梅毒性葡萄膜炎3例

目的:评估梅毒性葡萄膜炎患者的临床表现和视力。方法:梅毒性葡萄膜炎患者3例在USM医院接受治疗。结果:患者3例被诊断为继发性梅毒性葡萄膜炎,这3例患者患病之前均不知道患有梅毒,但他们有明确的乱交史。并且每个月都伴有逐步的视力下降。其中两人伴有发热、眼痛、眼前悬浮物。视力从6/12到手动。所有患者均出现前葡萄膜炎,玻璃体炎和视神经炎。第一例患者出现了多灶性脉络膜视网膜炎,并伴有渗出性视网膜脱离。第二例患者出现渗出性视网膜脱离,而第三例患者仅出现了脉络膜视网膜炎。所有患者每周注射苄青霉素2.4MU,共4wk,其中2例患者口服多西霉素200mg2次/d,共3mo。治疗效果良好,其中2例患者有显著的视力上升,分别从6/120到6/21和6/12到6/6。其中较严重的1例患者出现逆转录酶为阳性。结论:眼梅毒作为非肉芽肿性的炎症与渗出性视网膜脱离有关。治疗后虽然视力恢复比较缓慢,但普遍有良好的效果。     

Syphilitic uveitis: report of 3 cases

AIM: To evaluate the clinical manifestations and visual outcome of syphilitic uveitis patients. METHODS: Case series of three patients with syphilitic uveitis who were managed in Hospital USM. RESULTS: Three patients were diagnosed to have uveitis secondary to Syphilis. All three patients were not known to have syphilis prior to presentation but have positive history of sexual promiscuity. All patients presented with progressive blurring of vision for average of one-month duration. Two of them have association with fever, ocular pain and floaters. Visual acuity at presentation ranges from 6/12 to hand movement. Mild anterior uveitis (non-granulomatous), vitritis and papillitis were presence in all the patients. First patient has multifocal chorioretinitis with exudative retinal detachment. The second patient presented with exudative retinal detachment while the third patient has chorioretinitis only. All the patients were treated with intramuscular benzyl-penicillin 2.4 MU weekly for 4 weeks and two of them received oral doxycycline 200mg twice daily for 3 months. The uveitis responded well to the treatment and two of them showed dramatic visual improvement from 6/120 to 6/21 and 6/12 to 6/6. The one with worse outcome was confirmed to have positive retroviral. CONCLUSION: Ocular syphilis presented here as non- granulomatous inflammation associated with exudative retinal detachment. Final visual outcome is generally good despite slow improvement after treatment.     

梅毒性葡萄膜炎3例

目的：评估梅毒性葡萄膜炎患者的临床表现和视力. 方法：梅毒性葡萄膜炎患者3例在USM医院接受治疗. 结果：患者3例被诊断为继发性梅毒性葡萄膜炎,这3例患者患病之前均不知道患有梅毒,但他们有明确的乱交史.并且每个月都伴有逐步的视力下降.其中两人伴有发热、跟痛、眼前悬浮物.视力从6/12到手动.所有患者均出现前葡萄膜炎,玻璃体炎和视神经炎.第一例患者出现了多灶性脉络膜视网膜炎,并伴有渗出性视网膜脱离.第二例患者出现渗出性视网膜脱离,而第三例患者仅出现了脉络膜视网膜炎.所有患者每周注射苄青霉素2.4MU,共4wk,其中2例患者口服多西霉素200mg 2次/d,共3mo.治疗效果良好,其中2例患者有显著的视力上升,分别从6/120到6/21和6/12到6/6.其中较严重的1例患者出现逆转录酶为阳性. 结论：眼梅毒作为非肉芽肿性的炎症与渗出性视网膜脱离有关.治疗后虽然视力恢复比较缓慢,但普遍有良好的效果.     

Clinical course of ocular sarcoidosis in patients with histologically proven systemic sarcoidosis]

PURPOSE: We reviewed the clinical features, natural history and visual prognosis of 9 patients with histologically confirmed ocular and systemic sarcoidosis. PATIENTS: Nine patients underwent a follow-up study between 1993 and 1998. The diagnosis of sarcoidosis was supported by histological evidence of non caseating epithelioid-cell granuloma in tissue biopsy. RESULTS: The mean age was 40.912 years. The mean follow-up was 22.7 months (range 6 - 54 months). The ophthalmic involvement was bilateral in 8 patients. Before treatment, 3 eyes (17.6%) had a visual acuity less than 1/10. Two eyes (11.7%) had a visual acuity less than 3/10 and 10 eyes (58.8%) more than 6/10. The anterior uveitis was granulomatous in 2 eyes (11.7%) and non granulomatous in 8 eyes (47%). Five eyes (29.4%) had a pars planitis. The posterior segment manifestations of sarcoidosis were retinal vasculitis in 7 eyes (41.1%), papillitis in 10 eyes (58.8%) and choroidal granulomas in 2 eyes (11.7%). Seven patients were treated with systemic corticosteroids. One patient was treated with steroid eye-drops. After treatment, one eye (5.8%) had a visual acuity less than 1/10 and 13 eyes more than 6/10. After treatment, the choroidal granulomas disappeared and the intra-ocular inflammation was controlled in all cases. CONCLUSION: Although the number of patients in our series is small, the prognosis for ocular sarcoidosis appears to be good.     

Referral Patterns,Demographic and Clinical Features,and Visual Prognosis of Turkish Patients with Sarcoid Uveitis

The purpose of this study was to investigate the referral patterns, demographic and clinical features, and visual prognosis of patients with sarcoid uveitis seen at 2 tertiary eye care centers in Turkey. A retrospective study was made of 44 patients with uveitis associated with biopsy-confirmed or presumed sarcoidosis. Thirty-four patients (77%) were female and 10 (23%) were male. The mean age at onset of uveitis was 39.8 years. Twenty-seven patients (61%) were referred without a diagnosis of sarcoidosis and 17 (39%) patients were referred with a diagnosis of systemic sarcoidosis. The duration of uveitis prior to referral was 2–15 years in 52% of the patients in the former group. At presentation, 37 patients (84%) had bilateral and 7 patients (16%) had unilateral uveitis, and 17 patients (39%) had only anterior uveitis. The most common ocular findings were granulomatous keratic precipitates, persistent posterior synechiae, and snowball vitreous opacities. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis estimated the risk of recurrence as 30% at 6 months and 61% at 5 years. New complications developed in 18 patients. Potential visual acuity was better than 0.4 in 80% of eyes. The estimated risk of losing potential visual acuity by at least 2 lines was 7% at 6 months and 43% at 5 years. None of the eyes lost useful vision (> 0.1) under the authors' care. The referral patterns suggest underrecognition of sarcoidosis as a cause of uveitis in Turkey. The demographic and clinical features of these patients were mostly similar to those reported from other countries, suggesting that the diagnosis may not be difficult in Turkish patients but requires an increased awareness of the disease in this population.     

Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization associated with multifocal choroiditis

PURPOSE: Evaluation of visual acuity outcomes of photodynamic therapy with verteporfin for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to multifocal choroiditis. DESIGN: Open-label, prospective, interventional case series. METHODS: Thirteen patients (13 eyes) diagnosed with subfoveal CNV associated with multifocal choroiditis at the Eye Clinics of Trieste and Udine were considered for the study. Inclusion criteria were the presence of subfoveal CNV no larger than 5,400 microm in greatest linear dimension and best-corrected visual acuity, Snellen equivalent, of approximately 20/400 or better. The primary outcome was the number of eyes that had fewer than 8 letters lost (less than approximately 1.5 lines) at the 12-month examination compared with the baseline examination. Secondary outcomes included fluorescein angiographic features such as progression and CNV size. RESULTS: Baseline and final best-corrected visual acuity were 0.52 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (20/62(-2) Snellen equivalent) and 0.55 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (20/62(-2) Snellen equivalent), respectively. By the 12-month visit, one patient (7.7%) had gained at least 1.5 lines, two patients (15.4%) had lost 1.5 or more lines, and no patient lost 3 or more lines of visual acuity, whereas 10 patients (84.6%) showed less than 1.5-line change. Mean CNV area was 0,69 mm(2) and 0.63 mm(2) at baseline and at the 12-month visit, respectively. By the month 12 examination, patients had received an average of 1.7 treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Photodynamic therapy may be considered a viable therapeutic option for subfoveal CNV associated with multifocal choroiditis at least for a 1-year period. Further studies with longer follow-up are needed to confirm these results.     

Long-term treatment of refractory posterior uveitis with anti-TNFalpha (infliximab)

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of infliximab as treatment for noninfectious posterior uveitis. METHODS: An open-label clinical trial including seven patients (12 eyes) with posterior uveitis refractory to conventional treatment regimens with corticosteroids and at least one immunosuppressive agent. Three intravenous doses of 5 mg/kg of infliximab were administered at weeks 0, 2, and 6. Infliximab infusion was repeated in patients undergoing a relapse of uveitis after initial remission. Improvement was defined as amelioration of visual acuity or disappearance of retinal exudates and/or haemorrhages, decreased macular oedema and/or vitreous opacities. All patients were followed up for at least 36 months. RESULTS: Six of the seven patients (five diagnosed with Beh?et's disease and one diagnosed with sarcoidosis) showed a significant improvement after the first infliximab dose. Only in one patient diagnosed with chronic idiopathic multifocal choroiditis did the drug have no effect, and this patient was withdrawn from the study. At the end of follow-up, one eye had lost one line of vision and three eyes showed improved vision. All eyes had improved in terms of signs of inflammation. No adverse effects of treatment were observed. CONCLUSION: Infliximab is efficient and safe for the long-term management of refractory posterior uveitis, especially in patients with predominant retinal vasculitis and vitritis.     

Ranibizumab therapy for choroidal neovascularization secondary to non-age-related macular degeneration causes

Background: To investigate the efficacy of ranibizumab therapy for choroidal neovascular (CNV) membranes secondary to conditions other than macular degeneration. Design: Prospective case series conducted at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. Participants: Twelve‐month follow‐up data for 41 patients with CNV recruited from the outpatient clinic from May 2008 to April 2010 is presented. Fifteen patients had myopia, seven had multifocal choroiditis, and eight had other primary causes. Methods: All patients had visual acuity, fluorescein angiogram and optical coherence tomography performed at the initial visit (baseline). Ranibizumab was injected with a standard sterile technique. Patients were reviewed after 1 month, and further injections were given at the treating doctors' discretion. Main Outcome Measures: Change in visual acuity and central macular thickness at 12 months was compared with baseline for each of the groups. Local and systemic adverse outcomes were recorded. Results: Analysis was stratified by primary pathology. On average, 40%, 43% and 25% of patients with myopia, multifocal choroiditis and ‘other’ pathologies, respectively, experienced a three or more line improvement in vision. The average number of injections in 12 months was 4.2 for the entire group. Central macular thickness significantly decreased in the 12‐month period for the combined group (P = 0.03). No patient had an adverse systemic side‐effect; however, there was one case of endophthalmitis. Conclusions: Ranibizumab is an effective treatment for CNV secondary to non‐age‐related macular degeneration causes, with most patients gaining an improvement in the first 2 months following injection.     

Referral patterns, demographic and clinical features, and visual prognosis of Turkish patients with sarcoid uveitis

The purpose of this study was to investigate the referral patterns, demographic and clinical features, and visual prognosis of patients with sarcoid uveitis seen at 2 tertiary eye care centers in Turkey. A retrospective study was made of 44 patients with uveitis associated with biopsy-confirmed or presumed sarcoidosis. Thirty-four patients (77%) were female and 10 (23%) were male. The mean age at onset of uveitis was 39.8 years. Twenty-seven patients (61%) were referred without a diagnosis of sarcoidosis and 17 (39%) patients were referred with a diagnosis of systemic sarcoidosis. The duration of uveitis prior to referral was 2-15 years in 52% of the patients in the former group. At presentation, 37 patients (84%) had bilateral and 7 patients (16%) had unilateral uveitis, and 17 patients (39%) had only anterior uveitis. The most common ocular findings were granulomatous keratic precipitates, persistent posterior synechiae, and snowball vitreous opacities. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis estimated the risk of recurrence as 30% at 6 months and 61% at 5 years. New complications developed in 18 patients. Potential visual acuity was better than 0.4 in 80% of eyes. The estimated risk of losing potential visual acuity by at least 2 lines was 7% at 6 months and 43% at 5 years. None of the eyes lost useful vision (> 0.1) under the authors' care. The referral patterns suggest underrecognition of sarcoidosis as a cause of uveitis in Turkey. The demographic and clinical features of these patients were mostly similar to those reported from other countries, suggesting that the diagnosis may not be difficult in Turkish patients but requires an increased awareness of the disease in this population.     

Clinical and Investigative Profile of Biopsy-Proven Sarcoid Uveitis in India

Purpose: Retrospective analysis of the clinical features, investigative profile, response to treatment, and final visual outcome in histopathologically confirmed cases of sarcoid uveitis. Methods: Retrospective case series analysis was done of 15 eyes of 9 patients seen between July1999 and August 2003 with biopsy-proven sarcoid uveitis. There were 3 were males and 6 females. The mean age at presentation was 44.1 years (range 11–62 years), The mean follow-up was 28.4 months. Results: Six patients had bilateral ocular involvement and 3 had unilateral involvement. Five out of 9 patients had primarily ocular involvement. The most common presentation was intermediate uveitis and granulomatous anterior uveitis in 7 patients. Eight of 9 patients responded well to the medical treatment with systemic and periocular steroids. Conclusions: Ocular lesions can be the primary manifestation of systemic sarcoidosis. Sarcoid uveitis in the Asian Indian population often presents an intermediate uveitis with granulomatous anterior uveitis.     

Incidence of ocular manifestations in patients with histologically confirmed systemic sarcoidosis

BACKGROUND: Intraocular findings in sarcoidosis were described by US studies with 35 % anterior uveitis, 25 % posterior uveitis and 20 - 30 % for late complications in case of first presentation. We report on the spectrum and diagnostic possibilities in 38 German patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 38 patients (68 eyes) aged 11 - 58 years (average 42.7 y), who suffered of intraocular manifestations in histological confirmed systemic sarcoidosis (1987 - 1997), were completely evaluated retrospectively. For additional diagnostic tools fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography, nuclear magnetic resonance tomography and measurements of angiotensin-converting enzyme, lysozyme and calcium in serum were performed. RESULTS: 15 patients (22 eyes = 32.4 %) had anterior uveitis: granulomatous keratouveitis (10 eyes), granulomas of the iris (6), granulomas of the trabecular meshwork (3) and 22 patients (42 eyes = 61.8 %) an intermediate and posterior uveitis: granulomatous perivasculitis (18 eyes), cystoid maculopathy (8), pars planitis (6), neuroretinitis (4), optic neuritis (3), choroiditis (3). Late complications in case of first presentation were found in 22 patients (39 eyes = 57.4 %): posterior synechiae 14 x, secondary glaucoma 10 x, cataracta complicata 8 x, optic atrophy 6 x, intraocular calcification 1 x. CONCLUSION: Compared to previous studies with heterogeneous ethnic composition, intraocular inflammations with confirmed sarcoidosis in German patients show more than 60 % involvement of the posterior segment. We may speculate on the reasons for these discrepancies as being due to ethnic reasons, age and long-term follow-up. In case of typical ocular signs of sarcoidosis, treatment should be started immediately even without histological confirmation. In some cases histological confirmation is successful 8 years after first presentation.     

Multifocal choroiditis in patients with familial juvenile systemic granulomatosis

PURPOSE: To document clinical features of uveitis in patients with familial juvenile systemic granulomatosis. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. METHODS: Ophthalmologic examination, medical history, and clinical course in 16 patients from eight families examined at six academic medical centers. RESULTS: Of the 16 patients, 15 had evidence of panuveitis with multifocal choroiditis. One patient had only an anterior uveitis. Ischemic optic neuropathy, presumably due to a small vessel vasculopathy, and retinal vasculopathy each occurred in one patient. Ocular complications were common, including cataracts in 11, glaucoma in six, band keratopathy in six, cystoid macular edema in six, and optic disk edema in six. All 16 patients had polyarthritis, and at least nine had skin rash. Often patients were misdiagnosed initially as having either juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or sarcoidosis. CONCLUSIONS: Familial juvenile systemic granulomatosis is an uncommon genetic disease characterized by polyarthritis and uveitis. Panuveitis and multifocal choroiditis often may be present. Patients with a diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis but having a family history of the disease and multifocal choroiditis should be suspected of having familial juvenile systemic granulomatosis.     

Presumed tubercular serpiginouslike choroiditis: clinical presentations and management

PURPOSE: Choroiditis, choroidal tubercles, and tuberculomas are well known ocular manifestations of systemic tuberculosis. The present series aimed to report the occurrence of serpiginouslike choroiditis of presumed tubercular origin. DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Eleven eyes in seven consecutive patients with a diagnosis of choroidal tuberculosis simulating serpiginous choroiditis were studied between 1997 and 2000. TESTING AND INTERVENTION: All patients had their fundus photographs taken at the time of initial presentation as well as during follow-up. All patients underwent a Mantoux skin test and chest radiography. In addition, five patients had their aqueous or vitreous humor subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Sputum examination, biopsy, or both were carried out whenever recommended by the pulmonologist. Systemic antituberculosis chemotherapy was instituted in combination with treatment for ocular inflammation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Therapeutic response and visual improvement. RESULTS: There were five men and two women ranging in age from 17 to 32 years. Clinical presentations included three morphologic variants; multifocal progressive choroiditis showing wavelike progression to confluent, diffuse lesions resembling serpiginous choroiditis (three eyes); diffuse choroiditis characterized by diffuse plaquelike choroiditis with an amoeboid pattern suggestive of serpiginous choroiditis at initial presentation (four eyes); and mixed variety where opposite eyes had mixed features (four eyes). All patients had strongly positive Mantoux skin test results and positive chest radiograph results. The PCR results from aqueous and vitreous humor in four samples was positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis; one had sputum positive for acid-fast bacilli, whereas two had histopathologic evidence of tuberculosis from cervical or parahilar lymph nodes. Treatment was associated with resolution of choroidal lesions and visual improvement. Final visual acuity of 20/30 or better was achieved in five eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Choroidal tuberculosis may present as multifocal progressive or diffuse choroiditis resembling serpiginous choroiditis. It is important to recognize these presentations because these eyes show good response to systemic antituberculosis chemotherapy.     

Treatment of subretinal neovessels in idiopathic recurrent multifocal choroiditis

We have conducted a retrospective study about 25 patients who have presented subretinal neovascularization and idiopathic recurrent multifocal choroiditis. Final visual acuity level (mean 20/30) was almost the same as the pre laser treatment visual acuity level (mean 20/25) for a follow up of 12 months. We have also studied the main clinical, angiographic and serologic features of these cases of multifocal choroiditis.     

Multifocal choroiditis and panuveitis: immunomodulatory therapy

PURPOSE: To report our analysis of the efficacy of immunomodulatory therapy on the course of 19 patients with multifocal choroiditis and panuveitis (MCP). DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Nineteen patients with multifocal choroiditis with panuveitis evaluated on the Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Service of the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary from 1978 to 2000. METHODS: Fifteen patients were treated with systemic immunomodulatory therapy; 4 patients (who refused therapy) were treated with systemic steroids. All patients were analyzed for control of inflammation, visual acuity outcome, and tolerance of immunomodulatory therapy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Control of inflammation and visual acuity. RESULTS: Nineteen patients with bilateral MCP with a mean follow-up of 72.7 months were studied. Fifteen were treated with immunomodulatory agents, whereas 4 patients received only systemic steroids; these 4 developed serious systemic steroid-related complications, and 12 others had cataract and/or glaucoma related to chronic topical, regional, or systemic steroid use before immunomodulatory therapy. Two patients who refused immunomodulatory therapy lost considerable vision in three of their four eyes. Of the 15 patients treated with immunomodulatory drugs, 7 patients lost considerable vision in one eye on steroid therapy but maintained good vision in the other eye once immunomodulatory therapy was instituted. No patient lost vision in any eye once he or she was treated with immunomodulatory treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Immunomodulatory therapy controls inflammation and preserves vision in patients with multifocal choroiditis and panuveitis.     

Successful treatment with adalimumab for severe multifocal choroiditis and panuveitis in presumed (early-onset) ocular sarcoidosis

Early-onset sarcoidosis (EOS) and Blau syndrome are rare auto-inflammatory diseases characterized by a triad of skin rash, granulomatous uveitis, and symmetrical polyarthritis occurring in early childhood. In this paper, we describe a case report very interesting for the multidisciplinary management (pediatric rheumatologist and ophthalmologist), the challenging diagnosis and the difficult choice of the best treatment. We describe a case report of an 8-year old with recurrent episodes of acute uveitis that developed bilateral granulomatous panuveitis initially treated with topical and systemic steroids. Genetic testing for NOD2/CARD15 revealed a heterozygous mutation on exon 4 in the NBD domain (P268S/SNP5). Therefore, an incomplete EOS was suspected. Because uveitis worsening with multifocal chorioretinitis aggravation, intravenous boluses of methylprednisolone were administered. During the steroids tapering, she flared again, and methotrexate was started along with corticosteroids pulse therapy. However, new ocular granuloma appeared, macular oedema with poor visual outcome occurred, and therefore, adalimumab was added to MTX and steroids. After 6 months since the new therapy started, she had a complete visual recovery, and she was able to stop steroid treatment. At 2 years of follow-up, she is still in remission on treatment, and her visual acuity is normal. No side effects were observed. In our patient, we found a heterozygous mutation on exon 4 in the NBD domain (P268S/SNP5) of NOD2/CARD15 gene and an incomplete EOS was hypothesized. The role of this variant is currently under study. Adalimumab use dramatically changed the course of eye disease, prompting to stop steroid treatment and preserving visual acuity.     

Presumed ocular sarcoidosis.

BACKGROUND: Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic granulomatous disease of unknown etiology. Ocular manifestations commonly occur in patients with sarcoidosis, with a granulomatous anterior uveitis as the most-prevalent ocular sign. Acute symptoms of uveitis, such as pain, photophobia, lacrimation, or redness, may be absent. Without early detection and timely treatment, this "silent uveitis" may cause permanent ocular damage. CASE REPORTS: Two patients came in for routine eye examinations, with no symptoms of anterior uveitis. The first, a 36-year-old man, had a bilateral granulomatous anterior uveitis. The uveitis was treated with topical corticosteroids, with no complications. The second case involved a 44-year-old woman with chronic, recurrent, bilateral, non-granulomatous anterior uveitis. Despite treatment with topical and oral corticosteroids. the patient had a prolonged course with recurrent episodes leading to secondary sequelae, including glaucoma and cataract. Both patients were co-managed with internal medicine, and in each case, systemic workups were consistent with sarcoidosis. CONCLUSION: Anterior uveitis often manifests as the initial presentation of sarcoidosis. Without acute symptoms, the detection and diagnosis may be delayed, leading to visual deterioration. The diagnosis of sarcoidosis may be difficult, owing to the lack of definitive diagnostic criteria and a variety of presentations. Histologic confirmation may not always be possible or practical. However, a range of serological and radiological tests, when combined with physical and ophthalmic evaluation, can lead to the presumed diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Aggressive treatment is imperative in order to prevent permanent structural damage to the eye resulting from this idiopathic inflammation.     

Pars plana vitrectomy for epiretinal membrane associated with sarcoidosis

PURPOSE: To examine retrospectively the visual outcomes in patients undergoing vitrectomy for epiretinal membranes secondary to sarcoid uveitis. METHODS: Eleven consecutive patients (11 eyes) with epiretinal membrane and uveitis associated with sarcoidosis underwent pars plana vitrectomy. RESULTS: Nine eyes (82%) gained two or more lines of Snellen visual acuity at 1-12 months after surgery. However, 4 of these 9 eyes lost two or more lines of Snellen visual acuity by the final visit. Overall, 5 eyes (45%) had attained at least two Snellen lines of visual acuity improvement, 5 eyes (45%) were unchanged, and 1 eye (10%) had worsened by two lines at the final visit. Nine eyes (81%) achieved visual acuity of 20/40 or better by the final visit. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy and fluorescein angiography showed that cystoid macular edema had resolved in 4 of 7 eyes postoperatively; vitritis improved in all cases. Postoperative complications included cataract formation, glaucoma, and membrane recurrence. Subsequent surgeries consisted of cataract extraction in 2 eyes and membrane peeling in 1 eye. CONCLUSIONS: Pars plana vitrectomy appears to have a beneficial effect on restoring vision in eyes with epiretinal membrane and uveitis associated with sarcoidosis, but final visual acuity was limited by the development of cataract and membrane recurrence.     

Risk factors for ocular complications and poor visual acuity at presentation among patients with uveitis associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

PURPOSE: To describe the frequencies of and risk factors for ocular complications and poor visual acuity at presentation in a cohort of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)-associated uveitis. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: setting: Single-center, academic practice. study population: Seventy-five patients with JIA-associated uveitis were evaluated between July 1984 and August 2005. observation procedures: Data on patients diagnosed with JIA-associated uveitis were entered retrospectively into a database and analyzed. outcome measures: Visual acuity of 20/50 or worse or 20/200 or worse, and presence of ocular complications (including cataract, posterior synechiae, band keratopathy, elevated intraocular pressure, hypotony, macular edema, and epiretinal membrane) at presentation. RESULTS: At presentation, ocular complications were seen in 67% of eyes affected by JIA-associated uveitis. Presence of > or =1+ anterior chamber flare, a positive antinuclear antibody (ANA), and a shorter duration between the diagnosis of arthritis and uveitis were significantly associated with the presence of ocular complication. The frequencies of 20/50 or worse and of 20/200 or worse visual acuities at presentation in affected eyes were 36% and 24%, respectively. The presence of > or =1+ anterior chamber flare and a history of intraocular surgery before presentation were significantly associated with 20/50 or worse and 20/200 or worse vision. Presence of posterior synechiae also was associated with 20/200 or worse vision at presentation. The main causes of poor vision at presentation for affected eyes and better-seeing eyes were cataract, band keratopathy within the visual axis, and glaucoma. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular complications and poor vision at presentation were common in our patients with JIA-related uveitis.     

Uveitis referral pattern in a Midwest University Eye Center

We determined the referral pattern and visual prognosis for patients with uveitis at a tertiary university eye center in the Midwestern U.S. over a five-year period. A retrospective chart review was conducted on 853 patients seen in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (DOVS) at Washington University and the Barnes Retina Institute (BRI) from 1990 to 1995. Recorded data on each patient included demographic information, anatomic diagnosis, etiologic diagnosis, pattern of uveitis, and best-corrected visual acuity (VA). Most patients originated from Missouri (65.3% [557/853]) and were Caucasian (88.4% [754/853]). There was an equal gender frequency (429 men, 424 women). The most frequent anatomic diagnosis was posterior uveitis (48.4% [414/853]), followed by anterior uveitis (22.3% [190/853]), panuveitis (18.4% [155/853]), and intermediate uveitis (10.9% [94/853]). An etiologic diagnosis was made in 69.3% (591/853) of the patients, with the most common diseases being cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinopathy, infectious endophthalmitis, pars planitis, multifocal choroiditis, and toxoplasmosis. The majority of uveitides presented with sudden onset (55.0% [469/853]) and lasted less than three months (51.9% [443/853]). A wide spectrum of uveitic disease is seen in a university eye center in the Midwest, including many cases with sudden-onset relatively short (<3 months) duration. The high frequency of posterior uveitis may be related to the appearance of newly recognized uveitic entities, such as multifocal choroiditis, birdshot retinochoroidopathy, and acute retinal necrosis.