A case of tuberculous uveitis complicated by myelodysplastic syndrome

BACKGROUND: Recently, the incidence of tuberculosis in compromised hosts has increased. CASE: A 52-year-old man suffering from myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) had pulmonary tuberculosis. On June 22, 1996, we found a disc-sized choroidal lesion with milky appearance on the paramacular in his right eye. After 1 month, a similar choroidal lesion was found near the disc in the same eye. In spite of chemotherapy for MDS and antituberculosis medications, those choroidal lesions gradually enlarged. In November, satellite lesions were found around them. Some retinal exudates and hemorrhage were also detected in both eyes. He died on April 6, 1997. We found Langhans' giant cells in the choroid on the specimen of his eyes. So we judged the choroidal lesions to be tuberculous uveitis. CONCLUSION: This case showed choroidal tuberculosis and choroidal miliary tuberculosis in the same eye that were resistant to medications. We thought resistance to medication was due to destruction of the immune system by MDS.     

Macular polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy with a remote lesion

Purpose: To report cases of the macular type of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy with a remote lesion. Methods: We report six patients (seven eyes) with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy who had macular and remote lesions. These eyes were examined with angiography and tomography. Results: All seven eyes showed an exudative macular lesion beneath the fovea. In addition, all eyes showed remote polypoidal lesions that were not connected to the macular lesions; the remote lesion was detected outside of the vascular arcade in five eyes, superotemporally beside the optic disc in one eye and on the nasal side of the optic disc in one eye. Indocyanine green angiography, fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography failed to reveal any sign of a branching vascular network or choroidal neovascularization that connected the macular lesion with the more remote lesion. At the initial visit, visual acuity in the seven eyes ranged from 6/150 to 6/9 (median, 6/15). Four eyes underwent photodynamic therapy to the exudative macular lesion. During 27.6 ± 14.3 months of follow up, no worsening was detected in any of the remote lesions. Median visual acuity was 6/60 at the final visit. Conclusions: Some patients with macular polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy also have a remote lesion, although the remote lesion seems to have only a minor effect on visual outcome.     

Silent occult choroidal vascular abnormalities

PURPOSE: To describe clinically occult choroidal vascular abnormalities that can be revealed by indocyanine green (ICG) angiography. METHODS: Out of approximately 2,700 patients who underwent ICG angiography, a lesion was incidentally observed in eight eyes of eight patients. In five patients, the ICG study included a second examination taken during artificially induced intraocular hypertension. Examinations were repeated in six patients over a follow-up period ranging from 4 months to 3 years. RESULTS: On ICG angiogram, the choroidal vasculopathy appeared as a round-oval hyperfluorescent area 2-4 disk diameters in size that was located at the temporal vascular arcades in six eyes, at the inferomacular region in one eye, and above the optic disk in one eye. The lesions were not identifiable with funduscopic, fluorescein angiographic, or ultrasonographic examination. The lesions filled at the same time as the choroidal arteries and lost fluorescence in mid-late phase of the ICG angiogram. The ICG series taken during induced intraocular hypertension showed the hyperfluorescent areas originated from choroidal arterial abnormalities giving rise to confluent hyperfluorescent patches. Draining vessels connecting the choroidal vasculopathy with a vortex vein were evidenced in three eyes. A sector of apparent choroidal hypoperfusion downstream from the lesion was present in three eyes. During the follow-up period, the lesions remained occult and with an unchanged ICG angiographic pattern in all patients. CONCLUSION: Some silent occult choroidal vascular abnormalities may be incidentally revealed by ICG angiography. These must be distinguished from ICG imaging of concomitant chorioretinal disorders.     

Indocyanine green angiography in ocular tuberculosis

PURPOSE: To assess indocyanine green (ICG) angiography as a method for evaluating the extent of choroidal involvement and to compare ICG angiography with fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) in ocular tuberculosis. METHODS: FFA and ICG angiography were performed on two patients who had ocular tuberculosis findings during fundus examination. The patients were given topical dexamethasone phosphate, topical cyclopentolate, and oral prednisolone acetate in addition to systemic antimicrobial therapy. Both examinations were repeated after treatment. RESULTS: In one patient, two hypofluorescent lesions that corresponded to the choroidal tuberculomas were noted with ICG angiography. Only one lesion was found during ophthalmoscopic examination and FFA. After treatment, these lesions persisted, but became less hypofluorescent. In the other patient, ICG angiography showed a hypofluorescent choroidal lesion corresponding to the choroidal tuberculoma that was larger than its appearance on FFA. This lesion remained hypofluorescent in all phases of ICG angiography and became less hypofluorescent after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: ICG angiography is a useful method to determine the extent of the choroidal lesion and the stage of disease and to evaluate treatment results in tuberculosis patients.     

Macular diseases in the elderly person

Macular diseases in the elderly, such as age-related macular degeneration, idiopathic senile macular hole and epiretinal membrane of the macular area were studied. In 75 normal subjects aged from 20 to 78 years, retinal sensitivity in the central 10 degree visual field were examined using automated static quantitative perimetry. For background luminance of 31.5 asb, a significant reciprocal correlation was demonstrated between individual mean sensitivity and age. The influence of age on the decrease in sensitivity was proved to differ according to different test locations. To enhance contrast, an image processing procedure was applied for fluorescein angiographs of age-related pathologies which resulted in better recognition of age-related RPE pathologies were recognized. The senile disciform macular degeneration (SDMD) study group sponsored by the Ministry of Health and Welfare performed an epidemiological survey to estimate the number of patients with SDMD. The epidemiological estimation was 6,000 to 13,000 patients in the entire Japanese population. 133 eyes of uni- or bi-lateral senile macular degeneration without choroidal neovascularization and 156 opposite eyes of patients with unilateral SDMD were followed-up for choroidal neovascularization development. Choroidal neovascularization development was confirmed in 15 eyes, 5.2%. In 13 of the 15 eyes, choroidal neovascularization was proved to develop through serous RPE detachment. Also, serous drusen were shown to be to predisposed to choroidal neovascularization through serous RPE detachment. Therefore, it was concluded that senile macular degeneration should be classified into the atrophic form, predisciform or intermediate form and disciform form. In the author's previous paper, it was reported that the navel-like lesion would be a macular lesion predisposing to a senile macular hole. 49 opposite eye of patients with one eye affected by a macular hole were follow-up for macular hole development. At the initial examination, the navel-like lesion was observed in 5 of the 49 eyes. During the course of observation, navel-like lesions developed in one of the other 27 eyes with other abnormalities and in 4 of the 17 eyes without any abnormality. Finally, macular holes developed in 11 of the 49 eyes; in 10 eyes with a navel-like lesion and one eye with another abnormality. We found a 17 year old female Japanese monkey with pre-macular holes in both eyes and clinicopathological correlative study was carried out. In her right eye, photoreceptor cell loss at the foveola, circumferential retinal detachment around the area of cell loss, cystoid spaces in the detached retina, and very thin residual tissue covering the foveolar lesion were observed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Photocoagulation of choroidal neovascular membranes with a diode laser.

Nine eyes with parafoveal choroidal neovascular membranes due to age-related macular degeneration or angioid streaks were treated with a diode laser and were followed up to 40 weeks (mean 26 weeks). Angiographically proved closure of the membrane was achieved in seven eyes. Four lesions needed a second treatment for growth of subretinal neovascular tissue. Post-treatment visual acuity ranged from 6/9 to 6/60. Two eyes developed subfoveal membranes resulting in poor visual acuity. The morphology of the diode laser lesions differed from that of the argon green laser and was more similar to that of the krypton laser, producing a 'black hole' on the fluorescein positive print. In one particular eye fluorescein angiography revealed subfoveal choroidal non-perfusion next to the site of the diode lesion suggesting choroidal vascular closure.     

Clinical Course of a Presumed Metastatic Uveal Melanoma to the Contralateral Choroid

Abstract

We present the ultrasound and optic coherence tomography follow-up of a presumed choroidal metastasis from a contralateral melanoma. A 53-year-old male was diagnosed with uveal melanoma with extraescleral extension in his left eye. A year later, the fundus examination revealed a flat, gray-green, pigmented choroidal lesion in the right eye. The ultrasonography showed a mass, almost flat, and all these findings were compatible with a choroidal melanocytic lesion with risk factors for growth. One month later, melanocytic skin lesions appeared on the scalp, as well as small tumors. Three months later, an ultrasonography on B scan showed a growth of the tumor size. The patient developed a progressive deterioration and died. Three possibilities can explain the occurrence of a choroidal pigmented tumor in the contralateral eye: first, bilateral primary choroidal melanomas; second, both choroidal tumors are metastatic in origin from an unknown primary melanoma; and third, the contralateral tumor is a metastatic tumor from the primary choroidal melanoma.     

Varix of the vortex vein ampulla: a small case series

PURPOSE: To report three cases of varix of the vortex vein ampulla. METHODS: Observational small case series. During 2002, three patients were examined for suspected choroidal melanoma. In all cases, the lesions were located at the equator or the periphery. RESULTS: The lesions became more prominent when the eyes were positioned in the direction of the lesion, and disappeared when firm pressure by ultrasound probe was applied on the globe, while the eye was in primary position, or fundus was examined with a three-mirror Goldmann contact lens. These dynamic characteristics were also demonstrated by color Doppler imaging. CONCLUSIONS: Varix of the vortex vein ampulla is an extremely rare condition. This diagnosis should be considered when an elevated choroidal lesion disappears when the fundus is examined with contact lens.     

脉络膜转移癌的临床特点分析

目的 分析脉络膜转移癌的临床特点以指导治疗.方法 回顾性系列病例研究.收集脉络膜转移癌患者49例(66只眼),均行眼底检查,其中44例行荧光素眼底血管造影检查,12例合并吲哚氰绿造影检查,8例行B超检查.采用经瞳孔温热疗法(TTT)24只眼,联合光敏治疗1只眼.眼敷贴放疗1只眼.,TTT采用的治疗参数为光斑1.2～3.0mm,能量450～1000 mV,时间60 s.做2次TTT者2例,做3次TTT者1例.结果患者中男性14例,女性35例.双眼17例(34.7%).年龄23～74岁,平均47岁.视力小于或等于0.05者13只眼,0.06～0.2者22只眼,大于等于0.3者31只眼.已发现原发肿物40例(81.6%)(行手术切除术25例).其中患乳腺癌16例(32.7%),肺癌(包括支气管1例)14例(28.6%),肝胆肿物3例,结肠癌及胃癌3例,妇科附件肿物2例,鼻咽癌l例(含卵巢黏液囊性腺癌1例),脊柱骨肿物1例,尚未查明原发肿物5例(10.2%),4例尚在检查中.眼底有1个转移灶者58只眼(87.8%).2个转移灶者4只眼(6%).3个及以上转移灶2只眼(包括7个灶1例).根据眼底转移灶所在部位及发展情况,将转移灶分为孤立型,39只眼,占59%(39/66);弥漫型,19只眼,占28.8%(19/66);早期型,8只眼,占12.1%(8/66).荧光素眼底血管造影检查可见早期转移灶处呈低荧光,晚期灶处荧光融合呈中等或强荧光.对8例孤立型转移灶行B超测量,其平均值约为11.5 mm×10.5 mm×3.6 mm,瘤体最高可达4.9 mm.作敷贴放疗的患者1例,观察3个月,瘤体变扁平,维持原视力.作TTT治疗后3例随访各为4、3、2个月.病变稳定,视力不变或轻度下降.结论脉络膜转移癌有其临床特点.眼底病变分型有助于对病情的了解.在全身治疗情况下,埘眼部孤立型及早期型转移灶采用TTT治疗,可使病灶消退,保护视力,对提高患者生活质量有较大帮助.(中华眼科杂志,2009,45:229-233)     

Evaluation of focal choroidal excavation in the macula using swept-source optical coherence tomography

Purpose

To evaluate imaging findings of patients with focal choroidal excavation (FCE) in the macula using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) and correlate it clinically.

Methods

Prospective observational case series. Eleven consecutive patients (12 eyes) with FCE were described. Data on demographics and clinical presentation were collected and imaging findings (including color photography, fundus autofluorescence imaging, fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, and SS-OCT) were analyzed.

Results

The primary diagnosis was epiretinal membrane (two eyes), choroidal neovascularization (one eye), polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (three eyes), central serous chorioretinopathy (one eye), and dry age-related macular degeneration (two eyes). Eleven out of 12 of the lesions were conforming. One presented with a non-conforming lesion that progressed to a conforming lesion. One eye had multiFCE and two had two overlapping choroidal excavations. Using the SS-OCT, we found the choroid to be thinned out at the area of FCE but sclera remained normal. The choroidal tissue beneath the FCE was abnormal, with high internal reflectivity and poor visualization of choroidal vessels. There was loss of contour of the outer choroidal boundary that appeared to be pulled inward by this abnormal choroidal tissue. A suprachoroidal space was noted beneath this choroidal tissue and the choroidal–scleral interface was smooth. Repeat SS-OCT 6 months after presentation showed the area of excavation to be stable in size.

Conclusion

FCE can be associated with epiretinal membrane, central serous chorioretinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. The choroid was thinned out in the area of FCE.     

Transpupillary thermotherapy for choroidal metastases

INTRODUCTION: We report on a case with bilateral choroidal metastases derived from a renal cell carcinoma 13 years after nephrectomy. The treatment modality is discussed. METHODS: A male patient (58 years of age) presented with asymptomatic bilateral choroidal metastases deriving from renal cell carcinoma. The right kidney had been removed because of renal cell carcinoma 13 years before the appearance of the choroidal metastases. He had full visual acuity (20/20) and normal intraocular pressure in both eyes. Fundus examination showed a small tumor in the peripheral choroidea of his right eye and an intermediate-sized solid tumor in the periphery of his left eye. RESULTS: The tumor of the right eye was treated by TTT and the tumor of the left eye by (106)Ru plaque radiotherapy. The tumors showed total regression into flat chorioretinal atrophies in both eyes and no tumor could be found 13 moths after treatment maintaining full visual acuity (20/20). CONCLUSION: Asymptomatic ocular metastases can develop even many years after removal of the primary tumor. TTT and (106)Ru brachytherapy are useful treatment modalities in cases of small and intermediate-sized choroidal metastases.     

Sclerochoroidal calcification--a rare disease pattern--report on two patients,differential diagnosis and review of the literature

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic sclerochoroidal calcification is a benign calcification at the level of the choroid and the sclera. Due to the location of the lesions mainly between the superior temporal vascular arcade and the equator, there is no visual disturbance. Diagnosis of idiopathic sclerochoroidal calcification is made by the typical fundus appearance in combination with ultrasonic findings. PATIENTS: 1. A 55-year old male patient showed multifocal slightly prominent lesions in the superiotemporal fundus of the left eye. 2. In a 60-year old male patient found multifocal slight prominent whitish lesions were found in the superior fundus from temporal to nasal of both eyes. Visual acuity was unaffected by the lesions. The borderlines of visual field were normal. RESULTS: Echography revealed a highly reflective lesion with orbital shadowing. Fluorescein angiography showed a normal pattern besides the lesions with a late hyperfluorescence staining of the lesion itself. Calcium and phosphorus levels were normal with no signs of abnormal calcium metabolism. CONCLUSIONS: Idiopathic sclerochoroidal calcification is a benign disorder which is diagnosed by the typical ophthalmoscopic picture in combination with standardised echography. Computed tomography can confirm the diagnosis. The most important differential diagnosis is choroidal osteoma, others are choroidal metastasis, choroidal amelanotic naevus and choroiditis. The early diagnosis of a sclerochoroidal calcification is important to avoid all the implications for the patient to which a misdiagnosis can lead.     

A case of pulmonary tuberculosis presenting with a choroidal tuberculoma

A 17-year-old woman was referred because of a choroidal mass, with marked decrease in vision, in her left eye. Her medical history was negative. However, preliminary examination revealed a positive skin tuberculin test (PPD) and a chest x-ray picture of pulmonary tuberculosis. Bronchoscopy documented the diagnosis. Findings of other systemic investigations were negative. Fluorescein angiographic findings were compatible with the clinical diagnosis of a choroidal tuberculoma. A regimen of antituberculous medications was started, and both the choroidal and the pulmonary lesions gradually subsided. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of nonmiliary tuberculosis that presented solely with a choroidal lesion.     

Choroidal vascular lesions identified by ICG angiography in a case of familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy

BACKGROUND: To describe a patient with familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP) whose choroidal vascular lesions were demonstrated dynamically with the use of indocyanine green (ICG) angiography. CASE: A 59-year-old man complained of blurred vision due to vitreal amyloidosis in both eyes. Fundus examination after pars plana vitrectomy showed multiple retinal hemorrhages. OBSERVATIONS: ICG angiography performed after vitrectomy clearly delineated multiple sites of hyperfluorescence indicating tissue staining alongside the major choroidal veins in the lower fundus of his left eye. ICG hyperfluorescence was more evident in the late angiographic phase. Fundus examination and fluorescein angiography revealed no abnormal findings at the corresponding sites of ICG dye leakage. CONCLUSIONS: Choroidal vascular lesions in eyes with FAP were demonstrated in vivo using ICG angiography for the first time. ICG angiography may be very beneficial to evaluate occult choroidal involvement in patients with FAP.     

Vitreoretinal morphology in active ocular toxoplasmosis: a prospective study by optical coherence tomography

AIM: To investigate the third generation optical coherence tomography (OCT3) findings in patients with active ocular toxoplasmosis. METHODS: A prospective observational case series, including 15 patients with active ocular toxoplasmosis in at least one eye evaluated at a single centre. Vitreoretinal morphological features at baseline and changes within a 24-week follow-up interval on OCT3 were evaluated. RESULTS: The active ocular toxoplasmosis lesion was classified clinically as punctate (n = 6), focal (n = 6) or satellite (n = 3). Retinal layers were hyper-reflective at the active lesion site, and some degree of retinal pigment epithelium-choriocapillaris/choroidal optical shadowing was seen in all patients. In general, the retina was thinned at the active lesion site in eyes with punctate lesions and thickened in eyes with focal and satellite lesions. When detected by OCT3, the posterior hyaloid appeared thickened. While focally detached over punctate lesions, the posterior hyaloid was partially detached, but still attached to the lesion in focal and satellite lesions. Additional findings (not detected on clinical examination) include diffuse macular oedema (n = 6), vitreomacular traction (n = 3) and maculoschisis (n = 1). During follow-up, a decrease in retinal thickness and focal choriocapillaris/choroidal relative hyper-reflectivity were observed at the former lesion site, and posterior vitreous detachment progressed/occurred in all patients. CONCLUSION: OCT3 enabled identification of morphological features underestimated on clinical examination in patients with ocular toxoplasmosis, which may expand the clinical spectrum of the disease. Further studies are needed to verify the relevance of OCT3 in assisting with the diagnosis and management of ocular toxoplasmosis.     

Clinical characteristics of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in Chinese patients

Purpose

To describe the clinical characteristics of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) in a large number of Chinese patients.

Methods

This study enrolled 204 consecutive patients (246 eyes) in our department who were diagnosed as having polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy PCV. Patients underwent ophthalmologic examinations including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) testing, ophthalmoscopy, fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, and optic coherence tomography.

Results

Mean patient age was 66.1?years and 60.3% were men. Of the cases, 79.4% were unilateral and 51.2% of BCVA was less than 35 letters. In 171 eyes (69.5%), polypoidal lesions were located in the macula area. Among them, polypoidal lesions were located in the foveal area in 29 eyes (11.8%), in the parafoveal area in 50 eyes (20.3%), and in the extrafoveal area in 88 eyes (35.8%), in both the foveal and parafoveal area in three eyes (1.2%), and in both the parafoveal and extrafoveal area in one eye (0.4%). In 37 eyes (15.0%), PCV lesions were under the temporal retinal vascular arcade; in 11 eyes (4.5%), PCV lesions were found peripapillary. PCV lesion formation was single in 88 eyes (35.8%), cluster in 145 eyes (59.0%), string in two eyes (0.8%), and branch in two eyes (0.8%). In nine eyes (3.6%), the formation of PCV lesions showed both single and cluster shape in the same eye. There were 54.5% with drusen, 44.7% with serous PED, 20.7% with hemorrhagic PED, and 39.0% with neuroretinal detachment.

Conclusions

The majority of Chinese PCV patients were male, unilateral, and showed macular polyps. Drusen, serous PED, hemorrhagic PED, and neuroretinal detachment on OCT were commonly seen.     

Choroidal Nevus in an Eye with Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy

Purpose

To report an eye with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and a choroidal nevus.

Methods

This is an observational case report.

Results

A healthy 69-year-old woman was referred to the Osaka University Hospital with a diagnosis of a macular tumor. She complained of having distorted vision in her left eye. The medical history of the patient was unremarkable. At the initial examination, her best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/20 in both eyes, and the intraocular pressure was 18 mm Hg in both eyes. A slit-lamp examination showed no abnormalities in the anterior segment of both eyes and a fundus examination of the left eye showed a slightly elevated juxtafoveal chorioretinal lesion and polyp-like reddish-orange lesions. The juxtafoveal choroidal lesion was located beneath a choroidal neovascularization (CNV). An optical coherence tomography confirmed CNV with pigment epithelial detachment (PED). Fluorescein angiography showed juxtafoveal hyperfluorescence due to CNV. Indocyanine green angiography demonstrated a branching choroidal vascular network that resembled polypoidal lesions. A fundus autofluorescence showed a mosaic pattern and a slight hyperautofluorescence at the CNV. We diagnosed the patient as having PCV. Aflibercept was injected intravitreally because of her PED. After the injection, PED improved and her visual acuity remained stable during the 12-month follow-up period.

Conclusions

In cases of PCV, FAF images are helpful in determining the status of the posterior pole. Intravitreal injections of aflibercept can improve PED associated with CNV, and the BCVA will remain stable for at least 12 months.Key words: Aflibercept, Autofluorescence, Choroidal nevus, Pigment epithelial detachment, Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy     

Subtype lesions of neovascular age-related macular degeneration in Chinese patients

Purpose To identify the subtype frequency and clinical features of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in Chinese patients. Methods From January 2003 to August 2006, we investigated prospectively 155 newly diagnosed patients with presumed neovascular AMD. Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) were performed in both eyes of all patients. Subtype frequency and clinical features were recorded according to their angiograms. Results Three subtypes of lesion were noted, which were polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) and mixed lesions. Of the 155 patients, 105 (67.7%) had choroidal neovascularization (CNV) of the typical type seen in AMD, 38 (24.5%) had PCV and seven (4.5%) had RAP. In five (3.2%) additional cases, mixed lesions were noted. In 38 cases (47 eyes) with PCV, the rates of subfoveal, juxtafoveal and extrafoveal lesion were respectively 29.8% (14 eyes), 8.5% (four eyes), and 61.7% (29 eyes), compared with 75.6%, 14.6% and 9.8% for CNV lesion (P < 0.01). The percentage of subfoveal lesion in PCV group was significantly lower than that in the CNV group (P < 0.01). The location of the RAP lesion was subfoveal in two (28.6%) eyes, juxtafoveal in three (42.9%) eyes and extrafoveal in two (28.6%) eyes. The five eyes with mixed lesions were all PCV coexisting with CNV at the same eye, and in all of the five cases, CNV was subfoveal while PCV was extrafoveal. Conclusions In this hospital-based study, PCV accounts for 24.5% of neovascular AMD and is the most common subtype, RAP is less frequent (4.5%), and mixed lesions are much less common in Chinese patients. PCV is least likely to involve the fovea in neovascular AMD. The authors have no proprietary interest. This study was supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province (grant no. 04009333) and the Research Fund of Guangdong Bureau of Chinese Medicine (grant no.20030086).     

Transpupillary thermotherapy for small choroidal melanoma.

PURPOSE: To report the treatment of small choroidal melanoma with transpupillary thermotherapy. METHODS: We examined a nonrandomized and uncontrolled series of 14 eyes of 14 patients who were followed up with serial ophthalmoscopy, ultrasonography, and photography. Transpupillary thermotherapy was performed upon documented evidence of tumor growth. RESULTS: After transpupillary thermotherapy, mean follow-up +/- SD was 16 +/- 6.41 months (range, 7 to 28 months) with 10 eyes followed up for at least 1 year. The mean preoperative tumor height was 1.79 +/- 0.59 mm (range, 0.78 to 2.60 mm). Six months after treatment, the mean height was 0.54 mm +/- 0.57 mm (range, 0.00 to 1.16 mm). In 10 eyes, the treated lesion flattened entirely with a mean interval between treatment and flattening of 8.7 months (range, 3 to 21 months). Three patients required retreatment for lack of regression or recurrent growth. The average time to retreatment was 11 months (range, 5 to 15 months). No eye was retreated more than once. There were three amelanotic lesions, all treated in a single session without recurrence. Complications consisted of retinal hemorrhage, retinal vascular occlusion, retinal traction, exudative serous neurosensory detachment, vitreitis, and postoperative pain. The sole treatment failure occurred in an eye treated with a juxtapapillary tumor, with recurrence developing from a previously flattened lesion. This eye was enucleated 10 months after the single initial treatment. At the time of writing, there had been no tumor-related death. CONCLUSIONS: Transpupillary thermotherapy may represent a viable treatment alternative for both pigmented and amelanotic small choroidal melanoma. Diligent follow-up is axiomatic because retreatment may be necessary. Recurrent tumors may develop from flat lesions. Juxtapapillary tumors may be at higher risk for recurrence. Definitive statements regarding the role of transpupillary thermotherapy in the management of small choroidal melanoma await 5-year and 10-year morbidity and mortality data.     

Surgical occlusion of 2 vorticose veins in the treatment of decompensated senile macular degeneration

Surgical occlusion of two vortex veins was carried out on 9 eyes of 9 patients with complications associated with senile macular degeneration. 5 eyes had avascular detachment of the retinal pigment epithelium; 4 eyes had a disciform macular lesion with choroidal neo-vessels. The follow-up varies from 3 months to 2 years (average 10 months). At the end of the follow-up period the visual acuity was the same or better in the 5 eyes with a vascular detachment of the pigment epithelium. Metamorphopsia regressed in all eyes. Pigment epithelium detachment in 3 eyes, which happened 1 month to 3 months postoperatively, incomplete flattening of the pigment epithelium detachment in 1 eye and no modification in 1 eye. In the 4 eyes with choroidal neo-vessels the course of the disease was not modified.