The J-Curve for Navigating the Nasolacrimal Outflow Tract.

Purpose: To describe the technique of J-shaped manipulation of the metallic stent for instrument-free intubation of the nasolacrimal outflow tract after dacryocystorhinostomy.

Methods: The internal diameter of the J-shaped curve placed in the intubation stents was measured and the technique of intubation of the nasolacrimal outflow tract and out the external naris is described. In addition, the anatomic relationships of the nasolacrimal system are illustrated and videographed in relation to the described procedure.

Relapsing acute lymphoblastic leukemia presenting with a rapidly enlarging and vision-threatening orbital mass.

This case report describes a patient with known acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) presenting with a rapidly enlarging and vision-threatening orbital mass. Orbital disease is rare in patients with ALL, and to our knowledge only six cases have been previously described, five of which are in children. We describe a 36-year-old Caucasian female with known acute lymphoblastic leukemia who developed markedly decreased visual acuity, proptosis, and elevated intraocular pressure over the course of 12 h.

Vision loss after maxillary artery embolization secondary to compressive optic neuropathy.

The authors report a case of no light perception (NLP) vision in a patient with sinonasal melanoma after maxillary artery embolization secondary to presumptive compressive optic neuropathy. Two reports of NLP vision occurring after maxillary artery embolization are reported in the literature,, both occurring secondary to collateral blood flow to the ophthalmic artery resulting in central retinal artery occlusion. In the current case report, the presumed mechanism of vision loss is secondary to compressive optic neuropathy from local edema occurring after maxillary artery embolization.

A prospective, controlled trial of a pharmacy-driven alert system to increase thromboprophylaxis rates in medical inpatients.

Although venous thromboembolism is an important cause of morbidity and mortality within the hospital, a significant proportion of at-risk inpatients do not receive measures known to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The objective of the present study was to determine whether a pharmacy-driven alert system would, compared to usual care, be associated with a higher rate of adequate venous thromboembolism prevention measures among at-risk inpatients on a general internal medicine service. The study was a prospective, controlled trial set at a university-based teaching hospital.

Instillation of coarse ash particulate matter and lipopolysaccharide produces a systemic inflammatory response in mice.

Coronary ischemic events increase significantly following a "bad air" day. Ambient particulate matter (PM10) is the pollutant most strongly associated with these events. PM10 produces inflammatory injury to the lower airways.