Biomedical subjects

C Valmaggia

Publications and source records attributed to C Valmaggia.

22 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1997

Low dose radiation for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration. A pilot study: radiotherapy for age-related macular degeneration.

The aim of our pilot study was to test the effect of low dose radiation on classic and occult subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The posterior pole of the afflicted eye of 12 patients was irradiated with 5 Gray (Gy), and that of 34 patients with 8 Gy. The radiotherapy was done by a linear accelerator (6 MV X-rays) during 4 consecutive days with daily doses of 1.25 Gy and 2 Gy respectively. At the time of treatment, and 6 weeks, 6 months and 1 year after, a simultaneous fluorescein and ICG angiography of both eyes were carried out, and the distance visual acuity was measured. In none of the cases were we able to note a reduction in the subfoveal membrane's size. With regards to the visual acuity, the evolution was slightly better than the spontaneous courses described in existing literature. Further prospective randomized studies with higher dose radiation are necessary in order to determine the significance of radiotherapy in the treatment of this pathology.

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PubMed1996

Elevation deficit caused by accessory extraocular muscle.

PURPOSE: To report an elevation deficit, which was caused by an accessory extraocular muscle, in a 6-year-old boy. METHODS: Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were used to confirm an accessory, fusiform, well-defined, solid structure in the retrobulbar space. RESULTS: A supernumerary intraconal muscle was detected between the annulus of Zinn and the posterior part of the left globe. CONCLUSION: This rare anomaly may represent an atavistic retractor bulbi muscle.

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PubMed1996

[Low dosage radiotherapy of subfoveal neovascularizations in age related macular degeneration. Results after 6 weeks and 6 months].

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this pilot study is to test the effect of low dose radiation on classic and occult subfoveal neovascular membranes (SNVM) in age-related macular degeneration. METHODS AND PATIENTS: From November 1993 through to May 1995 the macula of the affected eye was irradiated with 5 Gy for 12 patients and with 8 Gy for 34 patients. The radiotherapy was done ambulatorily by a linear accelerator 6 MeV during 4 consecutive days with daily 1.25 Gy and 2 Gy respectively. A "half beam technic" was used to protect the lens. Before the treatment, 6 weeks and 6 months later different parameters of the visual acuity were measured and a simultaneous Fluo- and ICG-angiography was done. RESULTS: In the 5 Gy group, all the planned controls were done for 11 patients. 9 membranes were classic and 2 occult. After 6 months the vision in the distance remained the same in 7 cases, was better in 2 cases and worse in 2 cases. The size of the membrane increased in 10 cases and remained unchanged in 1 case. In the 8 Gy group, all the planned controls were done for 29 patients. 12 membranes were classic and 17 occult. The vision in the distance remained the same in 17 cases, was better in 4 cases and worse in 8 cases. The size of the membrane increased in 12 cases and there was no change in 17 cases. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Exact comparisons between the 5 Gy and 8 Gy group are not possible because of the different composition of these groups. In no case were we able to note a reduction of the size of the membrane. Concerning the visual acuity, our results are better than the spontaneous evolutions described in the literature. Meanwhile, affirmations about possible stabilisation of the visual acuity are too early. A further study which is being done in our hospital may possibly bring new information.

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PubMed1995

[Low dosage radiotherapy of subfoveal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration. Preliminary results].

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study is to test the effect of low dose radiation on the subfoveal neovascular membranes (SNVM) and to analyse visual acuity in age-related macular degeneration. METHODS AND PATIENTS: From November 1993 through to August 1994, 10 patients, on the one hand, were given a dose of 5 Gy followed by controls 6 weeks and 6 months later. On the other hand, 21 patients were treated with a dose of 8 Gy and were subjected to controls 6 weeks later. Before the radiotherapy and during the control sessions, all patients were required to be measured for different parameters of visual acuity and to receive a simultaneous fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography. The radiotherapy was done by a linear accelerator 6 MeV and through a lateral port 3 x 4 cm in half beam technic. RESULTS: In the 5 Gy group, no changes in the parameters for visual acuity were noted in most cases after 6 months. In 9 of the cases, the membranes had increased in size and in 1 case, they had remained unchanged. In the 8 Gy group, no changes in the visual acuity or in the membrane size were diagnosed. Of all the patients treated, only one refused the angiography control. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Given the low dose used and the period of observation, the visual acuity of all patients remained stable. The size of the membranes increased in most cases for those 5 Gy patients and in this respect, no changes at all were noted in the 8 Gy patients. In order to better evaluate the potential of radiotherapy, this study must be pursued and coupled with further studies analysing the effect of different doses on patients.

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