Visualisation of nerve fibre orientation in the human optic chiasm using photomicrographic image analysis

"Compression of the optic chiasm typically gives rise to bitemporal hemianopia due to selective damage to the decussating nasal fibres. It is unclear why nasal fibres are particularly vulnerable to the extent of generating a sharp vertical cut-off in the visual fields. One theory suggests that this is due to the geometry of individual fibres within the chiasm.1 Unfortunately, detailed anatomical information about the precise arrangement and crossing of nerve fibres in the chiasm is limited. This study aimed to clarify the microscopic anatomy of the chiasm, looking particularly at nerve fibre distribution and the location of nerve fibre crossings.

Colchicine may assist in reducing granulation tissue in junctional epidermolysis bullosa

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare, inherited blistering genodermatosis. Patients with junctional EB (JEB) due to LAMB3 mutations have widespread blisters and erosions of skin, mucosae, and nails, creating significant physical, emotional, and psychosocial burdens. Here we report the use of colchicine for ameliorating hypergranulating wounds in a 41-year-old female with JEB generalized intermediate. Her skin wounds and granulation tissue gradually exacerbated under silicone dressings such that she became profoundly anemic. Subsequently, she was commenced on colchicine 500 μg daily on the basis that it may inhibit cell proliferation and be anti-inflammatory. After a 6-month trial of colchicine, she had an objective and subjective improvement in her validated EB Disease Activity and Scarring Index activity and damage scores and Quality Of Life in EB score with less skin erosions, granulation tissue, and erythema. In addition, her anemia resolved. She denied any gastrointestinal side effects. The exact mechanism of colchicine in assisting reduction of the blistering, erosions, and granulation in JEB is unclear, but the anti-inflammatory and antimitotic properties of colchicine may be partially responsible for this process. Keywords: anti-inflammatory, colchicine, granulation tissue, junctional epidermolysis bullos