Ultra-high resolution optical coherence tomography analysis of bull's eye maculopathy in chloroquine users / Análise da maculopatia em bull's eye pela tomografia de coerência óptica de alta resolução em usuários de cloroquina

Purpose: Register and compare anatomical changes, structural and quantitative found in optical coherence tomography Stratus and Topcon 3D in chronic users of chloroquine. Methods: Five patients were diagnosed with toxic "bull's eye" maculopathy was submitted to macular optical coherence tomography examination (Stratus and Topcon 3D). Results: Both tools demonstrated an increase reflectivity of choriocapillaris unit just foveal retinal pigment epithelium atrophy. However, Topcon 3D provided to all patients better description of the line corresponding to the transition between inner and outer segments of photoreceptors. Using the possibility of assembling threedimensional images and subtraction selective retinal layers, we found a lesion with a target that reflects the greater thickness of retinal pigment epithelium in central and parafoveal region that is matched to preserve macular photoreceptors. Conclusion: it was observed better resolution and faster image capture by Topcon 3D than Stratus OCT, that provided more detailed analysis of the line corresponding to transition between outer and inner segment of photoreceptors in macular region. With Topcon 3D, it was possible to evaluate soundly the thickness of retinal pigment epithelium in central and parafoveal region that caused an increase reflectivity of choriocapillaris creating a image with a target unpublished before. .

Objetivo: Comparar e registrar as alterações quantitativas e qualitavivas na tomografia de coerência óptica nos pacientes com uso prolongado de cloroquina. Métodos: Avaliaram-se cinco pacientes com diagnóstico de bull’s eye no exame de tomografia de coerência óptica macular com dois modelos de aparelhos: Stratus e Topcon 3D. Resultados: Ambos aparelhos registraram aumento da refletividade coriocapilar foveal provocada pela atrofia do epitélio pigmentar da retina. Somente o Topcon 3D permitiu melhor visibilização da linha de transição entre o segmento interno e externo dos fotorreceptores. Este aparelho também permitiu a formação de imagens tridimensionais e subtração das camadas retinianas, com registro da diminuição da espessura do epitélio pigmentado da retina na região central e parafoveal macular. Conclusão: Foi possível observar a captação mais rápida e com melhor resolução das imagens geradas pelo Topcon 3D. A diminuição da espessura do epitélio pigmentado da retina, provocando o aumento da refletividade coriocapilar, com a formação de uma imagem linear circular cincundando a fóvea, foi mais detalhado pelos cortes realizados no Topcon 3D. .

Bilateral choroidal neovascularization response to unilateral intravitreal Ranibizumab injection in a patient with angioid streaks / Resposta de neovascularização bilateral de coróide à injeção unilateral de Ranibizumabe intravítreo de paciente com estrias angióides

Report of a 48 year-old male with bilateral decrease in vision due to choroidal neovascularization secondary to angioid streaks. Best corrected visual acuity was 20/80 in the right eye and counting fingers at 2 meters on the left eye. Patient underwent intravitreal injection of Ranibizumab (Lucentis) in the eye with worse visual acuity. Fifteen days after treatment patient reported better visual acuity on the fellow eye, which was measured to be 20/25. Treatment result was evaluated with visual acuity and optical coherence tomography. The effect of ranibizumab was observed in the treated eye, but the fellow eye had complete resolution of the choroidal neovascularization complex. This result may be a response to systemic absorption of the medication.

Os autores descrevem paciente do sexo masculino, 48 anos, com diminuição visual bilateral há 15 dias por membrana neovascular sub-retiniana secundária a estrias angióides. A acuidade visual com melhor correção no olho direito era 20/80 e no olho esquerdo de conta dedos a 2 metros. Submetido à injeção intravítrea de Ranibizumabe (Lucentis) no olho com pior acuidade visual. Após 15 dias do tratamento, referiu melhora acentuada da visão no olho contralateral com visão de 20/25. O resultado foi avaliado por meio da acuidade visual e da tomografia de coerência óptica. O efeito do ranibizumabe foi observado no olho tratado, mas no olho contralateral houve completa resolução do complexo da membrana neovascular sub-retiniana. Levanta-se a hipótese de que esse resultado possa ser atribuído à absorção sistêmica da medicação.

Use of intravitreal bevacizumab or triamcinolone acetonide as a preoperative adjunct to vitrectomy for vitreous haemorrhage in diabetics / Injeção intravítrea de bevacizumabe ou triancinolona como adjuvantes da vitrectomia posterior no tratamento da hemorragia vítrea em diabéticos

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of preoperative intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) or triamcinolone (IVT) on the rate of early postvitrectomy hemorrhage in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). METHODS: Eligible eyes were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 groups: the IVB group received 1.25 mg bevacizumab, the IVT group received 4,0mg triamcinolone and the control group underwent a sham procedure. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of early postvitrectomy hemorrhage. Secondary outcome measures included changes in visual acuity (BCVA) and adverse events. RESULTS: Twenty and seven eyes, 9 in each group were randomized. The incidence of vitreous hemorrhage was lower in the IVB group (p=0.18). Postoperative vitreous hemorrhage at 1 month also was less in the IVB group compared with the control group (p > 0.05). The rate of bleeding immediately after surgery was higher in IVT group with 4 (44.4%) cases. The overall mean visual acuity was 1.72 ± 0.37 logMAR preoperatively and 1.32 ± 0.73 logMAR in 6 months after surgery. Accessing visual acuity by group evidenced that the IVB group had initial mean logMAR VA of 1.87 and 1.57 logMAR VA at the six months (p = 0.84). In IVT group, initial mean VA was 1.75 logMAR and 0.96 logMAR VA at six months (p < 0.001). And in control group, the initial mean VA was 1.85 logMAR and 1.57 logMAR VA at six months (p= 0.34). CONCLUSION: Intravitreal injection of bevacizumab 1 week before vitrectomy seems to reduce the incidence of early postvitrectomy hemorrhage in diabetic patients. There was a better visual acuity outcome in the triamcinolone group.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito no pré-operatório da injecao intravítrea de bevacizumab (IVB) ou triancinolona (IVT) sobre a taxa de hemorragia precoce pos-vitrectomia na retinopatia diabética proliferativa. MÉTODOS: Os olhos foram distribuídos em três grupos: IVB - 1,25 mg bevacizumab, IVT - 4,0 mg de triancinolona e o grupo controle - simulação da injeção. O objetivo primário foi a avaliação da incidência da hemorragia precoce pós-vitrectomia. Os objetivos secundários incluíram mudanças na acuidade visual corrigida e eventos adversos relacionados à injeção. RESULTADOS: Dos Vinte e sete olhos, 9 foram randomizados em cada grupo. A incidência de hemorragia vítrea foi menor no grupo IVB (P=0,18). A hemorragia vítrea em 1 mês também foi menor no grupo IVB (P > 0,05). A taxa de sangramento pós-operatório imediato foi maior no grupo IVT com 4 (44,4%) dos casos. A média da acuidade visual (AV) foi de 1,72 ± 0,37 logMAR no pré-operatório e 1,32 ± 0,73 logMAR em 6 meses após a cirurgia. Analisando a AV por grupo evidenciamos que o grupo IVB tinha inicialmente AV média logMAR de 1,87 e AV logMAR de 1,57 em seis meses (p = 0,84). No grupo IVT, a média inicial de AV foi de 1,75 logMAR e 0,96 logMAR em seis meses (p < 0,001). E no grupo controle, a média inicial foi de 1,85 logMAR e 1,57 logMAR no seis meses (p = 0,34). CONCLUSÃO: A injeção intravítrea de bevacizumab antes da vitrectomia parece diminuir a incidência de hemorragia vítrea precoce pós-vitrectomia em diabéticos. Houve um melhor resultado na acuidade visual no grupo da triancinolona.

Vitreous pharmacokinetics and electroretinographic findings after intravitreal injection of acyclovir in rabbits.

OBJECTIVES: Acute retinal necrosis is a rapidly progressive and devastating viral retinitis caused by the herpesvirus family. Systemic acyclovir is the treatment of choice; however, the progression of retinal lesions ceases approximately 2 days after treatment initiation. An intravitreal injection of acyclovir may be used an adjuvant therapy during the first 2 days of treatment when systemically administered acyclovir has not reached therapeutic levels in the retina. The aims of this study were to determine the pharmacokinetic profile of acyclovir in the rabbit vitreous after intravitreal injection and the functional effects of acyclovir in the rabbit retina. METHODS: Acyclovir (Acyclovir; Bedford Laboratories, Bedford, OH, USA) 1 mg in 0.1 mL was injected into the right eye vitreous of 32 New Zealand white rabbits, and 0.1 mL sterile saline solution was injected into the left eye as a control. The animals were sacrificed after 2, 9, 14, or 28 days. The eyes were enucleated, and the vitreous was removed. The half-life of acyclovir was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. Electroretinograms were recorded on days 2, 9, 14, and 28 in the eight animals that were sacrificed 28 days after injection according to a modified protocol of the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision. RESULTS: Acyclovir rapidly decayed in the vitreous within the first two days after treatment and remained at low levels from day 9 onward. The eyes that were injected with acyclovir did not present any electroretinographic changes compared with the control eyes. CONCLUSIONS: The vitreous half-life of acyclovir is short, and the electrophysiological findings suggest that the intravitreal delivery of 1 mg acyclovir is safe and well tolerated by the rabbit retina.

Vitreous pharmacokinetics and electroretinographic findings after intravitreal injection of acyclovir in rabbits

OBJECTIVES: Acute retinal necrosis is a rapidly progressive and devastating viral retinitis caused by the herpesvirus family. Systemic acyclovir is the treatment of choice; however, the progression of retinal lesions ceases approximately 2 days after treatment initiation. An intravitreal injection of acyclovir may be used an adjuvant therapy during the first 2 days of treatment when systemically administered acyclovir has not reached therapeutic levels in the retina. The aims of this study were to determine the pharmacokinetic profile of acyclovir in the rabbit vitreous after intravitreal injection and the functional effects of acyclovir in the rabbit retina. METHODS: Acyclovir (Acyclovir; Bedford Laboratories, Bedford, OH, USA) 1 mg in 0.1 mL was injected into the right eye vitreous of 32 New Zealand white rabbits, and 0.1 mL sterile saline solution was injected into the left eye as a control. The animals were sacrificed after 2, 9, 14, or 28 days. The eyes were enucleated, and the vitreous was removed. The half-life of acyclovir was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. Electroretinograms were recorded on days 2, 9, 14, and 28 in the eight animals that were sacrificed 28 days after injection according to a modified protocol of the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision. RESULTS: Acyclovir rapidly decayed in the vitreous within the first two days after treatment and remained at low levels from day 9 onward. The eyes that were injected with acyclovir did not present any electroretinographic changes compared with the control eyes. CONCLUSIONS: The vitreous half-life of acyclovir is short, and the electrophysiological findings suggest that the intravitreal delivery of 1 mg acyclovir is safe and well tolerated by the rabbit retina.

Experimental models of autoimmune inflammatory ocular diseases.

Ocular inflammation is one of the leading causes of blindness and loss of vision. Human uveitis is a complex and heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by inflammation of intraocular tissues. The eye may be the only organ involved, or uveitis may be part of a systemic disease. A significant number of cases are of unknown etiology and are labeled idiopathic. Animal models have been developed to the study of the physiopathogenesis of autoimmune uveitis due to the difficulty in obtaining human eye inflamed tissues for experiments. Most of those models are induced by injection of specific photoreceptors proteins (e.g., S-antigen, interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein, rhodopsin, recoverin, phosducin). Non-retinal antigens, including melanin-associated proteins and myelin basic protein, are also good inducers of uveitis in animals. Understanding the basic mechanisms and pathogenesis of autoimmune ocular diseases are essential for the development of new treatment approaches and therapeutic agents. The present review describes the main experimental models of autoimmune ocular inflammatory diseases.

New approaches and potential treatments for dry age-related macular degeneration.

Emerging treatments for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and geographic atrophy focus on two strategies that target components involved in physiopathological pathways: prevention of photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium loss (neuroprotection induction, oxidative damage prevention, and visual cycle modification) and suppression of inflammation. Neuroprotective drugs, such as ciliary neurotrophic factor, brimonidine tartrate, tandospirone, and anti-amyloid ß antibodies, aim to prevent apoptosis of retinal cells. Oxidative stress and depletion of essential micronutrients are targeted by the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) formulation. Visual cycle modulators reduce the activity of the photoreceptors and retinal accumulation of toxic fluorophores and lipofuscin. Eyes with dry age-related macular degeneration present chronic inflammation and potential treatments include corticosteroid and complement inhibition. We review the current concepts and rationale of dry age-related macular degeneration treatment that will most likely include a combination of drugs targeting different pathways involved in the development and progression of age-related macular degeneration.

Experimental models of autoimmune inflammatory ocular diseases / Modelos experimentais para o estudo de doenças inflamatórias oculares autoimunes

Ocular inflammation is one of the leading causes of blindness and loss of vision. Human uveitis is a complex and heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by inflammation of intraocular tissues. The eye may be the only organ involved, or uveitis may be part of a systemic disease. A significant number of cases are of unknown etiology and are labeled idiopathic. Animal models have been developed to the study of the physiopathogenesis of autoimmune uveitis due to the difficulty in obtaining human eye inflamed tissues for experiments. Most of those models are induced by injection of specific photoreceptors proteins (e.g., S-antigen, interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein, rhodopsin, recoverin, phosducin). Non-retinal antigens, including melanin-associated proteins and myelin basic protein, are also good inducers of uveitis in animals. Understanding the basic mechanisms and pathogenesis of autoimmune ocular diseases are essential for the development of new treatment approaches and therapeutic agents. The present review describes the main experimental models of autoimmune ocular inflammatory diseases.

A inflamação ocular é uma das principais causas de perda visual e cegueira. As uveítes constituem um grupo complexo e heterogêneo de doenças caracterizadas por inflamação dos tecidos intraoculares. O olho pode ser o único órgão envolvido ou a uveíte pode ser parte de uma doença sistêmica. A etiologia é desconhecida em um número significativo de casos, que são considerados idiopáticos. Modelos animais têm sido desenvolvidos para estudar a fisiopatogênese da uveíte autoimune devido às dificuldades na obtenção de tecidos de olhos humanos inflamados para experimentos. Na maioria desses modelos, que simulam as uveítes autoimunes em humanos, a uveíte é induzida com proteínas específicas de fotorreceptores (antígeno-S, proteína ligadora de retinoide do interfotoreceptor, rodopsina, recoverina e fosducina). Antígenos não retinianos, como proteínas associadas à melanina e proteína básica de mielina, são também bons indutores de uveíte em animais. Entender os mecanismos básicos e a patogênese dessas doenças oculares é essencial para o desenvolvimento de novas formas de tratamento das uveítes autoimunes e de novos agentes terapêuticos. Nesta revisão serão abordados os principais modelos experimentais utilizados para o estudo de doenças inflamatórias oculares autoimunes.

New approaches and potential treatments for dry age-related macular degeneration / Novas abordagens e tratamentos potenciais da forma seca da degeneração macular relacionada à idade

Emerging treatments for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and geographi c atrophy focus on two strategies that target components involved in physiopathological pathways: prevention of photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium loss (neuroprotection induction, oxidative damage prevention, and visual cycle modification) and suppression of inflammation. Neuroprotective drugs, such as ciliary neurotrophic factor, brimonidine tartrate, tandospirone, and anti-amyloid β antibodies, aim to prevent apoptosis of retinal cells. Oxidative stress and depletion of essential micronutrients are targeted by the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) formulation. Visual cycle modulators reduce the activity of the photoreceptors and retinal accumulation of toxic fluorophores and lipofuscin. Eyes with dry age-related macular degeneration present chronic inflammation and potential treatments include corticosteroid and complement inhibition. We review the current concepts and rationale of dry age-related macular degeneration treatment that will most likely include a combination of drugs targeting different pathways involved in the development and progression of age-related macular degeneration.

Os novos tratamentos para a forma seca da degeneração macular relacionada à idade (DMRI) e da atrofia geográfica têm sido baseados em duas estratégias que abordam componentes envolvidos nos mecanismos fisiopatológicos da doença: prevenção da perda de fotorreceptores e células do epitélio pigmentado da retina (indução de neuroproteção, diminuição do dano oxidativo e modificação do ciclo visual) e supressão da inflamação. As drogas neuroprotetoras visam evitar a apoptose das células retinianas, como o fator neurotrófico ciliar, o tartarato de brimonidina, a tandosporina e anticorpos antiamiloide β. A redução do dano oxidativo e a complementação de micronutrientes essenciais são os objetivos da fórmula AREDS. Os modificadores do ciclo visual reduzem a atividade dos fotorreceptores e o acúmulo de fluoróforos tóxicos e lipofuscina na retina. Olhos com a forma seca da degeneração macular relacionada à idade apresentam inflamação crônica e os novos tratamentos incluem corticosteroides e inibidores do sistema complemento. Neste artigo, revisamos o estágio atual do tratamento da forma seca da degeneração macular relacionada à idade que provavelmente será feito através da combinação de drogas que agem em diferentes componentes envolvidos no aparecimento e na progressão da degeneração macular relacionada à idade.

Intravitreal bevacizumab for foveal detachment in idiopathic perifoveal telangiectasia.

PURPOSE: To report the use of intravitreal bevacizumab injection for the treatment of foveal detachment in idiopathic perifoveal telangiectasia (IPT). DESIGN: Prospective, interventional case series. METHODS: Three eyes from two patients with IPT and foveal detachments were treated with a 1.25 mg/0.05 ml intravitreal injection of bevacizumab. The following variables were evaluated: visual acuity and optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. RESULTS: The OCT images showed marked reversal of the foveal detachment after the injection, with restoration of foveal depression in all eyes. The vision of all treated eyes improved and remained unchanged up until the last follow-up visit (mean, 24 weeks). CONCLUSIONS: A single intravitreal bevacizumab injection provides short-term improvement in visual acuity and foveal detachment associated with IPT. These findings should be followed by further studies to evaluate the long-term effects on retinal structure and function.

[Optical coherence tomography macular study on eyes filled with silicone oil]. / Estudo macular em olhos com óleo de silicone por meio da tomografia de coerência óptica.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate optical coherence tomography efficacy to evaluate macular anatomical outcomes, in eyes with silicone oil-filled vitreous cavity after vitrectomy. METHODS: A descriptive observational study of 28 (twenty-eight) patients submitted to pars plana vitrectomy having silicone oil as vitreous substitute. The macular findings were observed by means of indirect binocular ophthalmoscope, biomicroscopy and optical coherence tomography examinations. RESULTS: During the follow-up period the retina remained attached in all patients. In some cases, intraretinal cysts, epiretinal membrane and lamellar macular hole were observed only by optical coherence tomography examination. CONCLUSION: Optical coherence tomography provided improved imaging of finer retinal structures in eyes with silicone oil-filled vitreous cavity. Therefore, optical coherence tomography examination should be systematically performed in eyes filled with silicone oil to recognize changes in retinal morphology.

Estudo macular em olhos com óleo de silicone por meio da tomografia de coerência óptica / Optical coherence tomography macular study on eyes filled with silicone oil

OBJETIVO: Demonstrar a eficácia da tomografia de coerência óptica na avaliação da estrutura anatômica macular em olhos com a cavidade vítrea preenchida por óleo de silicone. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional descritivo de 28 (vinte e oito) pacientes submetidos a vitrectomia com utilização de óleo de silicone como substituto vítreo. Estes pacientes foram avaliados pela biomicroscopia, oftalmoscopia indireta e pela tomografia de coerência óptica. RESULTADO: Todos os pacientes apresentaram retina aplicada no pós-operatório. A realização da tomografia de coerência óptica não apresentou dificuldade técnica na sua execução. O "cisto" de retina, membrana epi-retiniana e buraco lamelar foram apenas detectados na tomografia de coerência óptica. CONCLUSÃO: A tomografia de coerência óptica demonstrou boa eficácia para detectar alterações maculares em olhos com óleo de silicone. Assim, evidenciamos que é factível a execução deste exame e que este pode nos ajudar a diagnosticar alterações subclínicas no pós-operatório nestes pacientes.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate optical coherence tomography efficacy to evaluate macular anatomical outcomes, in eyes with silicone oil-filled vitreous cavity after vitrectomy. METHODS: A descriptive observational study of 28 (twenty-eight) patients submitted to pars plana vitrectomy having silicone oil as vitreous substitute. The macular findings were observed by means of indirect binocular ophthalmoscope, biomicroscopy and optical coherence tomography examinations. RESULTS: During the follow-up period the retina remained attached in all patients. In some cases, intraretinal cysts, epiretinal membrane and lamellar macular hole were observed only by optical coherence tomography examination. CONCLUSION: Optical coherence tomography provided improved imaging of finer retinal structures in eyes with silicone oil-filled vitreous cavity. Therefore, optical coherence tomography examination should be systematically performed in eyes filled with silicone oil to recognize changes in retinal morphology.

[Evaluation of central serous chorioretinopathy with optical coherence tomography]. / Seguimento de portadores de coriorretinopatia serosa central por meio da tomografia de coerência óptica.

PURPOSE: To evaluate optical coherence tomography as an objective diagnostic and follow-up method for central serous chorioretinopathy. METHODS: Observational descriptive study of 16 (sixteen) eyes of 16 patients with unilateral acute central serous chorioretinopathy. These patients had their visual acuity measured and complete ophthalmological examination was performed, including macular slit lamp examination, angiofluoresceinography and optical coherence tomography. No treatment was given to any patient. RESULTS: Of the 16 central serous chorioretinopathy eyes, 12 patients completed follow-up until total resolution of their disease. Age varied between 27 and 50 years, with mean age of 38.9 years. Most patients were male. On optical coherence tomography, neurosensorial retinal detachment was observed in all cases and 33.3% had retinal pigmented epithelium detachment. There was a significant difference regarding all studied variables. Visual acuity was better, macular thickness and volume diminished when the disease resolved. CONCLUSION: Optical coherence tomography showed good efficacy to detect and measure macular changes in eyes with central serous chorioretinopathy, being useful in clinical evaluation during the disease's acute period and resolution.

Seguimento de portadores de coriorretinopatia serosa central por meio da tomografia de coerência óptica / Evaluation of central serous chorioretinopathy with optical coherence tomography

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a tomografia de coerência óptica como método objetivo de diagnóstico e de seguimento da coriorretinopatia serosa central. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional descritivo de 16 (dezesseis) olhos de portadores de coriorretinopatia serosa central unilateral, em fase aguda. Estes pacientes foram submetidos à medida da acuidade visual e a exame oftalmológico completo, incluindo biomicroscopia da mácula, angiofluoresceinografia e tomografia de coerência óptica. Nenhum dos pacientes foi submetido a qualquer tipo de tratamento. RESULTADO: Dos 16 casos consecutivos de coriorretinopatia serosa central, 12 pacientes completaram o seguimento até a resolução da doença. A idade variou entre 27 e 50 anos, com média de 38,9 anos. A predominância foi do sexo masculino. Na tomografia de coerência óptica, o descolamento da retina neurossensorial foi observado em todos os casos e 33,3 por cento dos pacientes apresentaram descolamento do epitélio pigmentado da retina. Houve diferença significativa em todas as variáveis estudadas, constatando melhora na acuidade visual, diminuição na espessura e no volume macular na resolução da doença. CONCLUSÃO: Tomografia de coerência óptica mostrou boa eficácia para detectar e quantificar alterações maculares em olhos com coriorretinopatia serosa central, podendo ser útil em avaliações clínicas na fase aguda e na resolução da doença.