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BMC Ophthalmology Apr 2024To describe a case of bilateral multifocal chorioretinitis as the only presentation of acute West Nile virus (WNV) infection in the absence of neurological involvement.
BACKGROUND
To describe a case of bilateral multifocal chorioretinitis as the only presentation of acute West Nile virus (WNV) infection in the absence of neurological involvement.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 78-year-old Italian woman was admitted to our emergency department because she noticed blurry vision in both eyes. She did not report fever, fatigue, or neurological symptoms in the last few days. Multimodal imaging showed the presence of bilateral hyperfluorescent lesions with a linear distribution, that corresponded to hypocyanescent spots on indocyanine green angiography. Antibody serology showed the presence of IgM antibodies, IgG antibodies, and ribonucleic acid (RNA) for WNV. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain ruled out central nervous system involvement. Three months later, the patient reported spontaneous resolution of her symptoms and remission of the chorioretinal infiltrates.
CONCLUSIONS
In endemic areas, it is important to think of acute WNV infection as an explanatory etiology in cases of multifocal chorioretinitis, even without neurological involvement.
Topics: Humans; Female; Aged; West Nile Fever; West Nile virus; Eye Infections, Viral; Chorioretinitis; Vitreous Body; Antibodies, Viral
PubMed: 38600458
DOI: 10.1186/s12886-024-03423-8 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Feb 2024Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can manifest with ocular symptoms. These symptoms can be divided into isolated events attributed to COVID-19, and those occurring in...
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can manifest with ocular symptoms. These symptoms can be divided into isolated events attributed to COVID-19, and those occurring in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), a newly diagnosed disease entity associated with COVID-19 infection. Currently, the literature lacks specific guidelines and treatment regimens for COVID-19 ocular symptoms, especially in children. The authors present the case of a 14-and-a-half-year-old boy with bilateral uveitis of the anterior and posterior segments along with vasculitis and optic neuritis associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The authors also perform an up-to-date review of all available publications on the treatment of post-COVID-19 uveitis in children described in the literature between 2020 and 2023. In the case described by the authors, the treatment involved a Depo-Medrol 40 mg/mL injection uder the Tenon capsule, with two subconjunctival injections of epinephrine, topical steroid therapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: dexamethasone 0.1%; diclofenac eye drops. In addition, acetylsalicylic acid (150 mg) and pentoxifylline (100 mg, orally) were administered throughout the course of the disease as well as up to 12 months after its termination, until a complete improvement in visual acuity and the withdrawal of ocular lesions were achieved. It can be assumed that this type of treatment is far more beneficial for pediatric patients, with an effect comparable to systemic steroid administration with a preserved improvement in retinal-vascular circulation, without exposing the child to systemic post-steroid complications.
PubMed: 38592169
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13051341 -
European Journal of Case Reports in... 2024A case of ocular bartonellosis under anti-tumour necrosis factor treatment is described.
INTRODUCTION
A case of ocular bartonellosis under anti-tumour necrosis factor treatment is described.
CASE DESCRIPTION
A 29-year-old woman with psoriasis who had been on certolizumab treatment was examined with a left visual deterioration following a fever bout, malaise, and placoid erythematous rashes on her neck. As there was acute anterior uveitis in her left eye, it was recommended to stop certolizumab treatment for a possible infectious aetiology. However, her physician elected to continue the certolizumab treatment. Ten days later, the patient noticed further visual decline despite the topical steroid treatment. This time, there were scattered yellow-white small retinitis foci at the left posterior pole. Infectious agents were searched and while antibodies were negative for immunoglobulin M, the immunoglobulin G titre was 1/80. Clinical findings were improved with the systemic treatment of oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (160/800 mg twice daily for six weeks) and azithromycin (500 mg once daily for two weeks).
DISCUSSION
Though extremely rare, ocular bartonellosis should be kept in mind in patients on anti-tumour necrosis factor treatment as rapid and accurate diagnosis may end up with an excellent visual outcome and full recovery.
LEARNING POINTS
Anti-tumour necrosis factor treatment is fraught with several ocular side effects including myositis, corneal infiltrates, scleritis, uveitis, optic neuritis, retinal vasculitis and ophthalmoplegia.When a new uveitis episode occurs in cases undergoing anti-tumour necrosis factor therapy, its cause poses a diagnostic challenge as it can have either an infectious or a non-infectious nature.Though very rare, ocular bartonellosis may also occur in immunocompromised individuals and a prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment can lead to an excellent visual recovery.
PubMed: 38584900
DOI: 10.12890/2024_004360 -
Ocular Manifestations in Juvenile Behçet's Disease: A Registry-Based Analysis from the AIDA Network.Ophthalmology and Therapy Jun 2024This study aims to characterize ocular manifestations of juvenile Behçet's disease (jBD).
INTRODUCTION
This study aims to characterize ocular manifestations of juvenile Behçet's disease (jBD).
METHODS
This was a registry-based observational prospective study. All subjects with jBD from the Autoinflammatory Diseases Alliance (AIDA) Network BD Registry showing ocular manifestations before 18 years were enrolled.
RESULTS
We included 27 of 1000 subjects enrolled in the registry (66.7% male patients, 45 affected eyes). The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age at ocular involvement was 14.2 (4.7) years. Uveitis affected 91.1% of eyes (anterior 11.1%, posterior 40.0%, panuveitis 40.0%), retinal vasculitis 37.8% and other manifestations 19.8%. Later onset (p = 0.01) and male predominance (p = 0.04) characterized posterior involvement. Ocular complications occurred in 51.1% of eyes. Patients with complications had earlier onset (p < 0.01), more relapses (p = 0.02) and more prolonged steroidal treatment (p = 0.02). The mean (standard deviation [SD]) central macular thickness (CMT) at the enrolment and last visit was 302.2 (58.4) and 293.3 (78.2) μm, respectively. Fluorescein angiography was pathological in 63.2% of procedures, with a mean (SD) Angiography Scoring for Uveitis Working Group (ASUWOG) of 17.9 (15.5). At the last visit, ocular damage according to the BD Overall Damage Index (BODI) was documented in 73.3% of eyes. The final mean (SD) best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) logMAR was 0.17 (0.47) and blindness (BCVA logMAR < 1.00 or central visual field ≤ 10°) occurred in 15.6% of eyes. At multivariate regression analysis, human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B51 + independently predicted a + 0.35 change in the final BCVA logMAR (p = 0.01), while a higher BCVA logMAR at the first assessment (odds ratio [OR] 5.80; p = 0.02) independently predicted blindness.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study may be leveraged to guide clinical practice and future research on this rare sight-threatening condition.
PubMed: 38563868
DOI: 10.1007/s40123-024-00916-z -
Cureus Feb 2024Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the rates of posterior capsular rupture (PCR) and its sequelae during phacoemulsification across different...
Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the rates of posterior capsular rupture (PCR) and its sequelae during phacoemulsification across different ethnicities. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study of all consecutive phacoemulsification cases complicated by PCR that met the inclusion criteria over a four-year period at a single tertiary eye centre in the United Kingdom (UK). Results PCR occurred in 0.85% of cases overall (157/18,481). PCR rates were 1.8% (26/1485), 1.2% (51/4350), and 0.7% (75/10,927) in African-Caribbean, Indian subcontinent, and Caucasian patients, respectively (p < 0.001). Mean final corrected distance visual acuity improved (p < 0.05) in all ethnic groups (0.40 ± 0.57 logMAR) compared to pre-op (0.78 ± 0.61 logMAR). Post-operative cystoid macular oedema and unstable intraocular pressure rates following PCR did not statistically differ amongst ethnicities (p = 0.37 and p = 0.75, respectively). However, post-operative uveitis rates significantly differed at 11.5%, 15.7%, and 1.3% amongst the three ethnic groups, respectively (p = 0.01). Conclusion This is the first study to highlight a possible link between patient ethnicity and the risk of PCR during phacoemulsification cataract surgery. We observed significantly greater numbers of PCR cases amongst certain ethnic groups (highest in African-Caribbean eyes, then Indian subcontinental eyes, and lowest in Caucasian eyes) within the same multi-cultural urban population. Ethnicity may therefore be a contributing factor for PCR and should potentially be taken into consideration during preoperative risk stratification.
PubMed: 38558611
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55270 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024Macrophages form a crucial component of the innate immune system, and their activation is indispensable for various aspects of immune and inflammatory processes, tissue... (Review)
Review
Macrophages form a crucial component of the innate immune system, and their activation is indispensable for various aspects of immune and inflammatory processes, tissue repair, and maintenance of the balance of the body's state. Macrophages are found in all ocular tissues, spanning from the front surface, including the cornea, to the posterior pole, represented by the choroid/sclera. The neural retina is also populated by specialised resident macrophages called microglia. The plasticity of microglia/macrophages allows them to adopt different activation states in response to changes in the tissue microenvironment. When exposed to various factors, microglia/macrophages polarise into distinct phenotypes, each exhibiting unique characteristics and roles. Furthermore, extensive research has indicated a close association between microglia/macrophage polarisation and the development and reversal of various intraocular diseases. The present article provides a review of the recent findings on the association between microglia/macrophage polarisation and ocular pathological processes (including autoimmune uveitis, optic neuritis, sympathetic ophthalmia, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, subretinal fibrosis, uveal melanoma, ischaemic optic neuropathy, retinopathy of prematurity and choroidal neovascularization). The paradoxical role of microglia/macrophage polarisation in retinopathy of prematurity is also discussed. Several studies have shown that microglia/macrophages are involved in the pathology of ocular diseases. However, it is required to further explore the relevant mechanisms and regulatory processes. The relationship between the functional diversity displayed by microglia/macrophage polarisation and intraocular diseases may provide a new direction for the treatment of intraocular diseases.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Humans; Microglia; Retinopathy of Prematurity; Retina; Macrophages; Phenotype
PubMed: 38551157
DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2024.5369 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Mar 2024Inflammation plays a key role in the induction of choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Inflammatory choroidal neovascularization (iCNV) is a severe but uncommon... (Review)
Review
Inflammation plays a key role in the induction of choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Inflammatory choroidal neovascularization (iCNV) is a severe but uncommon complication of both infectious and non-infectious uveitides. It is hypothesized that its pathogenesis is similar to that of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and involves hypoxia as well as the release of vascular endothelial growth factor, stromal cell-derived factor 1-alpha, and other mediators. Inflammatory CNV develops when inflammation or infection directly involves the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-Bruch's membrane complex. Inflammation itself can compromise perfusion, generating a gradient of retinal-choroidal hypoxia that additionally promotes the formation of choroidal neovascularization in the course of uveitis. The development of choroidal neovascularization may be a complication, especially in conditions such as punctate inner choroidopathy, multifocal choroiditis, serpiginous choroiditis, and presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome. Although the majority of iCNV cases are well defined and appear as the "classic" type (type 2 lesion) on fluorescein angiography, the diagnosis of iCNV is challenging due to difficulties in differentiating between inflammatory choroiditis lesions and choroidal neovascularization. Modern multimodal imaging, particularly the recently introduced technology of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (noninvasive and rapid imaging modalities), can reveal additional features that aid the diagnosis of iCNV. However, more studies are needed to establish their role in the diagnosis and evaluation of iCNV activity.
Topics: Humans; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Choroiditis; Choroidal Neovascularization; Inflammation; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Hypoxia
PubMed: 38541191
DOI: 10.3390/medicina60030465 -
Ceska a Slovenska Oftalmologie :... 2024To draw attention to the higher proportion of Fuchs heterochromic iridocyclitis (FHI) cases in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
PURPOSE
To draw attention to the higher proportion of Fuchs heterochromic iridocyclitis (FHI) cases in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Retrospective study of data collected at the Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Uveitis.
RESULTS
An analysis of the medical records of 3016 patients with uveitis (in the years 2003-2020) was performed with a focus on MS. MS-associated uveitis was diagnosed in 90 patients (3%): anterior uveitis (n = 7), intermediate uveitis (n = 23), retinal vasculitis (n = 24), and panuveitis (n = 36). A clinical examination revealed signs of FHI in the anterior segment in 11 out of 90 cases (12%). Atypical manifestations of FHI included a higher incidence of bilateral involvement (45%), retinal vasculitis (27%), and vitreous snowballs (18%). The diagnosis of FHI preceded the diagnosis of MS in 4 cases. The median latency was 10.5 (range 8-15) years. In 4 patients, the diagnosis of demyelinating disease was established within one year of the diagnosis of FHI. We recommended a neurological examination for optic neuritis (n = 1), paresthesia (n = 3), relapse of motor deficit (n = 1), and screening of etiology in cases with involvement of the posterior segment (n = 3). In the other 3 cases, the diagnosis of MS preceded the diagnosis of FHI, with a median latency of 13 (range 8-19) years.
CONCLUSION
We detected clinical symptoms of FHI in 12% of uveitis cases associated with MS, more often in bilateral manifestations of intraocular inflammation. Based on our experience, we recommend an investigation of the medical history of patients with FHI for manifestations of sensitive, sensory and motor deficits, especially in bilateral cases.
Topics: Humans; Iridocyclitis; Retrospective Studies; Multiple Sclerosis; Retinal Vasculitis; Uveitis
PubMed: 38538292
DOI: 10.31348/2024/17 -
World Neurosurgery: X Jul 2024The burden of tuberculosis is very high in our country and though the number of deaths due to tuberculosis has drastically reduced, still the associated morbidities...
The burden of tuberculosis is very high in our country and though the number of deaths due to tuberculosis has drastically reduced, still the associated morbidities caused by the disease can be very debilitating. Central nervous system tuberculosis is a rare and serious presentation of tuberculosis, the general presentation being hydrocephalus, meningitis, and disseminated miliary lesions. More often than not tuberculosis is associated with immunocompromised status and central nervous system tuberculosis in immunocompetent young individuals with no evidence of systemic tuberculosis is very rare.Association of tuberculosis with ocular manifestations and even blindness is not uncommon, the causes of blindness being causes like uveitis, retinitis, interstitial keratitis, ophthalmitis, and even orbital tuberculosis. Classical teaching in neurosurgery is that a posterior fossa lesion unless proven otherwise is a metastasis. Therefore, here we are discussing three cases of central nervous system tuberculosis in isolation, without any systemic involvement in immunocompetent adults in the posterior fossa region as well as a literature review of cases from across the globe of posterior fossa tuberculosis in immunocompetent adults. The first case is regarding a treatable cause like tuberculoma in an immunocompetent young adult causing blindness which is rare as well as unfortunate. The other two cases highlight the need to keep tuberculosis as a differential even when the clinical features, radiological features, and blood and other investigations are not suggestive.
PubMed: 38516022
DOI: 10.1016/j.wnsx.2024.100329 -
The British Journal of Ophthalmology Mar 2024Birdshot chorioretinitis (BSCR) is a chronic bilateral posterior uveitis, which can affect central as well as peripheral vision. The aim of this study was to assess how...
BACKGROUND
Birdshot chorioretinitis (BSCR) is a chronic bilateral posterior uveitis, which can affect central as well as peripheral vision. The aim of this study was to assess how visual acuity and visual field evolved over time in patients with BSCR.
METHODS
This was a prospective, observational, single-centre study based on data from the CO-BIRD cohort. Patient visits were categorised based on the time elapsed since the first symptoms, and groups of patients with different disease duration were defined. The main outcome measures were the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), the mean deviation (MD) and the standard pattern deviation (PSD).
RESULTS
The study included 447 Caucasian patients (181 males and 266 females), all of whom HLA-A29 carriers. From onset to 30 years of disease duration, the number of patients in each consecutive 5-year period was 237, 250, 196, 147, 78 and 32, respectively. Overall, the range of visual acuity and visual field results increased with disease duration. BCVA gradually decreased and showed a significant decline after 11-15 years after the first symptoms. Among the visual field indices, PSD significantly increased after 16-20 years, while MD showed a significant decline after 21-25 years. No major gender differences were found in visual outcomes, indicating comparable severity. The intereye correlations of MD and PSD were stronger than those of BCVA.
CONCLUSIONS
BSCR resulted in a large heterogeneity of visual outcomes, which increased with time. Our data provide an overview of the visual consequences of BSCR as a function of disease duration.
PubMed: 38508674
DOI: 10.1136/bjo-2023-324636