Choroidal metastases and choroidal melanomas: comparison of ultrasonographic findings

AIMS—The purpose of the study was to analyse, whether the shape and the height to base ratio in B-scan ultrasonography are appropriate to differentiate choroidal melanomas from metastases.
METHODS—Between 1991 and 1996 16 eyes of 16 patients with choroidal metastases from breast carcinomas and 66 eyes of 66 patients with choroidal melanomas were evaluated ultrasonographically. The diagnosis of choroidal melanoma has been confirmed histologically in all eyes. Irradiated tumours were excluded from the study. Fisher's exact test and χ² test were used for statistical analysis.
RESULTS—Choroidal metastases demonstrated a significantly lower height to base ratio in B-scan (mean 0.18, SD 0.08) than melanomas (mean 0.6 (0.16); p < 0.001). A polygonal tumour surface was significantly more frequent in metastases (13 out of 16 metastases and in six out of 66 melanomas, p < 0.001). A choroidal excavation could be demonstrated in 38 melanomas and in no metastatic tumour (p < 0.001). The reflectivity was significantly higher in metastases than in melanomas.
CONCLUSION—The combined use of height to base ratio and reflectivity enables a highly significant discrimination between choroidal melanomas and metastases from the breast, thus probably constituting appropriate variables for the clinical differentiation.

Keywords: choroidal melanoma; choroidal metastasis; ultrasonography     

The with Electro-oculogram in Choroidal Melanoma Eyes

The electro-oculogram (EOG) in the involved eyes of 20 patients with a choroidal melanoma was compared to the EOG in the uninvolved eyes of these 20 patients and to the EOG in both eyes of 10 patients with a choroidal nevus in one eye and 19 normal control patients. A statistically significant reduction in the EOG occurred in eyes with melanomas compared to patients with nevi. No difference was found between the EOG of normals and the uninvolved eye of melanoma patients. Patients with nevi did not differ from normals. This observation was independent of tumor size and was not related to the extent of retinal detachment.     

Changes in Choroidal Component Ratio and Circulation After Coffee Intake in Healthy Subjects

PurposeThe effects of coffee intake on the ratio of stromal and luminal components in the choroid and the underlying mechanism remain unclear. This prospective cross-sectional study aimed to explore how coffee intake affects the choroidal component ratio and circulation.MethodsForty-nine right eyes of healthy adult volunteers were evaluated as the coffee intake group. Thirty-two right eyes of healthy volunteers served as the control group. The participants consumed 185 mL of coffee or water, respectively, and the systemic hemodynamics, enhanced-depth imaging optical coherence tomographic (EDI-OCT) images, and foveal mean blur rate (MBR), an indicator of blood flow velocity, were recorded at baseline and after coffee or water intake. The EDI-OCT images were binarized using ImageJ software, and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SCT) and whole, luminal, and stromal choroidal areas were calculated.ResultsIn the coffee intake group, significant decreases in SCT and luminal area peaked at 60 minutes after intake (both P < 0.001), whereas a significant increase in MBR peaked at 30 minutes (P < 0.001). No significant stromal area fluctuations were observed. SCT and luminal area fluctuations exhibited a significant positive correlation (r = 0.978, P < 0.001). Significant negative correlations of luminal area fluctuations with MBR fluctuations were observed by stepwise regression analysis (r = –0.220, P < 0.001). The control group exhibited no significant fluctuations.ConclusionsCoffee-induced choroidal thinning may result mainly from a reduction in the choroidal vessel lumen, and this vessel lumen reduction correlated with an increased choroidal blood flow velocity after coffee intake. These coffee-induced changes in choroidal component ratio and circulation should be considered when evaluating choroids.     

Choroidal Vascular Abnormalities by Ultra-widefield Indocyanine Green Angiography in Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy

PurposeTo evaluate vortex vein engorgement and choroidal vascular hyperpermeability in patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) using ultra-widefield indocyanine green angiography (ICGA).MethodsThis retrospective case control study included 51 patients with unilateral PCV, 7 patients with bilateral PCV, and 43 age-matched controls. The number of quadrants of vortex vein engorgement was evaluated in the middle phase of ICGA, which was classified as extended engorgement if the dilated choroidal vessels expanded to the macula. The area of choroidal vascular hyperpermeability was quantified stereographically from the late-phase ICGA and correlated with clinical and optical coherence tomography findings.ResultsAffected eyes had a larger choroidal hyperpermeability area and a thicker subfoveal choroid than eyes in the control group or fellow eyes (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). More quadrants with extended vortex vein engorgement were observed in affected eyes than in fellow eyes (P < 0.001). Significant differences were observed in the area of choroidal hyperpermeability, Haller layer thickness and greatest linear dimension according to the extended vortex vein engorgement in eyes with PCV (P < 0.001, P = 0.001, and P = 0.001, respectively). The area of choroidal hyperpermeability was significantly correlated with subfoveal choroidal thickness (P < 0.001, Pearson''s correlation coefficient = 0.471).ConclusionsUltra-widefield ICGA results revealed that patients with PCV had vortex vein engorgement and an increased choroidal hyperpermeability area. The results from this study provide substantial information to clarify the pathogenesis and predict the prognosis in the patients with PCV.     

高度近视脉络膜新生血管患者的黄斑区脉络膜厚度分析

目的：通过频域OCT观察高度近视继发的脉络膜新生血管( myopic choroidal neovascularization, mCNV)患者脉络膜厚度的特点及其与眼轴、屈光度的关系。
　　方法：纳入2010-10/2014-12于北京安贞医院确诊为单眼mCNV的患者30例。采用频域光学相干断层扫描( SD-OCT),分别测量患眼与健眼黄斑中心凹下及其上方、下方、鼻侧、颞侧各1.5mm处的脉络膜厚度(SFCT,SCT1.5mm, ICT1.5mm,NCT1.5mm,TCT1.5mm)。屈光度、眼轴长度、黄斑中心凹下及不同位点的脉络膜厚度差异比较采用配对t检验。采用Logistic回归分析屈光度、眼轴长度、不同位点的脉络膜厚度与mCNV的关系。
　　结果：mCNV患眼与对侧健眼相比,眼轴长度与等效球镜度数的差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。 mCNV眼的ICT1.5mm变薄(140.85±33.46μm ),与对侧眼相比(168.95±45.36μm),差异有统计学意义(P=0.008)。 Logistic回归分析显示,ICT1.5mm变薄是mCNV的危险因素( OR=2.12;95%CI：1.35~3.28;P=0.02)。
　　结论：ICT1.5mm变薄可能是mCNV发生的危险因素。     

近视与脉络膜厚度的相关性

近视是引起视力损害的一个全球性公共问题,它的发生发展常常伴随着眼部各个组织结构的变化,尤其是病理性近视,涉及巩膜、脉络膜及视网膜等退行性变化.近年来,随着近视患病率越来越高,近视病理机制的探索及防治已成为全球性无法忽视的重要问题.近视的发生发展涉及多种因素的参与,最终会造成严重的视觉损害.脉络膜作为眼部重要的血管组织,...     

Topographic variation of the choroidal watershed zone and its relationship to neovascularization in patients with age‐related macular degeneration

Purpose: To evaluate the patterns of choroidal watershed zones (WZs) in exudative age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) and to describe their relationship with choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 50 digital indocyanine green video‐angiograms of 50 patients with exudative AMD demonstrating one or more WZs. In addition, the relationship between the site of CNV and the WZ was analysed. Results: A stellate WZ was observed in 30 of 50 (60%) patients. Choroidal neovascularization occurred within the centre of the WZ in all cases. The WZ was vertically oriented in 18 of 50 (36%) patients. When the WZ coursed through or extended into the fovea, CNV occurred within the WZ, but it occurred at its margin when the WZ did not involve the fovea. An angled WZ coursing through the fovea with CNV occurring within it was observed in two of 50 (4%) patients. Conclusions: In exudative AMD, the WZ most commonly conformed to the stellate pattern, followed by the vertical and angled patterns. Choroidal neovascularization occurred within the WZ in 44 of 50 (88%) patients. When the WZ did not involve the fovea (12%), CNV occurred at its margin. The relationship between the site of CNV and macular WZs suggests that macular WZs may be areas which are vulnerable to AMD and which are predisposed to CNV by the resulting hypoxia?ischaemia.     

Multimodal imaging of suspicious choroidal neoplasms in a primary eye‐care clinic

Small suspicious choroidal neoplasms commonly present a diagnostic challenge in primary eye‐care clinics, where they are most likely to present. Differentiating benign from malignant choroidal neoplasms is essential for facilitating early diagnosis and treatment, potentially decreasing the risk of metastasis and vision loss in some cases. The purpose of this review is to describe the clinical, spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence features of suspicious choroidal neoplasms in a case series of patients presenting to a primary eye‐care clinic at the Veterans Health Administration, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.     

高度近视并发脉络膜新生血管患者黄斑中心凹下脉络膜厚度变化

目的　观察高度近视并发脉络膜新生血管患者黄斑中心凹下脉络膜厚度的变化,同时比较与其年龄、性别、眼轴长度和屈光度均相匹配的高度近视未伴发脉络膜新生血管患者的黄斑中心凹下脉络膜厚度。方法　本研究收集２０１３年９月至２０１４年８月在我院眼科门诊确诊的高度近视患者７２例（７２眼）,分为未发生脉络膜新生血管组３６例（３６眼）和伴发脉络膜新生血管组３６例（３６眼）,２组患者均行眼轴长度、屈光度、眼底和频域光学相干断层扫描检查。结果　高度近视未发生脉络膜新生血管组黄斑中心凹下脉络膜厚度为（１０２．３８±３９．０５）μｍ,高度近视伴发脉络膜新生血管组黄斑中心凹下脉络膜厚度为（６１．７２±２２．２８）μｍ,两组间差异有统计学意义（ｔ＝５．１６,Ｐ＜０．０５）。两组内脉络膜厚度与眼轴长度均呈负相关。结论　高度近视的发展可能与脉络膜的血流灌注状态有关,脉络膜血流灌注减少所致黄斑中心凹下脉络膜厚度变薄可能在脉络膜新生血管发生方面起一定作用。     

内眼手术并发暴发性脉络膜出血（附4例报告）

内眼手术并发暴发性脉络膜出血,是一种少见,但极为严重的内眼手术并发症.本文收集4例手术时发生暴发性脉络膜出血,眼压突然升高,玻璃体溢出.术中一旦发生此症,要快速全身用脱水剂,关闭切口,直接加压眼部,后巩膜切开.出血不止,需作眼球摘除或眼内容物剜出术.眼科学报 1993;9:110-112。     

A recognition survey of granular corneal dystrophy type 2 genetic detection in China

AIM: To evaluate the feasibility of promoting genetic detection for granular corneal dystrophy type 2 (GCD2) by a questionnaire conducted among citizens in five cities in China. METHODS: The data were collected by questionnaire, and analyzed by Chi-square test and one-tailed t test in IBM SPSS statistics. RESULTS: Based on the survey data on the awareness of GCD2 genetic detection in this study and the positive predictive analysis report of the citizens in five cities in China, the vast majority (84.2%) of respondents had never heard of it and did not know that GCD2 patients have been prohibited from performing excimer surgery that can deteriorate GCD2 patients’ condition even leading to blindness. Though 3.4% of patients understood GCD2 very much, they have no idea that GCD2 could not be 100% accuracy diagnosed by the conventional inspection methods. CONCLUSION: It is feasible and necessary to use GCD2 genetic detection as an excimer preoperative examination project. In order to promote the development of detection project, a few improvements should be carried out in terms of the promoting efforts, costs, and research progress.     

Choroidal neovascularization after accidental macular damage by laser

A 30-year-old male physics professor was examined 2 months after being accidentally hit by a laser beam in his left eye. He complained of abrupt vision loss and central scotoma after the laser accident,with stabilization of the vision thereafter. At presentation, he presented best-corrected visual acuity of 6/18 in the left eye. Fundoscopy disclosed a slightly elevated foveal brownish lesion,surrounded by a subtle subretinal haemorrhage. Fluorescein angiography demonstrated a hyperfluorescent foveal lesion with staining and a slight leakage in the late phase, characterizing a fibrovascular choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Optical coherence tomography showed a discrete increase in retinal thickness and a subretinal fibrotic CNV. Visual acuity remained stable during the follow up(4 months). CNV after laser injury is rare. The evolution of this case suggests that CNV, after an accidental laser injury,in a healthy macula of a young patient might have a self-limited course and a relatively good prognosis.     

高度近视脉络膜结构与血流变化的研究新进展

近视是目前最常见的屈光不正。高度近视,尤其是病理性高度近视往往会伴发一系列眼底病理改变,如Fuchs斑、脉络膜新生血管(CNV)等,可导致严重的视功能损伤。近年研究发现脉络膜厚度和血流的改变在高度近视进展过程中起着重要作用。脉络膜的厚度改变可以直接反映其结构和功能的异常,高度近视眼脉络膜厚度较正常眼显著变薄,且不同区域变薄程度存在差异。同时,脉络膜是眼部供血的主要来源,其血流状况直接决定了眼球的供血是否充分。因此观察高度近视眼脉络膜厚度及血流的改变,对探讨近视的进展或观察其病理性改变具有十分重要的意义。本综述阐述了高度近视脉络膜结构、厚度及血流改变情况等,同时分析讨论了近年研究的新进展及目前存在的主要问题、所面临的新挑战和今后的研究方向,期望为临床监测高度近视的发生和进展提供帮助。     

Imaging of choroidal hemodynamics in eyes with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy using laser speckle phenomenon

PURPOSE: To compare the images of choroidal vasculature obtained by laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG) and indocyanine green angiography (IA), and to evaluate the imaging of choroidal hemodynamics in eyes with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) using LSFG. METHODS: We performed IA and wide-field LSFG, which measures the index of blood velocity (mean square blur rate; MBR) in 25 eyes with PCV. We constructed an MBR map of the sequential MBR images (600 x 280 pixels) from four or five pulsations during measurement (4.5 s). A grayscale composite map of a still image was obtained by averaging the cumulative sum of the MBR map. We compared the angiographic images of the grayscale composite map to IA results and evaluated the choroidal hemodynamics of 25 eyes with PCV in the MBR map. RESULTS: The choroidal vasculature on the grayscale map had a resolution similar to the IA results. The grayscale map detected branching network vessels in 20 (80%) of the 25 eyes and polypoidal lesions in 11 (44%) eyes. The MBR map showed that the pulsations of the branching network vessels and polypoidal lesions were synchronized with the cardiac rhythm. The fluctuation rates of the PCV lesions during one pulsation ranged from 8.3% to 26.7% (mean, 13.6%) and from 7.3% to 24.6% (mean, 15.9%) for the intact choroid. The MBR map showed the watershed zone and highest signal intensity in the macula. CONCLUSIONS: Using an MBR map, wide-field LSFG revealed the pulsating choroidal hemodynamics of the posterior fundus. A grayscale composite map showed the fine choroidal vasculature whose resolution was comparable to that of IA. The branching network vessels of PCV showed that pulsation was synchronized with the choroidal vessels. Wide-field LSFG showed the highest choroidal blood flow in the macular area and the presence of a watershed zone.     

基于EDI-OCT技术观察远视性弱视儿童脉络膜结构的变化

目的：通过增强深度成像光学相干断层扫描(EDI-OCT)技术比较远视性弱视与同龄正常儿童脉络膜结构的差异。

方法：选取2021-01/12就诊于我院的远视性弱视儿童35例50眼纳入弱视组,选取同期就诊一般资料相匹配的健康儿童30例51眼纳入对照组,均进行EDI-OCT检查,测量脉络膜厚度(CT),并对图像进行处理后获取总脉络膜面积(TCA)、血管腔面积(LA)、基质面积(SA)、脉络膜血管指数(CVI)。

结果：弱视组各区域TCA(下方除外)、SA(外环下方除外)、LA与CT(下方、颞侧除外)均明显大于对照组(P<0.05); 除外环颞侧外,两组各区域CVI无明显差异(P>0.05); 除鼻侧外,不同远视程度弱视儿童CT无明显差异(P>0.05)。

结论：远视性弱视存在脉络膜结构异常,随着远视度数增加,TCA、LA、SA有增大趋势,脉络膜结构改变与远视性弱视有关。     

Optical coherence tomography: Imaging of the choroid and beyond

Seventy percent of the blood flow to the eye goes to the choroid, a structure that is vitally important to the function of the retina. The in vivo structure of the choroid in health and disease is incompletely visualized with traditional imaging modalities, including indocyanine green angiography, ultrasonography, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). Use of new OCT modalities, including enhanced depth imaging OCT, image averaging, and swept-source OCT, have led to increased visualization of the choroidal anatomy. The correlation of these new anatomical findings with other imaging modalities results increases understanding of many eye diseases and recognises of new ones. The status of the choroid appears to be a crucial determinant in the pathogenesis of diseases such as age-related choroidal atrophy, myopic chorioretinal atrophy, central serous chorioretinopathy, chorioretinal inflammatory diseases, and tumors. Extension of these imaging techniques has provided insights into abnormalities of the sclera and optic nerve. Future developments will include blood flow information, 3D rendering of various ocular structures, and the ability to evaluate changes in 3D structural information over time (4D imaging).     

脉络膜厚度与年龄相关性黄斑变性发病关系的研究进展

年龄相关性黄斑变性(ARMD)是一种慢性的、进行性的黄斑视网膜退行性疾病,是目前中老年人的主要致盲性眼病,其发展过程和发病机制复杂。研究表明,脉络膜厚度在ARMD不同分期和分类中均有显著变化。鉴于脉络膜是一种能够快速改变血流的血管结构,脉络膜厚度的变化可能主要是由脉络膜血流的变化引起的。并且,脉络膜的异常血流灌注可进一步损害视网膜色素上皮细胞的功能,导致视网膜色素上皮层缺氧、缺血,最终诱发ARMD。目前,越来越多的人意识到脉络膜厚度的测量在ARMD的诊断和治疗中的重要性,因此本文将针对脉络膜厚度和脉络膜血流在ARMD病程和治疗后的改变以及相关发病机制进行综述,这可能为ARMD发病提供新的预测指标,并为开发新的ARMD治疗方法提供新的目标。     

Focal choroidal excavation complicated with choroidal neovascularization in young and middle aged patients

AIM: To investigate the clinical and optical coherence tomography (OCT) features of focal choroidal excavation (FCE) complicated with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in young and middle aged patients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 26 patients with FCE accompanied by CNV. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmic examination. We analyzed the clinical characteristics of patients, focusing on the spectral-domain OCT features. All patients received intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents. And we assessed the changes of central retinal thickness and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) after anti-VEGF therapy. RESULTS: The mean age of 26 patients was 35.5±7.3y (range, 21-48y). Of the 26 FCE lesions, 11 were located subfoveal, 6 were parafoveal, and 9 were extrafoveal. The mean FCE depth was 129.8±50.3 μm, and the mean width was 901.3±306.0 μm. The FCE depth was correlated positively with the width, but not correlated with age or refractive error. CNV was located within the excavation (19 eyes) or adjacent to the excavation (7 eyes). After anti-VEGF therapy, the central retinal thickness was significantly reduced and the BCVA was significantly improved. In the absorption process of subretinal fluid, we found that the fluid in the excavations needed to be absorbed at the last. A small amount of residual fluid could still be seen in a few deep excavations even after a long-term follow-up. CONCLUSION: FCE may be an important reason to cause CNV. Especially in young patients with idiopathic CNV, we should pay attention to the use of OCT to check the presence of FCE. Anti-VEGF therapy is generally effective for CNV associated with FCE.     

维替泊芬治疗脉络膜骨瘤伴发的中心凹下脉络膜新生血管

目的：报道维替泊芬治疗脉络膜骨瘤伴发的中心凹下脉络膜新生血管（CNV）1例。方法：介入式个案报道结果：1例患者，32岁，确诊为右眼脉络膜骨瘤伴发性中心凹下脉络膜新生血管。治疗前视力20／80，N24。该患者右眼接受2次光动力治疗（PDT），治疗后12mo视力为20／200，CNV完全消退。结论：对于脉络膜骨瘤伴发的中心凹下脉络膜新生血管，PDT不失为一种治疗选择。