PURPOSE: We present a case of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin for choroidal neovascularization (CNV) complicated by Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome. METHODS: A 46-year-old male who had bilateral subfoveal CNV complicated by Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome underwent 3 sessions of PDT with verteporfin in 1 year. RESULTS: After 3 sessions of PDT with verteporfin, maintenance of visual acuity was achieved without any complication as alteration of retinal pigment epithelium and aggravation of intraocular inflammation, but subfoveal fibrosis developed. CONCLUSIONS: PDT with verteporfin is a good treatment method without any complication for the CNV complicated by Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome, even though multiple sessions were needed.
Choroid* ; Choroidal Neovascularization* ; Fibrosis ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Photochemotherapy* ; Retinal Pigment Epithelium ; Uveomeningoencephalitic Syndrome* ; Visual Acuity

Purpose: To investigate the indications for scleral buckle removal and the risk factors for the recurrence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment after scleral buckle removal. Methods: In this retrospective study, the medical records of all patients who underwent scleral buckle removal for the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment were reviewed. Results: Forty eyes (40 patients) were included in this study. The indications for scleral buckle removal included exposure without infection in 23 eyes (57.5%), exposure with infection in seven eyes (17.5%), elevated intraocular pressure in six eyes (15.0%), strabismus or diplopia in three eyes (7.5%), and migration of buckle material in one eye (2.5%). After the removal of the scleral buckle, the recurrence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment was observed in four eyes (10.0%) during follow-up, and the retina was successfully reattached after pars plana vitrectomy in all the eyes. Most clinical and ocular factors of the eyes with and without the recurrence of retinal detachment during follow-up were not different, but the eyes that underwent encircling removal were more likely to have retinal detachment recurrence during follow-up than those that underwent segmental buckle removal (n = 4 / 16 [25.0%] vs. n = 0 / 24 [0.0%]; p = 0.020). Conclusions Scleral buckle removal can result in the recurrence of retinal detachment. The benefits and risks of scleral buckle removal should be carefully considered before surgery, and extensive monitoring during follow-up after scleral buckle removal is important, especially for patients who underwent encircling removal.

Purpose: To investigate the indications for scleral buckle removal and the risk factors for the recurrence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment after scleral buckle removal. Methods: In this retrospective study, the medical records of all patients who underwent scleral buckle removal for the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment were reviewed. Results: Forty eyes (40 patients) were included in this study. The indications for scleral buckle removal included exposure without infection in 23 eyes (57.5%), exposure with infection in seven eyes (17.5%), elevated intraocular pressure in six eyes (15.0%), strabismus or diplopia in three eyes (7.5%), and migration of buckle material in one eye (2.5%). After the removal of the scleral buckle, the recurrence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment was observed in four eyes (10.0%) during follow-up, and the retina was successfully reattached after pars plana vitrectomy in all the eyes. Most clinical and ocular factors of the eyes with and without the recurrence of retinal detachment during follow-up were not different, but the eyes that underwent encircling removal were more likely to have retinal detachment recurrence during follow-up than those that underwent segmental buckle removal (n = 4 / 16 [25.0%] vs. n = 0 / 24 [0.0%]; p = 0.020). Conclusions Scleral buckle removal can result in the recurrence of retinal detachment. The benefits and risks of scleral buckle removal should be carefully considered before surgery, and extensive monitoring during follow-up after scleral buckle removal is important, especially for patients who underwent encircling removal.

The biological interpretation of two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis experiments is a key step toward understanding the functions of biological systems. We here present a web-based integrated database, called 2DSpotDB, for the management of proteome data derived from several pathogens. The 2DSpotDB was established as a part of the management of a pathogen proteome project at the Korea National Institute of Health. The goals of the 2DSpotDB implementation are to store and define important pathogen genes, retrieve information obtained by 2D polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry, and create an integrated system to provide pathogen proteome information for biological scientists. This database currently contains 14 gels and information on 387 protein spots, among which 329 proteins were identified and annotated.
Acrylic Resins ; Data Mining ; Electrophoresis ; Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional ; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel ; Gels ; Korea ; Mass Spectrometry ; Proteins ; Proteome

OBJECTIVE: Incidence of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is gradually increasing in young adults for several reasons. In this study, we aimed to identify features of CSDH noted in young adults that distinguish the disease from CSDH diagnosed in the elderly. METHODS: One hundred eighty-two patients with CSDH who underwent a total of 218 surgical procedures between January 2003 and February 2010 were retrospectively reviewed with regard to clinical presentation, radiographic results and prognosis including recurrence. To compare younger patients with the elderly, patients were divided into three groups on the basis of age (Group A: < or =40, Group B: 41-64, Group C: > or =65 years). RESULTS: Group A showed a male predominance (p=0.0001), lower rate of recurrence (p=0.0012), shorter symptom duration (p=0.035), and fewer leading signs such as hemispheric symptoms (p=0.005) compared to Groups B and C. Radiologic findings such as maximal hematoma thickness (p<0.0001) and degree of midline shift (p=0.028) were less severe in Group A than Groups B and C. Alcoholism was the most prevalent illness in all three groups. When exempting infants with hematologic malignancy, non-recurrence, previous trauma history, headache as leading symptom, and no mortality were all common in younger adults (all p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Young adults with CSDH show less severe clinical and radiologic features as well as fewer recurrences than noted in the elderly population. Even if a clinician's index of suspicion of CSDH in young adults complaining of headache is not high, meticulous radiologic surveillance could find CSDH, leading to satisfactory results including less frequent recurrence.
Adult ; Aged ; Alcoholism ; Headache ; Hematologic Neoplasms ; Hematoma ; Hematoma, Subdural, Chronic ; Humans ; Incidence ; Infant ; Male ; Prognosis ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Young Adult

Vitelline veins are a pair of embryonic structures. The veins develop the portal vein system. Serious problems occur if the vitelline vein does not regress and becomes an aneurysm. Thrombus formation in the vitelline vein aneurysm could lead to portal vein thrombosis and portal hypertension unless promptly and correctly treated. Though vitelline vein aneurysm is an extremely rare anomaly, it rapidly progresses to portal vein thrombosis that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. We reported a case of neonatal vitelline vein aneurysm and thrombosis that was cured by prompt operation.
Aneurysm* ; Diagnosis ; Embryonic Structures ; Humans ; Hypertension, Portal ; Infant, Newborn ; Portal Vein ; Thrombosis* ; Veins* ; Venous Thrombosis ; Vitellins*