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Biomedical subjects

Moncef Khairallah

Publications and source records attributed to Moncef Khairallah.

17 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2007

The spectrum of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease in Tunisia, North Africa.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical profile of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease in Tunisia, North Africa. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 49 patients diagnosed with VKH disease at the Department of Ophthalmology of Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, Monastir, Tunisia, between January 1994 and September 2005. RESULTS: Of all the uveitis cases diagnosed during the study period, VKH disease was the fourth most commonly occurring type (7.4%). Thirty-two patients (65.3%) were female, and 17 patients (34.7%) were male. The mean age at disease onset was 35 years (range: 16-54 years). The majority of patients (51%) had probable VKH disease, followed by incomplete type (47%); only 2% had the complete type. At presentation, 47 patients (96%) had bilateral ocular involvement. Clinical presentation was a panuveitis in 25 patients (51%) and a posterior uveitis in 24 patients (49%). Visual acuity (VA) at presentation ranged from less than 20/200 (40.8%) to more than 20/40 (28.5%). All patients were treated with systemic corticosteroids for 2-19 months (mean: 10.5 months). Four patients (8%) were treated with cyclosporin because of serious systemic side effects of corticosteroids. Complications included cataract in 18 eyes (33.9%), glaucoma in nine eyes (16.96%) and choroidal neovascularization in one eye (1%). Fifty-eight eyes (59%) had a final VA of 20/40 or better. Factors associated with a poor VA at the final follow-up were the presence of a poor VA at presentation (P = 0.02), the occurrence of complications (P = 0.001) and/or recurrences (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: In Tunisia, VKH disease is a common cause of uveitis that predominantly affects young women. The overwhelming majority (98%) have probable or incomplete VKH disease, presenting as panuveitis or posterior uveitis. More than 50% of patients undergoing treatment with corticosteroids will maintain a VA of 20/40 or better.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

3-day treatment with azithromycin 1.5% eye drops versus 7-day treatment with tobramycin 0.3% for purulent bacterial conjunctivitis: multicentre, randomised and controlled trial in adults and children.

AIM: To compare the efficacy and safety of Azyter, azithromycin 1.5% eye drops, for 3 days with tobramycin 0.3% for 7 days to treat purulent bacterial conjunctivitis. METHODS: This was a multicentre, randomised, investigator-masked study including 1043 children and adults with purulent bacterial conjunctivitis. Patients received either azithromycin 1.5% twice-daily for 3 days or tobramycin 0.3%, 1 drop every two hours for 2 days, then four times daily for 5 days. Clinical signs were evaluated and cultures obtained at D0, D3 and D9 (where D refers to "day"). Primary variable was the clinical cure at the Test-of-Cure (TOC)-visit (D9+/-1), for patients with D0-positive cultures. The cure was defined as: bulbar conjunctival injection and discharge scores of 0. RESULTS: Among 471 patients with D0-positivity in the per protocol set, 87.8% of the azithromycin 1.5% group and 89.4% of the tobramycin group were clinically cured at the TOC-visit. Azithromycin was non-inferior to tobramycin for clinical and bacteriological cure. Clinical cure was significantly higher with azithromycin 1.5% at D3. The safety profile of azithromycin was satisfactory with a good patient and investigator's acceptability. CONCLUSIONS: Azithromycin 1.5% for 3 days was as effective and as safe as tobramycin for 7 days. Furthermore, more azithromycin than tobramycin patients presented an early clinical cure at Day 3. Due to its twice daily dosing regimen for 3 days, azithromycin represents a step forward in the management of purulent bacterial conjunctivitis, especially in children.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Pattern of childhood-onset uveitis in a referral center in Tunisia, North Africa.

PURPOSE: To analyze the pattern of childhood uveitis in a referral center in Tunisia, North Africa. METHODS: The study included 64 patients with uveitis examined at the Department of Ophthalmology of Monastir (Tunisia) from January 1994 to July 2005. All patients had a comprehensive ocular and systemic history, including an extensive review of medical systems. Complete ophthalmic examination was performed in all cases, including best-corrected Snellen visual acuity, slit-lamp examination, applanation tonometry, and dilated fundus examination with 3-mirror lens. Standard diagnostic criteria were employed for all syndromes or entities of uveitis. RESULTS: The mean age at onset of uveitis was 12.4 years. The male-to-female ratio was 0.68. The process was unilateral in 51.6% of patients. Mean follow-up was 43.2 months. Anterior and intermediate uveitis each represented 31.25% of cases, posterior uveitis 20.3%, and panuveitis 17.2%. Noninfectious uveitis (75%) was the most frequent type of inflammation. Idiopathic uveitis was found in 50% of patients. Infectious uveitis was responsible for 25% of the cases, with toxoplasmosis (14.1%) being the most frequent cause. Twenty percent of the patients had systemic associations; juvenile idiopathic arthritis was found in 6.25%. Ocular complications occurred in 74.7% of affected eyes, of which the most common were posterior synechiae (28.4%), cataract (17.9%), cystoid macular edema (19%), and optic disc edema (32.6%). Fifty-seven affected eyes (60%) had a final visual acuity more than 20/40 and nine (9.5%) had a final visual acuity less than 20/200. CONCLUSIONS: In a hospital population in Tunisia, a specific cause of uveitis in children was found in half the patients. Idiopathic intermediate uveitis was the leading cause of uveitis in our study, followed by idiopathic anterior uveitis and toxoplasmosis. Uveitis associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis was rare. Visual prognosis appeared to be good.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Orbital sarcoidosis manifesting with enophthalmos.

PURPOSE: To describe a case of orbital sarcoidosis manifesting with enophthalmos. METHODS: A 60-year-old woman presented with right enophthalmos. She had a palpable mass in her anterior orbit inferiorly. She underwent a complete ophthalmic evaluation, magnetic resonance imaging, and histopathologic examination. RESULTS: A magnetic resonance imaging scan disclosed an orbital, extraconal mass, with displacement of the orbital floor. A biopsy specimen of the mass demonstrated a granulomatous inflammation without caesation necrosis. Workup revealed hilar lymphadenopathy, pleural nodule, and splenomegaly. The patient was treated with corticosteroids, with subsequent involution of the mass and disappearance of enophthalmos. CONCLUSION: Although orbital sarcoidosis usually manifests with proptosis or palpebral swelling, enophthalmos should be considered as ophthalmic manifestation of sarcoidosis.

Biopsy↗
PubMed2006

Orbital inflammation associated with Behçet's disease.

Herein a case of a 35-year-old woman with a history of Behçet's disease, who presented with swelling and redness of her right eye with increasing pain, is reported. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed enlargement of the right lacrimal gland and contrast enhancement of the extraocular muscles. A diagnosis of orbital inflammation was made and the patient was treated with corticosteroids, with prompt resolution of symptoms and clinical signs. Orbital inflammation should be considered as an ophthalmic manifestation of Behçet's disease.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Ocular neovascularization in a patient with Fanconi anemia.

CASE REPORT: An 11-year-old girl diagnosed with Fanconi anemia was referred to us for redness and pain in her right eye. Findings in the right eye included visual acuity of counting fingers, neovascular glaucoma, vitreous hemorrhage, optic disc neovascularization, and features of peripheral ischemic retinopathy. Findings in the left eye included peripheral retinal neovascularization and areas of retinal capillary nonperfusion. COMMENTS: Patients with Fanconi anemia may develop ocular neovascularization with subsequent severe visual loss due to vitreous hemorrhage or neovascular glaucoma. Regular ophthalmic examination, including ophthalmoscopy and fluorescein angiography in selected cases, is recommended in such patients.

Child↗
PubMed2006

A cluster study of predictors of severe West Nile virus infection.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of multifocal chorioretinitis and of clinical manifestations and biologic parameters in the diagnosis of West Nile virus (WNV) infection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective, controlled case series study during an outbreak of WNV infection between August 15 and October 24, 2003, of 64 consecutive patients who presented with clinical manifestations consistent with WNV disease. In each patient, standardized clinical and biologic data were collected. An ophthalmologic examination searching particularly for multifocal chorioretinitis was performed. RESULTS: Of 64 patients who presented primarily with meningitis and/or encephalitis, 36 had IgM antibodies against WNV. The WNV-infected patients tended to be older (median age of 54 years vs 46 years in WNV infection and control groups, respectively) and more frequently had diabetes (30% vs 7% in WNV infection and control groups, respectively; P = .03). Multifocal chorioretinitis was found in 75% of WNV-infected patients but in no patient in the control group (P = .001). Blood glucose and amylase levels were higher in WNV-infected patients, whereas serum sodium levels were lower. The cerebrospinal fluid leukocyte count and protein levels were significantly higher in WNV meningitis or encephalitis. Overall, multifocal chorioretinitis had 100% specificity and 73% sensitivity (88% when only patients with meningitis or encephalitis were analyzed) for the diagnosis of WNV. Multivariate analysis disclosed multifocal chorioretinitis as the only predictor of WNV infection (odds ratio, 62; 95% confidence interval, 6-700; P = .001). CONCLUSION: Multifocal chorioretinitis appears to be a specific marker of WNV infection, particularly in patients who present with meningoencephalitis. An ophthalmologic examination should be part of the routine evaluation of such patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy associated with rickettsia conorii infection.

A 43-year-old man with fever, headache, and skin rash developed unilateral acute anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. The indirect immunofluorescence test was positive for Rickettsia conorii. Although retinal lesions have been described in Rickettsia conorii infection, this is the first reported case of ischemic optic neuropathy. This infection should be considered in a patient with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy with high fever or skin rash who inhabits or travels from an endemic area.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2004

Posterior segment manifestations of Rickettsia conorii infection.

PURPOSE: To characterize and analyze the posterior segment manifestations of Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF), an infectious disease caused by Rickettsia conorii. DESIGN: Prospective, noncomparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty patients (60 eyes) with serologically proven MSF at the acute stage. METHODS: Patients underwent complete ophthalmic examination, including dilated biomicroscopic fundus examination, fundus photography, and fluorescein angiography. Sequential follow-up examinations were performed in patients with evidence of posterior segment involvement. RESULTS: Of 30 patients, 25 (83.3%) had unilateral (n = 5) or bilateral (n = 20) posterior segment involvement related to MSF. Of those 25 patients, 16 (64%) had no ocular symptoms, and 9 (36%) had ocular complaints. Findings included mild vitreous inflammation (45 eyes [75%]), white retinal lesions (18 eyes [30%]), focal vascular sheathing (5 eyes [8.3%]), multiple arterial plaques (1 eye [1.7%]), intraretinal hemorrhages (14 eyes [23.3%]), white-centered retinal hemorrhages (2 eyes [3.3%]), subretinal hemorrhages (2 eyes [3.3%]), serous retinal detachment (3 eyes [5%]), macular star (2 eyes [3.3%]), cystoid macular edema (1 eye [1.7%]), optic disc edema (1 eye [1.7%]), branch retinal artery occlusion (1 eye [1.7%]), optic disc staining (30 eyes [50%]), retinal vascular leakage (27 eyes [45%]), delayed filling in a branch retinal vein (1 eye [1.7%]), and multiple hypofluorescent choroidal dots (10 eyes [16.7%]). One eye (1.7%) had retinal neovascularization at the 6-month follow-up examination. All posterior segment findings at the acute stage resolved in 3 to 10 weeks, and the final visual acuity was 20/20 in 42 of 45 affected eyes (93.3%). Retinal pigment epithelium changes developed in 9 eyes (15%), with resolved full-thickness white retinal lesions. No other abnormalities were noted in the eye with retinal neovascularization over a further follow-up of 6 months. CONCLUSION: Posterior segment involvement, frequently asymptomatic, is common in patients with acute MSF. Because the diagnosis can be easily overlooked, a careful dilated funduscopic examination, complemented by fluorescein angiography in selected cases, is recommended. Mild vitritis, retinal vasculitis, optic disc staining, white retinal lesions, retinal hemorrhages, and multiple hypofluorescent choroidal dots are the most common manifestations of MSF. Posterior segment changes in a patient with fever and/or skin rash living in or returning from a specific endemic area, especially during the spring or summer, strongly suggest R. conorii infection.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Chorioretinal involvement in patients with West Nile virus infection.

PURPOSE: To characterize and analyze the chorioretinal manifestations of West Nile virus (WNV) infection. DESIGN: Prospective, noncomparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-nine consecutive patients with serologically confirmed WNV infection in the setting of an outbreak of the disease. METHODS: The average duration of systemic symptoms before ophthalmic examination was 10 days (range, 2-30 days). All participants underwent a detailed ophthalmic examination at presentation and regularly throughout follow-up, including dilated biomicroscopic fundus examination, fundus photography, and fluorescein angiography. RESULTS: A typical multifocal chorioretinitis was observed in 20 of 29 patients (69%) bilaterally at presentation and developed later during follow-up in 3 patients (10.3%), bilaterally (n = 1) or unilaterally (n = 2). Multifocal chorioretinitis was associated with mild vitreous inflammatory reaction in all cases. Other findings included intraretinal hemorrhages (21 patients [72.4%]), white-centered retinal hemorrhages (7 patients [24.1%]), focal retinal vascular sheathing (3 patients [10.4%]), marked diffuse retinal arterial sheathing (1 patient [3.4%]), retinal vascular leakage (5 patients [17.2%]), optic disc swelling (2 patients [6.9%]), optic disc staining (6 patients [20.7%]), segmental zones of retinal pigment epithelium changes (1 patient [3.4%]), and nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (7 patients [24.1%]). The posterior segment findings related to WNV disease had a self-limited course in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Chorioretinal involvement, frequently asymptomatic and self-limited, is common in patients with acute WNV infection. The unique pattern of multifocal chorioretinitis in patients with systemic symptoms suggestive of WNV can help to establish the diagnosis while serologic testing is pending. Therefore, a systematic ocular evaluation, including dilated fundus examination and fluorescein angiography in selected cases, is recommended in patients with clinically suspected WNV infection.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Posterior segment changes associated with posterior microphthalmos.

PURPOSE: To characterize and analyze the posterior segment ocular involvement in patients with posterior microphthalmos. DESIGN: Retrospective observational case series. PARTICIPANTS: Eighteen patients (8 sporadic cases and 10 siblings from 5 different families) between the age of 4 and 36 years with posterior microphthalmos. METHODS: Records of patients with posterior microphthalmos over a 5-year-period were reviewed, including clinical, fundus photographic, fluorescein angiographic, and ultrasonographic findings, and management. RESULTS: All patients had bilateral foreshortening of the posterior ocular segment (range, 7--11.2 mm) with associated high hyperopia (range, +12.00--+19.00 diopters) and normal or slightly smaller than normal anterior segment dimensions. Visual acuity ranged from 20/200 to 20/40. Inheritance of this syndrome was compatible with an autosomal recessive pattern. Posterior segment changes included bilateral elevated papillomacular retinal fold (13 patients, 72.2%); fine retinal folds (6 patients, 33.3%); chorioretinal folds (11 patients, 61.1%); uveal effusion syndrome (3 patients, 16.7%); pigmentary retinopathy (4 patients, 22.2%), including retinitis punctata albescens in 1 patient; absence or marked reduction of the capillary-free zone (18 patients, 100%); crowded optic discs (18 patients, 100%); and sclerochoroidal thickening on ultrasonography (18 patients, 100%). Two patients with uveal effusion were successfully treated with scleral surgery. CONCLUSION: A wide variety of congenital or acquired posterior segment changes may be encountered in patients with posterior microphthalmos. Although high hyperopia and elevated papillomacular retinal fold are the main causes of visual impairment, other chorioretinal changes, such as pigmentary retinopathy, chorioretinal folds and uveal effusion syndrome, should be considered as causes of visual disturbance in patients with posterior microphthalmos. Early ultrasonographic diagnosis, close follow-up, and appropriate management are mandatory to improve or maintain visual function in such patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Primary intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide for diabetic massive macular hard exudates.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide as treatment for massive macular hard exudates in diabetic patients. METHODS: The study was a prospective, noncomparative, interventional case series of 12 eyes (12 patients) with massive hard exudates involving the fovea that had no previous focal laser treatment. A single intravitreal injection of 4 mg of triamcinolone acetonide in 0.1 mL was performed. Visual acuity and evolution of hard exudates and fluorescein leakage were assessed. Potential complications were monitored, including ocular hypertension and endophthalmitis. RESULTS: The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 12 months (mean, 8.25 months). Visual acuity improved significantly at examinations performed 7 days (P = 0.036), 1 month (P = 0.008), 3 months (P = 0.008), and 6 months (P = 0.003) after the injection. Visual acuity improved by at least 2 Snellen lines in 4 patients (33%). However, no eyes with initial visual acuity worse than 20/100 improved to better than 20/100. Foveal hard exudates resolved completely in 6 eyes (50%) and partially in 6 eyes (50%). Fluorescein leakage decreased and a variable proportion of microaneurysms disappeared in all cases. Intraocular pressure elevation occurred in 3 eyes (25%) and was successfully treated by topical medication. No other complications, such as endophthalmitis, were recorded. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide appears to be beneficial for reducing hard exudates, decreasing fluorescein leakage, and significantly improving visual acuity in patients with diabetic massive hard exudates. Visual improvement may not be important due to profound anatomical impairment caused by hard exudate deposition. Further studies with a larger number of patients are required to assess the long-term efficacy and safety and the need for retreatment.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Severe ischemic maculopathy in a patient with West Nile virus infection.

A 60-year-old man with diabetes mellitus had a sudden decrease in vision in his right eye 3 weeks after confirmed West Nile virus infection. Visual acuity in the right eye was 20/400. Fundus examination showed bilateral multifocal chorioretinitis, which was associated with proliferative diabetic retinopathy in the right eye and severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy in the left eye. There were deep, dense retinal hemorrhages, retinal opacification, and retinal arterial sheathing in the macula of the right eye. Fluorescein angiography revealed extensive capillary nonperfusion in the macular area of the right eye. Six months later, vision remained unchanged and a choroidal neovascularization developed over a chorioretinal scar in the same eye.

Chorioretinitis↗