Neurofibromatosis type 2 usually presents with bilateral acoustic schwannomas. We highlight the rare presentation of neurofibromatosis initially involving third nerve. A 23-year-old Malay female presented with left eye drooping of the upper lid and limitation of upward movement for 8 years. It was associated with right-sided body weakness, change in voice, and hearing disturbance in the right ear for the past 2 years. On examination, there was mild ptosis and limitation of movement superiorly in the left eye. Both eyes had posterior subcapsular cataract. Fundoscopy showed generalised optic disc swelling in both eyes. She also had palsy of the right vocal cord, as well as the third and eighth nerve. There was wasting of the distal muscles of her right hand, with right-sided decreased muscle power. Pedunculated cutaneous lesions were noted over her body and scalp. MRI revealed bilateral acoustic and trigeminal schwannomas with multiple extra-axial lesions and intradural extramedullary nodules. Patient was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 2 and planned for craniotomy and tumour debulking, but she declined treatment. Neurofibromatosis type 2 may uncommonly present with isolated ophthalmoplegia, so a thorough physical examination and a high index of suspicion are required to avoid missing this condition.
Concurrent tuberculous optic neuritis (ON) and optic perineuritis (OPN) in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is extremely rare. HIV-induced progressive CD4 depletion is associated with an increased risk of tuberculosis (TB), disseminated TB, and death. Early detection and initiation of anti-TB therapy with corticosteroid commencement helps in achieving better visual outcomes. Interestingly, we report a case of concurrent ON and OPN in a patient with HIV-TB co-infection. A 29-year-old lady, a prisoner, with newly diagnosed treatment-naive HIV, presented with acute-onset reduced vision in the left eye for 10 days. It was associated with pain in eye movement and headache. The patient was known to be a drug abuser since the age of 19 years and was a sexual worker. Her CD4 count was 292 cells/mm3.Visual acuity of the right eye was 6/12 with a pinhole of 6/9, and there was no perception of light (NPL) in all four quadrants of the left eye. Relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD) was positive in the left eye. Both anterior segments were unremarkable. The right eye fundoscopy showed a normal optic disc, while the left eye showed a hyperemic disc. During subsequent follow-up, the patient had reduced right eye vision, and the vision dropped to 6/30 with a pinhole of 6/15. Her erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was raised to 88 mm/h. The Mantoux test was positive. Chest radiography was normal. MRI of the brain and orbit showed significant enhancement of the right optic nerve and left optic nerve sheath suggesting the diagnosis of right eye ON and left eye OPN secondary to TB. The patient was co-managed with an infectious disease team. She was started on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) treatment (oral Tenvir-EM and efavirenz) upon presentation. Anti-TB therapy was commenced two months later. She was started on the intensive phase of the anti-TB regime followed by the maintenance phase. Oral dexamethasone was given concurrently according to the central nervous system (CNS) TB regime for six weeks. During follow-up, her right eye visual acuity was 6/9, and her left eye visual acuity improved to 6/12. Fundoscopy showed bilateral pale discs. To date, no episodes of recurrence have been seen.
Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a rare maternally inherited mitochondrial disorder that predominantly affects young men, leading to optic nerve degeneration and subsequent vision loss. The rarity of LHON and its clinical similarity to optic neuritis complicates diagnosis, necessitating genetic testing to confirm specific point mutations and predict visual outcomes. We report a rare case of an 18-year-old Malay male with m.14484T>C/MT-ND6 mutation of LHON, who demonstrated remarkable spontaneous visual recovery over a three-year follow-up period. This report highlights the pivotal role of genetic testing in diagnosing LHON, explores the variability in visual outcomes associated with different mutations, and underscores the potential for spontaneous recovery in specific mutation variants. Early diagnosis, genetic counseling, and supportive management are critical for optimizing outcomes and improving quality of life.
Orbital abscesses secondary to odontogenic infections are rare but can lead to serious complications, including compressive optic neuropathy and permanent vision loss, if not diagnosed and treated promptly. We present the case of a 13-year-old child with a radiologically confirmed orbital abscess associated with a recent odontogenic infection. The patient initially presented with a one-week history of right eyelid swelling and fever. The symptoms began after treatment for dental caries, during which the patient was prescribed a three-day course of oral antibiotics. Despite emergency pulp extirpation, the swelling worsened, leading to severe proptosis, decreased vision, and mild optic nerve dysfunction. Surgical exploration of the right orbit with incision and drainage revealed 8 mL of thick purulent material. Culture results confirmed Streptococcus intermedius as the causative organism. Following a combination of intravenous antibiotics and surgical intervention, the patient showed significant improvement, with resolution of swelling and restoration of vision. This case highlights the critical importance of early diagnosis, timely imaging, and surgical and medical management integration in preventing vision-threatening complications of orbital abscesses caused by odontogenic infections in pediatric patients.
Intra-axial cortical-based tumours are rare tumours affecting children and young adults. These tumours can be classified as either low-grade or high-grade, depending on their aggressiveness and rate of growth. We report a case of homonymous hemianopia secondary to an intra-axial cortical-based tumour in a young patient. A 26-year-old lady presented with bilateral blurring of vision for three weeks associated with a headache. Visual acuity was 6/6 in both eyes. Bilateral optic nerve functions were normal. The Humphrey visual field test showed left-homonymous hemianopia. A CT scan and MRI of the brain revealed an intra-axial cortical-based tumor. Differential diagnoses include pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA), ganglioglioma, oligodendroglioma, and dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumour (DNET). The patient was treated conservatively and closely monitored through clinic follow-up.
This study aims to describe the epidemiology of ocular burns and related injuries due to fireworks during the Aidil Fitri celebration on the East Coast of the Peninsular Malaysia. A prospective analysis of all patients with ocular burns and related injuries due to fireworks attended three tertiary hospitals in East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia during Aidil Fitri, which was from 10 September to 17 October 2008. We observed the demographic and injury characteristics, extent of the injuries and presenting visual symptoms. Thirty patients with 34 eyes with ocular burns and related injuries were identified. Patients ranged between 2 and 43 years of age. 70.00% of the patients were 12 years old and below. Of the 30 patients, 29 (96.67%) were male and the left eye was affected in 14 (46.70%). Thermal injuries accounted for 60.0% of the injuries whereas 40.0% were due to exploding firework. Burns to the eyelid and cornea (35.29%) were the most common injuries noted. Fifteen patients (50%) were bystanders whilst a majority of patients (96.67%) had no eye protection. At presentation, 15 (44.12%) eyes had a visual acuity of 6/6 to 6/9 in the injured eyes, while 3 out of 34 eyes (8.82%) had vision acuity 6/60 or worse. In conclusion, fireworks cause serious preventable ocular burns and related injuries especially in children who are the most affected age group. It affects mainly eyelid and anterior segment structures which result in moderate visual loss on presentation. Health education, public awareness and tighter legislation are essential preventive measures to limit the effect of fireworks to the public.
The sensitivity and specificity of 18S rRNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the detection of fungal aetiology of microbial keratitis was determined in thirty patients with clinical diagnosis of microbial keratitis.
A previously healthy 27-year-old Malay male presented with acute onset of painless, severe blurring of vision in his right eye. It was associated with headache and vomiting for the past week. Relative afferent pupillary defect was present in the right eye, with reduced optic nerve function. Patient also had bilateral generalised optic disc swelling, splinter haemorrhages, and tortuous vessels. Initial examination was suggestive of either optic neuritis or raised intracranial pressure. Typical features of bilateral optic perineuritis (OPN) such as tram track and doughnut sign were observed on magnetic resonance imaging. Connective tissue and infective screening were negative. He was diagnosed with bilateral optic perineuritis and treated with high dose intravenous corticosteroids followed by a three-month course of oral steroids. His vision and optic nerve function recovered to baseline levels.
Introduction Ocular syphilis is a sight-threatening condition. It can occur at any stage of syphilis infection, which present either with acute inflammation during the primary, secondary, and early latent stages or with chronic inflammation during tertiary infection, affecting virtually every ocular structure. This study was to report on the clinical presentation of ocular syphilis that presented to eye clinic Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. Methodology This was a retrospective study where medical records of ocular syphilis patients who attended eye clinic in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia from January 2013 to June 2017 were reviewed. Results A total of 10 patients (13 eyes) with ocular syphilis were identified out of 106 cases that presented with ocular inflammation. The mean age of presentation was 69.8 ± 6.4 years and seven of them (70%) were female. All patients were Malay and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was negative. The ocular manifestations included panuveitis (four eyes, 30.8%), anterior uveitis (two eyes, 15.4%), posterior uveitis (seven eyes, 53.8%) and optic neuritis (two eyes, 15.4%). Seven (53.8%) eyes presented with visual acuity of worse than 6/60, five (38.5%) eyes had visual acuity between 6/15 to 6/60, and one (7.7%) eye had visual acuity of 6/12 or better. Nine patients received an intravenous benzylpenicillin regime and one patient received an intramuscular penicillin injection. Out of 13 eyes affected, 11 (84.6%) eyes had improved visual acuity of at least one Snellen line after treatment. Visual acuity of 6/12 or better increased to four (30.8%) eyes. Conclusions Posterior uveitis was the commonest presentation of ocular syphilis in HIV-negative patients. Early detection and treatment of ocular syphilis can result in resolution of inflammation and improvement of vision.
Background. Ocular bartonellosis can present in various ways, with variable visual outcome. There is limited data on ocular bartonellosis in Malaysia. Objective. We aim to describe the clinical presentation and visual outcome of ocular bartonellosis in Malaysia. Materials and Methods. This was a retrospective review of patients treated for ocular bartonellosis in two ophthalmology centers in Malaysia between January 2013 and December 2015. The diagnosis was based on clinical features, supported by a positive Bartonella spp. serology. Results. Of the 19 patients in our series, females were predominant (63.2%). The mean age was 29.3 years. The majority (63.2%) had unilateral involvement. Five patients (26.3%) had a history of contact with cats. Neuroretinitis was the most common presentation (62.5%). Azithromycin was the antibiotic of choice (42.1%). Concurrent systemic corticosteroids were used in approximately 60% of cases. The presenting visual acuity was worse than 6/18 in approximately 60% of eyes; on final review, 76.9% of eyes had a visual acuity better than 6/18. Conclusion. Ocular bartonellosis tends to present with neuroretinitis. Azithromycin is a viable option for treatment. Systemic corticosteroids may be considered in those with poor visual acuity on presentation.
The School of Medical Sciences of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is the launching pad for this journal. From the school's humble beginning at the USM Main Campus in Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, it has grown in stature at its current location in the USM Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia. Commemorating its 40th anniversary, this editorial aims to recollect, although not exhaustively, the wealth of returns for the USM, as well as for the nation, which the school has managed to deliver in that period. Resolute to its vision and mission, this article highlights the outstanding accomplishments in various core aspects of the school's academic, research and professional growth as we continually strive to train globally competitive and compassionate medical graduates, medical specialists and scientists, skilled to serve nation's needs and broader markets worldwide. Currently guided by the Malaysian Higher Education Blueprint (2015-2025), the school shall remain ingenious in its duties in the many more years to come, as we head for a world-class trajectory.