Follow up of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness with optic coherence tomography in patients receiving anti-tubercular treatment may reveal early optic neuropathy

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of anti-tubercular treatment on retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and the efficiency of optic coherence tomography (OCT) on early diagnosis of optic neuropathy.

Methods: Twenty patients diagnosed with either pulmonary or extra-pulmonary tuberculosis which were treated with anti-tubercular treatment (isoniazid (INH), rifampicin, ethambutol (ETM), and pyrazinamide) were enrolled in the study. RNFL thicknesses of the patients were measured via OCT, at baseline (before starting anti-tubercular treatment) and after the two-month treatment period. Standard ophthalmologic examinations were also performed.

Results: Compared to baseline values, after the two-month treatment period, thinning was detected in the right eye’s average and superior quadrant RNFLs (p?=?0.024 and p?=?0.006 respectively) and in the left eye’s average, superior quadrant, and inferior quadrant RNFLs (p?=?0.001, p?=?0.008, p?Conclusion: We displayed that patients receiving INH and ETM, which were the basic medicines of anti-tubercular treatment, experienced thinning in RNFL after the two-month treatment period. Patients receiving these drugs can be followed via OCT in terms of reduction in RNFL thicknesses for early diagnose of INH and ETM toxicity.     

Evaluation of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer measurements in patients with iron deficiency anemia with optical coherence tomography

Objective: To evaluate the thickness of the peripapillary retinal fiber layer (RNFL) and macula ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCL+) using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with iron deficiency (ID) anemia.

Methods: This study included 73 eyes of 39 patients with ID anemia and 68 eyes of 34 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. The measurements included the peripapillary RNFL thicknesses as average, 4 quadrant and 12 clock-hour (CH) based and macula GCL+ thicknesses as average and 6 quadrant based. All measurements were completed with Cirrus HD-OCT and the results were compared between the groups.

Results: A total of 73 eyes of 39 patients with ID anemia and 68 eyes of 34 healthy subjects were included to the study. Regarding peripapillary RNFL thicknesses of the study and control patients, the values of average and quadrants revealed no significant differences between the groups. In CH sectors comparison, peripapillary RNFL thicknesses were significantly decreased only in CH4 (68.7?±?14.5?μm in study versus 72.0?±?13.4?μm in control patients, p?=?0.049) and CH5 (93.4?±?20.0μm in study versus 102.2?±?20.1?μm in control patients, p?=?0.01) sectors. All measured quadrants were statistically similar, when macula GCL+ thicknesses were compared between the groups. When the correlations between peripapillary RNFL and macula GCL+ thicknesses and serum hemoglobin and ferritin levels of study and control patients were calculated, the only statistically significant parameter was the correlation of peripapillary RNFL thickness in CH10 sector with serum ferritin level (p?=?0.032, Spearman correlation coefficient: 0.369).

Conclusion: The study revealed that peripapillary RNFL is thinner in nasal-inferior quadrant in patients with ID anemia. The measurements of macula GCL+ thicknesses were similar between the groups. Analyzing the retinal layers using OCT may provide valuable information in neurodegenerative events.     

Retinal ganglion cell complex and visual evoked potentials in levetiracetam treatment

Abstract

Purpose

To examine central macular, RNFL (retinal nerve fibre layer), GCC (ganglion cell complex) thicknesses; and VEPs (visual evoked potential) in epileptic patients using levetiracetam for at least one year.     

Retinal structural changes in patients receiving tamoxifen therapy by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate choroidal thickness, ganglion cell complex (GCC) and photoreceptor outer segment (PROS) length were measured in patients with breast cancer undergoing tamoxifen therapy, using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT); results were compared with those for normal eyes.

Materials and methods: Forty-four patients with breast cancer, undergoing tamoxifen therapy, and 41 healthy controls were included in this prospective, comparative study. All participants underwent a complete ophthalmologic evaluation and SD-OCT. Subfoveal, nasal (nasal distance to fovea 500, 1000, 1500?μm), and temporal (temporal distance to fovea 500, 1000, 1500?μm) choroidal thickness measurements were performed using the enhanced depth imaging mode of SD-OCT. Using an Early Treatment Diagnostic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) circle at the macular level, the automated retinal segmentation software was applied to determine the thickness of the GCC. PROS length was determined manually, as the distance from the inner surface of the ellipsoid zone to the inner surface of retina pigment epithelium.

Results: The mean choroidal thickness was statistically greater in the tamoxifen group than controls in all quadrants (p?<?0.001 for all quadrants). Of all tamoxifen users (44 eyes of 44 patients), 33 eyes (75%) had uncomplicated pachychoroid (UCP). Pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathy (PPE) was detected in five tamoxifen-group patients (11.3%). Patients with PPE in one eye had UCP in the fellow eye. Central serous chorioretinopathy findings were observed in one patient. Tamoxifen users had statistically lower GCC thickness in all inner rings of the ETDRS inlay and in the nasal outer ring only (p?=?0.027, 0.002, 0.002, 0.001, and 0.030, respectively). No statistically significant difference in mean subfoveal PROS length was found between the groups.

Conclusions: SD-OCT provides valuable information for identifying structural changes and evaluating ocular findings in patients receiving tamoxifen therapy. Increased choroidal thickness, PPE and thinning GCC were detected in tamoxifen users. These OCT findings may be an early indicator of retinal toxicity for patients undergoing tamoxifen therapy in the follow-up period.     

Optical coherence tomography findings in patients with alcohol use disorder and their relationship with clinical parameters

Abstract

Purpose: In our study, we aimed to investigate the ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness (GCIPL), retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (RNFL), mean macular volume (MMV), central macular thickness (CMT), mean macular thickness (MMT), and choroidal thickness (CT) values with optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients who are diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Materials and methods: The study included 43 patients who were diagnosed with AUD, and 43 healthy controls. Detailed biomicroscopic examinations of all the participants, visual acuity, intraocular pressure, anterior and posterior segment examinations, and then, OCT measurements were carried out.

Results: Although the measured values for RNFL in the superior and temporal quadrant are within normal limits, they were slightly higher compared to those in the control group (p values 0.127 and 0.191 for superior quadrant and temporal quadrant, respectively). The CT measurements in all quadrants were higher than the control group; however, these measurements were not statistically significant (p?>?0.05). When the relation between clinical features and OCT findings of the patients were examined, it was determined that the ages of the patients were statistically significantly and inversely correlated with the temporal CT and also the nasal and temporal quadrants of RNFL.

Conclusions: Our study is the first study that examines the retinal GCIPL and CT with OCT in patients who are diagnosed with AUD. In our results, it was determined that there were no statistically significant differences between the participants in terms of OCT parameters. Further studies with larger sampling groups evaluating neurotransmission findings may provide wider results.     

High-resolution optical coherence tomography correlates in ischemic radiation retinopathy

Purpose: To find the abnormalities in various retinal layers caused by radiation retinopathy using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

Methods: We report a case of radiation retinopathy that was imaged using SD-OCT Copernicus (Optopol, Zawiercie, Poland). Analysis and synthesis of the OCT image were done using information both at the fovea and 2.5?mm temporal to the fovea.

Results: The layers that were reduced in thickness included the inner plexiform layer (47?μm vs. 74?μm), the inner nuclear layer (17?μm vs. 48?μm), and the outer plexiform layer (25?μm vs. 45?μm), whereas the layers with comparable thickness included the nerve fiber layer (24?μm vs. 25?μm), the outer nuclear layer (42?μm vs. 43?μm), the outer segment–inner segment junction (52?μm vs. 54?μm), and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) choriocapillaris layer (30?μm vs. 28?μm).

Conclusion: This report suggests that the radiation-induced damage was confined to the inner layers of the retina. However, secondary outer retinal layer changes may also occur, as suggested by functional derangements.     

结核菌素试验阳性哮喘儿童激素吸入疗法安全性研究

目的:探讨结核菌素试验(PPD)阳性的哮喘儿童激素吸入疗法是否能激活其潜在的结核菌感染。方法:28例PPD阳性(硬结平均直径10~15mm)而无结核活动的轻、中度哮喘儿童,持续吸入布地奈德气雾剂6~9个月,密切检测体温、血沉(ESR)、胸部X线摄片及PPD大小。结果:28例中哮喘临床控制57.1%(16例),显效32.2%(9例)、好转10.7%(3例),无一例结核发病。胸片未发现活动性结核病灶,PPD直径治疗前为(12.7±1.6)mm,治疗后为(12.5±1.7)mm,两者无显著性差异(P>0.05)。结论:长期吸入布地奈德对PPD直径在10~15mm之间无结核活动的哮喘儿童是安全、有效的。     

Spectral domain-optical coherence tomographic findings in patients with ankylosing spondylitis under anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha therapy

Objective: To evaluate the effect of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) blockade on the thickness of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), the ganglion cell-inner plexiform layers (GCIPL), and the macula in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients under anti-TNF-α therapy.

Materials and methods: Twenty-one patients with AS received etanercept, or adalimumab, or infliximab for at least 6 months. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) scores were measured before and 6 months after the beginning of the treatment. Peripapillary RNFL, four regional fields (superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal), GCIPL, and macular thicknesses of the patients were analyzed by optical coherence tomography before the treatment, at 3 months and 6 months after the beginning of the treatment.

Results: The mean BASDAI, ESR, and CRP values were 5.2?±?1.5, 31.6?±?21.7, and 15.7?±?13.9, respectively, at the beginning of the treatment and 2.3?±?1.7, 21.3?±?15.1, and 10.1?±?10.3, respectively, 6 months after the beginning of treatment. There were significant differences among the mean BASDAI, ESR, and CRP values at the beginning of treatment and 6 months later (p?p?=?0.007, and p?=?0.009, respectively). There were no significant differences among peripapillary RNFL (p?=?0.24), four regional fields (p?=?0.98, p?=?0.23, p?=?0.09, p?=?0.47), GCIPL (p?=?0.25), or macular (p?=?0.33) thicknesses of the patients during anti-TNF-α treatment. In addition, the mean intraocular pressure levels throughout the follow-up did not show significant variation on repeated-measures ANOVA (p?=?0.77).

Conclusions: TNF-α blockade does not seem to influence RNFL, GCIPL, or macular thickness of patients with AS in the short term.     

The long-term effect of oral isotretinoin therapy on macula ganglion cell complex thickness

Purpose: To evaluate the long-term effect of oral isotretinoin therapy on macula ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

Materials and methods: Newly diagnosed cystic acne patients who received low dose for a long time systemic isotretinoin therapy were included in this study. Thorough ophthalmic evaluation and GCC thickness analysis by using SD-OCT were performed at baseline, and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment.

Results: Forty-eight eyes of 24 patients (15 females, 9 males) were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 19.37?±?2.74 years (range 14–25 years). The full ophthalmologic examination was normal in all eyes before treatment. During the treatment there were no change in visual acuity, refractive error, intraocular pressure and tear break-up time. The mean GCC thicknesses were 81.45?±?4.91, 81.45?±?5.12, 81.81?±?4.68, 81.87?±?4.91 and 81.64?±?5.09?μm at pretreatment and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment, respectively (p?=?0.803).

Conclusion: One-year systemic use of isotretinoin had no significant effect on the thickness of macula ganglion cell. Macular ganglion cell analysis is useful for determining and following the toxic effects of systemic drugs on the retina. However, it is more rational to consider it as an adjunct to electrophysiological testing rather than used alone.     

中心性浆液性脉络膜视网膜病变的三维光学相干断层扫描的临床分析

中心性浆液性脉络膜视网膜病变(central serous chorioretinopathy,CSC)属于一种常见的脉络膜、视网膜病变,其病因不明,多发于20～50岁的中青年,单眼或双眼均可发病,男性较女性多见。CSC是一种易复发的自限性疾病,多次反复发作可导致视觉功能的下降。传统的荧光血管造影(fundus fluorescein angiography,FFA)虽能确诊本病,但为创伤性检查,可重复性差,并有可能出现严重过敏现象,在临床应用中受到一定限制,而三维光学相干断层扫描(3D-optical     

光学相干断层扫描血管成像在黄斑病变中的应用进展

光学相干断层扫描血管成像（OCTA）是一种利用运动对比度来检测血流信号的新型成像方式,以此可无创性地提供高分辨率的、不同层次的视网膜血管的结构图像。通过对图像进行测量计算得到的一系列量化指标,对于疾病的发病机理、早期诊断与治疗评估有重大的指导意义。目前OCTA检查已应用于年龄相关性黄斑变性、糖尿病视网膜病变、近视性视网膜病变等视网膜疾病以及心脑血管疾病的研究中。本篇综述拟就基于OCTA的黄斑区视网膜血管分层图像在研究和临床中的实践性应用展开讨论。     

相干光断层成像在体检人群眼黄斑区病变早期筛查的应用

目的 在健康体检人群中开展相干光断层成像(OCT)黄斑病变检查,逐步建立黄斑病变早期筛查的健康管理模式.方法 运用OCT对782例体检者黄斑区六线扫描,结合眼底镜检查,做出临床诊断,对其中40例阳性者可能病因分析,找到相关联致病因素.结果 OCT阳性与性别、婚姻、血糖、血脂、体质量指数(BMI)无关,与高血压、年龄有显著相关性(P<0.05).年龄分组后,结果表明:年龄越大,危险性越大(P<0.01).结论 OCT为体检人群眼黄斑区病变早期筛查提供依据,值得推广应用.     

Evaluation of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in vernal keratoconjunctivitis patients under long-term topical corticosteroid therapy

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) patients who were under long-term topical corticosteroid therapy.

Methods: Thirty-six eyes of 36 VKC patients with clear cornea and normal videokeratography and 40 eyes of 40 age- and gender-matched normal children were included in the study. Clinical and demographic characteristics of the patients were noted and detailed ophthalmological examination was performed. Visual acuity (VA), spherical equivalent (SE), axial length (AL) and RNFL thickness measurements were compared between the groups. To correct ocular magnification effect on RNFL, we used Littmann’s formula.

Results: All VKC patients had history of topical corticosteroid use and the mean duration of the topical corticosteroid use was 23.8?±?9.09 months. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of intraocular pressure (IOP). VKC group had significantly worse VA, greater SE and AL and thinner mean global, superior and inferior RNFL thickness. There were significant negative correlations between the duration of topical corticosteroid use and the mean global, superior and temporal RNFL thickness in VKC group. After correction of magnification effect, VKC group still had thinner mean global, superior and inferior RNFL thickness, and significant difference between the groups in inferior RNFL thickness did not disappear.

Conclusion: Significant RNFL thickness difference between the groups suggests a possible effect of long-term corticosteroid use in VKC patients. Because visual field (VF) analysis in pediatric patients is difficult to perform and IOP may be illusive, RNFL thickness measurements in addition to routine examinations in VKC patients may help clinicians in their practice.     

应用光学相干断层成像评价药物洗脱支架术后再发急性冠脉综合征患者的原因

目的探讨冠脉药物洗脱支架术后再发急性冠脉综合征（ACS）患者的可能原因。方法收集自2010年8月至2012年7月,本中心收治11例曾接受过冠脉支架介入治疗（PCI）治疗并植入药物涂层支架（DES）,再发ACS的（男性9例,女性2例）患者,对该11例患者进行回顾性分析。应用光学相干断层显像（OCT）技术对罪犯血管检查,了解罪犯血管的病变情况。结果DES植入术后再发ACS者不稳定性心绞痛（uA）多见,7例（7／11,63．6％）,非sT段抬高心肌梗死（NSTEMI）1例（1／11,9％）,sT段抬高心肌梗死（STEMI）3例（3／11,27．2％）。罪犯血管前降支（LAD）多见,8例（8／11,72．7％）,右冠脉（RCA）3例（3／11,27．2％）。STEMI患者冠脉造影（CAG）诊断为支架内血栓形成（ST）,OCT诊断为支架贴壁不良,同时存在支架内新生粥样硬化斑块（NAP）形成并破裂,NSTEMI患者CAG诊断为晚期支架内血栓形成（LST）,OCT诊断为支架内NAP形成并破裂。UA患者CAG诊断为LST,OCT诊断为NAP、支架贴壁不良。7例（63．6％）患者存在吸烟史[7例（100％）未能戒烟],8例（72．7％）患者LDL—C控制不达标。结论支架贴壁不良和支架内新生粥样硬化斑块破裂均可导致LST的发生。支架内新生动脉粥样硬化斑块是引起DES植入后再发ACS的另一主要病因。     

光学相干断层扫描血管成像在慢性肾脏病中的研究进展

肾小球与视网膜脉络膜微血管在发育及结构的相似性为通过观察视网膜血管来无创性研究肾脏微循环提供了机会,近些年来,光学相干断层扫描血管成像( OCTA)这一项眼底血管成像技术在慢性肾脏病( CKD)中的研究开展较多,并且取得了大量研究成果,现就 OCTA在 CKD研究中所观察到视网膜脉络膜微血管及神经参数等方面的特征性变化进行综述,以期对预测 CKD的病程和预后提供新思路,对 CKD病人进行及早干预和病情随访提供更多的帮助。     

Usefulness of optical coherence tomography to detect central serous chorioretinopathy in monkeys

Many systemic drugs can induce ocular toxicity and several ocular side‐effects have been identified in clinical studies. However, it is difficult to detect ocular toxicity in preclinical studies because of the lack of appropriate evaluation methods. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is useful because it can provide real‐time images throughout a study period, whereas histopathology only provides images of sacrificed animals. Using OCT alongside histopathology, attempts were made to find effective approaches for screening of drug‐induced ocular toxicity in monkeys. Such approaches could be used in preclinical studies prior to human trials. Six male cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis Raffles) were orally administered one of six candidate MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK) inhibitors. Central serous chorioretinopathy, a known side‐effect of such inhibitors, was identified in four monkeys by OCT. Artifacts generated during tissue processing meant that histopathology could not detect edematous changes. Thus, OCT is a useful tool to detect ocular toxicity which cannot be detected by histopathology in preclinical studies. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Fixed-Dose combination of the inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta2-agonist therapy in adults with persistent asthma

Introduction: Asthma is a respiratory condition characterized by airway inflammation, airflow obstruction, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. The standard treatment of asthma comprises inhaled corticosteroid and beta₂-agonist. Inhaled short-acting-beta₂-agonists have been used as rescue medication for exacerbation. However, long-acting-beta₂-agonists (LABA) used as monotherapy for asthma had been reported for having a safety concern. Consequently, it had been recommended as an add-on treatment to inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) in moderate to severe persistent asthma. The fixed-dose combination (FDC) of ICS and LABA has been approved since the year 2000. Evidences revealed using the combination of these medications is more effective in asthma control.

Areas covered: The rational and phase III onward randomized-controlled studies were reviewed. Sources of evidences were from studies published in Medline until November 2015.

Expert opinion: There are six FDC inhaler regimens approved worldwide. The significant synergistic effects of ICS and LABA in one device are well evidenced. A FDC reduces the daily dosage of ICS and asthma exacerbation. It is safe to use regularly as controller. The efficacy of each individual combination on asthma treatment is generally similar. Clinical experience, ease of use, cost and side effects of medication would guide the clinician’s preferences.     

Electroretinographic and optical coherence tomography findings in breast cancer patients using aromatase inhibitors

Background: The present cross-sectional study has the purpose to investigate the impact of aromatase inhibitors (AIs) on retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, optic nerve and macular function in patients using AIs for breast cancer treatment.

Methods: Participants in our study were 41 hormone-receptor-positive earlystage breast cancer patients who were treated with AIs in the adjuvant setting. Moreover, 40 age- and gender-matched control subjects, having neither ocular nor systemic disorders, were included in this study. All participants underwent a complete ophthalmological examination, including best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) assessment, RNFL thickness and central foveal thickness (CFT) measurement, visual evoked potentials (VEP) recording and multifocal-electroretinogram (mf-ERG) recording. Univariate and multiple regression analyses were performed.

Results: At the multiple regression analyses, patients receiving AIs presented with lower average RNFL and inferior RNFL. Moreover, similarly to the univariate analysis, intake of AIs was associated with lower amplitude P100, lower retinal response density in ring 1 and ring 2, longer peak time P100 and longer P1 time in ring 1.

Conclusion: Our study is the first in the literature investigating the potential effect of AIs on RNFL thickness, optic nerve and macular function in patients using AIs for breast cancer treatment. The principal message of our study is that patients using AIs exhibited a significant decrease in RNFL thickness (average, superior and inferior), retinal response density and visual acuity compared to healthy controls, while VEP findings (both amplitude and peak time of P100) differ significantly as well.     

Assessment of macular choroidal thickness,central macular thickness and retinal nerve fiber layer in patients receiving oral isotretinoin treatment

Abstract

Purpose

To investigate the impact of oral isotretinoin therapy in choroidal thickness, central macular thickness (CMT), and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness using optical coherence tomography (OCT).     

孟鲁司特联合吸入糖皮质激素治疗小儿轻度持续哮喘

目的:探讨孟鲁司特联合吸入糖皮质激素治疗小儿轻度持续哮喘的临床疗效.方法:观察孟鲁司特联合吸入糖皮质激素30例(治疗组)与单纯吸入糖皮质激素22例(对照组)的总体疗效.结果:孟鲁司特联合糖皮质激素吸入组总有效率96.1%,单纯糖皮质激素吸入组总有效率68.1%,两组之间差异有统计学意义(χ2=5.874,P＜0.05).结论:孟鲁司特联合吸入糖皮质激素治疗小儿轻度持续哮喘效果明显.