[Progression of diabetic retinopathy in pregnancy]. / Progrese diabetické retinopatie v tehotenství.

Pregnancy is a risk factor for the development of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. Ideally, it is appropriate to perform laser treatment of advanced forms diabetic retinopathy before pregnancy, but in case of progression of diabetic retinopathy during pregnancy is laser treatment also indicated. The authors present a case of a young diabetic, who unexpectedly became pregnant. During pregnancy were accelerated changes of diabetic retinopathy. The visual acuity improved in both eye after repeated retinal laser treatment and pars plana vitrectomy in the left eye. The course of disease was documented with digital color fundus pictures, fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography.

Diabetic Macular Edema - Diagnostics and Treatment Guidelines.

Together with diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema (DME) ranks among the most common causes of severe loss of vision in working adults. Due to recent developments in imaging methods, new classification schemes of DME have been created. In addition to this, new treatment options have been introduced (new intravitreal drugs as well as treatment protocols). At the same time laser, surgical as well as combination therapy is still available. In this paper we evaluate the current knowledge about DME diagnostic and treatment options and formulate recommended guidelines for the management of DME.

Diabetic Retinopathy ­ Diagnostics and Treatment Guidelines

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus and represents a serious health, social and economic problem. With the expected increase in the number of patients with diabetes, it is becoming the leading cause of severe vision loss in the working-age population.  The presented guidelines summarize the current knowledge about this disease in order to standardize and update the procedures for the diagnosis, classification and treatment of diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Edema - Screening.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) are leading causes of severe visual loss in the working population. Therefore, both DR and DME have a significant socioeconomic and health impact, which taking into account the epidemiologic predictions is expected to increase.  A crucial role in the management of DR and DME (not only for individuals, but also for the population) is played by an adequate screening program. This is based on the structure and organization of the healthcare system, the latest scientific developments in diagnostics (imaging) as well as technological advancements in computing (artificial intelligence, telemedicine) and their practical use. The recommendation presented by World Health Organization is also important. This paper evaluates all these factors, including evidence-based medicine reports and experience from existing DR and DME screening programs in comparable countries. Based on an evaluation of these parameters, recommended guidelines have been formulated for screening for DR and DME in the Czech Republic, including linkage to the Czech National Screening Center and the organization of the healthcare system.

RHEOHEMAPHERESIS IN THE TREATMENT OF DRY FORM OF AMD. A CASE REPORT.

AIM: We present a case report of a patient with dry form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in whom we monitored the effect of rheohemapheresis (RhF) treatment over 6 years. METHODS: A 67-year-old man was examined in April 2014 at the Department of Ophthalmology at the University Hospital in Hradec Králové for metamorphopsia and decreased visual acuity of the left eye. The patient received general treatment for hypercholesterolemia with Lipfix 10 mg once a day (atorvastatin 10 mg). The cholesterol level in the blood was 3.41 mmol/l, the lipid profile was normal. The patient's previous ocular medical history was unremarkable. The patient reported ocular complaints over the course of the last year, the main symptom of which was image distortion on the Amsler grid on the left eye. Baseline best corrected visual acuity of the left eye was 6/10. Visual acuity in the right eye was 6/6. In both eyes, the findings on the anterior segment corresponded to the patient's age, with the exception of incipient cortical cataract. On the fundus of both eyes, the border of the optic nerve was demarcated, in the macula of the left eye there were a number of soft confluent drusen, in the central periphery there were no pathological changes. On the fundus of the right eye the finding was similar, but to a lesser degree. Optical coherence tomography on the macula of the left eye showed drusoid ablation of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), with accumulation of hyperreflectivities below the RPE. Pattern-reversal electroretinography (pERG): showed a slightly prolonged retention of the activity of the central region of the retina (p50 wave) and ganglion cells (N95 wave). Multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) in the central 30° of the retina was within normal limits. Electroretinography (ERG) demonstrated physiological photopic and scotopic rod activity. The patient was treated with 8 RhF procedures, two per week, with a 2-week interval, and the pulse was repeated 4 times. RESULTS: We noted a gradual resorption of soft drusen in the patient, with attachment to the RPE line according to OCT examination at the following sixmonthly check-ups over the next 6 years. Visual acuity of both eyes was maintained at the baseline values at the last check-up in April 2020, the area of soft drusen was significantly reduced. The function of the rod, cone system and the central region of the retina mfERG fluctuated only to an insignificant degree during the entire follow-up period, with a tendency towards a slight increase in activity after RhF treatment. CONCLUSION: We noted an improvement of the anatomical and functional findings in a patient with dry form of AMD during a 6-year follow-up period after RhF treatment. The visual acuity of the affected eye remained at the baseline values.

LUCENTIS IN THE TREATMENT OF DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA, TWO-YEAR RESULTS.

AIM: To evaluate, on the basis of two-year observations, the effectiveness of intravitreal treatment with Ranibizumab in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) unresponsive to the previous laser treatment. Cohort and Methods: A retrospective study evaluates 29 eyes of 29 patients with diffuse DME unresponsive to their previous laser treatment. The group of the patients consisted of 16 males (55.1%) and 13 females (44.8%); their mean age was 71.3. The mean duration of diabetes mellitus was 13 years (3-20). 19 patients (65.5%) were treated with insulin, 10 patients (34.4%) were treated with peroral antidiabetics (PAD); the mean HbA1c value was 52 mmol/l. The treatment was started with 3 initial doses of intravitreal injections of Ranibizumab 0.5 mg. There was a one- -month interval between the applications. Subsequent evaluations and administrations of the following injections were made in the pro re nata (PRN) mode; the check-ups were carried out every month during the first year and on average every 3 months in the second year. The monitored parameters: the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measured on ETRDS (Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study) optotypes, the central retinal thickness (CRT). These parameters were monitored prior to the treatment and then in the 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th, 18th and 24th months. RESULTS: A statistically significant improvement in the mean value of BCVA was detected. From the initial 65.4 ±10.61 letters it improved by 11.2 letters (p.

EFFECT OF BASELINE CENTRAL RETINAL THICKNESS ON THE RESULTS OF TREATMENT OF DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA WITH AFLIBERCEPT: REAL-LIFE EVIDENCE IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC.

AIM: Presentation of the 1-year results of aflibercept treatment in patients suffering from diabetic macular edema (DME) and comparison of the response to treatment of patients with different baseline central retinal thickness (CRT). METHODS: This was a multicentre, retrospective observational study of a series of cases. Patients with DME were treated in a fixed regimen (5 injections at 1-monthly intervals and then injections at 2-monthly intervals). The period of follow-up was 12 months. The development of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and CRT was evaluated. Measurements were performed prior to the commencement of treatment and then after 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 months. RESULTS: The therapeutically naive group consisted of 82 eyes of 79 patients. The total cohort of patients was divided into 3 groups according to the baseline values of CRT. The first group was composed of 28 eyes with baseline CRT < 450 μm (34.1%), the second included 25 eyes with CRT in the range of 450-550 μm (30.5%), and the third group consisted of 29 eyes with baseline CRT > 550 μm (35.4%). The average baseline BCVA and SD in the first group was 66 ±7.1 letters ETDRS optotypes, and then 70 ±7 letters, 69.6 ±7.3 letters, and 71.3 ±7 letters at the follow-ups after 4, 8, and 12 months. The average baseline value of CRT and SD in the first group was 379 ±48.6 μm, and then 337.1 ±76.5 μm, 320.2 ±74.1 μm, and 315.1 ±62.2 μm after 4, 8, and 12 months. The average baseline BCVA and SD in the second group was 64.1 ±9.7 ETDRS letters, and then 66.9 ±10 letters, 70 ±9.9 letters, and 70.5 ±11.5 letters after 4, 8, and 12 months. The average baseline value of CRT and SD in the second group was 497.4 ±76.4 μm, and then 376.5 ±106.1 μm, 360.8 ±70 μm, and 351.3 ±91.3 μm after 4, 8, and 12 months. In the third group, the average baseline value of BCVA and SD was 59.7 ±10.4 ETDRS letters, and then 65 ±10.6 letters, 64.8 ±9.6 letters, and 67 ±10 letters after 4, 8, and 12 months. The average baseline value of CRT and SD in the third group was 639.4 ±79.6 μm, and then 396.7 ±147.1 μm, 416.9 ±139.8 μm, and 368.5 ±109.9 μm after 4, 8, and 12 months. All these changes were statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Aflibercept treatment in a fixed regimen in patients suffering from DME results in a statistically significant improvement in BCVA and a decrease in CRT in the first year of treatment. Patients with a higher baseline CRT showed the best anatomical and functional results of the 1-year treatment with aflibercept.

RHEOPHERESIS IN THE TREATMENT OF AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION.

PURPOSE: Evaluation of the long-term effect of rheopheresis treatment of dry form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The treatment group consisted of 65 patients and 55 patients in the control group, with a minimum follow-up period of 60 months. The basic treatment consisted of 8 rheopheresis procedures, and the additional treatment (booster therapy) of 2 rheopheresis procedures 1.5-2 years after the basic treatment. We evaluated changes in best corrected visual acuity, anatomical effect, electrical activity of the retina, haematological, biochemical and immunological parameters. RESULTS: Rheopheresis treatment contributed significantly: 1) to stabilisation of best corrected visual acuity of the treated patients, which initially showed an insignificant increased during the 2-years follow-up period, and then slightly decreased. By contrast, visual acuity decreased in the control group, to an insignificant degree up to 4 years, then statistically significantly. 2) to an improvement of the morphological findings in 62.4% of treated patients compared to 7.5% in the control group, while disease progression to stage 3 (neovascular form of the disease or geographic atrophy) with a significant decrease of visual acuity occurred in only 7.1% of treated patients, versus 37.0% in the control group. 3) to regression, even to the attachment of drusenoid pigment epithelial detachment (DPED). To a reduction of the area of DPED in 80.4% of treated patients, in contrast with an steaincrease in the area of DPED in 47.1% of patients in the control group, and the development of new DPED in only 2 eyes of treated patients compared with 16 eyes of patients in the control group. 4) to a preservation of the integrity of the ellipsoid layer in the fovea in 68.2% of the treated patients, while by contrast we found a damaged ellipsoid layer in the fovea in 66.6% of the control patients. 5) to a stabilisation of the activity of ganglion cells, the pineal system and the activity of the central area of the retina, with eccentricity between 1.8° and 30° in the treated patients, compared to alteration in the control group manifested mainly after 3.5 years of the follow-up period. 6) to a statistically significant improvement in rheological parameters, thereby increasing flow in microcirculation and positively influencing the metabolism in the retina. Also to a positive effect on the classical, alternative and lectin pathway of complement activation, a reduction in the level of proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9), and thus also the level of LDLcholesterol, and 7) Additional treatment with 2 RHF procedures (so-called "booster therapy") seems to be a safe and suitable method of prolonging the stabilisation phase, or even improving visual acuity, anatomical and functional findings. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated positive changes in anatomical, functional and humoral parameters upon rheopheresis treatment of AMD. Their correlation provides a real possibility to identify patients at risk and to manage an individualised regime of rheopheresis therapy. This method of treatment is effective and safe, with a low percentage of non-serious adverse effects.

CYCLOCRYOCOAGULATION IN SECONDARY NEOVASCULAR GLAUCOMA AND OUR RESULTS.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate the use of cyclocryocoagulation (CCK) in secondary neovascular glaucomas performed at the Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Hradec Králové in the years 2016-2019. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a retrospective study, 30 procedures of 26 eyes of 24 patients were evaluated. All patients underwent CCK surgery. The main entry criteria were the presence of secondary neovascular glaucoma in diabetes or on the basis of occlusion of the retinal artery or vein and subsequent dispensarization of the patient in the 1st and 6th month after the operation. The parameters evaluated were: the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure value (IOP), data of pain and change in the number of active substances of antiglaucoma therapy. RESULTS: The mean age of patients at the time of the procedure was 62 years (range 22-85 years). The average number of procedures per eye was 1.15 out of a total of 30 procedures, 26 eyes were performed on 24 patients. The most common indication for CCK in secondary glaucoma-vascular complications in diabetes were in 21 procedures, vascular complications - after occlusion of the retinal vein or artery were in 9 cases. Two patients had both eyes operated on within one year. Three patients underwent two procedures on the same eye during the study period. One of them had two procedures on both eyes. The average value of the number of active substances of antiglaucoma drugs decreased from 3.10 to 2.87 after the 1st month (p = 0.318) and after 6 months it was 2.6 (p.

DIAGNOSIS THAT MIMIC PACHYCHOROID DISEASES OF MACULA - CASE REPORTS.

Pachychoroid disease of retina is a spectrum of diseases manifested by thickening and hyperperfusion of the choroid with changes in the sensory part of the retina. The main unit of this group is central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). In practice, we often encounter other conditions, which are manifested by thickening of the choroid and changes in the retina, but they cannot be classified as pachychoroid diseases. The aim of this study is to point out on a series of 3 case reports the difficulties in the differential diagnosis of retinal diseases in which we find thickening of the choroid. Case report 1: 42-year-old patient treated for central serous chorioretinopathy. After optical coherence tomography (OCT), fluorescence angiography (FAG) and indocyanine green angiography (ICG) the diagnosis was changed to choroidal hemangioma and he was treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT) which led to a reduction of the hemangioma. Case report 2: A 30-year-old patient treated for ankylosing spondylitis comes for visual impairment in the left eye. On OCT the condition resembled chronic CSC. The patient suffered from a febrile exanthema a few days ago. Serological testing for coxsackievirus was positive and the diagnosis was changed to acute chorioretinitis in coxsackievirus infection. Oral treatment with prednisone was successful. Case report 3: A 46-year-old patient was treated conservatively for CSC. After FAG and ICG, a solitary dilated choroidal vessel was found in the area of the papillomacular bundle with leakage under the sensory epithelium which was diagnosed as choroidal macrovessel. We performed PDT with a very good anatomical effect. Conclusion: Precise differentiation of these mentioned diseases from pachychoroid retinal diseases was essential in choosing the appropriate therapy. The use of all modern imaging methods of the retina and choroid plays a key role in determining the diagnosis. Key words: pachychoroid disease, central serous chorioretinopathy, choroidal hemangioma, chorioretinitis, coxsackievirus, choroidal macrovessel.

OCT ANGIOGRAPHY IN DISEASES OF THE VITREORETINAL INTERFACE.

AIMS: Present the use of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) in vitreoretinal interface diseases and results of macular capillary network evaluation before and after idiopathic macular hole surgery (IMD). METHODOLOGY: Prospective evaluation of functional results, anatomical and OCTA findings before and after IMD surgery. The group consists of 8 eyes of eight patients. Preoperatively and 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery, the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was examined, fundus photography was performed, examination of the macula by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD OCT), determination of the stage of IMD according to Gases and also OCTA examination. The area of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) and vascular density (VD) were evaluated by using of the OCTA. The operation was performed in all cases by transconjunctival suture 25G vitrectomy by one surgeon, always peeling the inner limiting membrane. An expansive gas, 7x 20% SF6, 1x 15% C3F8, was used for vitreous tamponade. RESULTS: In all 8 cases, the primary closure of the IMD occurred after the operation. The mean BCVA improved statistically significantly from 0.74 to 0.48 logMAR (p = 0.0023). The average FAZ area decreased from 0.345 mm² to 0.25 mm² after surgery (p = 0.0458). The mean VD increased from 7.93 mm-1 to 8.38 mm-1 (p = 0.2959). CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of the macular capillary network in patients with diseases of the vitreoretinal interface offers new findings and important details that can lead to prognostic information and a better understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease. We demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in FAZ in the eyes after successful IMD surgery and an indirect relationship between the improvement of BCVA and the change in FAZ area in our cohort.

[Spontaneous bilio-cutaneous fistula in cholecystolithiasis]. / Spontánní biliokutánní pístel pri cholecystolitiáze.

Spontaneous cholecystocutanea fistula is very rare disorder. The occurrence is very frequent in women above 60 years old. The symptoms of this disorder are nonspecific. The diagnosis is not made when the symptoms are not search actively. The first type of examination is fistulography. Laparotomic scheduled chelocystectomy is preferred in therapy. Conservative approach is suitable therapy only for polymorbid patients.

Ocular Symptoms of Rosacea.

The authors present case reports of two women, who were hospitalized in Department of Ophthalmology, University hospital Hradec Králové for ocular symptoms of rosacea. In the beginning there were relatively severe objective findings in the anterior segment of the eye in both cases - significant cornea graying with superficial and deep cornea vascularization in both eyes. On faces of both patients there were more or less typical sings of general illness. Especially in the first case there were severe papulopustules with crust all over the face. Subjectively Patients describe characteristic symptoms of dry eye. After dermatological consultation local and general anti-inflammatory treatment was set with consequent condition improving in both cases patients. In both cases we use two different general therapy formula according to literature (Azitromycin x Doxyhexal). In one case report, we found distinctive non-compliance during aftercare on our department with serious consequences. The purpose of our report is to point out ocular complications of rosacea and importance of oftalmologist´s and dermatologist´s cooperation during therapy of this illness with can lead to permanent damage of front segment of the eye and significant loss of visual acuity.

Surgical Treatment of Idiopathic Macular Hole Using Different Types of Tamponades and Different Postoperative Positioning Regimens.

PURPOSE: To compare the effect of different types of intraocular tamponade and different types of postoperative positioning on the closure of idiopathic macular hole (IMH). METHODS: Prospective randomized clinical trial enrolling 104 eyes of 100 patients (age, 57-87 years) undergoing MH surgery. All patients were operated on by an experienced surgeon using 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. Patients were randomized according to the type of intraocular tamponade and postoperative positioning into the following four groups: SF6 + nonsupine reading position (n = 26) (group 1), air + nonsupine reading position (n = 25) (group 2), air + prone position (n = 26) (group 3), or SF6 + prone position (n = 27) (group 4). The follow-up period was 6 months. RESULTS: MH closure was achieved in 87 eyes (83.7 %) in the overall sample after the first surgery, with closure rates of 100%, 56%, 84.6%, and 92.6% in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The group 2 was significantly less successful compared to the other three groups (p < 0.05). MH of sizes ≤400 µm was closed in 97.2% of cases after the first surgery, with no significant differences between groups (p = 0.219). MH with sizes over 400 µm was closed in 70.9% of cases after the first surgery, with both groups with air tamponade being significantly less successful than group 1. The nonsupine reading position was subjected to a better subjective evaluation in terms of postoperative comfort and quality of sleep, with no differences between air and SF6 tamponade tolerance. CONCLUSION: PPV with ILM peeling, intraocular tamponade, and positioning remains the basic surgical approach in the treatment of IMH. For MH ≤ 400 µm, a high closure rate can be achieved by combining air tamponade and nonsupine reading position. For macular holes >400 µm, the greatest anatomical success can be achieved by using the SF6 tamponade in combination with the nonsupine reading position.

Prediction of long-term prognosis of age-related macular degeneration treated by hemorheologic therapy using baseline laboratory indicators - Experimental-clinical model.

BACKGROUND + OBJECTIVE:Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of practical blindness in people over 60 years of age in industrialised countries. We formulated a hypothesis that a group of initial laboratory parameters would be suitable for prediction of prognosis of AMD, allowing for individual modifications in treatment intensity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 66 patients with dry form of AMD were treated using rheohaemapheresis with an individual follow-up period of more than 5 years. The patients' initial laboratory data was split in two subgroups based on treatment success and analysed using discriminant analysis (analysis of the linear and quadratic models using the automated and interactive step-wise approach) by means of the Systat 13 software. RESULTS: Prediction of prognosis based on the initial laboratory parameters was correct in 79% of unsuccessfully treated patients, allowing for early detection of high-risk patients. With the use of a quadratic model, the prediction was correct in 100% of unsuccessfully treated patients and in 75% of successfully treated patients. CONCLUSION: Implementation of discriminant analysis is a promising method for prediction of prognosis, especially when the patient is at risk of AMD progression, which allows for early and more intensive monitoring and treatment.

The importance of rheological parameters in the therapy of microcirculatory disorders.

Rheological conditions basically influence tissue perfusion, oxygen and nutrient supply, tissue regeneration and in its consequence the course of pathological processes, especially in microcirculation and partially even in macrocirculation. Haemorheotherapy has shown to be successful in several indications (critical disorders in microcirculation) when other methods of therapy have failed. In this study we describe the changes of effectivity indicators in haemorheopheresis treatment and their clinical importance in cases of eye microcirculation, statoacoustic apparatus and disorders of the lower extremities. We treated with haemorheopheresis (separator Cobe.Spetra + Evaflux filter) 24 patients (16 patients with age related macular degeneration, 5 with critical peripheral arterial foot disease, and 3 with acute hearing loss). After the procedures alpha2-macroglobulin decreases by about 58%, fibrinogen by about 69%, IgM by about 61%, LDL-cholesterol by about 77%, apolipoprotein B by about 76% and lipoprotein(a) by about 63%. It corresponds with a decrease in blood and plasma viscosity and clinical improvement in the observed patients, i.e. visual improvement, acceleration of tissue defect healing and improvement in hearing. We noticed 7.1% clinically insignificant side-effects. The method of haemorheopheresis was safe. It led to improvement in patients' clinical condition in the above mentioned indications when other methods of treatment failed.

Pachychoroid Disease of the Macula - Case Report.

Pachychoroid disease of the macula includes four stages: pachychoroid pigment epitelopathy, central serous chorioretinopathy, pachychoroid neovasculopathy, and polypoid choroidal vasculopathy. Their basic common features are increase in choroidal thickness 300 μm, pathologically dilated choroidal vessels in the Hallers layer with thinning of Sattle's layer and choriocapillaris layer. We report the case of a woman at the age of sixty-one, in which we have monitored the complete development of this disease within 8 years. Key words: pachychoroid disease of the macula, choroidal neovascular membrane, choroid, EDI-OCT.

Ranibizumab in macular oedema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion - 24 months of treatment.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of ranibizumab treatment for macular edema (ME) secondary to branch retina vein occlusion (BRVO) after 24 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 39 eyes of 39 patients with ME associated with BRVO treated at the Ophthalmology Department of Faculty Hospital in Hradec Kralove. The average age of included patiens was 69,3 years, the mean duration of symptoms before treament was 5,4 months, the mean baseline visual acuity (VA) was 54,6 ETDRS (Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study) letters, the mean baseline central retinal thickness (CRT) was 544,9 µm. At 64,1% patients a retinal laserphotocoagulation was performed before intravitreal ranibizumab. After one year, the study was discontinued by 17 patiens, the remaining 22 patients were observed for 24 months. Initially, there were 3 doses of intravitreal ranibizumab administered in monthly intervals, further injections were applied according to PRN (pro re nata) regiment. Patients were examined at baseline and then at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 24 months from initiation of the treatment. In this study, the effect of ranibizumab on functional and morphological parameters of the affected eye was monitored, the safety of this treatment was also evaluated. During the follow-up, a statistically significant improvement in VA was achieved in every visit in comparison to baseline parameters, the mean VA gain at the 3 month visit was 12,1 ETDRS letters (p.

Ranibizumab for the treatment of choroidal neovascularization due to cause other than age related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and clinical efficacy of ranibizumab (Lucentis) in the treatment of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) caused by diseases other than age-related macular degeneration (AMD). PATIENTS: 21 patients with mean age 61  17.2 years (min 16, max 85) with CNV due to causes other than AMD, in particular pathological myopia (n=11), angioid streaks (n=3), central serous chorioretinopathy (n=2), North Carolina macular dystrophy (n=1), dominant familial drusen (n=1) and idiopathic CNV (n=3). METHODS: The patients were treated at the Ophthalmology Department of the University Hospital in Hradec Kralove with three monthly initial intravitreal injections of ranibizumab 0.5 mg with subsequent treatment regimen pro re nata (PRN). The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was evaluated on the ETDRS optotypes (Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study), central retinal thickness (CRT) was measured by optical coherent tomography (OCT) (Zeiss, Cirrus). These parameters were evaluated before start of the study and then at 1 (BCVA only), 4, 8, and 12 months during treatment. We also evaluated the possible occurrence of ocular and systemic side effects. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvement in the mean of BCVA score of 11.4 letters (p.

Pachychoroid disease of the macula.

Progress in optical coherent tomography (OCT) has recently provided new insights into variety of chorioretinal disorders. The use of EDI (Enhanced Depth Imaging) during OCT examinations and as well as OCT angiography provides a more accurate analysis of the choroid both quantitatively and qualitatively. "Pachychoroid" (greek pachy- [παχύ] - thick) is defined as an abnormal and sustained increase in choroidal thickness 300 µm, which is mainly due to dilated choroidal vessels in the Hallers layer and other structural changes in physiological choroidal architecture. Central serous chorioretinopathy is one of many macular diseases associated with "pachychoroid". Another diseases that belong to the group of macular pachychoroid disorders are: pachychoroid pigment epitelopathy, pachychoroid neovasculopathy, polypoid choroidal vasculopathy. In this paper we summarize the current view on pachychoroid macular diseases and describe characteristics that are observed in multimodal imaging analysis of choroidal changes. Key words: optical koherence tomography, OCT, pachychoroid, EDI scan.