Effect of Posterior Subtenon Triamcinolone Acetonide Injection on Diabetic Macular Edema Refractory to Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injection

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of posterior subtenon triamcinolone acetonide injection on refractory diabetic macular edema (DME) after intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injection failure. METHODS: Patients with DME and central subfield thickness (CST) >300 microm who did not respond to IVB injections were retrospectively included. Specifically, we enrolled patients who were diagnosed with refractory DME and who experienced an increase in CST after 1 to 2 IVB injections or no decrease after > or =3 consecutive IVB injections. One clinician injected 20 mg of triamcinolone acetonide into the posterior subtenon space. All patients received ophthalmic examinations at baseline and at 2, 4, and 6 months post-baseline. Examinations included Snellen visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: Forty eyes of 34 patients were included. The average baseline CST was 476 microm. The average CST decreased to 368 microm at 2 months, 374 microm at 4 months, and 427 microm at 6 months (p < 0.001 for all results, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). The average intraocular pressure increased from 15.50 to 16.92 mmHg at 2 months but decreased to 16.30 mmHg at 4 months and 15.65 mmHg at 6 months. Logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity improved from 0.56 to 0.50 at 2 months (p = 0.023), 0.50 at 4 months (p = 0.083), and 0.48 at 6 months (p = 0.133, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). No complications were detected. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior subtenon triamcinolone acetonide is an effective and safe treatment for reducing CST in DME refractory to IVB.

A Case of Spontaneous Closure of Macular Hole in Infectious Posterior Uveitis Involving the Fovea

PURPOSE: To report a case of macular hole secondary to presumptive infectious posterior uveitis involving the fovea that spontaneously resolved after medical treatment. CASE SUMMARY: A 33-year-old male visited our clinic for decreased visual acuity in his left eye. He was treated with immunosuppressive therapy including steroid after bone marrow transplantation. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.05 in the left eye. Slit lamp examination showed mild anterior vitritis, and fundus examination showed a macular hole with surrounding whitish infiltration at the fovea. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) revealed a full thickness macular hole with surrounding hyper-reflective masses with an infiltration-like appearance involving all retinal layers. Serum anti-toxocara IgG was positive (ELISA), and eosinophil count and immunoglobulin E was elevated. Under diagnosis of presumptive ocular toxocariasis, the patient was treated with albendazole. After medical treatment for toxocariasis, the whitish foveal infiltration became smaller and more discrete. SD-OCT revealed spontaneous closure of the macular hole, and BCVA was improved to 0.4 after a 4-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: We report a macular hole complicated by presumptive infectious posterior uveitis that experienced spontaneous closure after medical treatment for underlying infection.

The Association between Choroidal Thickness Variations and Response to Intravitreal Bevacizumab in Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

PURPOSE: To analyze differences in the subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFChT) between bevacizumab responders (BevRs) and nonresponders (BevNRs) in patients with idiopathic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). METHODS: The medical records of 30 unilateral chronic CSC patients who were treated with intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) as a first line treatment were reviewed. Patients were categorized as BevNRs when CSC did not completely resolve after a minimum of 3 IVB treatments. Enhanced depth imaging-optical coherence tomography was used and SFChT was measured before and after treatment. Choroidal hyperpermeability was also evaluated using indocyanine angiography. RESULTS: Twenty and 10 eyes were classified as BevRs or BevNRs, respectively. The mean number of IVB treatments was 2.22 +/- 0.89 in BevRs, and 4.80 +/- 1.03 in BevNRs. Compared with BevNRs, BevRs demonstrated significantly greater pretreatment SFChT (441.25 +/- 88.09 vs. 364.10 +/- 61.97 microm); SFChT reduction following IVB was significantly greater in BevRs than BevNRs. SFChT in the unaffected eyes was also greater in BevRs than BevNRs. Choroidal hyperpermeability was detected less frequently in BevNRs (hypofluorescence on late-phase, 0.0% and 33.3% in BevNRs and BevRs, respectively; p = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with CSC eyes that did not respond well to IVB, BevRs demonstrated significantly thicker SFChT at baseline, greater reduction in SFChT after IVB treatment, and hyperfluorescence on late-phase indocyanine green angiography. We recommend IVB injection as the first-line therapy for CSC eyes with relatively high SFChT and hyperfluorescence on late-phase indocyanine green angiography.

The Association between Choroidal Thickness Variations and Response to Intravitreal Bevacizumab in Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

PURPOSE: To analyze differences in the subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFChT) between bevacizumab responders (BevRs) and nonresponders (BevNRs) in patients with idiopathic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). METHODS: The medical records of 30 unilateral chronic CSC patients who were treated with intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) as a first line treatment were reviewed. Patients were categorized as BevNRs when CSC did not completely resolve after a minimum of 3 IVB treatments. Enhanced depth imaging-optical coherence tomography was used and SFChT was measured before and after treatment. Choroidal hyperpermeability was also evaluated using indocyanine angiography. RESULTS: Twenty and 10 eyes were classified as BevRs or BevNRs, respectively. The mean number of IVB treatments was 2.22 +/- 0.89 in BevRs, and 4.80 +/- 1.03 in BevNRs. Compared with BevNRs, BevRs demonstrated significantly greater pretreatment SFChT (441.25 +/- 88.09 vs. 364.10 +/- 61.97 microm); SFChT reduction following IVB was significantly greater in BevRs than BevNRs. SFChT in the unaffected eyes was also greater in BevRs than BevNRs. Choroidal hyperpermeability was detected less frequently in BevNRs (hypofluorescence on late-phase, 0.0% and 33.3% in BevNRs and BevRs, respectively; p = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with CSC eyes that did not respond well to IVB, BevRs demonstrated significantly thicker SFChT at baseline, greater reduction in SFChT after IVB treatment, and hyperfluorescence on late-phase indocyanine green angiography. We recommend IVB injection as the first-line therapy for CSC eyes with relatively high SFChT and hyperfluorescence on late-phase indocyanine green angiography.

Acute-Onset Altitudinal Visual Field Defect Caused by Optic Canal Meningioma

No abstract available.

Recent Clinical Manifestation and Prognosis of Fungal Endophthalmitis: A 7-Year Experience at a Tertiary Referral Center in Korea

This study analyzed the recent causes, prognosis, and treatment strategies for fungal endophthalmitis. A retrospective review of patients who were diagnosed with fungal endophthalmitis at our center was conducted. The fungal organisms isolated from each patient and the visual prognosis according to the route of infection and treatment method were analyzed. A total of 40 eyes from 30 patients with fungal endophthalmitis were included in this study. Candida species were the most common causative organisms in 35 of 40 eyes. Endogenous and exogenous endophthalmitis were observed in 33 and 7 eyes, respectively. Pre- and post-treatment best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was not significantly different between endogenous endophthalmitis and exogenous endophthalmitis. The 40 eyes were treated using the following modalities: intravitreal antifungal agent injection with intravenous antifungal agent (16 eyes), vitrectomy with intravenous antifungal agent (14 eyes), intravenous antifungal agent alone (9 eyes), and evisceration (1 eye). Post-treatment BCVA only significantly improved after treatment in the vitrectomy group. Candida species were the most common cause of fungal endophthalmitis, irrespective of the route of infection. The visual prognosis of fungal endophthalmitis was generally poor. In conclusion, if the general condition of the patient tolerates a surgical procedure, prompt vitrectomy and intravitreal injection of antifungal agents can improve visual acuity.

Development and Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy and Associated Risk Factors in Korean Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: The Experience of a Tertiary Center

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of and risk factors for the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and progression to proliferative DR (PDR) in Korean patients. Patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and followed for more than 5 years at a university-based clinic since 2000 were consecutively enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. Based on the DR classification at the initial and final visits, the incidence and progression of DR was determined and patient characteristics were compared according to DR progression. Hazard ratios of each putative risk factor for DR progression were calculated with a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model. Rate of DR development and progression to PDR were 32.1/1,000 and 26.2/1,000 person-years, respectively. A longer duration of diabetes and higher mean HbA1c level were significant risk factors for the development of DR. Regarding progression to PDR, higher mean HbA1c level, higher standard deviation of HbA1c, and higher urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio were significant risk factors. The rates of development of DR and progression to PDR in Koreans with type 2 diabetes are lower than those reported over the last decade. An inadequate blood glycemic control is the common risk factor for development and progression of DR.

Comparison between Glaucomatous and Non-glaucomatous Eyes with Unilateral Retinal Vein Occlusion in the Fellow Eye

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the clinical and angiographic characteristics of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) in glaucomatous and non-glaucomatous eyes with unilateral RVO in the fellow eye. METHODS: Twenty-one glaucomatous eyes (GL group) and 25 age-matched non-glaucomatous eyes (non-GL group) with unilateral RVO in the fellow eye were included in this study. Fluorescein angiographic images were assessed in both groups by 3 retina specialists in order to determine the RVO occlusion site. The occlusion site was divided into 2 types: arteriovenous (AV)-crossing and non-AV-crossing (optic cup or optic nerve sited). The clinical characteristics and prevalence of AV-crossing and non-AV-crossing RVO were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: The mean baseline intraocular pressures of the RVO eye and the fellow eye did not differ between the 2 groups (RVO eye: 14.3 +/- 2.5 mmHg [non-GL group], 15.5 +/- 3.9 mmHg [GL group], p = 0.217; fellow eye: 14.4 +/- 2.5 mmHg [non-GL group], 15.7 +/- 3.7 mmHg [GL group], p = 0.148). The prevalence of systemic disease did not differ between the 2 groups (e.g., diabetes mellitus and hypertension, p = 0.802 and 0.873, respectively). AV-crossing RVO was significantly more frequent in the non-GL group (19 eyes; 76%) than in the GL group (4 eyes, 19%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Non-AV-crossing RVO, i.e., optic cup- or optic nerve-sited RVO, is more frequently associated with glaucomatous changes in the fellow eye. Therefore, this type of RVO should be monitored more carefully for indications of glaucoma in the fellow eye.

Structural Recovery of the Detached Macula after Retinal Detachment Repair as Assessed by Optical Coherence Tomography

PURPOSE: To investigate correlations between preoperative and postoperative foveal microstructures in patients with macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). METHODS: We reviewed the records of 31 eyes from 31 patients with macula-off RRD who had undergone successful re-attachment surgery. We analyzed data obtained from complete ophthalmologic examinations and optical coherence tomography (OCT) before and 9 to 12 months after surgery. All postoperative OCT measurements were taken with spectral-domain OCT, but a subset of preoperative OCT measurements were taken with time-domain OCT. RESULTS: The mean duration of macular detachment was 15.5 +/- 15.2 days, and mean preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA, logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) was 1.03 +/- 0.68. Preoperative visual acuity was correlated with retinal detachment height (p < 0.001) and the existence of intraretinal separation (IRS) along with outer layer undulation (OLU) (p = 0.022), but not with macula-off duration. The final BCVA was significantly correlated with integrity of the junction between the photoreceptor inner and outer segments (IS/OS) combined with the continuity of external limiting membrane (ELM) (p = 0.025). The presence of IRS and OLU on a detached macula were highly correlated with the final postoperative integrity of the IS/OS junction and the ELM (p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: Eyes preoperatively exhibiting IRS and OLU showed a higher incidence of disruption to the photoreceptor IS/OS junction and the ELM at final follow-up. Such a close correlation between preoperative and postoperative structural changes may explain why ultimate visual recovery in such eyes is poor.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Early-Stage Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Patients Examined at a Health Promotion Center in Korea

We evaluated the prevalence and risk factors for early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in Koreans 50 yr of age or older who were examined at a single health promotion center. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 10,449 subjects who visited the center over a 6-month period. Fundus photography was performed on all subjects, and systematic risk factor analysis was conducted using a structured questionnaire. All patients (n = 322) were initially diagnosed with drusen or early AMD using fundoscopy; the control group (n = 10,127) were those yielding normal fundoscopy findings. The age- and gender-adjusted prevalence of early AMD was 3.08%. Advanced age, male gender, smoking status, hyperlipidemia, working outdoors, and residence in rural areas were all significantly associated with an increased risk for development of early AMD. Higher-level ingestion of fruit or herbal medication and an increased amount of exercise were associated with a lower risk of early AMD development. In our Korean cohort, consisting principally of relatively healthy, middle-class urban adults, the prevalence of early AMD was 3.08% that is similar to that reported in earlier epidemiological studies. Several modifiable risk factors such as smoking and hyperlipidemia are associated with the prevalence of early AMD in our cohort.

Recurrent Bilateral Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion with Hearing Loss and Encephalopathy: The First Case Report of Susac Syndrome in Korea

We report the first case of Susac syndrome in Koreans, in a 23-yr-old female patient who presented with sudden visual loss and associated neurological symptoms. Ophthalmic examination and fluorescein angiography showed multiple areas of branch retinal artery occlusion, which tended to recur in both eyes. Magnetic resonance imaging showed dot-like, diffusion-restricted lesions in the corpus callosum and left fornix, and audiometry showed low-frequency sensory hearing loss, compatible with Susac syndrome. She received immunosuppressive therapy with oral steroid and azathioprine. Three months later all the symptoms disappeared but obstructive vasculitis have been relapsing. This patient demonstrated the entire clinical triad of Susac syndrome, which tends to occur in young females. Although this disorder has rarely been reported in Asian populations, a high index of suspicion is warranted for early diagnosis and timely treatment.

Case Report of Acremonium Intraocular Infection after Cataract Extraction

A 64-year-old woman was referred to our clinic for the treatment of chronic uveitis in her left eye, which had started two weeks after an uncomplicated cataract extraction. She was treated with topical steroids with an initially good response, yet she subsequently developed severe inflammation and plaque-like material around the intraocular lens, despite continuous steroid therapy. She underwent pars plana vitrectomy, smear and culture of the aqueous and vitreous fluids, and intravitreal antibiotic injection under the impression of Propionibacterium acne (P. acne) endophthalmitis. As a result of the smear and culture of the vitreous fluid identified as an Acremonium species, she was treated with intravenous amphotericin B injections for five days, followed by oral voriconazole administration. During the post-operative 18-month follow-up, she was stable without significant relapse of uveitis. In this case, the best correction of visual acuity was an improvement from 20/40 to 20/20.

Twenty-Four Hour Blood Pressure Pattern in Patients With Normal Tension Glaucoma in the Habitual Position

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between blood pressure (BP) parameters in the habitual position and glaucomatous damage at initial presentation in patients with untreated normal tension glaucoma (NTG). METHODS: Fifty-four eyes from 54 subjects diagnosed with NTG were consecutively enrolled. BP was measured with an automated ambulatory monitoring device in the habitual position during 24-hour in-hospitalization. Patients were classified into three groups: non-dippers, dippers, and over-dippers. corresponded to the degree of reduction in their nocturnal mean arterial pressure (MAP) compared with their diurnal MAP. Regression models were used to evaluate potential risk factors, including: age, pre-admission office intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT), and BP parameters. Functional outcome variables for glaucomatous damage included mean deviation (MD) and pattern standard deviation (PSD) on a Humphrey field analyzer (HFA). Anatomic outcome variables were TSNIT score (temporal, superior, nasal, inferior, and temporal) average, superior average, inferior average, and nerve fiber indicator (NFI) score on scanning laser polarimetry with variable corneal compensation (SLP-VCC; GDx-VCC). RESULTS: Marked systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and MAP fluctuation were noted in the over-dipper group (p<0.05). A linear regression analysis model revealed that nocturnal trough DBP and MAP, average nocturnal SBP, and MAP were all significantly associated with a decreased average TSNIT score and an increased NFI score. CONCLUSIONS: Nocturnal BP reduction estimated in the habitual position was associated with structural damage in eyes with NTG. This finding may suggest systemic vascular etiology of NTG development associated with nocturnal BP reduction.

C-reactive Protein and Lipid Profiles in Korean Patients With Normal Tension Glaucoma

PURPOSE: To compare high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels and lipid profiles between Korean normal tension glaucoma (NTG) patients and healthy controls. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 38 Korean patients with NTG and 38 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects. We excluded the patients with cardiovascular risk factors and other systemic diseases that might affect CRP levels and lipid profiles. Each patient underwent a Humphrey visual field examination and blood sampling for hsCRP and lipid profile analyses. Subsequently, the NTG patients were classified into two groups based on their untreated intraocular pressure (IOP) level: low NTG (LNTG) with IOP13 and 0.05) after exclusion of Korean patients with cardiovascular risk factors. There was no significant association between hsCRP and visual field indices (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: High-sensitivity C-reactive protein-related vascular inflammatory conditions may not be directly associated with the development of NTG, regardless of the untreated IOP level.

The Therapeutic Effects of Bevacizumab in Patients with Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal bevacizumab for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). METHODS: In this retrospective interventional pilot study, 12 eyes of 11 patients with active PCV were treated with intravitreal bevacizumab (1.25 mg) alone or in combination with photodynamic therapy (PDT) depending on the informed patient's choice. Intravitreal bevacizumab was repeated at 6-week intervals until the regression of active lesion was detected on fluorescein angiography (FA) which was done on a regular basis, Indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) analyses. RESULTS: Intravitreal bevacizumab was given alone in 8 eyes (Group 1) and in combination with PDT in 4 eyes (Group 2). Mean follow-up duration was 17 weeks in group 1 and 15 weeks in group 2 after bevacizumab treatment. The mean number of bevacizumab injections was 2.2 in group 1 and 2.5 in group 2. Mean BCVA improved from 20/63 to 20/40 in group 1 and 20/63 to 20/32 in group 2. Of all eyes, the BCVA improved by > or =2 lines in seven (58%) eyes and resolution of fluid and hemorrhages in clinical examination, an absence of leakage on repeat FAs, or resolved pigment epithelial detachment (PED) and/or subretinal fluid (SRF) on OCT exam was confirmed in 10 (83%) eyes. Partial or complete regression of the polypoidal vessels and interconnecting vessels was reported for most cases at the last follow-up. No significant ocular or systemic side effects were observed in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term results indicate that intravitreal bevacizumab (1.25 mg) alone or in combination with PDT is well tolerated and associated with improvement in BCVA and reduced angiographic leakage in most patients. Further evaluation of intravitreal bevacizumab therapy for the treatment of PCV is warranted.