Sameeksha Agrawal

Bio: Sameeksha Agrawal is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Posterior segment of eyeball & Platelet transfusion. The author has co-authored 3 publications.

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) of retinal vasculature in patients with post fever retinitis: a qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Abstract: Post fever retinitis is a heterogenous entity that is seen 2–4 weeks after a systemic febrile illness in an immunocompetent individual. It may occur following bacterial, viruses, or protozoal infection. Optical coherence angiography (OCTA) is a newer non-invasive modality that is an alternative to fundus fluorescein angiography to image the retinal microvasculature. We hereby describe the vascular changes during the acute phase of post fever retinitis on OCTA. Imaging on OCTA was done for all patients with post fever retinitis at presentation with 3 × 3 mm and 8 × 8 mm scans centred on the macula and corresponding enface optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans obtained. A qualitative and quantitative analysis was done for all images. 46 eyes of 33 patients were included in the study. Salient features noted were changes in the superficial (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) with capillary rarefaction and irregularity of larger vessels in the SCP. The DCP had more capillary rarefaction when compared to the SCP. The foveal avascular zone (FAZ) was altered with an irregular perifoveal network. Our series of post fever retinitis describes the salient vascular features on OCTA. Although the presumed aetiology was different in all our patients, they developed similar changes on OCTA. While OCTA is not useful if there is gross macular oedema, the altered FAZ can be indicative of macular ischemia.

Systemic Markers in Ophthalmic Manifestations of Post Corona Virus Disease-19 (COVID-19)

Abstract: ABSTRACT Introduction Corona virus disease (COVID-19) has been associated with ophthalmic manifestations which can occur during or following the infection. Purpose To explore the systemic status in ophthalmic patients who had a recent history of COVID-19 or those with positive COVID-19 antibody status. Methods Retrospective case series. Results 30 patients with history of COVID-19 infection and positive COVID-19 antibodies were included in the study. The median age was 49 years (mean 48.7 ± 13.7 years), 20 were males (66.7%) and 10 (33.3%) were females. Patients with VA>/= 6/60 were included in group 1 and those with VA<6/60 were included in group 2. D-dimer/serum Ferritin levels were raised in group 2 compared to group 1with (p=0.013)/(p=0.018) respectively. Conclusion Serum D-dimer and ferritin levels were statistically significant and were higher in patients with sight threatening ocular manifestations. ESR and CRP were raised even after recovery from COVID-19 although they were not statistically significant.

Commentary: Evidence of dengue virus in eviscerated specimens of panophthalmitis secondary to dengue fever: A possible cause-effect phenomenon

Abstract: The authors [XX}[7] have done commendable work in isolating dengue virus NS1 RNA in their eviscerated samples. However, the mere presence of the virus may not indicate a causative role in the panophthalmitis as the authors have rightly concluded. Further investigations are required to determine whether active viral replication or viral remnants or superadded bacterial infection account for this result. At presentation, a platelet count of 60,000 per microliter of blood was mentioned for the second case. Additional information about the platelet counts during dengue hemorrhagic fever and also during ocular presentation for all the cases can add additional insight into the disease course. The article could also mention whether single‐donor platelets or pooled platelets were administered to their first two cases.

Update on overview of ocular manifestations of COVID-19

Abstract: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become the most critical health crisis at present, and research is continued about the exact pathophysiology, presentations, and complications of this pandemic. It influences several organs, and many studies have addressed the organs, the involvement of which during the COVID-19 results in patients' death. One of the important organs that can be involved during COVID-19, which is also a transmission route of the disease, is the eye. According to the evidence, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can have ocular manifestations and complications. According to the literature, conjunctivitis is the most common presentation, which can develop at any stage of COVID-19 (during and even after the disease), and the major pathophysiology of the eye involvement during the disease is attributed to the direct effect of the virus on the eyes, tissue damage caused by inflammation, underlying diseases, and the adverse effect of the medications prescribed. There are also reports of life-threatening complications, such as rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis, which require urgent treatment and are associated with a great mortality rate. Ocular manifestations may also be the presentation of a life-threatening event, such as stroke; therefore, it is necessary to pay great attention to the ocular manifestations during COVID-19. In this review, after about 2 years of the pandemic started, we present a narrative review on ocular manifestations during COVID-19, categorized into three main categories; ophthalmic, orbital, and neuro-ophthalmological manifestations with a detailed description of the presenting symptoms, risk factor, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies suggested for each.

Visual Fields in Epidemic Retinitis.

Abstract: AIM The aim of the study is to analyze visual fields defects (VFDs) in epidemic retinitis (ER). METHODS Patients with ER and Humphrey's visual field (HFA) 30-2 performed after resolution were studied. VFD severity grading was performed. Patients treated with oral doxycycline (Group-A) versus doxycycline-steroids (group-B) were compared. RESULTS Thirty-five eyes of 25 patients were studied. Nasal, inferior, temporal and central VFD were seen in 19 (54.2%), 13 (37.1%), 7 (20%) and 6 (17.1%) eyes, respectively. Grade 0, 1, 2 and 3 VFDs were seen in 4 (11.4%), 15 (42.8%), 12 (34.2%) and 4 (11.4%) eyes respectively. Seven eyes with ≥1 year of follow-up post-resolution also showed grade 0-3 scotomas. Mean severity of scotoma was grade 1.15 (Median: 1) and 1.42 (Median: 1.5) in groups A (n = 13) and B (n = 14), respectively (p = .637). CONCLUSION ER can cause VFD persisting long after resolution. Treatment with oral doxycycline without steroids was non-inferior to combined treatment with respect to VFD.