No abstract

The significant correlations between the inner choroidal structures and the visual functions and retinal structures indicate that the choroidal structures are altered in association with the progression of RP.This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives License 4.0 (CCBY-NC-ND), where it is permissible to download and share the work provided it is properly cited. The work cannot be changed in any way or used commercially without permission from the journal.

Objective: Carotid artery stenting (CAS) for common carotid artery stenosis via the transfemoral approach might have a potential risk of iatrogenic distal embolism. In this study, we present a technique of transradial stenting with 6 Fr modified Simmonds guiding sheath for stenosis of the common carotid artery. Case Presentations: A 6 Fr modified Simmonds guiding sheath was introduced via the right radial artery and advanced to the common carotid artery without passing a guidewire or coaxial catheter through the stenotic lesions. Two cases with common carotid artery stenosis were treated successfully with this procedure. Conclusion: Transradial CAS with modified Simmonds guiding sheath provides a safe and durable alternative option for patients with common carotid artery stenosis having vulnerable plaques. Keywords▶ common carotid artery stenosis, carotid artery stenting, transradial approach, modified Simmonds guiding sheath, lesion cross

Purpose. To investigate the annual progression of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) by changes in retinal sensitivity and length of photoreceptor microstructures. Method. The medical records of patients with typical RP followed at Chiba University Hospital were reviewed. The retinal sensitivity was measured by Micro Perimeter-1, and the lengths of the intact external limiting membrane (ELM), ellipsoid zone (EZ), and interdigitation zone (IZ) were measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. The baseline values and annual progression rates were determined. The significance of the correlations among these factors was determined by generalized estimating equation regression analysis. Results. Forty-six eyes of 24 patients who were examined over a mean follow-up period of 3 years were studied. The annual changes in the retinal sensitivity (p = 0.0035) and the lengths of the EZ (p = 0.037) and IZ (p = 0.0033) were significantly correlated with their baseline values. The annual change in the retinal sensitivity was significantly correlated with the length of the EZ at the baseline (p = 0.020). Conclusions. The significant correlation between the annual progression of the retinal sensitivity and the baseline retinal sensitivity and lengths of the EZ and IZ in patients with RP indicate that the retinal sensitivity, the EZ, and the IZ can be useful parameters to predict the annual progression of RP.

Herein, safe and reliable neuroendoscopic biopsy via an extremely narrow foramen of Monro (ENFM) for a non-hydrocephalic patient with hypothalamic and pineal region tumors was successfully applied. A 17-year-old boy presented with hypothalamic manifestations attributed to hypothalamic and pineal region tumors. Small ventricles were seen. Intraoperatively, to advance different diameter steerable fiberscopes via ENFM, the third ventricle was flushed to induce a moment increase in the intraventricular pressure with subsequent dilatation of FM. Postoperative course was uneventful. Histopathological studies revealed a yolk sac tumor. Adjuvant therapy was applied. Follow-up neuroimaging disclosed marvellous improvement of the condition. His symptoms gradually improved.