Variations in irradiation energy and rose bengal concentration for photodynamic antimicrobial therapy of fungal keratitis isolates.

The purpose is to assess the efficacy of rose bengal photodynamic antimicrobial therapy (PDAT) using different irradiation energy levels and photosensitizer concentrations for the inhibition of fungal keratitis isolates. Seven different fungi (Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, Curvularia lunata, Fusarium keratoplasticum, Fusarium solani, Paecilomyces variotii, and Pseudallescheria boydii) were isolated from patients with confirmed infectious keratitis. Experiments were performed in triplicate with suspensions of each fungus exposed to different PDAT parameters including a control, green light exposure of 5.4 J/cm2, 2.7 J/cm2 (continuous and pulsed), and 1.8 J/cm2 and rose bengal concentrations of 0.1%, 0.05%, and 0.01%. Plates were photographed 72 h after experimentation, and analysis was performed to assess fungal growth inhibition. PDAT using 5.4 J/cm2 of irradiation and 0.1% rose bengal completely inhibited growth of five of the seven fungal species. Candida albicans and Fusarium keratoplasticum were the most susceptible organisms, with growth inhibited with the lowest fluence and minimum rose bengal concentration. Fusarium solani, Pseudallescheria boydii, and Paecilomyces variotii were inhibited by lower light exposures and photosensitizer concentrations. Aspergillus fumigatus and Curvularia lunata were not inhibited by any PDAT parameters tested. Continuous and pulsed irradiation using 2.7 J/cm2 produced similar results. Rose bengal PDAT successfully inhibits the in vitro growth of five fungi known to cause infectious keratitis. Differences in growth inhibition of the various fungi to multiple PDAT parameters suggest that susceptibilities to PDAT are unique among fungal species. These findings support modifying PDAT parameters based on the infectious etiology.

Streptococcus parasanguinis: An emerging pathogen causing neonatal endocarditis: A case report.

Background. The microbial infection of the endocardium, popularly known as Infective Endocarditis (IE), is typically classified on the basis of anatomy, valve nativity and its associated microbiology. As per the associated microbiology, Staphylococcus aureus is the most common microorganism responsible for the cause of IE. Even though, the Streptococcus group accounts for a smaller percentage of IE, however this doesn't give us the liberty of ignoring the high mortality and morbidity associated with this pathogen. Case presentation. We report an unusual case of neonatal sepsis, complicated with endocarditis, caused by penicillin resistant Streptococcus parasanguinis . The neonate however died of the same despite all efforts. The said baby was given birth by a mother with gestational diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: High index of clinical suspicion and prompt diagnosis are the most important factors of patient management, especially in cases of life threatening neonatal infections. In such conditions a coordinated interdepartmental approach is very much needed.

INVOLUTION OF NEOVASCULAR AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION AFTER ENDOPHTHALMITIS.

PURPOSE: To report patients who demonstrated an alteration in the clinical and optical coherence tomography features of neovascular age-related macular degeneration after resolution of endophthalmitis. METHODS: Retrospective case series of the subsequent changes in the macula and need for anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration who developed endophthalmitis after intravitreal injection. RESULTS: The study included seven eyes of seven patients with follow-up ranging between 3 months and 11 years. The vitreous cultures (n = 7) before intravitreal antibiotic injection were the following: culture-negative (4) and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (3). Initial treatment included vitreous tap and injection (4) and pars plana vitrectomy (3). In 5/7 eyes, the optical coherence tomography showed resolution of subretinal fluid and serous pigment epithelial detachment, and there was no additional anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment administered. CONCLUSION: After successful treatment of endophthalmitis in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration, there was relative involution of the maculopathy and reduced anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment burden in this series.

The Central Subfoveal Bouquet in Idiopathic Epiretinal Membranes.

PURPOSE: To report both the unoperated clinical course and the surgical outcomes of eyes with a central foveal bouquet (CB) secondary to idiopathic epiretinal membranes (iERMs). DESIGN: Retrospective, consecutive, and observational case series. METHODS: All patients examined between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2019, for evaluation of epiretinal membrane with a CB lesion identified on spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were included. Exclusion criteria included vitreoretinal comorbidities associated with secondary ERMs and an absence of CB lesions on SD-OCT. Patients were divided into two groups: those who were followed with observation (Group I) and those who received surgery (Group II). Each group had 3 different types of mechanical abnormalities of the CB previously described as cotton ball sign, subfoveal detachment, or acquired vitelliform lesion, without a subanalysis discrimination. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at baseline and last follow-up, subjective metamorphopsia, central retinal thickness (CMT), mechanical stress lesions of the CB, and resolution or evolution of the CB lesions during the follow-up interval. RESULTS: Two hundred seventy-six eyes with iERM were reviewed, and 46 eyes met the inclusion criteria. Among these, 21 of 46 (46%) were observed, and 25 of 46 (54%) underwent surgery. Metamorphopsia was identified in 61.9% of patients in Group I and 81.2% of patients in Group II, at baseline. The mean BCVA was 0.19 ± 0.17 (20/30) in Group I and 0.31 ± 0.33 (20/40) in Group II at presentation. At the final exam, patients in Group I achieved a mean BCVA of 0.24 ± 0.18 (20/30), while patients in Group II obtained a mean BCVA of 0.15 ± 0.21 (20/30). Spontaneous resolution of the CB sign occurred in 5 of 21 eyes (23.8%) that were observed, whereas, after surgery, the CB sign resolved in 16 of 25 eyes (61.5%). Mean CMT was 422 ± 84.2µm in Group I and 531 ± 143.9µm in Group II, at baseline, while at the latest follow-up, the mean CMT was 400 ± 40.8µm in the cases followed with observation and 454 ± 148.7µm in the surgical cases. CONCLUSION: The clinical course and surgical outcomes of CB findings in iERM are favorable in terms of visual acuity. However, those receiving surgery had an increase in visual acuity and resolution of the CB abnormality.

The Role of Systemic Antimicrobials in the Treatment of Endophthalmitis: A Review and an International Perspective.

BACKGROUND: The optimal management of patients with endophthalmitis is challenging and includes both intravitreal and, in some cases, systemic antimicrobials. Systemic antimicrobials may be administered either intravenously or orally. In this article we review systemic antimicrobial options currently available for the treatment of types of endophthalmitis and the role of systemic antimicrobials (antibiotics and antifungals) in these treatments. REVIEW: While systemic antimicrobials are not universally utilized in the management of endophthalmitis, they may be helpful in some circumstances. The blood-retinal barrier affects the penetration of systemic medications into the posterior segment of the eye differently; for example, moxifloxacin and imipenem cross the blood-retinal barrier relatively easily while vancomycin and amikacin do not. However, inflammation, including endophthalmitis, may disrupt the blood-retinal barrier, enhancing the penetration of systemic agents into the eye. CONCLUSION: Systemic antimicrobials may be particularly beneficial in patients with certain types of endophthalmitis; as such, they are standard treatment in the management of endogenous endophthalmitis (fungal and bacterial) and also widely used for prophylaxis and treatment of open-globe injuries. Although systemic antimicrobials are used in some patients with acute-onset postoperative endophthalmitis following cataract surgery, the literature generally does not support this practice. It is noted that there are currently no randomized clinical trials demonstrating a benefit of systemic antibiotics for any category of endophthalmitis.

Rose bengal photodynamic antimicrobial therapy to inhibit Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis isolates.

To evaluate the in vitro efficacy of rose bengal and riboflavin photodynamic antimicrobial therapy for inhibition the growth of four Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) isolates. Four different clinical P. aeruginosa isolates were collected from patients with confirmed keratitis. Each strain was mixed with either sterile water, 0.1% riboflavin solution, or 0.1% rose bengal solution to yield a final bacteria concentration of 1.5 × 107 CFU/mL. Aliquots from each suspension were plated onto nutrient agar in triplicate. Plates were separated into two groups: (1) no irradiation and (2) 5.4 J/cm2 of radiant exposure with custom-made LED irradiation sources. Separate irradiation sources were used for each photosensitizer. The riboflavin groups used a UV-A light source (375 nm) and rose bengal groups used a green light source (525 nm). Plates were photographed at 72 h and custom software measured bacterial growth inhibition. Growth inhibition to riboflavin and rose bengal PDAT showed strain-dependent variability. All four strains of P. aeruginosa showed greatest growth inhibition (89-99%) in the green irradiated-rose bengal group. The UV-A-irradiated riboflavin showed inhibition of 24-44%. UV-A irradiation only showed minimal inhibition (7-14%). There was little inhibitory effect in the non-irradiated photosensitizer groups. Rose bengal PDAT had the greatest inhibitory effect on all four P. aeruginosa isolates. In the UV-A-irradiated riboflavin group, there was moderate inhibition within the irradiation zone; however, there was no inhibition in the non-irradiated groups. These results suggest that rose bengal PDAT may be an effective alternative treatment for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections.

The Clinical Course of Patients with Idiopathic Epiretinal Membranes and Good Visual Acuity Managed Without Surgery.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To report the clinical course of patients with idiopathic epiretinal membranes (iERMs) and good baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) managed without surgical treatment. METHODS: Retrospective, observational case series of patients with iERMs and 20/50 or better BCVA who did not undergo surgery between January 2014 and December 2017 with a 1-year follow-up. Secondary epiretinal membranes were excluded. iERMs were stratified into two groups: Group I (BCVA 20/30 or better) and Group II (BCVA 20/40 to 20/50). The main outcome measures included baseline and final follow-up BCVA, central macular thickness (CMT) on OCT. RESULTS: The study included 174 eyes (145 patients): 139 eyes (79.8%) had typical iERMs and 35 eyes (18%) had LMH. For Group I typical iERMs, the logMAR baseline and final mean BCVA were 0.09 ± 0.1 (Snellen equivalent 20/25) and 0.10 ± 0.1 (20/25+) respectively (p = 0.22). In this group, the baseline and final mean CMT were 335 ± 73µm and 342 ± 78µm, respectively (p = 0.47). For Group II typical iERMs, the logMAR baseline and final mean BCVA were 0.3 ± 0.1 (20/44) and 0.4 ± 0.2 (20/45) respectively (p = 0.31). In this group, the baseline and final mean CMT were 386 ± 95µm and 391 ± 93µm, respectively (p = 0.84). CONCLUSION: The clinical course of patients with iERM and good baseline BCVA is generally favorable without surgery and includes stable BCVA and OCT measurements after at least one year.

Surgical Outcomes Of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment In Young Adults Ages 18-30 Years.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate associations with and surgical outcomes of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in young adults. METHODS: This is a retrospective consecutive case series of patients aged 18-30 years who underwent surgical repair for RRD between January 1, 2014 and December 1, 2016 at a university referral center. RESULTS: The current study includes 38 eyes with RRD. Documented high or moderate myopia was present in 28 (74%) eyes. Connective tissue disease was present in 3 (8%) eyes. Median pre-operative visual acuity (VA) was 20/70. Surgery was performed via scleral buckle (SB) alone in 27/38 (71%) and via combined SB and pars plana vitrectomy (SB/PPV) in 11/38 (29%) eyes. Single surgery anatomical success (SSAS) rate was 20/27 (74%) for SB and 7/11 (64%) for SB/PPV. The retina was reattached at last follow-up in 25/27 (93%) for SB and 11/11 (100%) for SB/PPV. The median postoperative VA was 20/40. CONCLUSION: In the current study of young adults with RRD, the most common association was high or moderate myopia. Visual and anatomic outcomes at last follow-up were generally favorable.

Docetaxel-induced maculopathy possibly potentiated by concurrent hydroxychloroquine use.

PURPOSE: To report a case of bilateral non-leaking cystoid macular degeneration induced by docetaxel, possibly potentiated by hydroxychloroquine. OBSERVATIONS: A 63-year-old female patient with a long-term history of rheumatoid arthritis controlled on hydroxychloroquine for 33 years with no evidence of retinopathy developed bilateral loss of vision after having been on docetaxel chemotherapy for breast cancer. Optical coherence tomography showed bilateral cystic maculopathy with no angiographic evidence of leakage on fluorescein angiography. The patient was treated conservatively with no further interventions. Marked improvement of the macular degeneration occurred over the subsequent 9 months, but without visual improvement, although a cataract likely confounded final visual acuity measurement. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: Docetaxel-induced maculopathy has been previously reported, but with only four case reports in literature, and most often in conjunction with concurrent therapies or conditions also known to cause macular edema. This is the first case report of docetaxel-induced maculopathy in a setting of hydroxychloroquine therapy which may possibly has potentiated the effect of docetaxel to induce maculopathy. Impaired transcellular retinal pigment epithelial transport might be the cause of non-leaking cystic maculopathy.

Rose Bengal Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy for Patients With Progressive Infectious Keratitis: A Pilot Clinical Study.

PURPOSE: To report clinical outcomes of rose bengal photodynamic antimicrobial therapy (RB-PDAT) as an adjunct treatment for severe, progressive infectious keratitis. DESIGN: Consecutive interventional case series. METHODS: Patients with progressive infectious keratitis unresponsive to standard medical therapy underwent RB-PDAT at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute from January 2016 through March 2018. RB-PDAT was performed by applying a solution of rose bengal (0.1% or 0.2% RB in balanced salt solution) to the de-epithelialized cornea for 30 minutes, followed by irradiation with a 6 mW/cm2 custom-made green LED source for 15 minutes (5.4 J/cm2). RESULTS: The current study included 18 patients (7 male and 11 female) ranging from 17 to 83 years old. Acanthamoeba was the most frequent microbe (10/17; 59%), followed by Fusarium spp. (4/17; 24%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2/17; 12%), and Curvularia spp. (1/17; 6%); 1 patient had no confirmed microbiologic diagnosis. Main clinical risk factor for keratitis included contact lens wear (79%). The average area of epithelial defect prior to first RB-PDAT was 32 ± 27 mm2 and average stromal depth hyperreflectivity measured with anterior segment optical coherence tomography was 269 ± 75 µm. Successful RB-PDAT (avoidance of therapeutic keratoplasty) was achieved in 72% of the cases, with an average time to clinical resolution (decreased pain and inflammation with re-epithelialization and infiltrate resolution) of 46.9 ± 26.4 days after RB-PDAT. Time of follow-up after RB-PDAT was 13.3 ± 5.7 months. CONCLUSION: RB-PDAT can be considered as an adjunct therapy for cases of severe, progressive infectious keratitis before performing a therapeutic keratoplasty.

Molecular epidemiology and resistance profiles among healthcare- and community-associated Staphylococcus aureus keratitis isolates.

PURPOSE: To characterize the molecular, epidemiological, and resistance profiles of methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and methicillin-susceptible (MSSA) keratitis isolates. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We used a combination of standard microbiological techniques and DNA microarray analysis to characterize the molecular and antibiotic resistance profiles of 75 Staphylococcus aureus keratitis isolates collected over an 11-year period (2006-2016). RESULTS: Two major USA clonal complexes (CC), CC5 (n=30, 40%) and CC8 (n=28, 37.3%), accounted for 77.3% of the collected S. aureus isolates. USA100, traditionally healthcare associated (n=18/47, 38.3%), and USA300, traditionally community associated (n=12/47, 25.5%), were the dominant MRSA strains. Four (22.2%) of the USA100 MRSA isolates were recovered from patients with no prior healthcare exposure. Eleven (91.7%) of the USA300 isolates were recovered from patients with documented healthcare risk factors. MSSA isolates were polyclonal (n=13). Ninety-three percent of MSSA infections were of healthcare origin. Thirty-seven of 61 (60.6%) healthcare- and 11 of 14 (78.6%) community-associated strains were resistant to three or more antibiotic classes. Sixty-eight percent (n=51) of isolates harbored three of more resistance determinants (genes). The Panton-Valentine Leucocidin gene was detected in 11 (14.7%) of the study isolates. The majority (72.7%) of the strains were members of the USA300 MRSA clone. CONCLUSION: Clonal complexes CC5 and CC8 were the most frequent clones detected among both the MSSA and the MRSA keratitis isolates. USA100 and USA300 clones were the dominant MRSA genotypes. The USA300 MRSA clone has become a leading cause of healthcare-associated keratitis in South Florida. The USA100 MRSA clone has emerged as an increasing cause of community-associated corneal infections in our outpatient population. This shifting epidemiology coupled with the increasing prevalence of multidrug resistance among both MSSA and MRSA keratitis is a cause of concern.

Novel Use of Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization for the Rapid Identification of Microorganisms in Endophthalmitis and Keratitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate an application of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for the rapid identification of bacterial and fungal pathogens causing endophthalmitis and keratitis and compare time to detection with other laboratory methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Culture-positive isolates obtained from vitreous and corneal samples were tested. Organisms tested were Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, C. glabrata, and C. parapsilosis. Inoculi were prepared to a final concentration between 1 × 102 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL to 1 × 108 CFU/mL. Samples were hybridized with peptide nucleic acid probes for pathogens using the QuickFISH protocol (AdvanDx; OpGen, Gaithersburg, MD), and the slides were read with fluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: Of the 29 total isolates tested, 28 yielded positive identification. S. aureus was identified in four out of five vitreous samples, whereas coagulase-negative staphylococci were identified in all vitreous samples. Mixed staphylococci culture was identified in all samples. P. aeruginosa was identified in all six keratitis samples. C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, and mixed fungal culture were identified respectively in eight of eight samples at minimal concentration of 1 × 104 CFU/mL. There were no false-negatives. Time to detection was 20 minutes after the 12- to 18-hour inoculation period and provided an identification 6 hours sooner than by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and 1 to 2 days sooner than by routine culture. CONCLUSIONS: This small study demonstrates the sensitive, specific, and rapid detection of gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria and fungi using FISH probes in isolates from endophthalmitis and keratitis samples. This method decreases time to identification and reduces labor intensity compared with routine PCR and culture methods. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2019;50:S9-S12.].

GRAM-NEGATIVE BACTERIA FROM PATIENTS WITH ENDOPHTHALMITIS: DISTRIBUTION OF ISOLATES AND ANTIMICROBIAL SUSCEPTIBILITIES.

PURPOSE: To study the distribution of isolates and antimicrobial susceptibility of gram-negative bacteria among culture-positive vitreous samples from patients with endophthalmitis. METHODS: The records from culture-positive vitreous isolates (endophthalmitis cases) during a 24-year period (December 1990 to December 2014), at the Microbiology Department of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute were reviewed. RESULTS: In the current study, gram-negative bacteria were reported in 246 (11.5%) of 2,134 vitreous isolates from endophthalmitis patients during 24-year period (December 1990 to December 2014) from a University Referral Center. The antimicrobial susceptibility to fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, carbapenems, and ceftazidime remained stable among gram-negative bacteria during the study period. CONCLUSION: Antibiotic susceptibility pattern of gram-negative bacteria from vitreous isolates did not change significantly during the 24-year study period.

Clinical outcomes of 4-point scleral fixated 1-piece hydrophobic acrylic equiconvex intraocular lens using polytetrafluoroethylene suture.

PURPOSE: To report the visual outcomes and complications of scleral fixated intraocular lenses (IOLs) using Gore-Tex suture. METHODS: The current study is a retrospective noncomparative case series including patients who underwent scleral fixation of IOL (Akreos AO60) using Gore-Tex suture from August 2015 to March 2017 at a university teaching center. Primary outcome measures were visual acuity and complications at last follow-up. RESULTS: The current study included 49 eyes of 48 patients. Mean follow-up duration postsurgery was 6.9 months (range: 0.9-29.4 months). The indications for secondary IOL surgery were dislocated IOL in 16/49 (33%), subluxed IOL in 9/49 (18%), dislocated or subluxed crystalline lens in 9/49 (18%), traumatic cataract in 8/49 (16%), and complicated cataract surgery in 7/49 (14%). Mean best-corrected logMAR visual acuity improved from 1±0.7 (20/200 Snellen equivalent) preoperatively to 0.5±0.5 (20/63 Snellen equivalent) at last follow-up. There were no intraoperative complications noted. Early postoperative complications included significant persistent corneal edema (longer than 1 week) in 4/49 (8.2%), ocular hypertension (intraocular pressure ≥25 mmHg) in 8/49 (16.3%), hypotony (intraocular pressure ≤5 mmHg) in 6/49 (12.2%), cystoid macular edema 3/21 (6.1%), IOL tilt 2/49 (4.1%), hyphema in 2/49 (4.1%), and vitreous hemorrhage in 5/49 (4.8%). There was one case of recurrent retinal detachment. One patient presented with an erosion of the Gore-Tex suture through the conjunctiva resulting in a purulent scleritis 6 months after the initial surgery, and was managed with removal of the IOL, debridement, and cryotherapy. Forty-one of 49 patients completed 3-month follow-up, among which visual acuity improved, deteriorated, or remained same compared to baseline in 27/49 (55.1%), 8/49 (16.3%), and 6/49 (12.2%) eyes, respectively. CONCLUSION: In the current study, visual acuity outcomes were generally favorable. The complications were largely transient. Significant complications included a suture-related infection, which required removal of the IOL, and a recurrence of a retinal detachment.

Lipemia Retinalis, Macular Edema, and Vision Loss in a Diabetic Patient with a History of Type IV Hypertriglyceridemia and Pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Lipemia retinalis is a rare but known complication of elevated serum triglycerides. This case describes the clinical course of a diabetic patient who presented with lipemia retinalis and macular edema, which responded to systemic and local treatments. CASE REPORT: A 40-year-old female with a history of type II diabetes mellitus, hypertriglyceridemia, and pancreatitis presented with decreased vision in the left eye. She had peripapillary and macular edema, intraretinal hemorrhages, and prominent exudates in the setting of lipemia retinalis due to type IV hypertriglyceridemia. She was treated with serial intravitreal bevacizumab injections for macular edema and systemic lipid lowering therapy, and her visual acuity improved back to baseline. CONCLUSIONS: In the setting of lipemia retinalis and hypertriglyceridemia, the current patient developed macular edema and vision loss. The macular edema was treated with intravitreal injections of bevacizumab, and the patient experienced a rapid recovery of visual acuity.

Delayed-onset Candida parapsilosis cornea tunnel infection and endophthalmitis after cataract surgery: Histopathology and clinical course.

PURPOSE: To describe a patient with late post-operative endophthalmitis and clear cornea tunnel infection caused by Candida parapsilosis that was masquerading as chronic anterior uveitis. OBSERVATIONS: A 62-year old woman with history of uncomplicated cataract surgery 7 months prior and chronic postoperative anterior uveitis, presented with an endothelial plaque, hypopyon, and infiltrates in the capsular bag and within the clear corneal tunnel. Anterior chamber cultures identified C. parapsilosis and pathology of the endothelial plaque showed fungus. Anterior chamber washout, scraping of the endothelial plaque, serial intracameral and intravitreal injections with amphotericin B (10 mcg) failed to control the infection. Pars plana vitrectomy, removal of the intraocular lens and capsular bag, a corneal patch graft, and administration of intravitreal antifungal agents were performed. One year later the patient remains free of recurrence and her best-corrected vision is 20/25 with a rigid gas permeable contact lens. CONCLUSIONS: and Importance: Persistent intraocular and intracorneal inflammation after cataract surgery should raise suspicion of endophthalmitis caused by fungi non-responsive to topical and intravitreal antibiotics. Surgical intervention and removal of the nidus of infection, which is often the intraocular lens and capsular bag, may be necessary for a successful outcome.

Clinicopathologic Correlation of a Subretinal Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy Band in a Patient with Chronic Recurrent Retinal Detachment.

PURPOSE: Proliferative vitreoretinopathy is a well-known cause of failure of retinal detachment surgery. The purpose of this case report is to illustrate the clinical occurrence and histopathology of a horizontal subretinal band ("clothesline" configuration) creating recurrent and persistent retinal detachment. OBSERVATIONS: A 67-year-old Hispanic female with diabetes type 2 and a history of retinal detachment surgery in the left eye (OS) presented with decreased vision OS. Best corrected visual acuity at this recent presentation was 20/80 OS. Clinical examination disclosed a recurrent inferior retinal detachment and a subretinal "clothesline" fibrotic band. Surgical removal of the subretinal band was performed. Histopathological evaluation of longitudinal and transverse sections of the band revealed a cable-like configuration composed predominantly of glial differentiation, RPE differentiation, and collagen, based on morphology and immunohistochemical staining. There was focal smooth muscle and neuroendocrine cell differentiation, as detected with smooth muscle actin (SMA) and S100 staining, respectively. Cross-sections demonstrated pigmented fibrocellular tissue with foci of cells staining positive for S100 and keratin peripherally around the tissue, suggestive of RPE differentiation. Scattered foci of SMA-positive cells suggested mild myoblastic differentiation. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: This case report presents further information on the structure and orientation of the cellular components of subretinal band proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Cells suggestive of Müller cell differentiation compose the central aspect of the band, alongside collagen fibers. RPE differentiation is variably present peripherally in the band, likely reflective of proliferating RPE encircling the subretinal fibrous tissue. A mild amount of myofibroblastic differentiation was present within the band of tissue, correlating with the clinical findings of subretinal tissue contraction and localized retinal detachment.