Acute visual loss and chorioretinal infarction after photodynamic therapy combined with intravitreal triamcinolone.

PURPOSE: To report acute visual loss associated with dynamic vascular changes after photodynamic therapy (PDT) combined with intravitreal triamcinolone (IVTA) for the treatment of occult choroidal neovascularization (CNV). METHODS: An 86-year-old woman complained of visual loss in her left eye. Angiographic examination showed a serous pigment epithelium detachment complicated by CNV. She underwent combined treatment with IVTA (4 mg) followed by standard verteporfin PDT administered after a 5-day interval. RESULTS: The patient developed vision loss 1 day after PDT. Ophthalmoscopic examination disclosed an acute serous neurosensory retinal detachment. Fluorescein angiography showed a large area of early hypofluorescence in correspondence to and extending beyond the photodynamic spot. Neurosensory retinal vessels involvement with dilation of the retinal arterioles and capillary nonperfusion were also revealed. Indocyanine green angiography showed choroidal infarction within the collateral choroid included in the area of light exposure, with associated nonperfusion of medium and large choroidal vessels being revealed. Five days after PDT, spontaneous severe bleeding with breakthrough into the vitreous occurred, in addition to an RPE tear. CONCLUSIONS: Acute loss of vision associated with vascular changes in retinal and choroidal circulation represents an uncommon but serious complication following combined PDT and IVTA. These risks should be carefully considered in combination therapies.

Is there any relationship between photodynamic therapy for exudative age-related macular degeneration and choroidal neovascolarization recurrence? A rationale for combined treatments.

PURPOSE: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is the treatment of choice for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). Interpretation of PDT mechanism of action is not yet fully understood and causes of CNV recurrences are unclear. The authors have conducted a retrospective analysis of fluorescein and indocyanine green angiographies in patients treated with multiple PDT in order to identify risk factors for recurrence. METHODS: A total of 342 eyes of 342 patients (207 women and 135 men) with ARMD and subfoveal CNV were treated with at least two PDT. Angiographic (fluorescein and indocyanine green) features of recurrences were confronted to pretreatment examinations in all patients. RESULTS: Post-PDT angiographies showed in all eyes a dark circle corresponding to the laser spot even 1 year after treatment. Persistence or progressive regrowth of CNV developed in an area adjacent or corresponding to the original lesion, without any specific relationship with the location of fluorescein and indocyanine green late leakage or with presence of abnormal fluorescence due to pigment abnormalities. At the 3-month angiographic follow-up, 23 patients (6.7%) showed a recurrent CNV resembling shape and dimension of the laser spot used for the PDT treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The authors failed to identify angiographic signs helpful to predict the risk of CNV persistence or recurrence. PDT leaves minor but persistent changes in the choroidal vasculature within the treatment area. In some cases, the recurrent CNV seems to be related to the laser spot of the PDT.

Quality of vision: A consensus building initiative for a new ophthalmologic concept.

PURPOSE: Many studies have addressed the quantification of visual acuity, and the conventional method of measuring it has so far demonstrated serious limitations. Vision testing requires new methods that can more precisely express the quality of vision as perceived by the patient. METHODS: This study employed the Delphi method of consensus building. Concepts associated with quality of vision (QoV) were identified by a board of experts and proposed to participating specialists in two subsequent questionnaires. Upon receipt of the completed questionnaires, the replies were classified to determine the building blocks of a consensus. RESULTS: By analyzing the replies to the two questionnaires, the authors determined the key elements of QoV on which a consensus was found among the respondents. CONCLUSIONS: A consensus was reached on the opinion that the quantification of visual acuity by traditional means is inadequate for investigating QoV. Although visual acuity is still a basic element for testing, the experts believe that contrast sensitivity, reading speed, and microperimetry are additional parameters necessary for quantifying QoV. The use of a psychometric questionnaire on visual function could allow a better interpretation of visual impairment.

Fine needle aspiration biopsy in ophthalmology.

When noninvasive techniques fail to confirm or rule out the suspicion of a malignant lesion, fine needle aspiration biopsy may provide an efficient, economical and relatively safe method of obtaining material for cytological study. The technique may also be valuable for intraoperative morphological evaluation. Traumatic complications produced by fine (21-25 gauge) needles are infrequent and almost never serious, and concerns about tumor seeding through the procedure have been largely dispelled by recent studies. Reliable results require a high level of skill in performing the aspiration procedure and in cytologically examining the small amount of material obtained. The authors review the history, applications, techniques and complications of fine needle aspiration biopsy, presenting guidelines for and illustrations of its use in specific ophthalmic situations.

[Sorsby's pseudo-inflammatory macular dystrophy: laser treatment]. / Dystrophie maculaire pseudo-inflammatoire de Sorsby: essai de traitement par le laser.

In 1949, Sorsby described a familial fundus disease with progressive visual loss and bilateral hemorrhages and exudates of the posterior pole. The dystrophy, whose inheritance was apparently autosomal dominant, was called pseudo-inflammatory macular dystrophy because of extensive macular lesions that could suggest a post-inflammatory change. The ophthalmoscopic signs include the presence of diffuse drusen-like deposits with extensive changes of retinal pigment epithelium and focal atrophy of the choriocapillaris, particularly in the posterior pole. Some eyes grow subretinal neovascularization, which appears associated to retinal edema, deep hemorrhages and hard exudates. These cases ultimately result in a disciform macular scar. Atrophy of peripheral fundus is typical of advanced stages. We present the case of three sisters whose fundus lesions resembled Sorsby's pseudo-inflammatory macular dystrophy. In two of them, where there was a great suspicion of macular subretinal neovascularization, the laser treatment seemed to positively condition the course of the disease. In our opinion, even though a generalized atrophy of the choroid and retina cannot probably be avoidable, laser treatment can delay the loss of central vision, by blocking the capillaries from leaking, thus preventing secondary destruction from bleeding and fibrosis.

HIV-1-mediated delivery of a short hairpin RNA targeting vascular endothelial growth factor in human retinal pigment epithelium cells.

BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been shown to play a major role in the pathological neovascularisation that occurs in degenerative retinal diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Although several approaches to attenuate VEGF show significant promise, repeated treatments are required to achieve therapeutic benefits. As lentiviruses efficiently and stably infect resting cells, a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-based vector was used for the delivery and long-term endogenous expression of a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) specific for VEGF in postmitotic human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. METHODS: An HIV-1 vector expressing a shRNA targeting VEGF was developed and adopted to transduce RPE cell cultures, in both normoxic and hypoxic conditions in vitro. Intracellular VEGF expression was analysed by western blotting, and the release of VEGF in culture supernatants was determined by ELISA. RESULTS: At least 90% of RPE cells were successfully transduced by HIV-1 virions. Inhibition of VEGF expression and reduction by 95% of VEGF release in transduced cells were achieved. Moreover, shRNA-VEGF effectively and specifically prevented hypoxia-induced VEGF upregulation. CONCLUSION: HIV-1-mediated delivery of a shRNA-VEGF leading to gene expression knockdown could represent a novel therapeutic strategy against neovascularisation-related eye diseases.

Variable outcome of photodynamic therapy for choroidal neovascularization associated with choroidal nevus.

PURPOSE: To report five cases of classic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with choroidal nevus treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin. METHODS: The patients underwent an ophthalmologic evaluation, including fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography. Clinical and angiographic data were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate visual acuity outcomes and both clinical evolution and angiographic evolution. RESULTS: Two patients presented with subfoveal CNV, and three had juxtafoveal CNV. The mean follow-up was 25.8 months. Visual outcomes were extremely variable. Indeed, best-corrected visual acuity decreased in three eyes, stabilized in one case, and improved in the other case. The number of PDT sessions necessary to obtain CNV stabilization with cessation of fluorescein leakage varied from one to six. CONCLUSION: Bearing in mind that both the natural history and the post-PDT outcome may be extremely variable, further studies are needed to assess the real benefit of PDT for classic CNV secondary to choroidal nevus.

Fluorescein angiography of the optic nerve head: normal aspects.

The fluorescein angiographic characteristics of the optic nerve head are described. Strictly related to the angioarchitecture of the optic nerve head, an explanation of each angiographic phases is given. The Author discusses the permeability features to the dye of the different structures of the disc.

Fluorescein angiography of the optic nerve head in the elderly.

Interpretation of fluorescein angiography of the optic nerve head is somewhat difficult due to its peculiar vasculature. Three early phases can commonly be observed: 1) retrolaminar and prelaminar filling; 2) prelaminar filling; 3) superficial capillary filling. The authors describe the characteristics of the fluorescein angiography of norman optic nerve hed in the elderly. The interpretation of these signs is also discussed.

Presumed ocular histoplasmosis in Europe: a case report.

A case of presumed ocular histoplasmosis was diagnosed in a diabetic patient, and an angiographic study of the ocular lesions was carried out. Results of histoplasmin skin test and the specific complement fixation test were negative. The epidemiologic aspects of histoplasmosis in Europe are considered.

The role of fluorescein angiography in the interpretation of optic nerve head diseases.

In normal individuals fluorescein angiography of the optic nerve head has some peculiar signs. Three early phases can be distinguished, they include: 1) retrolaminar and laminar filling, 2) prelaminar filling, 3) superficial capillary filling. A late staining is also part of the fluorescein angiography of a normal disc. Many optic nerve disturbances show changes of the above mentioned angiographic signs. The Authors discuss the fluorescein angiographic pattern of 1) anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, 2) central retinal vein occlusion, 3) papilledema and 4) drusen.

Correlation between retinal pigment epitheliitis and central serous chorioretinopathy.

A 37-year-old woman had sudden blurred vision in her right eye due to multifocal disturbances of the macular retinal pigment epithelium. Fluorescein angiography showed multiple pigment epithelial window defects with minimal late hyperfluorescence. The course of the disease, interpreted as retinal pigment epitheliitis, was complicated by a central serous chorioretinopathy. The possible relation between the two entities is discussed.

Unusual thrombotic-like retinopathy (Coats' disease) associated with congenital plasminogen deficiency type I.

A new kindred with heterozygous plasminogen deficiency type I is described. The proband, a 17-year-old male, showed a peculiar thrombotic-like retinal picture compatible with Coats' disease. Extensive coagulation studies revealed decreased levels of both plasminogen activity and antigen to about 50% of normal values. Five out of 13 family members from the paternal side showed the same fibrinolytic defect. In two cases, a history of recurrent phlebites of the lower limbs was present. One unaffected patient also had a superficial phlebites at a young age; her plasminogen levels were shown to be within normal limits, but a long-standing oestroprogestinic intake could have influenced and normalized the results. No other family member showed retinal abnormality. This is the first case of hypoplasminogenaemia associated with Coats' disease. A possible role of the fibrinolytic defect in the pathogenesis of this unusual retinopathy is suggested. Finally, the occurrence of thrombotic manifestations in other affected family members supports the opinion that plasminogen deficiency should be considered as a potential risk factor for thrombosis.

The epidemiology and prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in the Veneto region of north east Italy. Veneto Group for Diabetic Retinopathy.

The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and its relationship to a number of risk factors were examined in a population-based study in the Veneto region of North East Italy. Of 1321 diabetic patients selected, 98% attended for examination. Prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was 26.2% (24.4% background and 1.8% proliferative). The prevalence of retinopathy was significantly related (p less than 0.01) to the duration of diabetes (17.3% for less than 5 years; 60.8% for greater than 20 years). Proliferative retinopathy was much more prevalent after 20 years of diabetes. After 10 years most proliferative retinopathy was found in Type 1 diabetic patients, but before 10 years from diagnosis it was most prevalent in Type 2 diabetes. The prevalence of retinopathy was significantly related (p less than 0.001) to the type of diabetes and was found predominantly in Type 1 (46.2%) and insulin-treated Type 2 (45.9%) subjects and to a lesser degree in non-insulin-treated patients (24.6%). The prevalence of retinopathy was significantly related to both fasting and post-prandial blood glucose levels (p less than 0.001), blood urea nitrogen (p less than 0.05), and systolic (p less than 0.001) and diastolic (p less than 0.01) blood pressure. No significant differences were found in the prevalence of total or proliferative retinopathy between males and females. No significant relationships were found with family history of diabetes, alcohol intake, smoking habits, cholesterol, triglycerides, and serum uric acid.

The effect of external eye irradiation on choroidal circulation.

BACKGROUND: The effect of external beam radiation therapy (teletherapy) on the choroidal circulation is poorly known. Eyes irradiated with teletherapy represent a good model to study, without confounding factors, the pathophysiologic and clinical aspects of radiation-induced chorioretinal damage. This study used fluorescein and indocyanine green choroidal angiography to investigate the late effects of external eye irradiation on the choroidal circulation. METHODS: Fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green choroidal videoangiography were performed on patients with radiation retinopathy because of external eye irradiation for orbital and paranasal sinus malignancies. Patients were divided into two groups according to the treatment field (anterior unilateral or bilateral). RESULTS: Indocyanine green angiograms showed areas of choriocapillaris hypoperfusion in all eyes-unilateral or bilateral irradiation-affected by radiation retinopathy. Late indocyanine green choroidal staining was found in five eyes (28%) of the patients who received unilateral anterior irradiation. In the same group, nine eyes (52%) had signs of choroidal precapillary occlusion and four eyes (23%) had rubeosis iridis without retinal neovascularization. One case of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization was documented in the bilateral irradiation group. CONCLUSIONS: Radiation side effects are not limited to the retinal vessels but also involve choroidal circulation. The damage to the choroid is primarily vascular, and its clinical aspects depend on the treatment fields. Anterior irradiation may be a critical factor for the appearance of unusual rubeosis iridis and neovascular glaucoma.

Retinopathy following radiation therapy of paranasal sinus and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Radiation retinopathy is a complication of the therapeutic irradiation of orbital and periorbital structures. The authors studied two groups of patients who had orbital (group 1) and periorbital (group 2) external irradiation. Radiation retinopathy occurred in 63.6% of patients in group 1 and 36.3% group 2. Retinal radiation damage showed a different clinical evaluation in the two groups, appearing earlier (mean, 11 versus 55 months) and with greater involvement of the peripheral retina in group 1 (with three cases of neovascular glaucoma). This study demonstrates that radiation retinopathy occurs in a significant number of cases when the eye is not totally involved in the irradiation field and shows at least two different clinical aspects in relation to the radiation treatment. It also suggests that portal design and choroidal circulation damage may represent important factors in the development of radiation retinopathy.

Fibrinolytic behavior in long-standing branch retinal vein occlusion.

The aim of our study was to evaluate the fibrinolytic system in patients with retinal branch vein occlusion (RVO). The following tests were carried out: prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time (PTT), fibrinogen degradation products, euglobulin lysis time, fibrinogen, pasminogen, antithrombin III, alpha 2-antiplasmin and alpha 2-macroglobulin. Comparing the results of patients with those of normal controls, only the fibrinogen increase and PTT shortening were significantly different. All other tests taken into account were within normal limits. Only the patients without other associated diseases (diabetes or hypertension) showed a significant activation of fibrinolysis (either with respect to normal or to other RVO patient groups). In conclusion, no important fibrinolytic impairment was seen in our longstanding RVO patients. Fibrinolytic activation seen in patients without verified associated diseases may be related to the presence of a sound endothelium, still able to release plasminogen activators in response to RVO. The fibrinogen and PTT changes in RVO were probably due to other associated diseases.