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.

Evaluation of choroidal thickness and choroidal vascularity index in patients with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare choroidal thickness parameters between patients diagnosed with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) and healthy individuals using spectral domain optical coherence tomography. METHODS: The right eyes of 27 individuals diagnosed with CCHF and 27 healthy subjects were included in this study. CCHF cases were assessed based on a history of tick bites and hospitalization. Choroidal thickness was measured using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography. Measurements of choroidal thickness were taken at 5 different points, including the subfoveal quadrant and the fovea up to 2000 µm with 1000 µm intervals in the temporal and nasal quadrants. Choroidal vascular index (CVI) was calculated as the ratio of luminal area (LA) to total choroidal area (TCA) at the macula's total area and at 1500 µm from the center (CVI and CVI1500). RESULTS: Choroidal thickness in the CCHF group was found to be thicker in each quadrant compared to the control group, with the subfoveal and nasal quadrants showing significantly greater thickness. TCA, stromal area, and LA were significantly higher in the CCHF group, while no significant difference was observed in CVI and CVI1500. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that CCHF disease may have an impact on the choroidal structure.

Choroidal thickness changes in post-COVID-19 cases / Mudanças de espessura da coroide após COVID19

ABSTRACT Purpose: The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on choroidal thickness using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography. Methods: This study evaluated the right eyes from 41 post-COVID-19 cases (Group 1) and 41 healthy subjects (Group 2). Choroidal thickness was measured using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography. Post-COVID-19 cases were evaluated within 1 month after a diagnosis of COVID-19. Two experienced ophthalmologists measured the choroidal thickness at the subfovea, temporal, and nasal quadrants at 500-μm intervals up to 1500 μm from the fovea at seven different points. Moreover, central macular thickness and ganglion cell layer thickness were measured via OCT, after which both two groups were compared. Results: Group 1 showed a significantly thicker choroid compared to Group 2 at the subfovea, 500 μm temporal to the fovea, 500 and 1000 μm nasal to the fovea (p=0.011, p=0.043, p=0.009, and p=0.019, respectively). Although other areas measured were also thicker in Group 1, the difference was not significant (p>0.05). Moreover, no significant difference in the central macular thickness and ganglion cell layer thickness were observed between the groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: Choroidal thickness was increased in post-COVID-19 patients, which might be related to inflammation associated with the pathogenesis of COVID-19.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da doença por coronavírus de 2019 (COVID19) na espessura da coroide usando tomografia de coerência óptica com profundidade de imagem aprimorada. Métodos: Este estudo consistiu em 41 casos pós-COVID19 (Grupo 1) e 41 indivíduos saudáveis (Grupo 2). Apenas os olhos direitos dos participantes foram incluídos no estudo. A espessura da coroide foi medida usando tomografia de coerência óptica com profundidade de imagem aprimorada. Nos casos pós-COVID19, as medições foram realizadas dentro de 1 mês da doença. A espessura da coroide foi medida por dois oftalmologistas experientes nos quadrantes subfoveal, temporal e nasal, em sete pontos diferentes, a intervalos de 500 a 1500 μm da fóvea. Além disso, a espessura macular central e a espessura da camada de células ganglionares foram medidas com OCT e os dois Grupos foram comparados. Resultados: As espessuras coroidais foram estatisticamente mais espessas no Grupo 1 que no Grupo 2, com 500 μm no quadrante subfoveal, 500 Symbol (OTF)m no temporal e 1000 μm no nasal (p=0,011, p=0,043, p=0,009 e p=0,019, respectivamente). Embora outras medidas tenham se mostrado mais espessas no Grupo 1, elas não foram estatisticamente significativas (p>0,05). Também não houve diferenças significativas entre os Grupos quanto à espessura macular central e à espessura da camada de células ganglionares (p>0,05). Conclusão: A espessura da coroide mostrou-se aumentada em pacientes pós-COVID19. Isso pode estar relacionado à inflamação que faz parte da patogênese do COVID19.

Subfoveal choroidal thickness and retinal nerve fiber layer alterations in chronic heart failure patients / Espessura coroidal subfoveal e alterações da camada de fibras nervosas da retina em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca crônica

ABSTRACT Purpose: To comparatively evaluate the subfoveal choroidal thickness and the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in patients with chronic heart failure relative to control subjects. Methods: A total of 72 chronic heart failure patients and 40 healthy control subjects were enrolled in this study. The patients were categorized into 2 groups: group 1: patients with 30-50% left ventricle ejection fraction and group 2: patients with the corresponding fraction value of <30%. The subfoveal choroidal thickness and the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness were measured by spectral domain-optical coherence tomography. Results: The mean subfoveal choroidal thickness was 250.24 ± 68.34 µm in group 1 and 216.72 ± 71.24 µm in group 2, while it was 273.64 ± 77.68 µm in the control group. The differences among the 3 groups were statistically significant. The average peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thicknesses were 100.34 ± 8.24, 95.44 ± 6.67, and 102.34 ± 8.24 µm, respectively. No significant differences were noted in the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thicknesses between group 1 and control group, but it was significantly lower in group 2. Conclusion: Our study thus revealed that the subfoveal choroidal thickness was lower in patients belonging to both the chronic heart failure groups in comparison to those in the control group. However, the alteration in the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness was noted in only patients with <30% left ventricle ejection fraction. In the clinical practice, reductions in these values are correlated with decreased left ventricle ejection fraction, which may be important for the follow-up of chorioretinal diseases and the evaluation of glaucoma risks in patients with chronic heart failures.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo do nosso estudo foi avaliar a espessura coroidal subfoveal e a camada peripapilar de fibras nervosas da retina em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca crônica, em comparação com um grupo de controle. Métodos: Setenta e dois pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca crônica e 40 controles saudáveis foram inscritos. Os pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca crônica foram divididos em dois grupos, de acordo com a fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo. Pacientes com fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo de 30-50% foram incluídos no grupo 1, enquanto valores de fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo inferiores a 30% foram incluídos no grupo 2. A espessura coroidal subfoveal e a espessura da camada peripapilar de fibras nervosas da retina foram medidas por tomografia de coerência óptica de domínio espectral. Resultados: A espessura média da coroide subfoveal foi de 250,24 ± 68,34 µm no grupo 1, 216,72 ± 71,24 µm no grupo 2 e 273,64 ± 77,68 µm no grupo controle. As diferenças entre os três grupos foram estatisticamente significativas. A espessura média da camada peripapilar de fibras nervosas da retina foi de 100,34 ± 8,24 µm, 95,44 ± 6,67 µm e 102,34 ± 8,24 µm, respectivamente. Não houve diferença significativa na espessura da camada peripapilar de fibras nervosas da retina entre o grupo 1 e o grupo controle, mas os valores foram significativamente menores no grupo 2. Conclusão: Nosso estudo mostrou que a espessura coroidal subfoveal foi menor em ambos os grupos de insuficiência cardíaca crônica, em comparação com controles saudáveis. Porém, a camada peripapilar de fibras nervosas da retina mostrou-se alterada apenas em pacientes com menos de 30% da fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo. Na prática clínica, reduções nesses valores, correlacionadas com a diminuição da fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo, podem ser importantes para o acompanhamento de doenças coriorretinianas e a avaliação dos riscos de glaucoma em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca crônica.

Peripapillary choroidal thickness in contralateral eyes after evisceration of diseased eyes / Espessura coroide peripapilar de olhos contralaterais após evisceração do olho doente

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate peripapillary choroidal thickness changes in contralateral eyes of patients who had undergone evisceration of their diseased eyes. Methods: In this retrospective study, peripapillary choroidal thickness parameters in 34 eyes of 34 patients who had undergone diseased-eye evisceration between March 2014 and May 2016 were evaluated using spectral domain optical coherence tomography. The scans were manually delineated to identify the principal surfaces of Bruch's membrane, the Bruch's membrane opening, and the anterior sclera. Peripapillary choroidal thickness was measured between the Bruch's membrane and the anterior sclera at increasing distance away from the Bruch's membrane opening. The mean peripapillary choroidal thickness values in the contralateral eyes of the patients and those of the control group were compared. Results: The mean peripapillary choroidal thickness was higher in the contralateral eyes of the patients compared with that of normal eyes at all distances from the Bruch's membrane opening. Conclusion: Increased peripapillary choroidal thickness was noted in the contralateral eyes of the patients, potentially resulting in a thicker choroid. Although further investigation is required to determine the cause, these findings indicate the presence of a compensatory factor in the contralateral eyes.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar as alterações da espessura coroide peripapilar em olhos contralaterais de pacientes submetidos à evisceração do olho doente. Métodos: Neste estudo retrospectivo, parâmetros da espessura coróide peripapilar de 34 olhos de 34 pacientes submetidos à evisceração, entre março de 2014 e maio de 2016, foram avaliados com tomografia de coerência óptica de domínio espectral. As varreduras foram manualmente delineadas para identificar as principais superfícies da membrana de Bruch, a abertura da membrana de Bruch e a esclera anterior. A espessura coroide peripapilar foi medida entre a membrana de Bruch e a esclera anterior a uma distância crescente da abertura da membrana de Bruch. Compararam-se os valores médios da espessura coroide peripapilar dos olhos contralaterais dos pacientes e do grupo controle. Resultados: A espessura coroide peripapilar média foi mais espessa nos olhos contralaterais dos pacientes, quando comparada com os olhos normais, em todas as distâncias da abertura da membrana de Bruch. Conclusão: O aumento da espessura coroide peripapilar foi notado nos olhos contralaterais dos pacientes. O espessamento da coroide pode ser resultante do distúrbio. Embora seja necessária uma investigação mais aprofundada para determinar a causalidade, esses achados podem apontar para um fator compensatório dos olhos contralaterais.

Short-term effects of intravitreal dexamethasone implant (OZURDEX®) on choroidal thickness in patients with naive branch retinal vein occlusion / Os efeitos a curto prazo do implante de dexametasona intravítrea (OZURDEX®) na espessura da coroide em pacientes com oclusão primária de ramo da veia central da retina

ABSTRACT Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) in patients with naïve branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) before and after intravitreal dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex®) injection. Methods: Thirty-nine patients with unilateral BRVO and 35 healthy subjects were included in this prospective study. Choroidal thickness was evaluated by EDI-OCT at baseline and 1 month after dexamethasone implant. Results: The mean SFCT measured in 39 patients with BRVO was 299.41 ± 55.86 µm, significantly greater than that in contralateral eyes (283.76 ± 57.44 µm; p=0.009) and control eyes (276.14 ± 39.06 µm; p=0.044). The mean SFCT after the treatment was 279.64 ± 50.96 µm, significantly thinner than that before intravitreal dexamethasone therapy (p=0.004). Conclusions: SFCT in treatment-naive BRVO eyes was significantly greater than that in contralateral eyes and healthy eyes and decreased significantly after intravitreal dexamethasone implantation.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a espessura da coróide (SFCT) usando imagens de tomografia de coerência óptica com profundidade aprimorada (EDI-OCT) no tratamento de pacientes com oclusão primária de ramo da veia central da retina (BRVO) antes e após o implante de dexametasona intravítrea (Ozurdex®). Métodos: Trinta e nove pacientes com BRVO unilateral e 35 indivíduos saudáveis foram incluídos neste estudo prospectivo. Espessura da coróide foi avaliada por EDI-OCT na antes e um mês após o tratamento. Resultados: A média da SFCT medida em 39 pacientes com BRVO foi 299,41 ± 55,86 µm, o que foi significativamente maior do que a dos olhos contralaterias (283,76 ± 57,44 µm) e dos olhos controle (276,14 ± 39,06 µm) (p=0,009 e p=0,044, respectivamente). A média da SFCT após o tratamento foi 279,64 ± 50,96 µm, o que foi significativamente menor do que antes do mesmo (p=0,004). Conclusões: A SFCT do tratamento de olhos com BRVO primária foi significativamente maior do que a dos olhos contralaterais e dos olhos saudáveis, e diminuiu significativamente após o implante intravítreo de dexametasona.

Retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell complex, and choroidal thicknesses in migraine / Espessuras da camada de fibras nervosas retinianas, complexo de células ganglionares e coroide na enxaqueca

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the thicknesses of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell complex (GCL), and choroid layer using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) for investigating the effects of vascular changes on the eye and optic nerve in patients who have migraine with aura. Methods: Forty-five patients who had migraine with aura (migraine group) and 45 healthy individuals (control group) were enrolled in the study. Age, gender, duration after migraine diagnosis, intraocular pressure, and axial length measurements were recorded in each case. RNFL, GCL, and choroid layer thicknesses were measured using SD-OCT in all participants. Results: The mean age was 36.1 ± 6.7 (20-45) years in the migraine group and 35.7 ± 8.6 (19-45) years in the control group. There was no significant difference in the RNFL thicknesses of the temporal and nasal quadrants (p >0.05). The RNFL thicknesses of the superior and inferior quadrants were significantly lower in the migraine group compared with those in the control group (p =0.001, p <0.01, respectively). Measurements for the superior and inferior GCL were not significantly different between the groups (p >0.05). Subfoveal, temporal, and nasal choroidal thickness measurements at 500 µm, 1000 µm, and 1500 µm were significantly lower in the migraine group than in the control group (p =0.001; p <0.01, respectively). Conclusions: Compared with the controls, the RNFL and choroid layer were determined to be thinner in patients who had chronic migraine with aura.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar as espessuras de camada peripapilar de fibras nervosas retinianas (RNFL), complexo de células ganglionares (GCL) e da coroide utilizando a tomografia de coerência óptica de domínio espectral (SD-OCT), a fim de investigar os efeitos das alterações vasculares no olho e nervo óptico em pacientes que apresentam enxaqueca com aura. Métodos: Quarenta e cinco pacientes que apresentavam enxaqueca com aura (grupo enxaqueca) e 45 indivíduos saudáveis (grupo controle) foram incluídos no estudo. Idade, sexo, duração da enxaqueca, pressão intraocular e medidas de comprimento axial foram registrados em cada caso. Medidas da RNFL, GCL e espessuras da coroide foram obtidas com SD-OCT em todos os participantes. Resultados: A média da idade foi de 36,1 ± 6,7 (20-45) anos no grupo enxaqueca e 35,7 ± 8,6 (19-45) anos no grupo controle. Não houve diferença significativa em espessuras RNFL nos quadrantes temporal e nasal (p>0,05). A espessura da RNFL nos quadrantes superiores e inferiores foram significativamente menores no grupo de enxaqueca em comparação ao grupo controle (p=0,001; p<0,01). Medidas da GCL superior e inferior não mostraram diferença significativa entre os grupos (p>0,05). Espessuras subfoveais, temporais e nasais da coroide (CT) a 500 µm, 1000 µm e 1500 µm foram significativamente menores no grupo de enxaqueca em relação ao grupo controle (p=0,001; p<0,01). Conclusões: Comparados aos controles, as espessuras da RNFL e coroide foram mais finas em pacientes que apresentavam enxaqueca crônica com aura.

Macular choroidal thickness changes following intravitreal injection of ranibizumab for central retinal vein occlusion / 中华实验眼科杂志

Background Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is a common retinal vascular disease.Intravitreal injection of ranibizumab, a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody, is being a useful approach to the treatment of macular edema secondary to CRVO.However,little literature about choroidal thickness variations following intravitreal injection of ranibizumab for CRVO is published up to now.Objective This study was to observe the dynamic changes of macular choroidal thickness after intravitreal injection of ranibizumab in CRVO eyes.Methods A self-controlled series cases study was designed.Thirty-one eyes of 31 CRVO patients were included in Tianjin Eye Hospital from June 2013 to November 2014,with the males 19 and females 12 and mean age of (51.13±16.65) years.Ranibizumab (5 mg,5 ml) was intravitreally injected in the CRVO eyes once per month for 3 times by the same operator.A enhanced depth image (EDI) mode of spectral-domain OCT system was employed to measure the choroidal thickness at subfoveal, 1 mm from fovea nasal and 1 mm from fovea temporal before and 1 month,2,3 months after first injection in both CRVO eyes and contralateral healthy eyes, respectively.The best LogMAR vision was recored.This research protocol was approved by the Ethic Committee of this hospital, and written informed consent was obtained from each individual prior to any medical examination.Results Retinal bleeding was exhibited in the CRVO eyes in color photography,and fundus fluorescein angiography showed the fluorescine leakege in the early phase and fluorescine accummulation in the late phase.The mean choroidal theckness value was (325.32±83.04) , (294.83±80.61), (315.95±90.77) and (314.81±84.98) μm before injection and 1,2,3 months after injection,respectively,showing a significantly difference among various time points (F =7.96,P =0.00) , and the choroidal theckness values were evidently reduced in various time points after injection in comparison with before injection (P =0.01,0.01,0.00).The choroidal thickness value at foveal was (314.81±84.98) μm in the CRVO eyes 3 months after injection,and that in the fellow eyes was (260.47±55.90) ,with significant difference between them (t =2.95, P =0.01).The LogMAR vision was 0.17±0.09,0.37±0.23,0.42±0.26 and 0.49±0.21 before and 1,2,3 months after injection,with the significant difference among various time points (F =21.50, P =0.00) and showed considerable improvement after intravitreal injection of ranibizumab(all at P＜0.01).The mean retinal thickness value was (244.14-±23.28) μm in the fellow eyes, and those in 1 month, 2,3 months after injection were (523.81 ± 147.61), (352.13 ± 166.71),(376.39±209.46) and (369.00±225.61) μm in the CRVO eyes, showing obvious reduce after intravitreal injection, with significant difference among different time points (F =7.09, P＜0.01).Conclusions Choroidal thickness at macular fovea is obviously increased in CRVO eyes compared with the contralateral healthy eyes.Intravitreal injection of ranibizumab can reduce choroidal thickness and therefore improve vision.EDI OCT is available in the evaluation of dynamic change of choroidal thickness.Macular choroidal thickness could be used as a predictor of CRVO prognosis following intravitreal ranibizumab.

Measurement and clinical implications of choroidal thickness in patients with inflammatory bowel disease / Determinação da espessura da coróide suas implicações clínicas em pacientes com doença inflamatória intestinal

ABSTRACTPurpose:Ocular inflammation is a frequent extraintestinal manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and may parallel disease activity. In this study, we evaluated the utility of a choroidal thickness measurement in assessing IBD activity.Methods:A total of 62 eyes of 31 patients with IBD [Crohn's disease (CD), n=10 and ulcerative colitis (UC), n=21] and 104 eyes of 52 healthy blood donors were included in this study. Choroidal thickness was measured using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography. The Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI) and the modified Truelove Witts score were used to assess disease activity in CD and UC, respectively.Results:No significant differences in mean subfoveal, nasal 3000 μm, or temporal 3000 μm choroidal thickness measurements (P>0.05 for all) were observed between IBD patients and healthy controls. Age, smoking, CD site of involvement (ileal and ileocolonic involvement), CDAI, CD activity, and UC endoscopic activity index were all found to be significantly correlated with choroidal thickness by univariate analysis (P<0.05). Smoking (P<0.05) and the CD site of involvement (P<0.01) were the only independent parameters associated with increased choroidal thickness at all measurement locations.Conclusions:Choroidal thickness is not a useful marker of disease activity in patients with IBD but may be an indicator of ileal involvement in patients with CD.

RESUMOObjetivos:Inflamação ocular é uma manifestação extra-intestinal comum de doença inflamatória do intestino (IBD) e pode ser paralela a atividade da doença. Neste estudo, investigamos se a espessura da coroideia pode ser útil para avaliar a atividade da IBD.Método:Um total de 62 olhos de 31 pacientes com IBD [10 com doença de Crohn (CD) e 21 colite ulcerosa (UC)] além de 104 olhos de 52 doadores de sangue saudáveis foram incluídos neste estudo. A espessura da coróide foi medida utilizando-se imagens de tomografia de coerência óptica com profundidade aprimorada. O índice de atividade da doença Crohn (CDAI) e o índice de Truelove Witts modificado foram usados para avaliar atividade da doença em CD e UC, respectivamente.Resultados:Não houve diferença significativa entre os pacientes com IBD e controles saudáveis em termos de medições da espessura da coróide subfoveal média em região 3000 μm nasal e 3000 μm temporal (p>0,05). Com base na análise univariada; idade, tabagismo, local do envolvimento em CD (ileal ou íleo-cecal), CDAI, atividade CD e índice de atividade endoscópica da UC foram significativamente correlacionados com a espessura da coróide (p<0,05). No entanto, fumar (p<0,05) e o local de envolvimento em CD (p<0,01) foram os únicos parâmetros independentes associados com um aumento na espessura da coroideia em todos os pontos de medida.Conclusões:A espessura da coroide não é um marcador útil para refletir a atividade da doença em pacientes com IBD, mas pode ser um indicador de envolvimento ileal em pacientes com CD.

Modulation of MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt pathways to the expression of DDR2 and MMP-13 in choroidal neovascularization / 中华实验眼科杂志

Background It is estimated that discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2) and matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) play an important role in the development of tumor angiogenesis.However,their effects on choroidal neovascularizaiton (CNV) have not been clarified yet.Objective This study was to observe the expression pattern of DDR2 and MMP-13 in CNV and to further investigate the regulation role of MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt pathways to the expression of DDR2 and MMP-13 in CNV.Methods CNV models were established in 78 Brown Norway (BN) rats by retinal photocoagulation with 532 nm laser.Then the animals were randomly divided into the normal control group (n =7),the model control group (n =39),PD98059 (MEK1 inhibitor) group (n =16) and LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor) group (n =16),and 5 mmol/L PD98059 or 5 mmol/L LY294002 3 μl was intravitreally injected 1 day and 7 days after photocoagulation in the PD98059 group or LY294002 group.The expression of DDR2 and MMP-13 mRNA and proteins in the CNV area were detected by using reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR),and the expression levels of p-ERK/ERK and p-Akt/Akt protein were detected by Western blot assay.CNV thickness was measured by pathological examination 14 days after photocoagulation,and the changes of CNV thickness,the expression levels of DDR2 and MMP-13 in CNV were compared among the model control group,PD98059 group and LY294002 group.Results Three days after photocoagulation,the cells within the lasered lesions proliferated,then CNV formed 7 days after photocoagulation and became stable 14 days after photocoagulation.Immunohistochemistry staining indicated that DDR2 was weakly expressed in the cells of ganglion cell layer,inner nuclear layer and vascular endothelial cells;while MMP-13 was strongly expressed in the cells of the inner limiting membrane layer,photoreceptor layer and sclera layer.Both DDR2 and MMP-13 were strongly expressed in CNV area.Double immunofluorescence staining revealed that MMP-13 and DDR2 co-expression in CNV area.RT-PCR revealed that the relative DDR2 mRNA levels at 1 day,3 days,7 days and 14 days after photocoagulation were 55.22±4.03,47.74±2.23,14.82±4.56 and 5.59±2.47 respectively,while the relative MMP-13 mRNA levels were 25.54±3.83,43.51±4.36,10.90±4.00 and 5.23±3.23 respectively.Compared with the normal control group,the expression of DDR2 and MMP-13 were significantly increased (all at P＜0.05).Immunofluorescence staining showed that the relative fluorescence unit (RFU) values at 1 day,3 days,7 days and 14 days after photocoagulation were 2.73±0.53,5.21±0.31 and 3.22±0.33 for DDR2 and 1.66±0.17,3.57±0.44,2.67±0.21 for MMP-13,respectively.The RFU values in the PD98059 group and LY294002 group 14 days after photocoagulation were 1.14±0.19,1.03±0.14 for DDR2 and 1.37±0.25,1.24±0.20 for MMP-13,respectively.Compared with the model control group,the differences were statistically significant (both at P＜0.05).Western blot results showed that,compared to the normal control group,the expression levels of p-ERK and p-Akt pretein increased at day 7 after photocoagulation (both at P＜0.05),and returned back to the baseline at day 14 after photocoagulation (both at P＞0.05).Both PD98059 and LY294002 treatment were able to attenuate the thickness of CNV to 57.21％ and 50.34％ at day 14 after photocoagulation and further decrease the expression levels of DDR2 and MMP-13 in CNV (all at P＜0.05).Conclusions The expressions of DDR2 and MMP-13 up-regulate in laser-induced CNV.MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt pathways suppress the development of CNV by regulating the expression of DDR2 and MMP-13.

Evaluation of peripapillary choroidal and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in eyes with tilted optic disc / Avaliação espessura da camada de fibras nervosas peripapilares da retina e coroide em olhos com disco óptico inclinado

Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and peripapillary choroidal thickness in eyes with tilted optic disc in order to identify characteristic RNFL and peripapillary choroid patterns verified by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods: Twenty-nine eyes of 29 patients with tilted optic discs were studied with spectral-domain (SD)-OCT and compared with age and sex-matched control subjects in a prospective design. The imaging of RNFL was performed using circular scans of a diameter of 3.4 mm around the optic disc using OCT. For measurements of peripapillary choroidal thickness, the standar d protocol for RNFL assessment was performed. Results: SD-OCT indicated significantly lower superotemporal (p<0.001), superonasal (p=0.001), and global (p=0.005) RNFL thicknesses in the tilted disc group than those of the control group. Peripapillary choroid was significantly thicker at the site of the elevated rim of eyes with tilted disc (p<0.001). Conclusion: This study demonstrated a clinical characterization of the main tilted disc morphologies that may be helpful in differentiating a tilted disc from other altered disc morphologies. Further studies are recommended to study the comparison between glaucoma and tilted disc groups. .

Objetivo: Avaliar camada de fibras nervosas da retina (RNFL) e a espessura da coroide peripapilar em olhos com disco óptico inclinado a fim de identificar as características da RNFL e os padrões de coroide peripapilar verificados pela tomografia de coerência óptica (OCT). Métodos: Vinte e nove olhos de 29 pacientes com discos ópticos inclinadas foram estudados prospectivamente com OCT de domínio espectral (SD) e comparados com controles pareados por sexo e idade. As imagens da RNFL foi obtidas por meio de varreduras circulares com um diâmetro de 3,4 mm em torno do disco óptico usando OCT. Para as medições de espessura da coroide peripapilar, o protocolo padrão para avaliação da RNFL foi realizado. Resultados: O OCT SD indicou diminuição das espessuras significativas da RNFL superotemporal (p<0,001), superonasal (p=0,001), e global (p=0,005) no grupo disco inclinado em relação aos do grupo controle. A coroide peripapilar foi significativamente mais espessa no local da borda elevada dos olhos com disco inclinado (p<0,001). Conclusões: Este estudo demonstrou que a caracterização clínica das principais morfologias disco inclinado pode ser útil na diferenciação entre um disco inclinado de outras alterações morfológicas de disco. Seria importante a comparação entre grupos com glaucoma e com discos inclinados, estudos futuros. .

Evaluation of choroidal thickness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome / Avaliação da espessura da coroide em pacientes com síndrome da apnéia/hipopnéia obstrutiva do sono

Purpose: To compare the subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) of patients with different severities of obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and normal controls via enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT). Methods: In this retrospective, case-control study, 49 eyes from 49 patients that had undergone polysomnography were included. SFCT of the horizontal and vertical line scans were manually measured for all eyes based on EDI-OCT images. Two separate analyses were performed according to different apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) groupings. Initial testing was conducted using non-OSAHS, mild OSAHS (5≤AHI<15), moderate OSAHS (15≤AHI<30), and severe OSAHS (AHI≥30) patient groupings, while secondary testing used non-OSAHS, mild OSAHS (5≤AHI<15), and moderate/severe OSAHS (AHI≥15) patient groupings. Results: The mean SFCT was 314.5 μm in the non-OSAHS patients (n=14), 324.5 μm in the mild OSAHS patients (n=15), 269.3 μm in the moderate OSAHS patients (n=11), and 264.3 μm in the severe OSAHS patients (n=9). SFCT between the four groups revealed no significant differences despite a trend towards slight thinning in the severe group (P=0.08). When the moderate and severe groups were merged and compared with the mild OASHS and non-OSAHS groups, SFCT of the moderate/severe group was found to be significantly thinner than that of the mild group (P=0.016). A negative significant correlation was found between SFCT and AHI in OSAHS patients (r=0.368, P=0.033). Conclusions: In patients with moderate/severe OSAHS, EDI-OCT revealed a thinned SFCT. Other accompanying systemic or ocular diseases may induce perfusion and oxygenation deficiency in eyes of OSAHS patients. Further studies are required in order to determine the exact relationships between ocular pathologies and clinical grades of OSAHS. .

Objetivo: Comparar a espessura da coróide subfoveal (subfoveal choroidal thickness - SFCT) de pacientes com diferentes gravidades de síndrome de apnéia/hipopnéia obstrutiva do sono (obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome - OSAHS) e controles normais por meio da tomografia de coerência óptica com profundidade de imagem aprimorada (enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography - EDI-OCT). Métodos: Neste estudo retrospectivo caso-controle, foram incluídos 49 olhos de 49 pacientes submetidos a polissonografia. A espessura da coroide subfoveal nas linhas horizontais e verticais de rastreamento foi medida manualmente em todos os olhos, com base nas imagens de EDI-OCT. De acordo com o índice de apnéia/hipopnéia (AHI), duas análises separadas foram realizadas: com dados de pacientes sem OSAHS, com OSAHS leve (5≤AHI<15), com OSAHS moderado (15≤AHI<30) e com OSAHS grave (AHI≥30) e com dados de pacientes sem OSAHS, com OSAHS leve (5≤AHI<15) e com OSAHS moderada e grave (AHI≥15). Resultados: A média de SFCT foi de 314,5 μm nos pacientes sem OSAHS (n=14), 324,5 μm em pacientes com OSAHS leve (n=15), 269,3 μm em pacientes com OSAHS moderada (n=11) e 264,3 μm em pacientes com OSAHS grave (n=9). Não houve diferença significativa entre a SFCT dos quatro grupos, apesar do discreto afinamento no grupo severo (p=0,08). Quando os grupos moderados e graves foram fundidos e comparados com os grupos sem OSAHS e com OSAHS leves, SFCT do grupo moderado/ grave foi significativamente mais fino do que o do grupo leve (p=0,016). Foi encontrada uma correlação negativa significativa entre SFCT e AHI em pacientes com OSAHS (r=0,368, p=0,033). Conclusões: Em pacientes com OSAHS moderada/grave, a EDI-OCT revelou um SFCT afinado. Outras doenças sistêmicas ou oculares associadas podem induzir a deficiência ...

Measurement of choroid thickness in pregnant women using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography / Medição da espessura da coroide em gestantes utilizando tomografia de coerência óptica com profundidade de imagem aprimorada

Purpose: To investigate choroidal thickness in healthy pregnant women during different trimesters using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT). Methods: This prospective study included 90 healthy pregnant women in their first, second, or third trimester (groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively) and 30 non-pregnant healthy women (group 4). The age range for all groups was 18-40 years. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography scans were obtained to estimate the average choroidal thickness. Using EDI-OCT, we measured choroidal thickness manually from the outer border of the retinal pigment epithelium to the inner scleral border at the subfovea, 3 mm temporal, and 3 mm nasal to the fovea. Differences among groups were analyzed by one-way ANOVA. Results: We found a statistically significant difference between groups 2 and group 4 for subfoveal, temporal, and nasal mean choroidal thickness (p=0.007, p<0.001, p=0.026, respectively). The mean choroidal thickness for group 2 was 395 ± 80 µm, 338 ± 74 µm, and 233 ± 61 µm at the regions subfoveal, temporal, and nasal to the fovea, respectively. In comparison, the mean choroidal thickness for group 4 was 335 ± 86 µm, 274 ± 54 µm, and 200 ± 53 µm at the regions subfoveal, temporal, and nasal to the fovea, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found for choroidal thickness among groups 1-4 (p=0.214, p=0.177, p=0.094, respectively) and between groups 3-4 (p=0.105, p=0.261, p=0.695, respectively) for all measured points. Conclusion: Our results suggest that choroidal thickening can occur at the regions subfoveal, temporal, and nasal to the fovea in the second trimester. .

Objetivo: Investigar a espessura da coroide em gestantes saudáveis durante os diferentes trimestres utilizando tomografia de coerência óptica com profundidade de imagem aprimorada (EDI-OCT). Métodos: Este estudo prospectivo incluiu 90 gestantes saudáveis nos primeiro, segundo e terceiro trimestres da gravidez (grupos 1, 2 e 3, respectivamente) e 30 mulheres saudáveis não-gestantes (grupo 4) com faixa etária de 18-40 anos de idade. Foi realizada tomografia de coerência óptica espectral para estimar a espessura média da coroide. A espessura da coroide foi medida manualmente da borda externa do epitélio pigmentar da retina até o limite interno da esclera nas regiões subfoveal, 3 mm temporal e 3 mm nasal à fóvea utilizando EDI-OCT. As diferenças entre os grupos foram analisadas com o teste ANOVA unicaudal. Resultados: Houve diferença estatística significativa na espessura média da coroide entre os grupos 2 e 4 nas regiões subfoveal, temporal e nasal à fóvea (p=0,007; p<0,001; p=0,026, respectivamente). A espessura média da coroide no grupo 2 foi: 395 ± 80 µm, 338 ± 77 µm e 233 ± 61 µm nas regiões subfoveal, temporal e nasal à fóvea, respectivamente. Em comparação, a espessura média da coroide no grupo 4 foi de: 335 ± 86 µm, 275 ± 54 µm e 200 ± 53 µm, nas regiões subfoveal, temporal e nasal à fóvea, respectivamente. Não foi encontrada diferença estatística significativa entre os grupos 1-4 (p=0,214, p=0,177, p=0,094, respectivamente) e os grupos 3-4 (p=0,105, p=0,261, p=0,695 respectivamente), para todas as medidas. Conclusão: Nossos resultados sugerem que há espessamento da coroide nas regiões subfoveal, temporal e nasal à fóvea no segundo trimestre gestacional. .