Purpose: We compared short-term clinical outcomes after cataract surgery with implantation of a novel refractive extended depth-of-focus TECNIS PureSee intraocular lens (IOL) between patients with stage 1 epiretinal membrane (ERM)—characterized by a thin membrane over the macula with preserved foveal depression―and those with a normal retina. Methods: This retrospective study included 60 eyes of 60 patients who underwent cataract surgery with implantation of the TECNIS PureSee IOL between January 2024 and January 2025: 30 eyes with stage 1 ERM and 30 eyes with a normal retina. Preoperative characteristics, including age, sex distribution, cataract severity, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and higher-order aberrations, were compared between groups, as were IOL power and target refraction. Postoperative outcomes at 1 month―including CDVA, uncorrected distance, intermediate, and near visual acuity, ocular aberrations, and contrast sensitivity―were evaluated. Results: There were no significant differences in preoperative characteristics, such as age, sex distribution, cataract grade, CDVA, higher-order aberrations, IOL power, or target refraction between the two groups. At 1 month postoperatively, CDVA, uncorrected distance, intermediate, and near visual acuity, higher-order aberrations, and contrast sensitivity exhibited no significant differences between groups. Conclusions In this short-term analysis, the PureSee IOL demonstrated comparable efficacy and safety in cataract patients with stage 1 ERM to those with a normal retina.

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a neutrophilic dermatosis characterized by non-infectious ulceration of the skin. It is associated with various systemic diseases, including Takayasu arteritis (TA), rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Notably, the co-occurrence of PG and TA is more frequent among Asians. Here, we present a rare case of TA associated with PG. A 42-year-old woman presented with recurrent ulcers affecting her legs, trunk, arms, and face, which had been refractory to various treatments for 7 years. Recently, the patient had experienced weakness in her left leg, dizziness, and a fever that had persisted for more than a month. Computed tomography angiography revealed thickening and irregularities in the common carotid arteries, right subclavian artery, and aortic arch. TA was diagnosed, following which treatment was initiated with systemic corticosteroids. It is important to consider TA in patients with PG, particularly in young women.

Kaposi’s varicelliform eruption (KVE) is a rare viral infection primarily caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). This condition frequently presents concomitantly with underlying chronic skin disorders, particularly atopic dermatitis (AD). This report describes a rare case of sepsis resulting from KVE in a patient with AD. A 30-year-old male patient with a history of AD presented with painful skin lesions characterized by papulovesicular eruptions, crusts, erythema, and erosions, initially localized to the neck and spreading throughout his body, accompanied by a high fever. Laboratory findings confirmed HSV infection and sepsis. Thus, a diagnosis of KVE compounded by sepsis was established. Systemic acyclovir and antibiotics led to complete recovery within 3 weeks, with resolution of fever and skin manifestations, and general health improvement. Timely recognition and management of KVE are crucial for prevention of adverse outcomes. Both physicians and patients with AD should be made aware of the predisposing factors and risks associated with KVE.

Congenital smooth muscle hamartoma is a benign proliferation of smooth muscles within the dermis. The classic form presents as well-defined, skin-colored, or hyperpigmented plaques associated with hypertrichosis. However, there have been reports of atypical forms, including a follicular spotted appearance, linear atrophic plaques, and morphea-like forms. In such cases, distinguishing congenital smooth muscle hamartomas from other cutaneous diseases can be challenging. Herein, we report on a 16-month-old boy who presented with a hypopigmented patch and hypertrichosis on his back since birth. Histopathological examination revealed mild acanthosis and well-defined smooth muscle bundles haphazardly oriented in the dermis. These bundles stained positively with Masson’s trichrome stain. Based on these findings, a definitive diagnosis of congenital smooth muscle hamartoma was established. In conclusion, an exceptionally rare case of congenital smooth muscle hamartoma with a hypopigmented appearance is reported.