Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Changes in Patients Diagnosed With Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the association between optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) parameters and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Two independent reviewers searched the electronic databases (MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online), Scopus, Embase (Excerpta Medica Database), Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform) from inception until April 2023. According to the inclusion criteria of this review, eligible were observational studies, randomized control trials, and registry/database studies that included the eyes of adult ACS patients and assessed OCTA parameters within the macula. The pooled standardized mean differences (SMD) between patients diagnosed with ACS and healthy controls with a confidence interval (CI) of 95% were calculated using the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman random-effects method. The heterogeneity was assessed by I2 and the Cochran Q and a random effects model was applied. Seven studies were eligible and included in our systematic review (n = 898), of which three were included in the meta-analysis (n = 341). The pooled SMD in the superficial vascular plexus (SVP), deep vascular plexus (DVP), and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) were -0.46 (95% CI: -0.94 to 0.01, p = 0.05, I2 = 0%, three studies), -0.10 (95% CI: -3.20 to 3.00, p = 0.75, I2 = 67%, two studies), and 0.43 (95% CI: -1.22 to 2.09, p = 0.38, I2 = 92%, three studies), respectively. Our findings suggest that there are no differences in OCTA metrics between ACS patients and healthy individuals.

Correlation Between Coronary and Retinal Microangiopathy in Patients With STEMI.

Purpose: To investigate the morphological and functional correlation between microvascular retinal changes in optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and the microvascular coronary circulation in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods: A total of 330 eyes from 165 participants (88 cases and 77 controls) were enrolled and imaged. Superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) vascular density was measured in the central (1 mm) and perifoveal (1-3 mm) areas and in the superficial foveal avascular zone (FAZ) and choriocapillaris (3 mm). These parameters were then correlated to the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and the number of affected coronary arteries. Results: Decreased vessel densities in the SCP and DCP and choriocapillaris were positively correlated to the LVEF values (P = 0.006, P = 0.026, and P = 0.002, respectively). No statistically significant correlation between the SCP and DCP central area or FAZ area was found. Regarding the number of affected vessels, significant negative correlations were revealed for the SCP and DCP central vessel densities (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively) and the SCP perifoveal vascular density (P = 0.009). Conclusions: OCTA vascular indices are significantly correlated with morphological and functional parameters in patients with STEMI CHD. SCP vascular density especially seems to be a promising biomarker for the extent of both macrovascular damage (number of affected coronary arteries) and microvascular damage, as mirrored in the decreased LVEF at admission. Translational Relevance: OCTA vascular indices offer a valuable insight into the microvascular status of coronary circulation.

Blind spot enlargement: A differential diagnosis challenge.

A 39-year-old woman, without any systemic or ocular history, presented with a paracentral scotoma in her right eye with normal visual acuity. Humphrey's visual fields showed a reversible enlargement of the right blind spot. The final diagnosis was acute idiopathic blind spot enlargement which was successfully treated with intravenous steroids. Although differential diagnosis of blind spot enlargement can be challenging, multimodal imaging with combination of visual field's assessment can help us make the right diagnosis.

Optical coherence tomography angiography in Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: To examine the association between optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) retinal measurements and Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS: We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE from inception up to November 5th, 2021 for studies examining the differences between OCTA retinal measurements in PD patients and healthy controls. We used the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman random-effects method to combine study-specific standardized mean differences (SMD) in pooled effect estimates and a meta-analytic extension of the E-value metric to quantify the confounding bias capable of nullifying the pooled estimates. RESULTS: Nine eligible studies for our systematic review were identified through our search strategy. The pooled SMD between the retinal vessel density of PD patients and healthy participants in the whole superficial vascular plexus (SVP), foveal SVP, parafoveal SVP and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) was -0.68 (95% CI: -1.18 to -0.17, p value = 0.02, n = 7 studies), -0.14 (95% CI: -0.88 to 0.59, p value = 0.62, n = 5 studies), -0.59 (95% CI: -1.41 to 0.23, p value = 0.12, n = 5 studies) and -0.20 (95% CI: -0.79 to 0.38, p value = 0.39, n = 5 studies), respectively. An unmeasured confounder would need to be associated with a 3.01-fold, 1.54-fold, 2.81-fold and 1.70-fold increase in the risk of PD and OCTA retinal measurements, in order for the pooled SMD estimate of vessel density in whole SVP, parafoveal SVP and FAZ, respectively, to be nullified. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide evidence on an inverse association between whole SVP vessel density and PD.

Comparison of Diagnostic Ability Between Wide-Field Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging Maps and Heidelberg Retina Tomograph 3 Optic Nerve Head Assessment to Discriminate Glaucomatous and Non-glaucomatous Eyes.

Background In this study, we aimed to determine the diagnostic performance of optic nerve head (ONH), macular, and circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (cpRNFL) thickness measurements of wide-field maps (12 × 9 mm) using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) compared to measurements of the ONH and RNFL parameters measured by Heidelberg Retina Tomograph (HRT3). Methodology This case-control study included 39 eyes of 39 glaucoma patients and 36 eyes of 36 normal subjects (control group). All participants underwent standard automated perimetry (SAP) as well as structural measurements by SS-OCT (DRI-OCT, Triton; Topcon Inc., Tokyo, Japan) and HRT3 (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany). The abilities of the continuous parameters to discriminate between glaucoma and control groups were assessed using areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs). To assess the glaucoma diagnostic abilities of each of the categorical variables, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were tested. Results The highest sensitivities were achieved by the DRI-OCT categorical parameters of Superpixel-200 map and cpRNFL (12 sectors) thickness analysis. The best performing HRT3 continuous parameter was rim volume (AUC = 0.829, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.735-0.922), and the best continuous parameter for DRI-OCT wide-field was vertical cdr (AUC = 0.883, 95% CI = 0.805-0.951), followed by total cpRNFL thickness (AUC = 0.862, 95% CI = 0.774-0.951). AUCs for disc area, rim area, linear cdr, and RNFL thickness were not significantly different between the two technologies. Using either the most or the least specific criteria, SuperPixel-200 map always showed the highest sensitivity among the categorical parameters of both technologies (82.1% and 89.7%, respectively). The highest sensitivity among HRT3 classification parameters was shown by MRA and GPS classification algorithms. Conclusions Both wide-field DRI-OCT maps and HRT3 showed good diagnostic performance in discriminating glaucoma. Although DRI-OCT thickness values and normative diagnostic classification showed the best performance, more studies are required to determine the clinical role of wide-field DRI-OCT scan in glaucoma diagnosis.

Peripapillary Pachychoroid Syndrome (PPS): Diagnosing and Treating a Rare Entity.

Two cases with peripapillary pachychoroid syndrome (PPS) along with the challenges concerning correct diagnosis and treatment are presented. In the first case, the patient presented with painless unilateral gradual visual loss. Fundoscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed cystoid macular edema (CME) in the left eye (LE), extending from the temporal optic disc margin towards the fovea, with no additional findings. Enhanced-depth imaging- (EDI-) OCT provided additional information and increased choroidal thickness nasally to the macula and pachyvessels in the outer choroidal layer, findings supportive of PPS. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) was applied at the leakage sites. Two months later, CME and subretinal fluid (SRF) had resolved, and VA had significantly improved. In the second case, a patient presented with reduced vision and metamorphopsia bilaterally over the previous 5 days. Fundoscopy revealed CME in both eyes. OCT confirmed the presence of CME in the papillomacular area in the right eye; similarly, CME was recorded in the macula of the LE with SRF located subfoveally. EDI-OCT showed increased choroidal thickness in both eyes. Treatment was administered, originally with dorzolamide eye drops along with eplerenone tablets, and then dexamethasone eye drops that eventually led to significant anatomic and functional improvement. It is important for ophthalmologists to be able to recognize the unique clinical entity of PPS, as its resemblance to disorders with similar features may lead to misdiagnoses and unnecessary, or even incorrect, interventions.

Optical coherence tomography angiography in Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: To assess the association between optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) retinal measurements and Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE from inception up to October 28th, 2020 for studies assessing the association between OCTA retinal measurements and AD. Estimates from eligible studies were meta-analysed and pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) between AD patients and healthy participants with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated, using the Hartung-Knapp/Sidik-Jonkman random-effects method. In addition, we quantified the minimum strength on the risk ratio scale (E value) required for an unmeasured confounder to nullify these associations. RESULTS: Ten eligible studies for our systematic review were identified through our search strategy. The pooled SMD between the retinal vessel density of AD patients and healthy participants in the whole superficial vascular plexus (SVP), parafoveal SVP and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) was -0.41 (95% CI: -0.69 to -0.13, p value = 0.01, I2 = 15%, seven studies), -0.51 (95% CI: -0.84 to -0.18, p value = 0.01, I2 = 40%, six studies), and 0.87 (95% CI: -0.03 to 1.76, p value = 0.05, I2 = 91%, seven studies), respectively. An unmeasured confounder would need to be associated with a 2.26-, 2.56- and 3.82-fold increase in the risk of AD and OCTA retinal measurements, in order for the pooled SMD estimate of vessel density in whole SVP, parafoveal SVP and FAZ, respectively, to be nullified. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, whole and parafoveal SVP vessel density were inversely associated with AD. However, prospective longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes are needed to furtherly assess these associations.

Scleral fixation of Carlevale intraocular lens: A new tool in correcting aphakia with no capsular support.

PURPOSE: To report the clinical outcomes of the use of a novel specially designed scleral fixated intraocular lens, the Carlevale intraocular lens (carlevale IOL, Soleko, Italy) for the correction of aphakia in the absence of capsular support of variable etiology. METHODS: This retrospective, non-comparative study included 169 eyes of 169 consecutive patients who underwent 3-port pars plana vitrectomy and scleral fixation on Carlevale IOL. Inclusion criteria were at least 6 months' follow-up period, patients > 18 years old who underwent vitrectomy and Carlevale IOL placement for aphakia and inadequate capsular support. RESULTS: The median follow up period of 9 months (range 6-18 months). Mean post-operative BCVA at the last follow-up visit was 20/25 (0.09 ± 0.1 LogMAR), improving from a mean baseline BCVA of 20/80 (0.58 ± 0.49 LogMAR), a statistically significant change (p = 0.0001). Regarding the post-operative complications, a transient rise in the IOP was observed in 28 patients (16.5%) and mild vitreous hemorrhage was observed in the immediate post-operative period in eight eyes (4.7%) and it spontaneously resolved within 3 weeks. All patients demonstrated good IOL position at the end of the follow-up without IOL capture. None of the patients required re-operation. CONLCUSION: The present study represents the largest to date in evaluating the use of carlevale IOL in patients with aphakia and inadequate capsular support. The technique is safe and provides excellent post-operative IOL fixation without IOL capture in any of the patients studied.

Reduction of Foveal Avascular Zone After Vitrectomy Demonstrated by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of pars plana vitrectomy on foveal circulation, and in particular the foveal avascular zone (FAZ), using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). METHODS: This was a prospective, non-randomized, comparative case series of patients that underwent vitrectomy. Twenty-six eyes of 26 patients that underwent vitrectomy were studied postoperatively by OCTA. Our patients underwent 23 or 25G pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for any posterior segment pathology. Three-dimensional OCTAs (DRI Triton Swept Source OCT; Topcon) of the capillary plexus were obtained three months post-operatively. The FAZ measurements of the fellow eyes were used as controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Change in FAZ area between vitrectomized eyes and controls. RESULTS: From a total of 26 patients, 17 underwent vitrectomy due to retinal detachment (RD). Almost all patients demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in FAZ size based on the OCTA measurements. Τhe mean difference in FAZ size for the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) was -93.77 ± 71.73 µm and for the deep capillary plexus (DCP) -88.87 ± 75.41 µm, both statistically significant (p=0.000), while the amount of reduction in µm was the same for both SCP and DCP. CONCLUSION: The foveal avascular zone seems to be reduced following vitrectomy as shown by optical coherence tomography angiography. It is postulated that this may be the result of changes in the physiology of the vitrectomized eye, and that this change should be attributed to the removal of the vitreous itself rather than other structures such as the internal limiting membrane.

Tractional Retinal Detachment in a Patient With Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia.

An 86-year-old man with Waldenström's macroglobulinemia and a history of acute retinal necrosis (four years ago) presented with reduced visual acuity in his right eye of three days' duration. He developed epiretinal membrane and tractional retinal detachment, which were treated successfully. Epiretinal membrane and tractional retinal detachment usually occur one to two months after the onset of retinitis. In our case, this happened four years after the diagnosis of acute retinal necrosis syndrome, prophylactic vitrectomy, and successful treatment of acute retinal necrosis syndrome in a patient with Waldenström's macroglobulinemia.

Scleral Fixation of Carlevale Intraocular Lens in Children: A Novel Tool in Correcting Aphakia With No Capsular Support.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To report the clinical outcomes of the use of a novel, specially designed, scleral-fixated intraocular lens (IOL) for the correction of aphakia in the absence of capsular support of variable etiology in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series of five eyes of five consecutive patients who underwent three-port pars plana vitrectomy and scleral fixation of the IOL. Inclusion criteria were at least 6 months of follow-up in children who underwent vitrectomy and IOL placement for aphakia and inadequate capsular support. Patients were excluded from the analysis if there was a previous open globe injury or any other ocular comorbidity such as macular pathology or previous surgery for retinal detachment, glaucoma, corneal transplantation, or strabismus. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 9 months (range: 7-13 months). The median age was 8 years (range: 2-10 years), and the male-to-female ratio was 5 to 0. Mean postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (VA) at the last follow-up visit was 20/32 (0.26 ± 0.32 logMAR [mean ± standard deviation]), improving from a mean baseline uncorrected VA of 20/800 (1.6 ± 0.7 logMAR), a statistically significant change (P = .003). The uncorrected postoperative VA was 20/63 (0.54 ± 0.37 logMAR). No significant postoperative complications were noted and all patients had good IOL position at the end of the follow-up without IOL capture. The mean tilt in four eyes (the 2-year-old was excluded from the analysis) was 2.1 ± 1.9 degrees. None of the patients required reoperation. CONLCUSIONS: The present study represents the first to date in evaluating the use of a scleral-fixated IOL in patients with aphakia and in pediatric patients with inadequate capsular support. The technique is safe and provides excellent postoperative IOL fixation without IOL capture in any of the patients studied. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2021;52:94-101.].

Episodes of monocular blurring of vision during breastfeeding.

PURPOSE: To describe the occurrence of visual loss secondary to dispersion of cells deriving from an iris strand during pupil dilation in a 35-year-old woman. OBSERVATIONS: A 35-year-old woman presented complaining of blurring in the Left Eye 15-30 minutes following breastfeeding at night hours. On clinical examination, the uncorrected visual acuity was 20/20 in both eyes and slit-lamp examination demonstrated cells in the anterior chamber (26-50 cells in field/3+ SUN working group grading) whereas the examination of the right eye was unremarkable. Dilated examination revealed a thin pigmented strand of iris in the Left Eye spanning from one edge of the iris to the other (1st to 8th h). This strand was connected at a single point to the anterior capsule of the lens and from the point of connection red blood cells flowed in a linear configuration that ended at the lower part of the anterior chamber. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: In this case report a patient with persistent pupillary membrane in the form of an individual iris strand connected to the anterior lens capsule presented with episodes of monocular vision loss. This occurred due to red blood cell dispersion from the iris strand during mesopic light conditions and pupil dilation while breastfeeding. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in the literature.

Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Changes in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: A Case-control Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) changes in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and compare them with those of normal population. In addition, this study aims to determine potential factors, affecting RNFL changes in patients with DM. METHODS: Participants in this study were 107 patients (211 eyes) with DM and 100 healthy controls (200 eyes). Diabetic patients were further classified into four groups depending on severity of diabetic retinopathy (no retinopathy, mild, moderate, severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy, and proliferative diabetic retinopathy, while presence of macular edema was also assessed. All participants underwent spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) to measure RNFL thickness, while demographic and clinical characteristics of the participants were also recorded. RESULTS: Patients with DM with or without DR presented significantly decreased peripapillary RNFL thickness in all quadrants. In the diabetic group, the multivariate analysis showed a significant association between decreased average RNFL thickness and increased HbA1c (p < 0.001), longer DM duration (p = 0.007), and more severe diabetic retinopathy status (p = 0.016), while presence of DME, age, gender, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia were not found to be associated with RNFL thickness decrease. CONCLUSION: Diabetes mellitus seems to affect RNFL thickness, suggesting that early neurodegenerative changes may occur, potentially before microvascular alterations. Since duration of disease, DR severity, and HbA1c levels were associated with RNFL thinning, modifying glycemic control seems to be important to potentially prevent the development of DM complications.

Factors Associated with the Clinical Course of Vitreomacular Traction.

BACKGROUND: To analyze the optical coherence tomography (OCT) characteristics as well as the clinical and demographic features to investigate their possible role to the course of vitreomacular traction syndrome. METHODS: The inclusion criteria were vitreomacular adhesion with traction causing distortion of the retinal architecture, with or without the presence of an epiretinal membrane, regardless of the size of the adhesion; age >18 years; follow-up of at least three months; and adequate quality OCT scan. Measurements of foveal thickness, average macular thickness, macular volume, maximum vertical and horizontal vitreomacular adhesion, nasal and temporal angles of traction, hyaloid hyperreflectivity, the presence of an epiretinal membrane (ERM), and cone outer segment tips detachment were obtained. RESULTS: 150 eyes were included in the analysis. 36 eyes (24%) developed complete resolution at the last visit, 19 eyes (12.7%) formed a full-thickness macular hole, and 95 eyes (63.3%) showed no resolution of the traction. Better BCVA at the first visit was associated with an increased likelihood of resolution of the VMT, but increasing age, CMT, and BCVA in the end of the follow-up was associated with a reduction in the likelihood of resolving. Of the other variables that were studied, no statistical significant predictors were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Better BCVA in the first visit was associated with an increased likelihood of resolution of the VMT that occurred in 24% of our cases. Other factors such as the vertical area of adhesion and the angle of adhesion were not identified as prognostic factors affecting the clinical course of the disease.

Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy in a Patient with Pigment Dispersion Syndrome: A Possible Correlation.

Chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is a progressive chorioretinopathy with widespread atrophic RPE abnormalities and serous retinal detachments (SRDs) present for 6 months or longer. We report a case of CSCR in a 38-year-old patient with Pigment Dispersion Syndrome (PDS). In the presented case of CSCR, the chronic course of the disease may in part be associated with an underlying generalized degenerative dysfunction of the pigmented cells of the eye on grounds of PDS. We suggest that a chronic course of disease may be suspected in the setting of CSCR with concurrent RPE pathology, such as what is found in PDS.