Trans-Tenon's Retrobulbar Injection of Triamcinolone Acetonide for Diffuse Diabetic Macular Edema

Purpose To determine whether a trans-Tenon's retrobulbar injection of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) is a safe and effective treatment for diffuse diabetic macular edema. Methods Thirty-nine eyes of 30 diabetic patients with persistent macular edema were treated with 20 mg of TA injection. Central macular thickness (CMT) determined by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual acuity were evaluated before the injection and at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months, and up to 1 year in some eyes, after the injection. Results The CMT decreased significantly from 478 ± 129 μm (mean ± SD) before injection to 316 ± 102 μm at 1 month, 307 ± 104 μm at 2 months, and 275 ± 89 μm at 3 months after a single injection of TA. A 20% reduction of CMT from the initial value was maintained by a single injection of TA in 27 of 39 eyes (69.2%) at 3 months, in 14 of 22 eyes (63.6%) at 6 months, and in 5 of 7 eyes at 12 months. A recurrence of macular edema was observed in 10% of the eyes at 3 months, and in 22.7% at 6 months. The 17 eyes in which vitrectomy had been carried out had a more significant improvement in CMT than the eyes without vitrectomy. Conclusion A 20-mg trans-Tenon's retrobulbar TA injection is a safe and effective treatment for diabetic macular edema. Jpn J Ophthalmol 2005;49:509–515 ? Japanese Ophthalmological Society 2005     

Triamcinolone acetonide with vitrectomy for treatment of macular edema associated with branch retinal vein occlusion

PURPOSE: To review the efficacy of a combination of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injection and pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for the treatment of macular edema associated with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). METHODS: Seventeen eyes with macular edema associated with BRVO underwent PPV with an intraoperative injection of TA (10 mg) into the vitreous cavity. Residual or recurrent macular edema was treated with postoperative sub-Tenon capsule injections of TA (20 mg). RESULTS: With PPV and an intraoperative injection of TA, 82% of eyes showed rapid reduction of macular edema; foveal thickness decreased from 507 +/- 115 microm preoperatively to 261 +/- 123 microm 2 months after surgery (P = 0.0041). However, 59% of eyes showed recurrence of macular edema during the follow-up period. Twelve eyes with residual or recurrent macular edema received sub-Tenon capsule injections of TA; of these eyes, 9 showed substantial reduction of macular edema. Foveal thickness decreased from 381 +/- 102 microm to 256 +/- 56 microm (P = 0.0076) 2 weeks after postoperative injections of TA. At the final visit, visual acuity (logMAR) improved from 0.74 +/- 0.40 preoperatively to 0.40 +/- 0.34 (P = 0.010). CONCLUSION: An intraoperative injection of TA in combination with PPV has the potential to facilitate the absorption of macular edema associated with BRVO. In addition, residual or recurrent macular edema can be treated with additional sub-Tenon capsule injections of TA.     

Arteriovenous sheathotomy for persistent macular edema in branch retinal vein occlusion

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of arteriovenous (AV) sheathotomy with internal limiting membrane peeling for persistent or recurrent macular edema after intravitreal triamcinolone injection and/or laser photocoagulation in branch retinal vein occlusion. METHODS: Twenty-two eyes with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) with recurrent macular edema underwent vitrectomy with AV sheathotomy and internal limiting membrane peeling. All eyes had previous intravitreal triamcinolone injection and/or laser photocoagulation for macular edema. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) before and after surgery were compared. RESULTS: The mean preoperative BCVA (log MAR) were 0.79 +/- 0.29 and postoperative BCVA (log MAR) at 3 months was 0.57 +/- 0.33. And improvement of visual acuity > or = 2 lines was observed in 10 eyes (45%). The mean preoperative fovea thickness measured by OCT was 595.22 +/- 76.83 microm (510-737 microm) and postoperative fovea thickness was 217.60 +/- 47.33 microm (164-285 microm). CONCLUSIONS: Vitrectomy with AV sheathotomy can be one treatment option for the patients with recurrent macular edema in BRVO.     

25-gauge vitrectomy and triamcinolone acetonide-assisted internal limiting membrane peeling for chronic cystoid macular edema associated with branch retinal vein occlusion

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of 25-gauge vitrectomy and triamcinolone acetonide (TA)-assisted internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling for chronic cystoid macular edema (CCME) in branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). METHODS: Thirty-four patients (38 eyes) presenting with CCME in BRVO were treated prospectively by 25-gauge vitrectomy and ILM peeling. Change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and CCME status were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 5 months, 6 months, and 7 months. RESULTS: Mean postoperative logMAR BCVAs +/- SD were 0.69 +/- 0.42, 0.65 +/- 0.41, 0.59 +/- 0.32, 0.39 +/- 0.27, 0.35 +/- 0.31, 0.32 +/- 0.28, and 0.32 +/- 0.31 at the seven follow-up months, respectively. Mean foveal thicknesses +/- SD were 443 +/- 60 microm, 212 +/- 67 microm, 188 +/- 41 microm, 176 +/- 53 microm, 173 +/- 41 microm, 171 +/- 39 microm, and 170 +/- 41 microm at the 7 follow-up months, respectively. Compared with before surgery, BCVA improved, and CCME was absorbed significantly (P < 0.01, Dunnett test). Foveal thickness and logMAR BCVA 7 months after surgery had a significant negative linear correlation (r = -0.81, P < 0.01; Spearman rank correlation). CONCLUSIONS: Twenty-five-gauge vitrectomy with TA-assisted ILM peeling is generally effective in reducing macular edema and improving BCVA for CCME in BRVO for at least 7 months.     

玻切内界膜撕除联合玻璃体腔内注射曲安奈德治疗顽固性黄斑水肿疗效观察

目的 评价玻切(玻璃体切割)内界膜撕除联合玻璃体腔内注射曲安奈德治疗顽固性黄斑水肿的疗效.方法 取18例(22只眼)继发于糖尿病视网膜病变的顽固性黄斑水肿患者行玻切、内界膜撕除联合玻璃体腔内曲安奈德注射治疗,术后随访9～12月,比较患者术前、术后视力改善及黄斑水肿消退情况.结果 术后患眼视力和黄斑水肿均明显改善,经治疗的22只眼中15只眼(68.19%)视力提高2行或2行以上,7只眼(31.81%)视力不变;术后9个月时,最佳矫正视力从术前的0.07±0.05增加到0.14±0.06(t=5.26,P=0.000).OCT结果显示:黄斑水肿明显消退者有20只眼,占90.91%,2只眼水肿消退不明显,占9.09%.黄斑中心凹厚度从术前的(554.18±140.14)μm降至(291.45±95.38)μm(t=7.23,P =0.000).其中有6只患眼的黄斑中心凹厚度恢复至正常水平.结论 玻切、内界膜撕除联合玻璃体腔内注射曲安奈德治疗顽固性黄斑水肿安全、有效.

Abstract：

Objective To evaluate the effect of pars plana vitrectomy with removal of the internal limiting membrane addition to intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection in eyes with refractory macular edema secondary to diabetic retinopathy.Methods Eighteen patients (22 eyes) with refractory macular edema which was secondary to diabetic retinopathy underwent pars plana vitrectomy with removal of the internal limiting membrane addition to intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection, Followed-up for 9-12 months.Preoperative and postoperative changes in macular edema and visual acuity were compared.Results The visual acuity and macular edema were significantly improved after treatment.Visual acuity improved by two or more lines in 15 eyes (68.19%) and remained stable in 7 eyes (31.81%).The mean preoperative visual acuity was 0.07± 0.05.The visual acuity improved to 0.14± 0.06 (t=5.26, P =0.000).OCT showed that macular edema had weakened significantly in 20 eyes (90.91%), remained stable in 2 eyes (9.09%).Central macular thickness was 554.18+/-140.14μ m at baseline and 291.45+/-95.38μ m at 12-month follow-up, showed that macular edema decreased obviously (t =7.23, P =0.000).Addition to that, central macular thickness in 6 eyes returned to normal levels.Conclusions Pars plana vitrectomy with removal of the internal limiting membrane addition to intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection for refractory macular edema is safe and effective.     

Prospective evaluation of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection in macular edema associated with retinal vascular disorders

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide on visual acuity and macular thickness using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in macular edema associated with various retinal vascular disorders. METHODS: This prospective nonrandomized clinical interventional study included 81 eyes (76 patients) comprised of Group I, 57 eyes (51 patients) with diabetic macular edema; Group II, 10 eyes (10 patients) with branch retinal vein occlusion; and Group III, 13 eyes (13 patients) with central retinal vein occlusion. All eyes received an intravitreal injection of 4 mg triamcinolone acetonide (with the solvent) in the operation theater under sterile conditions. RESULTS: Mean preinjection central macular thickness was 531.84+/-132 microm in Group I, 458.4+/-149 microm in Group II, and 750.81+/-148 microm in Group III. All groups showed a statistically significant decrease in mean central macular thickness at 1 month (300.7+/-119 microm in Group I, 218.2+/-99 microm in Group II, and 210.5 +/-56 microm in Group III) and 3 months (253.19+/-109 microm in Group I, 187+/-47 microm in Group II, and 182+/-50 microm in Group III) after injection (p < 0.05). Mean follow-up was 22+/-2.4 weeks. Mean visual acuity increased in all three groups (preoperative visual acuity in Group I, 1.2+/-0.4 logMAR units; Group II, 1.24+/-0.5 logMAR units; Group III, 1.1+/-0.4 logMAR units; 1 month postinjection in Group I, 0.88+/-0.3 logMAR units; Group II, 0.67+/-0.3 logMAR units; Group III, 0.86+/-0.4 logMAR units; 3 months postinjection in Group I, 0.84+/-0.4 logMAR units; Group II, 0.59+/-0.3 logMAR units; Group III, 0.82+/-0.5 logMAR units) (p < 0.05). Forty-one eyes completed 6 months and 20 eyes completed 9 months follow-up. Twelve of 20 (41%) eyes in Group I, 2/6 (33%) eyes in Group II, 3/6 (50%) eyes in Group III, and 8/15 (53%) eyes in Group I, 1/3 (33%) eyes in Group II, and 2/2 (100%) eyes in Group III developed recurrence of macular edema with worsening of visual acuity at 6 and 9 months, respectively. Thirty-three (40.7%) eyes developed IOP elevation (at least one reading > 24 mmHg). One eye developed infective endophthalmitis. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide may be considered as an effective treatment for reducing macular thickening due to diffuse diabetic macular edema, venous occlusion associated macular edema, and may result in increase in visual acuity at least in the short term. Further follow-up and analysis is required to demonstrate its long-term efficacy.     

Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide as primary treatment for diffuse diabetic macular edema: a prospective noncomparative interventional case series

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of one intravitreal injection of 25 mg of triamcinolone acetonide as primary treatment for diffuse diabetic macular edema. METHODS: Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection was performed in 30 eyes with previously untreated diabetic macular edema. The main outcome measures were logMAR visual acuity (VA) and central macular thickness (CMT) at 1, 3, and 6 months. A secondary outcome was intraocular pressure progression. RESULTS: Visual acuity results for 30 eyes that had a follow-up of at least 6 months are presented. Twenty of them were followed up to 10.1+/-2.38 months. Preoperatively, VA was 0.54+/-0.27. At 1, 3, and 6 months follow-up, VA was 0.44+/-0.29 (p=0.001), 0.43+/-0.28 (p=0.001), and 0.45+/-0.29 (p=0.006), respectively. Preoperatively, CMT was 417.3+/-143.5 microm. At 1, 3, and 6 months follow-up, CMT was 277.3 +74.0 microm (p<0.0001), 279.6+/-94.4 microm (p<0.0001), and 297.07+/-114.87 microm (p=0.002), respectively. For the 20 eyes with a follow-up of 10.1+/-2.38 months, VA was 0.5+/-0.25 and 0.50+/-0.32 at baseline and at the last follow-up visit, respectively (p>0.05). Preoperatively, intraocular pressure (IOP) was 15.13+/-1.48 mmHg. IOP was 18.26+/-2.71 mmHg, 20.07+/-4.27 mmHg, and 20.4+/-6.18 mmHg, at 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively (p<0.0001). Four eyes underwent uncomplicated filtrating surgery for intractable glaucoma. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal triamcinolone as primary treatment effectively increases VA and reduces CMT due to diffuse diabetic macular edema. Longer follow-up and randomized clinical trial are warranted. Safety results highlight the need to further study the relationship between triamcinolone and intraocular pressure.     

Early versus late intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide for macular edema associated with branch retinal vein occlusion

PURPOSE: To compare the effect of early versus late intravitreal injection of triamcinolone in patients with macular edema due to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). METHODS: Twenty eyes of 20 patients with macular edema from BRVO, including 10 with duration after onset of or 3 months, improvements in visual acuity and foveal thickness, though apparent at 1 month, were not maintained at 3 and 6 months post-triamcinolone. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal triamcinolone is more effective in patients with BRVO who are treated earlier.     

Comparison of two doses of intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) for treatment of macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion: results from the Pan-American Collaborative Retina Study Group at 6 months of follow-up

PURPOSE: To report the 6-month anatomical and visual outcomes after injecting two different doses of intravitreal bevacizumab in patients with macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). METHODS: An interventional, retrospective multicenter study of 45 eyes that were treated with at least one intravitreal injection (24 eyes, 1.25 mg; 21 eyes, 2.5 mg) of bevacizumab is reported. The main outcome measures were the central 1-mm macular thickness (CMT) and the change in ETDRS lines of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 6 months. RESULTS: Forty-five eyes were injected on average 26.1 months (range, 3-86 months) after the diagnosis. The average follow-up was 35.2 weeks (range, 24-52 weeks). All patients completed at least 6 months of follow-up. In the 1.25-mg dose group, at 1 month, there was an average gain of 4.5 lines of BCVA; at 3 months, 5.1 lines of BCVA; and at 6 months, 5.1 lines of BCVA (P < 0.005). In the 2.5-mg dose group, at 1 month, there was an average gain of 2.3 lines of BCVA; at 3 months, 3.8 lines of BCVA; and at 6 months, 4.8 lines of BCVA (P = 0.05). In the 1.25-mg dose group, the mean CMT +/- SD decreased from 461 +/- 211 microm at baseline to 321 +/- 152 microm at 1 month, 273 +/- 99 microm at 3 months, and 277 +/- 114 microm at 6 months (P = 0.0002). In the 2.5-mg group, the mean CMT +/- SD decreased from 385 +/- 168 microm at baseline to 279 +/- 111 microm at 1 month, 249 +/- 97 microm at 3 months, and 240 +/- 93 microm at 6 months (P = 0.011). CONCLUSION: There were no statistically significant differences between the two dose groups with regard to the number of injections and anatomical and functional outcomes. Intravitreal injection of bevacizumab at doses up to 2.5 mg appears to be effective in improving BCVA and reducing CMT in BRVO in the short term. Multiple injections are needed in a large number of eyes for continued control of macular edema and preservation of visual acuity in the short term. Longer studies are needed to determine what role if any intravitreal injection of bevacizumab may play in the long-term treatment of this condition.     

Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide for diabetic diffuse macular edema: preliminary results of a prospective controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate prospectively the efficacy and safety of 1 intravitreal injection of 4 mg of triamcinolone acetonide for refractory diffuse diabetic macular edema. DESIGN: Interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Fifteen patients with bilateral diabetic macular edema unresponsive to laser photocoagulation. In all patients, one eye received the injection, and the other served as a control. INTERVENTION: Intravitreal injection of 4 mg of triamcinolone acetonide under subconjunctival anesthesia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measure was central macular thickness (CMT) at 1, 3, and 6 months, measured by optical coherence tomography. Secondary outcomes were Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) scores, intraocular pressure, and cataract progression. RESULTS: In this preliminary report, we give the results for 12 patients who had a follow-up of at least 3 months. Seven of them were followed up for 6 months. Before injection, CMT was 509.6+/-143.5 microm (mean +/- standard deviation [SD]) in injected eyes, versus 474.4+/-82.6 microm in control eyes. Four weeks after injection, it was 207.3+/-44.2 microm in injected eyes and 506.7+/-122.4 microm in control eyes (P<0.001, bilateral Wilcoxon test for paired samples), and after 12 weeks, 207+/-96.7 microm and 469.3+/-117.6 microm, respectively (P = 0.005). The difference between the CMTs of injected and control eyes was no longer significant at 24 weeks because of the recurrence of macular edema in 5 of 12 injected eyes. Before triamcinolone injection, the ETDRS score was 47.8+/-13 (mean +/- SD; range, 28-66) in injected eyes, versus 51.9+/-14.6 (range, 31-71) in control eyes. Twelve weeks thereafter, the corresponding values were 52.7+/-10.8 (range, 34-70) and 50.8+/-14.3 (range, 29-69), respectively, and at 24 weeks, 54.7+/-7.6 (range, 47-68) and 50.6+/-18.4 (range, 28-71). At no time was the difference between the ETDRS scores for injected and control eyes significant. In 6 of the 12 injected eyes, intraocular pressure exceeded 25 mmHg, and was controlled by topical medication. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal injection of triamcinolone effectively reduces macular thickening due to diffuse diabetic macular edema, at least in the short term. Further studies are required to demonstrate that it provides visual benefit.     

球后注射曲安奈德联合激光光凝治疗糖尿病弥漫性黄斑水肿的临床观察

目的观察球后注射曲安奈德(TA)联合激光光凝治疗糖尿病性弥漫性黄斑水肿的疗效。方法34例48眼经眼底检查、荧光素眼底血管造影(FFA)检查确诊的糖尿病性弥漫性黄斑水肿患者24眼球后注射TA联合激光光凝,24眼单纯激光光凝,随访6m,观察治疗前后患眼视力、眼底情况、眼压以及眼底荧光素血管造影的变化。结果联合组视力提高15眼(62.5%),视力不变5眼(20.8%),视力下降4眼(16.7%)。水肿减轻20眼(83.3%),水肿未退4眼(16.7%)。单纯光凝组视力提高5眼(20.8%),视力不变12眼(50%),视力下降7眼(29.2%)。水肿减轻9眼(37.5%),水肿未退15眼(62.5%)。结论光凝治疗糖尿病弥漫性黄斑水肿时联合球后注射曲安奈德球可促进水肿吸收和视力改善,且安全、方便。     

Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection as primary treatment for diabetic macular edema

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of intravitreal triamcinolone injection on the course of diabetic macular edema. METHODS: Forty-eight eyes of 48 diabetic patients were treated with 8 mg of intravitreal triamcinolone injection as the primary therapy for diabetic macular edema. The main outcome measures included best-corrected visual acuity, fundus fluorescein angio- graphy, macular edema map values of Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph II (HRT II), and intraocular pressures before and after intravitreal injection. RESULTS: The visual acuity increased in 41 of 48 eyes (85.4%) during a mean follow-up time of 7.5 months. The mean baseline best-corrected logMAR (logarithm of minimal angle of resolution) value for visual acuities of the patients before intravitreal triamcinolone injection was 1.17+/-0.20. After treatment, it was 0.85+/-0.29 at 1 month, 0.73+/-0.30 at 3 months, and 0.74+/-0.31 at 6 months, and the differences were significant when compared with baseline values (for each, p<0.001). The mean edema map values significantly decreased by 36% at the 6-month examinations when compared with preinjection values (p<0.001). Average intraocular pressure rose 24.3%, 29.1%, and 11.8% from baseline at the 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up intervals. Intraocular pressure elevation exceeding 21 mmHg was observed in 8 of 48 eyes (16.6%), but was controlled with topical antiglaucomatous medications in all eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal triamcinolone application provides significant improvement in visual acuity of diabetic patients and clinical course of macular edema, and may therefore be a promising approach in the primary treatment of diabetic macular edema.     

Resolution of serous macular detachment after intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide treatment of patients with branch retinal vein occlusion

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide on serous macular detachment in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). METHODS: Eight eyes of 8 patients with BRVO (6 men and 2 women; age range, 52-76 years) made up the study population. The eligibility criteria for this study included clinically and angiographically detectable cystoid macular edema (CME) in which the presence of serous macular detachment was documented by optical coherence tomography (OCT). After intravitreal injection of 0.1 mL (4 mg) of triamcinolone acetonide, the visual and anatomical responses were observed. RESULTS: In all eyes, after injection of triamcinolone acetonide, CME and serous macular detachment regressed. At 3 and 6 months, CME and serous macular detachment had recurred in 1 eye (12.5%) and 2 eyes (25%), respectively. Patients with recurrence were retreated. No eyes lost vision at 1 month, and all eyes showed improvement. At 3 months, no eyes had lost vision from baseline, and 7 eyes (87.5%) showed improvement. At 6 months, again no eyes had lost vision from baseline, and 7 eyes (87.5%) maintained improved visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary results of our study showed prompt resolution of serous macular detachment with corresponding improved visual acuity in patients with CME secondary to BRVO. Further study with longer follow-up and a larger series is warranted to assess the long-term efficacy and safety.     

球后注射曲安奈德治疗视网膜静脉阻塞继发黄斑水肿

目的 观察球后注射曲安奈德(TA)治疗不同类型视网膜静脉阻塞(RVO)所致黄斑水肿的临床疗效.设计回顾性病例系列.研究对象不同类型RVO继发黄斑水肿的患者21例21眼.方法患者均经球后注射TA 40 mg,随访观察不同类型、不同病程RVO致黄斑水肿治疗前后的视力、眼压、荧光素眼底血管造影(FFA)和相干光断层扫描(OCT)检测黄斑水肿的变化情况.随访6～11个月.主要指标视力、黄斑中心凹平均厚度.结果到最后一次随访时,视力提高16眼(76.2%),视力不变5眼(23.8%).治疗前及最后一次随访时黄斑中心凹平均厚度(617.23±185.58)μm、(287.55±121.70)μm(P=0.000).治疗后CRVO组与BRVO组之间、缺血型组与非缺血型组之间,无论是视力还是黄斑中心凹平均厚度的变化的比较,差异均无明显统计学意义(P>0.05);病程≤3个月以及3～6个月的患者治疗前后的视力差异有统计学意义(P值分别为0.011,0.01),病程≥6个月的患者治疗前后的视力差异无明显统计学意义(P=0.583).FFA显示治疗后黄斑区荧光素渗漏明显减轻.所有患者随访期间眼压均≤21 mmHg.8例患者治疗后2～6个月黄斑水肿复发.结论 球后注射TA可有效治疗RVO引起的黄斑水肿,操作简便且安全性高,早期治疗效果好.     

Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide for diabetic macular edema

PURPOSE: Intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide has been advocated to treat exudative diabetic macular edema. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of an intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide as treatment for diffuse diabetic macular edema. METHODS: This study was a retrospective, interventional, clinical case series examining 210 eyes of 174 patients who received an intravitreal injection of 1 or 4 mg of triamcinolone acetonide for treatment of diffuse diabetic macular edema. Inclusion criteria were clinically significant macular edema, visual acuity loss, and leakage shown by fluorescein angiography. Main outcome measures were visual acuity and intraocular pressure. Mean follow-up time +/- SD was 6.6 +/- 3.1 months. RESULTS: In the study group, visual acuity improved significantly (P < 0.001) from a median of 20/200 (mean logMAR, 0.92) at baseline to 20/80 (mean logMAR, 0.82) at 6 months. Mean intraocular pressure +/- SD increased from 15.4 +/- 3.4 mmHg (median, 16 mmHg; range, 6-26 mmHg) to a maximal value of 20.4 +/- 6.2 mmHg (median, 19 mmHg; range, 12-51 mmHg) during the follow-up period. Complications included culture-negative sterile endophthalmitis in six cases and cataract extraction in five eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal injection of 1 to 4 mg of triamcinolone acetonide may benefit patients by improving visual acuity in eyes with clinically significant diabetic macular edema. This study did not provide significant evidence to justify its routine use in clinical practice for all patients with diabetic macular edema. A randomized clinical trial on this issue would provide more conclusive evidence and help identify those patients most likely to benefit from intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide.     

Comparative study of vitrectomy with and without vein decompression for branch retinal vein occlusion: a pilot study

PURPOSE: To report the clinical outcomes in patients undergoing pars plana vitrectomy with and without vein decompression for treatment of branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). METHODS: Thirty-five eyes with macular edema and visual acuity worse than 20/100 secondary to BRVO were prospectively evaluated. Vitrectomy with posterior hyaloid removal and vein decompression at the arteriovenous crossing was performed on 15 eyes (Group 1); consecutively, the same technique without vein decompression was performed on 20 eyes (Group 2). Primary outcome was visual acuity and secondary outcomes were resolution of macular edema and development of neovascularization. RESULTS: No differences were found between groups in either patient age (p = 0.566) or preoperative visual acuity (p = 0.505). No differences were found in visual acuity at 3 (p = 0.651), 6 (p = 0.697), 9 (p = 0.763), 12 (p = 0.881), or 18 (p = 0.748) months. Mean time for macular edema resolution and visual acuity improvement was 9 months in both groups, with a mean improvement of 3.5 +/- 2.35 lines in Group 1 and 3.2 +/- 2.97 lines in Group 2. No eyes in either group developed new vessels. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that vitrectomy with posterior hyaloid removal without vein decompression can resolve macular edema, improve vision, and prevent development of new vessels in BRVO.     

曲安奈德玻璃体腔注射治疗视网膜分支静脉阻塞继发黄斑水肿

目的:观察玻璃体腔注射曲安奈德(tviamcinolone ace-tonide,TA)治疗视网膜分支静脉阻塞(branch retinal vein occusion,BRVO)继发黄斑水肿的疗效。方法:经眼底检查、荧光眼底血管造影(FFA)、光学相干断层扫描(OCT)检查确诊的BRVO继发黄斑水肿22例(22眼)行玻璃体腔曲安奈德注射,治疗后随访(4.2±0.4)mo,对比治疗前及治疗后1,3mo视力、眼压、眼底、FFA表现、OCT所显示黄斑水肿高度以及黄斑中心凹阈值。结果:治疗的22眼中19眼(82%)视力明显提高,3眼(14%)视力不变,治疗前平均视力0.10±0.06,治疗后1,3mo平均视力分别为0.25±0.12、0.28±0.13,黄斑中心凹厚度(OCT)治疗前平均厚度(519.0±137.5)μm,治疗后1,3mo平均厚度分别为(256.4±68.3)μm、(239.4±52.2)μm,黄斑中心凹阈值(dB):治疗前(18.8±4.2)dB,治疗后1,3mo分别为(24.0±6.0)dB、(24.6±5.2)dB,治疗前后比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。22眼中有6眼(27%)治疗后暂时性眼压升高,经局部抗青光眼药物治疗后恢复正常。5例(23%)患者2次注药。结论:玻璃体腔注射TA在短期内可有效改善BRVO继发黄斑水肿,但也要注意对原发病治疗。     

Optical coherence tomography for evaluating diabetic macular edema before and after vitrectomy

PURPOSE: To report the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) for evaluation of diffuse diabetic macular edema (DME) before and after vitrectomy. DESIGN: Interventional case series. METHODS: A retrospective study was made of 15 consecutive eyes of 13 patients that had vitrectomy for diffuse DME and OCT preoperatively and postoperatively. In seven eyes of six patients (group 1), vitrectomy was performed because of vitreomacular traction observed on biomicroscopy or OCT. In the other eight eyes of seven patients (group 2), vitrectomy was performed for DME not responsive to laser photocoagulation, with no vitreomacular traction on biomicroscopy or OCT. RESULTS: Mean +/- standard deviation (SD) follow-up after vitrectomy was 18 +/- 10 months (range, 6 to 33 months). In group 1, mean +/- SD retinal thickness decreased significantly from 661 +/- 181 microm preoperatively to 210 +/- 32 microm at the end of follow-up (P =.018). Median best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from 20/100 before surgery (range, 20/250 to 20/50) to 20/80 at the end of follow-up (range, 20/250 to 20/25; P =.046). In one eye in group 1, vitreomacular traction was only observed on OCT and not on biomicroscopy. In group 2, mean +/- SD retinal thickness decreased from 522 +/- 103 microm preoperatively to 428 +/- 121 microm at the end of follow-up (P =.2). Median BCVA was 20/100 before vitrectomy (range, 20/320 to 20/63) and 20/200 at the end of follow-up (range, 20/250 to 20/63; P =.78). CONCLUSIONS: Vitrectomy was beneficial in eyes with diffuse DME combined with vitreomacular traction but not in eyes without traction. Optical coherence tomography allowed diagnosis of subtle vitreomacular traction and provided precise preoperative and postoperative assessments of macular thickness.     

Transient increase in macular edema following vitrectomy for retinal branch vein occlusion

Purpose We confirmed a transient increase in macular edema in some patients after simple vitrectomy for macular edema associated with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Methods We studied 54 consecutive patients (54 eyes) with macular edema secondary to BRVO and preoperative visual acuity of 0.5 or below, who underwent vitrectomy and were followed for at least 1 year. Visual acuity and foveal retinal thickness measured by optical coherence tomography were determined before and after vitrectomy. Results The patients were divided into two groups according to whether there was a postoperative increase in foveal retinal thickness. In group A (11 eyes; 20.3%), a significant increase in foveal retinal thickness was observed at 1 month after surgery, but there was no significant change in visual acuity. In group B (43 eyes; 79.6%), there was no transient increase in retinal thickness, and visual acuity improved while foveal retinal thickness decreased gradually by 1 year after surgery. In group A, macular edema had improved significantly at 3 months after surgery without local injection of triamcinolone acetonide (TA), and visual acuity and foveal retinal thickness at 1 year after surgery did not differ significantly from those in group B. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify the preoperative factors associated with transient increase in macular edema, and no significant factor was detected. Conclusions When simple vitrectomy is conducted for macular edema associated with BRVO, a transient postoperative increase in macular edema occurs in some cases, but resolves spontaneously without TA injection. Further study is required to determine whether this transient increase in macular edema is a phenomenon that occurs after vitrectomy for diseases accompanied by macular edema.     

Efficacy of intravitreal triamcinolone for the treatment of macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion in eyes with or without grid laser photocoagulation

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of primary and secondary (following grid laser photocoagulation) intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) injection for the treatment of macular edema associated with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). METHODS: Eyes with macular edema secondary to BRVO and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) worse than 20/40 were included. Eyes eligible for Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion Study (BVOS) guidelines received grid laser treatment first. Those that were not improved at least two lines following grid laser or that did not meet those guidelines received 4 mg IVTA injection. The efficacy of IVTA treatment was assessed by analyzing the change in BCVA and reduction in central macular thickness (CMT) measured by optical coherence tomography. Intraocular pressure (IOP) spikes and other complications were recorded. RESULTS: The data from 37 eyes were included; in 12 of them IVTA injection was given after grid laser while 25 of them received IVTA as a primary treatment. Mean follow-up was 9.6 +/- 4.5 months. BCVA was 0.06 +/- 0.30 and 0.17 +/- 0.50 in the primary and secondary IVTA injection groups, respectively. In the primary injection group, there was a statistically significant gain in BCVA throughout the follow-up (P < 0.05), while a small increase in BCVA was noted only at the third month visit in the secondary IVTA injection group (P = 0.04). Average CMT were 434.8 +/- 122.1microm and 389.0 +/- 171.9 microm before IVTA injection in the two groups, respectively. In the primary IVTA injection group, CMT decreased at 1 month following IVTA injection and remained statistically significant until the sixth month visit (P < 0.05). In the secondary IVTA injection group, a slight reduction in CMT was noted only in the first month visit (P = 0.02). Pre-IVTA BCVA was found to be the single statistically significant predictor of BCVA gain following IVTA injection. In 8 patients (21.6%), the IOP increased above 25 mmHg postoperatively, and was successfully managed by medical treatment. Endophthalmitis did not develop in any of the patients. CONCLUSION: IVTA injection produced a significant reduction of macular edema in eyes with BRVO either with or without prior grid laser treatment. Reduction of CMT increased the BCVA in most of the eyes receiving IVTA primarily, while only a slight improvement of BCVA was found in eyes with prior grid laser. The IVTA effect was transient. Larger studies are necessary to find the best approach (either grid laser or IVTA) to patients with macular edema associated with BRVO.