Transient central retina artery occlusion in patients undergoing intravitreal anti vegf injections.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the occurrence of transient central retinal artery occlusion following intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injection. METHODS: Prospective, observational study of 807 patients (807 eyes) who were given intravitreal injections of ranibizumab or aflibercept to treat any cause of retinal vascular diseases between 1 January 2017 and 30 November 2018 at the Federal Fluminense University Hospital in Niteroi, and a private facility in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Patients who did not present transient central retinal artery occlusion were excluded. RESULTS: Among 4069 injections, only 18 patients (0.44%) presented transient central retinal artery occlusion, 14 mild cases (77.7%), and 4 severe cases (22.3%). The clinical factors associated with more severe cases of transient central retinal artery occlusion were the duration of the transient central retinal artery occlusion (p = 0.001), number of prior injections (p = 0.01), and a positive carotid Doppler test (p = 0.01). Twelve cases (66.6%) had positive carotid artery obstruction (atheroma plaque size ≥70%) while 6 cases (33.3%) had negative carotid artery obstruction (atheroma plaque size <70%). The age group >60 years old (p = 0.06), cup/disc ratio >0.6 (p = 0.06), and pseudophakic lens status were also factors with association with transient central retinal artery occlusion, although did not meet criteria for statistical significance. The only patient who experienced a recurrent episode of transient central retinal artery occlusion had diabetic macular edema, positive carotid Doppler test, and cup/optic disc ratio >0.6. CONCLUSION: Transient central retinal artery occlusion is a rare adverse event that can appear in patients with retinal vascular disease receiving anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. The atheroma plaque size and the number of prior injections can be associated with the severity of the event.

The M.A.STE.R.S algorithm for acute visual loss management after facial filler injection.

OBJECTIVE: To propose an algorithm of treatment for sudden visual loss following filler injections and perform an English-written literature search for assignment of evidence level and grade recommendation. METHODS: Algorithm of treatment includes ocular physical Maneuvers, hyAluronidase administration, intravenous STEroids, intraocular pressure Reduction, and Supplemental Oxygen (M.A.STE .R.S) based on previous acute management reports. Special consideration for algorithm buildup was made for ophthalmic diseases that share physiopathological features such as central retinal artery occlusion, systemic vasculitis affecting vision, and acute glaucoma. Finally, a systematic cross-review of the reported cases with visual loss was done to identify the level of evidence and grant a recommendation grade. RESULTS: A search through PubMed and Medscape databases for English-written scientific papers using the terms facial filler, retinal artery occlusion, management, treatment, complications, and adverse events quoted a total of 46 papers (190 cases) which were then analyzed. A high variability on management for treatment of sudden visual loss after facial filler injections was observed. This was attributed partially to the great diversity of medical specialists performing cosmetic facial procedures such as dermatologists, plastic surgeons, esthetic doctors and ophthalmologists, and the lack of high evidence level studies. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed algorithm provides an initial guideline based on prior literature reports and physiopathology involving facial filler injection complications. Analysis identified 22 successfully treated cases with vision recovery (11.57%). Ocular physical maneuvers had the best evidence-based level and grade recommendation (A) for the management of acute vision loss secondary to facial filler injections.