bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pentoxifylline (PTX) - an Alternative Treatment in Graves' Ophthalmopathy (Inactive Phase): Assessment by a Disease Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire and by Exophthalmometry in a Prospective Randomized Trial
Authors: Finamor F.E. , Martins J.R.M. , Nakanami D. , Paiva E.R. , Manso P.G. , Furlanetto R.P. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To investigate the effect of pentoxifylline (PTX) in subjects with inactive Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) through a specific quality of life (QOL) questionnaire and exophthalmometry readings. Methods Eighteen females were randomly divided in two groups. Group A (n=9) was treated with PTX 1200 mg orally/day for 6 months. Group B (n=9) received placebo during the initial 6 months and then PTX for another 6 months. Proptosis measurements were carried out every 3 months and a questionnaire graded from 0 to 10 according to the severity of the symptoms was performed at baseline and after placebo and PTX administration. Results At baseline, Group A questionnaire score values were 5.5 (median; range 3.5 to 8.0), and 5.0 after 6 months (3.0 to 6.0; p=0.01). In Group B, baseline values were not significantly different after 6 months of placebo: 6.0 (4.5 to 7.0) and 5.5 (4.5 to 7.0), respectively. However, a significant change was observed 6 months after PTX: 4.0 (2.0 to 5.0; p<0.001). Patients in Group A had a progressive improvement of proptosis during PTX: at baseline, 23 mm (median; range 20 to 32); after 3 months, 23 mm (18 to 30; p=0.02); and after 6 months, 23 mm (18 to 30; p=0.005). In Group B, proptosis remained stable during placebo: at baseline, 23 mm (21 to 25); after 3 months, 23 mm (20 to 25); and after 6 months, 23.5 mm (20 to 25). A significant change was observed after 3 and 6 months of PTX: 22 mm (19 to 24; p=0.0006) and 20.8 mm (17 to 25; p=0.0003), respectively. Conclusions Pentoxifylline seems to improve the QOL of patients in the inactive phase of GO. The objective findings of the proptosis readings corroborate to suggest that PTX may be an effective and promising drug in the inactive phase of GO.
Diffuse Retinal Pigment Epitheliopathy: Treatment with Laser Photocoagulation
Authors: Ladas I.D. , Rouvas A.A. , Apostolopoulos M. , Brouzas D. , Karagiannis D.A. , Georgalas I. , Baltatzis S. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To evaluate the effectiveness of laser treatment in eyes with diffuse retinal pigment epitheliopathy (DRPE). Methods The authors retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 56 consecutive patients (78 eyes) with DRPE. All eyes were treated with digital fluorescein angiography guided argon green laser photocoagulation, direct on the focal retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) leaks and in a grid pattern to the RPE decompensation areas. A processed digital red-free fundus image including all the important traces on it was used as a guide to the laser treatment. The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 7 years. Results At the end of the follow-up time, 70 (89.7%) eyes showed anatomic improvement with complete or partial resolution of the macular exudative lesions. Visual acuity of less than 20/40 was noted in 60 eyes (76.9%) preoperatively compared with 46 eyes (59.0%) finally (p=0.0252). The visual acuity was improved in 19 eyes (24.4%), stabilized in 51 (65.4%), and reduced in only 8 eyes (10.2%). Conclusions In this series of patients with DRPE, the results of laser treatment were uniformly satisfactory producing a gradual resolution of the macular exudative lesions and an improvement or stabilization of the visual acuity.
Reactivation of Ocular Toxoplasmosis in Fellow Unaffected Eye
Authors: Lee M. Seng , Boyce R.L. , Clarke J.R. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To report a case of reactivation of ocular toxoplasmosis in fellow unaffected eye. Methods Case report. Results A 15 year old girl, known to have right ocular toxoplasmosis previously, has presented with one week history of sudden left visual deterioration and pan uveitis. Her condition was improved on intensive steroid treatment. Conclusions Reactivation of such lesion in fellow unaffected eye is quite rare. Various choices of treatment are available and there are also different techniques to treat. A review of treatment based on this pathology is briefly discussed.
Multifocal Choroiditis - an Unusual Finding in Crohn's Disease
Authors: Vianna R.N.G , Özdal P.Ç. , Deschênes J. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To report a patient with Crohn's disease and acute decreased vision in one eye secondary to multifocal choroiditis and serous retinal detachment. Methods A complete ocular examination, including fluorescein angiography, was performed. Results Fundus biomicroscopy disclosed multifocal, deep, discretely elevated yellowish lesions at the posterior pole of the affected eye. Fluorescein angiographic study of these lesions revealed early hypofluorescence followed by late hyperfluorescence. Subtenonian injection of corticosteroids rapidly induced remission of the choroidal lesions. Conclusions Chorioretinal involvement in patients with Crohn's disease may or may not be related to reactivation of this disorder. Therefore, even patients without gastrointestinal symptoms who present with posterior segment inflammation must be informed of this. The chorioretinal inflammatory lesions do seem to respond promptly to periocular injection of corticosteroids.
Comparison after 10 Years of Two 100–Patient Cohorts Operated on for Eviscerations or Enucleations
Authors: Genevois O. , Millet P. , Retout A. , Quintyn J.C. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To compare the indications, surgical techniques, and operative outcome between two 100-patient populations operated on for evisceration or enucleation with a 10-year interval. Methods This retrospective study involved 100 patients operated on between 1987 and 1990 (Group 1) compared with another 100 patients operated on between 1996 and 2000 (Group 2). Group 1 included 64 males and 36 females, mean age 49 years; Group 2 included 60 males and 40 females, mean age 53. Results In Group 1, 19 eviscerations were performed, versus 55 in Group 2. In both groups, half of the indications for surgery were a painful blind eye. In Group 1, endophthalmia (23%) came second, whereas it was trauma (15%) in Group 2. Sixty-eight patients were implanted in Group 1 (silicone spheres 69%) versus 86 in Group 2 (hydroxyapatite spheres 69%). Twenty spheres (20%) were rejected in Group 1 versus 7% in Group 2. Discussion and Conclusions The proportion of eviscerations incr eased in 10 years. The number of endophthalmitis-related operations decreased and trauma-related operations increased. The number of implantations increased with hydroxyapatite as the first choice material instead of silicone. This most likely contributed to reducing the number of rejections.
Infliximab for the Treatment of Posterior Uveitis with Retinal Neovascularization in Behçet Disease
Authors: Giansanti F. , Barbera M.L. , Virgili G. , Pieri B. , Emmi L. , Menchini U. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To report a case of posterior uveitis with retinal neovascularization in a patient with Behçet disease treated with infliximab. Methods A 50-year-old man with a history of recurrent relapses of ocular inflammation despite immunosuppressive therapy developed retinal neovascularization near the optic disk. The patient was treated with infliximab and followed up for 12 months. Results Retinal neovascularization regressed 8 months after the first anti–tumor necrosis factor (TNF) treatment and with six infusions of infliximab. The ocular inflammation resolved almost completely. Conclusions The result suggests that anti-TNF therapy may be effective in the treatment of retinal neovascularization caused by panuveitis in Behçet disease.
Long-Term Follow-up Outcomes of Nonlaser Intranasal Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy: How Suitable and Useful are Conventional Surgical Instruments?
Authors: Gurler B. , San I. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To investigate the long-term follow-up outcomes of nonlaser intranasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (IEDCR) using a nasal endoscope and conventional surgical instruments available in all operating rooms, the advantages of this technique, and the usability and suitability of conventional instruments. Methods Twenty-seven IEDCRs were performed in combination with bicanalicular silicone intubation on 24 patients with primary nasolacrimal sac or duct obstruction who had undergone no previous procedures. Ablation of the nasal mucosa was performed with a sickle blade (12 operations) or insulated sickle blade allowing simultaneous intranasal monopolar cauterization (15 operations); a bony window was opened with a drill; and ablation of the medial wall of the lacrimal sac was performed with a sickle blade, Blakesley forceps, and Bellucci ear microscissors. Revision intranasal endoscopic surgery was performed in unsuccessful cases. Results Patients were followed up for 35 to 71 months (average 49.3 months). In 7 (25.9%) of the 27 IEDCRs, nasolacrimal obstruction recurred within 3 months. Success rates were as follows: 66.7% (8 operations) for the first 12 operations; 80% (12 operations) for the second 15 operations; and 74.1% overall. There were seven cases of surgical failure; revision surgery was successful in four, increasing the overall success rate to 88.9%. Conclusions IEDCR can be performed with acceptable facility with standard conventional surgical instruments (sickle blade, endoscopic forceps, and scissors) and surgical tools (drill, monopolar cautery) found in all operating rooms, and the nonlaser intranasal endoscopic approach may be a reasonable alternative to the laser assisted surgery approach.
Desmoplastic Trichilemmoma: A Rare Tumor of the Eyelid
Authors: Keskinbora K.H. , Buyukbabani N. , Terzi N. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To report an upper eyelid mass which proved to be a desmoplastic trichilemmoma. Methods A 60-year-old man had a slowly enlarging upper eyelid mass. The tumor was excised. The pathologic evaluation of the tumor was centered on the differential diagnosis. Results The clinical appearance of this lesion is nonspecific and can simulate a verruca, follicular keratosis, or basal cell carcinoma. Central desmoplasia, outer root sheath differentiation of the tumor cells, and CD34 positivity are the main characteristics that allow differentiation from basal cell carcinoma. Conclusions Proper recognition of a benign neoplasm that may be misdiagnosed as basal cell cancer can prevent aggressive surgical treatment.
Photodynamic Therapy with Verteporfin of Choroidal Neovascularization in Angioid Streaks: Conventional versus Early Retreatment
Authors: Ladas I.D. , Georgalas I. , Rouvas A.A. , Gotsis S. , Karagiannis D.A. , Moschos M. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To evaluate the effectiveness of conventional photodynamic therapy with verteporfin (PDT) in a series of patients with macular choroidal neovascularization (CNV) due to angioid streaks and to compare it to the effectiveness of early PDT retreatment. Methods This is a retrospective study of 24 eyes (22 consecutive patients) with subfoveal or juxtafoveal CNV secondary to angioid streaks treated with PDT from September 2000 through February 2003 and that completed at least the first year of follow-up. Until August 2001, retreatments were performed according to the conventional protocol for PDT every 3 months (Group 1, consisting of 11 eyes of 9 patients). After August 2001 (13 more eyes of 13 new patients), retreatments were performed earlier (every 8 weeks) when indicated (Group 2). The follow-up time ranged from 30 to 42 months and from 12 to 30 months in Groups 1 and 2. Results At the end of the follow-up, final best-corrected visual acuity decreased in 21 (87.5%), stabilized in 2 (8.3%), and improved in 1 (4.2%) of the total 24 eyes. In all, 19 of the 24 eyes (79.2%) had a final best-corrected visual acuity equal to or less than 20/400. There were not any statistically significant differences in final visual acuity between the two groups. Conclusions In this large series of patients with macular CNV secondary to angioid streaks, the functional and the anatomic results of PDT were not satisfactory, even when retreatments were performed earlier than the conventional time of 3 months.
Ocular Manifestations of Congenital Lamellar Ichthyosis
Authors: Singh A. J. , Atkinson P. L. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To describe the ophthalmic manifestations in a series of children with congenital lamellar ichthyosis. These cases presented with varying types of eyelid abnormality associated with the systemic disease. The clinical features and ophthalmic management were studied. Methods The case histories of three children presenting to the oculoplastic clinic were reviewed. All were diagnosed with congenital lamellar ichthyosis and under the care of the Dermatology department. Family history and pedigree analysis was performed to determine mode of genetic inheritance. Ocular examination for visual acuity, eyelid and eyelash malposition, lid function and closure were carried out. Corneal examination including tests for exposure was also done. Results All three patients had eyelid position abnormalities from the systemic disease. There was no clinical evidence of conjunctival involvement. One patient required full thickness skin grafts to treat corneal exposure secondary to lower lid ectropion. One had mild lower lid ectropion but without corneal exposure. The third case had the unusual finding of inward turning of the anterior lamella of the upper eyelid with a marked lash ptosis and only mild ectropion of the lower lid. Conclusions Congenital lamellar ichthyosis is a heterogeneous disorder with phenotypic variability. The most common eyelid abnormality is cicatricial ectropion of the upper and mainly lower eyelids. Most cases are managed conservatively although in severe cases secondary corneal exposure may require surgical correction. In this condition, to the best of our knowledge, the tendency for the eyelids to turn inwards has not previously been described.
Incomplete Extrusion of an Acrylic Punctum Plug in a Case of Severe Dry Eye Syndrome
Authors: Fasce F. , Brancato R. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To report a case of extrusion of a new soft punctum plug with thermoexpansion property (Medennium SmartPLUG). Methods A soft punctum plug was implanted in a 32-year-old woman with a severe dry eye syndrome in juvenile arthritis. Results One week after implant the plug partially extruded outside the punctum. Despite this adverse event, all subjective dry eye symptoms improved. Conclusions The peculiarity of this case is the persistence of clinical efficacy of the soft punctum plug even if partially extruded. The patient experienced relief of symptoms that can be compared to the benefits usually obtained with a successfully implanted silicon plug.
Relationship of Symptomatology with Closed Chamber Infrared Thermometry and Humidity in Dry Eyes
Authors: Singh G. , Bhinder H. Singh 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To evaluate the relationship of symptoms of dry eye with closed chamber infrared thermometry and humidity measurements. Methods The authors studied 54 patients (108 eyes) with dry eye disorders of different grades of clinical severity (mean age 35.75±14.37 years), 31 cases (62 eyes) with normal eyes (mean age 33.68±14.42 years), and 10 cases (20 eyes) with epidemic conjunctivitis (mean age 33.68±14.42 years). The symptoms and the clinical tests (Schirmer-1 test, fluorescein tear break up time, Lissamine green stain; closed chamber infrared thermometry and humidity) were used to establish the diagnosis of dry eyes. The closed chamber humidity difference was used to classify the groups of dry eye. Results The authors noted no temperature difference from closed to open eye position in dry eyes as compared to 0.10±0.00 °C difference in normal eyes and epidemic conjunctivitis. Four groups of cases were identified by difference in values of humidity: Group 1 = <0.9 relative humidity (RH)% to 1 RH%; Group 2 = >1 RH% to 1.5 RH%; Group 3 = >1.5 RH% to 2 RH %; and Group 4 = >2 RH%. The symptomatology was measured in the eyes using Oxford scale (0–4) and correlated with the humidity groups. The grading of symptoms with the humidity showed a statistically significant relationship (p<0.0001) in each group. The severity of the symptoms showed an increase in frequency and severity from Group 1 to Group 4, which was statistically significant (p<0.0001). The mean sum total of global symptomatology score was statistically significant (p<0.0001): 3.43±0.31 in Group 1, 4.65±0.42 in Group 2, 8.56±0.78 in Group 3, and 13.35±1.21 in Group 4. However, total symptomatology score in epidemic conjunctivitis did not show a statistically significant value (p=0.20). Conclusions The closed chamber humidity and thermometry measurements showed statistical correlation in all four groups of dry eyes to total mean symptomatology score (p<0.001) and showed an increase in value with increasing severity of symptoms. However, all individual symptoms fail to show any conclusive relationship.
Evaluation of Two Humphrey Perimetry Programs: Full Threshold and SITA Standard Testing Strategy for Learning Effect
Authors: Yenice Ö. , Temel A. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To compare learning effect of Swedish interactive threshold algorithm (SITA) standard strategy with full threshold testing. Methods Thirty-nine medical students with no experience in visual field testing had full threshold (FT) and SITA standard for either right or left eyes. They were chosen in such a way that 20 (Group I) had FT for right and SITA for left eyes and 19 (Group II) had SITA standard for right and FT for left eyes. It was designed to have both strategies on same person whereby eliminating inter-individual variability. Visual field testing was repeated in the same week of the first test on the same subject with the same strategy that was chosen for that eye. Results The authors found an improvement in mean deviation (MD) and pattern standard deviation (PSD) of first and second testings correspondingly for FT (MD from –3.04 to –2.55; PSD from –2.60 to –2.29) and SITA standard (MD from –2.86 to –2.20; PSD from 2.25 to 2.10) and changes were statistically significant (p<0.05). To analyze learning effect of visual field testings, we calculated percentage change in MD and PSD for full threshold and SITA standard strategy. The percentage changes in visual field parameters were significantly lower in SITA standard strategy testing for MD (p=0.02) and PSD (p=0.01). Conclusions This study shows that a learning effect is present for both strategies and SITA standard may have a reduced learning effect compared to FT.
Ectropion of the Lacrimal Point: The Shoelace Technique
Authors: Adenis J.P. , Grivet D. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To describe an alternative technique to repair the ectropion of the lacrimal point, either alone or combined with an ectropion related to outer angle laxity. Methods/Results After diamond shape resection of the conjunctiva and the retractors, sutures are placed with each bridle interlacing on the posterior portion of the eyelid below the lacrimal point in a shoelace fashion. Conclusions The technique combines treatment of hyperlaxity of several anatomic structures in a single operation and has the advantage of reinforcing the Horner muscle, which is essential for the cure of this type of ectropion.
Bilateral Serous Macular Detachment as a Presenting Feature of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Malik R. , Shah A. , Greaney M.J. , Dick A.D. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To report a case of bilateral serous maculopathy as an initial sign of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in children. Methods/Results A 13-year-old girl, who presented with symptoms of visual blurring, was found to have a bilateral serous maculopathy. Haematological abnormalities (thrombocytopenia with a mild lymphocytosis) prompted further investigation. A bone marrow aspirate revealed the presence of leukemic blasts and a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia was made. Her maculopathy completely resolved following systemic chemotherapy. Conclusions Prompt recognition of disease led to early systemic treatment and restoration of visual function.
Custom Measurement of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness Using STRATUS OCT in Normal Eyes
Authors: Carpineto P. , Ciancaglini M. , Aharrh-Gnama A. , Cirone D. , Mastropasqua L. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To evaluate variability of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measurements in normal eyes and their correlation with optic disc diameter by using two different scan options of the ultimate commercial optical coherence tomography (OCT) unit (STRATUS OCT™, Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc., Dublin, CA). Methods In this observational case series and instrument validation study 30 eyes of 30 normal subjects were enrolled. Each eye underwent optic disc vertical diameter measurement by means of both stereoscopic photography and planimetry and OCT; RNFL thickness measurements were performed using OCT. Three repetitions of two series of scans were performed. Each eye was scanned at two different options (RNFL thickness 3.4 and Nerve Head Circle). For each option descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), and coefficients of variation (COVs) were calculated. To verify the correlation between the two methods of optic disc diameter assessment and to study the influence of optic disc diameter on RNFL measurement using the two different OCT options, Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated. Results Optic disc diameter length ranged from 1.47 to 2.04 mm (mean 1.709 mm, SD ± 0.147) with stereoscopic photographs, and from 1.47 to 2.02 mm (mean 1.703 mm, SD ± 0.143) with OCT (Pearson correlation coefficient 0.999, p<0.001). Mean RNFL thickness was 89.29 mm (SD ± 10.80 mm) using the RNFL thickness 3.4 scanning option and 89.88 mm (SD ±1.72 mm) using the Nerve Head Circle protocol (Pearson correlation coefficient 0.065, p=0.734). The intersubject variance is higher using the RNFL thickness 3.4 option than using the NHC protocol (sum of square: 10147,60 vs. 257,41) (p<0.001); the intrasubject variance is very similar in the two groups (23,72 vs 23,60) (p=NS). The ICC is 99.89% when using the RNFL thickness 3.4 option, 95.62% with the NHC protocol (p=NS). COVs were 12.10% and 1.91 % by using RNFL thickness 3.4 and Nerve Head Circle option, respectively. Pearson's correlation coefficient was 0.988 (p<0.001) when comparing optic disc diameter and RNFL thickness by using the RNFL thickness 3.4 option and −0.016 (p=0.932) when comparing optic disc diameter and RNFL thickness by using the Nerve Head Circle option. Conclusions These results suggest that both scan options give good RNFL thickness measurement reproducibility; the use of the Nerve Head Circle option leads to less interindividual variability and can minimize the effect of differences in optic disc diameter on RNFL thickness measurements in normal subjects.