Biomedical subjects

K F Heffler

Publications and source records attributed to K F Heffler.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1998

Ophthalmologic effects of bowel disease.

Ocular findings in diseases affecting primarily the digestive tract are relatively rare; however, it is important for the physician to recognize these relationships, appropriately uncover symptoms related to the eye disease, and have the patient evaluated by an ophthalmologist if indicated. In addition, ocular inflammation may be the first indication of bowel disease (e.g., uveitis in Crohn's disease). This article describes the associations between ocular diseases and gastrointestinal diseases and their causes, signs, symptoms, prognosis, and treatment.

Digestive System Diseases↗

PubMed1996

Acanthamoeba endophthalmitis in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

PURPOSE: To report the findings of Acanthamoeba endophthalmitis in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). METHODS: A 35-year-old man with AIDS and Acanthamoeba infection of the skin and lungs was treated for a granulomatous uveitis in the left eye. RESULTS: The left eye developed mutton-fat keratic precipitates, iris granulomas, cataract, hypotony, and choroidal infiltrates. Aqueous and vitreous specimens were positive for Acanthamoeba cysts. Topical and systemic antiamebic medications decreased the inflammation but failed to control the infection. CONCLUSIONS: Acanthamoeba infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of uveitis in patients with AIDS.

Acanthamoeba↗

PubMed1996

Chronic localized conjunctival chemosis.

Conjunctival chemosis is a commonly encountered clinical finding stemming from the presence of excess fluid in the conjunctiva. It is typically self-limiting or reversible if the underlying condition is treated. The authors present a series of seven cases of chronic localized conjunctival chemosis. Each patient had a localized area of dependent conjunctival edema for >or= 6 months. Evaluation of each patient included clinical examination, laboratory studies, and neuroimaging to attempt to elucidate the pathogenesis of the chemosis. Conjunctival biopsy was performed in six of the seven patients. In all of the patients studied, clinical examination uncovered no definitive signs of local inflammation. Laboratory evaluation was normal, and neuroimaging failed to confirm obstruction of venous or lymphatic drainage. Conjunctival biopsies showed chronic tissue inflammation or lymphangiectasia. The diagnosis of chronic localized conjunctival chemosis (CLCC) can be made if localized conjunctival edema persists for 6 months. Evaluation of biopsy specimens supports the theory that CLCC may result from scarring and structural alteration of conjunctival lymphatics, which appears to irreversibly affect the distribution of fluid in the conjunctiva.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Refractive surgery.

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in refractive surgery among patients and physicians. Refractive surgery lessens or eliminates the need for contact lenses or glasses. The goal of refractive surgery is to allow an individual more independence from optical devices. Technologic innovations have improved the predictability and safety of surgical correction of refractive errors and actually revolutionized treatment.

Humans↗

PubMed1995

Tumors of the cornea and conjunctiva.

This article reviews literature regarding corneal and conjunctival tumors and explores some of the causative factors, prognostic factors, and treatment options for melanocytic, neoplastic, and lymphoid tumors. A review of epibulbar choristomas and associated syndromes is also included. Newer treatments including excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy and topical mitomycin C for corneal intraepithelial neoplasia, microscopic control of tissue margins with sequential surgery for squamous cell carcinoma and cryotherapy for lymphoma are reviewed and compared with traditional therapy. Conjunctival mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is probably more common than previously realized. Recent findings of MALT lymphoma and the origin of conjunctival MALT is discussed.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗