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Abstract Background Tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis (TINU) syndrome is an uveits characterized by complications of idiopathic acute tubulointerstitial nephritis, and most cases present only anterior uveitis. We report a case of TINU syndrome in which the presence of choroiditis was revealed by multimodal imaging. Case presentation A 12-year-old male visited our hospital with a 6-day history of ocular pain and hyperemia. Conjunctival and ciliary injections, 1 + flare and 3 + cells of anterior chamber inflammation with mutton fat keratic precipitates were observed in both eyes (OU), together with redness and swelling of the optic disc OU. Laboratory tests showed slightly high levels of soluble IL-2R and serum β2 microglobulin and markedly high levels of urinary β2 microglobulin. The diagnosis of probable TINU syndrome was established on the basis of bilateral uveitis and urinalysis results in accordance with a clinical criteria of tubulointerstitial nephritis. With treatment with oral prednisolone (PSL) at 20 mg/day, ocular findings improved, and the dose of PSL was gradually reduced and withdrawn 6 months later. However, 1 month later from the withdrawal, ocular inflammation recurred with the presence of retinal exudates and snowball vitreous opacities in the peripheral retina OU. Fluorescein angiography showed leakages from peripheral retinal vessels and staining corresponding to retinal exudates. Indocyanine green angiography showed hypofluorescent dots scattered over the ocular fundus. Optical coherence tomography revealed the presence of choroidal thickening. Laser speckle flowgraphy color map showed a relatively cooler color. Findings from these multimodal images indicated the presence of subclinical choroiditis; therefore, oral PSL was administered again, and ocular inflammatory findings were improved. Conclusions TINU syndrome can exhibit subclinical choroiditis detected with multimodal imaging. Further studies are necessary to determine the frequency of subclinical choroiditis in TINU syndrome.

Abstract Background Vaccination against the worldwide pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is underway; however, some cases of new onset uveitis after vaccination have been reported. We report a case of bilateral acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy-like (AMPPE-like) panuveitis after COVID-19 vaccination in which the patient’s pathological condition was evaluated using multimodal imaging. Case presentation A 31-year-old woman experienced bilateral hyperemia and blurred vision starting 6 days after her second inoculation of the COVID-19 vaccination. At her first visit, her visual acuity was decreased bilaterally, and severe bilateral anterior chamber inflammation and bilateral scattering of cream-white placoid lesions on the fundus were detected. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed serous retinal detachment (SRD) and choroidal thickening in both eyes (OU). Fluorescein angiography (FA) revealed hypofluorescence in the early phase and hyperfluorescence in the late phase corresponding to the placoid legions. Indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) showed sharply marginated hypofluorescent dots of various sizes throughout the mid-venous and late phases OU. The patient was diagnosed with APMPPE and was observed without any medications. Three days later, her SRD disappeared spontaneously. However, her anterior chamber inflammation continued, and oral prednisolone (PSL) was given to her. Seven days after the patient’s first visit, the hyperfluorescent lesions on FA and hypofluorescent dots on ICGA partially improved; however, the patient’s best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) recovered only to 0.7 OD and 0.6 OS, and the impairment of the outer retinal layer was broadly detected as hyperautofluorescent lesions on fundus autofluorescence (FAF) examination and as irregularity in or disappearance of the ellipsoid and interdigitation zones on OCT, which were quite atypical for the findings of APMPPE. Steroid pulse therapy was performed. Five days later, the hyperfluorescence on FAF had disappeared, and the outer retinal layer improved on OCT. Moreover, the patient’s BCVA recovered to 1.0 OU. Twelve months after the end of treatment, the patient did not show any recurrences. Conclusions We observed a case of APMPPE-like panuveitis after COVID-19 vaccination featuring some atypical findings for APMPPE. COVID-19 vaccination may induce not only known uveitis but also atypical uveitis, and appropriate treatment is required for each case.

Abstract Background Intraocular lymphoma (IOL) is a masquerade syndrome that mimics uveitis, making diagnosis difficult. The serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R), which is cleaved by matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) -2 and MMP-9, has been recognized as a tumor-related biomarker of malignant lymphomas. The aim of this study was to review the reliability of serum and vitreous sIL-2R for distinguishing IOL from uveitis. Methods Patients who underwent diagnostic vitrectomy for marked vitreous haze at Hokkaido University Hospital between April 2014 and June 2019 were enrolled. The patients were divided into an IOL group and a uveitis group, according to the pathology of their vitreous samples. The IOL group was further divided at the time of vitrectomy into patients who already had extraocular involvement (IOL with extraocular involvement group) and patients with no evidence of having extraocular involvement (IOL without extraocular involvement group). Serum sIL-2R, and intravitreal sIL-2R, MMP-2, and MMP-9 levels were assessed. Results Twenty-five eyes of 25 patients, and 15 eyes of 15 patients were included in the IOL group and uveitis group, respectively. The serum sIL-2R levels were significantly lower in the IOL group than in the uveitis group (P

Allergic conjunctival disease (ACD) is an inflammatory disease of the conjunctiva that is mainly caused by type I hypersensitivity response to allergens and accompanied by subjective symptoms and other findings induced by antigens. ACD is classified as allergic conjunctivitis, atopic keratoconjunctivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, and giant papillary conjunctivitis. This article summarizes the third edition of the Japanese guidelines for allergic conjunctival diseases published in 2021 and outlines the diagnosis, pathogenesis, and treatment of ACD.Since the introduction of immunosuppressive eye drops, the treatment strategies for severe ACDs have significantly changed. To clarify the recommended standard treatment protocols for ACD, the advantages and disadvantages of these treatments were assessed using clinical questions, with a focus on the use of steroids and immunosuppressive drugs. This knowledge will assist healthcare providers and patients in taking an active role in medical decision making.

PurposeAngiopoietin (Ang) 2 is released from vascular endothelial cells by the stimulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)A. Ang2 increases the expression of leukocyte adhesion molecules on endothelial cells via nuclear factor κB. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Ang2 and VEGFA on ocular autoimmune inflammation.MethodsWe measured the concentrations of Ang2 and VEGFA in vitreous samples among patients with uveitis. Vitreous samples were collected from 16 patients with idiopathic uveitis (uveitis group) and 16 patients with non-inflammatory eye disease (control group). Experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU) was induced in B10.BR mice with a human interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein-derived peptide. The retinochoroidal tissues of the EAU mice were removed, and the mRNA levels of Ang2 and VEGFA were examined. EAU mice treated with anti-Ang2, anti-VEGFA, a combination of anti-Ang2 and anti-VEGFA, anti-Ang2/VEGFA bispecific, or IgG control antibodies were clinically and histopathologically evaluated.ResultsThe protein levels of Ang2 and VEGFA were significantly higher in the vitreous samples of patients with uveitis than in controls (PConclusionsBased on these results, VEGFA and Ang2 were shown to be upregulated locally in the eye of both uveitis patients and models of uveitis. Dual inhibition of Ang2 and VEGFA is suggested to be a new therapeutic strategy for uveitis.

PurposeTo evaluate 10-year outcome of infliximab (IFX) treatment for uveitis in Behçet disease (BD) patients using a standardized follow-up protocol.DesignRetrospective longitudinal cohort study.Participants140 BD uveitis patients treated with IFX enrolled in our previous study.MethodsMedical records were reviewed for demographic information, duration of IFX treatment, number of ocular attacks before IFX initiation, best corrected visual acuity (VA) at baseline and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10 years after IFX initiation, uveitis recurrence after IFX initiation and main anatomical site, concomitant therapies, and adverse events (AEs).Main outcome measures10-year IFX continuation rate and change in LogMAR VA.ResultsOf 140 BD patients, 106 (75.7%) continued IFX treatment for 10 years. LogMAR VA improved gradually after initiation of IFX, and the improvement reached statistical significance from 2 years of treatment. Thereafter, significant improvement compared with baseline was maintained until 10 years, despite a slight deterioration of logMAR VA from 5 years. However, eyes with worse baseline decimal VA < 0.1 showed no significant improvement from baseline to 10 years. Uveitis recurred after IFX initiation in 50 patients (recurrence group) and did not recur in 56 (non-recurrence group). Ocular attacks/year before IFX initiation was significantly higher in the recurrence group (2.82 ± 3.81) than in the non-recurrence group (1.84 ± 1.78). In the recurrence group, uveitis recurred within 1 year in 58% and within 2 years in 74%. Seventeen patients (34%) had recurrent anterior uveitis, 17 (34%) had posterior uveitis, and 16 (32%) had panuveitis, with no significant difference in VA outcome. In addition, logMAR VA at 10 years did not differ between the recurrence and non-recurrence groups. AEs occurred among 43 patients (30.7%), and 24 (17.1%) resulted in IFX discontinuation before 10 years.ConclusionsAmong BD patients with uveitis who initiated IFX, approximately 75% continued treatment for 10 years, and their VA improved significantly and was maintained for 10 years. Uveitis recurred in one-half of the patients, but visual acuity did not differ significantly from the patients without recurrence.

Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) is infrequently complicated with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease. We quantitatively examined sequential changes in the morphology and circulation hemodynamics, using a C-scan of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG) in a patient with VKH disease accompanied by AION. A 65-year-old female complained of blurred vision in both of her eyes. The patient presented with optic disc swelling and remarkable choroidal thickening detected by OCT bilaterally. The diagnosis of VKH disease was established based on the presence of pleocytosis detected in the cerebrospinal fluid and hypofluorescent dark dots scattered all around the fundus, detected by indocyanine green angiography. Goldmann perimetry detected visual field defects, similar to superior altitudinal hemianopsia in the right eye and similar to inferior altitudinal hemianopsia in the left eye. The patient was suspected to have developed AION in both eyes. The patient received methylprednisolone pulse therapy, followed by oral prednisolone. With these treatments, the optic disc swelling disappeared. However, optic disc atrophy with visual field defects remained in both eyes. An OCT C-scan showed the ganglion cell complex (GCC) and circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (cpRNFL) thickness getting thinner below the normal range, and LSFG showed the decrease in optic nerve head (ONH) tissue microcirculation. These results supported the occurrence of AION in this patient with VKH disease. The analysis of GCC and cpRNFL thickness and ONH microcirculation would be useful for supporting the occurrence of AION in a case of VKH disease.

Purpose: Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE) is a disease characterized by multiple yellowish-white placoid lesions. Although most lesions resolve spontaneously, some turn into scars and lead to permanent visual dysfunction. In this report, we found suggestive findings in fundus autofluorescence (FAF) that may be useful for distinguishing severe lesions requiring treatment in APMPPE. Observation: Case 1: A 29-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with multiple yellowish-white placoid lesions on the fundi of both eyes (OU). FAF showed hyperautofluorescence in some of these placoid lesions. Based on the findings of fluorescein angiography, a diagnosis of APMPPE was established, and oral prednisolone (PSL) was initiated, given that some lesions were located in the macula. One week later, exacerbation occurred with the newly developed hyperautofluorescent lesions. Some lesions in the right eye (OD) that were hyperautofluorescent at the first visit became hypoautofluorescent. Afterward, although all hypoautofluorescent lesions persisted, most of the hyperautofluorescent lesions disappeared, so oral PSL could be stopped. Two months later, however, the recurrence occurred along with multiple new placoid lesions. Some lesions located at the macula were hyperautofluorescent on FAF OU, indicating the possibility of becoming scar lesions with hypoautofluorescence. Accordingly, oral PSL was given again. Case 2: A 47-year-old woman noticed decreased vision OD, and she was referred to us. Multiple yellowish-white placoid lesions were seen in the fundi OU. FAF showed hyperautofluorescence both with and without corresponding hypoautofluorescence in the placoid lesions OU. A diagnosis of APMPPE was established, and oral PSL was initiated. Four months later, some lesions that were hyperautofluorescent at the first visit had turned isoautofluorescent, and some lesions OU became hypoautofluorescent. However, all hypoautofluorescent lesions remained hypoautofluorescent OU. Only some hyperautofluorescent lesions recovered to isoautofluorescence without scars. Conclusions and Importance: In APMPPE, lesions showing hyperautofluorescence on FAF may change into hypoautofluorescence indicating scar formation. Therefore, the presence of hyperautofluorescent lesions in the macula may be a good indicator of the need for intensive corticosteroid treatments to avoid leaving hypoautofluorescent scars that are related to irreversible visual dysfunction.

AimTo investigate the causes of low prevalence of Fuchs' uveitis syndrome (FUS) in Japan.MethodsMedical records of 160 patients diagnosed with FUS at 14 uveitis specialty facilities in Japan were reviewed retrospectively.ResultsIn 160 FUS patients, mean follow-up period before referral to our uveitis facilities was 31.6 ± 50.9 months. The most common reason for referral was idiopathic uveitis (61.9%), followed by cataract (25.0%), high intraocular pressure (IOP) including glaucoma (16.3%), and FUS (14.4%). Unilateral involvement was 96.9%. The most frequent ocular finding of FUS was anterior inflammation (91.9%), followed by stellate-shaped keratic precipitates (88.1%), cataract/pseudophakia (88.1%), diffuse iris atrophy (84.4%), vitreous opacity (62.5%), heterochromia (53.1%) and high IOP including glaucoma (36.3%). As treatments of these ocular findings, cataract surgery was performed in 52.5%, glaucoma surgery in 10.6%, and vitrectomy in 13.8%. Mean logMAR VA was 0.28 ± 0.59 at the initial visit, and decreased significantly to 0.04 ± 0.32 at the last visit. Proportions of FUS patients with BCVA

Abstract Aim To report a patient with multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) complicated by iridocyclitis and vitritis. Case description A 70-year-old woman developed multiple subretinal white dots, iritis, and diffuse vitreous opacity. Angiographic and macular morphological features were consistent with those of MEWDS. Inflammatory findings including the white dots improved following only topical dexamethasone within 1 month after the initial visit. Best-corrected visual acuity recovered to 1.0 with restored photoreceptor structure. Conclusion The presence of iridocyclitis and vitritis, atypical to MEWDS, indicates the concurrent development of panuveitis associated with MEWDS. These results suggest that MEWDS is a clinical entity of uveitis.

The prevalence of ocular allergies has been increasing worldwide for the past several decades. The geographical distribution and hot spots of rhinoconjunctivitis have been documented in a global survey by the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). ISAAC indicated that Africa, Latin America, and Japan were notable for their high prevalence of rhinoconjunctivitis. The outcomes of follow-up studies of regional differences and the characteristics of allergic conjunctivitis are summarized in this review.Currently, comorbid diseases and socioeconomic and environmental factors, including climate and air pollution, are proposed to contribute to the regional differences in the prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis. Of them, rhinitis has been shown repeatedly to be significantly associated with allergic conjunctivitis. Their mechanistic aspects on association with the prevalence of systemic allergic diseases have been reviewed by examining the birth cohort or in vitro analyses.A vision threatening form of ocular allergy, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, is prevalent in the African countries and Japan. Of the proposed associated factors, air pollution was shown to contribute not only to aggravating the symptoms but also to the increase in the incidence of its severe forms. Its mechanistic aspects are discussed in this review in the context of comorbid diseases.

The definition, classification, pathogenesis, test methods, clinical findings, criteria for diagnosis, and therapies of allergic conjunctival disease are summarized based on the Guidelines for Clinical Management of Allergic Conjunctival Disease 2019. Allergic conjunctival disease is defined as “a conjunctival inflammatory disease associated with a Type I allergy accompanied by some subjective or objective symptoms.” Allergic conjunctival disease is classified into allergic conjunctivitis, atopic keratoconjunctivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, and giant papillary conjunctivitis. Representative subjective symptoms include ocular itching, hyperemia, and lacrimation, whereas objective symptoms include conjunctival hyperemia, swelling, folliculosis, and papillae. Patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis, which is characterized by conjunctival proliferative changes called giant papilla accompanied by varying extents of corneal lesion, such as corneal erosion and shield ulcer, complain of foreign body sensation, ocular pain, and photophobia. In the diagnosis of allergic conjunctival diseases, it is required that type I allergic diathesis is present, along with subjective and objective symptoms accompanying allergic inflammation. The diagnosis is ensured by proving a type I allergic reaction in the conjunctiva. Given that the first-line drug for the treatment of allergic conjunctival disease is an antiallergic eye drop, a steroid eye drop will be selected in accordance with the severity. In the treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis, an immunosuppressive eye drop will be concomitantly used with the abovementioned drugs.

Abstract Background Hematologic malignancies occasionally cause serous retinal detachment (SRD); however, its pathogenesis remains unclear. Here we present the imaging characteristics of metastatic choroidal lymphoma masquerading as Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease. Case presentation A 45-year-old Japanese woman was referred to our clinic because of bilateral SRD with blurred vision. Fluorescein angiography revealed multiple pinpoint leakage followed by pooling OU. Enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography showed marked choroidal thickening OU. Laser speckle flowgraphy detected choroidal circulation impairment OU. Although these results totally agreed with the inflammatory manifestations of acute VKH disease, indocyanine green angiography demonstrated various sizes of sharply marginated hypofluorescent lesions that seemed atypical for the finding of VKH disease, i.e., vaguely marginated hypofluorescent small dots. Cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis was not detected. Blood tests revealed leukocytosis together with elevation of lactate dehydrogenase and soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels. Corticosteroid pulse therapy did not improve any ocular findings. Bone marrow biopsy was then performed, leading to a definite diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. After starting systemic chemotherapy, both SRD and choroidal thickening resolved rapidly with visual recovery. However, choroidal hypoperfusion persisted, which contrasted distinctly with the inflammatory pattern of VKH disease, i.e., the restoration of choroidal blood flow in parallel with normalization of choroidal thickness. Conclusions Our detailed multimodal observations highlighted the differential imaging features of choroidal lymphoma despite close resemblance to VKH disease especially at the initial stage. Impaired circulation in the thickened choroid marked the pseudo-inflammatory pathogenesis of SRD due to choroidal involvement with neoplastic, but not inflammatory cells.

Purpose: Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a necrotizing vasculitis syndrome characterized by the destruction of small vessels, leading to various organ disorders. Here, we report a case of posterior scleritis with AAV successfully treated with prednisolone and rituximab (RTX) combination therapy. Observations: A 69-year-old female suffered from ocular pain and redness in her left eye for 2.5 years. She had been diagnosed with idiopathic otitis media before a year. At her initial visit, scleral injection with nodular elevated scleral lesions, vitreous haze, and serous retinal detachment (SRD) in the inferior periphery were observed in the left eye. Enhanced computed tomography revealed the enhancement and thickening of the left sclera. The results of laboratory analysis were positive for myeloperoxidase ANCA. Accordingly, she was diagnosed with AAV. Owing to the exacerbation of vitreous haze and SRD, topical treatment and steroid pulse therapy were initiated. Following therapy, anterior and posterior scleritis improved, and additional RTX was administered to maintain the remission. Following treatment, the patient has maintained remission with 10 mg/day prednisolone to date. Conclusions and importance: We encountered a case of posterior scleritis with AAV in which inflammatory manifestations subsided with RTX and glucocorticoid combination therapy. RTX administration likely contributed to the maintenance of remission.

Purpose: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a herpes virus known to cause infectious mononucleosis and several other human disorders. Ocular EBV infections that have been reported include uveitis, retinal vasculitis, and acute retinal necrosis (ARN). ARN is usually caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) or varicella-zoster virus (VZV). ARN that is caused by EBV (EBV-ARN) is rarely seen, and only a few cases have been reported. The visual prognosis for EBV-ARN is poor, and no treatment strategy has been established. We report on a patient who was treated successfully for EBV-ARN. Observation: An 80-year-old female who had been treated with prednisolone at 5 mg/day and methotrexate at 2 mg/week for rheumatoid arthritis visited our hospital because of blurred vision in her left eye. Her left visual acuity was 20/50, and extensive white-yellowish retinal lesions at the temporal periphery with retinal hemorrhages were seen through vitreous haze. The DNA sequence of EBV, but not of HSV, VZV, or cytomegalovirus, was detected by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay in the aqueous humor (4.2 × 106 copies/ml), with EBV also being positive in serum (3.5 × 102 copies/ml). The patient received 2 mg of intravitreal ganciclovir injections twice with a 3-day interval and intravenous infusion of acyclovir at 750 mg/day for 7 days; however, the retinal white lesions expanded rapidly, then dose of prednisolone was increased (40 mg/day) and vitrectomy was performed 10 days after the initial visit. After the surgery, the retinal lesion continued to enlarge. Vitreous samples showed high copies of EBV (1.2 × 108 copies/ml). Following treatment with intravenous foscarnet (4800 mg/day), which replaced the acyclovir application, the retinal white lesions gradually diminished, leaving retinal scars. To date, the patient has developed no retinal detachment and shows visual acuity over 6/60 in the left eye along with silicone oil. Conclusions: We experienced a case of EBV-ARN that was refractory to systemic acyclovir and topical ganciclovir but responded effectively to systemic foscarnet after vitrectomy. Although the clinical management remains challenging in this disease, foscarnet is considered to be one of the candidate drugs for EBV infections.

Purpose: Relentless placoid chorioretinitis (RPC) is a new disease concept that was proposed by Jones et al. in 2000. Some cases of RPC have been reported; however, a treatment strategy has not yet been established. We report herein four cases of patients diagnosed with RPC. Observations: We experienced four cases of RPC in patients aged 24–51 years. All patients exhibited retinal lesions similar to that seen in acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy or serpiginous choroiditis from the posterior pole to the surrounding region. Although patients underwent systemic prednisolone (PSL) therapy, recurrence was observed and the retinal scar formation was progressive; they were then diagnosed with RPC. In all cases, cyclosporine (CyA) was administered in addition to PSL, no recurrence was observed thereafter. Conclusions and Importance: RPC is a rare disease, and a treatment strategy has not yet been established. CyA and PSL combination therapy is considered to be effective in the treatment of RPC. Keywords: Relentless placoid chorioretinitis, APMPPE, Serpiginous choroiditis, Cyclosporine, Prednisolone

Purpose. To evaluate the long-term outcomes of trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (MMC-TLE) in patients with uveitic glaucoma (UG). Patients and Methods. This was a retrospective, nonrandomized case series study. MMC-TLE was performed on 50 eyes with UG between February 2001 and January 2015 at Hokkaido University Hospital. Age- and sex-matched patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) who underwent MMC-TLE were matched by age and sex and enrolled as controls. Surgical success was defined as an intraocular pressure (IOP) less than 18 or 15 mmHg. The Kaplan–Meier survival curves for surgical failure were analyzed. Results. The mean preoperative IOP in UG and POAG was 27.6 ± 10.6 and 18.0 ± 4.5 mmHg, respectively. After the surgery, the mean IOP in UG and POAG was reduced to 11.7 ± 4.2 and 12.2 ± 3.8 mmHg at 12 months, 11.9 ± 7.0 and 12.1 ± 3.1 mmHg at 36 months, and 13.0 ± 5.2 and 10.6 ± 1.2 mmHg at 120 months, respectively. The success rates (IOP 20%) in UG and POAG were 91.7% and 88.0% at 12 months, 82.2% and 75.6% at 36 months, and 66.5% and 61.8% at 120 months, respectively. The success rates (IOP

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease is a systemic inflammatory disorder that affects pigment cell-containing organs such as the eye (e.g., chronic and/or recurrent granulomatous panuveitis). While the exact etiology and pathogenic mechanism of VKH disease are unclear, HLA-DR4 alleles have been documented to be strongly associated with VKH disease in various ethnic groups. Recently, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) found two new genetic risk factors (IL23R-C1orf141 and ADO-ZNF365-EGR2) in a non-HLA region from a Han Chinese population. In this study, we replicated these GWAS findings in a Japanese population. A total of 1,643 Japanese samples (380 cases with VKH disease and 1,263 healthy controls) were recruited. We assessed four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) shown in previous GWAS: rs78377598 and rs117633859 in IL23R-C1orf141, and rs442309 and rs224058 in ADO-ZNF365-EGR2. A significant allelic association with VKH disease was observed for all of the four SNPs (rs78377598: pc = 0.0057; rs117633859: pc = 0.0017; rs442309: pc = 0.021; rs224058: pc = 0.035). In genotypic association analysis, the minor alleles of IL23R-C1orf141 rs78377598 and rs117633859 had the strongest association with disease susceptibility under the additive model (pc = 0.0075 and pc = 0.0026, respectively). The minor alleles of ADO-ZNF365-EGR2 rs442309 and rs224058 were most strongly associated with disease susceptibility under the dominant model (pc = 0.00099 and pc = 0.0023, respectively). The meta-analysis of the current and previous studies found that all of the four SNPs exhibited a significantly strong association with VKH disease (meta-p < 0.00001: rs78377598, meta-odds ratio (OR) = 1.69; rs1176338, meta-OR = 1.82; rs442309, meta-OR = 1.34; rs224058, meta-OR = 1.33). In summary, our study replicated significant associations with VKH disease susceptibility reported in a previous GWAS. Thus, the IL23R-C1orf141 and ADO-ZNF365-EGR2 loci may play important roles in the development of VKH disease through genetic polymorphisms.

The receptor-associated prorenin system (RAPS) refers to the pathogenic mechanism whereby prorenin binding to the (pro)renin receptor [(P)RR] dually activates the tissue renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and RAS-independent intracellular signaling. Here we revealed significant upregulation of prorenin and soluble (P)RR levels in the vitreous fluid of patients with uveitis compared to non-inflammatory controls, together with a positive correlation between these RAPS components and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 among several upregulated cytokines. Moreover, we developed a novel single-strand RNAi agent, proline-modified short hairpin RNA directed against human and mouse (P)RR [(P)RR-PshRNA], and we determined its safety and efficacy in vitro and in vivo. Application of (P)RR-PshRNA in mice caused significant amelioration of acute (uveitic) and chronic (diabetic) models of ocular inflammation with no apparent adverse effects. Our findings demonstrate the significant implication of RAPS in the pathogenesis of human uveitis and the potential usefulness of (P)RR-PshRNA as a therapeutic agent to reduce ocular inflammation.

Background: The efficacy of epinastine 0.05% ophthalmic solution for pollen allergic conjunctivitis has already been shown in a conjunctival allergen challenge (CAC) test using cedar pollen as a challenge. The present study investigated the efficacy of this solution against birch pollen conjunctivitis in a CAC test. Methods: Ten adult subjects (eight males and two females) with asymptomatic birch pollen conjunctivitis were enrolled in this study. The average age of the subjects was 41.1 years. This study was conducted during a period without birch pollen dispersion. In each subject, the epinastine 0.05% ophthalmic solution was instilled in one eye, and an artificial tear fluid was instilled in the fellow eye in a double-blind manner. Five minutes or 4 h after the drug instillation, both eyes were challenged with an optimal concentration of birch pollen, and ocular itching and conjunctival hyperemia were then graded. Tears were collected before the drug instillation and 20 min after the pollen challenge, and the histamine level was measured. Results: The ocular itching scores and palpebral conjunctival hyperemia scores of the epinastine-treated eyes were significantly lower than those of the contralateral control eyes when the eyes were pretreated with the drug 4 h before the CAC. There was a significant correlation between the tear histamine level and mean ocular itching score of three time points (3, 5 and 10 min) following the CAC in the control eyes but not the epinastine-treated eyes. Conclusions: Epinastine is effective in suppressing ocular itching and conjunctival hyperemia in birch pollen conjunctivitis.

The definition, classification, pathogenesis, test methods, clinical findings, criteria for diagnosis, and therapies of allergic conjunctival disease are summarized based on the Guidelines for Clinical Management of Allergic Conjunctival Disease (Second Edition) revised in 2010. Allergic conjunctival disease is defined as “a conjunctival inflammatory disease associated with a Type I allergy accompanied by some subjective or objective symptoms.” Allergic conjunctival disease is classified into allergic conjunctivitis, atopic keratoconjunctivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, and giant papillary conjunctivitis. Representative subjective symptoms include ocular itching, hyperemia, and lacrimation, whereas objective symptoms include conjunctival hyperemia, swelling, folliculosis, and papillae. Patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis, which is characterized by conjunctival proliferative changes called giant papilla accompanied by varying extents of corneal lesion, such as corneal erosion and shield ulcer, complain of foreign body sensation, ocular pain, and photophobia. In the diagnosis of allergic conjunctival diseases, it is required that type I allergic diathesis is present, along with subjective and objective symptoms accompanying allergic inflammation. The diagnosis is ensured by proving a type I allergic reaction in the conjunctiva. Given that the first-line drug for the treatment of allergic conjunctival disease is an antiallergic eye drop, a steroid eye drop will be selected in accordance with the severity. In the treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis, an immunosuppressive eye drop will be concomitantly used with the abovementioned drugs.

Purpose: To report two cases of panuveitis in immunocompetent patients in which cytomegalovirus was involved. Observation: Case 1 was a 46-year-old man who had a history of recurrent anterior chamber inflammations in his left eye. After Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy, he developed panuveitis with vitreous haze and periphlebitis. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) examination revealed the presence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA in the anterior chamber (AC). He responded well to a series of intravitreal injections of ganciclovir (GCV). Case 2 was a 63-year-old woman who had a history of recurrent anterior uveitis in her left eye. Two years after cataract surgery, AC inflammation, diffuse vitreous haze, and periphlebitis had developed. CMV DNA was detected in the AC. Intravitreal injections of GCV and oral valganciclovir were administered, and ocular inflammation finally improved. Conclusions: and importance: We experienced two cases of CMV panuveitis in immunocompetent adults, both of which responded well to anti-viral therapies. Keywords: Cytomegalovirus, Panuveitis, Immunocompetent, Intravitreal injection, PCR

Purpose: Uveitis associated with psoriasis vulgaris is usually seen as an anterior segment inflammation, and it is very rare that the inflammation extends to the posterior segment. We herein report a case of severe panuveitis associated with psoriasis vulgaris presenting as retinal neovascularization, leading to vitreous hemorrhages that were successfully treated with infliximab (IFX). Case Report: A 27-year-old male with psoriasis vulgaris was referred to our hospital due to prolonged severe uveitis OU. He showed a severe anterior chamber inflammation with fibrin formation and total posterior iris synechia OU. With topical corticosteroid treatment, these conditions were relieved for a short time; however, the intraocular inflammation was exacerbated with vitreous hemorrhages caused by retinal neovascularization OS. After the administration of IFX therapy, the intraocular inflammation and retinal neovascularization was resolved, and so far, no severe recurrences have been seen for 3 years with the therapy. Conclusion: When we see patients with severe panuveitis associated with psoriasis extending to the posterior segment, IFX treatment may be a good therapeutic option.

Purpose: Natural killer (NK) cell neoplasm is a rare disease that follows an acute course and has a poor prognosis. It usually emerges from the nose and appears in the ocular tissue as a metastasis. Herein, we describe a case of NK-cell neoplasm in which the eye was considered to be the primary organ. Case: A 50-year-old female displayed bilateral anterior chamber cells, vitreous opacity, bullous retinal detachment, and multiple white choroidal mass lesions. Although malignant lymphoma or metastatic tumor was suspected, various systemic examinations failed to detect any positive results. A vitrectomy was performed OS; however, histocytological analyses from the vitreous sample showed no definite evidence of malignancy, and IL-10 concentration was low. Enlarged choroidal masses were fused together. Three weeks after the first visit, the patient suddenly developed an attack of fever, night sweat, and hepatic dysfunction, and 5 days later, she passed away due to multiple organ failure. Immunohistochemisty and in situ hybridization revealed the presence of atypical cells positive for CD3, CD56, and Epstein-Barr virus-encoded RNAs, resulting in the diagnosis of NK-cell neoplasm. With the characteristic clinical course, we concluded that this neoplasm was a primary intraocular NK-cell lymphoma. Conclusions: This is the first report to describe primary intraocular NK-cell neoplasm. When we encounter atypical choroidal lesions, we should consider the possibility of NK-cell lymphoma, even though it is a rare disease.

PURPOSE:To determine if early post-treatment central choroidal thickness (CCT) changes can predict sunset glow fundus (SGF) development in patients with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease treated using systemic corticosteroids. METHODS:This retrospective case series included 39 eyes of 21 treatment-naïve patients with acute VKH disease who could be followed up for more than 12 months after systemic corticosteroid therapy. The eyes were divided into two groups according to whether SGF was present or absent at 12 months (9 eyes of 5 patients versus 30 eyes of 16 patients, respectively). Using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography, CCT values were measured before treatment, then at 1 week and 1 and 3 months after treatment in both groups and compared between the two groups. RESULTS:Development of SGF was found 4-11 months after treatment. Mean post-treatment CCT decreased significantly at all examinations compared with baseline in both groups, along with resolution of serous retinal detachment. One week after treatment, mean CCT was significantly higher in eyes with SGF than in those without (P = 0.024). SGF was present at 12 months in 9 of 22 eyes with CCT values > 410 μm at 1 week after starting treatment, in contrast with none of 17 eyes with CCT ≤ 410 μm at this time (P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS:The current study suggested the potential validity of early post-treatment CCT as a feasible index to alert future progression to SGF in patients with VKH disease treated using systemic corticosteroids.

Background: We report a rare case of syphilitic intraocular inflammation with occlusive retinal vasculitis treated with intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (IVB) in addition to conventional therapy for syphilis. Case: A 24-year-old woman who complained floaters in both her eyes showed occlusive retinal vasculitis OU. According to the high titer of the Treponema antigen and characteristic cutaneous eruption, she was diagnosed as secondary syphilis. Observation: She was treated with oral amoxicillin and retinal photocoagulation OU. Then, administration of prednisolone was required to the intraocular inflammations considered as Jarisch-Herxheimer reactions. IVB was also performed toward exacerbated retinal neovascularization and showed transient effects. Conclusion: We experienced a rare case of occlusive retinal vasculitis accompanied by syphilis intraocular inflammation. IVB was considered to be effective as an adjunctive therapy for inflammatory neovascularizations.

Background: Chickenpox is rarely associated with posterior segment inflammation. We report on a case of unilateral chickenpox chorioretinitis with retinal exudates and periphlebitis. Case Presentation: A 21-year-old healthy man, who suffered from chickenpox 2 weeks prior to symptom development, exhibited mild anterior chamber cells, vitreous opacity, sheathing of retinal veins, and yellow-white exudates in his right eye. Varicella zoster virus DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction in the aqueous humor. He was treated with intravenous acyclovir followed by oral prednisolone and valaciclovir. Aqueous cells quickly disappeared and retinal exudates diminished within 1 month, leaving faint retinal scarring. Retinal arteritis had never been observed in this patient. Conclusions: Although the ocular findings in this case were similar to acute retinal necrosis (ARN), the clinical features differed from ARN in the following points: (1) mild anterior chamber inflammation, (2) absence of retinal arteritis, and (3) prompt resolution of inflammatory findings. The distinctive clinical features indicated that chorioretinitis associated with chickenpox may not have the same pathological conditions as ARN.

Background: To estimate the efficacy and safety of 0.1% tacrolimus ophthalmic suspension based on the blood level of tacrolimus in patients with severe allergic conjunctivitis. Methods: Fifty-two patients in whom topical anti-allergic agents had been ineffective were treated with 0.1% tacrolimus ophthalmic suspension twice daily for 12 weeks. Adverse drug reactions were monitored, as well as ocular symptoms and signs. The blood concentration of tacrolimus was measured before the initiation of treatment and 4 and 12 weeks later. Results: About 75% of the patients without concomitant using of tacrolimus ointment had blood levels of tacrolimus below the detection limit of the assay (0.5 ng/mL). On the other hand, 71% (week 4) and 57% (week 12) of patients with concomitant using of tacrolimus ointment had blood levels above the detection limit of the assay. However, the maximum blood concentration was less than 2 ng/mL. Adverse drug reactions occurred in 16 patients. These were disorders of the eye such as warmness, irritation, and a burning sensation. However, all of the patients could continue treatment with tacrolimus for 12 weeks. There were no serious adverse events such as increased intraocular pressure or ocular infection during the study. All symptoms and signs improved over time. Conclusions: The good safety profile of 0.1% tacrolimus ophthalmic suspension based on the low blood concentration of tacrolimus, coupled with demonstrated efficacy, make it an important tool for treating severe allergic conjunctivitis.

The definition, classification, pathogenesis, test methods, clinical findings, criteria for diagnosis, and therapies of allergic conjunctival disease are summarized based on the Guidelines for Clinical Management of Allergic Conjunctival Disease (Second Edition) revised in 2010. Allergic conjunctival disease is defined as “a conjunctival inflammatory disease associated with a Type I allergy accompanied by some subjective or objective symptoms.” Allergic conjunctival disease is classified into allergic conjunctivitis, atopic keratoconjunctivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, and giant papillary conjunctivitis. Representative subjective symptoms include ocular itching, hyperemia, and lacrimation, whereas objective symptoms include conjunctival hyperemia, swelling, folliculosis, and papillae. Patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis, which is characterized by conjunctival proliferative changes called giant papilla accompanied by varying extents of corneal lesion, such as corneal erosion and shield ulcer, complain of foreign body sensation, ocular pain, and photophobia. In the diagnosis of allergic conjunctival diseases, it is required that type I allergic diathesis is present, along with subjective and objective symptoms accompanying allergic inflammation. The diagnosis is ensured by proving a type I allergic reaction in the conjunctiva. Given that the first-line drug for the treatment of allergic conjunctival disease is an antiallergic eye drop, a steroid eye drop will be selected in accordance with the severity. In the treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis, an immunosuppressive eye drop will be concomitantly used with the abovementioned drugs.

To evaluate the clinical features and investigate their relationship with visual function in Japanese patients with acute zonal occult outer retinopathy (AZOOR).Fifty-two eyes of 38 Japanese AZOOR patients (31 female and 7 male patients; mean age at first visit, 35.0 years; median follow-up duration, 31 months) were retrospectively collected: 31 untreated eyes with good visual acuity and 21 systemic corticosteroid-treated eyes with progressive visual acuity loss. Variables affecting the logMAR values of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the mean deviation (MD) on Humphrey perimetry at initial and final visits were examined using multiple stepwise linear regression analysis.In untreated eyes, the mean MD at the final visit was significantly higher than that at the initial visit (P = 0.00002). In corticosteroid-treated eyes, the logMAR BCVA and MD at the final visit were significantly better than the initial values (P = 0.007 and P = 0.02, respectively). The final logMAR BCVA was 0.0 or less in 85% of patients. Variables affecting initial visual function were moderate anterior vitreous cells, myopia severity, and a-wave amplitudes on electroretinography; factors affecting final visual function were the initial MD values, female sex, moderate anterior vitreous cells, and retinal atrophy.Our data indicated that visual functions in enrolled patients significantly improved spontaneously or after systemic corticosteroids therapy, suggesting that Japanese patients with AZOOR have good visual outcomes during the follow-up period of this study. Furthermore, initial visual field defects, gender, anterior vitreous cells, and retinal atrophy affected final visual functions in these patients.

Purpose: We investigated efficacy and safety of adalimumab (ADA) treatment for exacerbation or recurrence of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) patients. Methods: Medical records of 70 VKH patients who received ADA treatment for more than 6 months were retrospectively investigated. Results: The mean age of VKH patients was 54.8 ± 15.1 years, and male/female ratio was 34/36, and sunset glow fundus was observed in 71.4%. Subfoveal choroidal thickness, indocyanine green angiography scores, and corticosteroid and cyclosporine doses were significantly reduced by ADA treatment for 6 months compared to baseline, while LogMAR and flare counts were also improved without being statistically significant. Adverse events were observed in 17.1%, in which tuberculosis was at 7.14% and psoriasis was at 2.86%; however, ADA treatment was continued in 91.4%. Conclusions: ADA was shown to be effective to achieve remission of VKH disease refractory to conventional treatments and was generally well tolerated with few serious adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]