INTRODUCTION: In a few types of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), scleral buckling (SB) has a lower success, and, here, pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) is a good alternative option. This survey reviews the indications and the surgical outcome of primary PPV with internal tamponade. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed 205 eyes operated by primary PPV for RRD at the Department of Ophthalmology of the Philipps University Marburg between the years 1990 and 1997. The indications of PPV were: holes greater than 90 degrees; holes posterior to the equator; proliferative vitreoretinopathy grade C; pseudophakic status. RESULTS: A complete reattachment of the retina after absorption of the gas or after silicone oil removal was achieved by 1 operation in 146 eyes (71.2%) and in 195 eyes (95.2%) by a second intervention. CONCLUSION: Although SB is the standard procedure for the treatment of RRD, complicated cases can be treated successfully with primary PPV.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Acute commotio retinae determined by cross-sectional optical coherence tomography.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the cross-sectional anatomy in acute commotio retinae. METHODS: A 27-year-old male with unilateral decreased vision after acute blunt ocular trauma, was examined by optical coherence tomography (OCT). RESULTS: Visual acuity was 20/20 OD and 20/50 OS. Fundus examination OS demonstrated a mild edema in the papillomacular and foveal area. OCT confirmed a separation of the neurosensory retina and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The thickness of the retina was normal and the contour of the foveola intact. The uncommon hyperreflective band at the outer retina may present the traumatic disruption of photoreceptors. CONCLUSIONS: In vivo investigations by OCT confirmed previous histological studies, a commotio retinae consists a disruption and fragmentation at the level of the foveal photoreceptor segments and RPE.

Acute Disease↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Optic disc pit maculopathy after blunt ocular trauma.

PURPOSE: To present a symptomatic optic pit 3 months after a blunt ocular trauma. METHODS: A 16-year-old male with unilateral decreased vision was examined with multiple cross-sectional scans using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and kinetic ultrasound at the optic disc and macula. RESULTS: Visual acuity was 20/30 OD and 20/20 OS. Fundus examination OD demonstrated an optic pit with a corresponding serous macular detachment. OCT disclosed a schisis-like separation of the inner retinal layer emanating from the optic disc and an outer layer detachment of the retina. B-scan ultrasound disclosed attached Choquet's canal at the optic pit. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with optic pit and firm adherent posterior vitreous may develop schisis-like retinal detachments after blunt ocular trauma.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[A comparative study of the sodium, potassium, urea, creatinine, and uric acid concentrations in the human amniotic fluid between weeks 15-20 and 38-42].

UNLABELLED: The amniotic fluid physiology is a dynamic process involving maternal and fetal compartments and depends on gestational age. PURPOSE: To analyze the concentration of sodium, potassium, urea, creatinine, and uric acid in the amniotic fluid of normal pregnant women in the second and third trimester. Also, to evaluate the influence of maternal age, race, parity, and fetal sex on those elements. METHOD: Fifty samples obtained by genetic amniocentesis (15-20 weeks, group I) and fifty obtained by elective cesarean section (38-42 weeks, group II) were analyzed. According to the variables we used the following statistical tests: Analysis of variance; Test t Student: Chi-square test; Mann-Whitney test (a 0.05 pounds). RESULTS: In group II, urea, creatinine and uric acid levels were significantly higher than in group I. The sodium level was significantly lower in group II compared with group I. The potassium concentration did not show any significant difference in both groups. There was no significant interference of maternal age, race, parity and fetal sex in any of the five studied variables. CONCLUSION: These findings were emphasized for prenatal diagnosis purposes and analysis of renal function. The authors suggest future comparisons of obtained "normal" data with pathological situations.

Amniocentesis↗