Central retinal vein occlusion due to herpes zoster as the initial presenting sign in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) due to herpes zoster has rarely been reported. Varicella zoster virus is a common opportunistic infection in patients with AIDS. This case report is about a 40-year-old man with herpes zoster ophthalmicus and central retinal vein occlusion of the right eye who is HIV-positive. Although the lesion resolved following treatment with intravenous acyclovir and oral steroid, the patient subsequently developed florid disc neovascularization and vitreous hemorrhage. The paper highlights CRVO as the initial presentation in an AIDS patient with herpes zoster ophthalmicus.

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and the eye

This incidence of AIDS is rapidly increasing in the whole world. India is emerging as the country with largest number of AIDS patients. The life time cumulative risk of at least one abnormal ocular lesion developing in an HIV positive ranges from 52% to 100% in various studies. The role of ophthalmologist in the management of an HIV infected patient is becoming increasingly important. This review article describes the common ocular lesions in AIDS patients, particularly seen in Indian patients and available treatment modalities.

Panophthalmitis due to rhizopus in an AIDS patient: a clinicopathological study

Various opportunistic infections in the eye have been reported earlier in AIDS. We report a case of panophthalmitis in an AIDS patient where the eviscerated tissue on histopathologic and microbiologic examination showed the fungus Rhizopus.

Immune recovery vitritis presenting as panuveitis following therapy with protease inhibitors

Immune reconstitution in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients on highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) with cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis manifested as posterior segment intraocular inflammation has been reported. We report an adult HIV-positive Indian male with clinically inactive CMV retinitis who developed panuveitis with hypopyon. This was related to immune recovery mediated by combination anti-retroviral treatment, including protease inhibitors.

Acute panuveitis with haemorrhagic hypopyon as a presenting feature of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

Anterior uveitis is a known clinical entity in herpes zoster ophthalmicus associated with AIDS. However, reports of acute haemorrhagic hypopyon uveitis in such cases are lacking. Herein we describe a young male patient presenting with acute panuveitis with haemorrhagic hypopyon, who was found HIV positive on investigation.

Ocular and systemic lesions in children with HIV

The spectrum of ocular lesions in children with HIV infection is different from that seen in adults. Ocular lesions in pediatric AIDS patients have not been studied in India. We analyzed the clinical profile, demographic characteristics, ocular and systemic lesions in children with AIDS seen in a referral eye institute in India. The clinical profile and demographic features were studied and complete ocular examination was done. Systemic findings were evaluated at an AIDS care center and recorded in a precoded proforma. Out of the 218 cases of HIV infection seen at our hospital between December 1993 and October 1999, 12 (5.50%) were below 15 years of age. Seven (58.33%) were males and 5 (41.66%) were females with the mean age of 6.5 years and median age of 6.2 years. Vertical transmission was the most common mode of infection (58.33%). Seven (58.33%) of these patients had systemic infection, the most common being pulmonary tuberculosis (42.85%). Ocular lesions were found in 6 (50%) patients. The most common ocular lesions were anterior uveitis and cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMV) (33%) followed by retinal detachment (16.66%) and vitreous hemorrhage (16.66%). High prevalence of ocular lesions in pediatric AIDS patients in India in a referral eye centre was observed. The most common lesions were anterior uveitis followed by CMV retinitis. The management in such cases was often challenging in a developing country like India.

Lid swelling and diplopia as presenting features of orbital sarcoid

Sarcoid is an idiopathic multisystem non-caseating granulomatous disease with protean clinical manifestations. In the eye, the common sites of involvement are the skin of eyelid, conjunctiva, uveal tract, retina, optic nerve and lacrimal gland.

Propranolol in primary and secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding among cirrhotics in India: a hemodynamic evaluation

OBJECTIVE

In the present study, we attempted to complete the hemodynamic assessment of propranolol response in cirrhotics with esophageal varices at high risk of bleeding, in one sitting, so as to identify nonresponders at the earliest. Some noninvasive indicators of this response were also evaluated.

METHODS

Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) was measured in 33 such cases (18 nonbleeders, 15 bleeders) before and 90 min after an oral dose of 80 mg propranolol, and reduction by > or =20% taken as responder.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients (66.67%) responded (HVPG reduction > or =26%), whereas 11 (33.33%) did not (HVPG reduction < or =6%). Postdrug HVPG between responders and nonresponders showed a significant difference (p < 0.001). Neither baseline HVPG (p > 0.1), baseline CI (p = 0.665), nor baseline stroke volume index (p > 0.1) could predict responder status. Difference of HVPG reduction (percent) between bleeders (21.49 +/- 35.53) and nonbleeders (40.58 +/- 23.95) approached, but did not reach, statistical significance (p = 0.076). However, logistic regression showed this difference to be significant (p = 0.026). Age of responders was found to be significantly lower than that of nonresponders (p approximately equals 0.05). During a follow-up of 9-38 months, only one of 22 responders (on propranolol) had an episode of variceal bleed. None in whom HVPG fell to < or = 12 mm Hg bled.

CONCLUSION

The study suggests that single-sitting hemodynamic assessment of acute response to high-dose oral propranolol clearly differentiates between responders and nonresponders. Moreover, it appears that prior history of variceal bleeding and old age negatively influences the effect of propranolol.

Postoperative Mycobacterium chelonae endophthalmitis after extracapsular cataract extraction and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation

OBJECTIVE

To describe a case of postoperative endophthalmitis caused by Mycobacterium chelonae after extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation.

DESIGN

Interventional case report.

METHODS

The history and clinical presentation of a 66-year-old female patient, in whom a low-grade delayed-onset endophthalmitis and keratitis developed after extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation, is described. Microbiologic investigations of the scrapings of corneal infiltrate at the cataract incision site, aqueous humor and eviscerated material, and histopathologic study of eviscerated material and an enlarged cervical lymph node were performed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The clinical, histopathologic, and microbiologic findings in a case of low-grade delayed-onset endophthalmitis.

RESULTS

Analysis of the direct smear of both the corneal infiltrate as well as the eviscerated material revealed acid-fast bacilli. M. chelonae was isolated from these specimens. Direct smear and culture of the aqueous humor were negative for bacteria (including mycobacteria) and fungus. Histopathologic examination of the eviscerated material showed a dense infiltration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the uveal tissue, extensive necrosis and hemorrhage, and exudates with hemorrhage in the vitreous cavity. Histopathologic examination of the lymph node revealed granulomatous inflammation with caseation necrosis, but did not reveal acid-fast bacilli.

CONCLUSIONS

M. chelonae, although infrequent, should be considered an etiologic agent of delayed-onset, postoperative endophthalmitis and early bacterial diagnosis should help in institution of appropriate therapy.

Ultrasound biomicroscopy in the diagnosis and management of pars planitis caused by caterpillar hairs

PURPOSE

To report the use of ultrasound biomicroscopy in the detection of caterpillar hairs in the pars plana in a patient with unilateral pars planitis.

METHOD

Ultrasound biomicroscopic imaging of the anterior segment of the eye.

RESULTS

Ultrasound biomicroscopy located a hair in the posterior chamber at the first visit and five more in the pars plana 1 month later. This finding was confirmed intraoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound biomicroscopy is useful in the diagnosis and management of unilateral pars planitis of uncertain cause.

Intermediate uveitis of pars planitis type in identical twins. Report of a case

The occurrence of intermediate uveitis in monozygotic twins has rarely been reported in literature. We report the occurrence of this disease condition in identical twins. Twin sisters presented with typical features of intermediate uveitis, which appeared three years earlier in one of the sisters. They were treated with posterior subtenon injection of triamcinolone acetonide and recovered well. Systemic evaluation and laboratory investigations did not reveal any etiology. Cytogenetic high-resolution analysis did not reveal any chromosomal abnormalities. Pedigree analysis revealed no specific transmission pattern. No other family members in three generations had similar ocular disease. Our report indicates that a detailed family history should be taken in intermediate uveitis and examination of other siblings of patients with intermediate uveitis should be performed.

Diffuse malignant melanoma of the choroid simulating metastatic tumour in the choroid

We report a case of diffuse choroidal melanoma in a 51-year-old patient presenting as a yellow subretinal mass with secondary retinal detachment. This case highlights the diagnostic difficulty in such cases.

Herpes simplex virus DNA in the lens one year after an episode of retinitis

The present report describes a case where HSV was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the lens cortical material removed during cataract surgery one year after resolution of retinal inflammation in a patient with ARN.

Analysis of 87 cases with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease

PURPOSE

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease is known to have varied manifestations in different ethnic groups. In order to analyze the clinical profile of VKH cases in the Indian population, we studied 87 consecutive cases of VKH disease treated in an uveitis clinic in South India between 1985 and 1996.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis and review of charts of consecutive new VKH cases diagnosed in a referral clinic.

RESULTS

VKH disease comprised 2.2% of all uveitis referrals. Extraocular symptoms or signs were seen in 64% of cases at the time of presentation. Most common was meningism (95.9%). However, subsequently all patients developed extraocular manifestations. Panuveitis (92%) was the commonest presentation. Systemic corticosteroid was the usual form of therapy (50.3%) followed by immunosuppressive therapy (39%); surgical treatment was needed in 8% of the cases. Complicated cataract (33%) and glaucoma (24%) were major complications. Final vision was between 6/60 and 6/18 in 88% of the cases and 6/18 and better in 15.4%; there was no improvement in 11% of the cases.

CONCLUSIONS

VKH disease occurs less frequently in India than in Japan and about as commonly as in the United States. Extraocular signs are far less common than in the Japanese population. Visual prognosis is good in patients presenting within 1 month of onset of symptoms. Immunosuppressive agents and vitreoretinal surgery are needed in advanced cases and in cases reported later. Jpn J Ophthalmol 2000;44:296-301

Clinical and haemodynamic aspects of hepatopulmonary syndrome in Indian patients with cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

Hepatopulmonary syndrome consists of the triad of hepatic dysfunction and/or portal hypertension, intrapulmonary vascular dilatation and hypoxaemia, in the absence of detectable primary cardiopulmonary diseases. In the present study, we examined the frequency of hepatopulmonary syndrome among Indian patients with cirrhosis, and studied clinical predictors and pulmonary haemodynamic alterations.

METHODS

Forty-five patients with cirrhosis and no cardiopulmonary diseases were investigated by air-contrast echocardiography. Where patients were positive, arterial blood gas analysis was carried out. Positive contrast echocardiography with PO2 < 70 mmHg confirmed the diagnosis of hepatopulmonary syndrome. Three cases with the syndrome and 24 without were assessed for haemodynamic status by hepatic and pulmonary catheterization.

RESULTS

Four of 45 cases of cirrhosis (8.9%) had positive contrast echocardiographies, including three (6.7%) with hepatopulmonary syndrome and one 'subclinical' case (positive contrast echocardiography without hypoxaemia). Under haemodynamic study, the mean pulmonary arterial and pulmonary capillary wedge pressures appeared to be lower among those patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

In this small study, the frequency of hepatopulmonary syndrome was relatively low (6.7%). Cyanosis was the only reliable clinical indicator, and there was no clear relationship with the severity of cirrhosis by Child's grading.

Ligneous conjunctivitis: a clinicopathologic study of 3 cases

The clinical, histopathologic features, and treatment outcomes in 3 patients with ligneous conjunctivitis are described. Bilateral, idiopathic membranes occurred in the palpebral conjunctiva in 2 patients. In 1 patient, unilateral conjunctival changes occurred in the bulbar conjunctiva, at the site of pterygium excision. Treatment included topical hyaluronidase, chymotrypsin, heparin, and cyclosporine and surgical excision with limited or no success. In one patient, conjunctival autografting from the normal fellow eye resulted in pseudomembrane formation at the donor site in the previously unaffected eye. Histopathological evaluation of excised membranes revealed the presence of amorphous eosinophilic hyaline material and chronic inflammatory cells. Immunohistochemical study revealed a predominance of T-lymphocytes. This case series confirms the recalcitrant clinical course of ligneous conjunctivitis. Conventional treatment modalities described in literature were not useful in the management of this condition. Surgical manipulation of the unaffected fellow eye in patients with unilateral disease can result in pathologic conjunctival changes, and is best avoided.

Papilloedema with peripapillary retinal haemorrhages in an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patient with cryptococcal meningitis

A case of cryptococcal meningitis in an AIDS patient who presented with optic disc edema, bilateral retinal and peripapillary haemorrhages is reported.

Polymerase chain reaction for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in epiretinal membrane in Eales' disease

PURPOSE

Tuberculous etiology has been suggested in Eales' disease. Because epiretinal membrane (ERM) is formed on the inner surface of the retina in Eales' disease, it could be the most appropriate intraocular specimen for investigation. Therefore, a nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR), which detects MPB64 gene of Mycobacterium tuberculosis on the archival specimens of ERM of well-documented Eales' and non-Eales' patients, was applied and the results compared.

METHODS

nPCR technique was standardized, and the sensitivity and specificity of the primers were determined. nPCR technique was applied to tissue sections obtained from formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues of ERM from 23 patients with Eales' disease and 27 noninfective and non-Eales' disease patients as controls.

RESULTS

nPCR technique was specific for M. tuberculosis genome and sensitive enough to detect 0.25 fg (corresponding to the presence of a single bacillus). Eleven (47.8%) ERM of 23 Eales' disease and 3 (11.1%) of 27 controls were positive for M. tuberculosis genome. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P = 0.001), indicating association of this bacterium with Eales' disease.

CONCLUSIONS

The demonstration of the presence of M. tuberculosis DNA by nPCR technique in significant number of ERM of Eales' disease compared with the controls further emphasizes the probable role of this bacterium in the pathogenesis of this enigmatic clinical condition.