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This study evaluated the subacute morphologic alterations in renal artery wall and renal nerves in response to catheter-based renal denervation (RDN) in sheep and also compared the efficiency of single-point and multiple-point ablation catheters. Effect of each ablation catheter approved for the clinical use (Symplicity FlexTM, Medtronic, Inc., or EnligHTNTM, St. Jude Medical, INC.) was compared to intact contralateral renal artery in 12 sheep by histopathology and immunohistochemistry evaluation after a 10-day period post-RDN procedure. The safety was verified by extensive evaluation of kidney morphology. Vascular wall lesions and nerve injuries were more pronounced in those animals treated with multi-point EnligHTN catheter when compared with animals treated with single-point Symplicity Flex catheter. However, neither RDN procedure led to complete renal nerve ablation. Both systems, tested in the present study, provided only incomplete renal nerve ablation in sheep. Moreover, no appreciable progression of the nerve disintegration in subacute phase post-RDN procedure was observed. This study further supports the notion that the effectiveness remains fully dependent on anatomical inter-individual variability of the sympathetic nerve plexus accompanying the renal artery. Therefore, new systems providing deeper penetrance to targeted perivascular structure would be more efficient.

Renal sympathetic hyperactivity is critically involved in hypertension pathophysiology; renal denervation (RDN) presents a novel strategy for treatment of resistant hypertension cases. This study assessed effects of two RDN systems to detect acute intravascular, vascular and peri-vascular changes in the renal artery, and renal nerve alterations, in the sheep. The procedures using a single-point or multi-point ablation catheters, Symplicity FlexTM, Medtronic versus EnligHTNTM, St. Jude Medical were compared; the intact contralateral kidneys served as controls. Histopathological and immunohistochemical assessments were performed 48 h after RDN procedures; the kidney and suprarenal gland morphology was also evaluated. Special staining methods were applied for histologic analysis, to adequately score the injury of renal artery and adjacent renal nerves. These were more pronounced in the animals treated with the multi-point compared with the single-point catheter. However, neither RDN procedure led to complete renal nerve ablation. Forty-eight hours after the procedure no significant changes in plasma and renal tissue catecholamines were detected. The morphologic changes elicited by application of both RDN systems appeared to be dependent on individual anatomical variability of renal nerves in the sheep. Similar variability in humans may limit the therapeutic effectiveness of RDN procedures used in patients with resistant hypertension.

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate our experience with percutaneous treatment of biliary strictures after orthotopic liver transplantation in adult patients without the endoscopic access possibility and to evaluate the technical outcomes and long-term clinical results of this treatment. Materials and methods Thirty percutaneous procedures were performed in adult liver transplant recipients (13 men, 17 women, mean age 46.4 years) in our institution between 1996 and 2010. Patients were treated with balloon dilatation and biliary duct drainage due to anastomotic stenosis (n = 20), nonanastomotic stenosis (n = 7), or due to stenosis caused by lymphoproliferation (n = 3). The percutaneous procedure was the first line of treatment due to hepaticojejunoanastomosis (n = 18) or after unsuccessful endoscopic therapy (n = 12). Results Technical success was achieved in 27 patients (90%). The remaining three patients only achieved external drainage with subsequent surgery. There were two complications (6.3%). Long-term clinical success, defined as the absence of clinical, laboratory, or sonographic signs of stricture recurrence was achieved in 22 patients (73.3%) for a mean follow-up of 5.8 years. Conclusion Percutaneous treatment—balloon dilatation and biliary duct drainage—is a first-line option to manage biliary duct strictures in liver recipient, when endoscopic treatment is not possible or unsuccessful. It has a high technical success rate and low complication rate with favorable long-term results.

Hepatocelullar carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer in the world. It mostly occurs in patients with cirrhosis. In the Czech Republic, about 250 new cases are reported per year. Surgery, i.e. liver resection or transplantation, as the only potentially curable method is possible in 15-20% of them. For the rest, palliative treatment is indicated. This includes ablative methods (radiofrequency ablation, alcoholization), transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), systemic chemotherapy or biological treatment by sorafenib. TACE is method of choice in patients unsuitable for surgery and ablative treatment. Another indication is embolization of HCC before liver transplantation to prevent tumour progression. In combination with other methods, down staging of the tumour and curable treatment afterward is possible.To assess the outcome of transarterial chemoembolisation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.Between 2004-2008 we performed 30 TACE. Of that number, 28 TACE were performed in 20 patients with HCC. We super selectively catheterized the tumour via arteria femoralis and used Doxorubicin with Lipiodol as embolic material. In follow up, we carried out laboratory studies and CT.We have not noticed any major complications. Post-embolization syndrome with fever, nausea and right upper quadrant pain occurred after 10 TACE (33%). One-, two- and three years survival of the patients was 53%, 40% a 20%.TACE is safe method prolonging patients' survival with unresectable HCC. For the correct treatment of HCC, its concentration to cancer centres and the cooperation between multiple specialists is necessary.

Mechanical thrombectomy of a large central thrombus in massive pulmonary embolism is a new option for the treatment of this serious condition. The special mechanical devices designed to fragmentize a blood clot include the Arrow-Trerotola percutaneous thrombolytic device (PTD), the use of which in the pulmonary arteries has not yet been reported. The case of massive embolism into the left pulmonary artery with subsequent collapse is to demonstrate the immediately clinically successful treatment using the PTD. Our initial experience with the PTD shows that its use is a safe and quick procedure.

Fourier analysis is a powerful method of evaluating the surface of the cornea. In 50 patients after photorefractive keratectomy included in our study we measured spherical equivalent, regular astigmatism, irregular astigmatism and decentration retrospectively acquired by Fourier series analysis of corneal topography data 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after operation. Postoperative decentration increased significantly from a mean preoperative value. The preoperative and postoperative values are not significantly different. The Fourier spherical equivalent and the values of keratometric spherical (equivalent) are highly correlated. Correlation among decentration, irregular astigmatism and best corrected visual acuity is important for clinical practice. Due to Fourier analysis we obtain information, which could explain worse results of some surgeries.

1. 20 patients (20 eyes) with secondary cataract and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/30 or 20/20 using Snellen charts were examined before Nd-YAG capsulotomy and 14 days postoperatively. 2. Contrast sensitivity (CS) was tested on a computerized system of the Contrast sensitivity 8010 type and on VCTS charts in 6 spatial frequencies, BCVA was measured on the logMAR charts with Landolt rings and influence of glare of 342.6 cd/m2 was tested using Brightness Acuity Tester (BAT). 3. BCVA (without and under glare) in patients before and after YAG capsulotomy was significantly lower compared to the control group (p0.001). Postoperative improvement of BCVA was markedly higher on logMAR charts (up to 6.6 standardized lines) than using Snellen charts (1 line). 4. CS (without and under glare) using both methods in patients before and after YAG capsulotomy was significantly lower compared to the control group (p0.05 to p0.001) in spite of significant improvement postoperatively (p0.05 to p0.001), first of all at intermediate and high spatial frequencies. 5. Glare had only nonsignificant influence on BCVA and CS in all groups.

An ERG examination according to the international standard was made in 55 patients with pits in the optic nerve disc. 19 of them suffered from concurrent maculopathy. Electroretinography revealed in scotopic responses a significant reduction of amplitudes of oscillatory potentials and reduction of potentials of the b wave in standard (maximal) reactions. Even more markedly the cone reactions and flicker were reduced--responses to intermittent (30 Hz) photostimulation. The authors consider maculopathies with pits a separate nosological unit with possible hereditary transmission. ERG signalizes a more extensive alteration of retinal structures than affection of the centre, probably on the basis of the circulation. Maculopathies with pits are also characterized by the fact that the dramatic drop of amplitudes is associated with the patient's age or the duration of the disease.

The authors made photopic ERG examinations according to the international standard in 82 diabetic patients. They recorded a significant reduction of amplitudes of the b wave in a group of 38 patients who at the time of the examination did not have yet any pathological changes on the fundus. Regressive analysis did not prove after laser photocoagulation in these patients, contrary to a control group and diabetic patients with simple diabetic retinopathy, any correlation between the patients age and the extent of the retinal response. Photopic electroretinograms must be included in the electrophysiological diagnostic arsenal in diabetes.

1. 41 myopes undergoing PRK and 31 patients undergoing LASIK for correction of spherical refractive error were examined before and 1, 3, 6 a 12 months after surgery on Schwind Multiscan with ablation zone between 5 and 7 mm. Mean preoperative spherical equivalent of refraction was -8.0 +/- 1.7 D in PRK group and -9.2 +/- 2.1 D in LASIK one. 2. Contrast sensitivity (CS) was tested on a computerized system of the Contrast sensitivity 8010 type in 6 spatial frequencies (0.74; 1.97; 3.69; 7.39; 14.77; 29.55 c/deg) and the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured on the normalized charts with Landolt rings. 3. At 12 months postoperatively, mean spherical equivalent of refraction was -0.6 +/- 1.0 D (PRK) and -1.0 +/- 0.8 D (LASIK). A refractive error within +/- 0.5 D had 31.5% (PRK) and 57.5% (LASIK) patients. Increasing of BCVA was measured in 51.5% (PRK) and 41.9% (LASIK) patients about 1 optotype to 2.5 lines. Mean CS in 6 frequencies reached 99.4; 102; 105; 109; 115 and 140% of preoperative values in PRK group and only 96; 95.8; 96.3; 95.8; 97.8 and 94.6% in LASIK one. 4. At 12 months after surgery, mean spherical equivalent, CS was better and number of patients with increased BCVA was significantly higher after PRK, than those attained with LASIK. On the other hand, a number of patients with a refractive error within +/- 0.5 D was higher and percentage of reoperations was lower in LASIK group.

1. 86 myopes undergoing photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) with refraction from -0.25 D to -12.00 D were divided into 4 groups: A: up to -2.75 D, B: -3.00 D to -5.75 D, C: -6.00 D to -8.75 D and D: -9.00 D to -12.00 D. 20 emmetropes of the same median age were evaluated as a control group. The patients were examined 2 years after PRK. 2. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) increased in groups A, C, D and decreased in group B compared to values one year after PRK. Both changes were only nonsignificant. 3. Contrast sensitivity (CS) was equal to values one year after PRK in group A, the same was true for groups C and D with exception of lower values in the highest spatial frequency. In group B, CS decreased significantly compared to values one year after PRK. 4. In groups A, B a C number of patients without rest correction increased, regression was seen only in group B. 5. BCVA changed only nonsignificantly under glare of 41.1 cd/m2, 342.6 cd/m2 and 1360.4 cd/m2 in 97% of patients.

1. Electroretinographic examination according to recommendations of the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision (ISCEV) was implemented in 115 healthy subjects of different age groups. 2. No significant difference was recorded in the results of men and women. 3. The amplitudes of all investigated retinal responses decline in a linear fashion with age and their peak latencies are prolonged. The mentioned changes are statistically significant even if changes of 0.5 to 0.8% per year are involved.

1. For isolating of electroretinographic oscillatory potentials (Ops) a method of algebraic polynomial approximation of the low-frequency course of the electroretinogram is described. 2. Using the described method of approximation in 16 subjects, the isolated Ops displayed peak-latencies by 1-2 ms shorter than using the Fast Fourier Transform and a time window. Moreover, the amplitudes of OP1 were by 20% and of OP2 by 6% higher.

Large recurrent pericardial effusion can be managed by repeat pericardiocentesis or by surgery. A relatively new, catheter-based method uses a balloon catheter (percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy) for drainage from the pericardial sac to the pleural space. As an alternative, we present a newly developed device: Cutting pericardiotome.

The authors present a pedigree where in three generations in male members deep excavations of the optic discs along with Best's disease of the centres in a variable form were recorded. The heredity is autosomal dominant. Retinal changes conditioned by defects of the pigmented epithelium reduce vision to a maximum of 6/60. The anomaly is associated with a pathological EOG record and normal ERG response. The observation is a contribution to discussions in the literature about the hereditary character of excavations of the optic nerve.

1. 110 myopes undergoing photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) with refraction from -0.25 D to -12.0 D were divided into 4 groups: A: upto -2.75 D, B: -3.0 D to -5.75 D, C: -6.0 D to -8.75 D and D: -9.0 D to -12.0 D. BCVA using the computerized method with Landolt rings and CS using an adjustment method with ascendant and descendent approach to threshold contrast adaptation on a computerized system of the Contrast sensitivity 8010 type were examined in patients before and 1 year after PRK. 20 emmetropes of the same median age were evaluated as a control group. 2. Preoperative BCVA and CS in myopes of all four groups was significantly lower (p0.05 az p0.001), compared to controls. Decrease of functions was proportional to refraction. 3. With increasing refraction less patients were within +/- 0.5 D and +/- 1.0 after surgery. 4. Twelve months after PRK, BCVA in the group A reached the level of controls, CS in the same time interval was equal to control even in groups A and B. 5. According to results of our study, PRK is a suitable method for myopia upto -6.0 D.

Electroretinographic examinations performed according to the international standard were used in two patients with alimentary hypovitaminosis A. In one instance a mentally caused long-term deficiency of dietary vitamin A intake was involved, in the second instance a fistula from the proximal jejunum into the transverse colon. In both instances night blindness was reported. The initial vitamin A values were 1.0 and 0.6 micromol/l resp. and after substitution therapy they rose to 2 micromol/l. While the rod and maximal ERG responses improved gradually, the oscillation potentials remained pathological as regards amplitudes and latencies. We consider them therefore a sensitive indicator of the electric sensitivity of the retina also in other cases of confirmed or suspected vitamin A deficiency. The existence and orientation of our metabolic and gerontological clinic provides adequate opportunities for these investigations.

In 20 healthy subjects no changes of the peak-latencies of the four wavelets of electroretinographic oscillatory potentials (OP) was found in the course of dark- and light-adaptation. On the other hand, their peak-to-peak amplitudes and dominant frequencies diminish significantly with rising levels of light adaptation. No single OP wavelet was affected by these changes selectively. The OP peak latencies are well suited for clinical diagnostic testing owing to their stability and low variability. On the other hand, because of the great interindividual variability of the peak-to-peak amplitude values of the OP a better clinical tool appears to be a sum of their amplitudes.

Visual acuity measured using the Snellen method in 29 patients with hypophyseal tumors amounts to normal or nearly normal values (6/9-6/6), with mean value of 0.75. Measuring of visual acuity with the more accurate "log MAR" optotype tables yields acuity values which decline with the severity of the disease from 1.04 to 0.87 with a mean value of 0.97. Not withstanding, in all of these patients markedly lowered contrast sensitivity values were found in all of the frequencies tested (1.15-29.25 c/deg). The use of the visual acuity determinations only is insufficient for early detection of functional visual disturbances in compressions of the visual pathway.

Two methods (a double staircase and an adjustment method) for repeated measuring of the contrast sensitivity in inexperienced observers (e.g. in patients undergoing the photorefractive keratectomy) were compared in 10 subjects. Using the coefficient of repeatability of Bland and Altmann it could be shown that the reproducibility is better in the method of adjustment. The coefficient of repeatability of this method amounted for 95% confidence limits to 4.78 dB, whereas in the method of double staircase it was 8.70 dB.

In 34 patients admitted to the clinical examination on the basis of the finding of the higher intraocular pressure stated in the private praxis the PERG examination has been performed. After the clinical examination (intraocular pressure, Humphrey perimeter, gonioskopy, C/D ratio) two groups of patients have been classified: 1. Glaucoma patients (21 persons) 2. Patients without glaucoma (13 persons). In the first group a significant lowering of the b65 amplitude of the PERG has been found. Thus the diagnostic value of the PERG in early glaucoma has been confirmed.

The value of visual acuity in patients with incipient cataract, as measured using the conventional Snellen charts amounts to normal or near normal values (6/9-6/6). Nevertheless, their contrast sensitivity determined using the Ginsburg charts or optotypes with lowered contrasts is markedly depressed. The measurement of the visual acuity alone is insufficient diagnostic purposes in these patients.

The clinical and electrophysiological data in 48 cases of congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) are analysed. The existence of the complete (with only the cone part of the dark adaptation curve) and incomplete (some rod activity also present) form of this anomaly has been confirmed. The Schubert-Bornschein's type of ERG responses corresponds to the complete CSNB. After 12 years of observation period in some patients the diminution of both the a and b potential of the ERG curves but not the extinction of the ERG potentials has been found. PERG curves and PVEP responses in CSNB are normal. Two pedigrees of CSNB are presented. The first reflects the autosomal dominant mode of heredity in 4 generations, in the second pedigree (5 generations) it is not possible to estimate the mode of heredity.

1) The ordinary Snellen chart with letter optotypes is not suited for research purposes. Unequal legibility of letters, unequal number of optotypes on rows of the chart and unequal progression of letter sizes limit the usage of such charts for screening purposes only. 2) The results of our computerised method for determining of visual acuity correlate very well with the results gained using the standardised Landolt optotype chart (r = 0.931). Our method brings whole line acuity, threshold visual acuity with its variability and a new parameter of line slope (decrease of correct readings from 95% to 5%), expressed in standardised rows (log MAR = 0.1). The results are printed on a simple printer and stored in a database.

Some recent studies on dyslexia have suggested a selective abnormality in the magnocellular visual pathway. To verify this hypothesis, we investigated motion-onset visual evoked potentials (VEPs) (predominantly testing the magnocellular system) as well as pattern-reversal VEPs (presumably testing the parvocellular system) in 20 dyslexics and 16 controls (both groups with a mean age of 10.0 years). Although the latencies and amplitudes of the main positive peak of pattern-reversal VEPs did not differ between the dyslexic and control group, the motion specific negative peak of motion-onset VEPs was significantly delayed (p0.001) in dyslexics. Our results confirm a selective magnocellular pathway disorder in dyslexics and indicate that the motion-onset VEPs might serve as an objective method for early diagnosis of dyslexia.

The cause of hyperalbuminuria in hypertonic patients can be functional or irreversible structural changes. The objective of the present investigation was an attempt to differentiate these two possibilities by comparing data of hypertonic patients with normal albuminuria (albumin excretion20 micrograms/min) and those with microalbuminuria in patients with renovascular hypertension by comparing findings after successful percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of the renal arteries (n = 8).The authors examined 20 patients with normal albuminuria (12 men and 8 women, mean age 46 years) and 20 patients with microalbuminuria (12 men and 8 women, mean age 49 years). Of these patients 8 were examined repeatedly after angioplasty. The examination was made in the morning, renal haemodynamics were assessed by the infusion technique (clearance of polyfructosan and paraaminohippuric acid), in blood and urine the albumin and IgG concentration (bromcresol purpur-Lachema Brno and immunoturbidometrically-Tina-quant Boheringer Mannheim). In hypertonic patients with microalbuminuria a significantly higher (p0.001) IgG excretion was found (14.1 as compared with 5.12 micrograms/min.) and a reduced ratio of IgG clearance to albumin clearance (p0.001), 0.73 as compared with 1.60. After successful angioplasty of the renal arteries there was a significant drop of the blood pressure (p0.05) and of the renal vascular resistance as well as a significant decrease of albuminuria (p0.05) on average from 137 to 48 micrograms/min. The quantitative improvement of albuminuria, however, did not go beyond the discrimination value for microalbuminuria.The results suggest that microalbuminuria in hypertensive patients is as a rule a manifestation of structural renal changes, while also functional and reversible changes participate. The asset of treatment of hypertension by angioplasty of the renal arteries was manifested not only in the renal haemodynamics but also by reduced albuminuria.

A loss of contrast sensitivity was noted in patients with inciplent cataracts and also in artephakias. As all these patients displayed normal visual acuity (6/6-6/9), our data suggest that the use of high-contrast optotypes is insufficient. Low-contrast optotypes are recommended for testing visual acuity in the above mentioned groups of patients.

The variability of the visual acuity in repeating testing using the whole-line method corresponds to three standardized optotype lines. A significant change of the visual acuity represents at least a doubling of the minimal angle of resolution. From the practical point of view the use of the interpolation method of Ferris is recommended. The mean variability of this method amounts only to 1.3 optotype lines and its realization is based on simple mathematical operations.

Two cases of a heavy hypovitaminosis A (tumor of the pancreas and an insufficient resorption accompanying the syndrome of a short intestine) are presented. The eye symptomatology consisted of lowered dark-adaption curve, absent electrical reactivity and lowered contrast sensitivity. After restoring the normal vitamin A level in the blood the eye symptoms vanished.

From results of the contrast sensitivity test (n = 65, r = 0.834) it is possible to estimate visual acuity with considerable provedes, however, in addition also information on vision at low contrast conditions and on vision of large objects. It may therefore be expected that in future the two-dimensional visuogram will replace in clinical practice the commonly used test used for assessment of visual acuity.

The authors demonstrate the possibility to assess the correction in ametropes according to the value of their natural vision. To this end they use normalized optotype tables with Landolt rings which have a constant diminution coefficient between individual consecutive lines. By means of this elaborated method the authors were able to assess in twenty myopic subjects that a correction of -1.0 corresponds to an improvement by four lines, one line thus corresponds to a correction of -0.25 dioptres.

After implantation of intraocular lenses (IOL) Purkinje images 3 and 4 (Pi3 and Pi4) are clearer on the anterior and posterior surface of its optical part (subsequently only lens). Along with the corneal Pil this phenomenon was already used in clinical work for more accurate calculations of the degree of decentration and tilt of the lens in the eye. The authors describe a simplified method for assessment of the position of the lens by means of Pil, 3 and 4, using apparatuses with an approximately coaxial light. The method uses overlapping of Pi1, 3 and 4 in perfect centering of the lens in the axis of the eye (it is assessed by drawing a perpendicular line on the centre of the cornea) and marked dislocation of Pi3 in the direction of decentration of the planoconvex lens with the convexity facing the cornea. The inclination of the lens must be eliminated according to positions Pi1 and Pi4. The method is suitable for peroperative centering and for assessment of the direction and extent of decentration of these lenses. The authors discuss the possible use of this method also in biconvex and planoconvex lenses with the convexity facing the retina. In a group of 10 implanted planoconvex lenses the authors demonstrate the possibility of perfect peroperative centring of the lens and other applications of the method. Incorrect position of the IOL at the end of the operation, which can be one of the factors of later complications, did not change during the early postoperative period.

In a 27-year-old patient with an infarction of the anterior myocardial wall, significant from the haemodynamic aspect, a complex procedure is described by which in the course of four hours after the beginning of complaints normalization of the lumen and blood flow of the coronary artery supplying the infarction focus was achieved. The authors used thrombolytic intravenous treatment which involved infusion of 1.5 million u. of streptokinase (Streptase, Boehringer, Ingelheim) in the course of 45 mins., N-acetylcysteine 2.0 g i.v. (Broncholysin, Spofa) and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. In the course of 16 days the left ventricular function recovered completely: the ejection fraction was 67% before the infarction, on the first day of infarction 45% and before discharge 64%.

Twenty-four hour urinary excretion of albumin (UEalb), IgG and beta-2 microglobulin was investigated at a 3 hour-interval in a control group (C) of healthy subjects, in 30 patients with renovascular hypertension (RVH), and in 16 patients with essential hypertension (EH). Mean UEalb in RVH was significantly higher than in C. A significant direct correlation was demonstrated between diastolic blood pressure and UEalb (p0.01). Microalbuminuria (MA)or = 30 micrograms.min-1 was found in about 18% of RVH patients; it was higher than 16.7 micrograms.min-1 in approx. 31%. These results did not substantially differ from those obtained in patients with EH. The cause for increased UEalb in hypertensive patients may be functional, haemodynamic changes, or structural ones. In either case, MA indicates renal injury, and these patients should be given increased attention when monitoring their blood pressure and when selecting antihypertensive drugs.

We collected and evaluated the results of contrast sensitivity (CS) examination by means of Vistech chart with an arranged testing distance 208 and 420 cm covering spatial frequencies 1.15-27.25 cycles/degree (c/deg). Our test was comprised of normal population and patients with chronic renal insufficiency including the group of waiting patients, dialysed patients and dialysed patients after neuroretinopathy and also patients after kidney transplantation and those with Alport's syndrome. We gave our attention to the results of visual acuity (VA) and contrast sensitivity (CS) examination in patients after surgery for detached retina, aphakic patients and patients with artephakia. We examined and evaluated CS in patients with intraocular hypertension. All patients reached the VA values 6/9-6/6. 1. The results of examination of 100 healthy persons of different age displayed significant differences in age groups covering all spatial frequencies between the groups 21-50, 51-60 and 61-80 years whereas in sets of higher age we registered differences in the region of medial spatial frequencies only. These data served us to create control groups in the individual partial groups. 2. Patients with chronic renal insufficiency have CS significantly lowered. These examinations suggest that there is a certain relation between renal and retinal functions and that the dialyzation treatment is not able as yet to compensate fully all changes evoked by renal insufficiency. A clear tendency to normalize CS after renal transplantation is suggestive of a certain reversibility of these changes. This is valid for transplant patients with a clear lens. If opacity of the posterior cortex of the lens occurs after a long-time cortisone treatment, a substantial fall in the CS curve is registered in all spatial frequencies in spite of the VA being 6/9-6/6. Patients with neuroretinopathy have CS always significantly disturbed. These changes are reversible although this reversibility is not complete. The new way of dialyzation treatment secures a relatively rapid normalisation of pathological changes in the fundus and repair of subjective functions. At the same time we came to the conclusion that the prognostic outlooks of these patients have become distinctly better as far as their subjective visual functions are concerned. 3. Patients after surgery for detached retina displayed in all cases in the operated eye highly reduced CS in median and low spatial frequencies simultaneously with a statistically significantly lower threshold visual acuity and reduced slope of the acuity function in the diseased eye.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

In a group of 17 patients with Alport's syndrome changes on the ocular fundus were detected in 35.3% without influence on the central visual acuity. At the same time a statistically significant reduction of sensitivity to contrast was proved. ERG examination revealed statistically significant changes in the a and b wave as regards steepness and in the b wave also as regards amplitude.