RETINAL HYPOPERFUSION DETECTED BY WIDE-FIELD OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHIC ANGIOGRAPHY IN A CASE OF RETINAL RACEMOSE HEMANGIOMA.

PURPOSE: Retinal racemose hemangioma is a rare, unilateral, nonhereditary, arteriovenous malformation characterized by the appearance of dilated and tortuous retinal vessels. Retinal racemose hemangioma can develop complications associated with retinal ischemia, such as vitreous hemorrhage, retinal vein occlusion, and neovascular glaucoma. Here, a case of retinal racemose hemangioma with retinal hypoperfusion detected by wide-field swept-source optical coherence tomographic angiography was reported, which was not unambiguously illustrated by fluorescein angiography. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 57-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for the evaluation of severe retinal vascular tortuosity, dilation, and retinal hemorrhages in the left eye. Fundus examination revealed arteriovenous communications temporal to the fovea and multiple microaneurysms surrounded by retinal hemorrhages at the midperipheral temporal fundus. In fluorescein angiography, multiple hyperfluorescent lesions with leakage corresponding to microaneurysms were observed in the temporal and lower midperipheral areas; however, nonperfused areas were apparently absent. By contrast, wide-field optical coherence tomographic angiography clearly showed low-density retinal capillaries in the superotemporal quadrant in comparison with those in the inferotemporal quadrant. CONCLUSION: Wide-field optical coherence tomographic angiography detected sparse retinal capillaries, which were not well illustrated by fluorescein angiography, in a patient with retinal racemose hemangioma. This indicates the presence of low-grade retinal hypoperfusion caused by altered retinal hemodynamics, potentially leading to ischemia-related retinal disorders during a prolonged course, in patients with clinically quiescent retinal racemose hemangioma.

Fatal intracranial hemorrhage due to infantile acute lymphoblastic leukemia mimicking abusive head trauma.

We report the case of a 2-month-old infant who was found moribund in her crib. Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) was performed before autopsy. As the baby had a severe subdural hematoma, retinal hemorrhage, and encephalopathy on PMCT, abusive head trauma (AHT) was tentatively diagnosed. At autopsy, no scalp hemorrhages or skull fractures were found; however, the classic triad of AHT was present, mainly on the right side. Additionally, there was dark red discoloration around the heart, and the liver, spleen, and pancreas were enlarged. Peripheral blood was macroscopically cloudy with marked leukocytosis. After careful histological examination, B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) was diagnosed. All the macroscopic lesions could be attributed to ALL. The manner of death was natural. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of infantile ALL mimicking AHT on PMCT images. This case demonstrates the importance of a comprehensive systematic approach to considering differential diagnosis when PMCT shows multiple intracranial hemorrhages suggestive of AHT in an infant.

Functional and structural outcome after vitrectomy combined with subretinal rtPA Injection with or without additional intravitreal Bevacizumab injection for submacular hemorrhages.

BACKGROUND: To analyze the functional and anatomical outcome after vitrectomy with subretinal rtPA (recombinant tissue plasminogen activator) combined with or without an intravitreal Bevacizumab injection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective, consecutive case series of 31 pseudophakic patients with submacular hemorrhage (SMH) due to neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) treated with vitrectomy, subretinal rtPA and pneumatic air displacement with or without an additional intravitreal Bevacizumab injection. The primary endpoints were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and central macular thickness (CMT) measured by SD­OCT. The secondary endpoint was a displacement of hemorrhage from the subretinal space three months after surgery. RESULTS: 31 eyes of 31 patients were treated with vitrectomy and subretinal rtPA. 17/31 were treated simultaneously with an intravitreal Bevacizumab injection (group +B) and 14/31 without (group -B). The mean visual acuity improved significantly in both groups (from 1.37±0.39 to 1.03±0.57 logMAR in +B and from 1.48±0.48 to 1.01±0.38 logMAR in group -B, p<0.05). The mean CMT decreased in group +B from 607±179 µm to 424±205 µm (p = 0.2) and in group -B from 722±216 µm to 460±202 µm (p<0.05). A central displacement of the hemorrhage could be achieved in 47% in group +B, whereas in group -B displacement could be achieved in 50% (p = 0.44). CONCLUSIONS: Vitrectomy with subretinal rtPA injection and air tamponade with or without simultaneous intravitreal Bevacizumab injection displaces SMH and improves BCVA effectively. In comparison, the postoperative outcome is comparable regardless of whether or not intravitreal bevacizumab is applied simultaneously.

Characteristics of pachychoroid neovasculopathy.

Recently, several research groups have reported a newly recognized clinical entity of choroidal neovascularization, termed pachychoroid neovasculopathy. However, its characteristics have yet to be well described. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical and genetic characteristics of pachychoroid neovasculopathy regardless of treatment modality. This study included 99 eyes of 99 patients with treatment-naïve pachychoroid neovasculopathy. Mean initial best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.20 ± 0.32 logMAR, and did not change (P = 0.725) during follow-up period (mean ± SD, 37.0 ± 17.6 months). Subretinal hemorrhage (SRH) (≥ 4 disc areas in size) occurred in 20 eyes (20.2%) during follow-up. Age, initial BCVA, central retinal thickness, SRH (≥ 4 disc areas in size) and treatment (aflibercept monotherapy) were significantly associated with the final BCVA (P = 0.024, < 0.001, 0.031, < 0.001, and 0.029, respectively). Multiple regression analysis showed initial BCVA and presence of SRH to be significant predictors of final BCVA (both P < 0.001). Polypoidal lesions were more common in the SRH group than in the non-SRH group (85.0% vs 48.1%, P = 0.004). There was no significant difference in the frequency of the risk allele in ARMS2 A69S, CFH I62V, CFH Y402H between these groups (P = 0.42, 0.77, and 0.85, respectively). SRH (29.1% vs 9.1%, P = 0.014) and choroidal vascular hyperpermiability (65.5% vs 43.2%, P = 0.027) were seen more frequently in the polypoidal lesion (+) group than in the polypoidal lesion (-) group. There was considerable variation in lesion size and visual function in patients with pachychoroid neovasculopathy, and initial BCVA and presence of SRH at the initial visit or during the follow-up period were significant predictors of final BCVA.

Fibrovascular pigment epithelial detachment in eyes with subretinal hemorrhage secondary to neovascular AMD or PCV: a morphologic predictor associated with poor treatment outcomes.

To evaluate the influence of fibrovascular pigment epithelial detachment (FVPED) on treatment outcomes in eyes with subretinal hemorrhage secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). This retrospective study included 83 eyes diagnosed with fovea-involving submacular hemorrhage secondary to neovascular AMD or PCV. All the patients were treated with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor. Eyes showing definite FVPED, which involves the subfoveal region, were included in the FVPED group. Eyes without subfoveal PED, shallow irregular PEDs, or serous/hemorrhagic PED were stratified to the non-FVPED group. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at diagnosis, at 3 months, at 12 months, and lesion re-activation after initial treatment were compared between the two groups. The mean size of hemorrhage was 8.6 ± 7.6 disc diameter areas. In the FVPED group, the mean logarithm of minimal angle of resolution BCVA was 1.11 ± 0.49 at diagnosis, 0.89 ± 0.58 at 3 months, and 1.05 ± 0.63 at 12 months. In the non-FVPED group, the values were 0.97 ± 0.56, 0.56 ± 0.55, and 0.45 ± 0.50, respectively. The BCVA at 3 months (P = 0.036) and at 12 months (P < 0.001) was significantly worse in the FVPED group than in the non-FVPED group. In addition, the incidence of lesion reactivation was greater in the FVPED group (83.3%) than in the non-FVPED group (38.5%) (P < 0.001). The presence of subfoveal FVPED was associated with a high incidence of lesion re-activation and poor treatment outcomes in eyes with subretinal hemorrhage. This result suggests that different treatment strategies are needed between eyes with and without FVPED.

Hemorrhagic Retinopathy and Optic Nerve Sheath Hemorrhage Associated With Fatal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage from a Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysm Due to Segmental Fibromuscular Dysplasia.

Fibromuscular dysplasia is an idiopathic, nonatheromatous, and noninflammatory arterial disease that most commonly affects the renal and carotid arteries. We report a child with subarachnoid and ocular hemorrhage associated with an aneurysm due to fibromuscular dysplasia. Computed tomography following a witnessed collapse revealed diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage and severe cerebral edema. An autopsy confirmed the radiographic findings and detected bilateral retinal hemorrhages, optic nerve sheath hemorrhages, and a ruptured saccular aneurysm due to focal fibromuscular dysplasia involving the intracranial right vertebral artery. This case documents a fatal subarachnoid hemorrhage in a child with an intracranial saccular aneurysm caused by fibromuscular dysplasia. The associated retinal hemorrhages are easily detected by postmortem monocular indirect ophthalmoscopy.

Histopathological Changes and Clinical Outcomes following Intervention for Sub-Internal Limiting Membrane Haemorrhage.

INTRODUCTION: Haemorrhage confined to the sub-internal limiting membrane (ILM) space can be associated with good visual recovery. There is controversy as to the best management of purely sub-ILM haemorrhage, which ranges from observation to immediate surgical intervention. METHODS: We studied a retrospective case series of patients with sub-ILM haemorrhage who underwent vitrectomy with subsequent histological analysis of the removed ILM. RESULTS: Sixteen patients underwent vitrectomy for sub-ILM haemorrhage. Five patients had underlying Terson syndrome, 6 had ruptured macro-aneurysms, and 5 had Valsalva retinopathy. Seven patients demonstrated cellular proliferation on the retinal surface of the ILM with staining for glial fibrillary acidic protein and cytokeratin 7, as well as CD68pg and Prussian blue. All but 1 of these cases were isolated from patients undergoing surgery >4 weeks following initial symptoms, the other presented at >2 weeks. Serial optical coherence tomography (OCT) was available in 8 patients; serial OCT in patients with delayed intervention demonstrated persistent inner retinal layer hyper-reflectance. Fourteen of 15 patients demonstrated symptomatic recovery and showed visual improvement with acuity ranging from -0.1 to 1.8 (mean 0.43) within 3 months of intervention (1 was lost to follow-up). The post-operative vision was 0.11 logMAR (mean; range -0.1 to 0.4) at 3 months in the group with intervention within 2 weeks of symptoms, and 0.9 logMAR (mean; range 0.0 to HM) in the group with delayed surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Early surgical intervention for sub-ILM haemorrhage resulted in good visual outcomes; delayed surgery may lead to proliferative vitreoretinopathy-like changes on the inner retinal surface of the ILM, and untreated cases may demonstrate persistent inner retinal changes potentially limiting visual prognosis despite subsequent surgical intervention.

Histological dating of subarachnoid hemorrhage and retinal hemorrhage in infants.

BACKGROUND: Dating the traumatic event is usually done on subdural hematoma (SDH). After infant deaths due to Abusive head trauma (AHT) without SDH available, the magistrates still ask experts to date the traumatic event. To do so, the expert only has tools based on adult series of AHT. We aimed to develop a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and retinal hemorrhage (RH) dating system applicable to infants aged under 3 years. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied a retrospective multicenter collection of 235 infants who died between the ages of 0 and 36 months, diagnosed with SAH and/or RH by forensic pathological examination and with known posttraumatic interval (PTI). Two pathologists assessed blindly and independently 12histomorphological features in 83 infants (35 girls, 48 boys) whose median age was 3.8 months. For SAH, histopathological changes were significantly correlated with PTI for the appearance of red blood cells, of fibrino-plaquetted organization, the quantity of lymphocytes and macrophages and the presence or absence of siderophages, collagen and fibroblast formation and presence or absence of neovascularization. For RH, histopathological changes were significantly correlated with PTI for the appearance of red blood cells, the presence or absence of siderophages and sclerosis of the retina. CONCLUSION: Our HAS dating system improves the precision and reliability of forensic pathological expert examination of AHT, when SDH are not available, for age estimation in infants. The study of RH histomorphological changes does not allow for reliable dating.

In vivo monitoring the dynamic process of acute retinal hemorrhage and repair in zebrafish with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.

Retina, the only light sensor in the human eye, is hidden and extremely fragile. Optimized animal models and efficient imaging techniques are very important for the study of retinopathy. In this work, the rapid retinal injury process and the long-term retinal repair process were in vivo continuously evaluated with a novel imaging technology spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in a unique animal model zebrafish. Acute retinal injury was constructed on adult zebrafish by needle injection surgery. SD-OCT imaging was carried out immediately after the mechanical injury. The retinal hemorrhage, which lasted only 5 seconds, could be visualized dynamically by SD-OCT. The process of blood clearance and retinal repair was also evaluated because SD-OCT imaging is nondestructive. Both SD-OCT imaging results and behavioral analyzing results demonstrated that zebrafish retina could be repaired by itself within 15 days, which was confirmed by the results of pathological experiment.

Clinicopathologic Correlation of Aneurysmal Type 1 Neovascularization in Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

PURPOSE: To correlate multimodal retinal imaging with high-resolution epoxy resin histologic analysis aligned to in vivo tomograms in a patient with exudative aneurysmal type 1 (AT1) neovascularization and hemorrhage secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). DESIGN: Case study and clinicopathologic correlation. PARTICIPANT: An 84-year-old man of European descent with AT1 neovascularization secondary to AMD with a 6-year follow-up with combined antiangiogenic and photodynamic therapy. METHODS: Multimodal imaging from each clinic visit, including fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, and OCT, was correlated with ex vivo OCT and high-resolution histologic images of the donor eye, aligned to the en face images showing hemorrhage and exudation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Location of the branching vascular network and the aneurysmal vascular dilations in angiography, correlated with histologic findings. RESULTS: Clinically, a hemorrhagic detachment of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in the macular area was associated with an AT1 neovascularization extending near the optic nerve head, where the choroid, which was thin overall, was extremely thin. Resolution of the hemorrhage accompanied by progressive macular atrophy and internal changes in the reflectivity of the RPE detachment were observed. Histologic analysis suggested a physical continuity from a hyalinized choroidal artery to a capillary bed (branching vascular network) in the sub-RPE-basal lamina (BL) space without visualization of aneurysmal dilations. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicopathologic correlation of AT1 neovascularization from an intact treated eye with dye-based angiographic and OCT scans supports the proposed nomenclature of AT1 neovascularization over polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy. We described continuity of the sub-RPE-BL branching vascular network with choroidal arteries and histologic correlates of common OCT signatures of neovascular AMD. The thinness of choroid in this patient of European descent contrasts with that reported for Asian populations, in which AT1 neovascularization is associated commonly with pachychoroid disease characteristics. This case reinforces the different manifestations of AT1 neovascularization across and within diverse ethnicities and diseases.

Variable Presentations of Peripheral Exudative Hemorrhagic Chorioretinopathy.

Three cases of peripheral exudative hemorrhagic chorioretinopathy (PEHCR), which mimicked other retinal pathologies, were reported. Different preliminary diagnoses were made initially, but thorough examination combined with the appropriate investigations led to the final diagnosis of PEHCR. Despite the rare occurrence of PEHCR, it must be included in the differential diagnosis for peripheral retinal diseases.

Evaluation of a birth-related foveal hemorrhage in an infant using optical coherence tomography / Avaliação de uma hemorragia foveal relacionada ao nascimento de uma criança usando tomografia de coerência óptica

ABSTRACT During the routine ophthalmologic examination of a 38-day old female infant, indirect ophthalmoscopy revealed a dense hemorrhage on the fovea and a couple of superficial hemorrhages in the nasal retina of the left eye. No hemorrhage was observed in the right eye. A hand-held spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was used at the time of diagnosis. The hemorrhage at the nasal retina resolved in the first week of follow-up, and the foveal hemorrhage resolved 12 weeks after birth. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography was repeated once the foveal hemorrhage had resorbed, and it showed that the foveal contour had reformed without any sequelae. This case suggests that birth-related foveal hemorrhages do not cause any disturbance in the foveal architecture.

RESUMO Durante o exame oftalmológico de rotina de uma criança do sexo feminino de 38 dias, a oftalmoscopia indireta revelou uma hemorragia densa na fóvea e algumas hemorragias superficiais na retina nasal do olho esquerdo. Nenhuma hemorragia foi observada no olho direito. Foi utilizada uma tomografia de coerência óptica de domínio espectral no momento do diagnóstico. A hemorragia na retina nasal foi resolvida na primeira semana de acompanhamento e a hemorragia foveal foi resolvida em 12 semanas após o nascimento. A tomografia de coerência óptica de domínio espectral foi repetida uma vez que a hemorragia foveal foi reabsorvida, e mostrou que o contorno foveal havia se reformado sem sequelas. Este caso sugere que as hemorragias foveais relacionadas ao nascimento não causam qualquer distúrbio na arquitetura foveal.

Shortest Distance From Fovea to Subfoveal Hemorrhage Border Is Important in Patients With Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration.

PURPOSE: To identify factors influencing visual outcome in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (NVAMD) and subfoveal hemorrhage (SFH) treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: Anti-VEGF-treated eyes with SFH > 1 disc area (DA) were identified (n = 16) and changes in visual acuity (VA) and central subfield thickness (CST) from baseline to last follow-up, along with SFH area, thickness, minimum distance from fovea to SFH border, and time to resolution, were determined. RESULTS: At baseline, mean (± standard error of the mean) size and thickness of SFH were 14.9 ± 2.8 DA and 386.6 ± 46.9 µm, and mean Snellen VA and CST were 20/250 and 591.7 ± 57.0 µm. Median follow-up was 47.6 months. While more than 50% of patients had VA ≤ 20/200 at baseline and all time points through week 48, the percentage of patients with VA ≥ 20/50 increased to 30%-40% at months 6 and 12 and remained stable through month 48. Spearman rank correlation demonstrated 2 independent variables that correlated with good visual outcome, smaller area of SFH at baseline (r = -0.630; P = .009), and high frequency of anti-VEGF injections (r = 0.646; P = .007). In exceptional patients with good visual outcome despite large baseline SFH, shortest distance between the fovea and hemorrhage border significantly correlated with baseline VA (r = -0.503, P = .047) and final VA (r = -0.575, P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with NVAMD and thick SFH, but short distance between fovea and uninvolved retina, can have good visual outcomes when given frequent anti-VEGF injections.

Extensive Submacular Hemorrhage After Trabeculectomy With Mitomycin C.

PURPOSE: We report the occurrence of an extensive submacular hemorrhage after trabeculectomy with mitomycin C in a patient with an occult choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 66-year-old man had a 3-year history of primary open-angle glaucoma in the left eye, which had been treated with topical antiglaucoma medication. The patient had age-related macular degeneration with an occult CNVM, for which he had received 5 intravitreal injections of ranibizumab and 5 intravitreal injections of bevacizumab in the left eye over a 3-year period. As intraocular pressure was not under control in the left eye over a 2-month period, trabeculectomy with mitomycin C was performed. RESULTS: On the first postoperative day, intraocular pressure was 8 mm Hg with a well-formed bleb in the left eye. However, extensive subretinal hemorrhage was observed, and the patient underwent pneumatic displacement and pars plana vitrectomy to remove the hemorrhage. After 7 months, extensive subretinal fibrosis was observed and visual acuity was low (hand movement only). CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first report of an extensive submacular hemorrhage after trabeculectomy with mitomycin C in a patient with an occult CNVM.

Acute bilateral retina hemorrhages beneath internal limiting membrane: An unusual ophthalmological case report of acute leukemia during complete clinical remission.

RATIONALE: Leukemia is a common hematologic disease that causes various systemic complications, such as ophthalmological disorders. The venous congestion is considered to be the main clinical sign that occurs during the initial stage of the disease, whereas white-centered hemorrhages are the most typical manifestations in leukemic retinopathy. These complications usually manifest when the disease presents with clinical and hematological symptoms. In the present study, we report a patient who was diagnosed with leukemic retinopathy. The initial signs of this disease were bilateral hemorrhages that occurred during complete clinical remission. Previous studies regarding this condition are quite rare. PATIENT CONCERNS: We report a 26-year-old man who was diagnosed with leukemic retinopathy and exhibited the initial signs of the disease, namely bilateral hemorrhages with a distinct appearance beneath the internal limiting membrane. In addition, flame-shaped hemorrhages were observed surrounding the optic discs and/or along the vessels in the absence of venous congestion. All these changes were present during complete clinical remission. DIAGNOSES: Bilateral acute leukemic retinopathy, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (pro-B lymphocyte, BCR-ABL chimeric gene-positive). INTERVENTIONS: Clinical remission was achieved following effective systemic chemotherapy that was applied for leukemia in the hematology department. A dynamic observation was applied actively in the absence of surgery and/or medical treatment for ophthalmologic treatment. OUTCOMES: Best corrected visual acuity was 20/40 in the right eye and 20/60 in the left eye, which was considerably better than those noted at the initial visit of the patient (20/250 in the right eye and 20/400 in the left eye). LESSONS: The cautious expectant treatment is safe and helpful for acute leukemic retinopathy. A long-term follow-up is inevitable. Effective systemic chemotherapy that is required for leukemia treatment can achieve clinical remission, which might be helpful in controlling the pathological changes of the eyes.

Atypical acute retinal necrosis accompanied by Terson's syndrome: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Acute retinal necrosis (ARN) has characterized by panuveitis, vitritis, severe vaso-occlusive vasculitis, and diffuse necrotizing retinitis. There are no case reports on atypical ARN combined with Terson's syndrome. Herein, we report a case of ARN with atypical clinical features combined with Terson's syndrome that we successfully treated by intravitreal ganciclovir injection. CASE PRESENTATION: A 64-year-old man visited our eye clinic with a complaint of decreased visual acuity in his right eye. At the initial visit, his best corrected visual acuity was 20/125 in the right eye. Slit-lamp examination demonstrated mild hyperemia, keratic precipitates, and anterior chamber inflammatory reaction. Fundus examination revealed multiple diffuse white-yellowish infiltrations in the peripheral retina combined with dot hemorrhages. Ultra-wide-field fluorescence angiography showed obstructive arteritis with peripheral non-perfusion and leakage from the retinal vessels. As a result of the PCR analysis, varicella zoster virus DNA was identified in the aqueous humor. Under the diagnosis with VZV-mediated ARN, we started with intravenous acyclovir and oral prednisolone. After 3 days of the above treatment, the anterior chamber inflammation and vitreous opacity were increased. On fundus examination, multiple whitish infiltrations were increased. In addition, newly developed vitreous and peripapillary hemorrhages were detected. On the T2 brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a sub-acute or old hemorrhagic infarction in the right occipital lobe, and contrast-enhancing lesions in the right basal ganglia. The spinal tapping was performed in the department of neurology in our hospital at the time when the patient complained of headache, and intracranial pressure was 31 mmHg. Under the diagnosis of ARN with Terson's syndrome, we started intravitreal ganciclovir (2 mg/0.5 ml) injections. After 5 intravitreal ganciclovir injections over a period of 8 months, the diffuse whitish infiltrating retinal lesions combined with dot hemorrhage were decreased. The vitreous and peripapillary hemorrhage was significantly reduced. There was no recurrence in the patient's right eye, in which his visual acuity had improved to 20/60. CONCLUSIONS: In the event of a poor response to traditional treatment such as intravenous acyclovir, intravitreal ganciclovir may have a role as an adjunctive therapy in patients of VZV associated ARN combined with Terson's syndrome.

Location of submacular hemorrhage as a predictor of visual outcome after intravitreal ranibizumab for age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the anatomical and functional outcomes in patients with submacular hemorrhage (SMH) due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) treated with ranibizumab, and to evaluate the potential role of the SMH location in the final outcome after treatment. METHODS: Participants in this study were 12 treatment-naïve patients with SMH due to neovascular AMD who were treated with intravitreal ranibizumab and had at least 12 months' follow-up. All patients underwent best-corrected visual acuity measurement and optical coherence tomography at baseline and at every visit posttreatment, while fluorescein angiography was done at baseline and at the discretion of the physician thereafter. RESULTS: Of the patients, 83.4% showed improvement or stabilization in best-corrected visual acuity after treatment at the 12-month follow-up, with a mean number of 7.3±2.9 injections. Patients with SMH surrounding the foveal area in 360° presented worse anatomical and functional outcomes compared to those with SMH adjacent to the fovea. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal ranibizumab seems to be safe and effective, either improving or stabilizing visual acuity, in patients with SMH due to wet AMD. The location of the SMH may predict the final outcome after treatment.