Retinal pigment epithelial tear after intravitreal ranibizumab for subfoveal CNV secondary to AMD

Purpose To report a case of retinal pigment epithelial tear following intravitreal ranibizumab injection for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization. Methods Retrospective single case review. Results A 78-year-old Caucasian female was treated with intravitreal ranibizumab for occult subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) from age-related macular degeneration (AMD). She returned for evaluation with decreased vision and was found to have a retinal pigment epithelial tear on biomicroscopy. Fluorescein angiography and OCT testing confirmed the clinical findings. Conclusion Although a pigment epithelial tear in neovascular AMD can represent natural history, prior reports of such tears after thermal laser, photodynamic therapy with verteporfin and following intravitreal injection of pegaptanib Na combined with this case report suggest that clinicians should be aware of and monitor patients for the possibility of this complication after intravitreal injections of ranibizumab.     

Retinal pigment epithelial tear after intravitreal ranibizumab

PURPOSE: To report two cases of a retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) tear after intravitreal injection of 0.05 mg ranibizumab. DESIGN: Observational case report. METHODS: Two patients with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) resulting from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) were treated with an intravitreal injection of ranibizumab. RESULTS: Both patients were found to have a RPE tear on follow-up visits at one month, confirmed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and by fluorescein or indocyanine green angiography. CONCLUSIONS: RPE tears may occur after intravitreal injection of ranibizumab. Further study is needed to determine whether CNV membranes associated with pigment epithelial detachments (PED) are more likely to develop RPE tears after treatment with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents.     

High-dose ranibizumab therapy for vascularized pigment epithelial detachment

Purpose

The conventional dose of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment may slowly reduce the subretinal fluid and height of a vascularized pigment epithelial detachment (vPED), but rarely leads to its complete resolution. We report a dramatic outcome involving a high dose (2 mg) of ranibizumab for treating vPED.

Methods

This report describes three eyes with vPED that received 2 mg in 0.05 ml of ranibizumab injections on a monthly basis and were followed prospectively. Each patient received a complete ocular examination, including best-corrected standardized ETDRS testing, fundus photography (FP), fluorescein angiography (FA), optical coherent tomography (OCT), and indocyanine-green angiography at baseline. ETDRS and OCT testing were repeated monthly, while FP and FA were performed every 3 months.

Results

Following a single intravitreal injection of 2 mg ranibizumab, there was rapid resolution of the subretinal fluid, haemorrhage, exudates, and flattening of the vPED within 10 days for Case 1, and within 1 month for Case 2 and Case 3.

Conclusion

Rapid and dramatic decrease in the exudative changes and collapse of the vPED may develop after a single injection of high-dose (2 mg) ranibizumab in certain eyes with a vPED. The improvement was maintained with additional monthly injections to 12 months.     

Retinal pigment epithelial tear after photodynamic therapy for choroidal neovascularization

PURPOSE: To report a case of retinal pigment epithelial tear after photodynamic therapy for choroidal neovascularization. METHODS: Case report. A 74-year-old woman with exudative age-related macular degeneration and classic subfoveal choroidal neovascularization RE underwent photodynamic therapy with verteporfin. RESULTS: Ophthalmoscopy and fluorescein angiography RE disclosed a retinal pigment epithelial tear in the area of photodynamic therapy. CONCLUSION: This case presents the first report of a retinal pigment epithelial tear after photodynamic therapy with verteporfin for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration.     

Intravitreal ranibizumab for the treatment of fibrovascular pigment epithelial detachment in age-related macular degeneration

Objective

To determine the response of predominantly fibrovascular pigment epithelial detachments (PED)–type lesions (secondary to age-related macular degeneration [AMD]) to intravitreal ranibizumab.

Design

This was an open-label prospective study.

Participants

Thirty-two patients with predominantly fibrovascular PED-type lesions secondary to AMD were included in this study. Three patients were excluded from the final analysis.

Methods

Patients received monthly intravitreal ranibizumab injections for 6 months (induction). At 6 months, patients not experiencing a visual improvement from baseline Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) visual acuity or not showing a reduction in PED height (based on optical coherence tomography [OCT]) were deemed ranibizumab nonresponders and received no further injections but underwent re-evaluation at 12 months. Patients deemed responders continued with OCT-guided active treatment on an as-needed basis for an additional 6 months.

Results

Twenty-four patients (82.8%) were ranibizumab responders and 5 were (17.2%) nonresponders. For ranibizumab responders, mean ETDRS visual acuity improved by 7.2 ± 9.8 letters at 6 months (p = 0.002) and 6.3 ± 8.6 letters at 12 months (p = 0.002). Ranibizumab nonresponders experienced a decline in mean visual acuity of 8.2 ± 4.6 letters at 6 months (p = 0.02) and 18.2 ± 10.11 letters at 12 months (p = 0.02). At baseline, responders had a mean PED height of 345.8 ± 96.0 μm, which decreased to 111.6 ± 133.2 μm at 6 months (p < 0.001) and had a slight increase at 12 months to 144.8 ± 146.3 μm (p < 0.001). Two responders (8.3%) and 2 nonresponders (40%) developed retinal pigment epithelium tears while on treatment.

Conclusions

Intravitreal ranibizumab appears to be a well-tolerated treatment option for patients with fibrovascular PED. Further large-scale, prospective studies may assist in delineating the best treatment protocol.     

Retinal pigment epithelial tear following intravitreal ranibizumab injections for neovascular age-related macular degeneration

Background To report the development of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) tear after intravitreal injection of ranibizumab (Lucentis, Novartis, Basel, Switzerland). Methods Case report with presentation of the fundus photography, fluorescein angiography (FA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings. Results A 70-year-old man received intravitreal injections of ranibizumab for the treatment of occult choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) with fibrovascular pigment epithelial detachment due to age-related macular degeneration. One day after the third intravitreal ranibizumab injection, fundus examination showed a RPE defect at the foveal region. FA and OCT confirmed the presence of RPE tear sparing the fovea. No further progression of the RPE tear was observed after withholding subsequent ranibizumab injection and his right eye visual acuity remained at 20/100 at 3 months from the last injection. Conclusions As with other anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment for CNV, RPE tear might occur after intravitreal ranibizumab injection even after previous uneventful intravitreal injections.     

Retinal pigment epithelial detachment

Detachment of the retinal pigment epithelium is a prominent feature of many chorio-retinal disease processes, the most prevalent of which is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Detachment of the retinal pigment epithelium may or may not be associated with choroidal neovascularization and may be caused by different types of pathogenesis, each associated with distinct angiographic features, natural course, visual prognosis, and response to treatment. The phrase "detachment of the retinal pigment epithelium" is used quite often, not always in the correct association and with no clear differentiation between its various types. It is important to identify the specific nature of detachment of the retinal pigment epithelium, and to establish an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Therefore, we present a review of the existing types of detachment of the retinal pigment epithelium with what we propose as being appropriate nomenclature and classification, and potential treatment recommendations.     

Retinal pigment epithelial detachment

The vast majority of cases of AMD involve widespread disease with visible neovascularization, "occult" neovascularization, and serous as well as hemorrhagic detachments of the RPE. Accurate interpretation of the clinical and fluorescein angiographic findings in PEDs is difficult. The most noteworthy problem is the recognition of the presence and extent of associated neovascularization. Definitive guidelines for laser photocoagulation treatment of these PEDs have not yet been established. Large-scale, sophisticated clinical trials are needed to assess the efficacy and safety of laser treatment for this important manifestation of exudative AMD. Until these investigations are completed, certain cases of PEDs may be selected for laser treatment by one of three treatment techniques. A grid pattern photocoagulation to a serous PED may be carried out when there is no demonstrable or suspected underlying SRN and there is persistence and progression of the detachment with associated visual decline. Total photocoagulation of the PED which is suspected of having neovascularization can also be carried out if the fovea can be spared. Finally, photocoagulation of extrafoveal neovascularization beneath or at the margin of a PED can be performed in an attempt to obliterate the neovascularization, resolve the exudative manifestations, and stabilize or improve the vision. Only experienced retinal specialists who are well trained in the recognition of the complex clinical and fluorescein angiographic features of PEDs should attempt to treat these unusual and complicated cases.     

Retinal pigment epithelial tear after intravitreal bevacizumab injection

PURPOSE: To report two cases of a retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) tear after intravitreal bevacizumab injection for exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). DESIGN: Observational case series. METHODS: Two patients presented with occult choroidal neovascularization secondary to AMD. Both patients received intravitreal bevacizumab injections. RESULTS: The first patient developed a RPE tear shortly after a third intravitreal bevacizumab injection. The second patient developed a RPE tear 10 days after a second intravitreal bevacizumab injection. CONCLUSIONS: Although RPE tears may occur spontaneously as part of the natural history of exudative AMD, patients may develop visually devastating RPE tears after repeat intravitreal bevacizumab injection. Further studies are needed to determine the incidence of RPE tears after intravitreal bevacizumab injections.     

Retinal pigment epithelial tear after transpupillary thermotherapy for choroidal neovascularization

PURPOSE: To describe two patients who developed a retinal pigment epithelial tear after transpupillary thermotherapy for choroidal neovascularization. METHOD: Case reports. RESULTS: Retinal pigment epithelial (retinal pigment epithelium) tear developed in 2 (8%) of 25 eyes after transpupillary thermotherapy for occult choroidal neovascularization associated with age-related macular degeneration. In both eyes, the retinal pigment epithelium tear developed between the treatment session and first post-treatment examination. In both eyes, the visual acuity was unchanged, but the complication of retinal pigment epithelium tear may result in decreased visual acuity when transpupillary thermotherapy is performed in an eye with good initial visual acuity. CONCLUSION: Retinal pigment epithelium tear appears to occur more frequently after transpupillary thermotherapy for poorly defined choroidal neovascularization than after conventional laser photocoagulation for poorly defined choroidal neovascularization.     

Retinal pigment epithelial tear and extensive exudative retinal detachment following blunt trauma

Background: A peripheral retinal pigment epithelial tear and an extensive exudative retinal detachment caused by choroidal leakage from the denuded Bruch’s membrane are extremely rare. A peripheral retinal pigment epithelial tear has not been reported in an eye with retinochoroidal folds after blunt ocular trauma. Methods: Case report. Results: The course of a large nasal peripheral retinal pigment epithelial tear that occurred after blunt ocular trauma in a patient with retinochoroidal folds was followed. The inferior retinal detachment caused by leakage from the denuded Bruch’s membrane following the development of the tear gradually worsened. Initial treatment with cryotherapy was ineffective, but the retinal detachment eventually resolved after the patient underwent sclerectomy and sclerostomy. Conclusion: A large peripheral retinal pigment epithelial tear can occur in patients with retinochoroidal folds following blunt ocular trauma, and extensive retinal detachment can be induced. Sclerectomy and sclerostomy can be beneficial in patients with an extensive exudative retinal detachment caused by choroidal leakage from the denuded Bruch’s membrane. Received: 12 October 1999 Revised: 6 January 2000 Accepted: 9 March 2000     

Retinal pigment epithelial detachment in sarcoidosis

PURPOSE: To report primary retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) detachments in sarcoidosis. DESIGN: Case report. METHODS: Clinical findings, fluorescence angiography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) results are presented and discussed. RESULTS: A 54-year-old Hispanic male with biopsy proved sarcoidosis presented with multiple RPE detachment in both eyes. Except for acute iritis, there were no other ocular manifestations of sarcoidosis. CONCLUSIONS: Detachments of the RPE may be a rare manifestation of ocular sarcoidosis.     

Retinal pigment epithelial tear following photodynamic therapy for choroidal neovascularization secondary to AMD

PURPOSE: To describe retinal pigment epithelial tear following photodynamic therapy (PDT) for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). DESIGN: Retrospective interventional case series. METHODS: A retrospective study in an institutional practice. We describe seven cases of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) tear, which developed in seven eyes of seven patients following PDT. All eyes had subfoveal CNV secondary to AMD. RESULTS: Six eyes had occult subfoveal CNV, and one eye had recurrent classic subfoveal CNV. In five patients, the eye that developed the tear was the second eye, whereas the first eye had a disciform scar. In four eyes, the RPE tear developed after one PDT, in one eye the RPE tear developed after the second PDT, and in two eyes the RPE tear developed after the third PDT. In five of seven cases, there was a significant visual deterioration following the RPE tear. CONCLUSIONS: RPE tear is a complication that may occur following PDT in particular when the PDT is applied to an occult subfoveal CNV.     

Retinal pigment epithelial tear in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

PURPOSE: To study the clinical characteristics of tears of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in eyes with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). METHODS: The authors report eight eyes of eight patients with PCV that had tears of the RPE. These were examined with angiography and tomography. RESULTS: Eight eyes of eight patients (seven men and one woman) had RPE tears at the margin of a serosanguineous pigment epithelial detachment (PED) associated with PCV. Tears of the RPE were detected at the initial visit in one eye and during follow-up without any treatment in five eyes. In two eyes, the RPE tears were detected 3 months and 6 months, respectively, after photodynamic therapy. In all eyes, the RPE tears were detected at the side opposite to the polypoidal lesions of the PEDs, and the fovea was not involved in the RPE tear. Visual acuity in the seven eyes without RPE tears on presentation ranged from 20/100 to 20/16 (median, 20/32). During follow-up, three of these eyes lost three or more lines of vision. At the final examination, while three of these eyes had visual acuity of 20/25 or better, the other four had visual acuity of 20/200 or worse. CONCLUSION: In eyes with PCV, RPE tears can occur at the margin of serosanguineous PEDs-either spontaneously or after photodynamic therapy.     

Retinal pigment epithelial tear following intravitreal pegaptanib sodium

PURPOSE: To report two cases of a retinal pigment epithelial tear after intravitreal injection of pegaptanib sodium. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this finding after intraocular antivascular endothelial growth factor therapy. DESIGN: Observational case reports. METHODS: Two patients presented with occult choroidal neovascularization and associated serous pigment epithelial detachment that was a result of age-related macular degeneration. Both patients were treated with an intravitreal injection of pegaptanib sodium. RESULTS: One patient developed a retinal pigment epithelium tear one week after the intravitreal injection. The second patient developed a retinal pigment epithelium tear eight weeks after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Although these cases may represent natural history, there should be a high index of suspicion for retinal pigment epithelium tears in patients who report significant visual deterioration after intravitreal injection of pegaptanib sodium. Further studies are needed to determine whether angiographic subtypes of choroidal neovascular membranes are more susceptible to developing retinal pigment epithelium tears after treatment with antivascular endothelial growth factor agents.