Search

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to the evolution of ischemic stroke, but the data regarding the association between stroke severity and vitamin D level is scarce. Methods: Patients with first-ever ischemic stroke in the middle cerebral artery territory, within seven days after the stroke, were recruited. The control group included age- and gender-matched individuals. We compared 25-OH vitamin D (vitamin D), high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), and osteopontin levels between stroke patients and the control group. The association between stroke severity according to the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and the Alberta stroke program early CT score (ASPECTS) and levels of vitamin D and inflammatory biomarkers were also studied. Results: There was an association between hypertension (P=0.035), diabetes mellitus (P=0.043), smoking (P=0.016), history of ischemic heart disease (P=0.002), higher SAA (P

The purpose of current study was to evaluate different optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) metrics in eyes with diabetic retinopathy with and without diabetic macular edema (DME). In this retrospective study, macular OCTA images of eyes with non-proliferative or proliferative diabetic retinopathy were evaluated. Vascular density, vascular complexity and non-perfusion densities were compared between eyes with and without DME. One-hundred-thirty-eight eyes of 92 diabetic patients including 49 eyes with DME were included. In multivariate analysis, the presence of DME was positively associated with geometric perfusion deficit (GPD) in superficial capillary plexus (SCP), capillary non-perfusion (CNP) of SCP, and GPD in deep capillary plexus (DCP) (all P

To investigate the alteration of choroid in patients with very severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) or early proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) following panretinal photocoagulation (PRP). Thirty-nine eyes of 21 patients with very severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) (19 eyes) and early proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) (20 eyes) were recruited. Enhanced-depth imaging optical coherence tomography at baseline, 1, and 6 months after PRP was employed to measure choroidal parameters including total choroidal area (TCA) and choroidal vascular index (CVI). In eyes with very severe NPDR, subfoveal TCA decreased non-significantly at month 1, which increased significantly at month 6 (539 ± 131µm2, 502 ± 134µm2, and 598 ± 168µm2 at baseline and months 1 and 6, respectively; P = 0.003). Subfoveal CVI increased at month 1 and then decreased at month 6 (68.25 ± 3.05, 69.74 ± 3.62, and 67.84 ± 1.77 at baseline and months 1 and 6, respectively; P

There are limited data on the impact of COVID-19 in children with a kidney transplant (KT). We conducted a prospective cohort study through the Improving Renal Outcomes Collaborative (IROC) to collect clinical outcome data about COVID-19 in pediatric KT patients. Twenty-two IROC centers that care for 2732 patients submitted testing and outcomes data for 281 patients tested for SARS-CoV-2 by PCR. Testing indications included symptoms and/or potential exposures to COVID-19 (N = 134, 47.7%) and/or testing per hospital policy (N = 154, 54.8%). Overall, 24 (8.5%) patients tested positive, of which 15 (63%) were symptomatic. Of the COVID-19-positive patients, 16 were managed as outpatients, six received non-ICU inpatient care and two were admitted to the ICU. There were no episodes of respiratory failure, allograft loss, or death associated with COVID-19. To estimate incidence, subanalysis was performed for 13 centers that care for 1686 patients that submitted all negative and positive COVID-19 results. Of the 229 tested patients at these 13 centers, 10 (5 asymptomatic) patients tested positive, yielding an overall incidence of 0.6% and an incidence among tested patients of 4.4%. Pediatric KT patients in the United States had a low estimated incidence of COVID-19 disease and excellent short-term outcomes.

Purpose: To describe the optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis at different stages of activity.Methods: Observational case series.Results: A total of 32 eyes of 31 patients were included; 43 sets of OCT were reviewed. A total of 14 lesions were classified as active, 13 as partially active, and 16 as inactive. All active lesions demonstrated increased retinal thickness and reflectivity with blurring of details of retinal layers. Choroidal granuloma was detected in eight (61.5%) and serous retinal detachment in nine (64%). In partially active lesions, sustained thickening and/or attachment of posterior hyaloid face with fine epiretinal membrane was the hallmark. Scarified lesions showed decreased retinal and choroidal thickness starting from the periphery. Characteristic signs for decreased activity of a lesion seen in majority of both partially active and inactive lesions were RPE changes and retina-RPE approximation. We called this unique feature 'hourglass configuration'.Conclusion: Features in OCT are helpful to specify and monitor the activity of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis.

Purpose: Determine the risk of immunomodulatory therapy (IMT) for COVID-19 infection morbidity.Method: A telemedicine survey on patients of a referral uveitis clinic was performed. Signs of infection, habits, and hospitalizations during the 7 months of the COVID-19 pandemic prior to the study date were recorded. Suggestive findings in chest CT scan and/or positive RT-PCR were considered as confirmed COVID-19 infection while those with only suggestive symptoms were considered as suspected cases. Risk factors including sanitary measures and IMT were compared between patients with confirmed cases and patients without infection.Result: 694 patients were included. Eight patients were identified as confirmed cases and 22 patients as suspected cases of COVID-19 infection. Close contact with infected persons was the only significant risk factor for contracting COVID-19.Conclusion: Using IMT did not affect hospitalization and/or ICU admission and can thus be continued during the pandemic, provided that instructions for preventive measures are followed.

Background: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, several cases of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) have been reported in SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals. This study provides a series of patients with CVST and SARS-CoV-2 infection.Methods: Consecutive patients with documented SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as clinical and radiological characteristics of CVST, were reported from three teaching hospitals in the South West, North West, and the center of Iran from June to July 2020. We also searched the abstract archives until the end of August 2020 and gathered 28 reported cases. The diagnostic criteria for SARS-CoV-2 infection were determined according to SARS-CoV-2 detection in oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal samples in clinically suspected patients. Demographics, main COVID-19 symptoms, confirmatory tests for SARS-CoV-2 infection diagnosis, the interval between the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection and CVST, clinical and radiological features of CVST, therapeutic strategies, CVST outcomes, rate of hemorrhagic transformation, and mortality rate were investigated.Results: Six patients (aged 31 to 62 years old) with confirmed CVST and SARS-CoV-2 infection were admitted to our centers. Four patients had no respiratory symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Five out of six patients developed the clinical manifestations of CVST and SARS-CoV-2 infection simultaneously. Three patients had known predisposing factors for CVST. Despite receiving CVST and SARS-CoV-2 infection treatments, four out of six patients passed away.Conclusions: The role of SARS-CoV-2 as a “cause” versus an “additive contributor” remains to be elucidated. Practitioners should be aware of the possibility of CVST in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Objective The purpose of the current study was to collect the data on the occurrence of seizures in patients with COVID-19 and to clarify the circumstances of the occurrence of seizures in these patients. Methods All consecutive patients who referred to healthcare facilities anywhere in Fars province (located in South Iran with a population of 4.851 million people) from February 19 until June 2, 2020, and had confirmed COVID-19 by positive result on polymerase chain reaction testing and seizure were included. Results During the study period, 6,147 people had confirmed COVID-19 in Fars province, Iran; 110 people died from the illness (case fatality rate 1.79%). During this time period, five people had seizures (seizure rate 0.08%). In four patients, seizure was one of the presenting manifestations, and in one person, it happened during the course of hospital admission. Two patients had status epilepticus. All patients experienced hypoxemia and four of them needed respirator. Two patients had related metabolic derangements and one had cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lymphocytic pleocytosis. Brain imaging was abnormal in three patients. Four patients died. Conclusion New-onset seizures in critically ill patients with COVID-19 should be considered as acute symptomatic seizures and the treating physician should try to determine the etiology of the seizure and manage the cause immediately and appropriately. Detailed clinical, neurological, imaging, and electrophysiological investigations and attempts to isolate SARS-CoV-2 from CSF may clarify the role played by this virus in causing seizures in these patients. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s10072-020-04731-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Objectives To evaluate the outcomes and complications of Descemet-stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) in children with congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy (CHED). Methods Eighteen eyes from 10 children with CHED who underwent standard phakic DSAEK were enrolled in this retrospective interventional case series. Medical records including slit-lamp biomicroscopy, cycloplegic refraction, visual acuity, and measurements of central corneal thickness, corneal topography, and endothelial cell density were evaluated. All complications were recorded. Results The mean age of cases was 8.1±4.2 (range: 3-16) years at the time of surgery. Descemet-stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty was performed successfully in all eyes, which survived in 16/18 (88.9%) of cases during a median follow-up period of 38 (range 19-64) months. In patients with clear graft, best-corrected visual acuity was improved to a range of 20/100 to 20/40 and improved to fix and follow in one younger child. Endothelial cell density decreased by an average of 42.1%, comparing baseline and 6-month follow-up and was relatively stable thereafter. A marked flattening of the anterior corneal curvature (mean change of anterior K reading: +2.56±3.14 diopters) was observed after DSAEK. The only major complication in patients with clear graft was intraocular pressure elevation in 61.1% of the eyes, which was easily controlled with one antiglaucoma medication. None of the eyes developed cataract. Conclusion Descemet-stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty is a safe and successful procedure in children with an acceptable graft survival in a mid-term follow-up period. A marked hyperopic shift could occur after DSAEK in children with CHED.

Background To assess the impact of brachytherapy on macular microvasculature utilizing optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in treated choroidal melanoma. Methods In this retrospective observational case series, we reviewed the recorded data of the patients with unilateral extramacular choroidal melanoma treated with ruthenium − 106 (106Ru) plaque radiotherapy with a follow-up period of more than 6 months. Automatically measured OCTA retinal parameters were analysed after image processing. Results Thirty-one eyes of 31 patients with the mean age of 51.1 years were recruited. Six eyes had no radiation maculopathy (RM). From 25 eyes with RM, nine eyes (36%) revealed a burnout macular microvasculature with imperceptible vascular details. Twenty-one non-irradiated fellow eyes from the enrolled patients were considered as the control group. Foveal and optic disc radiation dose had the highest value to predict the burnout pattern (ROC, AUC: 0.763, 0.727). Superficial and deep foveal avascular zone (FAZ) were larger in irradiated eyes in comparison to non-irradiated fellow eyes (1629 μm2 vs. 428 μm2, P = 0.005; 1837 μm2 vs 268 μm2, P = 0.021; respectively). Foveal and parafoveal vascular area density (VAD) and vascular skeleton density (VSD) in both superficial and deep capillary plexus (SCP and DCP) were decreased in all irradiated eyes in comparison with non-irradiated fellow eyes (P P Conclusion The OCTA is a valuable tool for evaluating RM. Initial subclinical microvascular insult after 106Ru brachytherapy is more likely to occur in DCP. The deep FAZ area was identified as a more critical biomarker of BCVA than superficial FAZ in these patients.

Background: Urban liveability is a multidimensional concept associated with many domains of human health. Objectives: This study aimed at investigating the association between urban liveability and cancer incidence in Iran. Methods: The data of provincial-level urban liveability were obtained from reliable sources. The data of cancer incidence were inquired from the population-based cancer registry of the Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education in 2016. Urban liveability scores were determined in all provinces of Iran by utilizing the global liveable city index (GLCI) method. Negative binomial Poisson regression was used to examine the relationship between urban liveability and cancer incidence. Results: Provinces with a higher urban liveability had a higher likelihood of cancer incidence. Higher economic score was significantly associated with higher incidence in colorectal (IRR = 1.49, P = 0.005), liver (IRR = 1.48, P = 0.002), leukemia (IRR = 1.39, P = 0.005), lung (IRR = 1.39, P = 0.039), breast (IRR = 1.38, P = 0.011), and prostate cancers (IRR = 2.11, P < 0.001). Also, provinces with higher environmental friendliness and sustainability had significantly more stomach (IRR = 1.53, P = 0.004), colorectal (1.79, P < 0.001), lung (IRR = 1.43, P = 0.014), and prostate (IRR = 1.50, P = 0.032) cancer incidence. Provinces with higher political governance had significantly more breast cancer (IRR = 1.34, P = 0.002) and leukemia (IRR = 1.30, P = 0.016) incidence rates. Conclusions: Along with the development of urban liveability, the incidence of cancers is increasing in Iran. Cancer control strategies should be implemented especially in settings with higher urbanization.

Introduction Transient hyperphosphatasemia (TH) is a rare benign condition of elevated serum alkaline phosphatase (AP) levels seen in healthy children. TH has been reported to occur in pediatric solid organ transplants, including kidney transplant patients. Little is known about TH in pediatric kidney transplant patients. Objective To evaluate the incidence and natural history of TH in pediatric kidney transplant patients. Methods A retrospective chart review of patients < 18 years of age who underwent kidney transplantation at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh between 2008 and 2019 was performed to identify patients with TH, defined as an AP level greater than 1,000 IU/L. Exclusion criteria included repeat kidney transplants or kidney transplant as part of a multiorgan transplant. Results One hundred seventy-six patients underwent a solitary kidney transplant, of which 87 were less than 12 years of age. Eleven patients (6.5%) were found to have TH, all of whom were < 12 years of age (12.8%) (median age: 5 years; range: 1 - 11 years). The median AP level prior to transplant was 183 IU/L (range: 104 - 309 IU/L) and the median peak AP was > 2,300 IU/L (range: 1,227 - 4,912 IU/L). The median time from a kidney transplant to the diagnosis of TH was 0.6 years (range: 0.3 to 7.7 years). The median length of time that TH persisted was 0.5 years (range: 0.2 to 0.9 years). The median estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) at the time of diagnosis of TH was 84 mL/min/1.73m2 per the bedside Schwartz equation (range: 45 to 152 mL/min/1.73m2). One patient had variable AP levels over nine months prior to resolution; the other 10 patients had a solitary peak of AP prior to resolution. No patient required treatment of elevated AP levels and the TH resolved spontaneously without intervention. No patients had significant abnormalities of markers of metabolic bone disease or were on active vitamin D, calcium, or phosphorus supplements. Two patients reported bone pain, and one patient was found to have avascular necrosis of the hip. Conclusions TH is a relatively common finding following a pediatric kidney transplant in pre-pubertal children less than 12 years of age. It primarily occurs in the first year following a kidney transplant and usually resolves without recurrence within one year of onset.

Purpose: This study aimed To evaluate the rate and risk factors for primary failure and recurrence after intravitreal anti-VEGF injection in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).Methods: This retrospective study was performed on 865 eyes from 441 patients with retinopathy of prematurity receiving intravitreal Bevacizumab from 2012 to 2019. Medical records of patients were evaluated.Results: Mean gestational age (GA) and birth weight of patients were 28±2 weeks and 1121±312 g, respectively. Thirty-five eyes (4.04%) had a primary failure, including 18 eyes from 187 eyes in zone 1 (9.6%) and 17 eyes from 678 eyes in zone 2 (2.5%). The mean time of retreatment was 16.64±13.68 days in eyes without regression ROP. The remaining 830 eyes (95.95%) were included in recurrence analysis. The recurrence occurred in 33 eyes (3.97 %) of them in 20 patients, with the meantime of 77.52 days after the first treatment (IVB). Presence of plus disease, history of oxygen therapy or phototherapy, and GA less than 32 were associated with significantly increased prevalence of treatment failure. The risk factor predicting recurrence are lower birth weight, zone 1 pretreatment, history of intubation, anemia, and sepsis.Conclusion: Intravitreal anti-VEGF is a successful treatment for ROP with a low rate of primary failure and recurrence. Attention to risk factors accompanied by special care to patterns of treatment failure and recurrence helps to achieve early detection of treatment failure and vigilant follow up for recurrence.

Background Aneurysm formation of internal carotid arteries (ICA) in patients with mucormycosis is a scarce phenomenon. However, the prevalence of rhino-cerebral mucormycosis has been reported to increase after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods Three patients with stroke and subarachnoid hemorrhage due to ICA aneurysm after the involvement of adjacent paranasal sinuses with mucormycosis were presented. All patients were recruited from Namazi and Khalili hospitals affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Iran from April 2021 to May 2021. Results They had a history of diabetes and corticosteroid use. Also, one of them was treated with imatinib. Two out of three patients were infected with SARS-CoV-2 infection before developing mucormycosis. Two patients had diagnostic angiography before endovascular intervention. One patient did not undergo any therapeutic intervention due to total artery occlusion, whereas the other patient experienced a successful parent artery occlusion by coiling, and only this patient survived. Although all patients received antifungal treatment and surgical debridement, two of them died. Conclusions In the patients with rhino-cerebral mucormycosis evolving of aneurysm should be promptly and meticulously investigated by magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and computed tomography angiography (CTA). As this type of aneurysms was very fast-growing, as soon as the involvement of sphenoid sinus was detected, the possibility of ICA aneurysm formation should always be kept in mind. If the patient developed an aneurysm, prompt intensive antifungal therapy and therapeutic endovascular interventions such as stenting, coiling, or sacrificing should be considered as soon as possible to optimize outcomes.

Purpose To investigate the differences in the choroidal biomarkers between two forms of flat irregular pigment epithelial detachment (FIPED): avascular (aFIPED) and vascularized (vFIPED) in eyes with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Materials and methods Enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) was done in eyes with FIPED correlated to chronic CSC, fellow eyes, and also in healthy eyes from gender- and age-matched subjects. Eyes with FIPED were classified into two subgroups based on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) findings: vFIPED and aFIPED. Different choroidal biomarkers such as subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), total choroidal area (TCA), and choroidal vascular index (CVI) were compared between the groups. Results Forty-four eyes from 42 patients with chronic CSC and FIPED along with 40 eyes from 20 healthy subjects were included. OCTA identified vascularization in 14 eyes in the FIPED group (31.8%). Mean SFCT was higher in the FIPED group compared to two other groups (p = 0.005). In comparison to patients with aFIPED, patients with vFIPED had lower SFCT (p = 0.003) and higher CVI (p = 0.020) based on multivariate analysis. Conclusions It seems that measurement of CVI along with SFCT may help to differentiate aFIPED from vFIPED in patients with CSC. Further longitudinal studies would be required to confirm the clinical significance of these findings.

Background: To determine the discrepancy between quantitative measurement of retinal and choriocapillaris (CC) vascular density (VD) in diabetic retinopathy (DR) stages using spectral domain optical coherence tomography angiography (SD OCTA) and compare it with normal subjects.Methods: 188 eyes of 97 participants were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Macular OCTA (3x3mm) scan was performed and VD at the level of superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP) and CC were measured with the device software.Results: In normal subjects, VD in SCP, DCP, and CC were higher in all subsegments. In retinal VD, all calculated parameters were reduced in the more extreme stages of DR, except for foveal VD of SCP. There was a constant pattern of decrease in VD of CC from normal cases to cases of NDR and NPDR and then a slight increase happened in the PDR stage but never touching the normal quantities. Age, fasting blood sugar, and years of diabetes mellitus were correlated with reduced VD in different segments. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was positively correlated with parafoveal VD at SCP and VD of foveal area at CC. VD of all subfields of macular area except foveal DCP VD showed reduced levels in diabetic macular edema (DME) patients compared to those without DME.Conclusions: The findings of the study endorse retina VD changes as a potential biomarker for DR development before retinopathy becomes clinically evident. It seems that parafoveal VD of SCP and foveal VD of CC are good biomarkers to predict VA in the diabetic patients.

Background Quantitative assessment of vascular density (VD) of retinal and choriocapillaris (CC) in various stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR) using spectral domain optical coherence tomography angiography (SD OCTA). Methods 188 eyes of 97 participants were recruited in this cross-sectional study. The macular OCTA (3x3mm) scan was performed and the computer algorithm assessed VD at the level of superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP) and CC. Results All measured parameters were decreased in retinal VD at the more extreme stages of DR, with the exception of SCP foveal VD. There was a constant pattern of decrease in VD of CC from normal cases to cases of NDR and NPDR and then a slight increase occurred in the PDR stage but never touching the normal quantities. Age, fasting blood sugar, and years of diabetes mellitus were correlated with reduced VD in different segments. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was positively correlated with parafoveal VD at SCP and VD of foveal area at CC. VD of all subfields of macular area except foveal DCP VD showed reduced levels in diabetic macular edema (DME) patients compared to those without DME. Conclusions The findings of the study endorse retina VD changes as a potential biomarker for DR development before retinopathy becomes clinically evident. It seems that parafoveal VD of SCP and foveal VD of CC are good biomarkers to predict VA in the diabetic patients.

Background To describe the features of multimodal imaging and the diagnostic role of en face OCT in the paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) spectrum. Methods In this observational case series, 5 eyes of 5 patients with acute PAMM were identified. Demographic characteristics as well as data regarding the underlying disease, presenting visual acuity (VA) and ophthalmic examination results were recorded. All patients underwent multimodal imaging within 3 days after symptom onset. Results The mean age of patients was 52.2 (range, 33–67) years. Systemic comorbidities including diabetes mellitus and hypertension were identified in two patients. Except for one patient diagnosed with isolated PAMM, other patients had signs of retinal vascular disease such as a cilioretinal artery or branch retinal artery obstruction, non-ischemic central retinal vein occlusion, or a combination of these vascular disorders. The central vision was preserved in two cases; however, the remaining cases presented with profound VA reduction. Different patterns of PAMM including arterial, globular, and fern-like were observed in en face OCT at deep capillary plexus (DCP) level. En face OCT images could precisely delineate the margin of the PAMM area. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) showed decreased vascular density in DCP. Unresolved projection artifact by conventional OCTA software was observed in DCP and choriocapillaris slabs in all cases. Conclusion En face structural OCT in PAMM can delineate the area of ischemia and the degree of foveal involvement. Unresolved projection artifact by conventional OCTA software in the PAMM area can be seen in DCP and choriocapillaris layers.

Novel coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2: SARS-CoV-2), which originated from Wuhan, China, has spread to the other countries in a short period of time. We report a 47-year-old male who was admitted to our hospital due to suffering from progressive vertigo and ataxia for 7 days prior to the admission. Neurological examination revealed cerebellar dysfunction, and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) depicted edema of the cerebellar hemisphere associated with leptomeningeal enhancement. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed mild lymphocytic pleocytosis, elevated protein, and lactate dehydrogenase. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in the oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal and CSF specimens. As a result, treatment with lopinavir/ritonavir was initiated, and patient symptoms and signs improved significantly during the course of hospitalization. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of acute cerebellitis associated with COVID-19 disease which is reported in the literature so far.

Inflammation can involve several ocular structures, including the sclera, retina, and uvea, and cause vascular changes in these tissues. Although retinal vasculitis is the most common finding associated with uveitis involving the posterior segment, other vascular abnormalities may be seen in the retina. These include capillary nonperfusion and ischemia, vascular occlusions, preretinal neovascularization, microaneurysms and macroaneurysms, and telangiectasia. Moreover, vasoproliferative tumors and subsequent coat-like response can develop secondary to uveitis. Fluorescein angiography is ideal for the investigation of retinal vascular leakage and neovascularization, while optical coherence tomography angiography can provide depth resolved images from the superficial and deep capillary plexus and can demonstrate vascular remodeling. Choroidal vascular abnormalities primarily develop in the choriocapillaris or in the choroidal stroma and can appear as flow void in optical coherence tomography angiography and filling defect and vascular leakage in indocyanine green angiography. Extensive choriocapillaris nonperfusion in the presence of choroidal inflammation can increase the risk of choroidal neovascular membrane development. Iris vascular changes may manifest as dilation of vessels in stroma due to inflammation or rubeosis that is usually from ischemia in retinal periphery secondary to chronic inflammation. More severe forms of scleral inflammation, such as necrotizing scleritis, are associated with vascular occlusion in the deep episcleral plexus, which can lead to necrosis of sclera layer and uveal exposure.

Purpose Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a chronic lymphocytic- mediated disorder that selectively involves hair follicles, leading to cicatricial alopecia. The eyelash follicle and meibomian gland (MG) might also be involved in the disease process leading to ocular surface problems. Methods In this Cross-sectional case -control study, twenty-three patients with histologically confirmed LPP and 23 healthy controls were recruited in this controlled study. To quantify the signs and symptoms of LPP, we used the Lichen Planopilaris Activity Index. The ophthalmologic examination was performed by the same ophthalmologist at Farabi Eye Hospital. Results Patients with LPP had a statistically significant lower tear breakup time (worse test outcome) compared with the control (7.1 6 4.1 vs. 9.6 6 4.4; respectively, P = 0.011). Both MG quality score and expressibility were higher in patients with LPP than in control subjects (14.1 6 4.3 vs. 9.3 6 4.4; P = 0.001; 1.5 6 1.0 vs. 0.4 6 0.8; P = 0.001; respectively). The Schirmer test score was not different between groups. A significant but weak correlation was found between the Lichen Planopilaris Activity Index and tear breakup time. Other ophthalmologic examinations including conjunctiva, lid margin shape, intraocular pressure, and funduscopy were normal in patients with LPP. Conclusions Patients with LPP, scored worse in ocular surface tests. This finding warrants special scrutiny for dry eye and MG dysfunction in these patients.

Fariba Ghassemi,1,2 Reza Mirshahi,1,2 Kaveh Fadakar,1,2 Siamak Sabour3 1Retina & Vitreous Service, 2Eye Research Center, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 3Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention Research Centre, Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Synopsis: In optical coherence tomography angiography, the choroidal vascular flow rate in choroidal melanoma is significantly lower than that in choroidal nevus.Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the choriocapillaris and retinal features imaged by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in eyes with choroidal nevus from small malignant choroidal melanoma.Methods: In this retrospective, noninvasive, observational study, 11 patients diagnosed with small choroidal mass (five with choroidal nevus and six with malignant melanoma) who underwent dilated fundus examination, ocular ultrasonography and OCTA images were compared.Results: In choroidal nevus of all patients, OCTA demonstrated a hyporeflective mass with no significant deformity of choroidal vasculature and an intact retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)–Bruch’s membrane complex. The flow void mass was surrounded by an intense vascular rim named as surface microvasculature (SMV) that had an approximately similar flow rate median of 63.68 mm2 (60.42–67.62 mm2), comparable with the median of the contralateral normal eye of 61.77 mm2 (60.42–64.53 mm2; P>0.09) for nevi. OCTA showed an obscured Bruch’s membrane–RPE–Bruch’s membrane complex and outer retinal layer in choroidal melanomas. Choriocapillaris flow rate over the melanomas was 55.73% (41.93%–60.82%), and the corresponding normal areas had a flow area of 62.75% (61.99%–63.10%; P=0.01). A flow rate difference between choroidal melanoma and nevus was significant (P=0.006). Axial and peripheral feeding vessels were more dilated and tortuous compared with benign nevi.Conclusion: Decreased flow rate of SMV of choroidal melanoma cases compared with nevi was a significant finding. Detection of characteristic vascular features of choroidal melanoma by OCTA could make OCTA an assuring diagnostic modality to differentiate malignant lesions. Keywords: melanoma, choroidal nevus, OCT, OCTA, uveal melanoma

Purpose To describe a case of bilateral choroidal neovascularization in a patient with beta-thalassemia major and an interventional therapeutic attempt. Method Retrospective case report. Result A known case of beta-thalassemia major presented with gradual vision loss. Fundoscopy revealed bilateral macular edema accompanied by intraretinal hemorrhages. Optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography were compatible with the diagnosis of choroidal neovascularization. No signs of angioid streaks or other related abnormalities were noticed in examination and imaging. The patient was treated with intravitreal bevacizumab, and visual acuity improved within 6 months of follow-up. Conclusion Bilateral choroidal neovascularization can be a presenting pathology in patients with beta-thalassemia major. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor is a promising treatment option.

Purpose To evaluate the best piggyback intraocular lens (IOL) implantation method and the outcomes in nanophthalmos eyes and to define the postoperative structural changes. Setting Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran, Iran. Design Prospective case series. Methods Candidates for refractive surgery who were nanophthalmic were recruited. Patients had refractive lens exchange followed by implantation of both IOLs in the bag or 1 IOL in the bag and 1 IOL in the sulcus. The baseline and follow-up visual acuity, refractive status, and structural Scheimpflug imaging were evaluated. Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) was performed 6 months postoperatively. Results The study comprised 9 nanophthalmic patients (18 eyes) with a mean preoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) of 1.53 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) ± 0.3 (SD), mean corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) of 0.34 ± 0.2 logMAR, and mean spherical equivalent (SE) of +13.55 ± 4.0 diopters (D). The mean postoperative UDVA improved from baseline. There was no significant difference in the mean UDVA and CDVA between the 2 IOL groups. Postoperatively, both groups had a significant improvement in SE, a significant rise in anterior chamber depth and angle, and similar UBM measurements. Conclusions Piggyback IOL implantation was an effective refractive procedure in nanophthalmic eyes. Both implantation methods resulted in similar outcomes; however, the small number of patients in each group made it less likely that possible differences would be found. The increase in angle values might help prevent the development of closed-angle glaucoma.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the vascular density (VD) and the flow area on optic nerve head (ONH) and peripapillary area, and the impact of age and sex using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in healthy human subjects.Both eyes of each volunteer were scanned by an RTVue XR Avanti; Optovue with OCTA using the split-spectrum amplitude-decorrelation angiography algorithm technique. Masked graders evaluated enface angiodisc OCTA data. The flow area of ONH and the VD were automatically calculated.A total of 79 eyes of patients with a mean age of 37.03±11.27 were examined. The total ONH (papillary and peripapillary) area VD was 56.03%±4.55%. The flow area of the ONH was 1.74±0.10 mm/1.34 mm. The temporal and inferotemporal peripapillary VD was different between male and female patients. Increasing age causes some changes in the flow area of the ONH and the papillary VD from the third to the fourth decade (analysis of variance test; P0.05).A normal quantitative database of the flow area and VD of the papillary and peripapillary area, obtained by RTVue XR with OCT angiography technique, is presented here.

Purpose: To evaluate the optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) parameters in patients with diabetic retinopathy following panretinal photocoagulation (PRP). Methods: Eleven eyes of 6 patients with very severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) or early proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) were recruited in this prospective interventional pilot study. All patients underwent OCTA imaging at baseline, and choroidal flow, foveal avascular zone (FAZ), retinal thickness, and vascular density were measured at baseline. Three months after treatment, OCTA was repeated, and the alteration in variables was analyzed. Results: The FAZ area remained unchanged following treatment, (P = 0.75). Retinal thickness increased along (P = 0.02) with an increase in vascular density in the superficial and deep foveal area and the macular temporal sector (P = 0.007, 0.03 and 0.049, respectively). Choroidal flow surface area was unchanged (P = 0.10). Conclusion: In this study, foveal vascular density increased and FAZ remained unchanged after PRP for diabetic retinopathy. Keywords: Diabetic retinopathy, Foveal avascular zone, FAZ, Optical coherence tomography angiography, OCTA, Panretinal photocoagulation

Although cystic echinococcosis (CE) has been a human public health problem in the Northeast of Iran, molecular data regarding the genotypes of Echinococcus granulosus in goats and sheep in these regions are still scarce. In the present study, we determined the genotypes of E. granulosus infecting sheep and goats in northeast of Iran. During April 2013-June 2014, 50 and 30 hydatid cysts were recovered from liver tissue of sheep and goats, respectively,. Protoscoleces or germinal layers were collected from individual cysts, DNA was extracted, and the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) gene was amplified by PCR. The results of PCR-RFLP and the sequence analysis showed that all the samples isolated from sheep (n=50) and most of samples in goats (n=24) were G1 strain, the most prevalent strain in livestock ruminants of Iran. Furthermore, six parasites isolated from goats were found to correspond to E. intermedius (G7 genotype), here reported for the first time from Iran.

Fractional lasers such erbium:YAG (Er:YAG) are among popular options for facial rejuvenation. Lasers with infrared wavelength ranges such as long pulse Nd:YAG have been used in nonablative rejuvenation of skin with variable outcomes. In this study, we plan to compare safety and efficacy of fractional Er:YAG and long pulse Nd:YAG for facial rejuvenation applying objective and subjective measurements. Twenty-five patients with Glogau photo aging scale of II to IV were recruited in this randomized face-split double-blind controlled trial. Individuals received three monthly treatments on two sides of the face; one side was treated by fractional Er:YAG laser and the other side by long pulse Nd:YAG laser. Outcomes were evaluated by two blinded dermatologists, patient satisfaction reports and objective measurements of cutaneous resonance running time (CRRT). Both modalities significantly improved periorbital wrinkling, nasolabial folds, dyschromia and skin laxity, and sagging of jowls (p value

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The quantification of the density of macular vascular networks and blood flow areas in the foveal and parafoveal area in healthy subjects using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional, prospective study in an institutional setting at the Retina Services of Farabi Eye Hospital. One hundred twelve normal volunteers with no known ocular or systemic disease were included, including patient numbers (one or both eyes), selection procedures, inclusion/exclusion criteria, randomization procedure, and masking. En face angiogram OCTA was performed on a 3 mm × 3 mm region centered on the macula. Automated thresholding and measuring algorithm method for foveal and parafoveal blood flow and vascular density (VD) were used. The density of macular vascular networks and blood flow area in the foveal and parafoveal area were measured. RESULTS: A total of 224 healthy eyes from 112 subjects with a mean age of 36.4 years ± 11.3 years were included. In the foveal region, the VD of the superficial capillary network (sCN) was significantly higher than that of the deep capillary network (dCN) (31.1% ± 5.5% vs. 28.3% ± 7.2%; P < .001), whereas in the parafoveal area, VD was higher in the dCN (62.24% ± 2.8% vs. 56.5% ± 2.5%; P < .001). Flow area in the 1-mm radius circle in the sCN was less than in the dCN. Superficial foveal avascular zone (sFAZ) size was negatively correlated with the VD of the foveal sCN, but in the deep FAZ (dFAZ) was not correlated with VD or blood flow area of the fovea. There was no difference between measured VD and blood flow surface area in both eyes of the subjects. CONCLUSIONS: OCTA could be used as a noninvasive, repeatable, layer-free method in quantitative evaluation of VD and blood flow of macular area. The normal quantities of the vascular plexus density and flow will help in better understanding the pathophysiological basis of the vascular disease of retina. [ Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina . 2017;48:478–486.]

Background: In general, it seems that both genetic and environmental factors play important roles in the induction of neural tube defects. Lipomyelomeningocele (LipoMMC) is a rather common type of closed neural tube defect, but only limited studies have investigated the potential risk factors of this anomaly. Therefore, the purpose of this case-control study was to investigate the risk factors involved in LipoMMC formation. Material and Method: Various risk factors were evaluated in 35 children between 1 month and 10 years of age with LipoMMC in a hospital-based case-control study. The 2 control arms consisted of 35 children with myelomeningocele (MMC group) and 35 children with congenital anomalies other than central nervous system problems (control group). All groups were matched for age and visited the same hospital. A structured questionnaire was used for the collection of all data, including the mothers' weight and height during pregnancy, education, reproductive history, previous abortions, and socioeconomic status, as well as the parents' consanguinity and family history of the same anomalies. Results: Univariate analysis of the children with LipoMMC compared to the control group showed that the use of periconceptional folic acid supplementation was significantly lower in the MMC and LipoMMC groups compared to the control group. In addition, comparison of the MMC and control groups revealed statistically significant differences regarding the use of folic acid and maternal obesity. In multivariate analysis, use of folic acid in the periconceptional period and during the first trimester was an independent risk factor for LipoMMC and MMC. Furthermore, maternal obesity was a significantly positive risk factor for MMC. Conclusion: The probable risk factors for LipoMMC were investigated in this case-control study. Consumption of folic acid in the periconceptional period and during the first trimester is an independent protective factor against LipoMMC. It seems that larger studies are needed to examine other possible risk factors.

INTRODUCTION: The development of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is normally associated with a high EBV viral load in peripheral blood. Observations have previously identified existence of a chronic EBV high load (CHL) carrier state which demonstrated variable outcomes based upon the organ which was transplanted. Data defining the incidence and outcome of CHL in pediatric kidney transplantation (KTx) are not well described. METHODS: The charts of children undergoing isolated KTx at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh between January 2000 and December 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. EBV loads in the peripheral blood were routinely measured as part of surveillance protocols at our center. CHL was defined as the presence of high load for >50% of samples for ≥6 months. PTLD was defined histologically using WHO definitions. RESULTS: Of 188 isolated KTx recipients, we identified a total of 16 (8%) children who developed CHL carrier state. No patient developed EBV-driven late onset PTLD. Age at the time of KTx was significantly lower in CHL group (median 3.9 years, interquartile range: IQR 2.9-6.6, p=0.0004). Children in the CHL group were more likely to be EBV seronegative prior to KTx (94%, 15/16), compared to the undetectable viral load (UVL) and low viral load (LVL) groups (55% and 50%, respectively, p

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognizing the exogenous pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) are part of the innate immune system that plays a role in various challenging interactions between the neurons and the immune system. Stroke as a major injury to the central nervous system (CNS) is one of the hot points of such cross-talk. The various roles of the different types of TLRs in stroke can be classified into three major categories: (1) the hazardous effect of TLRs with a focus on the part in poststroke neurodegeneration, (2) the beneficial effect of those types of TLRs that exert a neuroprotective effect following an ischemic insult, and (3) the role of TLRs in immunomodulation on one hand and the possible autoimmunity as a consequence of neuronal injury due to an ischemic attack on the other hand. However, the mentioned functions of TLRs, similar to many other parts of the immune system, might overlap in many aspects. The current review article, including both experimental and clinical studies, is an attempt to bring together the studies that have investigated the roles of TLRs in stroke while referring to the apparent controversies in this field, with pointing out the new ideas for further considerations.

Acute onset of cerebrovascular diseases seems to be related to a number of immunological alternations. After the initial pro-inflammatory response to brain ischemia accompanied by systemic inflammatory response syndrome, stroke interferes with function of the innate and the adaptive immune cells, resulting in systemic immunosuppression. Although post-stroke immunodeficiency could predispose patients to life-threatening infections, it could potentially protect brain via reducing autoimmune reaction to the brain antigens. In this paper, we review current knowledge on the immunological alterations after brain ischemia, particularly effects of infection for stimulation of autoimmune response against brain antigens.