Photodynamic therapy in retinal angiomatous proliferations

PURPOSE: In age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) angiomatous proliferation can progress from the retina into the subretinal space. Retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) can be diagnosed by angiographic findings and optical coherence tomography (OCT). We investigated the outcome of photodynamic therapy in patients with RAP. METHODS: 14 patients with ARMD and RAP were retrospectively analysed using a standardised protocol. The protocol included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), ophthalmoscopy, OCT examination, fundus photography and fluorescein angiography (FAG). In a masked fashion the OCT and angiographic findings were independently graded in 3 stages (RAP I: intraretinal neovascularisation, RAP II: subretinal neovascularisation with a retinal-retinal anastomosis or subretinal neovascularisation with a serous pigment epithelial detachment, RAP III: choroidal neovascularisation with vascularised pigment epithelial detachment and retinal-choroidal anastomosis). 15 eyes of these 14 patients were evaluated pre- and post-PDT with the standardised protocol and the data statistically analysed. RESULTS: The age ranged from 58 to 90 years (median 76 years). In 15 eyes of 14 patients with RAP a PDT was performed. 6 of these 15 PDT cases were successfully treated and gained >or= 2 lines (dry macula), 3 eyes with RAP I and 3 with RAP II. 4 eyes stablilised with +/-1 line (persistent macular oedema) under PDT with 2 RAP I, 1 RAP II and 1 RAP III. 5 eyes showed a deterioration with loss of >or= 2 lines (increasing macula oedema) with 2 RAP I and 3 RAP III. The median BCVA was pre-PDT in the successful cases 0.3, post-PDT 0.6, in the stable cases pre-PDT 0.2, post-PDT 0.2 and in the deterioration group pre-PDT 0.4 and post-PDT 0.01. CONCLUSIONS: According to our study PDT might be helpful in the treatment of RAP stages I and II in selected cases in ARMD patients. Further prospective studies are required to investigate the outcome of PDT in RAP.     

Photodynamic therapy for retinal angiomatous proliferations and pigment epithelium detachment

PURPOSE: To evaluate results of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin for subfoveal neovascular age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) with retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) and pigment epithelial detachment (PED). DESIGN: Interventional case series. METHODS: Thirteen eyes (11 stage 2 and 2 stage 3 RAP) underwent PDT. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fluorescein and indocyanine-green angiography were performed to evaluate the outcome. RESULTS: After 13.5 +/- 2.5 months and 1.7 +/- 0.4 treatments, mean BCVA decreased from 20/73 to 20/174 (P = .04). Occlusion of RAP and flattening of PED was observed in three eyes, and persistence of PED in six. Two eyes deteriorated to disciform lesions, one developed hemorrhagic PED, and one evolved toward stage 3 RAP. Three eyes, with PED exceeding 50% of the entire lesion, developed retinal pigment epithelium tear. CONCLUSIONS: PDT might prove effective for neovascular ARMD with RAP and small PED, whereas it might cause acute retinal pigment epithelium tear for RAP with PED exceeding 50% of the lesion.     

Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin for retinal angiomatous proliferation

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of photodynamic therapy (PDT), using verteporfin, for subfoveal neovascular age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) with retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) with pigment epithelial detachment (PED) and/or choroidal neovascularization (CNV).Methods In this non-comparative, consecutive, interventional, case series, the data on 21 eyes (19 with stage 2 and two with stage 3 RAP) of 20 patients were reviewed. Serous PED occupied more than 50% of the lesion in 19 eyes. PDT was performed as per TAP protocol. Biomicroscopy and fluorescein and indocyanine-green angiography were performed to evaluate anatomical results and need for retreatment. Changes from baseline in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and complications, were assessed.Results A mean of 3.5±0.9 treatments was performed. After 13.7±2.2 months, mean BCVA decreased from 20/80 to 20/174 (P=0.0063). In six eyes (28.6%) BCVA remained stable, whereas in 15 eyes (71.5%) it decreased. Occlusion of RAP and flattening of PED was observed in three (14.2%) eyes, conversion to disciform lesion in one (4.7%), and persistence of PED in 11 eyes (52.3%). One eye (4.7%) evolved to haemorrhagic PED, and one (4.7%) toward stage 3 RAP. A tear in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) was observed in four eyes (19%). Eleven (52.3%) showed progression of leakage, six moderate leakage (28.6%), and three (14.2%) absence of leakage.Conclusions Timely PDT with verteporfin in the early stages in eyes with smaller lesions has the potential for a beneficial effect on vision, whereas it might worsen the natural course of larger lesions, with most eyes undergoing enlargement, disciform transformation or RPE tear.Presented in part as a paper at the American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting, Anaheim, California, 15–18 November 2003The authors have no financial interest in this study     

Combined surgical ablation and intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide for retinal angiomatous proliferation

PURPOSE: Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) with retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) has a poor natural history and the efficacy of any treatment has not yet been established. The authors describe a combined surgical treatment. METHODS: A 76-year-old woman presented with a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/600 in the right eye and macula with stage 3 RAP as identified by fluorescein angiography (FA), indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), and optical coherence tomography (OCT). After a standard three-port pars plana core vitrectomy (PPV), endodiathermy of the arteriolar and venous feeder vessels of each lesion was performed, intraretinal RAP feeder vessels were cut with manual vertical intraocular scissors, and 0.1 mL of triamcinolone acetonide (TAAC) was injected intravitreally. At 1 and 4 weeks and at the sixth month, the patient underwent a complete eye examination, FA, ICGA, and OCT to assess outcomes and complications. RESULTS: Six months later, BCVA was stable at 20/300, intraocular pressure was 15 mmHg, anterior segment and vitreous cavity were clear without evidence of TAAC granules, and retina was attached. FA and ICGA showed a complete occlusion of the RAP and absence of leakage or ischemia and OCT demonstrated decreased macular thickness with resolution of both intraretinal edema and pigment epithelium detachment, and the restoration of the normal macular profile. At the end of follow-up, the authors did not observe any ocular or systemic complication. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical approach to RAP stage 3 with intravitreal injection of 4 mg of TAAC was safe and anatomically effective.     

Retinal angiomatous proliferation in age-related macular degeneration

BACKGROUND: It is known that choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) may erode through the retinal pigment epithelium, infiltrate the neurosensory retina, and communicate with the retinal circulation in what has been referred to as a retinal-choroidal anastomosis (RCA). This is extremely common in the end stage of disciform disease. In recent years, the reverse also seems to be possible, as angiomatous proliferation originates from the retina and extends posteriorly into the subretinal space, eventually communicating in some cases with choroidal new vessels. This form of neovascular ARMD, termed retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) in this article, can be confused with CNV. PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is 1) to review the clinical and angiographic characteristics of a series of patients with RAP and 2) to propose a theoretical sequence of events that accounts for the neovascularized process. METHODS: In this retrospective clinical and angiographic analysis, 143 eyes with RAP (108 patients) were reviewed and classified based on their vasogenic nature and course. Clinical biomicroscopic examination, fluorescein angiography, and indocyanine green angiography were used to evaluate patients. RESULTS: The results of this series suggest that angiomatous proliferation within the retina is the first manifestation of the vasogenic process in this form of neovascular ARMD. Dilated retinal vessels and pre-, intra-, and subretinal hemorrhages and exudate evolve, surrounding the angiomatous proliferation as the process extends into the deep retina and subretinal space. One or more dilated compensatory retinal vessels perfuse and drain the neovascularization, sometimes forming a retinal-retinal anastomosis. Fluorescein angiography in these patients usually revealed indistinct staining simulating occult CNV. Indocyanine green angiography was useful to make an accurate diagnosis in most cases. It revealed a focal area of intense hyperfluorescence corresponding to the neovascularization ("hot spot") and other characteristic findings. Based on understanding of the nature and progression of the neovascularized process, patients with RAP were classified into three vasogenic stages. Stage I involved proliferation of intraretinal capillaries originating from the deep retinal complex (intraretinal neovascularization [IRN]). Stage II was determined by growth of the retinal vessels into the subretinal space (subretinal neovascularization [SRN]). Stage III occurred when CNV could clearly be determined clinically or angiographically. A vascularized pigment epithelial detachment and RCA were inconsistent features of this stage. CONCLUSIONS: Retinal angiomatous proliferation appears to be a distinct subgroup of neovascular ARMD. It may present in one of three vasogenic stages: IRN, SRN, or CNV. Whereas ICG angiography is helpful in diagnosing RAP and in documenting the stage of the neovascularized process, it is frequently difficult to determine the precise nature and location of the new vessel formation. It is important for clinicians to recognize the vasogenic potential and the associated manifestations of this peculiar form of neovascular ARMD so that a proper diagnosis can be made, and when possible, an appropriate management administered.     

The nature and frequency of neovascular age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the frequency and nature of neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) utilizing the combination of digital imaging techniques, fluorescein angiography (FA), indocyanine green (ICG) angiography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS: A complete clinical examination was performed on 100 eyes of 93 consecutive newly diagnosed patients with neovascular ARMD. Digital fluorescein angiography, ICG angiography, and OCT were also used in evaluating those patients. Comparison of the imaging techniques to determine their value in studying the nature of the lesions. RESULTS: On the basis of existing fluorescein standards, 15 eyes were diagnosed with classic choroidal neovascularization (CNV), 15 with minimally classic CNV, and 70 with occult CNV. ICG angiography was superior for detecting the active vascular component in polypoidal CNV (16 eyes) and retinal angiomatous proliferation (14 eyes). OCT was more sensitive than FA for determining the presence of cystoid macular edema evident in the vast majority of eyes with retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that FA, ICG angiography, and OCT, when used in combination, will assist clinicians in best determining the precise nature of the neovascular process in ARMD.     

Clinicopathological findings of retinal angiomatous proliferation

Background Neovascular membranes obtained from surgical excision of neovascularization for retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) were examined histopathologically in an attempt to elucidate the pathogenic mechanism of RAP. Methods Nine eyes of eight patients (mean age, 79±6 years) who underwent neovascularization excision were studied. Three eyes had stage II with RPE detachment, six had stage III. Immunohistochemical studies were performed to identify von Willebrand factor, vascular endothelial factor (VEGF), CD68 and hypoxia inducible factors (HIF-1 alpha and HIF-2 alpha). Results Multiple soft drusen were present in the macular area in all patients. In one stage II eye, we observed intraretinal neovascularization as a VEGF-positive mass, CD68-positive macrophage migration and HIF expression. In another stage II eye, neovascularization had extended above the RPE, while VEGF-positive fibroblasts were observed below the RPE. Therefore, in stage II, neither angiographic nor histopathological examinations identified choroidal neovascularization. In one phase III eye, angiography demonstrated choroidal neovascularization and chorioretinal anastomosis. Histopathologically, chorio-retinal communication was observed in the region where the RPE was destroyed, and VEGF-positive neovascularization was also seen below the RPE. Conclusions The findings of multiple drusen in elderly patients together with macrophage migration and HIF expression surrounding VEGF-positive retinal neovascularization suggest ischemic and inflammatory factors to be associated with the development and progression of RAP.     

Predictors of drusen reduction after subthreshold infrared (810 nm) diode laser macular grid photocoagulation for nonexudative age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE: To determine the predictors of drusen reduction in eyes with nonexudative age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) treated with subthreshold infrared (810 nm) diode laser macular grid photocoagulation. Additionally, to determine the relationship of laser-induced drusen reduction and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) 18 months after laser treatment.DESIGN: Randomized controlled clinical trial.METHODS: Fifty patients (100 eyes) with bilateral nonexudative ARMD were enrolled at two centers. One eye of each patient was randomized to the observation; the other eye was treated with 48 subthreshold (invisible end point) applications of infrared (810 nm) diode laser in a macular grid pattern. The eyes that received subthreshold laser treatment were compared with the eyes that received no treatment. The baseline fundus characteristics (number, size, and distribution of drusen, as well as focal hyperpigmentation) from two macula areas (central 1500 micro diameter, pericentral 1500 micro ring area) on stereo color photographs, the number of laser-induced lesions, and the area of laser induced retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) lesions on fluorescein angiography 3 months after treatment were studied as predictors of major drusen reduction (> or = 50% drusen reduction from baseline) 18 months after laser treatment. BCVA at baseline and 18 months later was compared in observation eyes and in laser-treated eyes.RESULTS: Eighteen months after randomization, 24 (48%) of 50 eyes treated with subthreshold laser had major drusen reduction compared with three (6%) of 50 observation eyes (P =.00001). At 3 months post-treatment in laser-treated eyes with major drusen reduction, the mean number of laser-induced lesions on fluorescein angiography was 30.7 and the mean area of RPE change was 0.81 mm(2) compared with 14.8 laser-induced lesions and 0.35 mm(2) area of RPE change in eyes without major drusen reduction (P =.0001 and P =.0003, respectively). At baseline, fundus characteristics were not significantly different between observation eyes and laser-treated eyes or between the major drusen reduction group and the nonmajor drusen reduction group. At 18 months after treatment, BCVA was not significantly different in laser-treated eyes and in observation eyes.CONCLUSIONS: Subthreshold infrared (810 nm) diode laser macular grid photocoagulation in eyes with nonexudative ARMD significantly reduced drusen 18 months after laser treatment. Both the number of subthreshold laser lesions and the area of RPE changes visible on fluorescein angiography 3 months after treatment appeared to be predictors for major drusen reduction 18 months after treatment. However, it remains to be determined whether laser-induced drusen reduction is beneficial for visual acuity or reduces the incidence of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in eyes with nonexudative ARMD.     

糖尿病性黄斑水肿的FFA与OCT的应用对比

目的:探讨糖尿病性黄斑水肿FFA与OCT的应用及其相互关系。方法:对70例135眼糖尿病性黄斑水肿患者行中心视力、最佳矫正视力、眼压、直接检眼镜、裂隙灯显微镜联合+90D前置镜散瞳眼底检查、散瞳眼底彩色照相、相干光断层扫描(OCT)、荧光素眼底血管造影(FFA)检查,并将相干光断层扫描和荧光素眼底血管造影结果比较分析。结果:轻度水肿时,FFA表现异常56眼,OCT表现异常68眼(P=0.0009);FFA表现正常12眼中,其OCT检查有10眼为海绵样改变;FFA表现为囊样型的,其OCT表现为囊样型占46.7%。结论:FFA,OCT联合应用于诊断糖尿病性黄斑水肿,而OCT作为临床随访DME是必不可少的检查手段,早期应用有优势。     

Correlation between intraretinal changes in diabetic macular oedema seen in fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography

Purpose: To study the relationship between intraretinal optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography (FA) findings in eyes with diabetic macular oedema (DMO). Methods: We carried out a retrospective observational case series. Thirty eyes with previously untreated DMO underwent FA and OCT. The same ETDRS template was overlaid on the FA images in order to compare OCT and FA. Transfoveal linear high‐resolution OCT scans (at the 0‐ and 90‐degree meridians) and FA pictures were compared according to the ETDRS rings. Results: Six distinct patterns of intraretinal changes in OCT correlated with changes in FA: (a) focal angiographic leakage did not correspond to any obvious intraretinal abnormality in OCT in four eyes; (b) localized thickening of the outer nuclear layer in OCT corresponded to focal leaking microaneurysm (focal oedema) in FA in 11 eyes; (c) diffuse thickening of the outer nuclear layer in OCT corresponded to diffuse angiographic leakage in 21 eyes; (d) cystoid expansion of the outer nuclear layer was found in seven eyes with a petaloid angiographic pattern of leakage; (e) cystoid expansion of the inner nuclear layer was found in relation to honeycomb angiographic oedema in five eyes, and (f) serous detachment of the fovea in OCT did not correspond to any distinct finding in FA in four eyes. Conclusions: Intraretinal abnormalities found in OCT correlate systemically with changes in FA. Very early DMO morphological changes may be seen better with FA than with OCT. Serous detachment of the fovea is seen in OCT, but not in FA. The combination of OCT and FA is useful in facilitating understanding of the pathophysiological changes that occur in DMO.     

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiomatous prolifieration (RAP) in retinal

PURPOSE: To verify the utility of optical coherence tomography (OCT) for diagnosing retinal angiomatous proliferations (RAP) in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: Multiple cross-sections were taken with OCT from 41 eyes of 39 consecutive patients with AMD and RAP. The presence and the location of the angiomatous complexes had already been documented by fluorescein angiography (FA) and high-speed confocal indocyanine green videoangiography (ICGA). RESULTS: RAP was detectable by OCT scans in all 41 eyes, appearing as a focal hyper-reflecting area in the neuroretinal layers; it was frequently located close to the inner surface of the retinal pigment epithelium (29 eyes [70. 7%]). All eyes had either no or only a low-reflecting OCTsignal surrounding the RAP, caused by serous intraretinal edema. Only 13 eyes (31.7%), however, had large serous retinal detachment (SRD). OCT detected pigment epithelium detachment in 31 eyes (75.6%), but none had underlying choroidal neovascularization. CONCLUSIONS: OCT findings confirm the intraretinal localization of the RAP which are always associated with impressive exudative phenomena. OCT is therefore a useful diagnostic tool, adding information to FA and high-speed ICGA.     

Intravitreal bevacizumab (avastin) treatment of retinal angiomatous proliferation

PURPOSE: To report our short-term experience with intravitreal bevacizumab treatment of retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: A retrospective, interventional case series was performed that included 13 patients who received intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (1.25 mg) for treatment of RAP and completed 12 weeks of follow-up. Ophthalmic assessment included determination of best-corrected Snellen visual acuity (BCVA), complete ocular examination, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Injections were repeated if no further improvement or worsening was observed after an initial favorable functional and/or anatomical response. Main outcome measures were BCVA and central macular thickness (CMT) measured by OCT. RESULTS: Twelve eyes (92.3%) had stable or improved BCVA, and 8 eyes (61.5%) had at least 2 lines of vision improvement. The average BCVA improved from 20/203 at baseline to 20/113 at 12 weeks (P = 0.001). Average CMT improved from 369 mum at baseline to 216 microm (P = 0.016) and 315 microm (P = 0.020) at 8 weeks and 12 weeks, respectively. Six eyes underwent fluorescein angiography at the 12-week follow-up visit; 3 (50%) of these eyes had decreased leakage compared with baseline. Both stabilization of vision and improved CMT were maintained for at least 8 weeks after a single injection in almost all eyes. No significant side effects were observed. CONCLUSION: These short-term data suggest that bevacizumab is a viable treatment option for RAP in AMD. The initial treatment effect appears to be maintained for at least 8 weeks.     

Correlation of optical coherence tomography with angiography in retinal pigment epithelial detachment associated with age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE: To correlate optical coherence tomography (OCT) with angiographic signs of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in retinal pigment epithelial detachment (PED) associated with age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). METHODS: Prospectively, the authors performed OCT in 35 eyes of 35 patients (30 men and 5 women with a mean age of 71.6 years [range, 56-76 years]) with ARMD. All 35 eyes had CNV in the area of PED or adjacent to it, which was shown by fluorescein or indocyanine green angiography. Cross-sectional images were obtained by the OCT scanning line through the CNV and PED. RESULTS: In 10 (56%) of 18 eyes in which the CNV was at the margin of the PED, a small PED was adjacent to the central, dome-shaped PED. There was a notch between the central and small mounds of PED. In 13 (76%) of 17 eyes in which the CNV was within the PED, a notch was seen in the dome-shaped PED, resulting in a contour with 2 mounds. One of the 2 mounds contained a highly reflective mass immediately beneath the detached retinal pigment epithelium in 8 (62%) of the 13 eyes. CONCLUSION: A tomographic notch in the PED may be diagnostically important as an indication of CNV beneath the detached retinal pigment epithelium in eyes with ARMD.     

Anomalous vitreoretinal adhesions in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration: an OCT study

PURPOSE: To analyze the relationship between the retina and the vitreous in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). METHODS: Consecutive patients with exudative ARMD, proven by fluorescein angiography, were recruited. Fundus biomicroscopic examination, color and re d - f ree fundus photographs, and serial scans of the macular region using optical coherence tomography (OCT3, Carl Zeiss) were performed before and after photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin (Visudyne, Novartis Ophthalmics). Vitreoretinal relationships have been described and compared with fundus photographs and data of fundus biomicroscopy examination. RESULTS: Sixty-six eyes of 52 consecutive patients (33 women, 19 men; mean age 75 years, range 64 to 89 years) with exudative ARMD were studied. Analysis of serial OCT scans showed that 13 eyes (20%) did not present any visible vitreous structures. Two eyes (3%) had the appearance of a complete posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). Fifty-one eyes (77%) exhibited some abnormalities of the vitre o retinal interface including 12 eyes with epiretinal membrane and retinal thickening and distortion. Among the 39 eyes examined before and after PDT with Visudyne, only 3 eyes developed a partial vitreous detachment and 1 eye progressed to a complete PVD. CONCLUSIONS: Eyes with exudative ARMD exhibit a high prevalence of abnormalities of the vitreoretinal interface similar to that observed in many chronic inflammatory diseases. PDT with verteporfin does not modify the observed vitre o retinal adhesions.     

The nature of focal areas of hyperfluorescence or hot spots imaged with indocyanine green angiography

PURPOSE: To clarify the frequency and nature of ICG angiographic "hot spots" seen in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). METHODS: A consecutive series of newly diagnosed patients with neovascular ARMD and fluorescein angiographic evidence of occult choroidal neovascularization (occult CNV) was imaged with ICG angiography. Eyes with ICG angiographic "hot spots" were identified and further classified. A hot spot was defined as any area of abnormal hyperfluorescence, in the mid to late stages of ICG angiography, measuring less than 1 disk area in size. RESULTS: From a total of 190 patients (220 eyes) with neovascular ARMD, 30 patients and 34 eyes (16%) with hot spots were identified. Hot spots were noted to be of three distinct patterns: polypoidal choroidal neovascularization (polypoidal CNV) in 21 of 34 eyes, or 62%; retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) in 11 of 34 eyes, or 30%; and focal occult CNV in 2 of 34 eyes, or 8%. CONCLUSIONS: A focal area of intense hyperfluorescence or so-called hot spot seen on ICG angiography in neovascular ARMD is due to one of three possible forms of neovascularization: most frequently polypoidal CNV, less commonly RAP, and infrequently nonspecific, focal occult CNV. Since neovascular ARMD may be caused by different types of neovascularization, each with distinct clinical manifestations, natural course, visual prognosis, and response to treatment, it is important to identify the precise nature of hot spots to establish an accurate diagnosis and, when appropriate, a specific form of management.     

Topographic angiography and optical coherence tomography: a correlation of imaging characteristics

PURPOSE: Topographic angiography (TAG) using confocal scanning laser angiography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) are new imaging modalities that have been introduced during recent years. OCT and TAG imaging were compared to specify the characteristics of each imaging modality. METHODS: TAG using fluorescein angiography (FA) provides a three-dimensional profile of the vascular structures based on the analysis of a set of 32 confocal images over a depth of 4 mm. OCT provides cross-sectional images of the neurosensory retina and the retinal pigment epithelium-choriocapillary complex (RPE-CC). The authors compared and evaluated both modalities in 10 patients with predominantly classic choroidal neovascularization (CNV), 10 patients with serous pigment epithelial detachment (PED), and 10 patients with geographic RPE atrophy, all secondary to age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). RESULTS: In patients with classic CNV, TAG detected neovascular structures and delineated their configuration. In PEDs pooling of extravascular fluid is demonstrated, and in geographic RPE atrophy TAG showed reduced choroidal perfusion. Classic CNV was demonstrated by OCT as a hyperreflective band at the level of the RPE-CC, and PED showed a dome-shaped RPE detachment. In geographic RPE atrophy, OCT imaged loss of the RPE band and had an increased depth resolution. CONCLUSIONS: TAG and OCT are useful imaging modalities in the evaluation of ARMD cases. TAG visualizes the vascular configuration and dynamic perfusion and leakage changes. OCT is able to document intra-, subretinal, and sub-RPE fluid accumulation secondary to CNV. Both modalities may provide further valuable insight into ARMD pathogenesis, enhance diagnostic quality, and improve the assessment of therapeutic effects.     

特发性黄斑裂孔患者玻璃体后脱离的相干光断层成像特征

目的 观察特发性黄斑裂孔患者玻璃体后脱离的相干光断层成像（optical coherence tomography,OCT)特征,探讨裂孔的发生与玻璃体后脱离间的关系。方法 对临床确诊的特发性黄斑裂孔患者193例（223只眼）进行OCT检查,分析其玻璃体后脱离的发生及发展。结果 按Gass分期标准,I-Ⅳ期裂孔分别为21,74,97有31只眼,在Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ期裂孔眼中,OCT图像显示玻璃体与视网膜分离者分别有15（71．4％）,38（51．4％）及46只眼（47．4％）。其表现形式有3种：（1）黄斑中心凹周围视网膜与玻璃体发生分离,但中心凹部相连,此处视网膜神经上皮层被牵起,层间出现囊腔;（2）玻璃体附着于未完全游离的视网膜裂孔盖处,使盖膜牵引上翘;（3）玻璃体完全与后极部视网膜分离,表现可见与其平行的玻璃体后介膜。这3种表现形式分别于Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ期裂孔。在随诊的部分患眼中,OCT图像显示出I期进展至Ⅲ期裂孔的过程,并见玻璃体后脱离的裂孔自行愈合现象。在组合的OCT图像中,显示黄斑中心凹部与视乳头和颞侧视网膜之间脱离的玻璃体事 于现凹隆圆顶盖样图形。结论 OCT检测结果证实玻璃体与黄斑中心凹发生分离的过程与黄斑裂孔进展的过程相一致,提示黄斑裂孔的形成及发展与玻璃体后脱离的发生密切相关。     

Surgical excision of neovascularization in retinal angiomatous proliferation

Background We report the postoperative outcomes of surgical neovascularization excision in patients with retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP).Methods Nine eyes of eight patients with RAP who underwent surgical excision of neovascularization were studied. Surgical indications were as follows: RAP diagnosed by fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography, foveal or perifoveal neovascularization, preoperative visual acuity of 0.1 or less, Yannuzzis stage II with detachment of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) or stage III, and leakage on late-phase fluorescein angiography. After cataract surgery, vitreous surgery and neovascularization excision were conducted, followed by fluid–air or fluid–gas exchange.Results Visual acuity was 0.02–0.1 before surgery and 0.03–0.2 after surgery. Macular hole formation was seen in one eye but did not lead to retinal detachment. In two eyes, subretinal bleeding occurred during excision leading to vitreous bleeding after surgery. Although defects of the RPE and choriocapillaries were observed after surgery, the exudation and bleeding were absorbed.Conclusions In stage II RAP cases with RPE detachment, surgical excision maintains constant postoperative visual acuity but results in defects of RPE and choriocapillaris; therefore, other treatment options should be examined. Surgical excision of stage III RAP seems to be promising, as postoperative visual acuity remains stable after neovascularization removal in those advanced pathologic situations.     

Intravitreal triamcinolone and laser photocoagulation for retinal angiomatous proliferation

BACKGROUND: Recently, the entity of retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) as a subtype of exudative age-related macular degeneration was described, but no treatment options have been established as yet. The only two therapeutic modalities being discussed are surgical lysis of the feeding arteriole and draining venule, and the use of photodynamic therapy combined with intravitreal triamcinolone injection. AIM: To examine focal laser treatment of early extrafoveal intraretinal neovascularisation of RAP. METHODS: Prospective case series. We included 13 consecutive patients with an extrafoveal RAP stage I lesion. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmic examination, including fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) III before treatment and at 2 weeks, 1, 2 and 4 months afterwards. In cases with marked macular oedema (>350 mum retinal thickening in OCT III, r = 12), intravitreal injection of 4 mg triamcinolone was given before focal laser treatment to reduce the oedema. RESULTS: This case series indicates anatomical improvement or stabilisation in patients with an extrafoveal RAP lesion after treatment. Initial visual acuity ranged from 0.1 to 0.6 on the Snellen chart. By calculating logarithmic values, visual acuity was seen to be improved in five cases (2 to 5 log lines), deteriorated in four cases (-2 to 5 log lines) and stabilised in four cases (-1 to +1 log line change). Exudation on fluorescein angiography was stopped in 11 cases. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary case series suggests laser photocoagulation combined with prior intravitreal triamcinolone injection as a viable treatment option for RAP stage I. In cases with marked macular oedema, intravitreal triamcinolone injection improved visual acuity. For long-term stabilisation, additional laser treatment is mandatory. These preliminary results warrant a more detailed prospective clinical trial.