PURPOSE To report identification of a COL17A1 mutation in a family with a corneal dystrophy previously mapped to chromosome 10q23-q24. METHODS Whole-exome sequencing was performed on DNA samples from five affected family members and two unrelated, unaffected individuals. Identified variants were filtered for those that were: located in the linked interval on chromosome 10q23-q24; novel or rar...

The value of ultrasonography (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) and plain radiography (PR) in detecting bone erosions on the humeral head was evaluated in a study of 26 in-patients (26 shoulders) with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). MRI depicted humeral erosions in 25 (96%), US in 24 (92%), CT in 20 (77%) and PR in 19 (73%) of the 26 shoulders. MRI and US were superior ...

A simple and consistent puncture of the anterior stroma was created with the neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser in a rabbit model. Varying energy levels were tested, and settings at 2.0 mJ produced well-formed anterior stromal breaks. The laser shock wave disrupted Descemet's membrane in only 1 of 50 animals. The wound healed normally in vivo over a 3-month period. Compared to nee...

Six cases of keratoconjunctivitis caused by self-inflicted injury are described. The diagnosis is suggested by the combination of the characteristic sharply delineated lesions localised in the more accessible inferior and nasal quadrants of the bulbar conjunctiva and cornea, together with the unconcerned attitude of the patient and other psychological features. Secondary post-traumatic erosions...

The purpose of this study was to identify which of the eye solutions is best for sodium fluorescein staining of the cornea to diagnose dry eye disease. The study included 173 eyes with suspected or known dry eye disease. The eyes were stained sequentially with sodium fluorescein and each of the following four conditions: balanced salt solution (BSS); BSS and cyclosporine 0.05% emulsion; BSS and...

Background & Aims: This study was carried out to determine the leading indications for corneal transplantation in Kerman province. Methods: Medical records of 186 patients underwent corneal transplantation during 3 years (2004-2006) in Shafa Medical Center were evaluated retrospectively. The initial diagnosis and causes of corneal grafting were recorded. Infectious keratitis (Bacterial, Fungal,...

OBJECTIVES To investigate the progression of erosions at sites within the carpus, in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA), using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and plain radiology over a two year period. METHODS Gadolinium enhanced MRI scans of the dominant wrist were performed in 42 patients with RA at baseline (within six months of symptom onset) and one year. Plain wrist radiogr...

We investigated the time-dependent ocular surface bacterial colonisation of sedated patients hospitalised in an intensive care unit and aimed to evaluate whether proper topical antibiotic prophylaxis could prohibit corneal infection. The study lasted 12 months and included 134 patients undergoing sedation and mechanical respiratory support for various medical reasons. Patients hospitalised for ...