Bruno Pastena

Comparison of Deep Sclerectomy with Implant and Combined Glaucoma Surgery

To evaluate the efficacy of combined glaucoma surgery, 42 glaucomatous patients were randomly divided into two groups: deep sclerectomy with implant (DS) alone was performed in 21 patients, and combined deep sclerectomy and phacoemulsification (PDS) was performed in the other 21 patients. Follow-up was carried out at regular intervals for 12 months. A comparative study on intraocular pressure (IOP) was designed. Although further study is needed, PDS appears to have better postoperative long-term results in IOP control than DS alone.

Standardized echography, pattern electroretinography and visual-evoked potential and automated perimetry in the early diagnosis of Graves' neuropathy

Twenty-four patients (47 eyes) affected by Graves’ disease were enrolled to evaluate the role of standardized echography, pattern electroretinogram (P-ERG), visual evoked potentials (P-VEPs) and automated perimetry in the early diagnosis of the compressive optic neuropathy (CON). The P-ERG amplitude reduction was the most sensitive parameter to demonstrate an early impairment of the optic nerve (ON) function. We found a significant negative correlation between the ON diameter and the P-ERG amplitude. VEPs responses were also altered, but their ability in detecting an early ON damage was less sensitive and specific than P-ERG. The visual field damage was often aspecific and delayed with respect to electrophysiological alterations.

Alterations of the Internal Reflectivity of Extra-Ocular Muscles Associated with Several Clinical Stages of Graves’ Ophthalmopathy

In the period between February 1992 and June 1996, the authors performed extra-ocular muscle echobiometry on 163 patients with Graves’ disease. The aim of this study is the evaluation of changes occurring in several clinical stages. The authors noted an increase in internal muscular reflectivity in the advanced phases and an irregular structure in the early stages. Controversial results in the literature warrant mastery of the method and further research.

Power Doppler Ultrasonography in Ocular and Orbital Diseases

Purpose: The authors present a preliminary report to test the usefulness of a new technique called power Doppler ultrasonography (PD) in the study of orbital vessels. Material and Methods: The ophthalmic artery and vein as well as the central retinal artery and vein have been examined in 10 patients with a General Electric Logiq 5000 that allows the examination with both color Doppler ultrasonography (CD) and PD. Results: PD does not alias, is relatively angle independent and is able to better detect the pathways of these vessels. Conclusions: PD is a new promising technique that may be superior to CD in detecting orbital and ocular vessels.

Posterior scleritis : Ultrasound findings in two cases

Two cases of posterior inflammatory scleritis are described. The authors show the echographic findings, pointing out the helpfulness of diagnostic ultrasound and the crucial role in monitoring these diseases with A scan examinations to obtain clear results of therapy, even if subjective symptoms disappear.

Echographic study of the vitreoretinal interface in giant retinal tears.

Vitreous and vitreoretinal interface changes were evaluated in giant retinal tears in order to plan surgical approach. Vitreal sineresis was evident in patients affected by primary giant retinal tears; in patients affected by retinal disinsertion the vitreous was adherent to the edge of the posterior flap, and in giant retinal tears secondary to IOL implantation, posterior vitreous detachment but no sineresis was displayed.

Graves’ Disease: Measurement of the Extraocular Muscle Thickness with the Echobiometer

The authors measured extraocular muscle thickness in normal subjects and in patients affected by Graves’ disease, using a Sonomed A-2000 echobiometer (probe with 10-MHz frequency); Hertel’s exophthalmometry was also performed. Statistically significant differences in muscle thickness between normals and patients were found. This technique seems to be sufficiently useful and reliable in extraocular thickness evaluation, showing data similar to those of the recent literature.

Rapidly Growing Choroidal Metastasis: Case Report

A rapidly growing choroidal metastasis from an occult carcinoma is described. The patient was first seen with a loss of visual acuity. The fundus examination showed a non-pigmented solid mass located at the posterior pole. Clinical history, echographic characteristics and tumour growth kinetics are described in detail.

Orbital Metastases: Echographic Findings Our Experience

In this paper the authors examine the echographic findings in 20 patients with metastatic and secondary tumors of the orbit observed at the University Eye Clinic of Ferrara (Italy) between January 1985 and August 1995. The aim of this study is to identify some typical echographic characteristics in these forms and to underline the diagnostic role of orbital echography.

Echographic evaluation of choroidal melanomas treated with ruthenium-106 plaques: the treatment failures.

From July 1990 to October 1995 we treated 45 patients with choroidal melanomas using ruthenium-106 plaques. The population mean age was 59.2±10.4 years. In this paper, the authors describe in detail their clinical management and follow-up timing. They also report on the echographic pattern change after treatment and the clinical history of some failure cases.