Retrospective case series of high-density silicone oil (Oxane HD) in severe proliferative vitreorretinal retinal detachment patients.

BACKGROUND: Describe complications and clinical outcomes of heavy silicone oil (HSO) Oxane HD® use as an alternative to overcome the challenges of performing vitrectomy to treat tractional and rhegmatogenous retinal detachments with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). METHODS: A retrospective, observational study was performed on patients from one center from August 2014 to Aug 2023. It was included patients who underwent surgery using HSO Oxane HD® to treat rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with PVR or mixed tractional and rhegmatogenous diabetic retinal detachment. Severely ill patients who could not attend to follow up were excluded. The primary outcome was successful retinal attachment at first postoperative month. A descriptive analysis was performed. RESULTS: Among the 31 patients, 29 (93.5%) underwent surgeries due to rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and two (6.5%) for diabetic retinal detachment. The primary anatomic success was achieved in 27 (87.1%) patients. At the final visit, 17 (56.6%) had vision better than 20/400 (range, 20/30 to light perception). The vision was stable or improved in 22 (76.8%) patients at the end of follow-up. Nineteen (61.3%) patients required hypotensive eye drops after HSO use and twelve (38.7%) still required hypotensive eye drops at the final follow-up; three (9.7%) patients required additional glaucoma surgeries. CONCLUSIONS: HSO is safe and useful for complex retinal detachments cases specially with inferior tears and PVR. Ocular hypertension is frequent and usually clinically controlled with hypotensive eyedrops. Close postoperatively follow-up is advised due to the ocular complications, particularly elevated intraocular pressure and emulsification.

TRANSPLANTATION OF SUBRETINAL STEM CELL-DERIVED RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIUM FOR STARGARDT DISEASE: A Phase I Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To assess the safety of injecting human embryonic stem cell retinal pigment epithelial cell dose to treat Stargardt disease. METHODS: In this prospective, Phase I clinical trial, human embryonic stem cell retinal pigment epithelial cells in suspension were injected into the subretinal space in eyes with the worse best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). After vitrectomy/posterior hyaloid removal, a partial retinal detachment was created and the human embryonic stem cell retinal pigment epithelial cells were administered. Phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation was performed in eyes with lens opacity. All procedures were optical coherence tomography-guided. The 12-month follow-up included retinal imaging, optical coherence tomography, visual field/electrophysiologic testing, and systemic evaluation. The main outcome was the absence of ocular/systemic inflammation or rejection, tumor formation, or toxicity during follow-up. RESULTS: The mean baseline BCVAs in the phacoemulsification and no phacoemulsification groups were similar (1.950 ± 0.446 and 1.575 ± 0.303, respectively). One year postoperatively, treated eyes showed a nonsignificant increase in BCVA. No adverse effects occurred during follow-up. Intraoperative optical coherence tomography was important for guiding all procedures. CONCLUSION: This surgical procedure was feasible and safe without cellular migration, rejection, inflammation, or development of ocular or systemic tumors during follow-up.

Ocular inflammation after agitation of siliconized and silicone oil-free syringes: a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Noninfectious endophthalmitis may be misdiagnosed, leading to serious clinical implications. So far, its causative factors remain unknown. Therefore, this study assessed the role of silicone oil and syringe agitation in the development of inflammation after intravitreal injection of aflibercept. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial included subjects with an indication of intravitreal antiangiogenic therapy prior to vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Aflibercept was injected 48 h before surgery. The control group received the injection without agitation, while the intervention group was injected with a previously agitated syringe by flicking with either a siliconized or silicone oil-free syringe. The primary endpoint was the presence of anterior chamber reaction (ACR) at 48 h. Aqueous samples were collected and underwent cytometric bead array analysis for quantification of interleukins and chemokines. RESULTS: Forty-one individuals were included (21 in the agitation group and 20 in the no-agitation group). None of the included eyes showed baseline signs of AC cells, hyperemia or pain complaint, while 10% of control group and 80% of agitation group showed AC cells 48 h after injection of aflibercept with SR syringe. There were no differences in the mean variations of all cytokines and chemokines by agitation status. However, there was a marginally significant increase between the mean variations of IP-10 (p = 0.057) and IL-8 (p = 0.058) in the siliconized one. CONCLUSION: This clinical trial discloses a potential role of agitation and siliconized syringes in the development of inflammation after an intravitreal injection of aflibercept. These findings have important clinical implications for all healthcare practitioners who perform intravitreal injections. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials, RBR-95ddhp. Registered 12 May 2019, http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-95ddhp/.

Effect of steroid eyedrops after trabeculectomy in glaucoma patients: a keratograph analysis / Efeito de colirios esteróides pré-operatório em pacientes com glaucoma: análise com keratograph

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the use of preoperative steroid eyedrops in glaucoma patients undergoing trabeculectomy for ocular surface disease. Methods: A total of 31 eyes of 31 glaucoma patients were included. Only glaucoma patients who had been using at least three topical intraocular pressure-lowering medications for longer than 6 months were included. All patients were treated with loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension 0.5% four times per day for 1 week before trabeculectomy. Data from baseline (day of surgery) and the follow-up visit (2 weeks after surgery) were included. All patients underwent a detailed ophthalmologic examination. Ocular surface disease was evaluated using the Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire and clinical measures, including tear breakup time, conjunctival hyperemia, and biomicroscopy to detect the presence or absence of keratitis. Ocular Surface Disease Index scores greater than 13 indicated a clinically relevant presence of ocular surface disease. In addition, all patients underwent keratograph analysis. The comparison of ocular surface disease before and after trabeculectomy was assessed using a paired test. Results: The mean age of the glaucoma patients was 69.90 ± 10.77 years. The average visual acuity was 0.40 ± 0.34 logMAR. The overall Ocular Surface Disease Index prevalence rate was 27.20 ± 17.56 units. Clinical assessment revealed no significant difference in bulbar redness, breakup time, or keratitis before and after surgery (p>0.05 for all comparisons). Keratograph analysis showed that the only two parameters that were significantly different before and after trabeculectomy ewere the bulbar redness by keratograph (BR-K) and the average noninvasive tear breakup time. Patients presented more conjunctival hyperemia and shorter noninvasive tear breakup time after trabeculectomy as compared with before surgery (p=0.013 and p=0.041, respectively). Conclusions: The present study not only confirms the high prevalence of clinical findings of ocular surface disease in glaucoma patients but also reveals new objective parameters measured by keratograph analysis. Apart from using loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension 0.5% 1 week before the surgery, our sample presented a worsening of conjunctival hyperemia (bulbar redness by keratograph) and also a shorter noninvasive tear breakup time postoperatively.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar a ação de colírios esteróides na doença de superfície ocular em pacientes a serem submetidos a cirurgia de trabeculectomia. Métodos: Foram incluídos 31 olhos de 31 pacientes com glaucoma em uso de pelo menos 3 medicações tópicas anti- hipertensivas há mais de 6 meses. Todos os pacientes foram tratados com colírio de etabonato de loteprednol 0,5% (1 gota a cada 6 horas) durante os 7 dias precedentes à cirurgia de trabeculectomia. Além disso, foram submetidos a exame oftalmológico completo e responderam questionário validado que visa avaliar parâmetros subjetivos correlacionados a doenças da superfície ocular (Ocular Surface Disease Index). Os aspectos clínicos avaliados foram: tempo de ruptura lacrimal, coloração da córnea após colírio de fluoresceína (ceratite) e hiperemia conjuntival. Os pacientes foram, ainda, submetidos à análise da superfície ocular através de novo software tecnológico denominado "Keratographic", tecnologia não invasiva que permite avaliar a doença da superfície ocular. A comparação da doença de superfície ocular antes e após a trabeculectomia foi avaliada estatisticamente através do teste pareado. Resultados: A média de idade dos participantes foi de 69,90 ± 10,77 anos. A AV média foi de 0,40 ± 0,34 logMAR. A taxa de prevalência global da Ocular Surface Disease Index foi de 27,20 ± 17,56 unidades. Em relação à avaliação clínica, não houve diferença significativa em relação hiperemia, ruptura lacrimal e ceratite antes e após a cirurgia (p>0,05 para todas as comparações). Em relação à análise com o "keratograph (menisco lacrimal, hiperemia, tempo de ruptura do filme lacrimal, meibografia para a pálpebra superior e inferior), os dois únicos parâmetros que diferiram significativamente antes e após a trabeculectomia, foram hiperemia e a média do tempo de rupture do filme lacrimal. Após a cirurgia de trabeculectomia, os pacientes apresentaram aumento da hiperemia conjuntival e diminuição do tempo de ruptura do filme lacrimal (p=0,013 e p=0,041, respectivamente). Conclusões: O presente estudo, não somente confirma a elevada prevalência da doença de superfície ocular em pacientes com glaucoma, como também demonstra que a mesma pode ser mensurada objetivamente através de parâmetros mensurados pelo Keratograph. Apesar de ter utilizado etabonato de loteprednol 0,5% uma semana antes da cirurgia, nossa amostra apresentou piora da hiperemia conjuntival e diminuição no tempo de ruptura do filme lacrimal no pós-operatório.

Hyperviscosity Retinopathy and Immunogammopathy Maculopahy as New Onset of Multiple Myeloma.

The purpose is to report a case of immunogammopathy maculopathy and hyperviscosity retinopathy as the presenting feature of new-onset multiple myeloma (MM) in an otherwise healthy man. A 50-years-old man presented with painless visual changes in both eyes for 2 months. Ocular examination revealed bilateral CRVO-like associated with macular edema (ME) and an inferior serous detachment. Hematologic investigation revealed an increased percentage of plasma cells in the bone marrow, reaching the diagnosis of MM IgM/kappa. Clinical support and chemotherapy effectively improved ocular alterations, despite the residual ME. Injection of triamcinolone was carried out, without any response. Bilateral vision reduction with hyperviscosity syndrome-related retinopathy and immunogammopathy maculopathy was the first manifestation of an underlying systemic and potentially fatal disease. This case highlights the need for diligent and thorough investigations for less common systemic conditions associated with retinal vein occlusions.

Obstructive sleep apnea and the retina: a review.

CITATION: This review's objective was to synthesize the literature on the repercussions of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in the retinal vascular system. Two independent investigators conducted a search using the MEDLINE/PubMed database using the following terms: sleep apnea syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, retina, vascular tortuosity, central serous chorioretinopathy, diabetes mellitus, and subfoveal choroidal thickness. Patients with OSA present increased vascular tortuosity compared with patients without OSA, decreased parafoveal and peripapillary vessel density, and increased retinal vein occlusion incidence. In central serous chorioretinopathy patients and patients who are poor responders to intravitreal anti-VEGF (-vascular endothelial growth factor) treatment for macular edema, OSA is more frequent. Macular choroidal thickness alterations are controversial, and OSA may worsen diabetic maculopathy, thus being a risk factor for diabetic retinopathy, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and macular edema. OSA is a prevalent syndrome with many systemic vascular changes. The retina and choroid are the most affected ocular structures, with primarily vascular changes. New noninvasive technologies such as optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography could help to better understand retinal structures and help clarify the ophthalmological repercussions of OSA. CITATION: Nakayama LF, Tempaku PF, Bergamo VC, et al. Obstructive sleep apnea and the retina: a review. J Clin Sleep Med. 2021;17(9):1947-1952.

Necrotizing Streptococcus pyogenes Infiltrating Conjunctiva and Tenon's Capsule: A Case Report.

We report a case of a patient with necrotizing infection of the conjunctiva and Tenon's capsule caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, a rare and atypical ophthalmologic condition. A 50-years-old male patient with acute red-eye, purulent discharge, and pain diagnosed with post-septal cellulitis presented with a yellowish and dense membrane covering the ocular surface with necrotic Tenon's capsule. Patient was hospitalized, and intravenous antibiotics were initiated (ceftriaxone and clindamycin). Topical antibiotics and corticosteroids were also administered, and the infection was eradicated in 2 weeks. Ancillary exams excluded rheumatologic involvement. Conjunctival culture confirmed Streptococcus pyogenes growth. Tenon's biopsy revealed unspecific acute inflammatory necrosis. This is an uncommon condition in daily ophthalmological clinic. Literature review reported 3 cases associated with previous ocular surgery.

Effect of steroid eyedrops after trabeculectomy in glaucoma patients: a keratograph analysis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the use of preoperative steroid eyedrops in glaucoma patients undergoing trabeculectomy for ocular surface disease. METHODS: A total of 31 eyes of 31 glaucoma patients were included. Only glaucoma patients who had been using at least three topical intraocular pressure-lowering medications for longer than 6 months were included. All patients were treated with loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension 0.5% four times per day for 1 week before trabeculectomy. Data from baseline (day of surgery) and the follow-up visit (2 weeks after surgery) were included. All patients underwent a detailed ophthalmologic examination. Ocular surface disease was evaluated using the Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire and clinical measures, including tear breakup time, conjunctival hyperemia, and biomicroscopy to detect the presence or absence of keratitis. Ocular Surface Disease Index scores greater than 13 indicated a clinically relevant presence of ocular surface disease. In addition, all patients underwent keratograph analysis. The comparison of ocular surface disease before and after trabeculectomy was assessed using a paired test. RESULTS: The mean age of the glaucoma patients was 69.90 ± 10.77 years. The average visual acuity was 0.40 ± 0.34 logMAR. The overall Ocular Surface Disease Index prevalence rate was 27.20 ± 17.56 units. Clinical assessment revealed no significant difference in bulbar redness, breakup time, or keratitis before and after surgery (p>0.05 for all comparisons). Keratograph analysis showed that the only two parameters that were significantly different before and after trabeculectomy ewere the bulbar redness by keratograph (BR-K) and the average noninvasive tear breakup time. Patients presented more conjunctival hyperemia and shorter noninvasive tear breakup time after trabeculectomy as compared with before surgery (p=0.013 and p=0.041, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The present study not only confirms the high prevalence of clinical findings of ocular surface disease in glaucoma patients but also reveals new objective parameters measured by keratograph analysis. Apart from using loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension 0.5% 1 week before the surgery, our sample presented a worsening of conjunctival hyperemia (bulbar redness by keratograph) and also a shorter noninvasive tear breakup time postoperatively.

Analysis of Cochrane Systematic Reviews about retinopathy of prematurity / Análise das Revisões Sistemáticas da Cochrane sobre retinopatia da prematuridade

ABSTRACT Background: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vasoproliferative retinal disorder that affects extremely premature infants and is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in childhood. Objective: This study presents a review of Cochrane systematic reviews about ROP. Methods: We analyzed and summarized the results of all intervention, prevention and treatment, from Cochrane Systematic Reviews (SR) for ROP designed to the highest standard of rigor to show the current position and propose studies that are missing for decision making. Results: Eight SR were analyzed in this study, four in prophylaxis and four in treatment of ROP. The outcome 'Beneficial effect of oral beta-blockers on progression to stage 3 ROP but not to stage 2 ROP with plus disease or to stage 4 or 5 ROP was the only one that presented moderate evidence quality, all the others outcomes presented evidence quality floating from low to very low. Conclusion: There is a lack of studies showing the quality of evidence in the treatment and prevention of retinopathy of prematurity, particularly in long-term outcomes after treatment in order to assess the impact and quality of life of these patients.

RESUMO Introdução: A retinopatia da prematuridade (ROP) é um distúrbio vasoproliferativo da retina que afeta recém nascidos extremamente prematuros e é a principal causa de cegueira irreversível na infância. Objetivo: Este estudo apresenta uma revisão das revisões sistemáticas da Cochrane sobre ROP. Métodos: Analisamos e resumimos os resultados de todas as intervenções, prevenção e tratamento, das revisões sistemáticas (SR) da Cochrane para ROP, projetada com o mais alto padrão de rigor para mostrar a posição atual e propor estudos que estão faltando para a tomada de decisão. Resultados: Oito RS foram analisados neste estudo, quatro em profilaxia e quatro em tratamento de ROP. O efeito benéfico dos betabloqueadores orais na progressão para a ROP do estágio 3, mas não para a ROP da fase 2 com doença positiva ou para a ROP da fase 4 ou 5 foi o único que apresentou qualidade de evidência moderada, todos os outros resultados apresentaram qualidade de evidência flutuante de baixo a muito baixo. Conclusão: Faltam estudos demonstrando a qualidade das evidências no tratamento e prevenção da retinopatia da prematuridade, principalmente em desfechos em longo prazo após o tratamento, a fim de avaliar o impacto e a qualidade de vida desses pacientes.

Effect of chronic cocaine use on fine motor coordination tested during ophthalmic vitreoretinal simulated performance.

We conducted a case-control study using the Eyesi simulator to assess the surgical performance of 24 chronic cocaine users (CCUs) and 24 sex-/age-matched controls to numerically quantify ophthalmic microsurgical simulator performance and fine motor deficiencies. The inclusion criteria were no exposure to illicit drugs other than cocaine, marijuana, or alcohol within the previous month and no health conditions that could impact manual task performance. The outcomes included surgical scores (0-100, worst-best) and task completion time (minutes). Fisher's exact test, analysis of variance, Mann-Whitney U test, and Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn-Bonferroni post-hoc were conducted for statistical analysis. The Eyesi scores were lower among CCUs compared to controls for bimanual tasks (4.50 ± 14.30 vs. 18.46 ± 26.64, p = 0.012), for exercises demanding upper and lower limb coordination (both hands and two foot pedals, respectively) (74.13 ± 35.01 vs. 85.21 ± 24.1, p = 0.045), and in the overall score for all three tasks (27.38 ± 15.06 vs. 39.5 ± 18.66, p = 0.021). CCUs took longer to complete tasks when performing exercises demanding upper and lower limb coordination compared to controls (1.26 ± 0.38 vs. 1.02 ± 0.44 min, p = 0.006). Individuals who used cocaine during the previous month had an independent lower bimanual score compared to controls (1.42 ± 4.91 vs. 18.46 ± 26.64, p = 0.018). No differences in performance among the CCUs were attributable to sporadic cannabis or alcohol use. Chronic use of cocaine negatively impacted fine dexterity as measured by bimanual tasks or maneuvers that required simultaneous coordination of the upper and lower limbs. This was most notable among individuals who used cocaine during the 1-month period before the simulation.

Alternative technique for insertion of Eva Dorc® infusion cannula in vitreoretinal surgeries / Técnica alternativa de inserção da canula de infusão do Eva Dorc® em cirurgias vitreorretinianas

Abstract This paper provides a fast and inexpensive technique to prevent slippage of the infusion cannula from the EVA DORC® 27-gauge system. After the usual retrobulbar anesthesia, antisepsis and asepsis, a 2% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose drop is placed around the infusion cannula in the trocar to hold it in position. This technique prevents the slippage of the infusion cannula and both the surgical time and creation of the first sclerotomy in the eye can be shortened slightly.

Resumo Este artigo fornece uma técnica rápida e barata para evitar o deslizamento da cânula de infusão do sistema EVA DORC® 27-gauge. Após a habitual anestesia retrobulbar, antissepsia e assepsia, uma gota de 2% de hidroxipropilmetilcelulose é colocada ao redor da cânula de infusão no trocater para mantê-la em posição. Essa técnica evita o deslizamento da cânula de infusão e o tempo cirúrgico e da criação da primeira esclerotomia no olho podem ser ligeiramente reduzidos.

Effects of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors on choroid and ocular vasculature: a literature review.

To provide information on the effects of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors on choroidal vessels and central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) and possible implications for development of exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Two independent investigators conducted a qualitative review of PubMed to identify studies on the choroidal effect of PDE5 inhibitors in June 2019. The search used key words that included PDE5 inhibitors, sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, choroid, choroidal flow, choroidal vessels, choroidal thickness, CSC, AMD or a combination. Only studies which assessed choroidal findings were included. Many ocular diseases are related to changes in choroidal thickness and perfusion. Patients with AMD, who have decreased choroidal perfusion, may manifest more severely diminished choroidal ability to deliver oxygen and other metabolites to the retina, leading to growth of neovascular tissue. As a result of this engorgement of the choroidal vasculature, some patients may have leakage across the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and accumulation of subretinal fluid, resulting in CSC. Transient visual symptoms, i.e., changes in color perception and increased light sensitivity, are well-known adverse effects, but there have been rare reports of vision-threatening ocular complications in users of PDE5 inhibitors, such as nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and cilioretinal artery occlusion. The choroid is a vascular tissue analogous in many respects to the corpus cavernosum, and PDE5 inhibitors may increase the choroidal thickness and perfusion. While it is intuitively obvious that thickness of the choroid alone does not guarantee better choriocapillaris oxygenation, it is a reasonable step towards ameliorating ischemia. These drugs have numerous physiologic effects on the choroid related to blood flow, such as clinical consequences in CSC and AMD.

What do Cochrane systematic reviews say about interventions for retinal vein occlusion / O que dizem as revisões sistemáticas da Cochrane sobre intervenções para oclusão da veia retiniana

Abstract Purpose: To summarize the evidence from Cochrane systematic reviews on interventions for Central or Branch Vein Occlusion. Methods: We included and summarized the results from Cochrane systematic reviews on interventions for both types of occlusion. The initial search retrieved was 21 reviews and four of them were selected. Results: The four systematic reviews included evaluated the effects of laser techniques and intravitreal injections of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (anti-VEGF) and corticosteroids on Branch and Central Retinal Vein Occlusions. Conclusions: In Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion was found some benefits in the use of grid laser when comparable to no intervention but insufficient evidence about the use of early grid laser, subthreshold laser, intravitreal triamcinolone or anti-VEGF over macular grid laser photocoagulation. In Central Retinal Vein Occlusion with Macular Edema was found insufficient evidence to determine the benefits of intravítreo steroids but ranibizumab may improve clinical and visual outcomes at six and 12 months and repeated intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF agents improved visual outcomes at six months when compared to no treatment.

Resumo Objetivo: Resumir as evidências das revisões sistemáticas da Cochrane sobre intervenções para oclusão de veia central ou de ramo. Métodos: Incluímos e resumimos os resultados das revisões sistemáticas da Cochrane sobre intervenções para os 2 tipos de oclusão. A busca inicial recuperada foi de 21 revisões e quatro delas foram selecionadas. Resultados: As quatro revisões sistemáticas incluídas avaliaram os efeitos das técnicas de laser e injeções intravítreas do Anti-Fator de Crescimento Endotelial Vascular (anti-VEGF) e corticosteroides nas oclusões de ramos e veias retinianas centrais. Conclusões: Na oclusão de veias retinianas do ramo foram encontrados alguns benefícios no uso do laser de grade, quando comparáveis a nenhuma intervenção, mas evidências insuficientes sobre o uso precoce do laser de grade, laser sublimiar, triamcinolona intravítrea ou anti-VEGF sobre a fotocoagulação a laser de grade macular. Na oclusão da veia central da retina com edema macular, foram encontradas evidências insuficientes para determinar os benefícios dos esteroides intravítreos, mas o ranibizumabe pode melhorar os resultados clínicos e visuais em 6 e 12 meses e a injeção intravítrea repetida de agentes anti-VEGF melhorou os resultados visuais em seis meses, quando comparado ao sem tratamento.

VALUE OF CLINICAL, LABORATORY PARAMETERS AND ANALYSIS OF RETINAL VASCULARIZATION IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH PORTAL HYPERTENSION.

BACKGROUND: Portal hypertension is one of the complications of cirrhosis and is associated with numerous systemic manifestations, including renal, brain, pulmonary, cardiac and vascular changes. In routine ophthalmological examinations performed at our service, we observed that some children diagnosed with portal hypertension had increased retinal vascular tortuosity. OBJECTIVE: 1. To evaluate the presence of retinal vascular abnormalities (vascular tortuosity) in children diagnosed with portal hypertension; 2. To investigate the association between retinal vascular tortuosity and the presence of gastroesophageal varices in these children; 3. To evaluate the use of clinical and laboratory parameters to predict the presence of gastroesophageal varices in children with portal hypertension. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional and observational study that included patients aged <18 years with a diagnosis of portal hypertension. The participants included were submitted to dilated fundus examination and fundus photography with Visucam (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG) device. Besides, clinical and laboratorial data were collected from the patients' medical records. RESULTS: A total of 72 patients were included in this study, and 36% of them had an increase in retinal vascular tortuosity. Platelet count (P=0.001), bilirubin dosage (P=0.013) and aspartate transaminase dosage (AST) (P=0.042) were associated with the presence of gastroesophageal varices in digestive endoscopy. There was no association between retinal vascular tortuosity and the presence of gastroesophageal varices (P=0.498). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that platelet count, bilirubin dosage, and aspartate transaminase dosage were associated with the presence of gastroesophageal varices in digestive endoscopy. Regarding the retinal findings, we found that there was an increase in retinal vascular tortuosity in 36% of pediatric patients, but no association was found with the presence of gastroesophageal varices.

Optical coherence tomography angiography using the black-and-white pixel binarization histogram software: a new technique for evaluating healing of macular holes in two surgical techniques.

BACKGROUND: Many factors can influence the functional outcomes of macular hole surgery and some studies have tried to describe anatomical features that could predict successful treatment. The purpose of this study is to describe a new technique for evaluating the healing of macular holes after two surgical techniques using a black-and-white pixel binarization histogram software by optical coherence tomography angiography and its potential functional implications. METHODS: This was a retrospective, observational case series of patients who presented with idiopathic full-thickness macular holes and underwent vitreoretinal surgery for successful macular hole closure using the internal limiting membrane peeling technique or the inverted peeling technique or the free internal limiting membrane flap technique. Optical coherence tomography angiography 3.0 × 3.0-mm scans were obtained postoperatively. The outer retina layer was analyzed separately; three different analyses were performed within a 3.0-mm-diameter area central circle, a 1.5-mm-diameter area, and a 0.5-mm-diameter area from the foveal center. The outer retinal layer images were evaluated by counting the number of black and white pixels. The inclusion criteria were patients with idiopathic macular holes who underwent ophthalmologic examinations and swept-source optical coherence tomography 1 week and 1 and 6 months postoperatively. The exclusion criteria were a traumatic macular hole or a history of eye trauma and a diagnosis of glaucoma or any other chronic ocular disease. The Mann-Whitney test was used to determine significance; P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Ten eyes of 10 patients who underwent vitreoretinal surgery to treat a macular hole either with the conventional peeling technique (n = 5) or the inverted/free internal limiting membrane flap technique (n = 5) were included. In the peeling group, the percentage of white pixels ranged from 7.22% to 18.40% in the 0.5 × 0.5-millimeter area in the macular center; the mean postoperative logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution best-corrected visual acuity was 0.3 ± 0.2. In the inverted flap group, the percentage of white pixels ranged from 3.65% to 8.93% in the 0.5 × 0.5-millimeter area in the macular center; the mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution best-corrected visual acuity was 0.9 ± 0.4. CONCLUSIONS: A simple method of optical coherence tomography angiography imaging analysis of the outer retina using a binarization technique of the black and white pixels was created and may have functional implications during the analysis of the healing process after macular hole surgery. We hypothesized that higher numbers of white pixels correspond to viable cellularity and better prognoses postoperatively.

Valor de parâmetros clínicos, laboratoriais e análise da vascularização da retina em pacientes pediátricos com hipertensão portal / Value of clinical, laboratory parameters and analysis of retinal vascularization in pediatric patients with portal hypertension

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Portal hypertension is one of the complications of cirrhosis and is associated with numerous systemic manifestations, including renal, brain, pulmonary, cardiac and vascular changes. In routine ophthalmological examinations performed at our service, we observed that some children diagnosed with portal hypertension had increased retinal vascular tortuosity. OBJECTIVE: 1. To evaluate the presence of retinal vascular abnormalities (vascular tortuosity) in children diagnosed with portal hypertension; 2. To investigate the association between retinal vascular tortuosity and the presence of gastroesophageal varices in these children; 3. To evaluate the use of clinical and laboratory parameters to predict the presence of gastroesophageal varices in children with portal hypertension. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional and observational study that included patients aged <18 years with a diagnosis of portal hypertension. The participants included were submitted to dilated fundus examination and fundus photography with Visucam (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG) device. Besides, clinical and laboratorial data were collected from the patients' medical records. RESULTS: A total of 72 patients were included in this study, and 36% of them had an increase in retinal vascular tortuosity. Platelet count (P=0.001), bilirubin dosage (P=0.013) and aspartate transaminase dosage (AST) (P=0.042) were associated with the presence of gastroesophageal varices in digestive endoscopy. There was no association between retinal vascular tortuosity and the presence of gastroesophageal varices (P=0.498). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that platelet count, bilirubin dosage, and aspartate transaminase dosage were associated with the presence of gastroesophageal varices in digestive endoscopy. Regarding the retinal findings, we found that there was an increase in retinal vascular tortuosity in 36% of pediatric patients, but no association was found with the presence of gastroesophageal varices.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A hipertensão portal é uma das complicações da cirrose e está associada a inúmeras manifestações sistêmicas, incluindo alterações renais, cerebrais, pulmonares, cardíacas e vasculares. Nos exames oftalmológicos de rotina realizados em nosso serviço, observamos que algumas crianças diagnosticadas com hipertensão portal apresentaram aumento da tortuosidade vascular da retina. OBJETIVO: 1. Avaliar a presença de anormalidades vasculares da retina (tortuosidade vascular) em crianças diagnosticadas com hipertensão portal; 2. Investigar a associação entre tortuosidade vascular da retina e presença de varizes gastroesofágicas nessas crianças; 3. Avaliar o uso de parâmetros clínicos e laboratoriais para prever a presença de varizes gastroesofágicas em crianças com hipertensão portal. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal e observacional, que incluiu pacientes com idade <18 anos com diagnóstico de hipertensão portal. Os participantes incluídos foram submetidos ao exame de fundo de olho dilatado e fotografia de fundo com dispositivo Visucam (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG). Além disso, foram coletados dados clínicos e laboratoriais dos prontuários dos pacientes. RESULTADOS: Um total de 72 pacientes foi incluído neste estudo e 36% deles apresentaram aumento da tortuosidade vascular da retina. Contagem de plaquetas (P=0,001), dosagem de bilirrubina (P=0,013) e dosagem de aspartato transaminase (AST) (P=0,042) foram associados à presença de varizes gastroesofágicas na endoscopia digestiva. Não houve associação entre tortuosidade vascular da retina e presença de varizes gastroesofágicas (P=0,498). CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que a contagem de plaquetas, a dosagem de bilirrubina e a aspartato transaminase foram associadas à presença de varizes gastroesofágicas na endoscopia digestiva. Em relação aos achados da retina, descobrimos que houve um aumento na tortuosidade vascular da retina em 36% dos pacientes pediátricos, mas nenhuma associação foi encontrada com a presença de varizes gastroesofágicas.

Non-contact wide-angled visualization with chandelier-assisted scleral buckling for primary uncomplicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

PURPOSE: To report our experience in non-contact wide-angled visualization with chandelier-assisted scleral buckling (SB) in uncomplicated primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRD). METHODS: Retrospective case series of 282 eyes that underwent non-contact wide-angled visualization with chandelier-assisted SB and were followed for a mean of 13.5 months. RESULTS: There were 160 male patients. The average age was 42.6 years old. There were 262 eyes that were phakic, 18 pseudophakic, and 2 aphakic. Two-thirds of eyes presented with the macula detached. Eyes had an average of 1.6 breaks. The single operation anatomic success rate was 85.1% (240/282). The pre-op visual acuity improved from 1.21 to 0.76 logMAR at 6 months (p < 0.0001). Complications included a case of scleral laceration, choroidal hemorrhage, 3 epiretinal membranes, 1 macular fold, and 4 eyes with buckle exposure. CONCLUSION: Non-contact wide-angled visualization with chandelier-assisted SB compares favorably with conventional SB for primary uncomplicated primary RRD.

Comparison of choroidal thickness in normal eyes and different ocular pathologies in a Brazilian population

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the choroidal thickness (CT) in healthy Brazilian subjects using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and to compare with choroidal thickness measured in Brazilian patients with diabetic macular edema (DME), neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and high myopia. Methods: A retrospective analysis of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) images of 181 Brazilian subjects. A total of 74 eyes were included in the normal control group, 50 eyes in the nvAMD group, 44 eyes in the DME group and 13 eyes in the high myopia group. CT was measured from the posterior edge of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) to the choroid/sclera junction at the fovea and at 500 μm intervals temporal and nasal to the fovea. All measurements were performed by two independent observers and were averaged for analysis. The statistical analysis and comparison were performed using Mann Whitney (unpaired t-test). Results: Seventy-four eyes from 74 patients with a mean age of 51.4 years were analyzed in the normal group with a mean nasal, subfoveal and temporal choroidal thickness measurements were 301.30 ± 12.86 μm, 311.61 ± 12.62 μm and 309.28 ± 12.28 μm respectively. All groups with disease demonstrated a statistically significant choroidal thinning when compared with matched-aged normal eyes. The mean reduction in the nvAMD group compared to normal were 60.65 μm nasally, 59.77 μm temporally and 56.59 μm at subfoveal position. In the DME group, the subfoveal reduction was 51.10 μm, 63.03 μm and 46.30 μm, nasally and temporally. The patients with high myopia presented the greatest reduction in CT compared to normal eyes, with a mean reduction of 159.9 nasal, 159.98 subfoveal and 154.65 at temporal. Conclusions: The present study evaluated choroidal thickness in Brazilian subjects, with intense miscegenation. The results demonstrated a statistically significant decrease of the choroidal thickness in all subtypes of chorioretinal disease. The small sample size in this study was a limitation. Additional research with a larger study population to better understand these findings.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a espessura da coróide (EC) de indivíduos brasileiros saudáveis utilizando tomografia de coerência ótica do domínio espectral (TCO-DE) e compará-la à espessura da coroide de pacientes brasileiros com edema macular diabético (EMD), degeneração macular neovascular relacionada à idade (DMRI) e miopia alta. Metodologia: Análise retrospectiva de imagens de tomografia de coerência ótica de domínio espectral (TOC-DE) de 181 indivíduos brasileiros. Um total de 74 olhos foram incluídos no grupo controle normal; 50, no grupo DMRI; 44, no grupo EMD; e 13, no grupo com miopia alta. A EC foi medida a partir da borda posterior do epitélio pigmentar da retina (EPR) até a junção coróide/esclera na fóvea e de intervalos de 500 μm, temporal e nasal, à fóvea. Todas as medidas foram realizadas por dois observadores independentes e as médias foram calculadas para análise. A análise estatística e a comparação das ECs foram realizadas usando o teste Mann Whitney (teste t não pareado). Resultados: Setenta e quatro olhos de 74 pacientes com idade média de 51,4 anos foram analisados no grupo normal, o qual apresentou espessura coróide nasal, subfoveal e temporal média igual a 301,30 ± 12,86 µm, 311,61 ± 12,62 µm e 309,28 ± 12,28 µm, respectivamente. Todos os grupos com doença demonstraram afinamento de coroide estatisticamente significativo quando comparados a olhos normais pareados por idade. A redução média de EC no grupo DMRI em comparação ao normal foi de 60,65 μm por via nasal, 59,77 μm por via temporal e 56,59 μm na posição subfoveal. O grupo EMD apresentou redução de EC igual a 51,10 μm em posição subfoveal, 63,03 μm por via nasal e 46,30 μm por via temporal. Pacientes com miopia alta apresentaram a maior redução de EC em relação aos olhos normais; os valores de redução média obtidos foram 159,9 por via nasal, 159,98 em posição subfoveal e 154,65 por via temporal. Conclusões: O presente estudo avaliou a espessura da coróide de indivíduos brasileiros com intensa miscigenação. Os resultados demonstraram reducção estatisticamente significativa da espessura da coróide em todos os subtipos de doença coriorretiniana. O pequeno tamanho da amostra foi uma limitação deste estudo. Pesquisas adicionais com população maior de estudo deveriam ser realizadas para ajudar a entender melhor esses achados.