Occlusive retinal vasculitis associated with systemic sclerosis and antiphospholipid antibodies.

Purpose: To report a series of patients with occlusive retinal vasculitis associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and elevated antiphospholipid antibody titers.

Method: Case series. Main outcome measures included clinical and fluorescein angiographic findings at presentation and over time.

Ocular manifestations of Blau syndrome.

Purpose Of Review: This article summarizes the systemic and ocular manifestations of Blau syndrome, its genetic basis, and reviews recently published literature.

Recent Findings: A large multicenter prospective case series is underway, with 3-year preliminary results indicating the prevalence of uveitis, clinical characteristics and early data on its visual prognosis. Case reports have demonstrated the successful use of newer biologic agents.

Practice Patterns After Acute Embolic Retinal Artery Occlusion.

Purpose: To compare stroke evaluations recommended by retina special-ists and neurologists for retinal artery occlusion (RAO).

Design: A cross-sectional survey.

Methods: An anonymous survey was emailed to members of the American Academy of Neurology Stroke Section listserv and vitreoretinal specialists registered with the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Isolated optic nerve sarcoidosis.

To report three cases of sarcoidosis confined to the optic nerve. Chart review of clinical, laboratory, imaging, and optic nerve biopsy findings and a review of the literature. All three cases presented with progressive visual loss and showed enhancement of the intraorbital optic nerve on magnetic resonance imaging.

The effects of fundus photography on the multifocal electroretinogram.

Purpose: To determine the effect of flash fundus photography (FFP) on the multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG).

Methods: Ten subjects underwent mfERG testing on three separate dates. Subjects received either mfERG without FFP, mfERG at 5 and 15 min after FFP, or mfERG at 30 and 45 min after FFP on each date.

Masses in the membranes.

A 24-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus presented with a 1-year history of painless vision loss in the right eye. Examination was notable for a bitemporal hemianopia. Brain imaging revealed multiple contrast enhancing dural masses, including one along the planum sphenoidale.

RhoC maintains vascular homeostasis by regulating VEGF-induced signaling in endothelial cells.

Vasculogenesis and angiogenesis are controlled by vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A). Dysregulation of these physiological processes contributes to the pathologies of heart disease, cancer and stroke. Rho GTPase proteins play an integral role in VEGF-mediated formation and maintenance of blood vessels.

Revealing the role of phospholipase Cβ3 in the regulation of VEGF-induced vascular permeability.

VEGF induces vascular permeability (VP) in ischemic diseases and cancer, leading to many pathophysiological consequences. The molecular mechanisms by which VEGF acts to induce hyperpermeability are poorly understood and in vivo models that easily facilitate real-time, genetic studies of VP do not exist. In the present study, we report a heat-inducible VEGF transgenic zebrafish (Danio rerio) model through which VP can be monitored in real time.