Bilateral multifocal chorioretinitis as the only presentation of acute West Nile virus infection: a case report.

BACKGROUND: To describe a case of bilateral multifocal chorioretinitis as the only presentation of acute West Nile virus (WNV) infection in the absence of neurological involvement. CASE PRESENTATION: A 78-year-old Italian woman was admitted to our emergency department because she noticed blurry vision in both eyes. She did not report fever, fatigue, or neurological symptoms in the last few days. Multimodal imaging showed the presence of bilateral hyperfluorescent lesions with a linear distribution, that corresponded to hypocyanescent spots on indocyanine green angiography. Antibody serology showed the presence of IgM antibodies, IgG antibodies, and ribonucleic acid (RNA) for WNV. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain ruled out central nervous system involvement. Three months later, the patient reported spontaneous resolution of her symptoms and remission of the chorioretinal infiltrates. CONCLUSIONS: In endemic areas, it is important to think of acute WNV infection as an explanatory etiology in cases of multifocal chorioretinitis, even without neurological involvement.

Ab-externo intraluminal stent for prolonged hypotony and choroidal detachment after Preserflo implantation.

PURPOSE: To describe a case of prolonged hypotony and choroidal detachment following insertion of a Preserflo™ MicroShunt in a patient with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). CASE REPORT: An 84-year-old Caucasian man with medically uncontrolled POAG developed refractory hypotony and choroidal detachment following a mitomycin C augmented Preserflo MicroShunt (PMS) insertion. Initial medical treatment with Dexamethasone 2 mg/mL and Atropine 1% for the hypotony (4 mmHg) and choroidal detachment was unsuccessful, BCVA decreased from the preoperative 20/28 to 20/60. After 90 days, surgery revision was carried out by inserting a 10-0 nylon monofilament suture through the distal end of the PMS reaching the opposite end of the tube. The free end of the nylon suture was exposed from the conjunctiva in the inferotemporal quadrant close to the fornix to ensure access to the occlusive stent. After one month intraocular pressure (IOP) was 7 mmHg, the choroidal detachment was completely regressed, and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) increased to 20/28, at that time the exposed part of the stent was trimmed. 6 months after the revision surgery IOP was 14 mmHg, BCVA was 20/25, and the nylon stent was retained side to side inside the PMS lumen. CONCLUSION: The management of hypotony and choroidal detachment after a glaucoma drainage device (GDD) implantation is still unstandardized. The ab externo insertion of a nylon suture grants multiple advantages over the other techniques when performed on a PMS tube.

Choroidal Vascular Changes in Multiple Evanescent White Dot Syndrome.

Purpose: To evaluate choroidal structural changes in patients with multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) during the acute and recovery stages.Methods: Enhanced-depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) scans of 16 patients with unilateral MEWDS were acquired during the acute and recovery stages in both eyes. Images were binarized with the ImageJ software to measure subfoveal choroidal thickness (CT), total choroid area, luminal area and choroidal vascularity index (CVI).Results: In the acute stage, subfoveal CT, total choroidal area and CVI were significantly higher in eyes with MEWDS compared to fellow eyes (371.2 ± 101.8 vs 317.1 ± 90.3 µm, p = .001; 2.826 ± 0.686 vs 2.524 ± 0.674 mm2, p = .014; 69.49 ± 3.51 vs 68.27 ± 3.41%, p = .044, respectively). In the recovery stage, subfoveal CT, total choroidal area and CVI in eyes with MEWDS significantly decreased to respectively 333.4 ± 90.5 µm, p = .007, 2.592 ± 0.570 p = .002, and 67.31 ± 2.74%, p = .014.Conclusions: Choroidal thickness and vascularity are significantly increased during the acute stage of MEWDS.

Choroidal Rift: A New OCT Finding in Eyes with Central Serous Chorioretinopathy.

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a complex and not entirely understood retinal disease. The aim of our research was to describe a novel optical coherence tomography (OCT) finding named "choroidal rift", which may be identified in the choroid of eyes with CSC. We collected data from 357 patients (488 eyes) with CSC who had structural OCT and OCT angiography (OCTA) scans obtained. Choroidal rifts were identified as polygonal (and not round-shaped) hyporeflective lesions without hyperreflective margins. Choroidal rifts had to be characterized by a size superior to that of the largest choroidal vessel. Finally, hyporeflective lesions were graded as choroidal rifts only if these lesions had a main development perpendicular to the retinal pigment epithelium. OCT analysis allowed the identification of choroidal rifts in ten eyes from nine patients, all with chronic CSC, with an estimated prevalence rate of 2.1%. In three out of ten cases with choroidal rifts, these lesions spanned all the choroidal layers. In the remaining cases, choroidal rifts only partially spanned the choroidal thickness. In OCTA, choroidal rifts were characterized by the absence of flow. Combining structural OCT and OCTA information, we hypothesized that choroidal rifts may represent interruptions of the choroidal stroma in correspondence of fragile regions (in between expanded larger-sized choroidal vessels). Choroidal rift represents a novel OCT feature, which may characterize eyes with chronic CSC and may have a role in the development of irreversible chorio-retinal changes.

New surgical approach for sutureless scleral fixation.

PURPOSE: The aim of this article is to describe a novel surgical technique for sutureless scleral fixation of an intraocular lens using the newly developed FIL SSF Carlevale IOL (Soleko, Italy). METHODS: Four eyes of four patients with poor capsular support were recruited to our study, three resulting from intraocular lens subluxation and one case resulting from traumatic cataract. A novel sutureless sclera-fixated intraocular lens was implanted into the posterior chamber of each eye with sclerocorneal plugs fixating the lens to the wall of the eye. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 52 ± 16 years, ranging from 35 to 70 years. Mean follow-up was 6.50 ± 1.29 months (range: 5-7 months). Mean preoperative best-corrected visual acuity was 0.50 ± 0.33 logMAR (range: 1-0.3 logMAR). Postoperative best-corrected visual acuity improved to 0.08 ± 0.08 logMAR (range: 0.2-0 logMAR). There was no significant change in the mean intraocular pressure and there were no postoperative complications, such as iatrogenic distortion or breakage of the intraocular lens haptic, intraocular lens decentration, endophthalmitis, or retinal detachment. DISCUSSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of outcomes using the novel sutureless sclera-fixated FIL SSF Carlevale IOL. This new surgical technique offers a simplified and effective approach for sutureless scleral intraocular lens fixation with good refractive outcomes.

Multimodal ophthalmic imaging of staphylococcus aureus bacteremia associated with chorioretinitis, endocarditis, and multifocal brain abscesses.

PURPOSE: Staphylococcus aureus bacteriemia (SAB) as critical condition for the life and occasionally involves the eyes. The aim of this report is to describe the ocular involvement with multimodal imaging. OBSERVATIONS: A patient admitted for evaluation of acute onset of confusion, disorientation, and generalized malaise and found to have methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-associated endocarditis and multifocal brain abscesses was evaluated by the ophthalmology service. The patient's visual acuity was 20/20 OU without relative afferent pupillary defect and normal intraocular pressures. Bedside anterior segment examination was normal. Posterior segment examination revealed intraretinal hemorrhages and Roth spots in the posterior pole of the right eye, and two deep well-defined focal white chorioretinal infiltrates and a hemorrhagic pigment epithelium detachment in the temporal quadrant of the left eye. Multimodal imaging was utilized to document these findings and ensure adequate antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSION: SAB has the potential for poor visual outcomes as well as significant morbidity and mortality. Multimodal imaging of SAB-related chorioretinitis allows for accurate diagnosis as well as assessment of response to antimicrobial therapy.

MULTIMODAL IMAGING IN VORTEX VEIN VARICES.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to describe the clinical presentation of vortex vein varices with multimodal imaging. METHODS: The authors carried out a retrospective case series of eight patients (7 female, 1 male) with an average age of 60.2 years (min 8, max 84, median 68.5) presenting with vortex vein varices. All patients were evaluated at the Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy and at Luigi Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. Patients underwent complete ophthalmologic examinations, including best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, anterior segment, and fundus examination. Imaging studies, including fundus color photography, near-infrared reflectance imaging, fundus autofluorescence, fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, and spectral-domain enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography were also performed. Ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography and ultra-widefield indocyanine angiography using the Heidelberg Retina Angiograph and the Staurenghi 230 SLO Retina Lens were used to demonstrate the disappearance of all retinal lesions when pressure was applied to the globe. RESULTS: All eight cases initially presented to the emergency room. One patient presented secondary to trauma, two patients presented for suspected hemangioma, whereas the other five were referred to the authors' hospitals for suspected retinal lesions. On examination, retinal abnormalities were identified in all 8 patients, with 7 (87.5%) oculus dexter and 1 (12.5%) oculus sinister, and with 1 (12.5%) inferotemporally, 3 (37.5%) superonasally, 3 (37.5%) inferonasally, and 1 (12.5%) inferiorly. Fundus color photography showed an elevated lesion in seven patients and a nonelevated red lesion in one patient. In all patients, near-infrared reflectance imaging showed a hyporeflective lesion in the periphery of the retina. Fundus autofluorescence identified round hypofluorescent rings surrounding weakly hyperfluorescent lesions in all patients. On fluorescein angiography, all lesions were initially hyperfluorescent with a hypofluorescent ring, with the lesion becoming hyperfluorescent after injection of dye. Indocyanine green angiography demonstrated dilation of the vortex vein ampullae in all patients. Spectral-domain enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography demonstrated dilated choroidal vessels and a hyporeflective cavity without subretinal fluid in all patients. Ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography and ultra-widefield indocyanine angiography demonstrated disappearance of all retinal lesions when pressure was applied to the globe. Findings are consistent with the diagnosis of vortex vein varix in all eight patients, with six patients (75%) exhibiting a single varix and two patients (25%) exhibiting a double varix. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of vortex vein varices can be confirmed through clinical examination through the use of digital pressure to the globe during ophthalmoscopic examination. Adjunctive multimodal imaging (fundus color photography, near-infrared reflectance imaging, fundus autofluorescence, fluorescein angiography, indocyanine angiography, and spectral-domain enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography) was useful in the diagnosis of vortex vein varices in the authors' clinical cases. However, in more challenging clinical cases, the authors' novel use of the ultra-widefield contact lens for application of ocular pressure with a resulting resolution of the varix proved to be a useful and easy diagnostic imaging method for confirming the presence of vortex vein varices.

Multimodal imaging of multifocal chorioretinitis secondary to endogenous candida infection.

PURPOSE: To present multimodal imaging of multifocal chorioretinitis secondary to endogenous candida infection in a young adult. METHODS: A 49-year-old woman who presented for evaluation of bilateral endogenous candida chorioretinitis underwent complete ophthalmic examination, in addition to fundus photography (FP), enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence (FAF), fluorescein angiography (FA), indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). RESULTS: Multimodal imaging of both eyes of the patient affected by endogenous candida chorioretinitis was performed. FP showed multiple white chorioretinal lesions at the posterior pole, FAF showed dark dot at the posterior pole surrounded by hyperautofluorescence area, FA showed early hyperfluorescence round perifoveal lesion at the posterior pole and small hyperfluorescence dots under the inferior retinal vessels. Early ICGA showed hypofluorescence dots at the posterior pole. Late ICGA showed dark hypofluorescence dots at the posterior pole surrounded by faint hyperautofluorescent ring. OCTA showed dark areas corresponded to hypoperfusion areas seen with early ICGA. CONCLUSION: We reported multimodal imaging of an unusual occurrence of multifocal chorioretinitis due to immunosuppression. These findings suggested that the infection resulted from choroidal infiltration via the short posterior ciliary arteries with resultant breakthrough into the retina, rather than via the central retinal artery. By comparing findings on OCTA with data obtained from traditional systems, we are gaining essential information on the pathogenesis of endogenous candida chorioretinitis.

Peripapillary vessel density changes in Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy: a new biomarker.

IMPORTANCE: The contribution of the microvascular supply to the pathogenesis of Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is poorly understood. BACKGROUND: We aimed at measuring the peripapillary capillary vessel density (VD) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) at different stages of LHON. DESIGN: Prospective, cross-sectional, multicenter, observational study. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-two LHON patients divided in four groups: unaffected mutation carriers (LHON-u); early sub-acute stage (LHON-e); late sub-acute stage (LHON-l); chronic stage (LHON-ch). METHODS: OCT-A scans centred on the optic disc were obtained by spectral domain OCT system. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: VD, retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) thickness were compared between groups. RESULTS: Significant VD changes were detected in every sector (P < 0.0001). In LHON-e, the VD was reduced in the temporal sector compared with LHON-u and in the temporal and inferotemporal sectors compared with controls. In LHON-l, VD was reduced in whole, temporal, superotemporal and inferotemporal sectors compared with LHON-u and controls. In LHON-ch, the VD was reduced in all sectors compared to the other groups. An asynchronous pattern emerged in the temporal sector with VD changes occurring earlier than RNFL thickness changes and together with GC-IPL thinning. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Significant peripapillary miscrovascular changes were detected over the different stages of LHON. Studying the vascular network separately from fibres revealed that microvascular changes in the temporal sector preceded the changes of RNFL and mirrored the GC-IPL changes. Measurements of the peripapillary vascular network may become a useful biomarker to monitor the disease process, evaluate therapeutic efficacy and elucidate pathophysiology.

Congenital Retinal Macrovessel and the Association of Retinal Venous Malformations With Venous Malformations of the Brain.

Importance: Congenital retinal macrovessel (CRM) is a rarely reported venous malformation of the retina that is associated with venous anomalies of the brain. Objective: To study the multimodal imaging findings of a series of eyes with congenital retinal macrovessel and describe the systemic associations. Design, Setting, and Participants: In this cross-sectional multicenter study, medical records were retrospectively reviewed from 7 different retina clinics worldwide over a 10-year period (2007-2017). Patients with CRM, defined as an abnormal, large, macular vessel with a vascular distribution above and below the horizontal raphe, were identified. Data were analyzed from December 2016 to August 2017. Main Outcomes and Measures: Clinical information and multimodal retinal imaging findings were collected and studied. Pertinent systemic information, including brain magnetic resonance imaging findings, was also noted if available. Results: Of the 49 included patients, 32 (65%) were female, and the mean (SD) age at onset was 44.0 (20.9) years. A total of 49 eyes from 49 patients were studied. Macrovessel was unilateral in all patients. Color fundus photography illustrated a large aberrant dilated and tortuous retinal vein in all patients. Early-phase frames of fluorescein angiography further confirmed the venous nature of the macrovessel in 40 of 40 eyes. Optical coherence tomography angiography, available in 17 eyes (35%), displayed microvascular capillary abnormalities around the CRM, which were more evident in the deep capillary plexus. Of the 49 patients with CRM, 39 (80%) did not illustrate any evidence of ophthalmic complications. Ten patients (20%) presented with retinal complications, typically an incidental association with CRM. Twelve patients (24%) were noted to have venous malformations of the brain with associated magnetic resonance imaging. Of these, location of the venous anomaly in the brain was ipsilateral to the CRM in 10 patients (83%) and contralateral in 2 patients (17%), mainly located in the frontal lobe in 9 patients (75%). Conclusions and Relevance: Our study has identified an association between macrovessels in the retina and venous anomalies of the brain (24% compared with 0.2% to 6.0% in the normal population). Thus, we recommend new guidelines for the systemic workup of patients with CRM to include brain magnetic resonance imaging with contrast. These lesions may be more accurately referred to as retinal venous malformations, which may raise awareness regarding potential cerebral associations.

Bilateral multiple evanescent white dot syndrome.

PURPOSE: To present a single case of bilateral multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS). METHODS: A single case with three months of follow-up using imaging studies including fundus color photography (FP), fluorescein angiography (FA), indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), fundus autofluorescence (FAF), spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), en face SD-OCT and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is presented. RESULTS: The patient presented with bilateral MEWDS, ultimately with complete resolution of symptoms. FP revealed foveal granularity and white punctate deep retinal spots, FA found early wreath-like hyperfluorescence, while ICGA showed hypofluorescent dots and spots in the early and late stages. FAF showed areas of hyperautofluorescence. SD-OCT revealed disruption of the ellipsoid zone (EZ) and accumulation of hyperreflective material of variable size and shape. En face SD-OCT demonstrated hyporeflective areas corresponding to areas of EZ disruption as well as hyperreflective dots in the outer nuclear layer. OCTA showed areas of photoreceptor slab black-out corresponding to areas of EZ disruption and light areas of flow void or flow disturbance in the choriocapillaris slab. CONCLUSIONS: This case represents an unusual case of bilateral MEWDS with complete resolution within three months.

The overlapping spectrum of flat irregular pigment epithelial detachment investigated by optical coherence tomography angiography.

PURPOSE: To describe the OCT angiography characteristics of flat irregular pigment epithelial detachments (PEDs), an overlapping tomographic feature of various macular disorders. METHODS: Consecutive patients with a dimpled retinal pigment epithelium profile on OCT, referred for a second opinion, were enrolled. Fluorescein (FA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) were performed in all patients and compared to previous examinations, when available. In all patients, enhanced depth imaging-OCT and OCT angiography were performed upon referral and at subsequent follow-ups. RESULTS: Twenty-five eyes from 25 patients (9 women and 16 men, mean age of 63.4 years) were enrolled. The diagnoses of CSCR were already established by the referring physicians in 10 patients, acute in 15% and chronic in 26%; 48% of patients were referred with a diagnosis of type 1 CNV, and 11% of CSCR complicated by CNV. After performing OCT angiography, 2 masked examiner identified 7 type 1 CNV (29%), 18 eyes with pachychoroid disease of which 31% pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathies (PPEs) at baseline evolved to CSCR, 22% PPE at baseline evolved to pachychoroid neovasculopathy, 18% pachychoroid neovasculopathy stable. CONCLUSION: Central serous chorioretinopathy, type 1 CNV, and the pachychoroid spectrum of diseases cause abnormalities in the choroidal circulation that make the overlying RPE dysfunctional, resulting in flat irregular PED. Discrimination between avascular and vascular flat irregular PEDs is crucial for a good visual outcome, but since chronic alterations of the RPE can compromise the diagnostic specificity of FA and ICGA, OCT angiography may become a fundamental tool to differentiate these clinical entities.

Neonatal and long-term ophthalmological findings in infants with symptomatic and asymptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus infection.

BACKGROUND: Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection is responsible of a high burden of neurosensory impairment in children. OBJECTIVES: To report incidence and consequences of ophthalmological abnormalities in infants with cCMV infection and better define their long-term ophthalmological management. STUDY DESIGN: Infants with cCMV infection were enrolled in a 6-year follow-up. Infants were classified as symptomatic or asymptomatic based on complete clinical, laboratory and instrumental evaluations. All infants underwent funduscopic evaluation in neonatal period, and yearly complete ophthalmological evaluation, including funduscopic, motility and visual acuity assessments. RESULTS: Forty-eight infants were enrolled, 18/48 (37.5%) symptomatic and 30/48 (62.5%) asymptomatic. Mean duration of follow-up was 34.9±22.2 vs. 34.8±20.1months (P=0.98). Funduscopic abnormalities were identified in neonatal period in 7/18 (39%) symptomatic infants and in none of the infants without other clinical and instrumental abnormalities at birth (P<0.001); chorioretinal scars were the most common finding (5/18 cases, 28%). Strabismus was detected in 1/18 (5.5%) symptomatic infants during the first years of life. Visual impairment at last follow-up evaluation was suspected or detected in 4/18 (22%) symptomatic infants and in none of the asymptomatic infants at birth (P=0.01). Ophthalmological abnormalities were associated with other signs of central nervous system (CNS) involvement (P<0.001). No correlation was found with the type of maternal infection. CONCLUSIONS: Ophthalmological abnormalities were common in symptomatic infants though often not associated with long-term visual impairment, and correlated with the presence of CNS involvement. Neonatal and periodical ophthalmological evaluations throughout childhood seem prudential for symptomatic babies. No ophthalmological abnormalities were detected in asymptomatic infants, who might therefore undergo more deferred evaluations.

Optical coherence tomography angiography in acute arteritic and non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of our study was to describe the feature of acute non-arteritic or arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NA-AION and A-AION) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) and to compare it with fluorescein angiography (FA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). METHODS: In this retrospective, observational case-control study four NA-AION patients and one A-AION patient were examined by FA, ICGA and OCT-A within 2 weeks from disease presentation. The characteristics of the images were analyzed. Optic nerve head (ONH) and radial peripapillary capillaries (RPC) vessel densities (VDs) were compared between NA-AION and controls. RESULTS: In two of four NA-AION cases and in the A-AION patient, OCT-A clearly identified the boundary of the ischemic area at the level of the optic nerve head, which was comparable to optic disc filling defects detected by FA. In the other two NA-AION cases, a generalized leakage from the disc was visible with FA, yet OCT-A still demonstrated sectorial peripapillary capillary network reduction. Both ONH and RPC VDs were reduced in NA-AION patients, when compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: OCT-A was able to identify microvascular defects and VD reduction in cases of acute optic disc edema due to NA-AION and A-AION. OCT-A provides additional information in ischemic conditions of the optic nerve head.

Indocyanine Green Angiography and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography of Choroidal Neovascularization in Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Purpose: To compare the capability of indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in detecting choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Methods: In this prospective study, patients with CNV detected with fluorescein angiography (FA) underwent ICGA and OCTA, spectral domain OCT (SD-OCT), and infrared or fundus color photographs. CNV lesions were outlined on ICGA and OCTA images, and the composition and size of the CNV was documented. Results: One hundred eighty-two eyes were included. With ICGA, well-defined lesions were observed in 37.9%, partly defined in 44.5%, and undefined in 17% of eyes. On OCTA, well-defined, partly defined, and undefined vessels were observed in 53.8%, 27.5%, and 18.7% of eyes, respectively. There was a good correlation between CNV size measured with the two instruments (r = 0.84). However, OCTA underestimated CNV area by about 4.5% (slope coefficient with linear regression: 0.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.46 to 0.65; intercept: 0.27, 95% CI: -0.2 to 0.56). On ICGA, CNV composition was capillary in 28%, mature in 14.3%, and mixed (capillary and major neovascular complex) in 57.7% of eyes. Similarly, OCTA revealed capillary, mature, and mixed CNV in 28.9%, 15.9%, and 55.5% of eyes, respectively. Conclusions: OCTA provides the clinician the ability to perform precise structural and vascular assessment of CNV noninvasively. Our study is, to our knowledge, the largest OCTA analysis to date of CNV secondary to neovascular AMD analyzed simultaneously by ICGA and OCTA.

Optical coherence tomography angiography of the peripapillary retina and optic nerve head in dominant optic atrophy.

Peripapillar and nerve head vessel density (VD) was measured in 10 patients affected by Dominant optic atrophy (DOA) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) and compared to the measurements of 15 age- and gender-matched controls. DOA patients showed VD reduction, mostly in the temporal and inferotemporal peripapillary sectors, according to the preferential involvement of the papillomacular bundle. Despite poor best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), OCT-A revealed good repeatability. VD correlated with functional (mean deviation of visual field and BCVA) and structural (retinal nerve fiber layer thickness) parameters and could be a non-invasive, quantitative tool for the monitoring of the disease and of the therapeutic approaches.

Dual Antagonism of PDGF and VEGF in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Phase IIb, Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: To assess the safety and efficacy of E10030 (Fovista; Ophthotech, New York, NY), a platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) antagonist, administered in combination with the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agent ranibizumab (Lucentis; Roche, Basel, Switzerland) compared with ranibizumab monotherapy in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). DESIGN: Phase IIb global, multicenter, randomized, prospective, double-masked, controlled superiority trial. PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred forty-nine patients with treatment-naïve nAMD. METHODS: Participants were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to 1 of the following 3 intravitreal treatment groups: E10030 0.3 mg in combination with ranibizumab 0.5 mg, E10030 1.5 mg in combination with ranibizumab 0.5 mg, and sham in combination with ranibizumab 0.5 mg (anti-VEGF monotherapy). Drugs were administered monthly in each of the groups for a total duration of 24 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The prespecified primary end point was the mean change in visual acuity (VA; Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy [ETDRS] letters) from baseline to 24 weeks. RESULTS: No significant safety issues were observed in any treatment group. The E10030 (1.5 mg) combination therapy regimen met the prespecified primary end point of superiority in mean VA gain compared with anti-VEGF monotherapy (10.6 compared with 6.5 ETDRS letters at week 24; P = 0.019). A dose-response relationship was evident at each measured time point commencing at 4 weeks. Visual acuity outcomes favored the E10030 1.5 mg combination therapy group regardless of baseline VA, lesion size, or central subfield thickness on optical coherence tomography. All clinically relevant treatment end points of visual benefit (≥15 ETDRS letter gain, final VA ≥20/40 or ≥20/25) and visual loss (≥1 ETDRS line loss, ≥2 ETDRS line loss, final VA ≤20/125 or ≤20/200) favored the E10030 1.5 mg combination group. CONCLUSIONS: In this phase IIb clinical trial, a 62% relative benefit from baseline was noted in the E10030 1.5 mg combination therapy group compared with the anti-VEGF monotherapy group. A favorable safety and efficacy profile of E10030 combination therapy for nAMD was evident across multiple clinically relevant end points. This highly powered study provides strong rationale for a confirmatory phase III clinical trial.

Comparison of two mineralcorticosteroids receptor antagonists for the treatment of central serous chorioretinopathy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of oral spironolactone and eplerenone, two specific antagonists of the mineralocorticoid receptor, in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). METHODS: In this prospective, placebo-controlled trial, sixty patients with persistent CSCR were assigned to three treatment group. Twenty patients in Group 1 were treated with 25 mg of spironolactone (Aldactone; Pfizer) for 1 week, then increased to 50 mg for the following 3 weeks, then shifted to eplerenone 50 mg for 1 month. Twenty patients in Group 2 were treated with 25 mg of eplerenone (Inspra; Pfizer) for 1 week, then increased to 50 mg for the following 3 weeks, and then shifted to spironolactone 50 mg for 1 month. Twenty patients in Group 3 were treated with 1 placebo control tablet for 1 week, then increased to two tablets for the following 3 weeks, and then shifted to spironolactone 50 mg for 1 month. At the end of the second month, all the treatments were stopped, and the patients were followed for two additional months. Primary outcome measure was a change in BCVA at 1, 2, and 4 months. Secondary outcome was a change of >20 % in the size of SRF recorded with OCT at 1, 2, and 4 months of treatment. RESULTS: In terms of BCVA, treatment in Group 1 was effective from the first month (spironolactone, p value 0.01), and in Group 2 effective from the second month (shift to spironolactone, p value 0.004). Since the p value after the first month was 0.2 in Group 2, even with a larger sample, it would be difficult to see an efficacy of an eplerenone treatment after 1 month. As for the SRF, both in Group 1 and Group 2, both treatments were found to be equally effective after 1 month of administration (p values 0.004). At 4 months, only in Group 3, there was no statistical improvement of BCVA and SRF (p values 0.09 and 0.5). CONCLUSIONS: Spironolactone is statistically superior to eplerenone in improving BCVA of patients with CSCR, while both drugs can be considered equally effective in promoting the reabsorption of SRF.