarkers for diagnosis and prevention. These findings offer valuable insights to mitigate the impact of JIA or JIAU.

Severe Occlusive Retinal Vasculitis in an Immunocompetent Patient with Chronic CMV Anterior Uveitis.

PURPOSE: We report a unique case of non-necrotizing occlusive retinal vasculitis presenting two years following chronic hypertensive uveitis. METHODS: Case Report. RESULTS: A 32-year-old Iraqi woman with a history of Posner-Schlossman Syndrome diagnosed 10 years prior presented with blurred vision and redness in her left eye. Examination demonstrated ocular hypertension, keratic precipitates, and inflammatory cells in the anterior chamber. Quantitative real-time PCR confirmed the presence of cytomegalovirus in the aqueous humor, and dilated posterior segment examination was negative for any signs of intraocular inflammation, retinitis, or vasculitis. Her uveitis workup was otherwise negative, and she was treated with valganciclovir for 6 months. Two years after her initial presentation, she was noted to have a new vitreous hemorrhage in the left eye. Fluorescein angiography demonstrated an occlusive retinal vasculitis with extensive neovascularization without retinitis. Quantitative real-time PCR again demonstrated the presence of cytomegalovirus in the anterior chamber. Her uveitis workup was repeated, which has now returned positive for HLA-B51. She otherwise did not demonstrate any systemic signs of Behcet's Disease. She was restarted on valganciclovir and oral prednisone and referred to rheumatology for consideration of adalimumab initiation. Thus far she has responded very well to treatment. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the importance of serial posterior segment examinations and HLA-B51 testing in individuals with cytomegalovirus anterior uveitis.

Author Reply to Letter to the Editor: In Response to: Comment on Fonollosa et al.'s "Hyper-Reflective Outer Nuclear Layer (HONL) in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease and Sympathetic Ophthalmia".

We have recently described an OCT sign in two patients (one with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) and the other with Sympathetic Ophthalmia) consisting of hyperreflectivity of the outer nuclear layer (HONL) that subsequently evolved into outer retina atrophy and associated with poor functional outcomes. Ali et al. have published a comment on our letter regarding HONL. They have evaluated it in 90 eyes of VKH patients. It was observed in 37 eyes (41.1%) and no associations were found between HONL and structural outcomes or final visual acuity, and no cases of retinal atrophy were described. In the present author's reply, we point out two reasons for these contradictory observations. First, we considered HONL a full thickness hyperreflectivity of the outer nuclear layer, whereas they included cases with partial thickness hyperreflectivity, hence probably milder cases. Second: they have assessed visual function by means of visual acuity, so cases with extrafoveal involvement whose functional deficiency might only be measured by other tests (i.e. visual field) might have been missed.

Dexamethasone intravitreal implant in the treatment of macular edema secondary to necrotizing retinitis.

PURPOSE: To describe our experience with the use of a sustained-release dexamethasone implant in three patients with recalcitrant macular edema that developed after necrotizing retinitis in the context of the previously treated virus. CASE DESCRIPTION: Two immunocompetent patients presented with unilateral acute retinal necrosis (ARN) due to Varicella-Zoster (VZV). The other, an immunocompromised patient, presented with unilateral cytomegalovirus (CMV) necrotizing retinitis. The diagnoses were confirmed by anterior chamber polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and all were treated with oral valganciclovir and intravitreal ganciclovir (2 mg/0.1 ml). Infection was controlled but two of them required pars plana vitrectomy. Between 2 and 4 months after the resolution of signs of infection, resistant macular edema (RME) developed, and an intravitreal dexamethasone device was implanted after anterior chamber PCR had been negative. Functional and anatomical improvement was achieved, with the resolution of the edema accompanied by improvement in visual acuity in all patients. There was no evidence of reactivation at two years. No cataract or ocular hypertension was observed. One patient required two additional dexamethasone implants. CONCLUSION: Dexamethasone intravitreal implant could be considered as an option for the treatment of macular edema developed after ARN. Care should be taken to avoid reactivation and patients need to be properly informed.

Monocular Tuberculosis-Related Serpiginous-Like Choroiditis with Acute Posterior Multifocal Placoid Pigment Epitheliopathy-Like Presentation in a Danish Patient.

PURPOSE: To report a case of tuberculosis-related serpiginous-like choroiditis (TB-SLC) in Denmark in a patient with few risk factors. METHODS: Single case report. RESULTS: A 54-year-old Caucasian male with no relevant travel history presented with unilateral light placoid confluent elements in the macula of the right eye with a best-corrected visual acuity of 0.2 Snellen. The left eye was normal. Wide-field Fluorescein and Indocyanine green-angiography were performed, and findings were consistent with acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy. Since the condition was considered sight-threatening, and the patient had no recognizable risk factors for tuberculosis (TB), he was prescribed 50 mg of oral prednisolone. Blood tests and an X-ray were ordered to exclude infectious causes. The first interferon-ỿ release assay (IGRA) test was inconclusive and a new test was ordered. Over the following weeks new white dots appeared in the retina. After the patient had been treated for seven weeks with prednisolone, the second IGRA came back positive, and he was diagnosed with TB-SLC. Upon repeated questioning two months after baseline, the patient remembered that ten years ago he had been in a workplace with 50 different nationalities, and seven years ago he had been in contact with a friend who was treated for latent TB, thus supporting relevant exposure. CONCLUSION: TB-SLC may occur even in a patient with few recognizable risk factors and in a setting that is not TB endemic. It is imperative to continuously reassess differential diagnoses and initiate or repeat paraclinical testing in cases with atypical features.