MODULATION OF THE CGMP-GATED CHANNEL BY CALCIUM

Calcium acting through calmodulin has been shown to regulate the affinity of cyclic nucleotide-gated channels expressed in cell lines. But is calmodulin the Ca-sensor that normally regulates these channels

Squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva

Squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva is the end-stage of a spectrum of disease referred to as ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN). OSSN is a malignant disease of the eyes that can lead to loss of vision and, in severe cases, death. The main risk factors for both are exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation outdoors, HIV/AIDS, human papilloma virus and allergic conjunctivitis. The limbal epithelial cells appear to be the progenitors of this disease

Prevalence of co-existent neoplasia in clinically diagnosed pterygia in a UK population

INTRODUCTION: Ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) and pterygia share risk factors and co-exist in only a minority of cases. Reported rates of OSSN in specimens sent as pterygium for histopathological analysis vary between 0% and nearly 10%, with the highest rates reported in countries with high levels of ultraviolet light exposure. As there is a paucity of data in European populations, the aim of this study was to report the prevalence of co-existent OSSN or other neoplastic disease in clinically suspected pterygium specimens sent to a specialist ophthalmic pathology service in London, United Kingdom. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of sequential histopathology records of patients with excised tissue submitted as suspected “pterygium” between 1997 and 2021. RESULTS: In total, 2061 specimens of pterygia were received during the 24-year period, with a prevalence of neoplasia in those specimens of 0.6% (n = 12). On detailed review of the medical records of these patients, half (n = 6) had the pre-operative clinical suspicion of possible OSSN. Of those cases without clinical suspicion pre-operatively, one was diagnosed with invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva. CONCLUSION: In this study, rates of unexpected diagnoses are reassuringly low. These results may challenge accepted dogma, and influence future guidance for the indications for submitting non-suspicious pterygia for histopathological analysis

Multimodality Imaging Of Torpedo Maculopathy With Swept-Source, En Face Optical Coherence Tomography And Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography.

PURPOSE: Multimodality image analysis of two cases of torpedo maculopathy. METHODS: Imaging with fundus photography, autofluorescence (AF), swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT), en face OCT, and OCT angiography. RESULTS: The basal diameter of the torpedo lesions was 1 mm × 2 mm. One case had a satellite lesion. Autofluorescence indicated variable loss of signal. Swept-source OCT and en face OCT demonstrated fundus excavation, attenuation of nuclear layers and disruption of the outer plexiform layer, loss of photoreceptors and a subretinal cleft. In one case, Sattler layer appeared extended at the cleft. Optical coherence tomography angiography indicated loss of flow in deep retinal vessels and increased flow in choroidal vessels surrounding the cleft. CONCLUSION: Multimodal imaging findings of torpedo maculopathy include disruption of the deep retinal capillary network, expansion of Sattler layer, and increased signal around the subretinal cleft

Understanding retinoblastoma: epidemiology and genetics

Retinoblastoma is usually initiated by a random mutation of a gene in a retinal cell. It is important to try and recognise if the child has germline retinoblastoma, as this may affect both eyes of the child. Siblings and future children of the child with retinoblastoma are at greater risk of developing this cancer