Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

R C Pruett

Publications and source records attributed to R C Pruett.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1986

Transmission electron microscopic observations of vitreous abnormalities in retinitis pigmentosa.

Ultrastructural studies of six vitreous biopsy specimens obtained during cataract surgery on patients with retinitis pigmentosa showed four types of cells. These were ocular pigment epithelium, uveal melanocytes, retinal astrocytes, and macrophage-like cells. The fibrous astrocytes displayed plump cell bodies, large nuclei, and numerous intracytoplasmic filaments. The pigment epithelial cells and uveal melanocytes were round to cuboidal and were heavily pigmented. Macrophage-like cells demonstrated round cell bodies, inclusions of glycogen, and long processes extending from the cell membrane. Also identified in the vitreous material were loose pigment granules. In contrast, vitreous from the control group showed occasional macrophages and loose pigment. These findings explained the clinical observation of material within the vitreous of patients with retinitis pigmentosa.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Graphics composition of fundus data.

I developed a simple, inexpensive method of combining and recording clinical fundus data from a variety of sources in an instant color print or color transparency format. The system is useful for sequential observation, for planning laser treatment, for reference during photocoagulation, and for follow-up in many diseases including macular degeneration.

Data Display↗
PubMed1984

Scleral buckling for retinal detachment in patients with retinoblastoma.

Three children (two girls and one boy) with bilateral retinoblastoma each developed a presumed rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in one eye. All three eyes had previously received radiation and cryotherapy. In each case the retinal detachment responded promptly to conventional surgical methods via scleral buckling in the area of treated retinoblastoma and presumed retinal break. All three eyes have retained useful vision for follow-up periods of 3.5 to 12 years.

Eye Neoplasms↗
PubMed1984

Natural history of choroidal neovascularization in degenerative myopia.

We studied 354 eyes with myopic chorioretinal degeneration by means of standard clinical evaluation and fluorescein angiography. The eyes were classified on the basis of the degree of chorioretinal degeneration found in the posterior pole. Lacquer cracks (breaks in Bruch's membrane) were noted in 82% of the 149 eyes with choroidal neovascular membranes (CNM) and in 96% of the 58 eyes with isolated subretinal hemorrhages. These hemorrhages were reabsorbed without adverse visual sequelae in 32 eyes that were followed; in 14 of these eyes that were followed closely, the average time of reabsorption was 6.4 weeks. Seventy eyes with CNM were followed for an average of 40.9 months. In 96% of these eyes the CNM remained stable or regressed, leaving an atrophic, nonexudative scar. This study indicates that CNM in degenerative myopia is usually self-limited.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Photocoagulation of serous detachments of the retinal pigment epithelium in patients with senile macular disease.

Twenty-one eyes of 18 patients aged 58 to 78 years (mean: 66 years) showing serous retinal pigment epithelial detachment associated with senile macular degeneration underwent green argon laser photocoagulation and were observed from 7 to 69 months (mean: 27 months). Treatment collapsed the retinal pigment epithelial detachment in 17 eyes (81.0%). Sustained improvement in visual acuity was obtained in seven eyes (33.3%), and stabilization of visual acuity in one eye. Analysis of available data describing the natural history of this condition indicates that although photocoagulation does not reduce the incidence of choroidal neovascularization, the treatment can be beneficial.

Aged↗
PubMed1983

Optic nerve pit and baring of the circumlinear vessel.

The concept of a circumlinear vessel (CLV) of the ophtic disc was recently introduced into the opthalmic literature, and baring of the CLV was suggested as a sign of acquired disc injury, especially from glaucoma. In a review of fundus photographs of 27 eyes with optic nerve pits, only one eye was found in which the CLV was bared. This observation supports the concept that baring of the CLV is a sign of acquired disc change.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

Vitiligo and disorders of the retinal pigment epithelium.

The association of vitiligo with inflammation of the uveal tract is well established. The relationship between vitiligo and hypopigmentation and/or degeneration of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) not secondary to ocular inflammation has not been adequately investigated. Sixty (27%) of 223 consecutive patients with vitiligo were found to have some evidence of RPE hypopigmentation ranging from mild, focal areas of involvement in most cases to extensive RPE degeneration with a retinitis pigmentosa-like syndrome in one patient. Fifteen (25%) patients complained of night blindness. Only 6 (4%) of 148 patients in a control group had similar funduscopic findings (p less than 0.001). None of these patients were symptomatic. There have been isolated reports of vitiligo occurring with tapetoretinal degeneration. We report 2 patients with both vitiligo and retinitis pigmentosa.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

Tractional detachment of the macula following branch retinal vein occlusion.

In two patients, a detachment of the macula occurred following a branch retinal vein occlusion. Vitreoretinal relationships were investigated and documented by biomicroscopic photography. Both eyes showed partial posterior vitreous detachment with dense adhesions to a preretinal membrane at the macula. Vitreous contraction and traction appeared to be responsible for the detachment.

Aged↗
PubMed1983

Retinitis pigmentosa: clinical observations and correlations.

This thesis presents the results of a study of 384 eyes of 192 patients with a mean age of 39.1 years who presented with typical retinitis pigmentosa. The major findings are outlined below, together with suggested hypotheses: Cataract was found in 46.4% of the eyes. Among these, 93.6% showed posterior subcapsular opacification. The incidence of cataract increased with age. The vitreous degeneration that is characteristic of the RP syndrome and begins in childhood was described as showing dust-like, particulate matter throughout the gel; posterior vitreous separation; formation of a posterior matrix of coarse, white, interconnected strands and opacities; and final collapse of the residual gel. Ultrastructural studies of vitreous material from eight eyes revealed that the particles were isolated pigment granules and the coarse strands were composed of condensed collagen fibers. Notwithstanding the vitreous degeneration and prevalence of myopia in RP, neurosensory retinal breaks and/or rhegmatogenous detachment were found in only 7 (1.8%) of the 384 eyes studied. Premature separation of the vitreous from the retina, absence of lattice retinal degeneration, and perhaps a stronger than normal RPE-neurosensory retinal bond are thought to be possible protective factors. Rather than searching for a "toxin," elaborated by diseased retina, that causes vitreous degeneration and cataract formation, it is suggested that the ocular media be studied for an absence of moieties that are normally produced by healthy retina for vitreous and lens maintenance. The classic criteria for diagnosis of RP were met by 96.3% of eyes that showed retinal vascular attenuation and by 52.0% that showed pallor of the optic disc. Less frequent manifestations included solitary retinal hemorrhage, peripheral microaneurysms, telangiectasia, and fluorescein leakage at the macula and disc. Seven additional cases with a Coats'-like retinal detachment were added to the 14 already presented in the literature. Two of the seven had autosomal dominant RP, the first such cases reported. The vascular malformations and detachments were most often inferior. Unlike typical Coats' syndrome, the condition was usually bilateral, showed no sex preference, and appeared to affect older individuals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1982

Pseudovitelliform macular degeneration.

Forty-two patients with pseudovitelliform macular degeneration (VMD) were studied. The macular lesions were yellow in color, appeared as a slight elevation at the level of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), were usually 1/4 to 1/2 disc diameter in size and often showed a round or oval shape. Progression occurred over many years, resulting in a circumscribed atrophic area in the RPE. The lesions in VMD were morphologically similar to those seen in Best's vitelliform dystrophy, but the electrooculogram was normal or slightly subnormal in all cases. The average Lp/Dt ratio in 71 eyes tested was 2.16. There were 31 women and 11 men with a median age of 51 years at initial presentation. Family studies did not reveal other affected members. Long-term follow-up (five years or longer) in ten cases showed that useful vision is retained in at least one eye.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1981

Microhemorrhagic maculopathy.

Twenty subjects, 12 males and eight females aged 14 to 58 years, had a small monocular macular hemorrhage that was punctate, round, or bilobed and seemed to originate from the perifoveal capillary plexus. Although clinical study results failed to establish a common causal denominator, three of the 20 patients had a history of preceding increased venous pressure (Valsalva stress), three of nine subjects tested showed impaired blood platelet aggregation, and an additional four of 20 were taking medications known to impair platelet function both in vitro and in vivo. Macular microhemorrhages resolve spontaneously, and available data suggest that the syndrome is benign.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1981

Historic perspectives. Macular yellow pigment. The first 200 years.

Since 1782 there has been continuing controversy concerning the curious central coloration referred to as "macular yellow," but no cumulative source of information on the subject exists. This paper reviews the research efforts of two centuries to determine the existence, nature, location, and function of a specialized pigment in the foveal region. Using white-light illumination, it is difficult to see a macular yellow spot in the living eye; it is best observed and documented by red-free ophthalmoscopy and blue-light monochromatic photography. Histologic, biochemical, and spectral absorption data suggest that the yellow color is due to a xanthophyllic pigment, lutein, that is distributed in all retinal layers internal to the outer nuclear layer, with greatest concentration in the outer and inner plexiform layers. Clinically absent in newborns, the pigment gradually accumulates from dietary sources and appears to serve both as an optical filter, by absorbing blue light and reducing chromatic aberration, and in a protective capacity, preventing actinic damage. The absorption characteristics of the yellow pigment contribute to the central dark spot seen during fluorescein angiography and to the risk of photocoagulation near the fovea. Its apparent absence in albinos and the reported functional improvement in certain degenerative retinopathies following supplemental xanthophyll administration suggest a possible role in hereditary or acquired maculopathies.

Carotenoids↗
PubMed1981

A shot between the eyes.

Cranial gunshot wounds can result in a number of possible and seemingly impossible combinations of neurological deficits. It is unusual for an individual to both survive and remain neurologically intact. This is the report of such an incident.

Adult↗