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Introduction: Myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is the first cause of CNV in young patients. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of intravitreal injections (IVT) of ranibizumab with photodynamic therapy (PDT) in this indication., Patients and Methods: Retrospective comparative study analyzing the visual acuity (VA) outcomes of CNV myopic patients treated with either IVT or PDT., Results: Twenty-seven eyes of 25 patients were treated with PDT (group 1) and 18 eyes of 17 patients were treated with IVT of ranibizumab (group 2). Demographic data were similar in the two groups. The median initial VA was 20/80 for group 1 and 20/160 for group 2 (P=0.37). At 1 year, the median VA was 20/80 for group 1 (P=0.32) and 20/63 for group 2 (P=0.04). A significant improvement in VA was observed in 23.1% and in 27.3% of cases in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P=0.53). A significant VA worsening was observed in 34.6% of cases in group 1 and in 9.1% of cases in group 2 (P=0.21)., Conclusion: IVT of ranibizumab compared to PDT treatment showed greater efficacy in this study., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To describe a patient who fulfilled the criteria for both clinically definite multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) and multiple sclerosis., Methods: We performed a complete ophthalmologic and neurological examination in a 30-year-old woman who was referred to our department for blurred vision in her left eye (LE) with photopsia., Results: Following a complete ophthalmologic examination, the patient was diagnosed with MEWDS and coincident multiple sclerosis. She underwent therapy with intravenous methylprednisolone (1000 mg/day) for three days, followed by oral prednisone (1 mg/kg per day) for 15 days. Most of the symptoms and signs apparently regressed within one month, despite a still abnormal OCT macular scan, probably due to atrophic post-inflammatory changes in the outer and photoreceptor layers (rods and cones)., Conclusion: This report, showing the clinical features of MEWDS associated with multiple sclerosis, strongly suggests common neuropathological and inflammatory mechanisms between MS and white dot syndromes., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Choroidal metastases are often the revealing feature of malignant diseases. We report a rare case of prostatic adenocarcinoma metastases at the choroids, diagnosed and followed by fluorescein angiography (FA), indocyanine-green angiography (ICGA), and optical coherence tomography (OCT-3 Stratus)., Observation: A 54-year-old man was referred to our department for decreased vision in his left eye lasting for 1 month. On ophthalmic evaluation, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/20 in his right eye and 20/63 in his left eye. Biomicroscopic examination of the anterior segments did not reveal anything abnormal in either eye. Funduscopic examination revealed two amelanotic choroidal masses in both his right and left eyes, located at the posterior pole and at the periphery. The systemic workup, including hematologic analysis and total-body computed tomography (CT), revealed elevated serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and alkaline phosphatase, extensive abnormalities of the axial skeleton, and nodular pulmonary shadows; therefore, prostatic adenocarcinoma was suspected. Needle biopsies (prostatic and pulmonary) confirmed adenocarcinoma of the prostate, with metastatic disease. We decided to submit the patient to intermittent total androgen blockade alone, without adjunctive radiotherapy. The patient responded well to intermittent total androgen blockade with oral bicalutamide and triptorelin injection alone, as documented on fundus pictures, ultrasonography, OCT, FA, and ICGA., Discussion: Prostatic carcinoma should be considered in any male patient with a choroidal mass suspected of being a metastasis. In our patient, FA, ICGA, and OCT clearly documented the complete regression of choroidal metastasis from prostatic carcinoma. Fluorescein angiography, indocyanine-green angiography, and optical coherence tomography are useful tools in the diagnosis and follow-up of prostatic adenocarcinoma metastatic to the choroid.

Purpose: Following PRK, a regression or the appearance of haze is often observed. This type of problem may be caused by an anomalous response by the stroma, probably mediated by keratocytes. Controlling keratocyte apoptosis therefore affects the outcome and stability of PRK. Inhibiting the transmission of the apoptosis signal from the damaged corneal epithelium to the keratocytes attenuates cell activation. This can be achieved by using a systemic product that will control the release of the mediators of the inflammation and stimulate tear production. The aim of this prospective, randomized study was to test the effects of a supplement containing omega-6 fatty acids (linoleic and (-linolenic acid), (-carotene, group B vitamins and trace elements (copper, zinc), when administered both before and after PRK., Methods: Eighty subjects undergoing PRK were randomly divided into two groups. The group treated with omega-6 fatty acids included 18 females and 22 males, with a mean age of 32 years; the control group comprised 20 females and 20 males (mean age, 30 years). Statistical evaluation of the results was carried out on Schirmer test and fluorescein staining values and the state of the epithelium., Results: In the Schirmer tests, a comparison between the two groups of patients who underwent surgery (groups 1 and 2) showed a statistically significant difference after 7, 15, and 30 days' treatment in favor of the group treated with omega-6 fatty acids. The values relating to the fluorescein staining test and the state of the epithelium showed a statistically significant difference in favor of the group treated with omega-6 fatty acids., Conclusion: These results confirm the real advantages of using omega-6 essential fatty acids to optimize and stabilize the outcome of PRK.

Introduction: Adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) frequently present retinal abnormalities. We tried to find a relationship between fundus lesions and treatment responsiveness, prognosis, and several hematologic parameters., Patients and Methods: We examined 178 adult patients with newly diagnosed AML. All patients were assigned to two groups regarding retinal parameters (1 or 2) and age (A or B). Group 1 included cases with retinal dysfunction classified as retinal abnormalities with impaired visual acuity; group 2 included cases with no or only minor retinal changes. Subgroup A included patients younger than 60 years (n=97), subgroup B patients older than 60 years (n=81)., Results: In this study, higher age and a lower Hb value were associated with retinal findings (group 1). Among the younger patients (subgroup A), 78% of those with complete remission had no retinal findings (group 2) compared to 18% of the nonresponders. In the elderly population (subgroup B), this ratio was 58% versus 19%. In the younger patients (subgroup A), the mean overall survival was 50 months if they had no retinal abnormalities (group 2) and 7 months in the case of retinal changes (group 1). In the older population (subgroup B), the ratio was 15 months versus 3 months, respectively., Conclusion: Retinal abnormalities in AML are generally associated with higher age, although they correlate with a shorter survival in both age groups. This association is stronger in younger patients.