Comparison of the vessel density measurements of the macula, optical disc, and peri-papillary region between ocular hypertension patients and healthy controls.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A) findings in patients with Ocular Hypertension (OHT) and compare them with healthy individuals. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with ocular hypertension (OHT) and 22 healthy individuals were included in the study. Foveal thickness, retinal vascular density in superficial and deep capillary plexus and choriocapillaris, foveal avascular zone (FAZ), acircularity index (AI), foveal vessel density (FD), non-flow area, capillary and all vessel densities in the peripapillary area and the disc were automatically measured using the Angiovue software of OCT-A and compared between groups. RESULTS: The comparison of the macular OCT-A findings did not reveal a significant difference between the two groups in terms of central macular thickness, superficial and deep capillary plexus vessel density (p>0.05). The foveal avascular zone width was significantly higher in OHT subjects compared to the control group (0.30±0.08 µ and 0.25±0.11 µ, respectively; p = 0.04). The comparison of optic nerve OCT-A findings revealed that the whole-field vessel density (wVD) (p = 0.007), peripapillary vessel density (pVD) (p = 0.001), inferior, superior and temporal radial peripapillary capillary plexus vessel density (p = 0.006, p = 0.008, p = 0.02) and the mean retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (p = 0.02) were significantly lower in the OHT group. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the decrement in the optic disc vascular density and foveal avascular zone width was significantly higher in OHT subjects. The possible effect or role of these microvascular changes in terms of glaucoma development should be examined through further studies.

Optical coherence tomography angiography findings in patients with ocular and non-ocular Behcet disease / Achados de angiografia por tomografia de coerência óptica em pacientes com doença de Behçet com e sem acometimento ocular

ABSTRACT Purposes: To evaluate the optical coherence tomography angiography findings in patients with Behçet disease with and without ocular involvement. Methods: A total of 40 patients with Behçet disease and 30 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Retinal vessel density in the superficial capillary plexus and deep capillary plexus, foveal avascular zone area and perimeter, acirculatory index, foveal density, and nonflow area in the superficial retina were automatically measured using the optical coherence tomography angiography software AngioVue and compared between the groups. Results: The mean parafoveal and perifoveal vessel densities in the superficial capillary plexus and deep capillary plexus and foveal density were significantly lower in the eyes with Behçet uveitis compared to the eyes without Behçet uveitis and eyes of the healthy controls. In the eyes with Behçet uveitis, logMAR visual acuity showed a moderate correlation with parafoveal and perifoveal vessel densities and foveal density (r=-0.43, p=0.006; r=-0.62, p<0.001; r=-0.42, p=0.008; respectively). Conclusion: Behçet disease with posterior uveitis was associated with significant perifoveal and parafoveal vascular decrements in the superficial and deep retina.(AU)

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar achados de angiografia por tomografia de coerência óptica em pacientes com doença de Behçet com e sem acometimento ocular. Métodos: Foram incluídos 40 pacientes com doença de Behçet e 30 controles saudáveis. A densidade vascular retiniana nos plexos capilares superficial e profundo, a zona avascular foveal, o índice de circularidade, a densidade foveal e a área sem fluxo da retina superficial foram medidos automaticamente, através do software AngioVue para angiografia por tomografia de coerência óptica, e comparados entre os grupos. Resultados: A densidade vascular parafoveal e perifoveal média nos plexos capilares superficial e profundo, bem como a densidade foveal, foram significativamente menores nos olhos com uveíte de Behçet em comparação com os olhos sem uveíte de Behçet e os olhos dos controles saudáveis. Nos olhos com uveíte de Behçet, a acuidade visual logMAR mostrou correlação moderada com a densidade vascular parafoveal e perifoveal e com a densidade foveal (respectivamente, r=-0,43, p=0,006; r=-0,62, p<0,001; e r=-0,42, p = 0,008). Conclusão: A doença de Behçet com uveíte posterior foi associada a decréscimos significativos da vascularização perifoveal e parafoveal na retina superficial e profunda.(AU)

The presence of anomalous extraocular bands in Duane retraction syndrome.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of anomalous extraocular bands in patients who underwent surgery for Duane syndrome and to compare the clinical findings in patients with and without bands. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with Duane syndrome who had their first surgery on rectus muscles to correct the primary deviation and abnormal head posture were included in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into two groups depending on the identification of anomalous extraocular bands intraoperatively. Baseline clinical characteristics were compared between the groups. RESULTS: A total of 31 patients were included. Anomalous bands were found in 6 of 19 (32%) patients with esotropic Duane syndrome and 9 of 12 (75%) with exotropic Duane syndrome (P = 0.02). In esotropic Duane syndrome, the bands were localized under the medial rectus muscle in 5 patients and under the lateral rectus muscle in 1 patient. All of the bands in patients with exotropic Duane syndrome were under the lateral rectus muscle. The amount of preoperative primary deviation, globe retraction, and up- or downshoot were similar between groups. All of the bands had distinct tight insertion on the sclera, requiring a sharp dissection for disinsertion. In 7 cases, the anomalous band was a translucent structure that could be identified under the surgical microscope as scleral indentation during forced duction testing. Histological examination of 6 cases revealed only fibrous tissue in 4 and accompanying striated muscle tissue in 2 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The present study highlights the incidence of anomalous bands in Duane syndrome. Repeating forced duction testing after disinsertion of the affected muscle and excision of the anomalous band is helpful for intraoperative identification of these structures.

Optical coherence tomography angiography findings in patients with ocular and non-ocular Behcet disease.

PURPOSES: To evaluate the optical coherence tomography angiography findings in patients with Behçet disease with and without ocular involvement. METHODS: A total of 40 patients with Behçet disease and 30 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Retinal vessel density in the superficial capillary plexus and deep capillary plexus, foveal avascular zone area and perimeter, acirculatory index, foveal density, and nonflow area in the superficial retina were automatically measured using the optical coherence tomography angiography software AngioVue and compared between the groups. RESULTS: The mean parafoveal and perifoveal vessel densities in the superficial capillary plexus and deep capillary plexus and foveal density were significantly lower in the eyes with Behçet uveitis compared to the eyes without Behçet uveitis and eyes of the healthy controls. In the eyes with Behçet uveitis, logMAR visual acuity showed a moderate correlation with parafoveal and perifoveal vessel densities and foveal density (r=-0.43, p=0.006; r=-0.62, p<0.001; r=-0.42, p=0.008; respectively). CONCLUSION: Behçet disease with posterior uveitis was associated with significant perifoveal and parafoveal vascular decrements in the superficial and deep retina.

Multimodal imaging in iodate-induced toxic retinopathy.

INTRODUCTION: Iodine deficiency is a leading cause of preventable physical and mental retardation. Potassium iodate is used for iodine supplementation to prevent iodine deficiency. We herein report a case of toxic retinopathy following intentional ingestion of potassium iodine. CASE PRESENTATION: A 41-year-old male presented with a 5-day history of blurred vision in both eyes. His visual acuity (VA) was hand motion and his pupillary reactions were sluggish bilaterally. The fundus examination revealed bilaterally diffuse retinal pigment epithelium atrophy and secondary pigmentary changes at the posterior pole, but his peripheral fundus was relatively spared. Choroidal thinning, punctate hyperreflective dots along the retinal pigment epithelium layer, and outer retinal atrophy were the optical coherence tomography findings, which were consistent with widespread areas of retinal pigment epithelium window defects observed on fundus fluorescein angiography. The visual evoked potential test showed no response in the right eye and revealed a delay in the latency and a decrease in the amplitude of the P100 wave in the left eye. Wave b responses of the photoreceptors could not be observed in the patient's electroretinogram. After a vitamin supplementation protocol consistent with the literature, at the 4-month follow-up visit his visual acuity had improved to 0.3 in the right eye and counting fingers in the left eye. CONCLUSION: Potassium iodate toxicity is a cause of serious retinal and choroidal damage and results in severe vision loss. Hydration, hemodialysis, and antioxidants can be helpful to minimize the complications.

Superior or inferior rectus transposition in esotropic Duane syndrome: a longitudinal analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of superior rectus transposition (SRT) or inferior rectus transposition (IRT) in esotropic Duane syndrome. METHODS: The medical records of patients with esotropic Duane syndrome who underwent ciliary vessel-sparing SRT or IRT by a single surgeon in private practice were included. Pre- and postoperative head posture, primary position deviation, fundus torsion, collapse in pattern, and improvement in ductions were analyzed between groups. RESULTS: A total of 21 patients were included: 7 had a V-pattern esotropia and/or larger abduction deficiency in downgaze compared to upgaze and underwent IRT; 14 underwent SRT of which 6 had A pattern and/or larger abduction deficiency in upgaze compared to downgaze. Orthotropia within 10Δ of esotropia was achieved in 10 patients (71.4%) with SRT and 4 patients (57.1%) with IRT. Pattern was reduced and abduction improved in all patients. The improvement in abduction was slightly better in elevation after SRT compared with IRT (1.7 ± 1 vs 1.4 ± 0.7; P = 0.4) and in depression after IRT compared to SRT (2 ± 1.2 vs 1.1 ± 0.7; P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both SRT and IRT procedures effectively correct the head posture and primary position deviation in esotropic Duane patients. SRT can be advantageous in patients with an A pattern or more limitation of abduction in elevation; IRT, in patients with a V pattern or more limitation of abduction in depression.

Botulinum toxin-A injection in esotropic Duane syndrome patients up to 2 years of age.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of botulinum toxin-A (BTX) injection as the primary treatment for patients with esotropic Duane retraction syndrome ≤2 years of age. METHODS: The medical records of patients with esotropic Duane syndrome who underwent unilateral or bilateral BTX injection to the medial rectus muscle at or before 2 years of age were reviewed retrospectively. The following data were extracted from the record: laterality, age at the time of injection, primary position deviation, duction deficit, anomalous head posture, globe retraction before and after injection, further surgeries, and complications. Success was defined as permanent resolution of esotropia and head turn in primary position at final follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 15 patients (14 unilateral, 1 bilateral) were included. Before BTX injection the mean primary esotropia at near with full cycloplegic refraction was 29.3Δ ± 14.4Δ; the mean head turn, 23° ± 11°. Mean duration of follow-up was 37 ± 29 months (range, 7-96 months). Orthotropia and resolution of head turn was achieved in 7 patients (46.7%). In subgroup analysis, success rate gradually decreased from 100% in patients ≤7 months of age to 33.3% in patients 8-12 months of age, and 20% in patients >12 months of age. Seven patients (46.7%) required surgery (medial rectus recession and/or superior rectus transposition) because of residual head turn and esodeviation following BTX. CONCLUSIONS: In this patient cohort, orthotropia in primary position and correction of head turn were achieved with a single BTX injection in about half of the patients ≤2 years of age and all patients ≤7 months of age. BTX injection early in infancy can obviate the need for surgery in esotropic Duane syndrome.

Macular Choroidal Thickness in Patients with Ocular Hypertension as Assessed Using Enhanced Depth Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the macular choroidal thickness (CT) in patients with ocular hypertension (OHT) using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and compare the results with healthy individuals. METHODS: Thirty eyes of 30 patients newly diagnosed with OHT and 24 eyes of 24 healthy controls were included in this cross-sectional study. After a detailed ophthalmological examination, macular CT was measured with enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) (Cirrus HD-OCT, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Jena, Germany) at the fovea and at positions 500 µ, 1000 µ, 1500 µ nasal and temporal to the fovea. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the CT measurements between groups. The correlation between the mean deviation, pattern standard deviation, and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL) and CT was evaluated with the Spearman correlation coefficient. Statistical significance was accepted as p<0.05. RESULTS: The mean CT in the OHT group was significantly thinner than that of the controls at locations 1000 µ (250.13±69.53µ vs 275.92±47.34µ; p=0.02) and 1500µ (236.03±65.44µ vs 265.46±47.56µ; p=0.009) temporal to the fovea. The CT at the other measurement points was also thinner in eyes with OHT, but the difference failed to reach statistical significance. A moderately negative correlation was detected between the mean deviation and CT at locations 1000µ (r=-0.42; p=0.03) and 1500µ (r=-0.44; p=0.02) temporal to the fovea There was a moderate correlation between the average RNFL thickness and CT at locations 500µ (r=0.44; p=0.03), 1000µ (r=0.42; p=0.04) and 1500µ (r=0.56; p=0.005) temporal to the fovea. CONCLUSION: In the present study, the macular CT was thinner in patients with OHT and this thinning was statistically significant at the temporal macula. A longitudinal, prospective study involving multiple EDI-OCT measurements is required to further understand the relationship.

Deficiency of depression in adduction: clinical characteristics and surgical management of the "inverted Brown pattern".

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical characteristics and surgical management of patients with an "inverted Brown pattern," which is defined clinically as a hypertropia with greatest deviation in down-and-in gaze of the higher eye, having the appearance of superior oblique muscle underaction but without significant inferior oblique muscle overaction. METHODS: The medical records of patients with this misalignment pattern who had cyclovertical muscle surgery at our institution from 2003 through 2015 were retrospectively reviewed; medical records were analyzed for pre- and postoperative motility patterns, fundus torsion, intraoperative findings, and type of strabismus surgery. RESULTS: A total of 45 patients presenting with a hyperdeviation worse in down-and-in gaze of the higher eye were included in the study. Of these, 25 (56%) had previously had inferior oblique-weakening procedures. The remainder included those with untreated superior oblique paresis (22%), previous orbital trauma (18%), or other ocular surgery (4%). The mean preoperative hyperdeviation in straight-ahead gaze was 8.7(Δ), compared with 0.9(Δ) postoperatively. Surgical success, defined as the absence of diplopia in straight-ahead gaze and not requiring further cyclovertical surgery, was achieved in 78% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The motility pattern referred to as the "inverted Brown pattern" can develop in patients with orbital trauma, as previously described, or in association with superior oblique muscle paresis, most commonly after prior surgery to weaken the inferior oblique muscle. Weakening or reweakening of the inferior oblique muscle appears to correct this misalignment pattern, despite the absence of significant inferior oblique overaction preoperatively.

In vivo confocal microscopy for the evaluation of corneal microstructure in keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the corneal microstructure in keratoconus with in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM). METHODS: Unscarred corneas of 68 patients with keratoconus and 22 controls were evaluated with slit lamp examination, corneal topography, and IVCM (Confoscan 3.0, Vigonza, Italy). One eye was randomly chosen for analysis. Keratocyte, endothelial cell and basal epithelial densities, sub-basal and stromal nerve structure, and severity of stromal haze were evaluated. RESULTS: Compared with corneas of control subjects, patients with keratoconus had a significantly lower anterior stromal keratocyte density (1279+/-197 cells/mm(2) vs. 1132+/-178 cells/mm(2), p=0.002), lower midstromal keratocyte density (904+/-213 cells/mm(2) vs. 770+/-120 cells/mm(2), p<0.001), lower posterior stromal keratocyte density (935+/-113 cells/mm(2) vs. 725+/-113 cells/mm(2), p<0.001), lower endothelial cell density (2924+/-300 cells/mm(2) vs. 2719+/-279 cells/mm(2), p=0.004), lower basal epithelial cell density (5987+/-699 cells/mm(2) vs. 4365+/-537 cells/mm(2), p<0.001), lower sub-basal long nerve density (32.0+/-6.5 nerves/mm(2) vs. 19.6+/-6.5 nerves/mm(2), p<0.001), thicker sub-basal (3.2+/-0.4 microm vs. 3.7+/-1.1 microm, p=0.01) and stromal nerves (5.0+/-1.2 microm vs. 8.0+/-2.9 microm, p<0.001), and higher proportion of corneas with haze (40.9% vs. 92.6%, p<0.001). A history of contact lens use (n=12) was not associated with lower keratocyte, endothelial cell, or basal epithelial cell counts. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal microstructure is abnormal in patients with keratoconus. Keratocyte and endothelial cell loss appears to be present in keratoconic corneas.

Metastatic atypical carcinoid tumor of the inferior rectus muscle.

A 74-year-old man who had been treated for pulmonary atypical carcinoid tumor 3 years earlier developed diplopia. Imaging studies showed a well-delineated diffuse enlargement of the right inferior rectus muscle. Downward movement of the right eye was restricted. Incisional biopsy of the affected muscle revealed metastatic atypical carcinoid tumor infiltration that immunostained positively for epithelial membrane antigen, synaptophysin, and chromogranin. Systemic chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin and etoposide was prescribed to address the orbital tumor and a contemporaneously discovered hepatic locus. This treatment provided a 2-year disease-free period with complete resolution of his ocular symptoms. Although metastatic bronchogenic carcinoid tumor in the orbit, and in the inferior rectus muscle in particular, is highly unusual, this condition must be considered in the differential diagnosis of an isolated extraocular muscle enlargement in a patient with a history of systemic carcinoid tumor.

The significance of Vogt's striae in keratoconus as evaluated by in vivo confocal microscopy.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the association of the presence, extent and width of Vogt's striae with other microstructural corneal alterations in keratoconus using in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM). METHODS: Sixty-eight keratoconic corneas of 68 patients were evaluated with slit-lamp examination (SLE), corneal topography and IVCM. For each eye, the presence, extent and width of alternating light and dark bands (Vogt's striae) observed using IVCM was recorded together with keratocyte and endothelial cell densities, stromal nerve thickness, subbasal nerve density and thickness. The refractive status and the mean and steepest corneal curvatures were noted. RESULTS: Vogt's striae were present in 43 (63.2%) eyes on SLE and dark bands were present in 53 (77.9%) eyes on IVCM. Compared with patients without dark bands, patients with dark bands had significantly higher refractive errors in spherical equivalents (SE; -8.15 +/- 3.70 vs. -5.18 +/- 2.46 diopters [D], P = 0.007), higher astigmatic errors (-5.88 +/- 2.69 vs. -4.10 +/- 1.84 D, P = 0.027), higher steepest corneal curvatures (54.33 +/- 4.38 vs. 51.23 +/- 3.72 D, P = 0.018), lower anterior stromal keratocyte densities (1106 +/- 172 vs. 1222 +/- 171 cells/mm(2), P = 0.022) and lower nerve fibre densities (18.74 +/- 6.54 vs. 22.66 +/- 6.47 nerves/mm(2), P = 0.054). Compared with patients in whom dark bands were confined to the posterior stroma, patients with dark bands extending into the anterior stroma had significantly higher refractive errors in SE (-11.17 +/- 2.25 vs. -6.34 +/- 3.48 D, P < 0.001), higher astigmatic errors (-7.44 +/- 2.56 vs. -4.69 +/- 2.22 D, P = 0.006) and wider bands (6.0 +/- 2.1 vs. 9.6 +/- 3.1 microm, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Vogt's striae appear to be more prevalent in keratoconic corneas than can be appreciated clinically. The presence of Vogt's striae may be associated with corneal topographic and microstructural changes.

Relationship between Humphrey 30-2 SITA Standard Test, Matrix 30-2 threshold test, and Heidelberg retina tomograph in ocular hypertensive and glaucoma patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between global indices of Humphrey standard automated perimetry (SAP, 30-2 SITA standard test), Humphrey Matrix frequency doubling technology (FDT, 30-2 threshold test), and Heidelberg Retina Tomograph (HRT II) parameters and measure the level of agreement among these 3 tests in classifying eyes as normal or abnormal. METHODS: The study included 1 eye of 29 ocular hypertensive and 56 glaucoma patients with a mean age of 60.9+/-10.5 years. All subjects had reliable visual fields and HRT measurements performed within a 2-week period. The eyes were classified as normal/abnormal according to visual field criteria and Moorfields regression analysis (MRA). Correlations between visual field indices (mean deviation and pattern standard deviation) and HRT parameters were analyzed using Spearman correlation coefficient (r) and the agreement between the tests in classifying eyes was defined with kappa value. RESULTS: FDT Matrix mean deviation and pattern standard deviation parameters were found to be highly correlated with those of SAP (r=0.66 and 0.69, respectively). Visual field indices showed statistically significant correlations with cup area, rim area, cup/disc (C/D) area, linear C/D, cup shape, mean retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and retinal nerve fiber layer area parameters (P<0.05). Fifty-eight patients (68.2%) had abnormal results at least with 1 of the tests and 21 subjects (24.7%) had abnormal results with all 3 tests. The kappa values were 0.6 for SAP and Matrix (P<0.001), 0.33 for SAP and MRA (P=0.002), and 0.31 for Matrix and MRA (P=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: FDT Matrix results are highly comparable with SAP in the assessment of glaucoma. Visual field global indices show statistically significant, but low-moderate correlations with most of the HRT parameters. The agreement among MRA and visual fields for abnormality is fair. Either HRT or visual fields may show the first evidence of glaucomatous damage; therefore, the combination of optic nerve head parameters and visual field results could improve glaucoma diagnosis and follow-up.

Ultrastructural alterations in extraocular muscles following iodine-125 brachytherapy for uveal melanoma.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the ultrastructural changes in extraocular muscles under which radioactive plaques had been placed for the treatment of uveal melanoma. METHODS: At the time of plaque removal, biopsies were taken from four horizontal recti that had been left in situ over plaques and from one lateral rectus muscle that had been disinserted before brachytherapy. Normal lateral recti from enucleated eyes were used as controls. Iodine-125 seeds were used with a mean total activity of 54.04 mCi, remaining for an average of 149.62 hours over the sclera. RESULTS: Muscles that had been left in situ over the radioactive plaques demonstrated a focal decrease in muscular tissue and increased fibroblasts and collagen. Electron microscopy showed increased collagen, loss of sarcoplasmic reticulum and swollen mitochondria. The disinserted muscle in the plaque group appeared unaffected. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the theoretical shielding properties of plaques, leaving an extraocular muscle over the plaque may lead to several non-specific ultrastructural changes.