Intrinsic Vessels Research Articles

An Extensive Study Regarding the Microscopic Anatomy of the Early Fetal Human Optic Nerve.

The development of the optic nerve and its surrounding tissues during the early fetal period is a convoluted period because it spans both the organogenesis period and the fetal period. This study details the microscopic anatomy and histoembryology of the optic nerve in embryos during the early fetal period, including the second half of the first trimester of pregnancy. Serial sections through the orbit of variously aged embryos allowed us to analyze the nerve in both longitudinal and transverse aspects. A histological assessment and description of the structures surrounding and inside the nerve were performed, highlighting the cellular subtypes involved. By employing immunohistochemical techniques, we could characterize the presence and distribution of astrocytes within the optic nerve. Our findings suggest that by the 8th gestational week (WG) the structures are homologs to all the adult ones but with an early appearance so that maturation processes take place afterward. By this age, the axons forming the nerve are definitive adult axons. The glial cells do not yet exhibit adult phenotype, but their aspect becomes adult toward the 13th week. During its development the optic nerve increases in size then, at 14 weeks, it shrinks considerably, possibly through its neural maturation process. The morphological primordium of the blood-nerve barrier can be first noted at 10 WG and at 13 WG the morphological blood-nerve barrier is definitive. The meningeal primordium can be first noted as a layer of agglomerated fibroblasts, later toward 13 WG splitting in pachymeninx and leptomeninges and leaving space for intrinsic blood vessels.

A bioartificial and vasculomorphic bone matrix-based organoid mimicking microanatomy of flat and short bones.

We engineered an in vitro model of bioartificial 3D bone organoid consistent with an anatomical and vascular microenvironment common to mammalian flat and short bones. To achieve this, we chose the decellularized-decalcified matrix of the adult male rat scapula, implemented with the reconstruction of its intrinsic vessels, obtained through an original intravascular perfusion with polylevolactic (PLLA), followed by coating of the PLLA-fabricated vascularization with rat tail collagen. As a result, the 3D bone and vascular geometry of the native bone cortical and cancellous compartments was reproduced, and the rat tail collagen-PLLA biomaterial could in vitro act as a surrogate of the perivascular extracellular matrix (ECM) around the wall of the biomaterial-reconstituted cancellous vessels. As a proof-of-concept of cell compatibility and site-dependent osteoinductive properties of this bioartificial 3D construct, we show that it in vitro leads to a time-dependent microtopographic positioning of rat mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), initiating an osteogenic fate in relation to the bone compartment. In addition, coating of PLLA-reconstructed vessels with rat tail collagen favored perivascular attachment and survival of MSC-like cells (mouse embryonic fibroblasts), confirming its potentiality as a perivascular stroma for triggering competence of seeded MSCs. Finally, in vivo radiographic topography of bone lesions in the human jaw and foot tarsus of subjects with primary osteoporosis revealed selective bone cortical versus cancellous involvement, suggesting usefulness of a human 3D bone organoid engineered with the same principles of our rat organoid, to in vitro investigate compartment-dependent activities of human MSC in flat and short bones under experimental osteoporotic challenge. We conclude that our 3D bioartificial construct offers a reliable replica of flat and short bones microanatomy, and promises to help in building a compartment-dependent mechanistic perspective of bone remodeling, including the microtopographic dysregulation of osteoporosis.

Histopathology and Ultrasound Biomicroscopy Correlation in Conjunctival Intraepithelial Neoplasia

An 83-year-old man with squamous cell carcinoma of the left conjunctiva presented for tumor recurrence. Slit-lamp examination showed an amelanotic lesion on the left bulbar conjunctiva extending from the 5 to 9 o’clock meridians involving fornix and caruncule (A). Prominent feeder and intrinsic vessels were visible (white arrows). Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) revealed a solid, well-circumscribed lesion, measuring 1.4 × 15 × 9 mm, without scleral invasion (B, C, longitudinal and transverse scan, respectively). Internally, multiple linear formations with high reflectivity (white arrows) were visible. Pathology confirmed a diagnosis of conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN III). Large, dilated blood vessels (white arrow) were visible (D), consistent with the noted UBM findings. Therefore, UBM is a noninvasive aid in the diagnosis and management of CIN (Magnified version of Figure A-D is available online at www.aaojournal.org).

Angiographic Features of Iris Melanocytic Tumors: Nevus versus Melanoma

Introduction: Determining the nature of iris melanocytic tumors based on clinical exam alone remains challenging. Tumor-associated vasculature of iris melanocytic lesions may facilitate the ability to discern between iris nevus and melanoma. Methods: In a single-institution, retrospective, observational study of 45 patients with pathologically confirmed iris melanoma and 15 patients with iris nevi that were either clinically stable or pathologically confirmed were included. Tumor characteristics and associated vasculature were identified on clinical exam and slit-lamp photographs. Fluorescein angiographic parameters including feeder vessels, intrinsic vessels, leakage, masking, and angiographic silence were assessed. Results: Feeder vessels were present in 17 (43%) melanomas and were absent in the nevus group (p = 0.002). Thirty-three (83%) iris melanomas and 5 (33%) iris nevi were observed to have intrinsic vessels, and a statistically significant association of intrinsic vessels with malignancy (p = 0.001) was noted. Fluorescein leakage was also observed more frequently in iris melanoma 39 (98%) than in nevi 9 (60) with a significant difference (p = 0.001). Angiographic silence occurred in 3 nevi (20%) and was not observed in any melanoma (p = 0.017). Overall, the presence of intrinsic vessels +/− feeder vessels had high sensitivity (0.85) and high positive predictive value (0.87) for diagnosis of iris melanoma. Conclusions: Anterior segment fluorescein angiography allows for the assessment of tumor-associated vascular patterns and demonstrates utility in differentiating iris nevi from melanoma. Feeder vessels were only observed in iris melanoma and were absent in iris nevi. The intrinsic vessels were present more frequently in melanomas and are thus associated with malignancy. Angiographic silence is indicative of iris nevi.

Anterior segment optical coherence tomography features of ocular surface squamous epithelial hyperplasia: A report of four cases.

Herein, we report the clinico-tomographic and histopathological features of four patients with biopsy-proven ocular surface squamous epithelial hyperplasia (OSSEH), a close mimicker of ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN). The mean age at diagnosis was 58 years (median, 60 years; range, 35-77 years). All lesions were unilateral. Isolated corneal plaque was seen in 50% (n = 2) and nodular lesion at the nasal limbus in 50% (n = 2). Keratinization was seen in 75% (n = 3) of lesions and intrinsic vessels in 75% (n = 3). A clinical diagnosis of OSSN was made in all cases. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT) revealed mild epithelial hyperreflectivity in 100% (n = 4). The epithelium was normal in thickness in 75% (n = 3) and showed mild thickening in 25% (n = 1). Only 25% (n = 1) showed abrupt transition in epithelial thickness from the contiguous corneal epithelium. Histopathological examination revealed hyperplastic squamous epithelium and no cellular atypia in all cases. Stable ocular surface and no recurrences were noted at a mean follow-up of 17 months (median, 11 months; range, 2-43 months). Although OSSEH can mimic OSSN clinically, the presence of mild epithelial hyperreflectivity, lack of epithelial thickening, absence of abrupt transition from normal epithelium, and presence of subepithelial hyperreflectivity on ASOCT favor the diagnosis of OSSEH.

Clinical Observation of Choroidal Osteoma Using Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to choroidal osteoma (CO) can cause profound visual loss, but detecting CNV and the tumor’s feeder vessels using traditional fluorescent angiography imaging is challenging. Newly developed TowardPi swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) and OCT angiography (SS-OCTA) enable ultra-high resolution, enhanced penetration with longer wavelength (1060 nm), a rapid scan rate (400 KHz), reduced loss of signal strength with increasing depth, and 120° angular widefield of fundus view, enabling a nearly histological description of the retina and choroid. We therefore used this SS-OCT and SS-OCTA platform to observe the intrinsic features of osteoma in 23 eyes of 21 patients. It was found that the borders of CO were clearly demarcated from the adjacent choroidal Sattler’s and Haller’s layers, while on a corresponding B-scan the blood flow of the CO was detected mainly within the choriocapillaries and partly within Sattler’s layer. The CNV was identified as numerous branching or radiating vessels connecting with intrinsic feeder vessels displaying various patterns including ginseng, instant noodle, growth ring, tangle, spider web, medusa, seafan, and irregular shape. Moreover, tumor-like tissues were found to grow above the disrupted Bruch’s membrane. SS-OCTA can be used to detect the tumor vasculature in CO.

Demographic and clinical features of conjunctival tumours at a tertiary care centre

ABSTRACT Clinical relevance This study investigates the demographic and clinical features of conjunctival tumours. Background Conjunctival tumours include a large spectrum of conditions ranging from benign lesions to aggressive, life-threatening malignancies. Knowing the distribution of conjunctival tumours by age and gender is important for reducing cancer morbidity. Methods The clinical records of 375 patients (410 eyes) diagnosed with a conjunctival mass at a tertiary referral centre between February 1999 and November 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. Results Two-hundred-seventeen (57.9%) patients were male and 158 (42.1%) were female. Of 410 conjunctival tumours, 159 (38.8%) were benign, 106 (25.9%) premalignant, and 145 (35.4%) malignant. Overall, the 3 most common diagnoses were squamous cell carcinoma (SCC, 19.5%), conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN, 18.3%), and naevus (17.8%). The most common benign, premalignant, and malignant tumours were naevus (n = 73/159, 45.9%), CIN (n = 75/106, 70.8%), and SCC (n = 80/145, 55.2%) respectively. Naevus was the most common tumour in ≤20 years and > 20-40 years old patient groups (56.2% and 25.4% respectively). CIN was the most frequent tumour in patients aged > 40-60 years (25.7%). SCC was the most common tumour in > 60-80 years and > 80 years old patient groups (44.3% and 80.0% respectively). The median patient age was greater in patients with malignant tumours (64.5 years) compared to patients with premalignant (55.5 years, p = 0.011) and benign tumours (22.0 years, p < 0.001). Malignant tumours displayed larger base diameter, greater thickness, and intrinsic vessels compared to premalignant or benign lesions (p < 0.001 for each parameter). Malignant tumours also displayed more amelanotic vs melanotic appearance (p < 0.001) and limbal vs extralimbal bulbar location compared to benign lesions (p < 0.001). Conclusion Premalignant and malignant tumours comprised 61.2% of all conjunctival tumours and were usually detected in patients > 40 years of age in this study.

Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Microvascular Variations in Pre- and Posttreatment of Retinoblastoma Tumors

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to describe variations in microvasculature before and after treatment of treatment-naive lesions and during consolidation therapy of retinoblastoma lesions using an investigational portable optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) system. Methods: This study is a single-center, prospective, observational case series. Recruited subjects were either undergoing surveillance for retinoblastoma or had newly detected retinoblastoma. Nine tumors from 7 eyes in 6 patients were included. During exams under anesthesia, the tumors were imaged with an investigational portable OCTA system. OCTA images were analyzed to assess vascular changes before and after treatment. Results: In all 6 presented cases, OCTA imaging revealed distinctive vascular patterns, such as dilated feeder arteries and draining veins, disorganized and complex branching patterns, irregular vessel calibers, and dilation and tortuosity of vessels. After treatment, OCTA imaging revealed decreased intrinsic tumor vascularity and reduced dilation of draining and feeder vessels. Tumor relapse demonstrated prominent vascularity (n = 1) that resolved on repeat OCTA after transpupillary thermotherapy treatment. Type 2 (n = 1), 3 (n = 6), and 4 (n = 1) tumor regression patterns were seen in our patients after treatment, and OCTA findings were consistent with a previously published report. Interestingly, in one of the presented cases, OCTA demonstrated clear feeder, draining, and intrinsic tumor vessels that were not as evident on fluorescein angiography. Conclusions: OCTA may offer a noninvasive and sensitive technique to evaluate the vasculature of both the tumor and the surrounding retina in retinoblastoma. With additional research and development into its use in patients with retinoblastoma, OCTA may one day be useful in assessing treatment response and residual tumor activity.

Circumscribed choroidal haemangioma: Indocyanine green angiography features on scanning laser ophthalmoscopy versus traditional digital fundus photography.

Circumscribed choroidal haemangioma (CCH) has several characteristic clinical and angiographic features. We aimed to compare indocyanine green angiography (ICG) findings of CCH captured on a traditional digital camera system (DCS) to newer scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) platforms. A total of 35 patients over a 10-year period diagnosed with CCH using ICG were included (18 imaged with DCS and 17 with SLO). On early ICG frames, intrinsic vessels were apparent in two-thirds (12/18; 67%) of the DCS group compared with all of eyes in the SLO group (p = 0.020). In addition, at maximal hyperfluorescence, most eyes imaged with DCS had a feathery appearance (16/18; 89%) compared with those in the SLO group which all (17/17; 100%) displayed a granular appearance (p < 0.001). The presence of hot spots at maximal hyperfluorescence was also more common in the SLO group (12/17; 71%) versus the DCS group (0/18; 0%) (p < 0.001). Finally, intrinsic vessels and vascular loops could be identified throughout the entire duration of the ICG in 100% of the SLO cases (17/17) versus only 11% (2/18) of DCS cases (p < 0.001). The visualization of intrinsic vessels, vascular loops, and "hot spots" in CCH is significantly enhanced with SLO compared with DCS. Many characteristic mid-late angiographic findings of CCH are more optimally visualized on SLO which may negate the need for late frames (>30 min) without compromising diagnostic accuracy.

Microvessels may Confound the "Swallow Tail Sign" in Normal Aged Midbrains: A Postmortem 7 T SW-MRI Study.

Susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) plays a role in the differential diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, but lacks widespread acceptance in clinical routine. In a descriptive pilot study, we assessed hypointense microstructures of the normal substantia nigra pars compacta at ultrahigh-field strength for interpretation of the "swallow tail sign." Magnetic resonance imaging at 7 Tesla was performed in five postmortem samples obtained from subjects not affected by Parkinson's disease. Susceptibility weighted images, including minimum intensity projections, were created followed by consensus assessment for microvascular confound. Histological workup in this case-control study included iron and myelin staining. Seven Tesla SWI images from the reference cohort of nine living subjects, all of which showed a positive "swallow tail sign" in their midbrains, were assessed visually. All specimens showed microvessels running through the dorsal pars compacta and along the caudolateral circumference of the red nucleus. Hypointense imaging patterns in the medial part of the "swallow tail" were due to susceptibility effects of iron deposits and microvessels. In eight out of nine control subjects, one or more microvessels were detected medial to the dorsolateral nigral hyperintensity or at least unilaterally in the medial part of the "swallow tail." One microvessel crossing nigrosome 1 was found in two in-vivo cases. Both iron deposits and microvessels contribute to the hyposignal surrounding nigrosome 1 in susceptibility weighted imaging of normal aged midbrains at ultrahigh-field strength. When assessing the substantia nigra for the presence or absence of the "swallow tail sign," intrinsic vessels may be a sporadic confounder.

The spreaded gracilis flap revisited: Comparing outcomes in lower limb reconstruction.

In lower limb reconstruction, the free gracilis muscle flap is usually chosen for coverage of small- to medium-sized defects. Aim of this study was a re-appraisal regarding the reconstructive indications of the gracilis muscle flap with a focus on postoperative complications in order to evaluate if it can also be routinely used to reconstruct large-size lower limb defects. A total of 204 patients underwent free gracilis muscle transfers for lower limb reconstruction at our institution. Cases were divided according to the size of the defect into two groups (<150cm2 versus ≥150cm2 ). The small- to medium defect size group included 150 patients and the large defect size group included 54 patients. In the large defect size group, the muscle was enlarged as needed by careful dissection of the epimysium and all connective tissue surrounding the intrinsic vessels under loupe magnification to protect the muscle perfusion. Surgical complications were accounted for and the two groups compared accordingly. Overall, there were no significant differences between the two groups of patients regarding the rate of major (15.72% versus 10.91%; P=.506) and minor surgical complications (6.92% versus 3.64%; P=.522). The total percentage of flap losses in the small to medium defect size group was 5.03%. There were no total flap losses in the large defect size group (P=.117). The use of the spreaded gracilis flap provides a valuable option for the microsurgeon, especially also to reconstruct large size lower limb defects.

SOLITARY CIRCUMSCRIBED "PEARL WHITE" RETINAL MASS (SO-CALLED RETINAL ASTROCYTIC PROLIFERATION) RESIDES IN DEEP RETINA OR BENEATH RETINA: FINDINGS ON MULTIMODAL IMAGING IN 4 CASES.

To report novel observations of previously described solitary circumscribed retinal astrocytic proliferation using spectral domain optical coherence tomography that suggests this tumor does not arise in the nerve fiber layer as initially believed, but arises within deep retinal or retinal pigment epithelial structures. Retrospective review of four cases. Patient age ranged from 46 to 75 years. The tumor was pearl white or yellow-white (n = 4, 100%), located in the macula (n = 1, 25%) or macula to equator (n = 3, 75%) regions, and with mean tumor base of 1.2 mm and thickness of 0.8 mm. There were no feeding vessels, intrinsic vessels, subretinal fluid, or vitreoretinal traction. Mild surrounding retinal pigment epithelial hyperplasia and atrophy rimmed each tumor (n = 4, 100%). Fluorescein angiography depicted the mass with early hypofluorescence (n = 3/3, 100%) and late hypofluorescence (n = 2/3, 67%). Spectral domain optical coherence tomography demonstrated the mass with an abruptly elevated "snowball" configuration (n = 4, 100%), with smooth or slightly irregular surface (n = 4, 100%), and originating from deep retina or retinal pigment epithelial (n = 4, 100%), with overlying compression and draping of retinal tissue (n = 4, 100%). This previously described small yellow-white retinal tumor appears to arise in the outer retinal layers and not from the inner retinal layers as formerly believed. This tumor may not be astrocytic as initially believed since it arises deep within the retina, but it could represent a deep glial or pigment epithelial fibrous mass. The pathogenesis and pathology of this rare lesion remain unknown.

Ectropion and Conjunctival Mass in a Patient with Primary Bilateral Conjunctival Amyloidosis.

Background. Amyloidosis is a group of disorders characterized by deposition of an extracellular protein, known as amyloid, in an abnormal fibrillar form with highly characteristic histopathologic staining properties. The clinical presentation can vary from a focal, localized lesion where amyloidosis has minor clinical consequences to extensive systemic disease that can involve any organ system of the body. Ocular amyloidosis can occur as a localized lesion or as a part of a systemic disorder. Conjunctival amyloidosis is an uncommon condition that is rarely associated with systemic disease. It may be a manifestation of an immunologic disorder. Case Report. We report the case of a patient with bilateral conjunctival amyloidosis who was referred to us with the suspicion of a malignant conjunctival lesion. Examination of both eyes showed a yellow-pink mass with prominent intrinsic vessels, subconjunctival hemorrhage, and ectropion of the left lower eyelid. Diagnosis of primary localized conjunctival amyloidosis was made based on histopathologic evaluation of incisional biopsy and negative systemic work-up. Conclusion. Ocular amyloidosis is a rare disease that is slowly progressive and has a wide variety of clinical presentations. Consequently, the clinical diagnosis is often overlooked or delayed. Definitive diagnosis is achieved through histopathologic evaluation of biopsy specimen.

Multimodality imaging of retinal astrocytoma.

Cross-characterization of retinal astrocytomas (RA) using ocular diagnostic imaging techniques. Fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence images, and ultrasonography were used to define characteristics of RA. Thirteen patients had sporadic RA and 12 had tuberous sclerosis. Of the latter, 1 patient had multiple (n = 14), bilateral tumors and was excluded so as not to skew the analysis. Of those patients with a solitary RA, 63% were juxtapapillary. All were white to yellow. A mulberry-shaped surface was observed in 33%. Fluorescein angiography revealed intrinsic tumor vessels and late diffuse tumor staining in 42%. Optical coherence tomography revealed cells spreading from the tumor surface into the vitreous (75%), intraretinal fluid (25%), and multiple, ovoid hypolucencies within the tumor stroma (54%). Fundus autofluorescent imaging revealed that hypolucencies were hyperautofluorescent and solid tumor stroma appeared hypoautofluorescent. B-scan imaging revealed moderate to high internal tumor reflectivity (100%) with orbital shadowing (46%). Optical coherence tomography revealed a mean tumor thickness of 0.8 mm. Ultrasound imaging showed a mean thickness of 1.4 mm (range 1.0-1.7). Of the 21 patients subsequently followed in our centers, no tumor growth was noted (mean 54 months, range 1-96). This study reveals unique characteristics of RA and suggests that RA were most commonly amelanotic, moderate to high echoic, ≤1.7 mm in thickness, near the optic disc, and nonprogressive. When observed, a mulberry-shaped surface was pathognomonic.

Retcam fluorescein angiography findings in eyes with advanced retinoblastoma

PurposeTo characterise the fluorescein angiogram (FA) findings of eyes with advanced retinoblastoma evaluated with the Retcam contact fundus camera.MethodsA retrospective case series was performed on all new retinoblastoma patients evaluated...

Uveal Metastasis from Lung Cancer: Clinical Features, Treatment, and Outcome in 194 Patients

To evaluate the clinical features, treatment, and prognosis of patients with uveal metastasis from lung cancer. Retrospective chart review. There were 194 patients with a diagnosis of uveal metastasis from lung cancer. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, enucleation, or observation. Ocular tumor control, final visual acuity, and tumor-related death. There were 374 uveal metastatic tumors originating from primary lung cancer in 229 eyes of 194 patients. Tumor location included choroid (88%), ciliary body (2%), and iris (10%), with bilateral involvement in 18%. Diagnosis of uveal metastasis preceded the diagnosis of primary lung cancer in 44% of patients. The choroidal metastatic focus had a mean basal diameter of 8 mm and mean thickness of 3 mm, and were mostly located posterior to the equator (91%). The choroidal metastasis commonly had yellow or orange color (98%), had plateau (61%) or dome (38%) configuration, and displayed associated subretinal fluid (85%). Choroidal tumors were multifocal in 49 cases (23%). Ciliary body tumors were commonly dome shaped (75%) with an episcleral sentinel vessel (75%). Iris tumors were multifocal in 2 cases (13%), had visible intrinsic vessels (97%), and were associated with tumor seeding in the angle (38%) or on the iris stroma (25%). The uveal metastases were treated with teletherapy (31%), chemotherapy (18%), brachytherapy (9%), chemotherapy combined with teletherapy or brachytherapy (14%), enucleation (3%), or observation (21%). At last visit, eyes with follow-up showed tumor regression (66%), stability (12%), growth (14%), recurrence (3%), or new metastasis (5%). Visual acuity improved or remained stable in 59% eyes. One-year mortality from the time of detection of uveal metastasis was 54%. Of 194 patients with uveal metastasis from lung cancer, 44% did not have a history of known lung cancer. Current methods of ocular treatment allow globe salvage in 92% of patients and improved/stable vision in 59% of patients. Systemic prognosis remains poor with tumor-related death in 54% of patients at 1 year.

Giant Conjunctival Nevus

Conjunctival nevus is the most common tumor of the ocular surface and we selected the largest nevi to evaluate for clinical features and outcomes. To describe the clinical features and outcomes of giant (≥10 mm diameter) conjunctival nevus. Retrospective case series of 618 patients with conjunctival nevus, 32 of which had giant conjunctival nevus, treated at an ocular oncology service between July 1, 1974, and June 30, 2012. Observation, excisional biopsy, and cryotherapy. Management, nevus recurrence, and nevus transformation into melanoma. Of 618 patients with conjunctival nevus, 32 (5%) were classified as having giant conjunctival nevus. The mean patient age at diagnosis was 34 years. Of those with giant conjunctival nevus, a history of an increase in nevus base or thickness was noted in 15 cases (47%) and an increase in color intensity in 2 cases (6%). The giant nevus involved cornea in 11 cases (34%), limbus in 23 (72%), bulbar conjunctiva in 31 (97%), fornix in 9 (28%), tarsus in 3 (9%), semilunar fold in 10 (31%), and caruncle in 7 (22%). The nevi had mean diameter of 16 mm and mean thickness of 2 mm. On slitlamp examination, intrinsic cysts were identified in 25 cases (78%), intrinsic blood vessels in 26 (81%), and feeder vessels in 22 (69%). Management included excisional biopsy with cryotherapy in 23 cases (72%) and observation in 9 cases (28%). Amniotic membrane graft reconstruction was used following excision in 3 cases (13%). Malignant melanoma developed within the giant nevus in 1 case after 23 years of observation. Postexcisional biopsy, nevus recurrence was detected in 4 cases (17%), pseudopterygium in 1 (4%), dry eye in 1 (4%), and eyelid blepharoptosis in 1 (4%). In an ocular oncology practice, giant conjunctival nevus represents 5% of conjunctival nevi. This benign tumor rarely transforms into conjunctival melanoma. Management alternatives include observation or wide excisional biopsy, cryotherapy, and reconstruction, possibly with amniotic membrane graft.

Actinic Granuloma of the Conjunctiva in Young Women

To report the occurrence of actinic granuloma of the conjunctiva in young women. Retrospective case series. Three eyes of 3 young women with a unilateral conjunctival mass of recent onset. Three young women (21, 23, and 23 years of age) sought treatment for painless red masses of the conjunctiva that were thought clinically to be pingueculitis, actinic keratosis, or ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN), but were diagnosed histopathologically as actinic granuloma. Special stains were performed to exclude infectious and autoimmune causes of granulomatous inflammation, followed by dermatologic work-up and systemic investigations. Diagnosis of actinic granuloma of the conjunctiva was confirmed. Patients' characteristics (age, sex, early onset), clinical presentation, same geographical location, typical histopathologic features, and lack of systemic association. All 3 cases were in young women with a rapid-onset conjunctival growth with conjunctival feeder vessels and intrinsic vessels; however, there was no surface keratin, and rose bengal stain results were negative. Histopathologic analysis of all 3 cases revealed elastolysis and granulomatous inflammation characterized by multinucleated giant cells, some of which displayed elastophagocytosis that was highlighted by Verhoeff-van Giesen elastic stain. There was absence of cytologic atypia of surface epithelium. Mucin stains and special stains for an infectious cause demonstrated negative results. Serologic investigations and systemic work-up results were negative, which excluded any systemic associations with this condition. This led to the final diagnoses of actinic granuloma of the conjunctiva. Conjunctival actinic granuloma is an underrecognized entity. We present 3 cases of this condition to highlight its occurrence in young women and the role of histopathologic examination to avoid misinterpretation of this condition. Both clinician and pathologist should consider this entity as a differential diagnosis of benign conjunctival lesions and OSSN. The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Intrinsic microvasculature of the sciatic nerve in the rat

Microvasculature associated with the sciatic nerve was examined using high-resolution micro-CT scanning in one group of rats and surgical exploration in another. The results indicate that blood supply to the sciatic nerve is an "open-ended" system in which the vessels run longitudinally within the epineurium and connect with external vasculature primarily at junction points. Although the range of vasculature found extended down to 4-5 μ, only a few isolated vessels of this size were found, with no capillary "mesh" as such, possibly because of the close proximity of the intrinsic vessel to nerve fibers within the epineurium. While the study did not include direct measurements of flow or nerve function, the "open-ended" pattern of vasculature found has important implications regarding the relationship between the two. Specifically, the nerve is less vulnerable to a severe or complete disruption in blood supply than it would be under a close-ended system such as that of the heart or brain, where a severe disruption can occur with the obstruction of only a single vessel. Indeed, the pattern of vasculature found, subject to further study of vasculature at the capillary level, suggests that flow within the intrinsic vessels may be in either direction, depending on circumstances, somewhat like flow within the circle of Willis in the cerebral circulation.

Morphologic features of the fetal mandibular condyle: Layers, canals and microvascular pattern

During organogenesis the mandibular condyle is divided by a fibrovascular septum, the persistence of which in the growing cartilage can lead to a bifid condyle. In this study we have evaluated the morphology of 3rd trimester human fetal temporomandibular (TMJ) specimens in order to determine the pattern of the vascular morphology associated with the layers and vascular canals (VCs) of the developing condyle (covering layers and condyle proper). Eleven human fetuses of 27-38cm crown-rump length were used for histological (hematoxylin-eosin, Van Gieson stain) and immunohistochemical evaluation (antibodies for bcl2 and CD34) and another two of 24 and 31cm, for TMJ microvasculature studies after black ink injections. With increasing fetal age, the intermediate loose lamina (LL) of the condylar proliferative layer evolves from a vascular-mesenchymal to a fibrillar pattern, via a transitory stage of a clear space that may be misdiagnosed as lower joint cavity (LJC). Within the condyle proper VCs may be present on its entire sagittal length, deepening variably towards the erosive zone and opened superiorly in the LL loose layer. Vessels of the evolving LL enter the condyle, directly or through the VCs; these vessels retract peripherally with increasing age and the intrinsic vessels of the condyle supplied from the erosive zone become prevalent. Vascular morphogenesis at the level of the LL seems comparable to that at the level of the LJC where characteristic glomeruli regress with increasing age. Lack of vascular regression and closure of central V-shaped defects of the condyle, as observed in 2/22 condyles, may represent a developmental substrate for condylar bifidism or a predisposing condition weakening the condyle, and making it more sensitive to trauma in childhood.