Biomedical subjects

Arie Marcovich

Publications and source records attributed to Arie Marcovich.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Outcome of posterior capsulotomy in late capsular block syndrome with posterior capsular opacification.

BACKGROUND: To examine the results of neodymium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser posterior capsulotomy in eyes with late or previously unrecognized capsular block syndrome (CBS) presenting with deterioration of vision owing to posterior capsular opacification (PCO). METHODS: Patients, who underwent uneventful phacoemulsification with intraocular implantation and were referred for Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy owing to PCO, were prospectively examined for the presence of CBS. When indicated, Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy was carried out. Prospective follow-up examinations were performed for the next 6 months. The outcome measures were post-laser change in best corrected visual acuity, refraction, change in intraocular pressure, inflammation and complication rate. RESULTS: Of 655 patients referred for capsulotomy, eight had an associated CBS in that eye. These eight eyes comprised the study cases. The presence of CBS had not been recognized before the development of PCO. Best corrected visual acuity improved in all cases. In seven out of eight (87.5%) eyes refraction was unchanged throughout the follow up. Ocular hypertension, inflammation or other complications did not develop. CONCLUSION: Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy in eyes with PCO and late or previously unrecognized CBS is a safe procedure, resulting in improved visual acuity without refractive change.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

[Evaluation of efficacy, safety and stability of lasik-zyoptix as compared to lasik-planoscan in myopia patients with or without astigmatism].

AIM: To compare the efficacy, safety and stability of laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) Zyoptix and PlanoScan (PS) systems for the surgical correction of myopia with and without astigmatism. METHODS: In this retrospective study we analyzed the results of 198 eyes of 99 patients (randomly chosen) who underwent LASIK Zyoptix treatment and 198 eyes of 99 patients (randomly chosen) who underwent LASIK PlanoScan standard ablation treatment. Patients were followed for a period of 12 months after treatment. All surgeries were performed with the Bausch & Lomb Technolas 217z. Data on uncorrected (UCVA) and best spectacle-corrected (BSCVA) visual acuity, efficacy, predictability, stability and safety were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean preoperative spherical error in the Zyoptix group was -7.16 D (range= 0 to -16.50, SD = 3.21) and in the PS group -5.31 D (range= 0 to -16.50, SD=3.13). Mean preoperative cylinder was -1.30 D (range= -0.25 to 5.00, SD=0.99) and -1.17 D (range= -1 to -4.00, SD=0.85) respectively. Mean spherical deviation from expected at 1 year in the Zyoptix group was -0.13 D (range= -1.75 to 2, SD=0.73) and in the PS group -0.16 D (range= -4.50 to 2, SD = 0.75). Mean cylinder at 1 year was -0.69 D (range= -0.50 to 0.75, SD= -0.13) and -0.69 D (range = 0 to -2.25, SD = 0.46) respectively. At 1 year, the UCVA in the Zyoptix group was 6/12 or better, 6/7.5 or better and 6/6 or better in 87%, 60% and 27% respectively, and in the PS group 92%, 64% and 39% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Both treatments can safely and effectively treat myopia and astigmatism with stable results up to one year. Zyoptix was found to show better outcomes in terms of safety and efficacy.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

[Increase in posterior segment depth in eyes with corneal opacities].

AIM: Studies in animals and in humans demonstrate an increase in axial length and induced myopia in eyes with early onset corneal scars. The purpose of this study was to compare the total ocular axial length and the length of the anterior and the posterior segments, in eyes with unilateral central corneal opacification with the unaffected fellow eyes. Elongation of the eye and progressive myopia, may lead to both anisometropia and amblyopia. METHODS: In six patients with unilateral corneal opacification that developed at an early age, complete eye examinations with refraction were performed. Ocular axial measurements were determined by A-mode ultrasound. RESULTS: The mean ocular length was greater in eyes with central corneal opacities compared with the fellow eyes (27.53 vs. 23.38 mm; p < 0.003), due to elongation of the posterior segment (19.75 mm vs. 15.87 mm; p<0.008). No significant change was found in the length of the anterior segments. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed an ipsilateral increase in the posterior segment length in patients with unilateral corneal opacification which had occurred in childhood. The cause is unknown but may be due to altered visual input. Progressive myopia in corneal leukoma is a factor to be taken into account in the follow-up and treatment of patients with central corneal opacities that occurred in childhood.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Results of combined phacoemulsification and trabeculectomy with mitomycin C in pseudoexfoliation versus non-pseudoexfoliation glaucoma.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to evaluate the rate of intraoperative and postoperative complications and the outcome of combined phacoemulsification (phaco) with posterior chamber (PC) intraocular lens (IOL) and trabeculectomy in patients with pseudoexfoliation (PXF) versus non-pseudoexfoliation (non-PXF) glaucoma. METHODS: One hundred and four eyes of 88 patients with combined phaco, PC IOL and trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (MMC) were included in the study. MMC 0.02% was applied for 1 min in all cases. Main outcome measures were rate of intraoperative and postoperative complications, intraocular pressure (IOP) and visual acuity (VA). Success rates were determined via Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Surgical success for both groups was defined as IOP being less than 21 mmHg with no treatment or less than 16 with one topical pressure-reducing agent allowed. RESULTS: The PXF group included 55 (52.9%) eyes and the non-PXF group 49 (47.1%) eyes. Transition to extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) occurred in 12.7% of the PXF group, and in 6.1% of the non-PXF group (P=0.16). The occurrence of vitreous loss did not differ significantly between the groups. Patients of both groups had a significant IOP reduction after surgery (P=0.0001). At the end of postoperative follow-up, the success rate approached 83.6% in the PXF group and 83.7% in the non-PXF group. The most common postoperative complications were hyphema (14.5%) in the PXF group and fibrin (14.3%) in the non-PXF group. CONCLUSIONS: Although transition to ECCE was more frequent in the PXF than in the non-PXF group, there was no significant difference in the rate of complications between PXF and non-PXF eyes.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

Multiple branch retinal arteriolar occlusions associated with smallpox vaccination.

We describe a rare combination of multiple multiple branch retinal arteriolar occlusions (BRAO) and encephalopathy, which developed in an adult male 10 days after smallpox vaccination. A 53-year-old physician presented with sudden temporal visual field loss in the left eye. Ten days earlier he had received a smallpox vaccination. Hyperbaric oxygen was administered because of suspected BRAO. Examination on day 3 revealed a decrease in visual acuity and loss of visual field. Fundoscopy of the left eye disclosed a retinal infarct in the inferior macula and multiple cotton wool spots over the entire posterior pole. Fluorescein angiography showed delayed arterial filling and multiple non-perfused areas. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain disclosed white matter focal lesions. Neurological examination was normal. Audiological examination revealed mild hearing loss caused by an old phonic trauma. A combination of intravenous methylprednisolone and immunoglobulins, recommended for the treatment of Susac syndrome, was administered. At the follow-up visit 3 months later, visual acuity in the left eye improved, fundoscopy showed resolution of the cotton wool spots and temporal disc pallor, and the visual field was substantially restored.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents↗

PubMed2005

Penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus: long-term results.

PURPOSE: To study central corneal endothelial cell density and morphology and corneal topography in transplanted corneas for keratoconus 10 to 17 years postoperatively. METHODS: Retrospective, noncomparative case series including all keratoconus patients who underwent penetrating keratoplasty by one surgeon, at the same center, between January 1986 and December 1994. Seventeen patients (22 eyes) met the criteria. Four patients (5 eyes) with unchanged visual acuity during the follow-up period did not agree to return for the last follow-up examination, 1 patient (1 eye) had graft failure, and 3 patients (4 eyes) were lost to follow-up. We reviewed the charts of 9 patients (12 eyes), and collected data including manifest refraction, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), endothelial cell density, cell morphology, and corneal topography. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period for all eyes evaluated was 13.3 +/- 2.4 years (range 10-17 years). At the last follow-up, 91.7% of eyes achieved BCVA of 20/40 or better, and mean endothelial cell density was 695 +/- 113.6 cells/mm(2). Pleomorphism was detected in 5 eyes. Keratoconus pattern, by corneal topography, was not detected in any eye at the final examination. CONCLUSION: Endothelial cell count 10-17 years post-PKP for keratoconus is very low with pleomorphism and viable grafts, indicating continued endothelial instability.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Eyelid bleeding and atypical amyloidosis.

PURPOSE: To describe a case of atypical systemic amyloidosis in a patient who presented with recurrent subcutaneous bleeding of the eyelids and auricles. DESIGN: Observational case report. METHODS: A 52-year-old man with chronic cardiac failure, hypertension, weight loss, and impotence presented with recurrent bleeding of the eyelids and auricles, and was investigated for suspected amyloidosis. RESULTS: Biopsy specimens taken from the bone marrow, salivary gland, abdominal subcutaneous fat, and gastric mucosa, and eyelids were all negative for Congo red. Results of a conjunctival biopsy, which were returned after the patient's death, and cardiac muscle autopsy were positive for Congo red staining, indicating amyloidosis. CONCLUSION: The findings in this case show that the presentation of amyloidosis may be atypical. Ophthalmologists should consider a diagnosis of amyloidosis in patients with periorbital bleeding, even if biopsies are negative for Congo red. A conjunctival biopsy may be useful in establishing a diagnosis of primary systemic amyloidosis.

Amyloidosis↗

PubMed2003

Self-inflicted (factitious) conjunctivitis.

PURPOSE: To describe the diagnosis and management of self-inflicted factitious conjunctivitis in conscripted soldiers. DESIGN: Prospective, noncomparative, consecutive case series. PARTICIPANTS: Seventeen conscripted soldiers. METHODS: Soldiers with chronic conjunctivitis (>3 weeks) were referred by ophthalmologists, and cases of shorter duration were referred by primary-care physicians. All cases underwent thorough ophthalmic and systemic history and examination, as well as questioning regarding their military units, military duties, and social background. Exclusion criteria were any condition that may cause conjunctivitis. Inferior fornix specimen microscopy and culture and eye photography were performed in most cases. In cases suspected of self-inflicted conjunctivitis all medication, besides lubricant drops, was stopped. Underlying psychosocial problems were investigated and managed. Cases were followed for at least 3 months after resolution of the conjunctivitis, at which point the diagnosis was confirmed, and the case entered the analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Resolution of the conjunctivitis. RESULTS: Seventeen consecutive cases of self-inflicted conjunctivitis, 8 of long duration and 9 of short duration, were studied. All cases demonstrated inconsistent clinical findings. The ocular signs most suggestive of self-inflicted conjunctivitis were purulent discharge purposely left on the lashes and periorbital skin, discharge more severe than in conjunctival hyperemia, less conjunctival chemosis than in hyperemia, mainly inferior conjunctival involvement, and an uninvolved cornea. Five of the 8 chronic cases had significant underlying psychologic or social problems. Their conjunctivitis resolved only after their underlying problems were addressed. Two cases admitted introducing freshly scraped dental plaque into the lower conjunctival sac. In the remaining 15 the similarity of the clinical findings suggested that a similar method was used. CONCLUSIONS: In the context of a subject standing to gain by assuming the sick role and after exclusion of ocular pathology, self-inflicted conjunctivitis can be reliably diagnosed by noting the characteristic clinical profile. Effective management includes addressing the underlying psychologic and social problems.

Adolescent↗