FRIENDS Group: clinical and microbiological characteristics of post-filtering surgery endophthalmitis.

PURPOSE: To study the clinical and microbiological characteristics as well as the prognostic factors for post-filtering surgery endophthalmitis. METHODS: Twenty-three eyes were included in the study in four tertiary centres between 2004 and 2010. The clinical and microbiological data were collected prospectively (minimum follow-up, 6 months). Microbiological diagnosis was based on conventional cultures and panbacterial PCR (16SrDNA amplification and sequencing). RESULTS: The onset of endophthalmitis was early (<6 weeks) in 22 % of the cases and delayed in 78 %. Elevated intraocular pressure and hypopyon were more frequent in delayed than in early presentations (p = 0.04). By combining the results of culture and panbacterial PCR, a bacterial species could be identified in 73.9 % of the cases, including 56.5 % of commensal species of the digestive tract such as Moraxella spp., oropharyngeal streptococci and Enterococcus faecalis. Good final visual acuity (VA ≥ 20/40) was correlated with initial VA greater than light perception (p = 0.05). Poor final VA (≤20/400) was correlated with a higher virulence of the infecting bacterial species (p = 0.006), and was noted in all patients with early-onset endophthalmitis. CONCLUSION: Acute early- or delayed-onset post-filtering surgery endophthalmitis is frequently caused by bacteria of the digestive tract (e.g., Streptococcus and Enterococcus spp.). The combination of conventional cultures and panbacterial PCR allowed us to identify the causative microorganism in three-quarters of the cases, i.e., 21 % more cases than through culture alone. Despite adequate antibiotic and surgical treatment, the anatomical and visual prognosis remains poor.

Accuracy of peripapillary versus macular vessel density in diagnosis of early to advanced primary open angle glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate macular and peripapillary vessel density (mVD, pVD) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) in healthy subjects, patients with ocular hypertension (OHT) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, OCT-A images were obtained from 60 eyes of 36 healthy, ocular hypertension (OHT), preperimetric glaucoma (PPG), early glaucoma (EG) and moderate and advanced POAG subjects. Superficial mVD was acquired over a 6×6-mm cube centered on the foveal avascular zone and pVD over a 4.5×4.5-mm cube centered on the optic disc. Peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) and ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness was calculated using spectral-domain OCT. Correlations between vascular, structural and Humphrey VF indices were evaluated (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient). RESULTS: Median pVD and mVD in the PPG eyes were lower than in healthy eyes (51.87% and 47.23% versus 55.70% and 53.61%, respectively; P<0.001 and P=0.003), but higher than in mild glaucoma eyes (46.21% and 41.98%, P<0.001 compared to normal eyes) and moderate to advanced glaucoma eyes (37.45% and 39.89%, P<0.0001 compared to normal eyes). The highest correlations were found between structural parameters and pVD (r=0.87 and 0.86 for pRNFL and GCC, P<0.0001), followed by mVD (r=0.69 for both pRNFL and GCC, P<0.0001). Correlations with mean VF sensitivity were similar for pVD and mVD (r=0.61 and 0.56) and for GCC and pRNFL (r=0.60 and 0.52, P<0.0001 for all). CONCLUSIONS: VD measured with OCT-A shows reduction in POAG. Detection of this damage differentiates PPG from normal and perimetric POAG eyes with a high correlation with structural parameters. Peripapillary VD accuracy is higher than mVD in detecting the disease. These results suggest that OCT-A could improve POAG diagnosis and understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms behind glaucoma.

[Outpatient vitreoretinal surgery without next-day examination: Feasibility and acceptability]. / Chirurgie vitréo rétinienne en ambulatoire sans examen du lendemain : faisabilité et acceptabilité.

PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility and acceptability of outpatient care without next-day examination for patients undergoing retinal surgery. METHODS: Patients undergoing ambulatory vitreoretinal surgery between November 2013 and February 2016 at the Vienna medical center were included in this retrospective study. The age, comorbidities, indication, surgical technique and type of anesthesia used, symptoms, intraocular pressure and biomicroscopic examination data at the D0, D7 and M1 visits were recorded. Patient satisfaction with the outpatient treatment was collected by phone call in April 2016. RESULTS: Fifty-three surgeries on 49 patients (24 women, 25 men) with a mean age of 70 years (range, 39-91 years) were analyzed. The surgery was pars plana vitrectomy in all cases, with 26 cases of epiretinal membrane surgery, 7 vitreomacular traction syndrome, 4 vitreous hemorrhage, 6 macular hole, 4 dislocation of lens material, 5 retinal detachment and 1 macular retinoschisis in high myopia. The type of anesthesia was general in 64.1 % of cases (34) and local in 36.9 % of cases (19). Of the D0 examination data, 100 % were compatible with the patient being discharged to home. One patient consulted before the D7 exam for the occurrence of a subconjunctival hemorrhage. There were seven cases (13.2 %) of intraocular pressure elevation and two cases of vitreous hemorrhage (3.8 %) on the D7 examination data. Twenty-seven patients (55.1 %) were reached by phone and all of them were satisfied with their outpatient management. CONCLUSION: Outpatient treatment of patients without next-day examination for vitreoretinal surgery is possible and well accepted.

[Update from France Macula Federation: Treatment of Wet AMD]. / Actualisations de la Fédération France Macula : prise en charge thérapeutique de la DMLA exsudative.

PURPOSE: To update the recommendations of the France Macula Federation for treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: Analysis of literature and expert opinion. RESULTS: The FFM recommends initiating anti-VEGF therapy as soon as possible after diagnosis of exudative AMD. There has been no major change in the last several years concerning the procedure of intravitreal injection itself. However, the litigious points are discussed: simultaneous bilateral injection; antibiotic therapy; medico-legal aspects. All anti-VEGF strategies possess advantages and limitations. The strategy should be left to the ophthalmologists' preference. However, the chosen strategy should be explained to patients and strictly followed. CONCLUSION: The treatment of wet-AMD is more precisely codified than before. However, various strategies still coexist.

[Update from France Macula Federation: Diagnosis of wet AMD]. / Actualisations de la Fédération France Macula : diagnostic de la DMLA exsudative.

PURPOSE: To update the recommendations of the France Macula Federation for the diagnosis of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: Analysis of literature and expert opinion. RESULTS: The FMF recommends diagnosing wet AMD by combining the results of fundus examination (or color or monochromatic fundus photographs), optical coherence tomography (OCT) showing exudative signs, and morphological visualization of the neovascular membrane, which may be obtained non-invasively (OCT-angiography) or invasively (fluorescein and/or indocyanine green angiography). Under optimal conditions in which all these tools are available, the FMF recommends using non-invasive methods as first-line tools and resorting to dye angiography if diagnostic doubt remains. CONCLUSION: As observed in other fields of medical imaging, non-invasive methods are preferred to invasive methods for the diagnosis of wet AMD, while the latter are reserved for more difficult cases.

[Management of wet AMD in France in 2015]. / Prise en charge de la DMLA exsudative en France en 2015.

PURPOSE AND CONTEXT: Intravitreal administration of anti-VEGF agents, available in France since 2007, allows stabilization and improvement in visual acuity in wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In the past few years, the management of this disease has evolved in terms of both diagnostic methods and treatment schedules, which have been adapted to the pathophysiology of AMD. The goal of this survey, performed in a representative sample of French ophthalmologists, was to describe the evolution of medical practices one year after a similar survey (Massé et al., J Fr Ophtalmol 2016; 39: 40-7). METHOD: The survey was performed from December, 2014 to March, 2015 in 191 ophthalmologists (53 general ophthalmologists and 98 retina specialists) with an on-line questionnaire. This questionnaire was designed by a committee of ophthalmologists to describe practices concerning screening, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of wet AMD. RESULTS: An initial intravitreal injection of an anti-VEGF agent was usually performed within 10 days after the diagnosis of wet AMD by 98% of ophthalmologists and within 5 days by 63%. The treatment protocols favored by retina specialists were pro re nata (PRN) for 58%, Observe and Plan for 25% and Treat and Extend for 17%. Bilateral intravitreal injections were performed on the same day by 46% of retina specialists, mostly for the convenience of the patient and because of the low infectious risk. The initial protocol was maintained by one third of retina specialists throughout the course of treatment, while two thirds of them reported that they reassessed the protocol on average after 5 months. CONCLUSION: This survey on the practices of the ophthalmologists in wet AMD highlights an improvement in the time course of patient management and an evolution of treatment schedules toward individualized protocols.

[Overview of medical practices in wet AMD in France]. / Vue d'ensemble des pratiques médicales dans la DMLA exsudative en France.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Wet AMD is characterized by the formation of choroidal neovascularization, mediated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and responsible for a decrease in visual acuity and metamorphopsia of sudden onset. Intravitreal anti-VEGF can stabilize or even improve visual acuity. Although there is a consensus among ophthalmologists about the induction phase injection of anti-VEGF, there appear to be differences in practice regarding therapeutic treatment modalities. The goal of this work was to explore this hypothesis and to better understand real life practices. METHOD: The Ipsos institute conducted a qualitative survey of 16 retinal specialists and 9 general ophthalmologists in September and October 2013, using a questionnaire developed by a scientific committee of experts. Fifteen telephone interviews and 4 face-to-face meetings with a retina specialist and an ophthalmologist were conducted. This qualitative study allowed the development of a quantitative survey of 200 retina specialists and general ophthalmologists, conducted between November 2013 and January 2014, to describe practices in diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of wet AMD. RESULTS: A distribution of roles between the ophthalmologist making the initial diagnosis and the retinal specialists responsible for treatment and follow-up was noted. Treatment was initiated within 10 days of diagnosis as recommended by the HAS in only one third of patients. After the induction phase of treatment, i.e. three monthly injections of anti-VEGF, treatment and monitoring practices were heterogeneous with 74% of physicians using a PRN treatment protocol, 22% a bimonthly protocol (with monthly monitoring in 19.4% of cases) and 4% a "treat and extend" protocol. There was little change in the protocol chosen in the case of recurrence. CONCLUSION: Three quarters of ophthalmologists report using a PRN protocol, and over 90% report seeing their patients monthly, either for injection or for a check-up. This apparent uniformity is in reality more complex: for the large majority, they prefer to closely follow the patient so as to treat the slightest recurrence, but with great variability in practices with regard to individualization of treatment.

[Clinical and paraclinical features of syphilitic uveitis]. / Caractéristiques cliniques et paracliniques des uvéites syphilitiques.

INTRODUCTION: Syphilis, caused by Treponema pallidum agent, results in polymorphic and non-specific ocular manifestations. Early diagnosis and institution of individualized treatment play a large role in the prognosis. The increase in syphilis over the past several years requires the ophthalmologist to consider this diagnosis in the setting of any intraocular inflammatory involvement. PURPOSE: To describe epidemiological, clinical and paraclinical features and natural history of syphilitic uveitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective, descriptive and non-comparative study of a series of patients hospitalized between 2007 and 2013 in our department of ophthalmology for management of ocular inflammation associated with a positive syphilitic serology. RESULTS: Thirteen patients of mean age 52.5 years ± 12.9 (33-82 years) were included. All were male and were followed for six months. Co-infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was present in four of them. Other risk factors discovered on history were unprotected sexual relations, multiple partners, homosexual relations, co-infection with another sexually transmitted disease (STD) or an occupational risk. Decreased visual acuity (VA) was present in all patients, with an average initial VA of 0.71 ± 0.81 LogMAR, i.e. 2/10. Involvement was bilateral in 38% (n=5) of cases. Papilledema was present in 10 patients. Seven patients exhibited vasculitis, 6 patients a necrotizing retinitis, 2 patients with placoid lesions, 7 patients with panuveitis and 2 patients with macular edema. We did not find any patients with isolated anterior uveitis. Three patients exhibited concomitant extraocular involvement with cutaneous palmoplantar lesions. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) found a fragmentation of the external limiting membrane and a disorganization of the ellipsoid line in two patients. Cerebrospinal fluid was studied for all patients. Eight of them exhibited lymphocytic meningitis, and we found the presence of anti-Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay antibody (TPHA) in 9 patients and anti-veneral disease research laboratory antibody (VDRL) in 1 patient. Syphilis polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the aqueous humor was positive in 50% (n=6) of studied cases and the PCR for Epstein Barr virus came back positive in four specimens out of eight. False positive reactions were observed for Lyme disease in eight patients. The four HIV-positive patients showed bilateral lesions more frequently, but less severe and with a favorable outcome. Antibiotic treatment with ceftriaxone (2 grams per day intramuscularly for 15 to 21 days) and local treatment (corticoids and mydriatics) in the case of inflammation of the anterior segment, allowed a regression of the inflammation in all of our patients as well as an improvement in VA (average final VA 0.09 ± 0.17 LogMAR, i.e. approximately 8/10). One Jarisch Herxheimer reaction occurred and was resolved with systemic corticosteroid therapy. A change in the retinal pigment epithelium was the main sequela in 44% of cases (n=8 eyes). CONCLUSION: Every structure of the eye may be involved with syphilis; therefore, syphilis must be systematically sought during the etiologic assessment of ocular inflammation even in the absence of historical risk factors. HIV-positive patients must be handled in the same way as immunocompetent patients. Collaboration with the internist is essential for the diagnosis, monitoring, and staging, especially in search of neurosyphilis. The clinical course is favorable with early treatment.

Correlation between clinical data and antibiotic resistance in coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species isolated from 68 patients with acute post-cataract endophthalmitis.

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) cause the majority of post-cataract endophthalmitis, which can lead to anatomical and/or functional loss of the eye. This study reports the antibiotic susceptibilities of CNS isolates associated with acute post-cataract endophthalmitis cases and correlates antibiotic resistance with severity and outcome of infection in these patients. Clinical data (initial ocular examination, final prognosis, antibiotic treatment) and the antibiotic susceptibilities of the isolated CNS strains were obtained from 68 patients with post-surgical endophthalmitis recruited during a 7-year period by the FRench Institutional ENDophthalmitis Study (FRIENDS) group. The CNS strains displayed 100% susceptibility to vancomycin, 70% to fluoroquinolones, 83% to fosfomycin, 46% to imipenem and 18% to piperacillin. The most effective antibiotic combinations were fosfomycin plus a fluoroquinolone and imipenem plus a fluoroquinolone, which were considered adequate in 80% and 58% of patients, respectively. Methicillin resistance was significantly associated with older age (p 0.001), diabetes mellitus (p 0.004), absence of fundus visibility (p 0.06), and poor visual prognosis (p 0.03). Resistance to fluoroquinolones was significantly associated with absence of fundus visibility (p 0.05) and diabetes mellitus (p 0.02). This large prospective study demonstrates that methicillin resistance and, to a lesser extent, fluoroquinolone resistance in CNS strains causing postoperative endophthalmitis are both prevalent in France and associated with a poorer visual prognosis. These results emphasize the need for an effective surveillance of this antibiotic resistance and the development of new diagnostic tools for rapid detection for early optimization of antibiotic therapy in endophthalmitis patients.

[Assessing the feasibility and the acceptability of outpatient retinal detachment surgery]. / Évaluation de la faisabilité et de l'acceptabilité de la prise en charge en ambulatoire des patients opérés de décollement de rétine.

PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility and acceptability of outpatient care for patients undergoing surgery for retinal detachment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients successively undergoing retinal detachment surgery between January and November 2012 were prospectively included. Patient age, distance from home, type of detachment, surgical technique, postoperative intravenous medications if applicable, pain as evaluated on the visual analogue scale (VAS), slit lamp findings on the day of surgery (D0) and the next day (D1), the presence of another person in the home, comprehension of instructions, the patient's physical abilities and adherence to outpatient treatment were recorded. RESULTS: Forty-six surgeries on 17 women and 28 men, including 2 one-eyed patients, with a mean age of 62 years (±16.6; 19-95), were studied. The mean distance from home was 78km (±108; 1-490 km). The surgery was performed ab-interno in 44 cases (40 transconjunctival, 4 cases of disinsertion with placement of a buckle) and ab-externo in 2 cases; under general anesthesia in 40 cases and local/regional anesthesia in 6 cases. Five cases were recurrent detachments, lensectomy was performed in 6 cases, internal gas tamponade was performed in the majority of cases (4 with silicone oil and 1 without tamponade). Functional signs were absent or limited to simple discomfort in 95.7% of cases on D0 as well as D1. The mean VAS at D0 was very low, described as 0.32/10 (0-8) and 0.63/10 (0-5) at D1. Two patients vomited on D0 and one on D1. Mean intraocular pressure was 12.8mmHg (±4.4; 4-24) at D0 and 17.6mmHg (±6.3; 8-34) at D1. The retina was visible in 91.3% of cases on D0 and 89.1% of cases on D1. Sleepiness was present in 3 cases (6.5%) at the D0 exam, and returning home was impossible without assistance from a third party in 4 cases (8.7%) (this incapacity was permanent or related to the patient's one-eyed status in all cases). The instructions for proper positioning were assimilated by all patients on D0, and no intravenous treatment was necessary after awakening. A companion was present at home in 78.3% (n=36) of cases; 87% (n=40) of the patients felt they could return home on D0 had it been necessary, with an early return home even desired by 32.6% (n=15) of the patients. DISCUSSION: The changes in surgical management of retinal detachment patients and the appearance in France of a specific fee schedule now make it possible to consider ambulatory treatment of patients with retinal detachment. CONCLUSION: Outpatient management of retinal detachment patients appears perfectly feasible and acceptable according to this study.

[Optimizing the financial impact of transitioning to transconjunctival vitrectomy and microincisional phacoemulsification]. / Optimisation de l'impact financier du passage à la vitrectomie transconjonctivale et à la phakoémulsification par mini-incision.

OBJECTIVES: To report the financial impact of using modern lens and vitreoretinal surgical techniques. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Bottom-up sterilization and consumables costs for new surgical techniques (microincisional coaxial phacoemulsification and transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy) and the corresponding former techniques (phacoemulsification with 3.2-mm incision and 20G vitrectomy) were determined. These costs were compared to each other and to the target costs of the Diagnosis Related Groups for public hospitals (Groupes Homogènes de Séjours [GHS]) concerned, extracted from the analytic accounting data of the French National Cost Study (Étude Nationale des Coûts [ENC]) for 2009 (target=sum of sterilization costs posted under medical logistics, consumables, implantable medical devices, and special pharmaceuticals posted as direct expenses). RESULTS: For outpatient lens surgery with or without vitrectomy (GHS code: 02C05J): the ENC's target cost for 2009 was 339€ out of a total of 1432€. The cost detailed in this study was 4 % higher than the target cost when the procedure was performed using the former technique (3.2mm sutured incision) and 12 % lower when the procedure was performed using the new technique (1.8mm sutureless) after removing now unnecessary consumables and optimization of the technique. For level I retinal detachment surgeries (GHS code: 02C021): the ENC's 2009 target cost was 641€ out of a total of 3091€. The cost specified in this study was 1 % lower than the target cost when the procedure was done using the former technique (20-G vitrectomy) and 16 % less when the procedure was performed using the new technique (transconjunctival vitrectomy) after removal of now unnecessary consumables and optimization of the technique. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to generally accepted ideas, implementing modern techniques in ocular surgery can result in direct cost and sterilization savings when the operator takes advantage of the possibilities these techniques offer in terms of simplification of the procedures to do away with consumables that are no longer necessary.

[Clinical and microbiological features of severe infectious keratitis during heatwaves]. / Caractéristiques cliniques et microbiologiques des patients atteints de kératite infectieuse sévère en période caniculaire.

PURPOSE: To study clinical and microbiological features of patients with severe microbial keratitis during a heatwave. To evaluate the links between disease severity, causative micro-organisms and temperature variation. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients with microbial keratitis hospitalized in a referral center during the summer months (between June 1, 2009 and September 30, 2009), separated into two groups by date of hospitalization (heatwave vs non-heatwave). Prevalence and daytime temperatures were compared for data collected during the summers of 2009 (heatwave), 2008 (temperate) and 2003 (prolonged heatwave). RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were hospitalized during the summer of 2009, with an average age of 51 years and an average stay of 15 days. The primary predisposing factor was the use of contact lenses (36%), followed by pre-existing corneal disease (15%) and systemic disease (15%). Prevalence of severe keratitis was higher in periods of heatwaves vs periods of no heatwaves (mean 9.8 patients vs 3.1, P<0.001). Best corrected visual acuity progressed from 1/30 at admission to 1/10 at 1 month after discharge (P<0.001). The most common bacteria identified were Gram-positive cocci (CNS 27%) and Pseudomonas (23%). Microbiological results were similar in the two groups. Similar variations between the prevalence of severe keratitis and daytime temperatures were found for the summer of 2009 as well as for the summers of 2008 and 2003. CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be a link between climatic temperature variations and the prevalence of severe microbial keratitis.

[Photodynamic therapy for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy and diffuse retinal epitheliopathy]. / Intérêt de la photothérapie dynamique dans les choriorétinopathies séreuses centrales chroniques et les épithéliopathies rétiniennes diffuses exsudatives.

PURPOSE: To report outcomes in patients with long-standing (more than 6 months) chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) treated with low-fluence Visudyne(®) photodynamic therapy (LFV-PDT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The clinical, angiographic and optical coherence tomography (OCT) results of patients with long-standing chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CCSC) treated with LFV-PDT in the Lyon Centre Rabelais between 2002 and 2008 were retrospectively analyzed. A comprehensive check-up (macular syndrome signs, ETDRS best-corrected visual acuity [BCVA], biomicroscopy, fluorescein [FA] and indocyanine green [ICGA] angiographies, OCT scans) was performed before LFV-PDT treatment and 3 months later. Patients were then followed regularly and retreated in case of recurrence. The LFV-PDT treatment, with a fluence of 25 J/cm(2) at an irradiance of 300 mW, was guided by ICGA. RESULTS: Forty-one eyes of 34 patients (27 males; mean age: 53 years) were included, of which 18 eyes had already been treated with laser photocoagulation. Several leaking points were visible on FA in most of the cases (n=38), mainly in the macula (35 cases). Before treatment, metamorphopsia was noted in 51% of the cases, intraretinal edema (IRE) was present on OCT scans in 71%, serous retinal detachment (SRD) in 85%, and pigment epithelial detachment (PED) in 10%. Thirty-nine eyes had only one treatment session and one eye was retreated once. At 3 months after LFV-PDT, IRE was present in 15% of the cases, SRD in 12%, and PED in 2%. At the end of the 20-month follow-up, IRE was present in 14% of the cases, SRD in 15%, and PED in 0%. Macular atrophy was observed on OCT in most of the cases at the end of the follow-up (mean central thickness, 144.5 µm). Compared to the initial BCVA, at 3 months after LFV-PDT, BCVA decreased in 22% of the cases, stabilized in 39%, and increased in 39%, while at the end of the follow-up, BCVA decreased in 12% of the cases, stabilized in 17%, and increased in 71%. No complication was observed. DISCUSSION: LFV-PDT treatment for patients with long-standing chronic central serous chorioretinopathy results in anatomical and functional improvement (sustained disappearance of the exudative phenomenon in most cases and increased BCVA in more than two-thirds of the cases). The macular atrophy observed may be due to the treatment or the natural course of the disease.

[Spectral domain OCT in eyes with retinal artery occlusion]. / Aspects évolutifs de la rétine en coupe OCT spectral domain lors des oblitérations artérielles rétiniennes.

INTRODUCTION: Retinal artery occlusions are a straightforward, essentially clinical diagnosis. The role of spectral domain ocular coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in this condition is not well described. PURPOSE: Anoxic retinal edema develops in the acute phase of retinal artery occlusion (RAO) followed by a regressive phase giving way to retinal atrophy. The purpose of the study was to determine dynamics of theses retinal changes in central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) and branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study of patients hospitalized at Hôpital Edouard-Herriot de Lyon between June and September 2009 was performed after patient education and informed consent. Retinal thickness of patients with central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO), branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) or cilio-retinal artery occlusion was measured centered on the macula or on the site of occlusion with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) using Cirrus(®) (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Germany) upon admission, throughout hospitalization, at 1 month and at 3 months. Thickness and reflectivity of the various retinal layers were compared with the fellow eye. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were included (seven CRAO, six BRAO and one cilio-retinal artery occlusion). SD-OCT in the acute phase showed retinal thickening and increased reflectivity confined to the inner retinal layers supplied by the retinal circulation with decreased reflectivity from the photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelial layers secondary to a shadowing effect in the affected area. These changes subsequently resolved at 1 month and gave way to a marked thinning of the inner retinal layers by 3 months. In one case of CRAO associated with an ophthalmic artery occlusion and consequent occlusion of the ciliary circulation as well, initial OCT revealed complete retinal thickening involving both the inner and outer layers. DISCUSSION: This study demonstrates that the anoxic intracellular edema resulting from retinal artery occlusions (RAO) observed histologically appears on OCT as a thickening of the inner retinal layers in the acute stage of the condition, giving way to atrophic areas starting at approximately 1 month ("pseudonormalization") and becoming clearly atrophic at 3 months. CONCLUSION: SD-OCT is useful in the diagnosis of RAO, especially if the patient is seen later in the disease process, when the ischemic retinal whitening is no longer present on fundus exam.

Bevacizumab versus ranibizumab in the treatment of exudative age-related macular degeneration: a retrospective study of 58 patients.

AIM: To compare the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab versus ranibizumab in the treatment of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective case-controlled series of 30 patients treated with intravitreal bevacizumab and 28 patients treated with intravitreal ranibizumab for exudative AMD. Main outcomes measured included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT) and foveal thickness, quantity of subretinal fluid, neovessel size and total number of injections over the first year treatment period. A secondary outcome was the report of any adverse events in both groups. RESULTS: BCVA stabilized and increased from LogMAR 0.70 to 0.47 in the bevacizumab group and from 0.55 to 0.54 in the ranibizumab group (P>0.05). CMT decreased in the bevacizumab group from 369 to 284 µm and in the ranibizumab group from 340 to 271 µm (P>0.05). The number of injection was significantly lower (4.8) in the bevacizumab group than in the ranibizumab group (5.8) (P<0.05). No serious ocular adverse events were noted in both groups. CONCLUSION: This retrospective study failed to show a difference in visual and anatomic outcomes between bevacizumab and ranibizumab. The number of re-treatment was lower in the bevacizumab group (P=0.03).

[Toxic anterior segment syndrome]. / Syndromes toxiques du segment antérieur.

Toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS) is a general term used to describe acute, sterile postoperative inflammation due to a non-infectious substance that accidentally enters the anterior segment at the time of surgery and mimics infectious endophthalmitis. TASS most commonly occurs acutely following anterior segment surgery, typically 12-72h after cataract extraction. Anterior segment inflammation is usually quite severe with hypopyon. Endothelial cell damage is common, resulting in diffuse corneal edema. No bacterium is isolated from ocular samples. The causes of TASS are numerous and difficult to isolate. Any device or substance used during the surgery or in the immediate postoperative period may be implicated. The major known causes include: preservatives in ophthalmic solutions, denatured ophthalmic viscosurgical devices, bacterial endotoxin, and intraocular lens-induced inflammation. Clinical features of infectious and non-infectious inflammation are initially indistinguishable and TASS is usually diagnosed and treated as acute endophthalmitis. It usually improves with local steroid treatment but may result in chronic elevation of intraocular pressure or irreversible corneal edema due to permanent damage of trabecular meshwork or endothelial cells.

[Endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis]. / Endophtalmies endogènes bactériennes.

Endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis, also called metastatic bacterial endophthalmitis, remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. It is a rare and potentially sight-threatening ocular infection that occurs when bacteria reach the eye via the bloodstream, cross the blood-ocular barrier, and multiply within the eye. It usually affects immunocompromised patients and those suffering from diabetes mellitus, malignancy, or cardiac disease, but has also been reported after invasive procedures or in previously healthy people. In most cases, the ocular symptoms occur after the diagnosis of septicemia or systemic infection. Ocular symptoms include decreased vision, redness, discharge, pain, and floaters. The ocular inflammatory signs may be anterior and/or posterior. Bilateral involvement occurs in nearly 25% of cases. A wide range of microorganisms are involved, with differences in their frequency according to geography as well as the patient's age and past medical history, because of variations in the predisposing conditions and the source of the sepsis. The majority of patients are initially misdiagnosed, and ophthalmologists should be aware of this because prompt local and general management is required to save the eye and/or the patient's life.

[Cytomegalovirus research using polymerase chain reaction in Posner-Schlossman syndrome]. / Intérêt de la recherche du cytomégalovirus par polymerase chain reaction dans le syndrome de Posner-Schlossman.

PURPOSE: To investigate the possible association between cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and Posner-Schlossman syndrome using PCR. To evaluate the clinical effect of valganciclovir treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with anterior uveitis associated with suspected Posner-Schlossman syndrome had their aqueous humor prospectively analyzed for viral deoxyribonucleic acid by HXFL4 gene detection using quantitative real-time PCR. RESULTS: Seven patients (two females and five males from 15 to 56 years old) with clinical signs of Posner-Schlossman syndrome (anterior nongranulomatous hypertensive uveitis with anterior chamber cells, central keratic precipitates, anisocoria, without iris atrophy) were tested. Examinations of the aqueous humor by polymerase chain reaction demonstrated CMV-DNA in five patients and were negative for other herpes viruses in all patients. Two patients were treated with oral antiviral therapy (valganciclovir). Relapses occurred in all cases after cessation of therapy. DISCUSSION: Aqueous humor analysis by PCR is useful in differentiating between CMV and other herpes viruses and in making a positive etiological diagnosis in anterior hypertensive uveitis. Valganciclovir may be effective in treating CMV anterior uveitis, but its exact role should be determined in larger studies with a longer follow-up. CONCLUSION: Cytomegalovirus detection in aqueous humor using polymerase chain reaction is useful in the management of patients with Posner-Schlossman syndrome.