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Biomedical subjects

S M Recupero

Publications and source records attributed to S M Recupero.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Lisch nodules of the iris in neurofibromatosis type 1.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common autosomal dominant disease. The Lisch nodule represents one of the most common NF1 ocular manifestations. Several studies have reported that the Lisch nodule is a melanocytic hamartoma but its pathogenesis is still debated. We have studied the histopathological and ultrastructural features of a Lisch nodule of a 50-year-old woman biopsied during an intracapsular cataract extraction. Our researches revealed that it was composed of three main cytotypes: pigmented cells, fibroblast-like cells and mast cells, showing a pattern similar to a neurofibroma. Furthermore, we hypothesize that Lisch nodules are compatible with neurofibromas.

Biopsy, Needle↗

Effect of brimonidine on patients undergoing uncontrolled IOP with beta-blockers.

The authors evaluated the effect of the replacement of beta-blockers with brimonidine drops in patients taking beta-blockers only or with dorzolamide, having IOP > 20 mmHg. The study was divided into two sections: one group treated with brimonidine b.i.d. (23 patients) and the other group treated with brimonidine + dorzolamide b.i.d. (17 patients). The effect of the substitution showed after 90 days of treatment with a reduction of 8.59 +/- 1.2 mmHg (P < 0.001) in the first group and 6.1 +/- 1.7 mmHg (P < 0.001) in the second group. Three patients in the first group and four patients in the second group presented minor adverse effects which did not justify discontinuation of treatment. Brimonidine was effective treatment as a substitute for beta-blockers only when associated with dorzolamide.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗

A new method of biofeedback in the management of low vision.

Twenty-eight patients with low vision were enrolled into the study. A preliminary study was carried out on 18 eyes of 13 patients with low vision who underwent visual rehabilitation with a new instrument for biofeedback (BF) applied to vision; improved biofeedback integrated system (Ibis). Successively, eight patients (16 eyes) with bilateral low vision were subjected to biofeedback in one eye. The experimental and control eye were evaluated separately. Then a placebo training was developed on seven patients (12 eyes). Visual acuity, colour vision, automated perimetry, contrast sensitivity and flash VEP were evaluated. A brief review of the literature and the possible mechanisms behind the results are discussed.

Adult↗

Ultrasound biomicroscopy of the peripheral retina and the ciliary body in degenerative retinoschisis associated with pars plana cysts.

AIM: To evaluate the ciliary body and peripheral retina in degenerative retinoschisis associated with pars plana cysts using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM). METHODS: 18 eyes of 12 patients with degenerative retinoschisis associated with pars plana cysts were selected through binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy and Goldmann three mirror lens examination, both with scleral depression. These patients were studied in detail with UBM. RESULTS: Study of the ciliary body with UBM showed pars plana cysts of different size and uneven shape. In cross sections the morphology of pars plana cysts in detail and the close relation of the cysts with the oral region and the peripheral retina, where areas of cystoid degeneration and retinoschisis were present, were observed. In transverse sections three main morphological aspects of pars plana cysts could be differentiated ("isolated," "confluent," and "clustered" cysts). Furthermore, ultrabiomicroscopy allowed differential diagnosis between retinoschisis and associated retinal detachment in six eyes. CONCLUSIONS: The study of peripheral degenerative retinoschisis and pars plana cysts is possible in vivo by means of UBM, showing the detailed morphology of the lesions (not otherwise evident through ophthalmoscopic examination) and the close relation between pars plana cysts, cystoid degeneration, and peripheral retinoschisis.

Adult↗

Ocular alterations in alopecia areata.

PURPOSE: To determine the ocular alterations occurring in alopecia areata with regard to the lens and fundus. METHODS: Seventy-five patients with alopecia areata were examined. Seventy healthy control patients unaffected by skin, ocular or systemic disorders were also studied. RESULTS: Symptomless punctate lens opacities were found in 38 (51%) patients, whereas only 2 (3%) control patients had similar lens changes. Fundus alterations were found in 31 (41%) cases of alopecia areata and in only 16 (23%) controls. CONCLUSIONS: These ocular alterations and their prevalence are reported and some theories regarding the possible aetiopathogenetic mechanisms are discussed.

Adolescent↗

Sturge-Weber syndrome associated with naevus of Ota.

The association of Sturge-Weber syndrome with naevus of Ota is an infrequently reported phenomenon and there are only four previously described cases in the literature. In this paper we briefly review the literature regarding the coexistence of vascular and pigmentary naevi and present an additional patient with the association of the Sturge-Weber syndrome and naevus of Ota.

Adolescent↗

Branch retinal artery occlusion in a young woman with Ménière's disease.

An unusual case of a 32-year-old woman with branch retinal artery occlusion is presented. The patient was affected by Ménière's disease and had a history of occasional migraine headaches. A thorough clinical and laboratory investigation showed a high cholesterol level. Retinal arterial obstruction is rare in young people and it is difficult to establish the precise cause. The presumed multifactorial etiologic factors are discussed.

Adult↗

Structural evidence for membrane lipid changes in human cataract.

Lipid changes in relationship to cataractogenesis were studied with histochemical methods (topoptical reactions) of polarization microscopy. Frozen section of formaldehyde-fixed human lenses were used for these studies. Six lenses were transparent and 14 lenses presented early to confluent cortical opacities. Cell membrane lipids of transparent lenses showed 8.0 +/- 2.7 nm light retardation. In the early cataractous lenses the light retardation of cell membranes was 23.3 +/- 5.0 nm and that of the fusiform and globular lipids was 37.7 +/- 4.0 nm and 48.5 +/- 6.9 mn, respectively. In the non transparent cortical regions of cataractous lenses, membrane lipids were not observed. Similar to other cell membranes, normal lens membranes are composed of loosely organized lipids. In early cataract lipid density uniformly increased along the cell membranes at the clinically transparent areas, while at the areas with clinically evident fine opacities, small fusiform and globuler lipid drops were formed by even more dense lipids. Confluent cortical cataracts were associated with disappearance of membrane lipids. In our study our findings demonstrated intramembrane lipid changes associated with cataractogenesis.

Adult↗

Fox's modified technique using the Mersilene mesh sling in the management of blepharoptosis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Frontalis suspension is the best surgical procedure for severe ptosis with poor or absent levator muscle function. In addition to autologous fascia lata, a variety of materials are available for suspension. The authors describe the use of Mersilene mesh slings developed to overcome the problems of failure, slippage, and extrusion commonly associated with various suspensory materials. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Brow suspension was performed in 20 ptotic eyelids of 14 patients. All patients had severe ptosis with levator function of 4 mm or less. The surgical technique used was a modified version of the method originally described by Fox using the Mersilene mesh sling. RESULTS: The improvement in lid height was evaluated by preoperative and postoperative vertical aperture measurements and ranged from 2 to 5 mm (average 3.5 mm). The results were maintained in all cases during a follow-up period of 18 months. CONCLUSION: The good functional and cosmetic results suggest that Fox's modified technique using the Mersilene mesh sling has a definite place in ptosis management.

Blepharoptosis↗

Optic nerve aplasia associated with macular 'atypical colobomà'.

A 12-year-old patient presenting with absence of the optic disc and retinal blood vessels associated with atrophic macular lesion was studied. A toxoplasma IgG antibody test had been found positive at the age of 4 months. This test and the clinical findings suggested the possibility of optic nerve aplasia with atypical macular coloboma due to congenital toxoplasmosis. The pro's and contra's concerning this hypothesis are discussed by the authors.

Animals↗

Ferning of aqueous humor in the pseudoexfoliation syndrome.

The authors report on the results obtained in the crystallization of the aqueous humor in 6 patients suffering from cataract with pseudoexfoliation syndrome. The principle characteristics of the aqueous in these cases are described and are compared with the features of aqueous humor in 20 cases of uncomplicated cataract. Tetragonal shaped masses of material with a distinct tendency to localization in the intersections of fern patterns were demonstrated in the crystallized aqueous from patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome. These aggregates most probably correspond to exfoliation material.

Aged↗

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of secondary keratoendotheliosis.

We evaluated the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of keratoendotheliosis secondary to surgical treatment. A total of 33 patients were randomized to two arms of this study. The first arm consisted of 12 patients treated with pharmacologic therapy and hyperbaric oxygen daily for ten days. The second arm consisted of 21 patients treated with pharmacologic therapy alone (control group). Our evaluation of the results was based on testing visual acuity, grading of corneal alterations, and pachymetry findings. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment was effective in reducing corneal edema, particularly when administered early. Corneal neovascularization did not occur in any patient treated with hyperbaric oxygen.

Aged↗

[Glaucoma as etiopathogenic hypothesis of amaurosis after blepharoplasty. Apropos of a clinical case].

Amaurosis after blepharoplasty is a complication which is considered to be rare, but which nevertheless deserves extreme attention. Although various hypotheses have been proposed (and sometimes proved) its etiopathogenesis is still uncertain. The observation of a case of temporary loss of vision after blepharoplasty, which promptly regressed after medical therapy, led us to a revision of the most common causes of amaurosis, and to formulate, for this case, the etiopathogenetic hypothesis of acute glaucoma, which has already been reported in scientific literature, but without any case report.

Aged↗

A technical variation of posterior chamber IOL implantation.

In posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, one of the most delicate phases is placing the loops in the capsular bag or in the ciliary sulcus. We describe a technique to simplify the phase of IOL insertion by tying the superior loop with a nylon suture. No changes to the lens and no special instruments are required.

Humans↗

Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy.

A typical affection of the pigment epithelium was described for the first time by Scuderi and colleagues in 1948, characterized by visual loss and the ophthalmoscopic finding of exudative, yellowish white spots at the posterior pole, a favorable course and a quick healing, defined as "benign external exudative retinitis." We illustrate another 13 cases of this disease angiographically studied and define its characteristics, proposing the denomination of "acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy." We underline that the multiple placoid pigment epitheliopathy described by Gass and co-workers in 1968 is identical to the disease described by Scuderi in 1948.

Adolescent↗