Biomedical subjects

Ghassan Zein

Publications and source records attributed to Ghassan Zein.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

Ocular cicatricial pemphigoid: pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment.

Understanding of ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP) has changed dramatically over the last three decades. Progress in basic science research in mucous membrane pemphigoid has been instrumental in outlining the key immune processes that participate in the autoimmune response. Immunomodulatory therapy has provided an avenue for preserving vision and preventing potentially fatal consequences of systemic pemphigoid. In this chapter we focus attention on the immunologic basis for disease and treatment strategies. We propose an algorithmic approach to diagnosis and management of OCP.

Autoimmune Diseases↗

PubMed2004

Neurofibromatosis type 1 associated with central nervous system lymphoma.

PURPOSE: To report the occurrence of central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma in a patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). DESIGN: Interventional case report. METHODS: A 47-year-old male with a parieto-occipital lobe lesion was referred for ocular evaluation. Skin, brain, and vitreous biopsies were performed. RESULTS: The discovery of Lisch nodules of the iris prompted a physical examination that revealed cutaneous stigmata of NF1. Biopsy of the CNS lesion revealed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Biopsy of papules on the back and abdomen were compatible with neurofibroma. No malignant cells were found in the vitreous specimen. A clinical diagnosis of NF1 was made. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of CNS lymphoma in a patient with NF1. Additional reports may shed more light on the possible association between the two conditions.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

PubMed2004

Multiple sclerosis-associated uveitis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To describe the clinical characteristics and course of 16 patients with uveitis associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: The records of 1254 patients with uveitis were reviewed. Sixteen of these patients had MS. The history, review of systems, ocular findings, and clinical test results of each of these 16 subjects were analyzed. The mean follow-up time was 38 months. RESULTS: Most patients with MS-associated uveitis were white females between 20 and 50 years of age. The diagnosis of MS preceded the onset of uveitis in 56%, followed it in 25%, and was made concurrently in 19% of the cases. In 94%, the uveitis was bilateral. Pars planitis was the most frequent form of uveitis in our study population (81%); concomitant anterior chamber inflammation was common and was granulomatous in nature 56% of the time. Forty-one percent of the eyes with MS-associated uveitis had 20/30 or better initial visual acuity. Among these treated patients, significant loss of visual acuity was uncommon. CONCLUSIONS: MS-associated uveitis should be suspected in white female patients with bilateral uveitis, especially if pars planitis is present. These patients often retain useful vision for many years if treated.

Adult↗