Long-term functional, anatomical outcome, and qualitative analysis by OCTA, as a predictor of disease recurrences in patients with choroidal neovascularization secondary to angioid streaks.

BACKGROUND: To report the risk of exudation recurrence and long-term outcomes in patients with choroidal neovascularization secondary to angioid streaks, according to its morphology and characteristics by optical coherence tomography angiography. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of electronic medical records from three hospitals. We enrolled patients with a clinical diagnosis of angioid streaks choroidal neovascularization that had a minimum follow-up of 12 months. From each record, we extracted general demographic data, best corrected visual acuity (baseline, before and after each disease recurrence and last on file), type of treatment, time between last intravitreal injection and disease recurrence, and classification of the neovascular lesion morphology by optical coherence tomography, and optical coherence tomography angiography. Patients with myopic choroidal neovascularization were used as controls. Interobserver agreement was assessed with a Cohen-Kappa test. The Odds ratio was calculated with a chi2 test for significance. Visual acuity change through time was evaluated with an ANOVA for repeated measurements with an alpha value of 0.05 for statistical significance. RESULTS: We enrolled 30 patients in the study group and 14 in the control group. In the study group, the baseline and final BCVA were 0.861 ± 0.59 and 1.095 ± 0.61 logMAR (p = 0.1) respectively. CONTROL GROUP: 1.045 ± 0.57 and 0.617 ± 0.53 logMAR (p < 0.05). In the study group, the predominant CNV type by OCTA was mixed (37%), and interlacing (57%) in the control group. Mixed and cog-wheel patterns at baseline had increased Odds for recurrence in the study group (p = 0.09). Patients in the study group required more intravitreal injections on each recurrence episode to achieve disease control (3.5 ± 1.5 vs.1.4 ± 0.2, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The benefits of anti-VEGF treatment are lost over time in patients with angioid streaks and CNV. Lesion characteristics by optical coherence tomography angiography could help physicians predict the risk of recurrence. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospective registered, and IRB approved.

Choroidal macrovascular and capillary alterations in eyes with idiopathic epiretinal membranes

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the choroidal vascular alterations and effect of surgical treatment in the setting of idiopathic epiretinal membranes. Methods: The structure of the choroid was studied in 33 patients with unilateral idiopathic epiretinal membrane using optical coherence tomography with enhanced depth imaging and optical coherence tomography angiography. Eyes with epiretinal membrane underwent 25-gauge vitrectomy with epiretinal membrane and internal limiting membrane peeling. The choroidal vascularity index, Haller layer/choroidal thickness ratio, and choriocapillaris flow density were used to evaluate changes in choroidal structure after surgery and compare with the healthy fellow eyes. Results: The choroidal vascularity index and Haller layer/choroidal thickness ratio of the eyes with epiretinal membrane were higher than those of the fellow eyes at baseline (p=0.009 and p=0.04, respectively) and decreased postoperatively compared with preoperative values (p=0.009 and p=0.001, respectively). The choriocapillaris flow of eyes with epiretinal membrane was lower than that of the fellow eyes at baseline (p=0.001) and increased after surgery compared with the preoperative value (p=0.04). The choroidal vascularity index, Haller layer/choroidal thickness ratio, and choriocapillaris flow values of the healthy fellow eyes were comparable at baseline and final visit. In eyes with epiretinal membrane, the final choroidal vascularity index correlated with the final choriocapillaris flow (r=-0.749, p=0.008) in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Idiopathic epiretinal membrane appears to affect the choroidal structure with increased choroidal vascularity index and Haller layer/choroidal thickness ratio and decreased choriocapillaris flow. These macrovascular (choroidal vascularity index and Haller layer/choroidal thickness) and microvascular (choriocapillaris flow) alterations appear to be relieved by surgical treatment of the epiretinal membranes.

Maculopatía paracentral aguda media y neurorretinopatía macular aguda / Paracentral Acute Middle Maculopathy and Acute Macular Neuroretinopathy

La neurorretinopatía macular aguda es una condición rara con patogenia microvascular. Se presenta con un inicio agudo con escotomas paracentrales correspondientes a lesiones paramaculares evidentes. Los avances en las imágenes multimodales permitieron caracterizar este trastorno de retina y crear nuevos conceptos. Serraf, en el 2013, identificó dos formas por medio de la tomografía de coherencia óptica dominio espectral: el tipo 1 conocido como maculopatía paracentral aguda media en la cual se observa una banda hiperreflectiva en la capa nuclear interna, y el tipo 2 en el cual la banda hiperreflectiva se ubica en la capa nuclear externa, que involucra la zona elipsoide y la zona de interdigitación con el epitelio pigmentario de la retina. Hasta el momento no existe cura; pero se puede actuar sobre los factores de riesgo. Por ser una condición rara y por no existir reportes hasta el momento en Cuba es que se presentan a continuación dos pacientes con cuadros clínicos similares de estas dos variantes; concluyendo la importancia que presentan las imágenes multimodales como medio auxiliar diagnóstico(AU)

Acute macular neuroretinopathy is a rare condition with complex pathogenesis and microvascular cause. It appears with acute onset, with paracentral scotomas corresponding to obvious paramacular lesions. Advances in multimodal imaging made it possible to characterize this retinal disorder and to create new concepts. Serraf, in 2013, identified two forms by spectral domain optical coherence tomography: type 1, known as paracentral acute middle maculopathy, in which a hyperreflective band is observed in the inner nuclear layer; and type 2, in which the hyperreflective band is located in the outer nuclear layer, involving the ellipsoid zone and the zone of interdigitation with the retinal pigment epithelium. Up to this moment, there is no cure; but it is possible to act on the risk factors. Because it is a rare condition and because there are no reports so far in Cuba, two patients with similar clinical pictures of these two variants are presented; concluding the importance of multimodal images as an auxiliary diagnostic tool(AU)

Correlation of RETINAL Artery Diameter with Coronary Artery Disease: The RETINA CAD Pilot Study-Are the Eyes the Windows to the Heart?

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine whether there was any correlation between coronary artery disease (CAD) and retinal artery diameter at an academic tertiary medical center in Trinidad and Tobago. METHODS: This prospective study evaluated patients (n = 77) with recent invasive coronary angiography (CAG) and the Synergy between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) score who subsequently underwent optical coherence tomography-angiography (OCT-A) at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC) from January 2021 to March 2021. Routine medical history and cardiovascular medications were also recorded. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and Mann-Whitney U-tests were used to compare correlations and medians between groups. RESULTS: The average patient age was 57.8 years old, with the majority being male [n = 55 (71.4%)] and of South Asian ethnicity [n = 53 (68.8%)]. Retinal artery diameter was negatively correlated with the SYNTAX score (-0.332 for the right eye, p = 0.003 and -0.237 for the left eye, p = 0.038). A statistically significant relationship was also demonstrated in females and diabetic patients. There were no serious adverse events (SAEs). CONCLUSION: A significantly negative correlation was observed between retinal artery diameter and SYNTAX score. This study alludes to the practical use of optical coherence tomography-angiography (OCT-A) as a noninvasive diagnostic modality for patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Further large-scale, multicentric studies are required to confirm these exploratory findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04233619.

Comparison of Retinal Structure Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography between Persons with and without HIV Infection.

HIV retinal microangiopathy is an important predictor for increased risk of mortality. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) can investigate microvascular changes resulting from retinal diseases. Study included 25 persons with HIV and 25 healthy persons. OCTA evaluated the vascularization of retinal layers, choriocapillary, and optic disk. HIV group had lower vessel flow density (VFD) in superficial plexus. No difference was observed in the deep plexus. VFD of the optic disk and peripapillary region showed no difference between the groups. HIV group showed a thinner retinal nerve fiber layer and smaller area of the optic disk rim. HIV infection is associated with VFD reduction in superficial retinal plexus, neural rim area reduction, and retinal nerve fiber layer thinning in individuals without microangiopathic alterations on fundus examination. Therefore, OCTA can find retinal changes before clinical evidence of retinopathy.

Optical coherence tomography angiography as predictor of visual outcomes in retinal vein occlusion treated with antiangiogenic therapy.

PURPOSE: Evaluate optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) features in retinal vein occlusions (RVO) associated with visual outcomes after anti-VEGF. METHODS: Analytical observational study performed in eyes with macular edema secondary to RVO treated with anti-VEGF, with at least 6 months of follow-up. Bradley et al. classification of macular ischemia was used. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate associations between final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and OCT-A. RESULTS: A total of 62 eyes, 61 subjects, mean age of 70 ± 12,6 years were included. Median follow up time 21,2 months (IQR 24.8), 53,2% had central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and 46,8% branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Median BCVA pre-treatment was 0,84 logMAR (IQR 0,83) and post-treatment 0,47 logMAR (IQR 0,52). BCVA improved at the end of follow-up (p = 0,01), as well as central retinal thickness (CRT) (p = 0,02). Regarding capillary densities (CD), there was a decrease for both plexus, Superficial CD (p = 0,01) and Deep CD (p = 0,01), being more involved the superficial plexus. The lower the capillary density in both plexus, the worse BCVA, Superficial CD (r - 0,27, p = 0,03) and Deep CD (r - 0,29, p = 0,02). Media FAZ pre-treatment was 0,30 mm2 (IQR 0,23), with enlargement to 0,37 mm2 (IQR 0,32) (p = 0,01) post-treatment. Preservation of External Limiting Membrane/ Ellipsoid Zone (ELM/EZ) was seen in 60% of subjects (n = 37). The majority had grade 3 macular ischemia. Variables that best explain visual results were, baseline visual acuity (p = 0,01), pre-treatment CRT (p = 0,02) and pretreatment foveal superficial CD (p = 0,02). CONCLUSIONS: Variables that best explain final vision after anti-VEGF were baseline visual acuity, CRT and foveal superficial CD.

Ocular findings in asymptomatic patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) is characterized by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), repetitive fetal loss, and arterial/venous thrombosis and no association with other autoimmune rheumatic disease. Ocular involvement can also occur including retinal vascular thrombosis and neuro-ophthalmological manifestations, such as optic neuropathy and amaurosis fugax. Early detection of ocular changes is crucial to minimize functional loss. PURPOSE: To perform a multimodal evaluation, including the use of Optical Coherence Angiotomography (OCTA), in patients with PAPS without ocular complaints and compare with healthy individuals. METHODS: We performed a complete structural and functional ophthalmological evaluation using OCTA and microperimetry exam in patients with PAPS, followed at a tertiary Rheumatology outpatient clinic. RESULTS: We included 104 eyes of 52 subjects [PAPS without ocular complaints (N = 26) and healthy individuals (N = 26)]. Among PAPS patients, 21 were female (80.8%) and 21 (80.8%) were Caucasians. PAPS manifestations were venous (65.4%), arterial thrombosis (34.6%), and obstetrical (34.6%) and all of them had lupus anticoagulant. Ophthalmologic findings were more frequent in PAPS compared to healthy individuals (19.2% vs. 0%, p = 0.05). The most common retinal change was paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) (3 patients, 5 eyes), followed by drusen (1 patient, 2 eyes) and pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathy (PPE) (1 patient, 1 eye). Hypertension and hyperlipidemia were present in 100% of the PAPS patients with PAMM, while only six patients (26.1%) with PAPS without PAMM presented these two risk factors together (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: We provide novel evidence that approximately 20% of our asymptomatic PAPS patients without ocular symptoms have ophthalmologic findings that require early identification and careful surveillance focusing on minimizing systemic and vascular risk factors.

Retinal microvascular changes in patients with familial mediterranean fever: a study based on optical coherence tomography angiography / Alterações microvasculares da retina em pacientes com febre mediterrânea familiar: estudo baseado em angiotomografia de coerência óptica

ABSTRACT Purpose: In this study, we aimed to show whether a difference exists between retinal and choroidal microcirculation findings between patients with familial Mediterranean fever and healthy controls. Methods: Thirty-two patients with familial Mediterranean fever and 30 healthy controls were included in the study. All the patients underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination, including best-corrected visual acuity and intraocular pressure measurement. The AngioVue optical coherence tomography angiography device (Optovue, Fremont, CA) with split-spectrum amplitude-decorrelation angiography was used to evaluate and examine the retinal microvascular structure. Three-dimensional en face Optical coherence tomography angiography images were obtained by examining the macula using the 3 x 3 mm scanning protocol in the Angio Retina mode and the optic nerve using the 3 x 3 mm scanning protocol in the Angio Disk mode. All the patients' right eyes were examined. Results: A total of 62 subjects were included in the study, of whom 32 (53.3%) were female and 30 (46.7%) were male. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of optic nerve head or radial peripapillary capillary vessel density. On examination, the superficial capillary plexuses were statistically similar between the two groups, but the deep capillary plexus vessel density in the parafovea, superior hemi, temporal, and superior areas were significantly lower in the patients with familial Mediterranean fever. Conclusions: We found that the capillary plexus vessel density was significantly lower in the parafovea, superior hemi, temporal, and superior regions in the patients with familial Mediterranean fever than in the control group. Therefore, OCTA, a noninvasive study, may be useful for understanding the systemic effects of familial Mediterranean fever.

RESUMO Objetivos: Este estudo teve como objetivo mostrar se há diferença entre os achados da microcirculação retiniana e coroidal entre pacientes com febre mediterrânica familiar e um grupo controle saudável. Métodos: Trinta e dois pacientes com febre mediterrânica familiar e 30 controles saudáveis foram incluídos neste estudo. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a um exame oftalmológico completo, incluindo a acuidade visual melhor corrigida e medida da pressão intraocular. O aparelho AngioVue Optical coherence tomography angiography (Optovue, Fremont, CA) com angiografia de correlação de amplitude de espectro dividido foi utilizado para avaliar e examinar a estrutura microvascular da retina. As angiotomografias de coerência ópticas en face tridimensionais foram obtidas examinando o protocolo de varredura macular 3 x 3 mm (modo angio retina) e o nervo óptico com o protocolo de varredura 3 x 3 mm (modo angio-disco). Todos os olhos direitos dos pacientes foram examinados. Resultados: Foram incluídos neste estudo, 62 sujeitos, dos quais 32 (53,3%) eram do sexo feminino e 30 (46,7%) do sexo masculino. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os dois grupos quanto à densidade dos vasos da cabeça do nervo óptico ou da densidade dos vasos capilares peripapilares radiais. Durante o exame, os plexos capilares superficiais foram estatisticamente semelhantes entre esses dois grupos, mas a densidade profunda dos vasos do plexo capilar nas areas parafovea, hemi superior, temporal e superior foram significativamente menores nos pacientes com febre mediterrânica familiar. Conclusões: Verificamos que a densidade dos vasos do plexo capilar foi significativamente menor nas regiões parafovea, hemi superior, temporal e superior em pacientes com febre mediterrânica familiar em comparação com o grupo controle. Portanto, pode ser útil usar a angiotomografia de coerência óptica, por tratar-se de um estudo não invasivo, para melhor compreensão dos efeitos sistêmicos da febre mediterrânica familiar.

Fellow-eye asymmetry on optical coherence tomography angiography and thickness parameters in unilateral pseudoexfoliation syndrome / Assimetria do olho oposto na angiografia por tomografia de coerência óptica e parâmetros de espessura na síndrome de pseudoexfoliação unilateral

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate inter-eye retinal vessel density and thickness asymmetry in unilateral pseudoexfoliation syndrome and understand its use for the early detection of glaucoma. Methods: Thirty patients with unilateral pseudoexfoliation syndrome were enrolled in our study. Optical coherence tomography angiography macular scans were used measure the retinal vessel density, and optical coherence tomography scans were used to assess the thickness parameters of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer and the macular ganglion cell complex. Inter-eye asymmetry was determined by taking the absolute value of the difference in the vessel density and thickness parameters between the pseudoexfoliation syndrome eye and fellow eye. Results: The mean patient age was 64.20 ± 7.05 y in the study group. Inter-eye asymmetry in the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and macular ganglion cell complex measurements were significant in the study group (p=0.03 and p=0.001, respectively). The vessel density of the macular superficial inner region was significantly lower in eyes with pseudoexfoliation syndrome than in fellow eyes (p=0.035). However, there was no inter-eye asymmetry in the central and full region macular superficial vessel density of eyes with pseudoexfoliation syndrome and fellow eyes (p>0.05). Conclusion: Retinal vessel density can be evaluated using optical coherence tomography angiography measurements. There was inter-eye asymmetry in the inner region macular superficial vessel density, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer, and macular ganglion cell complex thickness of the unilateral pseudoexfoliation syndrome eyes and fellow eyes. Further studies on a larger number of subjects might provide more clarity regarding the relationship between the inter-eye asymmetry of the retinal vessel density and thickness parameters with early detection of glaucomatous damage.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar a densidade dos vasos interoculares da retina e assimetria na espessura na síndrome de pseudoexfoliação unilateral e o seu uso para a detecção precoce de glaucoma. Métodos: Trinta pacientes com síndrome de pseudoexfoliação unilateral foram incluídos no estudo. As varreduras maculares de angiografia por tomografia de coerência óptica mediram a densidade dos vasos da retina, e as varreduras por tomografia de coerência óptica obtiveram parâmetros de espessura da camada de fibras nervosas da retina peripapilar e do complexo macular de célula ganglionar. A assimetria interocular foi determinada tomando o valor absoluto da diferença entre o olho da síndrome de pseudoexfoliação e o olho oposto nos parâmetros de densidade e espessura dos vasos. Resultados: A média de idade foi 64,20 ± 7,05 anos no grupo de estudo. A assimetria interocular na espessura da camada de fibra nervosa da retina peripapilar e as medidas do complexo macular de célula ganglionar foram estatisticamente significativas no grupo de estudo (p=0,03 e p=0,001, respectivamente). Para os olhos com síndrome de pseudoexfoliação, a densidade do vaso da região macular superficial interna foi significativamente menor do que em olhos opostos (p=0,035). No entanto, não houve assimetria interocular estatisticamente significativa na densidade macular dos vasos superficiais da região central e completa entre os olhos da síndrome de pseudoexfoliação e os olhos opostos (p>0,05). Conclusões: A densidade dos vasos da retina pode ser avaliada por medidas de angiografia por tomografia de coerência óptica. Houve assimetria interocular na densidade macular do vaso superficial da região interna, camada de fibra nervosa da retina peripapilar e espessura do complexo macular de célula ganglionar entre olhos com síndrome de pseudoexfoliação unilateral e olhos opostos. Novos estudos com um número maior de indivíduos podem fornecer a relação entre a assimetria interocular da densidade do vaso da retina e os parâmetros de espessura com detecção precoce de dano glaucomatoso.

Multiple attacks of transient monocular visual loss in a previously healthy man: a possible complication after COVID-19 vaccination?

BACKGROUND: The present case aims to describe a previously healthy man who presented multiple attacks of transient monocular visual loss after Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination and to discuss the possible mechanisms related to occurrence of this condition. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of multiple attacks of transient monocular visual loss in a previously healthy middle-aged man two weeks after Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination. TVL attacks were described as sudden and painless complete visual loss, lasting about one minute, followed by a full recovery. He presented several non-simultaneous attacks in both eyes, 16 in the right eye, and 2 in the left eye on the same day, fifteen days after receiving the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. The brain's magnetic resonance angiography, echocardiogram, and doppler ultrasound imaging of the carotid and vertebral arteries were non-revealing. The complete blood exam revealed a slightly elevated C-reactive protein test. We assessed fundus examination during the transient visual loss attack and revealed diffuse vascular narrowing for both arterial and venous branches, notably in the emergence of the optic disc in right eye. In addition, the circumpapillary optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) vessel density map was reduced. Oral verapamil hydrochloride 60 mg twice daily was initiated, and the attacks of transient visual loss improved after two days. CONCLUSIONS: To date, and the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of multiple transient monocular visual loss attacks due to retinal vasospasm in a previously healthy middle-aged man documented by fundus retinography and OCTA. We discuss in this article the possible association of retinal vasospasm and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination, probably related to vaccine-induced inflammation.

Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Findings in Sclerochoroidal Calcification.

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) is a modern non invasive imaging technique that may aid in the evaluation of retinal diseases through the assessment of chorioretinal vasculature. The literature regarding OCT-A in sclerochoroidal calcification is scarce. We present the case of a 57-year-old female who was referred to the clinic due to an atypical choroidal lesion in the right eye. OCT-A showed an apparent decrease in the vascular flow of the choroidal/choriocapillaris layers and an apparent increase in the vascular flow of the deep retinal layers. A mass effect may be seen in OCT-A en face imaging that may create artifactual vascular flow pattern. This case reports the first OCT-A findings of sclerochoroidal calcification.

Multimodal imaging assessment of a "micro" optic disk melanocytoma: A case report.

An optic disk melanocytoma is a benign pigmented neoplasm of the optic disk measuring 2.00 mm of diameter in average. Smaller optic disk melanocytomas are rare and have not been studied with multiple imaging studies. A case of a "micro" optic disk melanocytoma measuring 0.71 mm in diameter was studied by multiple imaging modalities, including fundus autofluorescence, ultrasound, visual fields, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography. While clinical appreciation and fundus autofluorescence reveal changes compatible with previously reported cases, OCT, OCT angiography and ultrasound reveal specific changes that could be useful for follow up.

Early microvascular changes in patients with prediabetes evaluated by optical coherence tomography angiography.

BACKGROUND: Timely detection of early microvascular changes in patients with prediabetes could help reduce the likelihood of progression of diabetes-related retinal complications. AIM: To determine early microvascular changes in patients with prediabetes using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A). METHODS: In this single-center retrospective case-control study, macular OCT-A images of superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) were analyzed in non-diabetic controls, and prediabetic and diabetic subjects. A quantitative analysis was performed using ImageJ software of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, acircularity index (AI), perfusion density (PD), and vascular length density (VLD). RESULTS: A total of 94 eyes of 53 patients were included in this study. The global mean age was 57.7 years, 39.6% men and 60.4% women. In SCP, the mean PD was 0.283 ± 0.15, 0.186 ± 0.720, and 0.186 ± 0.07 in non-diabetic controls, and prediabetic and diabetic groups, respectively. The mean VLD was 8.728 ± 3.425 in non-diabetic controls, 6.147 ± 1.399 in prediabetic group, and 6.292 ± 1.997 in patients with diabetes. The comparison of prediabetic patients and controls shows statistical differences between PD and VLD in both plexus SCP (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively) and DCP (p = 0.005 and p = 0.002, respectively). The mean area of FAZ in patients with diabetes and normal individuals was 0.281 and 0.196 mm2, respectively (p < 0.001). AI was higher in the control group (0.87 ± 0.14) and prediabetic group (0.80 ± 0.17) compared to diabetic patients (0.64 ± 0.19). There were no differences in FAZ area and AI between prediabetic and non-diabetic controls. CONCLUSION: PD and VLD demonstrated to be early microvascular changes in prediabetic patients evaluated by OCT-A. No alterations of FAZ were evidenced in this group.

Vessel/perfusion density in two optical coherence tomographic angiography protocols: Interchangeable?

INTRODUCTION: Different optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) scanning protocols evaluate the macula. OBJECTIVE: To compare the determination coefficients (R2) between vessel and perfusion densities of two OCTA scanning protocols in order to determine if their metrics could be interchanged. METHOD: Cross-sectional, prospective, comparative, observational, study between two OCTA scanning protocols (Angioplex, Zeiss) in healthy subjects. The R2 between central, inner, and full densities (3 x 3 mm protocol) and between central, inner, outer and full densities (6 x 6 mm protocol) was identified, both for vessel and perfusion densities. RESULTS: Seventy-eight eyes were evaluated; subjects' median age was 23 years. There were high R2 between inner and full densities with the 3 x 3 mm protocol (0.96), between outer and full densities with the 6 x 6 mm protocol (0.96), and between central vessel and perfusion densities (≥ 0.96); R2 between central vessel and perfusion densities of different protocols was ≤ 0.71. CONCLUSIONS: Vessel and perfusion densities have high determination coefficients within a scanning protocol, but not between protocols, given that each one preferentially measures different macular areas. Metrics from different protocols should not be interchanged for follow up.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Distintos protocolos de angiotomografía de coherencia óptica evalúan la mácula. OBJETIVO: R2 entre las densidades vascular y de perfusión de dos protocolos de angiotomografía de coherencia óptica, para determinar si sus mediciones podían intercambiarse. MÉTODO: Estudio observacional, comparativo, prospectivo, transversal entre dos protocolos de angiotomografía de coherencia óptica (AngioPlex, Zeiss) en sujetos sanos. Se identificó la R2 entre las densidades vascular y de perfusión central, interna y completa (protocolo de 3 x 3 mm), y central, interna, externa y completa (protocolo de 6 x 6 mm). RESULTADOS: 78 ojos, mediana de edad 23 años. Hubo R2 altas entre las densidades interna y completa del protocolo de 3 x 3 mm (0.96), externa y completa del de 6 x 6 mm (0.96), y centrales vasculares y de perfusión (≥ 0.96); la R2 entre las densidades centrales vascular y de perfusión de distintos protocolos fue ≤ 0.71. CONCLUSIONES: Las densidades vasculares y de perfusión tienen R2 alta dentro de un protocolo, pero no entre protocolos, porque estos miden preferentemente zonas distintas, lo cual limita intercambiar mediciones.

Densidad vascular/de perfusión en dos protocolos de angiotomografía de coherencia óptica ¿Intercambiables? / Vessel/ perfusion density in two optical coherence tomography angiography protocols. Interchangeable?

Resumen Introducción: Distintos protocolos de angiotomografía de coherencia óptica evalúan la mácula. Objetivo: R2) entre las densidades vascular y de perfusión de dos protocolos de angiotomografía de coherencia óptica, para determinar si sus mediciones podían intercambiarse. Método: Estudio observacional, comparativo, prospectivo, transversal entre dos protocolos de angiotomografía de coherencia óptica (AngioPlex, Zeiss) en sujetos sanos. Se identificó la R2 entre las densidades vascular y de perfusión central, interna y completa (protocolo de 3 x 3 mm), y central, interna, externa y completa (protocolo de 6 x 6 mm). Resultados: 78 ojos, mediana de edad 23 años. Hubo R2 altas entre las densidades interna y completa del protocolo de 3 x 3 mm (0.96), externa y completa del de 6 x 6 mm (0.96), y centrales vasculares y de perfusión (≥ 0.96); la R2 entre las densidades centrales vascular y de perfusión de distintos protocolos fue ≤ 0.71. Conclusiones: Las densidades vasculares y de perfusión tienen R2 alta dentro de un protocolo, pero no entre protocolos, porque estos miden preferentemente zonas distintas, lo cual limita intercambiar mediciones.

Abstract Introduction: Different optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) scanning protocols evaluate the macula. Objective: To compare the determination coefficients (R2) between vessel and perfusion densities of two OCTA scanning protocols, to learn whether their metrics could be interchanged. Method: Non-experimental, comparative, prospective, observational, cross-sectional study, between two OCTA scanning protocols (Angioplex, Zeiss) in healthy subjects. We found the R2 between central, inner, and full densities (3 x 3 mm protocol), and between central, inner, outer and full densities (6 x 6 mm protocol), both for vessel and perfusion densities. Results: 78 eyes, median age 23 years. There were high R2 between inner and full densities in the 3 x 3 mm protocol (0.96), between outer and full densities in the 6 x 6 mm protocol (0.96) and between central vessel and perfusion densities (≥0.96); R2 between central vessel and perfusion densities of different protocols (≤0.71). Conclusions: Vessel and perfusion densities have high determination coefficients within a scanning protocol, but not between protocols, because each preferentially measures different macular areas. The metrics of different protocols should not be interchanged for follow-up.

Contractile peripapillary staphyloma: OCTA documentation of increased peripapillary vessel density during transient visual loss episodes.

PURPOSE: to describe a patient with a contractile peripapillary staphyloma and transient visual loss (TVL) that underwent repeated OCTA examination documenting disc contraction and increased peripapillary vessel density as the mechanism of TVL. OBSERVATIONS: a 28-year-old male presented multiple daily episodes of TVL for the last 5 years. Fundoscopic examination revealed a peripapillary staphyloma. The fundus photographs and SS-OCT demonstrated flattening of the posterior polo and crowding of the contracted optic disk, which became hyperemic with tortuous and dilated veins during visual loss episodes. OCTA showed temporary increased peripapillary vessel density, presumably from severe venous congestion leading to TVL during the contraction. CONCLUSION AND IMPORTANCE: increased peripapillary vessel density can be demonstrated by OCTA during TVL in contractile peripapillary staphyloma. These findings indicate that severe venous stasis during disc contraction is the cause of TVL.

En-face OCT and OCT angiography analysis of macular choroidal macrovessel.

PURPOSE: To analyze en-face optical coherence tomography (OCT) and decorrelation signals on OCT angiography (OCTA) in two cases of macular choroidal macrovessel (MCM). OBSERVATIONS: Case report. Both the 64-year-old and 71-year-old females presented for a routine evaluation, and multimodal imaging analysis, including color fundus photography, indocyanine green angiography (ICG), spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and OCTA, was performed to diagnose a MCM. En-face OCT, en-face OCTA and decorrelation signals were analyzed through the MCM. In both reported cases, color fundus photograph revealed a serpiginoid lesion in the temporal macula. Red-free imaging enhanced the appearance of this lesion resembling a dilated choroidal vessel. Cross-sectional OCT showed an enlarged choroidal vessel causing elevation of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) within the fovea. En-face OCTA with segmentation below the choriocapillaris enhanced the MCM delineation. En-face OCT with segmentation below the choriocapillaris showed MCM with a greater distinctness than the en-face OCTA imaging. Decorrelation signals were not observed within MCM on cross-sectional OCTA. CONCLUSION AND IMPORTANCE: En-face OCT and decorrelation signals on OCTA may have diagnostic value in distinguishing macular choroidal macrovessel from other choroidal vascular diseases.

Regional parafoveal vessel density changes in diabetic patients without retinopathy.

INTRODUCTION: Regional parafoveal vessel density changes have not been characterized in patients with type 2 diabetes without retinopathy. OBJECTIVE: To compare regional changes in vessel density between subjects without diabetes (group 1) and with diabetes without retinopathy (group 2). METHODS: Observacional, retrospective, cross-sectional, comparative study. Parafoveal vessel density by quadrants was compared between groups and between quadrants in each group; density of each quadrant and inner density were correlated, as well as the contribution of each quadrant to inner density (linear regression). RESULTS: Thirty-four eyes were analyzed in group 1 and 38 in group 2; in the latter, inner vessel density (20.75 vs. 21.85, p = 0.021) and that of superior quadrants (21.05 vs. 21.75, p < 0.001), and nasal quadrants (20.95 vs. 21.50, p = 0.023) were lower. In the regression analysis, superior and nasal quadrants had the largest contribution to the change in inner vessel density in group 2 (b = 0.361 and b = 0.294, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Parafoveal inner vessel density decreases in diabetic patients without retinopathy at the expense of superior and nasal quadrants, which indicates that further evaluation is required for early microvascular disease to be detected.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los cambios regionales de densidad vascular parafoveal no han sido caracterizados en los pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 sin retinopatía. OBJETIVO: Comparar los cambios regionales de densidad vascular entre sujetos sin diabetes (grupo 1) y con diabetes sin retinopatía (grupo 2). MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo, transversal y comparativo. La densidad vascular parafoveal por cuadrantes se comparó entre grupos y entre cuadrantes en cada grupo; se correlacionó la densidad de cada cuadrante y la densidad interna, así como la contribución de cada cuadrante a la densidad interna (regresión lineal). RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 34 ojos en el grupo 1 y 38 en el grupo 2; en este fue menor la densidad vascular interna (20.75 versus 21.85, p = 0.021) y la de los cuadrantes superior (21.05 versus 21.75, p < 0.001) y nasal (20.95 versus 21.50, p = 0.023). En el análisis de regresión, los cuadrantes superior y nasal tuvieron la mayor contribución al cambio en la densidad vascular interna (b = 0.361, b = 0.294) en el grupo 2. CONCLUSIONES: La densidad vascular interna parafoveal disminuye en los pacientes diabéticos sin retinopatía, a expensas de los cuadrantes superior y nasal, por lo que se requiere evaluación adicional para detectar afecciones microvasculares tempranas.

Optical coherence tomography angiography using the black-and-white pixel binarization histogram software: a new technique for evaluating healing of macular holes in two surgical techniques.

BACKGROUND: Many factors can influence the functional outcomes of macular hole surgery and some studies have tried to describe anatomical features that could predict successful treatment. The purpose of this study is to describe a new technique for evaluating the healing of macular holes after two surgical techniques using a black-and-white pixel binarization histogram software by optical coherence tomography angiography and its potential functional implications. METHODS: This was a retrospective, observational case series of patients who presented with idiopathic full-thickness macular holes and underwent vitreoretinal surgery for successful macular hole closure using the internal limiting membrane peeling technique or the inverted peeling technique or the free internal limiting membrane flap technique. Optical coherence tomography angiography 3.0 × 3.0-mm scans were obtained postoperatively. The outer retina layer was analyzed separately; three different analyses were performed within a 3.0-mm-diameter area central circle, a 1.5-mm-diameter area, and a 0.5-mm-diameter area from the foveal center. The outer retinal layer images were evaluated by counting the number of black and white pixels. The inclusion criteria were patients with idiopathic macular holes who underwent ophthalmologic examinations and swept-source optical coherence tomography 1 week and 1 and 6 months postoperatively. The exclusion criteria were a traumatic macular hole or a history of eye trauma and a diagnosis of glaucoma or any other chronic ocular disease. The Mann-Whitney test was used to determine significance; P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Ten eyes of 10 patients who underwent vitreoretinal surgery to treat a macular hole either with the conventional peeling technique (n = 5) or the inverted/free internal limiting membrane flap technique (n = 5) were included. In the peeling group, the percentage of white pixels ranged from 7.22% to 18.40% in the 0.5 × 0.5-millimeter area in the macular center; the mean postoperative logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution best-corrected visual acuity was 0.3 ± 0.2. In the inverted flap group, the percentage of white pixels ranged from 3.65% to 8.93% in the 0.5 × 0.5-millimeter area in the macular center; the mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution best-corrected visual acuity was 0.9 ± 0.4. CONCLUSIONS: A simple method of optical coherence tomography angiography imaging analysis of the outer retina using a binarization technique of the black and white pixels was created and may have functional implications during the analysis of the healing process after macular hole surgery. We hypothesized that higher numbers of white pixels correspond to viable cellularity and better prognoses postoperatively.

Twelve-Year-Old Girl with Acute Macular Neuroretinopathy: A Multimodal Retinal Evaluation.

We report a 12-year-old female patient with acute macular neuroretinopathy assessed with multimodal retinal exams. Initial fluorescein angiogram and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) were both normal, and after 4 months OCT-A showed abnormal vascular flow with normal flow in superficial retina layers, choroid, and choriocapillaris.