Choroidal thickness profile in Retinitis Pigmentosa – Correlation with outer retinal structures

Purpose

To compare the choroidal thickness (CT) of subjects with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) with age-matched healthy subjects and to correlate the visual acuity with retinal parameters including central macular thickness (CMT), inner segment/outer segment junction (IS/OS junction) integrity, external limiting membrane (ELM) integrity and choroidal thickness in subjects with RP.

Methods

Eighty-eight eyes (69 patients) with typical RP and 188 eyes of 104 healthy subjects were enrolled between September 2012 and January 2013.All subjects underwent a comprehensive ocular examination including choroidal imaging using enhanced depth imaging with spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Outcome measures were CT difference between RP and age-matched healthy subjects; and correlation of various factors such CMT, IS/OS junction integrity, ELM integrity, and CT with visual acuity.

Results

Among RP subjects, mean age was 31.39 ± 13.4 years with a mean BCVA of 0.99 ± 0.94 logMAR. Mean spherical equivalent was −0.6 ± 1.6D. Mean CMT was 148.48 ± 119 μm. Mean subfoveal CT was 296.9 ± 72 μm. Mean IS/OS and ELM integrity was 42.2 ± 46.6% and 43.75 ± 45.7%, respectively. The mean age was 40.0 ± 13.5 years with a mean spherical equivalent of 0.18 ± 0.6D for the normal age-matched healthy group. Mean subfoveal CT was 283.1 ± 47.8 μm.CT at various locations in patients of various ages in the RP group did not show any statistical significant difference (P = ≫0.05) in comparison with age-matched healthy subjects. On multivariate regression, ELM percentage integrity had the strongest association with best corrected visual acuity, followed by IS/OS junction percentage integrity. Subfoveal choroidal thickness had very weak correlation with visual acuity as well other retinal parameters.There was a significant difference in the outer retinal structure integrity (p = 0.002) and CMT (p = 0.02) between the eyes with good (⩾20/200) and poor vision (<20/200), but not in subfoveal choroidal thickness (p = 0.3).

Conclusions

Our study results did not show any significant difference in choroidal thickness between subjects with RP and age-matched healthy subjects. Choroidal thickness correlated better with the age but not with the vision or outer retinal structures in eyes with RP. Outer retinal structure integrity and CMT had a better correlation with visual acuity.     

Successful treatment of blepharitis with bibrocathol (Posiformin? 2?%)

Background

Bibrocathol is a well-established antiseptic drug for the treatment of acute eyelid diseases like blepharitis. Despite its frequent use in clinical practice, no controlled clinical trial on the efficacy of bibrocathol 2% eye ointment has been performed until now. The aim of the study was to investigate efficacy, safety and tolerability of bibrocathol (Posiformin? 2?%) eye ointment in patients diagnosed with blepharitis.

Methods

In this multi-center, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled parallel-group comparison, the change of signs and symptoms (sum score) of blepharitis in 197 patients (ITT (intention-to-treat-group); mean age 56?±?18?years, 56?% female, active drug:vehicle?=?97:100) over 2?weeks treatment with bibrocathol 2?% eye ointment was evaluated.

Results

Patients receiving bibrocathol 2?% showed greater improvement in the sum score than the placebo patients (p?<?0.0001, Cohen’s effect size d?=?0.73). Also, the results from further efficacy assessments improvement of single symptoms and ocular discomfort measured by a VAS (visual analogue scale) supported treatment with bibrocathol. Patients and investigators provided favorable tolerability ratings preferring bibrocathol over placebo. No safety issues were observed with regard to intraocular pressure, visual acuity, or occurrence of adverse events.

Conclusions

Blepharitis therapy with the antiseptic bibrocathol 2?% in this trial was highly efficacious and safe.     

Comparison of UHR-OCT versus Stratus-OCT for definition of early retinal changes after intravitreal Bevacizumab (Avastin®) application in patients with AMD

PURPOSE: To investigate and demonstrate early structural changes of the retina/pigmentepithelial/choriocapillaris (RPECC) complex before and 10 ± 3 days after intravitreal application of bevacizumab (Avastin^?) in patients with neovascular age related macular degeneration (nAMD) by comparison of standard Stratus Optical Coherence Tomography (S-OCT) and Ultra High Resolution (UHR-OCT) imaging systems. METHODS: Six patients with nAMD were examined in a consecutive case series with UHR-OCT and Stratus OCT one day before and 10 ± 3 days after intravitreal application of 1.25 mg (0.125 ml) bevacizumab (Avastin^?). Maximum central retinal thickness (CRT) was measured with the retinal thickness program and calliper measuring function of S-OCT and by the measuring tool of Adobe Photoshop 5.0 in UHR-OCT pictures. RESULTS: In three of six cases residual fluid after treatment was only visible with UHR-OCT but not with the S-OCT. A decrease of maximum CRT could be shown in all cases in UHR-OCT pictures but only in half of the cases (6/3) in S-OCT pictures. In 2/6 cases vitreoretinal adhesions were demonstrable with UHR-OCT but not seen with the S-OCT, irregularities in the photoreceptor layer could be revealed clearly by UHR-OCT in 2/6 cases. CONCLUSION: After anti-VEGF treatment, UHR–OCT gives more accurate information about residual fluid and intraretinal damage than S-OCT and offers more precise measurements of maximum CRT. These factors may influence further decision of therapy and give us a better explanation and correlation with unsatisfactory visual acuities than with the S-OCT.     

Rieger anomaly with bilateral choroidal osteoma: coincidence or association?

PURPOSE: To report a case of Rieger anomaly associated with bilateral choroidal osteoma. CASE: An 18-year-old woman presented with corectopia, iridocorneal adhesions, and stromal hypoplasia of the iris, and was diagnosed with Rieger anomaly. RESULTS: Fundus examination revealed bilateral yellowish-orange, placoid degenerative fundus lesions with pseudopod-like edges associated with the areas of retinal pigment epithelium atrophy, indicating choroidal osteoma. Fundus fluorescein angiography showed bilateral early patchy and late diffuse hyperfluorescence. B-scan echography revealed placoid lesion at the posterior ocular coats characterized by localized areas of high ultrasound reflectivity with a corresponding retrobulbar orbital shadowing. This indicated a dense calcium foreign body. In addition, computed tomography of the orbit demonstrated bilateral plate-like thickening with calcification of the choroid that was isodense with the normal skeletal bone. CONCLUSIONS: Although Rieger anomaly is classically known as a disease of the anterior segment of the eye, choroidal osteoma may be a posterior segment finding of the disease that has not previously been reported.     

Primary Vitrectomy for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Associated with Choroidal Detachment

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is the main cause of the recurrence of retinal detachment after retinal reattachment surgery. Of the factors responsible for the occurrence of P VR, preoperative choroidal detachment ( CD) is probably the most important[1-3]. Conventional buckling in eyes with combinedrhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and choroidal detachment has unfavorable prognosis, including low reattachment rate and poor visual outcome. This is primarily because of the high …     

Choroidal tuberculoma in a patient with ocular Behçet disease

Behçet disease is a chronic relapsing inflammatory disease affecting many different organs. Ocular involvement is quite common in the course of Behçet disease and is frequently manifested by bilateral panuveitis and retinal vasculitis. Medications such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents are used to reduce inflammation in patients with posterior or panuveitis. Chronic immunosuppression is a risk factor for systemic infections. We report a case of choroidal tuberculoma associated with tuberculosis in a patient with ocular Behçet disease. A 25-year-old female with known ocular Behçet disease contracted tuberculosis 3 months earlier. She had been receiving methotrexate and oral steroids. Funduscopy of the left eye revealed a choroidal tuberculoma located superonasally to the optic disc. Fluorescein angiography showed a central area of hypofluorescence surrounded by a hyperfluorescent zone. Since she was already receiving antituberculosis treatment combined with oral steroids, the same treatment was continued. Diagnosis of the other diseases that may cause uveitis in patients with Behçet disease should not be missed. This is especially important since immunosuppressive drugs, that cause an increased incidence of systemic infections, are the common treatment of choice for patients with Behçet disease.     

HIV epidemiology and treatment – 1999

Potent antiretroviral treatment has led to a dramatic decrease in HIV-associated morbidity and mortality. This paper reviews (1) current recommendations for the initiation of antiretroviral therapy, (2) the natural history of HIV infection after initiation of treatment, and (3) toxicity and resistance issues.     

The effect of intravitreal bevacizumab injection as the initial treatment for Coats’ disease

Background

In Coats’ disease, the most recent development in the treatment has been the intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF agents. The purpose of this article was to evaluate the effect of intravitreal bevacizumab as the initial treatment for Coats’ disease in children and adults.

Methods

The study included 14 pediatric patients and five adult patients with Coats’ disease. They were treated with intravitreal bevacizumab (1.25 mg/0.05 ml) as the initial treatment, combined with or without other treatments. The analyses included the evaluation of basic clinical conditions.

Results

In the pediatric group, after a mean of 9.1 months of follow-up, the differences in visual acuity were significant for the comparisons between the baseline examination and the follow-up examinations carried out at weeks 6, 12, and 24 after the baseline (P?=?0.006, P?=?0.004, P?=?0.005 respectively). Vitreoretinal fibrosis was observed in three patients (n?=?3, 21.4 %), among whom two showed fibrosis before treatment. All of the pediatric patients showed a resolution of fluid and exudation, and regression of the telangiectasia. In the adult group, after a mean of 10.6 months of follow-up, the differences in visual acuity were not statistically significant (P?>?0.05) between the baseline and follow-up examinations. Vitreoretinal fibrosis (n?=?2, 40 %) was observed in two patients who both showed fibrosis before treatment. All of the adult patients showed a resolution of fluid and exudation, and regression of the telangiectasia. The differences in the change of BCVA between children and adults were not significant (P?>?0.05) during the follow-up examinations.

Conclusion

The intravitreal injection of bevacizumab as the initial treatment is associated with a measurable gain in visual acuity in patients with Coats’ disease. Resolution of the subretinal fluid and exudation, and regression of the telangiectasia were observed in both pediatric and adult patients. Vitreoretinal fibrosis may be one of the natural courses of Coats’ disease, and it remains uncertain whether bevacizumab accelerates the fibrosis phenomenon.     

Application of intravitreal dexamethasone implant combined with Conbercept in the treatment of diabetic macular edema with poor response to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy北大核心

目的对比观察地塞米松玻璃体内植入剂(IDI)早期联合康柏西普与康柏西普单药治疗在抗血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)治疗反应不佳糖尿病性黄斑水肿(DME)中的临床疗效及安全性。方法回顾性研究。2018年8月至2022年3月于云南大学附属医院检查确诊的累及黄斑中心凹的DME患者50例50眼纳入研究。患者分为康柏西普单药治疗组(单药组)及IDI早期联合康柏西普治疗组(联合组),联合组首针康柏西普治疗后2周行IDI注射,2组均在首针康柏西普治疗后1个月继续每个月1次康柏西普治疗共4次后改为2个月1次,共3次治疗至观察终点48周。采用国际标准视力表行最佳矫正视力(BCVA)检查,采用OCT仪测量同部位黄斑中心凹厚度(CMT)。对比分析两组患者患眼BCVA及CMT的变化情况。BCVA及CMT比较采用单因素方差分析。安全性指标包括:高眼压、白内障、视网膜脱离及眼内炎。结果治疗第8周,联合组患眼BCVA优于单药组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。联合组患眼在视力提升上的优势持续到第24周,48周时,联合组患眼BCVA较单药组仍较好,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。在治疗的第4周至第48周中,联合组患眼CMT均低于单药组,差异均有统计学意义(均为P<0.05)。安全性指标:联合组较单药组高眼压发生率高(24%比8%),差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),均发生于治疗后1~2个月,予抗青光眼药物治疗均得到有效控制;2组均未出现视网膜脱离及眼内炎。结论IDI早期联合康柏西普可快速缓解抗VEGF治疗反应不佳DME患眼黄斑水肿,获得更好的持续性视力改善,其效果优于康柏西普单药治疗。联合治疗需关注患者眼压增高的可能,尤其在注射后1~2个月为高峰期。     

Sturge-Weber Syndrome Associated with Early Diffuse Choroidal Hemangiaoma： A Case Report

Purpose:To report indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) findings in one patient of diffuse choroidal hemangioma associated with Struge-Weber syndrome. Methods: Color fundus photography, fluorescein angiography (FA) and ICGA were performed in a patient with diffuse choroidal hemangioma associated with Sturge-Weber syndrome, Results: Three findings were unveiled by ICGA : rapid filling of diffuse choroidal hemangio‘s vascular network in the early stages; diffuse hyperfluorescence visual up to the late phase; no “wash-out“ phenomenon was observed in the late phase. Conclusion:Indocyanine green angiography can provide information that is not detected by clinical or fluorescence angiographic examination in the patient with Sturge-Weber syndrome. ICGA may be important and sensitive in detecting the diffuse choroidal hamangioma associated with Sturge-Weber syndrome. Eye Science 2004:20:168-170     

Choroidal melanoma stage T2 higher than 6.0 mm: organ-preserving treatment with brachytherapy and transpupillary thermotherapy vs enucleation? Survival analysis

The aim of the study was to compare survival rates of patients with stage T2 choroidal melanoma (CM) with prominence more than 6.0 mm after eye-preserving treatment using Ru-106 brachytherapy (BT) combined with transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) and after primary enucleation. The main group included patients treated with BT alone or combined with simultaneous TTT. Patients with CM after primary enucleation served as control. The groups were standardized in terms of age (p = 0.063), mean prominence (p > 0.149), mean maximal base diameter (p > 0.85), number of unfavorable localized tumors (juxtapapillary and ciliochoroidal) (p = 0.246), follow-up duration (p > 0.23). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed 5 year level of metastasing after eye-preserving treatment as high as 16%, after enucleation--13% (p > 0.96). Eye-preserving treatment using BT combined with TTT in patients with CM with prominence less than 10.0 mm (T2N0M0) allows to preserve eye as an organ and to save some degree of useful visual acuity. This treatment strategy can be considered an appropriate option.