Search Results (4)

Paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) is a macular condition primarily detected using optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging. It presents as hyperreflective bands within the inner nuclear layer (INL) of the retina, often leading to localized degenerative phenomena. PAMM is a condition that reveals a dysfunction in the microvascular network of the retina. However, it is not an isolated phenomenon but rather an indicator of deeper and even systemic, prevalently vascular-related issues related to a wide array of conditions that impact circulation, including retinal vein and artery occlusion, diabetic retinopathy, and hypertensive retinal vascular changes. PAMM occurs due to impaired perfusion within the retinal deep capillary plexus, clinically leading to subtle but noticeable blind spots (scotomas) in the central visual field. Recent advances in imaging technology, particularly optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), have provided a clearer view of the underlying vascular alterations. Thus, PAMM may currently serve as a biomarker in broader ocular and systemic pathologies before disease progression. This review explores the latest reports in the literature on PAMM, from its characteristic imaging features to the evolving theories behind its development. By bridging the gap between ophthalmology and systemic health, PAMM may facilitate earlier diagnosis and tailored management strategies for conditions that extend far beyond the eye. Understanding this entity could ultimately transform our approach to assessing vascular health toward further research, risk prediction, and patient care. Full article

Background: The growing popularity of aesthetic procedures on the face raises the question of their safety. The forehead region is crucial aesthetically, but due to its abundant vascularization, it is also one of the most dangerous areas for dermatologic procedures, especially in the glabella area. The purpose of this article is to review the literature on the arterial vascularization of the forehead to identify potential high-risk zones for aesthetic dermatology procedures. Methods: A database search (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase) was conducted, and the titles and abstracts of all identified studies were screened, followed by full-text evaluation. Results: We identified 714 articles during the database search, and 25 articles were included in the review. The included studies used cadaveric dissection and computed tomography applied to cadavers as well as Doppler ultrasonography on volunteers to evaluate the forehead arteries (supratrochlear (STrA), supraorbital (SOA), central (CA), paracentral artery (PCA), and frontal branch of superficial temporal artery(FBSTA)). A total of 1714 cases involving the forehead arteries were analyzed. The included arteries were observed over a relatively large area, and their locations varied. The CA and PCA in cadaver studies were observed in an area of 0.2 to 10.8 mm and 0.8 to 16.2 mm, respectively, on the entire path from the glabellar point to the frontal prominence point. The distances from the midline in cadaveric studies at various measurement points ranged from 0.6 to 28.0 mm for the superficial branch of the STrA and 13.6 to 40.7 mm for the deep branch of STrA. In case of SOA, the distance from the midline ranged from 23 to 32 mm. Measurements from the midline in Doppler studies ranged from 0 to 23 mm for STrA and from 10 to 50 mm for the SOA. In studies using computed tomography, STrA was observed at a distance of 11 to 21 mm and the SOA at a distance of 21 to 32 mm, both lateral to the midline. Conclusions: Medical professionals should be aware of zones where frontal arteries are more likely to be encountered. The glabella region appears to be one of the most dangerous areas for dermatologic procedures. It is believed that the supratrochlear, supraorbital, and the paracentral arteries may cause ophthalmic complications due to occlusion of the ophthalmic artery, while this risk for the frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery seems to be low but cannot be completely excluded. Full article

Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic affects various populations worldwide. The discovery of vaccinations was necessary for the prevention and elimination of the disease. Despite the high importance of these vaccinations, they may cause some complications, such as ocular complications. This study aims to draw attention to the possible complications of the vaccination and highlight its importance. Materials and Methods: Systematic review of the literature from January 2021 to January 2023. A total of 20 published articles were included and reported cases of ocular complications in patients who received COVID-19 vaccines. Results: A total of 243 patients with verified ocular complications following the COVID-19 vaccination were included, ranging in age from 18 to 84 years. The most common ocular complications reported in the current study were ocular inflammatory complications, which represented 47.3%, followed by optic neuritis (24.3%). Retinal artery occlusion, retinal vein occlusion, acute macular neuroretinopathy, and paracentral acute middle maculopathy represented 10.7%. Herpetic ocular infections and herpetic eye disease (14%). Nearly half (42%) of the patients with ocular problems received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination. Conclusions: Despite the high importance of the COVID-19 vaccination, it was found that it is associated with the occurrence of some ocular complications. Future projects should come with more extensive prospective studies to further elucidate the underlying mechanisms and risk factors associated with ocular complications following COVID-19 vaccination, thereby enhancing our understanding and guiding appropriate management strategies. Full article

Many retinal diseases and imaging findings have pathophysiologic underpinnings in the function of the cardiovascular system. Myriad retinal conditions, new imaging biomarkers, and novel image analysis techniques have been investigated for their association with future cardiovascular risk or utility in cardiovascular risk prognostication. An intensive literature search was performed to identify relevant articles indexed in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for a targeted narrative review. This review investigates the literature on specific retinal disease states, such as retinal arterial and venous occlusions and cotton wool spots, that portend significantly increased risk of future cardiovascular events, such as stroke or myocardial infarction, and the implications for personalized patient counseling. Furthermore, conditions diagnosed primarily through retinal bioimaging, such as paracentral acute middle maculopathy and the newly discovered entity known as a retinal ischemic perivascular lesion, may be associated with future incident cardiovascular morbidity and are also discussed. As ever-more-sophisticated imaging biomarkers and analysis techniques are developed, the review concludes with a focused analysis of optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography biomarkers under investigation for potential value in prognostication and personalized therapy in cardiovascular disease. Full article