Anas Alkhabaz

All Publications

• Siponimod-associated cystoid macular edema without known risk factors. American journal of ophthalmology case reports Kim, M. Y., Alkhabaz, A., Smith, S. J., Liao, Y. J. 2024; 36: 102124

  Abstract

  This case report highlights the importance of monitoring ocular health for patients starting on siponimod treatment, a sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulator, for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. By showing how medication adverse events present in patients, we can revisit the current guidelines on ophthalmic evaluation recommendations.We report a 60-year-old patient who presented with unilateral blurry vision upon initiating siponimod therapy for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Her exam findings did not show visual field defects but were significant for cystoid macular edema distorting the foveal contour. Upon stopping siponimod therapy, the patient's macular edema and symptoms resolved significantly within 7 days and completely resolved 1 month later.This case showcases siponimod-associated cystoid macular edema in a patient without known risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus and uveitis. The patient also had the earliest reported symptom onset to date following the initiation of siponimod therapy. Current recommendations from the American Academy of Ophthalmology and FDA stress the importance of ophthalmic evaluation three to four months after treatment initiation for patients with a history of risk factors. Given our current case and its comparison with four previously reported cases, we recommend that physicians inform patients of possible ocular adverse events with siponimod therapy regardless of their past medical history and duration of treatment.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajoc.2024.102124

  View details for PubMedID 39156909

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC11327528

• Proteomics Biomarkers of Optic Nerve Stroke with and without Optic Disc Drusen Alkhabaz, A., Kaushal, K., Liu, L., Liao, Y. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC. 2024

  View details for Web of Science ID 001312227700184

• Diffuse Idiopathic Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Cell Hyperplasia: A Blanked Out Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Tumor. Case reports in oncology Swied, M. Y., Azhar, W., Alkhabaz, A., Zaidi, F. 2024; 17 (1): 581-586

  Abstract

  Lung neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a rare type of pulmonary tumor and represent approximately 2% of all lung cancers. The prevalence of lung NETs is increasing, which may be due to improved diagnostic techniques for asymptomatic tumors. Diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (DIPNECH) is a rare and underdiagnosed disease that falls under the spectrum of NETs.We presented a case of a 59-year-old male who presented with severe coughing spells, flushing, and diarrhea. His computed tomography scan showed innumerable pulmonary nodules and irregular nodular opacities throughout the lungs. He underwent a left upper lobe wedge resection and was eventually diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumorlets via immunohistochemical stains. He was started on a trial of octreotide and reported significant improvement in symptoms after 1 month.DIPNECH is a rare preinvasive lesion characterized by the abnormal proliferation of pulmonary neuroendocrine cells. Patients with DIPNECH can present initially with respiratory symptoms, while other cases are discovered incidentally during the workup of different conditions. Definitive diagnosis of DIPNECH requires histopathological examination of lung tissue. There is limited evidence on DIPNECH management, and an individualized approach is currently advised.

  View details for DOI 10.1159/000538796

  View details for PubMedID 38751830

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC11095596