Differences in imaging biomarkers between patients with intermediate and advanced non-neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the University of Colorado AMD registry.

PURPOSE: To quantify and compare the different prevalence rates of specific retinal imaging biomarkers in patients with intermediate AMD (iAMD) and advanced non-neovascular AMD (nnAMD). METHODS: Cross-sectional study of patients with iAMD and advanced nnAMD. Imaging studies were reviewed for qualitative imaging biomarkers. Choroidal thickness measurements were obtained subfoveally and in 1000 um and 2000 um intervals away from the fovea. The Chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test were used to compare rates of imaging biomarkers among the two cohorts. P-value of <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: 376 eyes of 197 patients with iAMD and 187 eyes of 97 patients with advanced nnAMD were recruited. There were significantly lower rates of the following imaging biomarkers in the iAMD compared with the advanced nnAMD cohorts: soft drusen (66.0% vs. 84.2%, p = 0.001), calcified drusen (4.3% vs. 40.0%, p < 0.0001), RPD (26.2% vs. 53.3%, p < 0.0001), ORT (0.5% vs. 46.9%, p < 0.0001), RP (1.1% vs. 46.3%, p < 0.0001), pigment migration (53.2% vs. 100%, p < 0.0001), and iRORA (17.9% vs. 80.2%, p < 0.0001). In the iAMD cohort, choroidal thickness was significantly greater at 188 µm (SD: 60) and 194 µm (SD: 69), compared to the advanced nnAMD with measurements of 153 µm (SD: 68), and 161 µm (SD: 76). This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight significant differences in imaging biomarkers between both cohorts. Key biomarkers, such as iRORA, RPD, pigment migration, and thinner choroidal thickness, were associated with advanced nnAMD. Identifying these biomarkers early may help target patients who could benefit from new treatments, potentially delaying vision loss.

Association Between Quantitative and Qualitative Imaging Biomarkers and Geographic Atrophy Growth Rate.

PURPOSE: Investigate associations between geographic atrophy (GA) growth rate and multimodal imaging biomarkers and patient demographics in patients with advanced non-neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nnAMD). DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. METHODS: One hundred twenty-one eyes of 66 patients with advanced nnAMD with GA enrolled in the University of Colorado AMD Registry from August 2014 to June 2021, with follow-up through June 2023. Multimodal images were reviewed by two graders for imaging biomarkers at enrollment. GA growth rate and square-root transformed (SQRT) GA growth rate were measured between enrollment and final visit. Associations between the outcome SQRT GA growth rate and imaging biomarkers, baseline GA lesions characteristics, and patient demographics were evaluated. RESULTS: Average GA growth rate was 1.430 mm2/year and SQRT GA growth rate was 0.268 mm/year over a mean of 3.7 years. SQRT GA growth rate was positively associated with patient age (P = .010) and female sex (0.035), and negatively associated with body mass index (0.041). After adjustment for these demographic factors, SQRT GA growth rate was positively associated with presence of non-exudative subretinal fluid (P < .001), non-exudative subretinal hyperreflective material (P = .037), and incomplete retinal pigment epithelium and outer retina atrophy (P = .022), and negatively associated with subfoveal choroidal thickness (P = .031) and presence of retinal pseudocysts (P = .030). Larger baseline GA size at enrollment was associated with faster GA growth rate (P = .002) but not SQRT GA growth rate. CONCLUSIONS: Select patient demographic factors and basic clinically-relevant imaging biomarkers were associated with GA growth rate. These biomarkers may guide patient selection when considering treating GA patients with novel therapeutics.

Vitreous involvement as initial presentation of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis related to the rare TTR Ile107Met (p.Ile127Met) pathogenic variant.

BACKGROUND: Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) is a multisystemic disease with autosomal dominant inheritance, characterized by the deposition of amyloid-insoluble proteins. We describe a case of vitreous amyloidosis as the initial presentation of ATTRv amyloidosis resulting from the rare Ile107Met (p.Ile127Met) pathogenic variant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ophthalmic examination, multimodal imaging, vitreous biopsy, and genetic testing were performed to confirm the diagnosis. RESULTS: A 44-year-old woman presented with blurred vision and floaters in both eyes (OU) for 1 year. The vitreous showed numerous strand-like opacities that were predominant in the anterior vitreous of OU. After a systemic workup and excluding malignancy, vitreous amyloidosis was suspected. Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) of the left eye (OS) was performed, and a vitreous sample was obtained for histopathology. Homogeneous eosinophilic granular and filamentous deposits that showed an orange-red color with Congo red special stain were observed in the vitreous material, confirming vitreous amyloidosis. A PPV for the right eye (OD) was performed, and her vision at discharge was 20/20 OU. Systemic evaluation discarded neurologic or other systemic manifestations; however, there was familiar involvement in three generations with neurologic symptomatology, confirming an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Molecular analysis of the TTR gene showed a likely pathogenic variant Ile107Met (p.Ile127Met). CONCLUSIONS: The present report describes a patient with ATTRv amyloidosis with initial vitreous involvement and the pathogenic variant Ile107Met (p.Ile127Met). It is important to consider vitreous amyloidosis as part of the non-malignant, non-infectious uveitis masquerade syndromes.

Oculocardiac Reflex During Intravitreal Injection.

Oculocardiac reflex (OCR) has been described to occur with mechanical manipulation of the eye, eyelids or orbit. There are no reports in the literature of OCR during intravitreal injection (IVI). This may be due to the fact that heart rate is not monitored during the procedure. We aimed to evaluate OCR during IVI. A total of 532 patients were enrolled in the study at Asociacion para Evitar la Ceguera en Mexico. Mexico City, Mexico. IVI was performed on one eye in every patient with diabetic retinopathy (DR), age related macular degeneration (AMD) or choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to pathological myopia. Heart rate was monitored with a pulse oximeter before, during and after injection. OCR was defined as a 20% decrease or more of basal heart rate. The population enrolled included 270 females and 262 males with mean age of 63.8 years. A decrease in heart rate of 20% or more occurred in 18 patients during IVI (3.3%; 95% confidence interval 1.85% and 4.92%). OCR was asymptomatic in these patients. OCR occurred in 3.3% of our patients during IVI. Hence, OCR must be considered when performing IVI.

Is subretinal surgery feasible for a non-responsive juxtafoveal type 2 choroidal neovascular membrane?

PURPOSE: To describe the long-term outcome of a patient with multifocal choroiditis, who underwent surgical removal of a type 2 choroidal neovascular membrane employing 23 G pars plana vitrectomy. OBSERVATIONS: A 50-year-old man was treated with 3 monthly intravitreal bevacizumab injections, but despite treatment, visual acuity continued to worsen from 20/40 to 20/100, and bleeding was not receding. A minimal invasive pars plana vitrectomy was performed for surgical removal of the neovascular complex without any complicating incident. Subsequent visual acuity was 20/25 for more than eleven years. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: Surgical removal of choroidal neovascular membranes employing minimal invasive surgery in addition to anti-VEGF therapy, and OCT evaluation can be a viable approach for selected cases of juxtafoveal type 2 CNV.

Anti-VEGF treatment switch in neovascular age-related macular degeneration: a comparison of aflibercept versus ranibizumab after a single-dose switch.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect achieved from a single dose of anti-VEGF treatment switch, in patients with nAMD previously treated with bevacizumab, switched to either aflibercept or ranibizumab, and to compare the response between aflibercept and ranibizumab. METHODS: In retrospective, observational, and comparative study, patients were divided into two groups: Group 1, patients switched to aflibercept; Group 2, patients switched to ranibizumab. Paired samples t test was performed to measure differences in central macular thickness (CMT). To compare whether there were differences between groups mixed-design ANOVA was used. RESULTS: In Group 1, CMT changed from 360.51 to 260.16 µm, presenting a significant mean difference from PreSwitch to PostSwitch of 100.34 µm (p = 0.002, paired samples t test). In Group 2, CMT changed from 366.33 to 260.72 µm, showing a significant difference from PreSwitch to PostSwitch of 105.61 µm (p ≤ 0.000, paired samples t test). The mixed-design ANOVA compared both groups and resulted in a nonsignificant value of 0.90. CONCLUSION: The effect achieved from a single dose in patients switched to aflibercept or ranibizumab reduced significantly CMT measurements. Comparing aflibercept and ranibizumab, the effect appears to be similar in both drugs, in terms of reduction of CMT.

Frequency and risk factors associated with dry eye in patients attending a tertiary care ophthalmology center in Mexico City.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to ascertain the frequency and risk factors of dry eye (DE) among patients attending a tertiary care ophthalmology center in Mexico. METHODS: Approximately 338 consecutive new patients attending a tertiary care ophthalmology center in Mexico City underwent an ocular surface examination, which included tear film break-up time, fluorescein corneal staining, Schirmer's test, and evaluation of meibum quality. Symptoms of DE were evaluated by the Ocular Surface Disease Index and Dry Eye Questionnaire-5. Information on demographics, exposures, past medical and ocular history, and medications was also collected. RESULTS: The frequency of severe DE symptoms was found to be 43% based on the Ocular Surface Disease Index and 30% based on Dry Eye Questionnaire-5. Risk factors significantly associated with increased DE symptoms included dry mouth and gastrointestinal ulcer medications. With regard to signs, aqueous tear deficiency was a less-frequent finding (22%) in our population than evaporative deficiency (94%). Risk factors associated with aqueous tear deficiency were dry mouth and diuretic use. No risk factors were associated with evaporative deficiency. Risk factors associated with meibomian gland dysfunction included old age, male sex, arthritis, and use of an antihypertensive. The only risk factor associated with corneal staining was dry mouth. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to demonstrate the frequency of symptomatic and clinical DE in a tertiary care ophthalmology center in Mexico. The frequency of DE ranged from 30% using a symptomatic definition to 94% using objective measures. Different risk factors were found for different aspects of DE, suggesting differing underlying pathophysiologies behind different DE subtypes.

Erectile Dysfunction Among HIV Patients Undergoing Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy: Dyslipidemia as a Main Risk Factor.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and risk factors of erectile dysfunction (ED) in HIV patients from the HIV clinic of a tertiary referral center in Mexico City. DESIGN: Prevalence was obtained from cross-sectional studies, and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), a standardized method, was used to assess ED. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in the HIV clinic. Participants completed the IIEF to allow ED assessment. Information on demographics, clinical and HIV-related variables was retrieved from their medical records. RESULTS: One hundred and nine patients were included, with a mean age of 39.9 ± 8.8 years. ED was present in 65.1% of the individuals. Patients had been diagnosed with HIV for a mean of 92.7 ± 70.3 months and had undergone a mean 56.4 ± 45.5 months of HAART. The only variable associated with ED in the univariate analysis was dyslipidemia, and this association was also found in the multivariate analysis (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: ED is highly prevalent in HIV patients. Dyslipidemia should be considered as a risk factor for ED in HIV patients. Romero-Velez G, Lisker-Cervantes A, Villeda-Sandoval CI, Sotomayor de Zavaleta M, Olvera-Posada D, Sierra-Madero JG, Arreguin-Camacho LO, and Castillejos-Molina RA. Erectile dysfunction among HIV patients undergoing highly active antiretroviral therapy: Dyslipidemia as a main risk factor. Sex Med 2014;2:24-30.

Giant multicystic cystadenoma of Cowper's gland: a case report.

MAIN FINDINGS: We report what to our knowledge is the first case of a giant multicystic cystadenoma of the Cowper's glands. An otherwise healthy 41-year-old man presented with acute urinary retention. Physical examination showed a perineal mass. Different imaging techniques demonstrated a multicystic tumor and en bloc excision was performed. Histological evaluation showed that the tumor arised from the bulbourethral glands; immunohistochemistry proved positive staining for high molecular weight cytokeratin. CASE HYPOTHESIS: Cystic tumors in the pelvis can arise from different structures. Malignancy should be ruled out. Surgical excision can be diagnostic and curative. Future implications: When evaluating a pelvic cystic tumor, Cowper's glands cystadenoma may be a differential diagnosis and must be considered. Similar to prostate cystadenomas, en bloc excision is the optimal treatment.

Giant multicystic cystadenoma of Cowper's gland: a case report

Main findings We report what to our knowledge is the first case of a giant multicystic cystadenoma of the Cowper's glands. An otherwise healthy 41-year-old man presented with acute urinary retention. Physical examination showed a perineal mass. Different imaging techniques demonstrated a multicystic tumor and en bloc excision was performed. Histological evaluation showed that the tumor arised from the bulbourethral glands; immunohistochemistry proved positive staining for high molecular weight cytokeratin. Case hypothesis Cystic tumors in the pelvis can arise from different structures. Malignancy should be ruled out. Surgical excision can be diagnostic and curative. Future implications When evaluating a pelvic cystic tumor, Cowper's glands cystadenoma may be a differential diagnosis and must be considered. Similar to prostate cystadenomas, en bloc excision is the optimal treatment. .