Evaluation of the correlation between quantitative measurement of the foveal avascular zone and retinal vessel density and outer retinal disruptions in diabetic patients

Background/aim: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the correlation between the integrity of the outer retinal layers on optical coherence tomography (OCT) and objective parameters of retinal microvascular perfusion on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Materials and methods: A total of 105 eyes of 54 diabetic patients were included in the study. Integrity of the outer retinal layers including the external limiting membrane (ELM), ellipsoid zone (EZ), and interdigitation zone (IZ) was assessed by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. The foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area and vessel density (VD) measurements in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) in all the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) sectors were evaluated by OCTA. Associations between the quantitative measurement of the FAZ and retinal VD measurements and outer retinal disruptions were evaluated. Results: The FAZ area was correlated with outer retinal layer disruption both in the superficial plexus (r = 0.244, 0.228, 0.212, P = 0.013, 0.02, 0.031 for the ELM, EZ, and IZ, respectively) and the deep capillary plexus (r = 0.298, 0.234, 0.197, P = 0.002, 0.019, 0.048 for the ELM, EZ, and IZ, respectively). A significant relationship was also found between the VD measurements in the SCP and DCP in ETDRS sectors and the outer retinal layers disruption. Conclusion: The results of the current study show a significant relationship between the quantitative OCTA parameters and the integrity of the outer retinal layers. This finding reveals a correlation between retinal capillary nonperfusion and outer retinal disruption in eyes with diabetic retinopathy.

The long-term effect of oral isotretinoin therapy on macula ganglion cell complex thickness.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term effect of oral isotretinoin therapy on macula ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Newly diagnosed cystic acne patients who received low dose for a long time systemic isotretinoin therapy were included in this study. Thorough ophthalmic evaluation and GCC thickness analysis by using SD-OCT were performed at baseline, and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment. RESULTS: Forty-eight eyes of 24 patients (15 females, 9 males) were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 19.37 ± 2.74 years (range 14-25 years). The full ophthalmologic examination was normal in all eyes before treatment. During the treatment there were no change in visual acuity, refractive error, intraocular pressure and tear break-up time. The mean GCC thicknesses were 81.45 ± 4.91, 81.45 ± 5.12, 81.81 ± 4.68, 81.87 ± 4.91 and 81.64 ± 5.09 µm at pretreatment and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment, respectively (p = 0.803). CONCLUSION: One-year systemic use of isotretinoin had no significant effect on the thickness of macula ganglion cell. Macular ganglion cell analysis is useful for determining and following the toxic effects of systemic drugs on the retina. However, it is more rational to consider it as an adjunct to electrophysiological testing rather than used alone.

Macular ganglion cell complex thickness in acute and chronic central serous chorioretinopathy.

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is characterized by neurosensory retinal detachment. Because the retina pigment epithelium and choroidal pathology is the current mechanism in CSCR, many studies in the literature focused on the outer retinal layers. There is little information about the functional or histological structure of the detached retina. In this study, we assess the ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with acute and chronic CSCR. The medical records of 16 acute and 19 chronic CSCR patients which have no other disorders that cause a serous macula detachment were analyzed. Chronic cases were also divided into two subgroups: chronic active and chronic nonactive CSCR. The eyes with extramacular involvement or cystoid degeneration and cases which developed choroidal neovascularization were excluded from the study. The mean, minimum, superior-nasal, superior, superior-temporal, inferior-nasal, inferior, and inferior-temporal GCC values obtained using OCT were used for analysis. The duration from the onset was 7.8 ± 4.5 weeks and the mean age was 45.0 ± 10.7 years in acute CSCR, and in chronic cases the values were 36.0 ± 6.2 weeks and 52.9 ± 10.5 years, respectively. There were no significant differences in sex distribution. The chronic cases were statistically significantly older than acute cases (p = 0.02). While there was no difference between the acute and chronic cases, there were statistically significant differences between the chronic CSCR and control group in all values of GCC. Additionally, there were statistically significant differences between the acute CSCR and control group in mean, minimum, and superior-temporal GCC thicknesses. Although choroid and outer retinal layers play an important role in the pathogenesis of CSCR, there is scant information about the functional or histological structure of the detached retina in CSCR. Our results showed that GCC was significantly reduced in both acute and chronic CSCR compared to healthy subjects. Analysis of ganglion cell helps us understand the etiology of the patients which healed anatomically but had limited visual improvement in CSCR.

A cross sectional observational study on the influence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on activities of daily living: the COPD-Life study.

INTRODUCTION: This study was designed to identify the impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on activities of daily living, life styles and needs in patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Participants of this national, multi-centered, cross-sectional observational study included 497 stable COPD patients from 41 centers. The mean age (standard deviation; SD) was 63.3 (9.3) years with 59.0% of the patients under the age of 65, and 89.9% of the participants were male. Sociodemographic and COPD-related data were gathered at enrollment and during the 1-month telephone follow-up. RESULTS: The mean (SD) COPD duration was 7.3 (6.5) years in the overall population while 5.4 (4.6) years for patients who recieved COPD diagnosis at least one year after the onset of symptoms. Dyspnea was the most common (83.1%) symptom and walking up stairs (66.6%) was the most difficult activity to be performed. Majority of the patients were aware of COPD as a chronic disease (63.4%), requiring ongoing treatment (79.7%), mainly caused by smoking (63.5%). 59% of the patients were under the age of 65 years-old. In 84% of patients, graduation from at least a primary school was identified. Results revealed an average number of two dependants that were obliged to look after per patient, ability to go on an outing in 91% of the patients, and going grocery shopping with ease in more than two-thirds of the study population. There was no significant difference in regular use of medication device across different educational or age groups. The top three COPD treatment expectations of the patients were being able to breathe (24.1%), walking (17.1%), and walking up stairs (11.7%), while shortness of breath (43.3%) was the first priority treatment need. CONCLUSION: In contrast to the common view that COPD prevalance is higher in old age population, this study showed that the rate of the disease is higher among younger patients than expected; indispensability of out of the house activities in majority of patients; and use of regular medication device to be independent of educational level and the age of COPD patients. Our findings indicate that the likelihood of COPD patient population to be composed of younger and active individuals who do not spend majority of their time at home/in bed as opposed to popular belief. Therefore, availability of a portable and easy to use device for medication seems to be important to enhance daily living.

OCT Evaluation of Retinal Parameters in Pediatric Gastritis Patients with Helicobacter Pylori.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection on choroidal thickness (CT), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, and ganglion cell (GCL+IPL) complex thickness in childhood cases of gastritis. METHODS: A total of 104 eyes of 52 children were included in the study. Two groups were created: 54 eyes of 27 H. pylori gastritis cases (Group 1) and 50 eyes of 25 gastritis without H. pylori cases (Group 2), as confirmed by an endoscopic biopsy. The mean subfoveal, submacular, and peripapillary CT, RNFL thickness, and GCL+IPL complex thickness was measured using spectral domain optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: The mean subfoveal CT values were significantly higher in Group 1 compared with Group 2 (p=0.042). The mean submacular CT and peripapillary CT measurements of the eyes in Group 1 was greater than that of Group 2, but the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). There was also no statistically significant difference between the GCL+IPL complex or RNFL thickness values of the groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: H. pylori is a common gastrointestinal infectious agent with asymptomatic carriers in the population. The role of this agent in ocular pathologies in adult patients has been the subject of many recent studies, but secondary ocular findings in patients with H. pylori gastritis in childhood have not yet been investigated. The results of this study showed that the subfoveal CT value was significantly greater in children with H. pylori gastritis.

Changes in the Macular Ganglion Cell Complex Thickness and Central Macular Thickness after Argon Laser Panretinal Photocoagulation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the changes in the macular ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness and central macular thickness (CMT) as measured by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) post-argon laser panretinal photocoagulation (PRP). METHODS: The medical records of 25 patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) who underwent PRP, 29 patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), and 29 patients with diabetes but without diabetic retinopathy (DR) were analyzed. The patients who received PRP were followed up for one year. The follow-up measurements were evaluated at baseline, and months 1, 6, and 12 post-argon laser PRP. The baseline values of CMT and GCC thickness were compared among the groups to assess changes with PRP therapy. RESULTS: The CMT gradually increased in months 1 and 6 and then decreased; however, it was significantly higher than the baseline value at month 12 in the PDR group post-PRP. The GCC thickness also increased at months 1 and 6 in almost all segments of the macula, but at month 12 decreased to the baseline value. There was no correlation between the increasing thickness of the macula and change in the GCC thickness post-PRP period in the PDR group. In addition, no significant correlation was detected between the GCC thickness and best-corrected visual acuity during all follow-up visits. CONCLUSIONS: GCC thickness increased significantly until month 6 compared with baseline values in most of the macular segments post-PRP in the PDR group. The GCC thickness at month 12 was not different from the baseline thickness in any of the macular segments.

Correlation of Ocular Pulse Amplitude, Choroidal Thickness, and Internal Carotid Artery Doppler Ultrasound Findings in Normal Eyes.

INTRODUCTION: The choroid receives about 65-85% of ocular blood flow, which comes from the ophthalmic artery (OA), the first branch of the internal carotid artery (ICA). In the foveal avascular zone, there is no retinal vascular supply; therefore, choroidal blood supply plays a significant role in this subfoveal region. The ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) provides useful information about intraocular blood flow and is an indirect indicator of choroidal perfusion. In this study, we aimed to assess the correlation between the OPA, subfoveal choroidal thickness (CT), and ICA Doppler ultrasound findings in healthy eyes. METHODS: In total, 48 eyes of 48 healthy volunteers were included in this study. All eyes underwent detailed ophthalmic evaluation, including slit-lamp biomicroscopy, fundus examination, axial length, OPA measurements, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) with enhanced depth imaging mode. Carotid Doppler ultrasound examination was performed by the radiologist. The correlation between the OPA, subfoveal CT, and ICA Doppler findings [peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end-diastolic velocity (EDV)] were evaluated, considering gender and age. RESULTS: The mean OPA was 3.06 ± 1.34 mmHg. The mean subfoveal CT was 305.85 ± 33.98 µm. The mean PSV and EDV of ICA were 73.25 ± 23.63 cm/s and 26.93 ± 13.42 cm/s, respectively. A moderate positive correlation was found between OPA and subfoveal CT (p = 0.001; rho = 0.481). This relationship was present in both men and women. While a positive correlation was found between the OPA and subfoveal CT in subjects under the age of 50 years, there was no correlation in those over the age of 50 years. CONCLUSIONS: A fair correlation was found between the OPA and subfoveal CT in healthy subjects under the age of 50.

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Endophthalmitis after cataract extraction.

PURPOSE: To report the clinical course, treatment response, and prognosis of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia endophthalmitis following cataract extraction. METHODS: The clinical records of six cases of S. maltophilia endophthalmitis after cataract extraction were retrospectively reviewed. Data were collected for surgical characteristics, disease course, culture growth, antibiotic sensitivity of the pathogen, response to treatment, and final visual acuity. RESULTS: Four patients underwent uncomplicated cataract extraction with phacoemulsification (PHACO) and intracapsular intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. One case was complicated by inadvertent posterior capsular tear during PHACO and IOL implantation. One patient underwent a combined extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) with IOL implantation and trabeculectomy, but vitrectomy was also performed because of cortical material loss into the vitreous cavity after a capsular tear. Symptoms began between postoperative days 1 and 19. All patients underwent a vitreous tap and intravitreal injections of antibiotics. Medical therapy alone was sufficient in five patients to treat the infection. One patient had four episodes of recurrence. Pars plana vitrectomy with subsequent capsulectomy and IOL extraction were performed in this patient to complete remission. CONCLUSION: S. maltophilia should be considered a pathogenic organism possibly causing endophthalmitis after PHACO+IOL implantation. The clinical picture resembles acute bacterial endophthalmitis. When the pathogen has settled in the capsular bag, the infection may persist and become refractory to medical treatment.

Plasma homocysteine levels and vitamin B status in patients with Pseudoexfoliation syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine and compare the plasma levels of homocysteine and vitamin B (B6, B12 and folate) in patients with Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEXS), pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEXG), retinal vein occlusion with pseudoexfoliation (PEX+RVO) and in normal individuals. METHODS: The current study was conducted in the Third Eye Clinic, Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital, Turkey, between August 2004 and February 2005. Twenty cases with PEXS (Group 1), 20 cases with PEXG (Group 2), 16 cases with PEX+RVO (central or branch retinal vein occlusion) (Group 3) and 20 normal individuals (control group) were included in the study. Those who use vitamin supplements or drugs affecting the plasma homocysteine levels were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Plasma homocysteine levels were 17.6+/-4.4 mmol/l in Group 1, 18.5+/-4.5 mmol/l in Group 2, 22.2+/-6.0 mmol/l in Group 3, and 14.0+/-3.1 mmol/l in the control group. It was highest in Group 3 (p<0.001). The ratio of hyperhomocysteinemia was calculated as 35% (Group 1), 45% (Group 2), 68.7% (Groups 3) and 15% (control). These values were statistically higher in the groups with PEXS than in the control group (p=0.009). We did not find any statistically significant difference between the groups with respect to the levels of vitamin B6 and B12 (p>0.05), but the level of folate was lowest in Group 3 (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for thromboembolic vasculopathy in patients with PEXS and PEXG. Therefore, vitamin B supplementation should be considered in these patients when hyperhomocysteinemia is detected.

Causes of uveitis in a referral hospital in Ankara, Turkey.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the etiology of uveitis and its associated systemic findings in a referral hospital in Ankara, Turkey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical records of patients in our uveitis department were reviewed retrospectively and 419 eyes of 300 consecutive patients were included in the study. Cases of uveitis due to postoperative endophthalmitis, perforating injuries, and foreign bodies were excluded from the study. The data, including sex, age, clinical presentation, disease course and outcome, ocular involvement, etiology, and associated systemic findings, were entered into a computer database. Pearson chi-square statistical analysis was performed to analyze the data whenever necessary. RESULTS: The study subjects consisted of 162 males and 138 females, with a female to male ratio of 1:1.17 and an average age of 35.7 years. Anterior uveitis was the most common form of uveitis with 43.6%, followed by posterior uveitis (26.6%), panuveitis (20.6%), and intermediate uveitis (9%). Idiopathic uveitis (28.3%) was the most frequent cause of uveitis diagnosed, followed by Behçet's disease (26%) and rheumatic diseases (9%). In 215 (71.7%) out of 300 patients, a specific cause of uveitis with associated systemic findings was identified. Uveitis was attributed to an infectious etiology in only 41 patients (13.6%) of the entire study population. COMMENTS: The etiology of uveitis and its associated systemic findings may vary depending on the geographic distribution of patients and local factors. These results represent those of patients with uveitis referred to hospitals in central Anatolia.

Unilateral sequential papillophlebitis and central retinal artery occlusion in a young healthy patient.

A 23-year-old girl presented to the clinic with metamorphopsia and photopsia in her left eye. After detailed ophthalmic examination, central retinal vein occlusion with optic disc edema was detected in that eye. Three days after diagnosis, the patient returned to our clinic with visual acuity decrease. Central retinal artery occlusion sparing cilioretinal artery was detected. All the laboratory tests were normal except for heterozygous methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase mutation (A1298C genotypes) and an indefinite Lyme disease seropositivity. Symptoms and visual disturbance recovered without any further treatment other than acetylsalicylic acid for prophylaxis.

Characteristics of sixty myopic eyes with pre-laser in situ keratomileusis retinal examination and post-laser in situ keratomileusis retinal lesions.

PURPOSE: A survey of eyes with pre-laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) retinal examinations and characteristics of post-LASIK retinal breaks and retinal detachments (RDs). METHODS: A survey of worldwide vitreoretinal surgeons (424 physicians). Surveyed information included demographics, best-corrected visual acuity, degree of myopia, pre- and post-LASIK retinal findings, follow-up time, and treatment outcome. RESULTS: Sixty eyes with pre-LASIK retinal examinations developed post-LASIK retinal breaks and RDs. There was an average of 2.3 breaks per eye, yielding a total of 140 breaks in the 60 eyes. Forty eyes also had RDs besides the retinal breaks. Large percentages of eyes had substantial myopia (mean myopia, -9.5 +/- 5.8 diopters [D]) and complex vitreoretinal complications. Forty percent developed vitreoretinal complications within 6 months after LASIK. The 20 eyes that developed more extensive RDs (>3 clock hours) had a significantly higher mean myopia than did the 6 eyes that developed limited RD (< or = 3 clock hours) within 12 months after LASIK (-8.92 +/- 6.82 D versus -3.50 +/- 1.97 D, P = 0.03). There were significant statistical differences in distribution of retinal breaks and tears between the temporal and nasal quadrants (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively, chi2, but not between the superior and inferior quadrants. CONCLUSION: Distributions of retinal breaks in this study were comparable with results found in non-LASIK eyes in young myopes. Treatment for post-LASIK vitreoretinal complications was highly successful. The vulnerability of such highly myopic eyes for vitreoretinal complications warrants their close monitoring.