Purpose Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common sleep and breathing disorder characterized by repeated episodes of hypoxemia.OSAS is associated with persistent neurocognitive injury that may be reflected in structural changes in certain brain regions. The aim of this study is to determine the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, macular thickness and volume by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in adults with OSAS in order to detect axonal injury in this population. Methods Fourty‐nine eyes corresponding to 26 patients (mean age +/‐ SD: 50.8 +/‐ 12.7 years; range: 14‐75; female/male: 5/21) with newly discovered and previously untreated moderate to severe OSAS (apnea‐hypopnea index >15) were compared by OCT with a control group of twenty‐two eyes corresponding to 14 age‐matched healthy individuals (mean age +/‐ SD: 52.1 +/‐ 15.4 years; range: 14‐74; female/male: 7/7), measuring peripapillary RNFL thickness, macular thickness and volume, and optic nerve head (ONH) parameters. Results OSAS patients revealed a significantly lower RNFL thickness in the nasal part of the optic disc (74.6±13.5 µm, range: 47‐100) compared to controls (83.2±14.7 µm, range: 56‐107) (p=0.015). OSAS patients also showed a decreased macular thickness in the outer nasal ring (250.7±13.6 µm, range: 227‐280) compared to controls (265.5±4.9 µm, range: 265‐272) (p=0.05). Other OCT measurements did not show any differences. Conclusion OSAS was associated with a decreased peripapillary RNFL and macular thickness in the nasal quadrants. Therefore, it might be a biomarker of this disease.
SummaryHomo heidelbergensis, an extinct species of the genus Homo, is probably the ancestor of Homo sapiens in Africa and the Neanderthals in Europe. In 1992, one the most complete and best preserved ancient hominid skulls ever found was discovered in a Middle Pleistocene cave called the Sima de los Huesos, Atapuerca site (Spain). Skull 5 dates back to 350,000 to 500,000 years ago and represents a nearly complete Homo heidelbergensis cranium. An extensive osteitis on the left maxilla, a worm‐like pattern on the orbital roof and several dental lesions with remodelling and recession of the alveolar crest were described. Computed tomography (CT) images identified a maxillar fracture and determined the timing of the pathological events. These findings suggest that an ongoing serious infection might had been present in this individual at the time of death and that it was very likely the cause of death from a generalized sepsis. The infection would have spread from the dental abscess into the ipsilateral orbit. In a ‘pre‐antibiotic era’, the lack of sinus and orbital drainage might have led to intracranial infection or sepsis. We will discuss the anatomic pathways by which dental infection could spread to the orbit in what seems to be the first documented case of orbital cellulitis.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.