[Specific immunoglobulins G and M in blood serum in retinoblastoma and 'pseudoretinoblastoma']. / Spetsificheskie immunoglobuliny G i M v syvorotke krovi pri retinoblastome i 'psevdoretinoblastomakh'.

Perinatal inflammatory retinal diseases and intrauterine retinal maldevelopments are mistaken for retinoblastoma as often as in 8-16% of cases. AIM: To analyze the infectious status in children with retinoblastoma and pseudoretinoblastoma at different ages. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 47 retinoblastoma suspects aged 4-69 months were enrolled. Pseudoretinoblastoma (inflammatory retinal diseases and intrauterine maldevelopments of the retina) was detected in 14 children (group 1), retinoblastoma - in 33 children (group 2). In each group, two subgroups were identified: 'a' - children under 12 months of age (1a - 5 patients, 2a - 10 patients) and 'b'- children over 12 months of age (1b - 9 patients, 2b - 23 patients). Their blood sera were examined for antibodies to herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, toxoplasma, toxocara, chlamydia, and mycoplasma (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). RESULTS: According to serological screening, all patients from group 1a (children under 12 months of age with pseudoretinoblastoma), in contrast to other groups, were infected perinatally with cytomegalovirus infection. All 47 patients were seronegative to toxoplasma. Toxocara infection was identified in children over 12 months of age: in 3 out of 9 patients with pseudoretinoblastoma and in 2 out of 23 patients with retinoblastoma (p>0.05). Markers of Epstein-Barr viral activity were detected only in 3 retinoblastoma children over 12 months of age. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that cytomegalovirus infection plays the leading role in the development of perinatal eye pathology, which, in infants, is clinically similar to retinoblastoma. In children over 12 months of age we found no serological signs that could be regarded as specific of either retinoblastoma, or pseudoretinoblastoma. The only thing worth paying attention to is the activation of Epstein-Barr virus infection in children over 12 months of age with retinoblastoma.

The future of primary intraocular lymphoma (retinal lymphoma).

Basic science and clinical investigations in cancer research have contributed to our understanding of the genetic causes of various neoplasms and discovery of novel therapeutic interventions to fight malignancies such as lymphoma. During this exciting time, we have witnessed the advent of new technologies to further characterize primary intraocular lymphoma (PIOL), or retinal lymphoma, which is selected as the first "Disease of the Year" by Ocular Immunology and Inflammation. Different comprehensive aspects of PIOL, including epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, pathophysiology, therapy, and animal models are discussed. The future of PIOL holds an opportunity to really understand the unique cytologic, histopathologic, physiological and immunologic features, as well as the genotypic traits (gene expression, interaction, polymorphism, epigenetics, etc.) and epidemiology. This information will empower us to truly make a difference in patients' managements with this devastating disease. While most of this technology already exists, much work still needs to be done to make translational therapy a reality for PIOL patients in the future.

Retinal vascular tumor and peripheral retinal vasculitis in the setting of systemic tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis commonly affects the eye by causing neovascularization, peripheral vasculitis, and choroidal tubercles. The authors describe a 28-year-old man with systemic tuberculosis who presented with a retinal vascular tumor, peripheral retinal vasculitis, retinal neovascularization, and vitreous hemorrhage causing acute vision loss. He was successfully treated with systemic anti-tuberculosis medications, retinal photocoagulation, and focal ablative diode laser to the tumor. Ophthalmologists should consider performing a purified protein derivative test and a chest x-ray for any patient with a history suspicious for tuberculosis who presents with a vascular tumor.

Bartonella henselae infection associated with peripapillary angioma, branch retinal artery occlusion, and severe vision loss.

PURPOSE: To report atypical clinical features of Bartonella henselae neuroretinitis treated with combination antibiotics. METHOD: Case report. RESULTS: A 20-year-old man with a positive B. henselae titer developed a unilateral neuroretinitis, a large peripapillary angiomatous lesion, branch artery occlusion with ischemic maculopathy, and vision loss that failed to improve with clindamycin. Treatment with doxycycline and rifampin led to rapid clinical improvement. The severe vision loss in this case is atypical. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular findings associated with B. henselae infection may include retinal angiomatous lesion and branch retinal artery occlusion. Doxycycline and rifampin were successful in treating the infection.