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Biomedical subjects

D M Meisler

Publications and source records attributed to D M Meisler.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Familial band-shaped nodular keratopathy.

A family is reported in which two brothers have a bilateral, symmetrical corneal disorder characterized by small yellowish to amber-colored globules arranged in a band-shaped configuration in the central superficial layers of the cornea. The globules have a similar clinical appearance to those found in Bietti's "band-shaped nodular dystrophy," a keratopathy that is nonfamilial, has an onset later in life, and initially involves the peripheral cornea. Light and electron microscopic studies of corneal tissue obtained from the proband showed that the globular deposits autofluoresce, that they stain black with Verhoeff's elastic stain, and that they correspond to an electron-dense material found within corneal epithelial cells and keratocytes and within the extracellular tissues of the anterior cornea. A third, younger brother appears to have the early corneal signs of the condition. Unlike the condition described by Bietti, the keratopathy we report is unique in its familial nature, early onset in life, and initial, marked central corneal involvement.

Adolescent↗

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a recently recognized disease characterized by abnormalities in cell-mediated immunity that predispose affected persons to severe opportunistic infections and unusual malignant neoplasms. We describe four cases of herpes zoster ophthalmicus in four previously healthy homosexual men. Two had signs and symptoms consistent with AIDS, and two had signs and symptoms of a lymphadenopathic syndrome associated with AIDS. We suggest that underlying AIDS be considered in young, healthy persons with herpes zoster ophthalmicus and no known cause of immunosuppression.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Infectious crystalline keratopathy.

In three patients (three men, 44, 67, and 83 years old) an unusual keratopathy characterized by white, branching, crystalline stromal opacities produced lesions that were insidious, that increased in size slowly, and that were clinically and histopathologically associated with little corneal inflammation. Intraocular inflammation eventually became evident in two of the patients. The keratopathy developed while the patients were using topical corticosteroids. In two cases, histopathologic studies disclosed accumulations of gram-positive cocci in the corneal stroma; a viridans streptococcus agent was isolated on culture. In one case, the viridans streptococcus was determined to be a dextran producer, which may have contributed to the pathogenesis of the keratopathy. Despite aggressive treatment with a variety of drugs, epithelial healing, and resolution of the corneal infiltrate, residual scarring persisted in two cases and neovascularization and graft edema in one case each.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

Recurrence of the clinical signs of lattice corneal dystrophy (type I) in corneal transplants.

Lattice corneal dystrophy (type I) is characterized by branching stromal lattice figures, white subepithelial opacities, and anterior stromal haze. Corneal transplantation is often required to restore the vision of patients with lattice corneal dystrophy. Our retrospective study of 61 penetrating keratoplasties in 39 patients with lattice corneal dystrophy found clinical signs of lattice corneal dystrophy in 29 transplants (48%) after periods ranging from three to 26 years. Subepithelial opacities or anterior stromal haze or both were the most common signs of recurrence. Lattice figures appeared in only one graft. Regrafting was necessary to restore vision in eight cases (15%) in which primary corneal transplantation had been performed for this condition.

Adult↗

Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic coma. A complication of short-term systemic corticosteroid use.

Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic coma is a serious and often lethal clinical biochemical syndrome. We report three cases of ophthalmic problems that were treated with a short course of oral corticosteroids and which resulted in the development of hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic coma. Two of these cases concerned relatively young, previously healthy patients and had fatal outcomes. The third patient, who was elderly, survived because of early detection and initiation of therapy. All three cases demonstrate that hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic coma is a serious potential complication of systemic steroidal therapy, even in a short course of treatment such as is often used in ophthalmology.

Administration, Oral↗

Cromolyn treatment of giant papillary conjunctivitis.

Five patients with symptomatic giant papillary conjunctivitis were treated with topical cromolyn sodium eyedrops. All patients responded favorably with relief of symptoms. Four of the patients who were subsequently examined while receiving cromolyn therapy had less prominent giant papillae on the upper tarsal conjunctivae. Thus far, the treatment of giant papillary conjunctivitis has been poorly defined and is not always practical. Topical cromolyn eyedrops seem to be helpful in the treatment of this disorder.

Adolescent↗

Conjunctival inflammation and amyloidosis in allergic granulomatosis and angiitis (Churg-Strauss syndrome).

A 37-year-old woman developed nodular, waxy conjunctival lesions associated with the exacerbation of Churg-Strauss syndrome. Conjunctival and skin biopsy specimens demonstrated a diffuse inflammatory process composed of eosinophils, plasma cells, lymphocytes, and focal collections of histiocytes. There were amyloid deposits in the conjunctiva and skin. To our knowledge, this is the first report of conjunctival changes and amyloidosis associated with the Churg-Strauss syndrome.

Adult↗

An immunopathologic study of giant papillary conjunctivitis associated with an ocular prosthesis.

A 21-year-old woman, whose left eye had been enucleated when she was 2 years old, developed giant papillary conjunctivitis and experienced ocular discomfort and increased tearing when she wore her prosthesis. Cultures grew normal flora, and topical antibiotics failed to relieve her symptoms. Immunopathologic studies of a conjunctival biopsy specimen disclosed plasma cells of all five classes of immunoglobulins in the substantia propria and many IgE-containing cells. Russell bodies found in some of the plasma cells were of the IgM and IgG types. The patient was treated with a 2% solution of cromolyn sodium, applied four times a day. Within one month, her symptoms had resolved, there was less conjunctival congestion, and the papillae were much less prominent. Our findings suggested that there may be a heterogenous humoral response in giant papillary conjunctivitis along with a strong immediate (Type I) hypersensitivity component.

Adult↗

Trantas dots and limbal inflammation associated with soft contact lens wear.

A 30-year-old man developed vernal-like limbal changes associated with soft contact lens wear including Trantas dots, limbal nodules, and diffuse limbitis. These findings add to the contention that the conjunctival changes found in giant papillary conjunctivitis and vernal conjunctivitis share a common immunopathogenesis.

Adult↗

Cilio-optic vein associated with phakomatosis.

This presentation demonstrates the fluorescein angiographic characteristics of the cilio-optic vein. These congenitally enlarged vessels appear at the disc edge and dip into the optic nerve to anastomose with branches of the central retinal vein. Fluorescein angiography shows lamellar filling of the vessels in the early choroidal phase. In one patient, these findings are demonstrated bilaterally with the use of bilateral simultaneous angiography. A second type of communication is presented, a retinociliary vein which drains the retina into the choroidal circulation. In both types presented, a branching hypofluorescent pattern extends from the disc vessel into the choroid. Our patients have evidence of a phakomatosis: neurofibromatosis or Sturge-Weber syndrome. This anomalous disc vessel should not be confused with optociliary shunt, disc neovascularization, cilioretinal artery, or arteriovenous shunt.

Adult↗

Ocular involvement in the respiratory vasculitides.

The respiratory vasculitides are idiopathic inflammatory syndromes, characteristically involving the pulmonary vasculature as well as that of several other organ systems. The inflammatory response in these diseases is uniformly granulomatous. There are three distinct, recognized respiratory vasculitides: Wegener's granulomatosis, Churg-Strauss syndrome (allergic granulomatosis and angiitis), and lymphomatoid granulomatosis. Each of these entities may have ophthalmic manifestations, and ocular involvement may, in fact, be the presenting sign. The systemic and ocular manifestations, as well as the differential diagnosis and management of each of these entities are discussed.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

Acanthamoeba and disinfection of soft contact lenses.

The association between acanthamoeba keratitis and the use of soft contact lenses is firmly established. Despite alerts and warnings, education of eye-care professionals and patients, and identification of risk factors that are associated with the use of soft contact lenses, acanthamoeba keratitis remains a threat. It is presumed that in some cases, the soft contact lens is the vector by which Acanthamoeba is introduced to the cornea. This presumption has spurred concern regarding the efficacy of systems used for the disinfection of soft contact lenses in killing the organism. Many questions have been raised regarding the proficiency of disinfection. These have stemmed from a poor understanding of the interactions among soft contact lenses, soft contact lens paraphernalia, and Acanthamoeba. Another issue to be addressed is the need for standardized testing of the efficacy of contact lens disinfection systems against Acanthamoeba. Only through a concerted and focused effort by eye-care and other concerned health care professionals can these questions be answered.

Acanthamoeba↗