Detection of visual field progression in glaucoma with standard achromatic perimetry: A review and practical implications

Detection of visual field progression remains a challenging task despite the recent advances for better handling of longitudinal visual field data, some of which are incorporated in currently available perimeters. Standard achromatic perimetry remains the gold standard for detection of visual field progression. The authors present a practical and clinically relevant review of the main issues involved in detection of early glaucoma as well as detection of visual field progression in eyes with pre-existing glaucomatous damage. After discussing some basic concepts in perimetry, the authors present evidence-based recommendations for criteria to detect earliest evidence of glaucomatous damage with perimetry. The authors will review different event- and trend-based criteria and present data with regard to comparative performance of such criteria. Relevance of using absolute versus corrected threshold data with regard to different criteria is also addressed. At the end, the authors provide practical guidelines for detection of visual field progression in a clinical setting and review issues related to clinical trials.     

Primary transpupillary thermotherapy for small choroidal melanoma

Background  

The treatment of small choroidal melanoma is controversial. Thermal laser-induced treatment is utilized by some centers but there is still sparse literature about the subject, mainly with short-term follow-up time. The efficacy of transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) for the treatment of small choroidal melanomas was evaluated.     

Epidermal growth factor: the driving force in initiation of RPE cell proliferation

Background  

To analyze whether epidermal growth factor (EGF) exerts regulatory effects on proliferation and differentiation in ARPE19 cells after different incubation periods (24 vs. 48 h) for obtaining ideal conditions for feasible rejuvenation and autologous transplantation of retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE cells).     

Combined Therapy of Radiofrequency Ablation and Ethanol Injection of Rabbit Liver: An <Emphasis Type="Italic">In Vivo</Emphasis> Feasibility Study

Our purpose was to compare the effects of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) combined with percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) on the extent of ablation in in vivo rabbit liver tissue as compared with either therapy alone. Twenty-two New Zealand white rabbits were included in this study and allocated into three groups: group A: conventional RFA (n = 6); group B: PEI (n = 6); group C: combined RFA and PEI (n = 10). For combined RFA and PEI, under ultrasound guidance, 1 mL of absolute ethanol was injected into the target area of the liver parenchyma through a 21-gauge Chiba needle before performing RFA. RFA was performed using a 17- gauge internally cooled electrode with 1-cm active tip, and RF energy (30 W) was applied for 3 minutes, with or without ethanol injection. After RFA or PEI, contrast-enhanced computed tomography and CT-pathologic correlation were performed. The short- axis and long-axis diameters of thermal lesions of each group were compared. All procedures were technically successful and a total of 38 lesions were produced. The mean short-axis and long-axis diameter of the coagulation necrosis in rabbits of group C (combination of RFA and PEI), were significantly larger than those of other groups: group A: 10.3 ± 2 mm and 11.4 ± 2 mm; group B: 3.1 ± 1 mm and 4.3 ± 2 mm; group C: 12.8 ± 3 mm and 17.8 ± 6 mm (p < 0.05). On contrast-enhanced CT scan, the lesions of rabbits of the group C appeared to be more frequently irregular compared to those of group A (20% in group A vs. 67% in group C). There were three complications including two localized hematomas and one cardiopulmonary failure. Combined RFA and PEI could increase the dimension of coagulation necrosis without increasing complications and therefore, may be successfully used for treating larger lesions.     

Acoustic radiation force impulse elastography of the liver: can fat deposition in the liver affect the measurement of liver stiffness?

Purpose  

The aim of this study was to compare acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) results between livers with and without fat deposition.