Purpose: To analyze the choroidal vascularity index (CVI) in an eye with retinal detachment and the fellow eye of a patient with monocular primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed optical coherence tomography data of both eyes at the first visit of patients who underwent surgery for monocular RRD from January 2017 to January 2018. The subfoveal CVIs of the RD eye, the fellow eye, and the postoperative 3-months RD eye were analyzed using Image J software by two independent ophthalmologists. Results: Forty-five subjects were included. Of the 45 RD eyes, 25 eyes (55.6%) showed macula invasion. The subfoveal CVI was statistically lower in the RD eye compared with the fellow eye (65.61 ± 3.37 vs. 67.28 ± 3.44, respectively; p = 0.024). In the macula-on RD group, the preoperative subfoveal CVI was statistically higher than the subfoveal CVI of postoperative 3 months (67.62 ± 2.35 vs. 65.84 ± 3.04, respectively; p = 0.009). However, the preoperative subfoveal CVI was statistically lower than the subfoveal CVI of postoperative 3 months in the macula-off RD group (64.01 ± 3.21 vs. 66.69 ± 2.64, respectively; p < 0.001). Conclusions In primary RRD eyes, the subfoveal CVI was lower in the RD eye compared to the fellow eye. In macula-off RD eyes, the subfoveal CVI was lower in preoperative RD eyes compared to postoperative RD eyes. The subfoveal CVI was higher in the preoperative RD eyes compared to postoperative RD eyes in macula-on RD eyes. Further studies are needed to investigate the effects of RD on changes in the lumina and stoma in the choroid.

Purpose: To analyze the choroidal vascularity index (CVI) in an eye with retinal detachment and the fellow eye of a patient with monocular primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed optical coherence tomography data of both eyes at the first visit of patients who underwent surgery for monocular RRD from January 2017 to January 2018. The subfoveal CVIs of the RD eye, the fellow eye, and the postoperative 3-months RD eye were analyzed using Image J software by two independent ophthalmologists. Results: Forty-five subjects were included. Of the 45 RD eyes, 25 eyes (55.6%) showed macula invasion. The subfoveal CVI was statistically lower in the RD eye compared with the fellow eye (65.61 ± 3.37 vs. 67.28 ± 3.44, respectively; p = 0.024). In the macula-on RD group, the preoperative subfoveal CVI was statistically higher than the subfoveal CVI of postoperative 3 months (67.62 ± 2.35 vs. 65.84 ± 3.04, respectively; p = 0.009). However, the preoperative subfoveal CVI was statistically lower than the subfoveal CVI of postoperative 3 months in the macula-off RD group (64.01 ± 3.21 vs. 66.69 ± 2.64, respectively; p < 0.001). Conclusions In primary RRD eyes, the subfoveal CVI was lower in the RD eye compared to the fellow eye. In macula-off RD eyes, the subfoveal CVI was lower in preoperative RD eyes compared to postoperative RD eyes. The subfoveal CVI was higher in the preoperative RD eyes compared to postoperative RD eyes in macula-on RD eyes. Further studies are needed to investigate the effects of RD on changes in the lumina and stoma in the choroid.

Purpose: To describe a case of ocular sarcoidosis manifesting as an atypical subretinal mass.Case summary: A 59-year-old woman reported reduced visual acuity in her left eye lasting for 1 month. Her best corrected visual acuity in the left eye had diminished to 0.3. A fundus examination revealed a whitish elevated lesion, approximately one disc diameter in size, in the perimacular area of the left eye. Optical coherence tomography identified a hyporeflective oval-shaped mass in the choriocapillaris region accompanied by subretinal fluid. Initial assessment suggested choroidal osteoma with choroidal neovascularization. Consequently, the patient underwent two intravitreal bevacizumab injections, which did not lead to improvement. To rule out systemic diseases, including syphilis, tuberculosis, and sarcoidosis, further radiologic and laboratory tests were conducted. A chest computed tomography highlighted mediastinal lymph node enlargement and pervasive nodules in both lung parenchymata, and serum angiotensin-converting enzyme levels were elevated to 77 U/L. Based on these findings, a diagnosis of sarcoidosis was confirmed, and the patient commenced treatment with oral prednisolone. Eight weeks after treatment, the subretinal lesion and fluid had resolved, and the best corrected visual acuity in the patient’s left eye had improved to 0.9. Conclusions Ocular sarcoidosis can manifest as a subretinal mass. This presentation should be differentiated from other subretinal lesions.

Purpose: We analyzed the choroidal thickness in the subfoveal area and area of retinal detachment (RD) in monocular primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) patients and compared the RD eye with the fellow eye. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed, optical coherence tomography data of both eyes at the first visit in patients who underwent surgery for monocular RRD from January 2013 to December 2016. Choroidal thickness was examined manually in the subfoveal and RD areas by two independent ophthalmologists; subjects without data from at least one of the two investigators were excluded. Results: Ninety-five subjects were included in this study. Of the 95 RD eyes, 61 (64.2%) and 44 (46.3%) eyes showed macula and fovea invasion, respectively. The subfoveal choroidal thickness was statistically significant in the RD eye compared with the fellow eye (244.7 ± 79.0 µm vs. 220.1 ± 78.9 µm; p < 0.001). Moreover, the choroidal thickness of the RD area in the RD eye was thicker compared with the non-detachment area and corresponding area in the fellow eye (273.8 ± 53.4 µm vs. 215.2 ± 44.0 µm and 233.3 ± 56.7 µm, respectively; p < 0.001). Conclusions In the primary RRD eye, the choroidal thickness in the detachment area was thicker than that of the fellow eye. Further studies are needed to investigate the mechanism of choroidal thickness change and its impact on RD.

Purpose: We analyzed the choroidal thickness in the subfoveal area and area of retinal detachment (RD) in monocular primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) patients and compared the RD eye with the fellow eye. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed, optical coherence tomography data of both eyes at the first visit in patients who underwent surgery for monocular RRD from January 2013 to December 2016. Choroidal thickness was examined manually in the subfoveal and RD areas by two independent ophthalmologists; subjects without data from at least one of the two investigators were excluded. Results: Ninety-five subjects were included in this study. Of the 95 RD eyes, 61 (64.2%) and 44 (46.3%) eyes showed macula and fovea invasion, respectively. The subfoveal choroidal thickness was statistically significant in the RD eye compared with the fellow eye (244.7 ± 79.0 µm vs. 220.1 ± 78.9 µm; p < 0.001). Moreover, the choroidal thickness of the RD area in the RD eye was thicker compared with the non-detachment area and corresponding area in the fellow eye (273.8 ± 53.4 µm vs. 215.2 ± 44.0 µm and 233.3 ± 56.7 µm, respectively; p < 0.001). Conclusions In the primary RRD eye, the choroidal thickness in the detachment area was thicker than that of the fellow eye. Further studies are needed to investigate the mechanism of choroidal thickness change and its impact on RD.

Chios gum mastic (CGM) is produced from Pistiacia lentiscus L var chia, which grows only on Chios Island in Greece. CGM is a kind of resin extracted from the stem and leaves, has been used for many centuries in many Mediterranean countries as a dietary supplement and folk medicine for stomach and duodenal ulcers. CGM is known to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in some cancer cells. This study was undertaken to investigate the alteration of the cell cycle and induction of apoptosis following CGM treatment of HL-60 cells. The viability of the HL-60 cells was assessed using the MTT assay. Hoechst staining and DNA electrophoresis were employed to detect HL-60 cells undergoing apoptosis. Western blotting, immunocytochemistry, confocal microscopy, FACScan flow cytometry, MMP activity and proteasome activity analyses were also employed. CGM treatment of HL-60 cells was found to result in a dose- and time-dependent decrease in cell viability and apoptotic cell death. Tested HL-60 cells showed a variety of apoptotic manifestations and induced the downregulation of G1 cell cycle-related proteins. Taken collectively, our present findings demonstrate that CGM strongly induces G1 cell cycle arrest via the modulation of cell cycle-related proteins, and also apoptosis via proteasome, mitochondrial and caspase cascades in HL-60 cells. Hence, we provide evidence that a natural product, CGM could be considered as a novel therapeutic for human leukemia.
Apoptosis ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Cycle ; Cell Cycle Checkpoints ; Cell Death ; Cell Survival ; Dietary Supplements ; DNA ; Down-Regulation ; Duodenal Ulcer ; Electrophoresis ; Flow Cytometry ; G1 Phase Cell Cycle Checkpoints ; Gingiva ; Greece ; HL-60 Cells ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Leukemia ; Medicine, Traditional ; Microscopy, Confocal ; Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex ; Proteins ; Resins, Plant ; Stomach

PURPOSE: To report a case of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease in a pregnant patient treated with intravitreal triamcinolone injection. CASE SUMMARY: A 21-year-old female in the 19th week of gestation presented with bilateral blurring of vision associated with mild headache and tinnitus. Her initial best corrected visual acuity was 0.15 in the right eye and 0.3 in the left eye. Multiple serous retinal detachment and anterior chamber inflammation were observed, and VKH disease was diagnosed. Because of her pregnancy, the patient did not want high-dose systemic prednisolone therapy which may cause an abortion or low birth weight infant when used in a pregnant patient. Therefore, an intravitreal triamcinolone (4 mg/0.1 ml) injection was given in the right eye and topical steroid eye drops were used in the left eye. After 1 day, serous retinal detachment was significantly decreased and anterior chamber inflammation disappeared in the right eye. After 1 week, no serous retinal detachment was observed. In the left eye, serous retinal detachment was decreased after using steroid eye drops. After 10 days, serous retinal detachment disappeared but anterior chamber inflammation was still observed. After 1 month, best corrected visual acuity was 1.0 in both eyes and serous retinal detachment had not recurred. On follow-up, VKH disease had not recurred and a healthy normal weight infant was delivered. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal triamcinolone injection is an effective and safe treatment for VKH disease in pregnant women.
Anterior Chamber ; Eye ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Headache ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Low Birth Weight ; Infant, Newborn ; Inflammation ; Ophthalmic Solutions ; Prednisolone ; Pregnancy ; Pregnant Women ; Retinal Detachment ; Tinnitus ; Triamcinolone* ; Uveomeningoencephalitic Syndrome* ; Vision, Ocular ; Visual Acuity ; Young Adult

BACKGROUND: Analyzing the medical care utilization behavior and conception of disease treatment of dermatologic patients is important. However, the Korean literature has few studies reporting this information. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate medical care utilization behavior and conception of disease treatment of dermatologic patients. METHODS: A written questionnaire concerning personal information, treatment behavior, treatment conception, patient satisfaction, and patient compliance was completed by 442 outpatients who visited the department of dermatology at a university hospital. RESULTS: According to the patients, satisfactory outpatient consultation time for dermatology was 14.2 minutes for the first-visit consultation, and 9.92 minutes for the second-visit consultation. Most (76.0%) patients initially sought the dermatologic clinics for dermatoses, but only 39.8% of patients knew how to distinguish dermatologists from other doctors. Among the participants, 26.7% of patients directly visited a tertiary medical center without visiting primary clinics. Before visiting the hospital, 52.3% of patients sought disease information, and 28.3% of patients obtained information about doctors. Some respondents (39.7%) had a negative attitude about dermatologic medicine because of lay referral. Men were highly satisfied with explanations of drugs and had more positivity towards drugs, but showed low compliance to applying topical medication. Patients of older age, lower education level, and lower economic status had lower satisfaction with explanations given during the examination. CONCLUSION: We advise dermatologists to play a major role in enlightening patients and constructing proper information delivery systems via diversified routes to prevent unreasonable medical care utilization behavior and groundless negative conceptions about dermatologic treatment.
Compliance ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Dermatology ; Education ; Fertilization ; Humans ; Male ; Outpatients* ; Patient Compliance ; Patient Satisfaction ; Referral and Consultation ; Skin Diseases* ; Skin*

Purpose: We used a noninvasive ocular surface analyzer to explore changes in the ocular surface parameters of patients who underwent 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Methods: The medical records of 82 patients (163 eyes) who underwent PPV were retrospectively reviewed. The non-invasive tear film break-up time (NIBUT), the lipid layer thickness, meibomian gland loss status, and the tear meniscus height were measured before, and 1 and 3 months after treatment. Consecutive changes in the ocular surface indices of operative and non-operative fellow eyes were statistically compared. Also, factors that reduced the NIBUT at 1 month after surgery were analyzed. Results: One month after surgery, the NIBUT was significantly decreased in the operative group compared to before surgery (p = 0.006). Compared to non-operative eyes, the NIBUT of operative eyes decreased significantly 1 month after surgery (p = 0.003). Older age and lower preoperative NIBUT (p = 0.029, p = 0.002) were significantly associated with lower NIBUT 1 month after surgery. Conclusions Twenty-five gauge PPV significantly reduces the NIBUT 1 month after surgery.

PURPOSE: In recent, years, an increase of syphilis infections has become an issue in Korea as well as globally. Herein, we report a recent clinical manifestation of syphilitic uveitis in a Korean population. METHODS: Over a 5-year period (2007-2012), we collected and analyzed the medical records of 16 patients with syphilitic uveitis in three tertiary eye clinics in Pusan. Sixteen patients were confirmed to have syphilis based on serological tests. Retrospective chart review was performed to determine the best corrected visual acuity, anterior and posterior segments, and treatment regimen, as well as ancillary test results including fluorescein angiogram (FAG). RESULTS: Of the 16 patients, 12 were males and four were females. The mean age of the patients was 51.16 years. Non-granulomatous anterior uveitis was observed in nine eyes (47.4%). Vitritis was the most frequently observed posterior segment finding (16 eyes, 84.2%). Retinal vasculitis and chorioretinitis were found in 11 (57.9%) and five eyes (26.3%), respectively. All patients had negative results in the serum HIV antibody test. Of the 16 patients, 15 were treated with penicillin or ceftriaxone due to neurosyphilis. Mean visual acuity improved from 1.33 +/- 1.1 to 0.58 +/- 0.68 after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical manifestation of syphilitic uveitis in Korean patients is different from occurrences in Western countries. Ophthalmological findings of syphilitic uveitis are diverse; thus, serological testing for syphilis is recommended for all uveitis patients. Further research regarding long-term treatment, relapse of syphilitic uveitis, and complications is necessary.
Busan ; Ceftriaxone ; Chorioretinitis ; Female ; Fluorescein ; HIV ; Humans ; Korea ; Male ; Medical Records ; Neurosyphilis ; Penicillins ; Recurrence ; Retinal Vasculitis ; Retrospective Studies ; Serologic Tests ; Syphilis ; Uveitis* ; Uveitis, Anterior ; Visual Acuity