Attenuation of the Ganglion Cell Layer in a Premature Infant Revealed with Handheld Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography

Purpose: To report on subclinical retinal abnormalities shown through handheld spectral domain optical coherence tomography on a premature infant. Methods: Case report. Results: The initial and follow-up exams on a premature infant revealed severely attenuated ganglion cell and nerve fiber layers. There was cystoid macular edema in both eyes at the initial visits, which resolved by the 1-year follow-up. Discussion: Optical coherence tomography can reveal significant retinal abnormalities in premature infants which are not detectable through funduscopic exam. Documenting such findings may be useful for the comprehensive management of vision problems in children with a history of premature birth

Biocompatibility and biofilm inhibition of N,N-hexyl,methyl-polyethylenimine bonded to Boston Keratoprosthesis materials

The biocompatibility and antibacterial properties of N,N-hexyl,methyl-polyethylenimine (HMPEI) covalently attached to the Boston Keratoprosthesis (B-KPro) materials was evaluated. By means of confocal and electron microscopies, we observed that HMPEI-derivatized materials exert an inhibitory effect on biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates, as compared to the parent poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and titanium. There was no additional corneal epithelial cell cytotoxicity of HMPEI-coated PMMA compared to that of control PMMA in tissue cultures in vitro. Likewise, no toxicity or adverse reactivity was detected with HMPEI-derivatized PMMA or titanium compared to those of the control materials after intrastromal or anterior chamber implantation in rabbits in vivo.Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies (Contract DAAD-19-D-0002

Pleomorphic adenoma (formerly chondroid syringoma) of the eyelid margin with a pseudocystic appearance

Among the adenomas and adenocarcinomas spawned by the adnexal glands of the eyelids, pleomorphic adenoma (also referred to as benign mixed tumor or chondroid syringoma in dermatopathology) is among the rarest. Pleomorphic adenomas (PAs) can arise from sweat glands in the dermis of the eyelid skin and must be distinguished from those of the accessory lacrimal glands of Krause and Wolfring. We describe an eyelid margin skin PA that appeared clinically to be a cyst and was not associated with an accessory lacrimal gland. Histopathologically, the lesion was circumscribed but nonencapsulated and composed of branching ductular structures with a double layer of epithelial cells set in a myxoid and sclerotic stroma that did not contain cartilage. The outer ductular (myoepithelial) cells delaminated to populate the stroma. Histochemistry disclosed abundant extracellular mucopolysaccharides that conferred the “cystic” character clinically. The inner ductular cells were uniformly positive for cytokeratin 7 and focally for gross cystic fluid disease protein-15, an apocrine marker. The inner and outer ductular cells were negative for alpha-smooth muscle actin. These pathologic findings support an apocrine (gland of Moll) origin for this tumor, which is consistent with the fact that there are no eccrine glands at the eyelid margin

A Case Report of Basal Cell Carcinoma in a Non-Sun-Exposed Area: A Rare Presentation Mimicking Recurrent Perianal Abscess

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), a common malignancy, arises most often in sun-exposed areas but does rarely occur in non-sun-exposed sites. Prior tissue injury, especially sharp trauma and chronic inflammation, increases the risk of BCC. We describe a 66-year-old male patient with recurrent perianal abscesses who was found to have a large pigmented basal cell carcinoma. The mass was excised without recurrence at two-year follow-up. Perianal BCC is commonly larger at the time of diagnosis than tumors in sun-exposed sites, likely related to delay in diagnosis. Increased size can lead to increased surgical complexity and more pronounced effects on nearby structures. Early detection is important for optimal patient outcomes. In selected patients presenting with a perianal mass, basal cell carcinoma should be included on the differential diagnosis

Reactive Retinal Astrocytic Tumors (So-called Vasoproliferative Tumors): Histopathologic, Immunohistochemical, and Genetic Studies of Four Cases

PurposeTo evaluate the cellular nature of and diagnostic terminology used in connection with acquired retinal "vasoproliferative tumors."DesignRetrospective clinicopathologic study.MethodsClinical records and microscopic slides of 4 enucleated globes were reviewed. Special stains and immunohistochemical probes for CD31, CD34, p53, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), CD163, and Ki67 (cell replication) were employed; ultrastructural and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses were performed.ResultsTumors were located inferotemporally in middle-aged patients. They were uniformly composed of compacted elongated, GFAP-positive spindle cells (due to intermediate filaments identified ultrastructurally) with a Ki67 index of less than 1%. Rosenthal fibers and eosinophilic granular bodies were observed. Hyalinized periodic acid-Schiff-positive vessels were widely separated. CD31 and CD34 revealed a sparse microvasculature. Tumor-associated exudate spread predominantly subretinally. The retinal pigment epithelium had undergone extensive placoid fibrous metaplasia with focal ossification. P53 upregulation, BRAF-KIAA gene rearrangement, and IDH1R132H mutation typically associated with low-grade astrocytic neoplasms were absent.ConclusionsRetinal "vasoproliferative" tumors have been mischaracterized, because they actually display a paucity of microvessels. Proliferating fibrous astrocytes with a very low proliferation index predominate, without immunohistochemical or genetic evidence favoring a neoplasm. Subretinal exudate appeared capable of provoking widespread fibrous metaplasia of the pigment epithelium that was mainly responsible for secondary retinal damage. The term "reactive retinal astrocytic tumor" is proposed as more appropriate for this entity. In carefully selected progressive lesions, consideration should be given to earlier surgical intervention before extensive subretinal exudate accumulates and pigment epithelial proliferation with fibrous metaplasia ensues

Biocompatibility and biofilm inhibition of N,N-hexyl,methyl-polyethylenimine bonded to Boston Keratoprosthesis materials

The biocompatibility and antibacterial properties of N,N-hexyl,methyl-polyethylenimine (HMPEI) covalently attached to the Boston Keratoprosthesis (B-KPro) materials was evaluated. By means of confocal and electron microscopies, we observed that HMPEI-derivatized materials exert an inhibitory effect on biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates, as compared to the parent poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and titanium. There was no additional corneal epithelial cell cytotoxicity of HMPEI-coated PMMA compared to that of control PMMA in tissue cultures in vitro. Likewise, no toxicity or adverse reactivity was detected with HMPEI-derivatized PMMA or titanium compared to those of the control materials after intrastromal or anterior chamber implantation in rabbits in vivo