Hypopyon and pseudoendophthalmitis 1 month after vitrectomy for retinal detachment with subretinal hemorrhage.

The presence of postoperative hypopyon warrants consideration of the diagnosis of infectious endophthalmitis, but other etiologies may mimic a hypopyon. The differential diagnosis of a postoperative hypopyon must include causes of pseudoendophthalmitis to avoid unnecessary and invasive interventions. The context and clinical presentation are the most important factors allowing such a distinction. A patient with a hypopyon and elevated intraocular pressure presented 1 month after pars plana vitrectomy for a hemorrhagic retinal detachment. Slit lamp examination disclosed khaki-colored cells layered in the anterior chamber, and a diagnosis of pseudoendophthalmitis was made. The hypopyon resolved without intervention.

Management of submacular hemorrhage secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor monotherapy.

PURPOSE: To report the visual and anatomic outcomes of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monotherapy in the management of marked submacular hemorrhage secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). DESIGN: Retrospective, interventional, consecutive case series. METHODS: Nineteen eyes of 18 patients with neovascular AMD and fovea involving submacular hemorrhage comprising greater than 50% of the lesion area were treated with anti-VEGF monotherapy. Main outcome measures included mean visual acuity change from baseline, mean central lesion thickness change from baseline, mean number of injections at 6 months, and adverse events. Snellen visual acuity was converted to approximate ETDRS letter score for the purpose of statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean change in approximate ETDRS letter score from baseline was +12 letters at 3 months (P = .003), +18 letters at 6 months (P = .001), and +17 letters at 12 months follow-up (P = .02). Seven eyes received ranibizumab, 6 eyes received bevacizumab, and 6 eyes received both at various time points. The mean number of injections at 6 months was 4.7. The mean OCT central lesion thickness decreased from 755 µm to 349 µm at 6 months follow-up (P = .0008). CONCLUSIONS: Management with anti-VEGF monotherapy may yield visual and anatomic improvements in eyes with marked submacular hemorrhage secondary to neovascular AMD.

Evolving strategies in the management of diabetic macular edema: clinical trials and current management.

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is the leading cause of vision loss in the working-age population in developed countries. Management has traditionally consisted of focal/grid macular laser, according to the guidelines established by the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study. More recent prospective clinical trials examining the effect of intravitreal ranibizumab in the treatment of DME--most notably, READ-2, RESOLVE, RESTORE, RISE/RIDE, and DRCR.net protocol I--have demonstrated improved visual outcomes with pharmacologic targeting of vascular endothelial growth factor. Similar treatment benefits have also been noted in clinical trials evaluating intravitreal bevacizumab and aflibercept (Bolt and da Vinci, respectively). Intravitreal steroids, particularly in refractory cases, continue to have a limited role in the management of DME. In patients with symptomatic visual loss, the treatment paradigm for DME has shifted toward intravitreal pharmacotherapeutics, principally anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy, and this review examines the clinical trials leading to this change.

Bevacizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration using a treat-and-extend regimen: clinical and economic impact.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the visual outcomes, number of injections, and direct medical cost of a treat-and-extend regimen in managing neovascular age-related macular degeneration with intravitreal bevacizumab. DESIGN: Retrospective, interventional, consecutive case series. METHODS: Seventy-four eyes of 73 patients with treatment-naïve neovascular age-related macular degeneration from a single clinical practice were treated monthly with intravitreal bevacizumab until no intraretinal or subretinal fluid was observed on optical coherence tomography. The treatment intervals then were lengthened sequentially by 2 weeks until signs of exudation recurred and then were reduced accordingly to maintain an exudation-free macula. Main outcomes measured included mean change from baseline visual acuity, proportion of eyes losing fewer than 3 and gaining 3 or more Snellen visual acuity lines at 1 year of follow-up, annual mean number of injections, optical coherence tomography mean central retinal thickness change from baseline, mean maximum period of extension, adverse events, and mean direct annual medical cost. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 1.41 years. Mean Snellen visual acuity improved from 20/230 at baseline to 20/109 at 12 months (P < .001) and 20/106 at 24 months (P < .001). The mean number of injections over the first year was 7.94. The mean optical coherence tomography central retinal thickness decreased from 316 to 239 µm at 12 months (P < .001). The mean direct medical cost over the first year was $3493.85. CONCLUSIONS: Eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration experienced significant visual improvements on average when managed with intravitreal bevacizumab using a treat-and-extend regimen with fewer patient visits and injections along with lower costs compared with a fixed, monthly dosing regimen.

Orbital hemorrhage after intravitreal injection.

PURPOSE: To describe a case of orbital hemorrhage after the administration of intravitreal ranibizumab. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of one case. RESULTS: A 73-year-old woman with a history of atrial fibrillation on coumadin anticoagulation (international normalized ratio = 3.4) presented with decreased vision and metamorphopsia in her right eye for 2 weeks duration. Examination was consistent with a diagnosis of neovascular age-related macular degeneration in the right eye. After one injection of intravitreal ranibizumab, she developed a bullous subconjunctival hemorrhage that extended into an orbital hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal injection may result in orbital hemorrhage, particularly in the anticoagulated patient.

Neovascular glaucoma as the presenting sign of metastatic small cell lung carcinoma.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to describe a case of metastatic lung cancer presenting with neovascular glaucoma. METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review describing one case. RESULTS: A previously healthy 36-year-old man presented with light perception vision and painful neovascular glaucoma. Examination and ultrasound showed a complete retinal detachment overlying a dome-shaped choroidal mass. After enucleation, histopathology showed findings consistent with small cell lung carcinoma metastasis. Oncologic evaluation showed a necrotic lung carcinoma with extensive bony metastases. CONCLUSION: Metastatic carcinoma to the eye can manifest with features of neovascular glaucoma.

A treat and extend regimen using ranibizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration clinical and economic impact.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the visual outcome, number of injections, and direct medical cost of a "treat and extend" regimen (TER) in managing neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) with intravitreal ranibizumab. DESIGN: Retrospective, interventional, consecutive case series. PARTICIPANTS: Ninety-two eyes of 92 patients met the entry criteria from May 2006 to May 2008. METHODS: All patients with treatment-naïve nAMD were treated monthly until no intraretinal or subretinal fluid was observed on optical coherence tomography (OCT). The treatment intervals were then sequentially lengthened by 2 weeks until signs of exudation recurred. The interval was individualized for each patient in an attempt to maintain an exudation-free macula. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Change from baseline visual acuity, proportion of eyes losing < 3 lines and gaining ≥ 3 lines at 1 year of follow-up, annual mean number of injections, change from baseline OCT central retinal thickness (CRT), maximum period of extension, and adverse ocular and systemic events. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 1.52 years. Mean Snellen visual acuity improved from 20/135 at baseline to 20/77 at 1 year follow-up (P < 0.001) and 20/83 at 2 years follow-up (P = 0.002). The proportion of eyes that lost < 3 Snellen visual acuity lines at final follow-up was 96% and the proportion that gained ≥ 3 Snellen visual acuity lines was 32%. The mean OCT CRT decreased from 303 µm at baseline to 238 µm at 1 year follow-up (P < 0.001). The mean number of injections over the first year and between years 1 and 2 was 8.36 and 7.45, respectively. The mean maximum period of extension was 79.9 days. No adverse ocular or systemic events were reported during the follow-up period. The direct annual medical cost per patient was $16,114.52 for the TER. The direct annual medical cost per patient ranged from $15,880.07 to $28,314.16 based on previous clinical trial protocols. CONCLUSIONS: Eyes with nAMD experienced significant visual improvement when managed with intravitreal ranibizumab using a TER. This treatment approach also was associated with significantly fewer patient visits, injections, and direct annual medical cost compared with monthly injections such as in the phase III clinical trials. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Coats disease: a lifetime disease.

PURPOSE: To document the recurrent nature of Coats Disease. METHODS: This study is a retrospective chart review approved by our Institutional Review Board. Thirteen patients (13 eyes) were diagnosed with Coats Disease starting in 1966. Age, visual acuity, time of onset, method of treatment, and the number and intervals of recurrences were documented. Recurrences were recorded once initial treatment proved successful and most exudates had absorbed. The length of follow-up for each patient and the most recent visual acuity was recorded. RESULTS: The average follow-up period for the 13 patients was 12.4 years with a range from 4.0 to 37.5 years. Eleven patients (85%) were male, two (15%) were female and all had unilateral involvement. The average age at diagnosis was 7.0 years with a range from 9 months to 27 years. Four out of the twelve treated patients (33%) had recurrences, and three of the four had multiple recurrences. The average elapsed time from successful treatment to the first recurrence was 4.3 years with a range from 3.3 to 5.4 years. The average number of recurrences was 3.3. CONCLUSION: Coats Disease can recur so it is important that parents educate any affected children regarding the necessity of follow-up, including throughout their adult years.