Use of transillumination echocardiography in the assessment and diagnosis of bicuspid aortic valve.

Bicuspid aortic valve is the most common congenital heart defect. Transthoracic echocardiogram is the initial tool to assess and diagnose this condition, however, transesophageal echocardiogram with 3D modalities, including transillumination have a better anatomical and functional evaluation of the valve, allowing to classify the bicuspid aortic valve according to the position of the raphe and assess the main vessels for complications or exclude other cardiovascular diseases.

Bilateral acute iris transillumination (BAIT) syndrome: Differential diagnosis based on clinical, OCT and UBM findings.

INTRODUCTION: Bilateral acute iris transillumination (BAIT) is a relatively new syndrome whose etiopathogenesis is still not fully understood. It is characterized by acute bilateral onset of intense pigment dispersion in the anterior chamber, iris depigmentation with severe transillumination defects, accentuated pigment deposition in the angle, and elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). In literature, the first case was of bilateral acute iris depigmentation (BADI) reported in 2004 in a 77-year-old woman. In 2019, Perone et al. published a review about BAIT syndrome. They reported a total of 79 cases have been published up that date, mainly in Europe and especially in Turkey and Belgium. The majority of reported cases were of bilateral acute iris depigmentation (BADI). BAIT syndrome might be mainly confused with acute iridocyclitis, acute primary angle-closure (APAC) and pigment dispersion syndrome (PDS). In relation to BAIT, controversies still exist regarding the etiology being the differential diagnosis of paramount importance for adequate treatment. PURPOSE: To report a case of BAIT syndrome associated to refractory glaucoma and to discuss the differential diagnosis based on clinical, OCT and UBM findings. METHODS: We present a case of BAIT syndrome in which clinical, OCT and UBM findings have pointed out the similarities and, mainly the diagnosis differences with other ocular diseases. CONCLUSIONS: BAIT syndrome with accentuated IOP rise must be differentiated of other ocular diseases. It requires urgent clinical therapy and/or surgical management as occurred in the present case for avoiding structural damage in OCT and visual field loss. OCT and UBM are critical for early recognition, differential diagnosis and management.

Diode Laser Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation With a Novel Low-Cost Torchlight Method of Trans-Corneal Transillumination in Refractory Pediatric Glaucoma.

PRCIS: Trans-corneal transillumination (TI) aided transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC) for intraocular pressure control of refractory pediatric glaucoma was found to be effective at 1 year. PURPOSE: To study 1-year outcomes of diode laser TSCPC with trans-corneal TI using a novel low-cost torchlight method in refractory pediatric glaucoma. METHODS: This prospective interventional study included children with refractory glaucoma who underwent TSCPC with the Oculight laser system (IRIS Medical Instruments) with trans-corneal TI (TSCPC-TI) using a novel low-cost torchlight method. Children completing a minimum 1-year follow-up were analyzed. They were compared with a historical control group of children who underwent TSCPC without TI (TSCPC-No-TI) at the 1-year follow-up period. We analyzed the mean laser energy delivered, post-laser intraocular pressure reduction, number of antiglaucoma medications (AGM), the requirement of retreatment and complications of the procedure in both groups. RESULTS: Forty-two eyes of 35 patients comprised the TSCPC-TI group and were compared with 31 eyes of 21 patients in the TSCPC-No-TI group. The TSCPC-TI group required lower energy than the TSCPC-No-TI group (24.7±7.8 J vs. 47.2±10.9 J, P <0.0001). Mean topical antiglaucoma drug requirement decreased from 2.9±0.08 before treatment to 0.66±0.8 at the end of 1 year in TSCPC-TI and from 2.6±1.0 before treatment to 0.6±0.77 in the TSCPC-No-TI groups, respectively ( P =0.15). There was a significantly reduced dependence of oral acetazolamide in the TSCPC-TI group at 1-year follow-up [5.7% vs. 61.9%, respectively ( P <0.001%)]. No adverse event of hypotony or choroidal detachment was noted in any group. CONCLUSIONS: TSCPC aided by TI with a low-cost torchlight for pediatric refractory glaucoma was found to be effective at 1 year in reducing intraocular pressure and the burden of medication.

Caries detection and characterization in pediatric patients using iTero 5D near-infrared technology.

INTRODUCTION: Near-infrared imaging (NIRI) has been proposed as an alternative to radiographs and uses nonionizing radiation in the near-infrared spectrum to differentially scatter light off tooth surfaces and generate images allowing interproximal caries detection. The new iTero 5D Element Scanner (Align Technology, Santa Clara, Calif) has integrated NIRI capture and viewing technology but has not been specifically studied in a pediatric population. Therefore, this study aimed to assess clinicians' abilities to detect and characterize caries in pediatric patients using this instrument. METHODS: Bitewing (BW) radiographs and an intraoral scan were captured on 17 pediatric patients (344 surfaces were analyzed). Data were randomized and graded by 5 calibrated clinicians individually with 2 different rounds of grading. RESULTS: The reliability of lesion characterization (ie, grade) among examiners was poor to fair in both systems, whereas the reliability of caries detection was moderate. Both systems had a high specificity and low sensitivity. The reliability of the characterization of the combined dataset was moderate to substantial, whereas, for detection, it was substantial. CONCLUSIONS: When using either BW or NIRI analysis, reliability is relatively poor, and clinicians are more likely to correctly identify a healthy tooth surface when compared with a carious surface. There is a small difference in error rate between BW and NIRI systems that is not likely to be clinically significant. When NIRI and BW data are combined, clinician agreement for both lesion characterization and detection increases significantly.

Transillumination method in total knee arthroplasty: new approach with old tools.

PURPOSE: In this study, we evaluated the possibility of precise intraoperative localization of the lateral genicular arteries by an orthopaedic surgeon using the transillumination method. METHODS: Twelve patients underwent cemented TKA with patella-friendly Zimmer Biomet NexGen Legacy Posterior Stabilized prostheses (without patellar resurfacing), seven right knees and five left knees. The mean age of patients in the study group was 66.636 ± 7.003 years. The minimal follow-up period was 13 months (mean-16.363 ± 2.5 months). Functional outcomes were assessed using Knee Society and a specific patellar questionnaire-Kujala Score. Intraoperative detection of insufficient patellar stability and/or patellar maltracking was based on the no-thumb technique. In pre- and postoperative period X-ray investigation, standard standing X-ray and Merchant view were used to evaluate implant position and patellofemoral congruency. RESULTS: In this study, ten out of twelve knee joints (83.3%) had at least one artery visible by the proposed method in the lateral parapatellar area. Five out of ten knee joints had more than one artery that could be visualized and identified as an arterial vessel. Postoperative Knee Society Score showed significant improvement from a mean 51.181 ± 3.868 to a mean 88.727 ± 3.663. Mean hospital length of stay is 8.545 ± 1.863 days. X-ray assessment using standard anteroposterior, lateral, and Merchant skyline views showed appropriate implant positioning and patellofemoral congruency. The mean Kujala Score in the postoperative period (3 and 6 months) was 67.3 ± 6.75 and 75.6 ± 6.42, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Using the proposed transillumination method can help preserve the lateral blood supply to the patella and to avoid devascularized patella-related complications. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered on 5 of May 2023, Registration number - 3/3-1757.

Improving Arterial Puncture Success in Neonatal Patients Using Transillumination.

BACKGROUND: Arterial punctures are a common procedure used to obtain blood samples for lab tests that guide treatment of neonatal patients. These punctures can be painful and have associated risks, emphasizing the importance of keeping attempts to a minimum. PURPOSE: The purpose of this quality improvement initiative was to determine whether using transillumination to visualize arteries before and while obtaining a blood sample would improve outcomes in neonatal patients. METHODS: Quantitative data were collected pre- and postimplementation of education for the use of a transillumination device for arterial punctures on neonates in a level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Outcomes followed included the success rate, average time to obtain a blood sample, and the average number of sticks to obtain a blood sample. Data were collected on 47 blood draw attempts in the control group (preimplementation) and 19 blood draw attempts in the experimental group (postimplementation). RESULTS: A statistical analysis concluded that the use of the studied transillumination device does positively affect the incidence of successful blood draws, particularly for the novice NICU nurse. In addition, the average number of sticks to obtain a blood sample significantly decreased in the experimental group. Finally, the average time to obtain a blood sample using the device was not impacted in this study. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH: Use of a transillumination device does appear to result in improved outcomes for arterial punctures in neonatal patients. More research is needed to confirm these findings due to the small sample size of the study.

Bilateral Acute Iris Transillumination After Systemic Moxifloxacin Treatment.

This case report discusses a diagnosis of bilateral acute iris transillumination secondary to systemic antibiotics in a patient who presented with persistent bilateral photophobia.

Cost-effectiveness of school-based caries screening using transillumination.

OBJECTIVES: School-based screening for caries lesions usually only employs visual-tactile detection means (standard of care). Near-infrared-light-transillumination (NILT) could be used to support school-based screening and to identify early proximal caries, facilitating referral and appropriate non- or micro-invasive management in dental practice. METHOD: We assessed the cost-effectiveness of NILT for school-based caries screening. A German mixed-payers' perspective was adopted. A Markov model was used to simulate the consequences of true and false positive and negative detections and the subsequent decisions over the lifetime of initially 12 years old patients. Our health outcome was tooth retention in years. Costs were measured in Euro 2020. Monte-Carlo-microsimulations, univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and the cost-effectiveness-acceptability at different willingness-to-pay-thresholds were quantified. RESULTS: NILT was minimally more effective (tooth retention for a mean (2.5-97.5%) 56 (53-59) years) and minimally less costly (515 (416-616) Euro) than standard of care (56 (50-59) years; 526 (427-628 Euro)). The ICER was -503 Euro/year, i.e. school-based caries screening using NILT saved money at higher effectiveness in the modelled population. The cost-effectiveness of NILT increased for payers with a willingness-to-pay for additional tooth retention time. The biggest driver of costs were (avoided) tooth replacements later in life. CONCLUSIONS: NILT-based screening is likely to yield limited effectiveness gains and cost savings in the modelled populations. In countries where regular practice-based screening of children is less common than in Germany, the cost-effectiveness of NILT for school-based caries screening is likely higher. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: NILT-based caries screening in German schools is unlikely to be cost-effective. In countries with different utilization patterns or generally higher caries prevalence and risk, this may differ.

Performance of near-infrared light transillumination in the detection of occlusal caries lesions in deciduous teeth.

BACKGROUND: This study compared the performance of near-infrared light transillumination (NILT; DIAGNOcam [DC]) in detecting occlusal caries lesions in deciduous molars with the performance of the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS), digital radiographic method (RX) and laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent pen [LFpen]). METHODS: Fifty-seven extracted deciduous molars with no frank cavitation caries lesions were selected. One site per tooth was evaluated twice each by two examiners using all methods. Then, a histological examination was performed using a stereomicroscope. The performance of the methods was assessed with respect to two thresholds: D1 (all visible caries lesions affecting enamel) and D3 (caries lesions extended into dentin). RESULTS: A weighted kappa and intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated for intra- and inter-observer reproducibilities, varying from 0.31 (RX) to 0.89 (LFpen). The intra-observer reproducibility at D1 and D3 thresholds varied from 0.51 (ICDAS) to 0.85 (DC) and from 0.30 (ICDAS) to 1.00 (RX), respectively. The inter-observer reproducibility varied from 0.28 (RX) to 0.47 (DC) and from 0.22 (LFpen) to 0.75 (DC), respectively. At the D1 threshold, higher sensitivity and accuracy were found for LFpen (0.76/0.71) and ICDAS (0.65/0.66); and higher specificities were found for RX (0.94), DC (0.79), and ICDAS (0.71). At the D3 threshold, all methods exhibited lower sensitivities (0.13-0.35) and higher specificity, accuracy, and area under the ROC curve values (0.70-1.00). All methods showed a correlation with histological results, especially for ICDAS and DC. CONCLUSIONS: NILT technology (DC) and LFpen exhibited similar performance for the detection of occlusal caries lesions in deciduous molars when compared with ICDAS criteria.

Digital diaphanoscopy of maxillary sinus pathologies supported by machine learning.

Maxillary sinus pathologies remain among the most common ENT diseases requiring timely diagnosis for successful treatment. Standard ENT inspection approaches indicate low sensitivity in detecting maxillary sinus pathologies. In this paper, we report on capabilities of digital diaphanoscopy combined with machine learning tools in the detection of such pathologies. We provide a comparative analysis of two machine learning approaches applied to digital diapahnoscopy data, namely, convolutional neural networks and linear discriminant analysis. The sensitivity and specificity values obtained for both employed approaches exceed the reported accuracy indicators for traditional screening diagnosis methods (such as nasal endoscopy or ultrasound), suggesting the prospects of their usage for screening maxillary sinuses alterations. The analysis of the obtained values showed that the linear discriminant analysis, being a simpler approach as compared to neural networks, allows one to detect the maxillary sinus pathologies with the sensitivity and specificity of 0.88 and 0.98, respectively.

Transiluminación negativa en patología testicular / Negative transillumination in testicular pathology

Los tumores testiculares representan el 1-2% de las neoplasias masculinas, siendo el más frecuente el seminoma. En pacientes con aparición de una masa o dolor testicular subagudo, es importante hacer una anamnesis exhaustiva y una exploración física. Hemos de apoyarnos en dos técnicas exploratorias para poder hacer un diagnóstico diferencial adecuado y detectar patología testicular urgente: transiluminación y ecografía testicular. El tratamiento incluye una orquiectomía y, según el estadio tumoral, quimioterapia.(AU)

Testicular tumors account for 1% to 2% of male neoplasms, the most common being seminoma. In patients who consult due to the presence of a mass or subacute testicular pain, it is important to undertake a thorough history and physical examination. We must rely on two exploratory techniques to be able to perform a suitable differential diagnosis and detect urgent testicular pathology: transillumination and testicular ultrasound. Treatment includes performing an orchiectomy and depends on tumor stage and chemotherapy.(AU)

Transillumination facilitates coccygeal arterial cannulation in anaesthetised small-breed dogs.

BACKGROUND: Arterial access in small-breed dogs is challenging, but arterial visualisation may facilitate the procedure, as evidenced in human medicine. This prospective, randomised study investigated the result of using transillumination to guide coccygeal artery cannulation in small-breed dogs. METHODS: Coccygeal artery cannulation was attempted in dogs anaesthetised with butorphanol, midazolam, propofol and sevoflurane. In 70 dogs (standard technique group [STECHNIQUE group]), arterial cannulation was performed using pulse palpation. In 71 dogs (transilluminating-standard technique group [TSTECHNIQUE group]), a transilluminating device was utilised. The device was placed on the dorsal tail, and the cannula was advanced towards the dark line visible against the bright background. If the artery was not well visualised due to pigmentation, pulse palpation was used. The success rate of arterial cannulation was compared between the groups using the chi-squared test. RESULTS: Arterial cannulation was significantly more successful (p < 0.001) in the TSTECHNIQUE group (63/71 [88.7%]) than in the STECHNIQUE group (43/70 [61.4%]). LIMITATIONS: The number of punctures attempted and the time to cannulation were not assessed, and the procedure was only performed by veterinarians experienced in arterial cannulation. CONCLUSIONS: The transillumination allows for a more accurate approach to the coccygeal artery, improving the success of arterial cannulation when combined with pulse palpation.

Bilateral Acute Iris Transillumination and Elevated Intraocular Pressure After COVID-19 Infection.

Bilateral acute iris transillumination (BAIT) is characterized by abundant pigment discharge into the anterior chamber. Atonic pupil and severe intraocular pressure (IOP) elevations may be observed. Generally, there is a viral upper respiratory tract infection or systemic fluoroquinolone usage before BAIT. Two cases with a recent history of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presented with a complaint of decreased vision. Elevated IOP and iris transillumination defects were observed in both patients. Both patients were diagnosed with BAIT. Although elevated IOP was controlled with medical treatment in 1 patient, glaucoma surgery was performed in the other patient because it could not be controlled with medical treatment. As both patients received no systemic treatment for COVID-19, the pressure rise seems to be directly related to the viral infection alone through the inflammatory process. Atypical ocular presentations of COVID-19 should be kept in mind as it can have serious consequences.

Transillumination of an Anterior Fontanelle Dermoid Cyst.

Dermoid cysts are slowly growing benign lesions of ectodermal tissue that often occur in the anterior fontanelle. Clinicians often rely on a negative transillumination test to begin the process of correctly diagnosing a dermoid cyst. However, here the authors present a case of a 7-month-old girl who presents with a transilluminating dermoid cyst.

Temporomandibular Joint: Approach to the Intermediate Space by Triangulation With Transillumination Reference.

Arthroscopy of the temporomandibular joint is a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Nowadays, 3 levels are described depending on the complexity. Level I involves a single puncture with an anterior irrigating needle for outflow. Level II involves a double puncture using triangulation in order to be able to perform minor operative maneuvers. Subsequently, it is possible to progress to Level III and perform more advanced techniques, through multiple punctures, involving the arthroscopic canula and 2 or more working cannulas. However, in cases of advanced degenerative pathology or re-arthroscopy, it is common to observe advanced fibrillation, severe synovitis, adhesions, or articular obliteration which makes conventional triangulation difficult. On these cases, we propose a simple and effective technique that facilitates approach to the intermediate space by means of triangulation with transillumination reference.

SARS-CoV-2 virus-induced bilateral acute iris transillumination syndrome: The first case series in literature.

Inflammatory events with highly variable clinical features have been reported with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which has affected the whole world. Only one case of COVID-19-associated bilateral acute iris transillumination (BAIT) syndrome has been reported in the literature. We present a case series in which we hypothesize that the immune response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may have a mechanism similar to the common viruses that cause BAIT, the etiology of which is still unknown.

Effect of resin composite shade on digital fiber-optic transillumination imaging in vitro.

Digital imaging fiber-optic transillumination (DIFOTI) devices have been used to detect caries, a technique without using X-rays. However, the effects of resin composites (RCs) shades on the images acquired with DIFOTI devices have not been investigated. Thus, this study aimed to elucidate the influence of RC shade on the images obtained with DIFOTI technique. Three shades (A1, A3, and Opaque) for each of four flowable RCs were filled on a cavity prepared in a left mandibular first premolar obtained from a donated body. Then, transmission images with a DIFOTI device (DIAGNOcam; KaVo, Biberach, Germany) were acquired, and the average lightness values of the images in the RC and enamel were used to calculate differences between those areas. To clarify the influence of the optical translucency and color on DIFOTI images, the color parameters (L*, a* and b*) of each RC were obtained with black and white backgrounds. The color differences between the backgrounds were calculated as transparency parameter (TP) values. The number of repetitions was set to 10. Differences in the lightness value of the shades varied in each RC. The difference in lightness was significantly associated with the TP value and color parameters of L* (p < 0.01), with negative (R = - 0.81) and positive (R = 0.84) correlations, respectively. In conclusion, DIFOTI images of RCs with high optical translucency resembled those of the natural tooth structure.