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F J LoRusso

Publications and source records attributed to F J LoRusso.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Melanocytoma (magnocellular nevus) of the ciliary body: report of 10 cases and review of the literature.

PURPOSE: To describe the characteristics of melanocytoma (magnocellular nevus) of the ciliary body, an unusual melanocytic tumor. DESIGN: Retrospective, clinicopathologic case series. METHODS: Ten melanocytomas of the ciliary body were examined histopathologically. Five tumors were also examined by transmission electron microscopy. The clinical histories were abstracted from the patients' medical records. We compared the clinical, histopathologic, and ultrastructural findings of our 10 cases with those previously reported in the literature. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: To define clinical and histopathologic parameters of this rare tumor. RESULTS: A total of 40 cases were summarized, including our 10 and 30 previously reported cases. The mean age of the 40 cases was 47 years. Twenty-six patients were female (65%), fourteen were male (35%). No laterality was observed. Eighty percent of the patients were white and 10% were black. The most common clinical presentation was an asymptomatic dark spot involving the iris and ciliary body or the sclera. Involvement of chamber angle structures, with or without intrascleral extension, was observed in 85% (34 of 40 patients); but only 12% (2 of the 17 patients for whom information about intraocular pressure and local extension was available) had elevated preoperative intraocular pressure. By electron microscopy, two distinct cell types were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Melanocytomas can usually be distinguished from other pigmented lesions of the ciliary body by histopathologic criteria, but may be difficult to differentiate before surgery from other pigmented ciliary body tumors, including malignant melanomas, adenomas, and adenocarcinomas of the pigmented ciliary epithelium. Most tumors can be managed conservatively by iridocyclectomy.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Surgical removal of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the results of surgical excision of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). DESIGN: Retrospective, interventional, noncomparative case series. PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTION: Sixty-four consecutive patients undergoing surgical removal of AMD-related subfoveal CNV were studied. The surgical method included a small retinotomy, subretinal tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), perfluoro-n-octane, and air-fluid exchange. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Final visual acuity was the main outcome measure; surgical complications and recurrence rates were also assessed. RESULTS: Preoperative visual acuity ranged from 20/100 to 1/200, with a mean of 20/400. Average follow-up was 19 months. The best acuity achieved after surgery ranged from 20/20 to hand motions, with a mean of 20/200. Final visual acuity ranged from 20/50 to light perception, with a mean of 20/400. Final acuity was improved 3 or more lines in 19 eyes (30%) (median, 5 lines), stable in 27 eyes (42%), and 3 or more lines worse in 18 eyes (28%) (median, 4 lines). Factors associated with greater visual improvement included poorer initial acuity, larger CNV size, and smaller subretinal hemorrhage. Analysis of groups similar to Macular Photocoagulation Study subgroups A through D showed an average improvement of 1 line for group C (visual acuity, 20/200 or worse; CNV larger than 2 disc areas). Other preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors, including recurrence and retinal detachment, did not have a significant effect on final visual outcome. CONCLUSIONS: After surgical excision of AMD-related subfoveal CNV, vision improved or stabilized in the majority of patients. Surgery may be of greatest value for patients with poorer vision, larger subfoveal CNV, and minimal hemorrhage. Further evaluation of this technique should be accomplished via completion of a controlled, randomized multicenter study.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Use of agar in ophthalmic pathology: a technique to improve the handling and diagnosis of temporal artery biopsies, subfoveal membranes, lens capsules, and other ocular tissues.

DESIGN: Prospective laboratory methodology study. PURPOSE: Certain tissues, by virtue of their shape and extreme thinness or pliability, are difficult to position correctly during routine paraffin embedding to provide the optimal orientation for histopathologic studies. Biopsy specimens from temporal arteries must be sampled at different points along the length of the artery. Other tissues such as subfoveal neovascular membranes and fragments of lens capsule lack the thickness and rigidity to be positioned on edge to yield cross-sectional views. The authors' technique improves the orientation and thereby maximizes the histologic information obtained from such specimens. METHODS AND MATERIALS: From January 1, 1990, to April 30, 1999, the authors studied 500 consecutive temporal artery biopsy specimens and 200 successive subfoveal neovascular membranes. RESULTS: Cutting a 20-mm cylindrical fragment of temporal artery at 1- to 1.5-mm intervals yielded approximately 13 to 20 cross-sections along the length of the artery. When the specimens were positioned together and embedded in agar, the pathologist could easily study multiple cross-sections of the artery. Additionally, using the agar technique, the authors were able to obtain cross-sections of other specimens submitted, such as subfoveal neovascular membranes, and studied each of the different layers to evaluate the disease process. By the same method, the authors placed small fragments of lens capsule with underlying cortex on edge and readily identified short, gram-positive coccobacilli consistent with Propionibacterium acnes endophthalmitis. CONCLUSION: The agar technique can greatly improve the quality of diagnostic information gleaned from temporal artery biopsy specimens and other small tissue samples.

Agar↗
PubMed1995

Current management of proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

The recognition of APVR and its dissection, along with the use of perfluorocarbon liquids, has greatly improved the success rate in surgery for severe PVR. In reviewing our first 71 cases using these techniques, 75% were attached with one operation and 90% were attached with one or more operations. These techniques have greatly improved our operative results and have obviated the use of retinal tacks and suturing, retinotomy (in most cases), and the need for very high scleral buckles. (We rarely alter an in-place scleral buckle.)

Fluorocarbons↗
PubMed1994

Retinal vein occlusions: case reviews of USAF aviators.

Retinal vein occlusions are primarily a disease of the elderly, frequently with permanent visual abnormalities. However, both branch and central retinal vein occlusions occur rarely in young individuals. Reported here are a series of retinal vein occlusions in USAF aviators. Seven cases were identified from records of the USAF Armstrong Laboratory Aeromedical Consultation Service from 1976-91. Four cases of central retinal vein occlusions and three cases of branch occlusions are summarized. Initial visual acuity ranged from 20/15 to 20/400. All seven aviators recovered 20/15 vision and returned to flying status. Hyperlipidemia was found in four of the seven aviators, and hypertension was diagnosed in two aviators. Included is a discussion of current concepts in the natural history, associated systemic conditions, treatment options, and aeromedical implications of retinal vein occlusions.

Adult↗