Visual Field Abnormalities Research Articles

Neuroretinitis: a review.

Neuroretinitis is an inflammatory disorder of the eye presenting with optic disc edema and the delayed development of a macular star secondary to optic nerve swelling toward the macular structures. Neuroretinitis can be divided into idiopathic, infectious (including neuroretinitis associated with cat scratch disease) and recurrent. The clinical presentation of neuroretinitis includes impaired visual acuity, dyschromatopsia, relative afferent pupillary defects and visual field abnormalities - particularly cecocentral and central scotomas. Features suggesting recurrent neuroretinitis include poorer visual recovery and visual field abnormalities representing damage to greater parts of the optic nerve. Treatment of neuroretinitis is based upon the cause of the disease. Specifically, in patients with cat scratch neuroretinitis, visual recovery is often favorable regardless of treatment with medication. However, some authors favor treatment with antibiotics early in the course of disease to limit progression and ensure eradication of the organism. Neuroretinitis can result from a number of infectious and noninfectious causes and it is essential that clinicians recognize the disease and determine the underlying etiology to ensure the best possible treatment and visual prognosis for the patient.

Performance of the 10-2 and 24-2 Visual Field Tests for Detecting Central Visual Field Abnormalities in Glaucoma

To compare the performance of the pattern standard deviation (PSD) values derived from the central 12 locations of the 24-2 visual field test (C24-2) to the entire 10-2 test for detecting central visual field abnormalities in eyes with, suspected of having, or at risk of having glaucoma. Cross-sectional case-control study. Eyes with, suspected of having, or at risk of having glaucoma, based on masked grading of optic disc stereophotographs and/or ocular hypertension (intraocular pressure ≥ 22mm Hg) were included as cases (n= 523). Eyes from healthy participants were included as controls (n= 107) to allow the 2 tests to be compared at matched specificities. The sensitivity to detect cases at 95% specificity using PSD values derived from the entire 10-2 test and C24-2 were compared. The sensitivity of the 10-2 and C24-2 PSD values was not significantly different between the 10-2 and C24-2 at matched specificities (35.9% and 35.4% respectively; P= .900). There was also a substantial agreement between the cases detected by both methods (kappa= 0.80 ± 0.04), and a very strong associationbetween the PSD values from the 2 methods (R2= 0.91). 10-2 and 24-2 tests identified a similar number of eyes with, suspected of having, or at risk of having glaucoma as having central visual field abnormalities using PSD values. These findings do not mean that 10-2 tests are not useful, but highlight theneed for further studies to determine the potential advantages of 10-2 tests through equivalent comparisons against 24-2 tests to ensure appropriate recommendations are made about its incorporation into the glaucoma standard of care.

Spontaneous pregnancy after full recovery from hypopituitarism caused by lymphocytic hypophysitis.

SummaryLymphocytic hypophysitis (LyH) has been known to be associated with pregnancy. We herein report the case of a 33-year-old woman who underwent vaginal delivery without massive bleeding at 40 weeks of gestation. Because of the presence of headache and terrible fatigue after childbirth, she visited our hospital. Severe hyponatremia (Na, 118 mEq/L) and visual field abnormality was noted upon examination. MRI revealed pituitary enlargement with a swollen pituitary stalk, albeit at low signal intensity. Basal pituitary hormone levels were all reduced and remained low after exogenous administration of hypothalamic-releasing hormones. She was diagnosed with LyH and was started on prednisolone 60 mg/day. A month later, her pituitary function had gradually improved together with a decrease in pituitary enlargement and recovery of her visual field. The dose of prednisolone was gradually reduced and finally withdrawn 27 months later. After prednisolone withdrawal, her pituitary function remained normal despite the absence of any hormonal replacement. A year later, she became pregnant without medication and delivered a second baby without LyH recurrence. Thereafter, her pituitary function has been normal for more than 5 years. Two valuable observations can be highlighted from the case. First, the patient completely recovered from LyH through prompt prednisolone therapy during its initial phase and had almost normal pituitary function. Second, after recovery from LyH, she was able to undergo spontaneous pregnancy and deliver a baby. We believe that reporting incidences of spontaneous pregnancy after complete normalization of pituitary function in patients with LyH is of great significance.Learning points:Females are more affected by LyH than males given its strong association with pregnancy.LyH possesses characteristic findings on pituitary MRI.Glucocorticoid therapy for LyH has been recommended as an effective treatment.A history of previous pregnancies does not increase the risk of developing AH in subsequent pregnancies.Early induction of high-dose prednisolone was therapeutically effective in treating LyH.

Effectiveness of a Qualitative Approach Toward Evaluating OCT Imaging for Detecting Glaucomatous Damage.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine whether a qualitative approach toward evaluating optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging improves the ability to detect glaucomatous damage compared to a conventional metric of global circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (cpRNFL) thickness.MethodsA total of 394 healthy eyes and 272 glaucoma eyes were evaluated. Glaucoma eyes were categorized as perimetric (156 eyes) based on a history of three or more consecutive abnormal 24-2 visual field tests or suspected glaucoma if they did not (116 eyes). Customized one-page reports derived using OCT volume scans of the optic disc and macula from these eyes were qualitatively graded for the probability of optic neuropathy affecting the eye.ResultsThe sensitivity of detecting perimetric glaucoma eyes with the global circumpapillary RNFL thickness metric and qualitative evaluation of the OCT imaging results were 86.5% and 95.5% at a specificity of 95%, being significantly higher for the latter (P < 0.001). There were seven eyes with perimetric glaucoma missed by the qualitative evaluation. Based upon examination of all available visual fields, at least four of these seven eyes had visual fields that either improved or had abnormalities that were inconsistent over time or with patterns of glaucomatous damage.ConclusionsQualitative evaluation of OCT imaging results allows glaucoma eyes with repeatable visual field abnormalities to be detected with a high level of accuracy, performing better than a conventional summary metric of global cpRNFL thickness.Translational RelevanceClinical detection of glaucomatous damage with OCT imaging can be optimized through a qualitative evaluation of its results.

Factors associated with visual field defects of optic disc drusen.

PurposeTo investigate the prevalence and risk factors for visual field defect in patients with optic disc drusen (ODD).MethodsWe assessed the visual field status of patients with ODD whose diagnosis were confirmed by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Visual field defects were classified as normal, enlarged blind spot, or other defects. ODD were classified into either type 1 (without hyperreflective border and heterogenic internal reflectance) or type 2 (with hyperreflective border and lower internal reflectance). The prevalence and risk factors for each visual field defect was analyzed using logistic regression analysis and classification and regression tree (CART) modeling.ResultsOf the 40 eyes with ODD, 33 (83%) eyes were categorized as type 1 and 7 (17%) eyes were categorized as type 2 ODD. Regarding the visual field defects, 19 (48%) eyes showed normal visual field, 11 (28%) eyes showed enlarged blind spot, and 9 (24%) eyes showed other defects. The latter was more frequent in type 2 ODD (P = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the factor associated with other defects was the thinning of the average retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) (per 10 μm decrease, OR = 3.436, P = 0.004), and the factor associated with enlarged blind spot was the height of ODD (per 100 μm increase, OR = 3.956, P = 0.023). CART modeling revealed that the average RNFL thickness lesser than 85.5 μm, and then the ODD height larger than 348 μm were the best split-up factors for predicting the type of visual field defects.ConclusionsIn this study, one-quarter of ODD patients showed abnormal visual field defect other than enlarged blind spot. These other visual field defects appeared to be associated with the axonal loss in the eyes with type 2 ODD.

Novel Technique for Quantifying Retinal Nerve Fiber Bundle Abnormality in the Temporal Raphe.

SIGNIFICANCEGlaucomatous nasal visual field abnormalities correspond to damage in the temporal raphe—where individual nerve bundles can be visualized. The ability to quantify structural abnormality in the raphe, with a clinically applicable protocol, sets the stage for investigating the raphe as a potential site for assessing early glaucoma.PURPOSETo develop a clinically applicable imaging and analysis technique for identifying retinal nerve fiber bundle abnormalities in the temporal raphe.METHODSSpectralis optical coherence tomography scans customized for the temporal raphe were gathered from 30 younger controls, 30 older controls, and 29 patients with glaucoma. An analysis technique was developed based on the reflectance of the nerve fiber bundles. The technique was first developed in the younger controls, and then applied to the older controls to generate normative data for quantifying nerve fiber bundle reflectance abnormalities in the patients with glaucoma. Matrix perimetric data were gathered in the patients with glaucoma to evaluate the reflectance technique’s findings. Reflectance abnormality in the patients was defined when the fraction of enface area showing reflectance abnormality was greater than the 95th percentile estimated from controls. Spearman’s rho was used to quantify the relation between the total deviation at the perimetric testing locations and the fraction of corresponding enface area showing reflectance abnormality.RESULTSTwenty-five of the 29 patients had reflectance abnormalities. Eight of these had mild to no perimetric mean deviation abnormality. Similar results were found when perimetric total deviations were compared to reflectance abnormalities in the corresponding enface locations. Spearman’s rho comparing the total deviations to reflectance abnormalities found rs(174) = −0.72, P < .001.CONCLUSIONSThe technique typically identified reflectance abnormality when perimetric abnormality was present. It also identified reflectance abnormalities even when perimetric abnormality was mild or absent. The findings support the potential of raphe imaging in detecting early glaucomatous damage.

Macular sensitivities measured by microperimetry in patients on hydroxychloroquine treatment

Purpose: To examine retinal sensitivity in patients on hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) with no evidence of retinopathy.Materials and methods: Seventy patients on HCQ and 30 healthy control subjects were included prospectively. All subjects underwent complete ophthalmic examination including best corrected visual acuity, tonometry, colour vision testing, biomicroscopy of anterior segment, dilated fundoscopy, 10-2 visual field testing, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography. The patients and control subjects who met the inclusion criteria and had normal tests underwent microperimetry (MP) testing. First, all patients were compared with the control group. Secondly, patients were divided into three sets of groups based on (1) duration of use ≤5 years (DOU≤5) and >5 years (DOU>5), (2) daily dose ≤5 mg/kg/day (DD≤ 5) and >5 mg/kg/day (DD>5), and (3) a cumulative dose ≤1000 gr (CD≤ 1000) and >1000 gr (CD>1000), and these groups were compared to each other and to the control group. A correlation analysis was also performed between MP sensitivity and DOU, DD, and CD.Results: Seven patients on HCQ showing visual field abnormality were excluded which yielded 63 patients and 30 control subjects for the final analysis. We observed significant differences only in the central region but not in the paracentral or peripheral regions on MP in HCQ users. The median MP sensitivities in the central region were significantly lower in all the patients [84 (63–100) dB], and in subgroups of DOU >5 [84 (63–99) dB], DD >5 [82 (63–97) dB] and CD >1000 [82 (63–92) dB] when compared to controls [89.7 (83–98) dB]. A statistically significant correlation was found only between DD and MP sensitivity in the central region (r = −0.263; p = 0.02).Conclusions: MP sensitivities in the central macula were significantly lower in patients taking HCQ for more than 5 years, at a daily dose more than 5 mg per day, and with a cumulative dose over 1000 gr. Further research investigating long-term follow-up changes in MP sensitivities is needed to determine cutoff values for early retinal toxicity.

Clinical observation on the evolution process of macular ganglion cell complex and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer of neuritis patients

Objective: To discuss the dynamic changes and correlation of macular ganglion cell (mGCC) and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) of neuritis patients through optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods: A retrospective case series study. Eleven eyes from 11 patients who have been diagnosed with neuritis and received regular follow-up during June 2013 through June 2015 were included. The dynamic characteristic changes of mGCC and pRNFL over the course of disease, as well as their correlations between best visual acuity and visual field have been analyzed based on OCT measurements. Results: According to the observation on the 11 eyes of the 11 patients, patients showed symptoms of decreased vision, abnormal visual field, swollen mGCC and pRNFL with normal or increased thickness during the subnormal period. During the advance-separation period (around 3 weeks), the thickness of mGCC decreased resulting from atrophy while pRNFL was still swollen. Druing the late period (usually 6-8 weeks after onset of the disease), both mGCC and pRNFL were getting thinner due to atrophy. Vision acuity and visual field of the patients improved after treatment, however, they were still not comparable with the normal level before the disease. Conclusions: The thickness changes of mGCC and pRNFL differs in neuritis patients over time. OCT can help us in detecting these changes, thus provide a foundation for us to further explore the treatment and anatomical changes of neuritis patients. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54: 62-68).

Increased Incidence of Visual Field Abnormalities as Determined by Frequency Doubling Technology Perimetry in High Computer Users Among Japanese Workers: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BackgroundThis retrospective cohort study primarily aimed to investigate the possible association of computer use with visual field abnormalities (VFA) among Japanese workers.MethodsThe study included 2,377 workers (mean age 45.7 [standard deviation, 8.3] years; 2,229 men and 148 women) who initially exhibited no VFA during frequency doubling technology perimetry (FDT) testing. Subjects then underwent annual follow-up FDT testing for 7 years, and VFA were determined using a FDT-test protocol (FDT-VFA). Subjects with FDT-VFA were examined by ophthalmologists. Baseline data about the mean duration of computer use during a 5-year period and refractive errors were obtained via self-administered questionnaire and evaluations for refractive errors (use of eyeglasses or contact lenses), respectively.ResultsA Cox proportional hazard analysis demonstrated that heavy computer users (>8 hr/day) had a significantly increased risk of FDT-VFA (hazard ratio [HR] 2.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26–6.48) relative to light users (<4 hr/day), and this association was strengthened among subjects with refractive errors (HR 4.48; 95% CI, 1.87–10.74). The computer usage history also significantly correlated with FDT-VFA among subject with refractive errors (P < 0.05), and 73.1% of subjects with FDT-VFA and refractive errors were diagnosed with glaucoma or ocular hypertension.ConclusionsThe incidence of FDT-VFA appears to be increased among Japanese workers who are heavy computer users, particularly if they have refractive errors. Further investigations of epidemiology and causality are warranted.

Glaucoma suspects: A practical approach.

Glaucoma suspects are controversial clinical dilemmas. These individuals harbor certain risk factors or demonstrate some clinical features suggestive of an increased probability to develop glaucomatous optic atrophy in the future. These characteristics range from high intraocular pressure; optic disc, visual field, or retinal nerve fiber layer abnormalities; or abnormal angles to a positive family history of glaucoma and other risk factors. Individuals having these characteristics should be assessed diligently before a diagnosis of glaucoma is made. Glaucoma is a chronic, lifelong condition, having a negative impact on the quality of life, with an increased risk of medication-related side-effects, adverse economic impacts, and the need for lifestyle changes in the patient. Overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment of such individuals is bereft of any advantage. This review aims to provide a practical blueprint for the proper diagnosis and management of such glaucoma suspects.

Quality of life in glaucoma patients and normal subjects related to the severity of damage in each eye

Abstract Objective To assess the quality of life in glaucoma patients and normal subjects, and to assess its relationship with the severity of damage in each eye. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with prospective selection of cases. The study included 464 subjects and were distributed into 4 categories. Subjects included in group 1 had both eyes normal, that is with a normal intraocular pressure (IOP), optic disk and visual fields (VF), or mild glaucoma, defined as untreated IOP > 21 mmHg and abnormal VF with mean defect (MD) over −6 dB. Group 2 consisted of patients with both eyes with mild or moderate glaucoma, defined as untreated IOP > 21 mmHg and abnormal VF with MD between −6 and −12 dB. Group 3 included patients with moderate to severe glaucoma, that is, untreated IOP > 21 mmHg and abnormal VF with MD of less than −12 dB in both eyes. Group 4 consisted of patients with asymmetric glaucoma damage, that is, they had one eye with severe glaucoma and the other eye normal or with mild glaucoma. All subjects completed 3 different questionnaires. Global quality of life was evaluated with EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D). Vision related quality of life was assessed with Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25). Quality of life related to ocular surface disease was measured with Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). Results VFQ-25 showed that group 3 had significantly lower scores than group 1 in mental health (p = 0.006), dependence (p = 0.006), color vision (p = 0.002), and peripheral vision (p = 0.002). EQ-5D showed no significant differences between any group, but a trend was found to greater difficulty in group 3 than in groups 1 and 2, and in all dimensions. OSDI showed a higher score, or which was the same as a major disability, in groups 2 and 3 than group 1 (p = 0.021 and p = 0.014, respectively). VFQ-25 only found significant differences between group 1 and group 4. Dimensions with significant differences were found between group 1 and group 3 (both eyes with advanced or moderate glaucoma). These were not found between group 1 and group 4 (the group in which one eye has only mild glaucoma or no glaucoma). This finding confirms that the eye with less glaucoma damage determines the quality of life. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that quality of life is impaired in patients with glaucoma, and this alteration is greater the more advanced is glaucoma damage in the best or both eyes.

WAGNER syndrome: anatomic, functional and genetic characterization of a Portuguese family.

To report the clinical (anatomic and functional) and genetic findings of Wagner Syndrome (WS) in a Portuguese family. Nine members of the family agreed to be examined. All had complete clinical eye examinations. The proband and selected patients underwent color fundus photography, spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), automatic static white-on-white computerized perimetry, and electrophysiology assessment (flash ERG, multifocal(mf) ERG and dark adaptometry). A pedigree was constructed based on interviews with known affected subjects. Genomic DNA samples derived from venous blood were collected from all affected family members examined. Twenty-eight family members are affected. This family has the typical features of Wagner Syndrome, namely an empty vitreous cavity with veils, mild myopia and cataract. Four examined patients underwent vitreoretinal surgery due to abnormal peripheral vitreoretinal adhesions with peripheral retinal traction (n=3). Retinal detachment was observed in 5 of the examined subjects. Four of them occurred between the ages of 5 and 15years. Chorioretinal atrophy is also a frequent finding which results in moderate to severe visual field and advanced rod-cone dystrophy from younger ages, also confirmed by absence of scotopic function on dark adaptation. The macular dysfunction on mfERG was profound and of early onset. A heterozygous mutation in intron 7 of the VCAN gene (c.4004-1G>A) was found. We described a rare autosomal dominant vitreoretinopathy with near complete penetrance in a Portuguese family. Abnormal peripheral vitreoretinal adhesions, retinal detachment and chorioretinal atrophy are present in most of the examined individuals at young ages. Early onset of advanced visual field and electrophysiologic abnormalities were observed in this family. We also added relevant information to the literature by reporting our experience in surgical management of Wagner Syndrome patients with, and at risk of, retinal detachment.

Comparison of Threshold Saccadic Vector Optokinetic Perimetry (SVOP) and Standard Automated Perimetry (SAP) in Glaucoma. Part II: Patterns of Visual Field Loss and Acceptability.

PurposeWe compared patterns of visual field loss detected by standard automated perimetry (SAP) to saccadic vector optokinetic perimetry (SVOP) and examined patient perceptions of each test.MethodsA cross-sectional study was done of 58 healthy subjects and 103 with glaucoma who were tested using SAP and two versions of SVOP (v1 and v2). Visual fields from both devices were categorized by masked graders as: 0, normal; 1, paracentral defect; 2, nasal step; 3, arcuate defect; 4, altitudinal; 5, biarcuate; and 6, end-stage field loss. SVOP and SAP classifications were cross-tabulated. Subjects completed a questionnaire on their opinions of each test.ResultsWe analyzed 142 (v1) and 111 (v2) SVOP and SAP test pairs. SVOP v2 had a sensitivity of 97.7% and specificity of 77.9% for identifying normal versus abnormal visual fields. SAP and SVOP v2 classifications showed complete agreement in 54% of glaucoma patients, with a further 23% disagreeing by one category. On repeat testing, 86% of SVOP v2 classifications agreed with the previous test, compared to 91% of SAP classifications; 71% of subjects preferred SVOP compared to 20% who preferred SAP.ConclusionsEye-tracking perimetry can be used to obtain threshold visual field sensitivity values in patients with glaucoma and produce maps of visual field defects, with patterns exhibiting close agreement to SAP. Patients preferred eye-tracking perimetry compared to SAP.Translational relevanceThis first report of threshold eye tracking perimetry shows good agreement with conventional automated perimetry and provides a benchmark for future iterations.

Unilateral moyamoya disease with ipsilateral carotid canal hypoplasia: A case report

Abstract A 41-year-old Korean man was admitted to our hospital with a 1-day history of headache and abnormal left visual field. Neurological examination revealed left homonymous hemianopia and difficulty in fine movement of the left finger. Laboratory studies indicated hyperlipidemia and hyperhomocysteinemia. Diffusion-weighted imaging showed a hyperintense signal on the right posterior cerebral-middle cerebral artery watershed area. Computed tomography angiography and carotid angiography revealed the bottle neck sign on the right internal carotid artery (ICA) with occlusion of the distal right ICA, but not the left ICA. Carotid angiography showed moyamoya vessels as well as occlusion of the distal right ICA. The right carotid canal was hypoplasic. We diagnosed the patient with unilateral moyamoya disease and carotid canal hypoplasia. This case demonstrates that unilateral carotid canal hypoplasia may co-exist with ipsilateral moyamoya disease. A unilateral bottle neck sign may indicate the presence of carotid canal hypoplasia. Evaluation of the bony carotid canal may be useful when it is necessary to distinguish between secondary vascular stenosis due to arteriosclerosis and MMD.

Detection of Functional Change in Preperimetric and Perimetric Glaucoma Using 10-2 Matrix Perimetry

To evaluate an effective functional strategy for detecting glaucomatous damage of the macula in preperimetric to perimetric glaucoma. Cross-sectional study. Preperimetric glaucoma patients (n=102) and perimetric glaucoma patients (n= 88) with isolated paracentral scotoma or combined paracentral scotoma were enrolled in this study. Global and sectoral mean sensitivities (MS) were evaluated using 10-2 standard automated perimetry (SAP) with a stimulus of sizes III (0.43-degree diameter) and V (1.72 degrees), and 10-2 Matrix perimetry with a stimulus of 2 degrees. Ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) was measured using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. The percentage of significantly depressed visual field (VF) points <5% and <1% in the pattern deviation plot was higher with frequency doubling technology (FDT) 10-2 than with SAP 10-2 III in patients with preperimetric glaucoma (both P < .001). Using FDT 10-2 tests, the global structure-function correlation was superior to SAP 10-2 (III or V) in both preperimetric and perimetric glaucoma. Topographic structure-function relationships for each VF test were more favorable with the FDT 10-2 test. The preperimetric glaucoma patients showing VF abnormalities on FDT 10-2 or SAP 10-2 (III) showed thinner average, minimum, superior, inferior, and inferotemporal GCIPL thicknesses than in those without VF abnormalities (all P < .05). FDT 10-2 was found to detect functional damage of the macula early in preperimetric glaucoma, and to perform better than with SAP 10-2 (size III or V) from preperimetric to perimetric glaucoma in the structure-function relationship. FDT 10-2 can be considered a useful tool to detect glaucomatous damage of the macula early and appropriately.

Macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness for detection of early retinal toxicity of hydroxychloroquine.

This study evaluated the macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) thickness using spectral-domain (SD) optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with chronic exposure to hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). A total of 90 patients (90 eyes) treated with HCQ for at least 5years and normal controls were included in the study. A fundus examination, automated threshold perimetry, and GC-IPL thickness measurements using the Cirrus high-definition OCT ganglion cell analysis algorithm were performed in all patients treated with HCQ. Average, minimum, and sectorial macular GC-IPL thicknesses were compared between the patients and controls. There was no statistically significant difference in age or sex between the groups. The anterior segment and fundoscopy were normal in all patients and controls. Visual field (VF) testing was normal in all patients. The average, minimum, and sectorial macular GC-IPL thicknesses were significantly lower in patients than those in control subjects. There was significant thinning of the macular GC-IPL in the absence of clinically evident HCQ-related retinopathy and VF abnormalities. Measurements of the macular GC-IPL thickness using SD-OCT may therefore be useful in the early diagnosis and in monitoring the progression of retinal changes in patients receiving long-term HCQ therapy.

Radiological Growth Patterns of Prolactinomas and Nonfunctioning Adenomas

To compare growth patterns of nonfunctioning and prolactin-producing pituitary macroadenomas, and to find whether their specific growth patterns are associated with clinically significant effects on vision. From our comprehensive provincial neuropituitary registry, we retrospectively identified 35 randomly selected patients each with nonfunctioning adenomas and prolactinomas >10 mm in any dimension. MRI scans were analyzed to determine the superior and inferior growth, volume, and maximum craniocaudal height of the adenomas. Patients underwent visual field testing at diagnosis. Continuous variables were compared using Student's t test, the Mann-Whitney U test, and ANOVA. Categorical variables were compared using the chi-square test. The mean height of prolactinomas (23.2±11.3 mm) was similar to nonfunctioning adenomas (22.3±9.3 mm, p=0.8), and so were mean tumor volumes (prolactinoma=5.9±8 ml vs. nonfunctioning adenoma=4.8±5 ml, p=0.47). However, the mean suprasellar growth for prolactinomas was 2.9±5.3 mm and 7.3±4.7 mm for nonfunctioning adenomas (p<0.001), and the mean infrasellar growth was 10.2±8.0 and 5.0±6.6 mm, respectively (p=0.04). The inferior growth pattern of prolactinomas was associated with a significantly lower likelihood of having visual field abnormalities (11.4 vs. 57.1%, p<0.001). Prolactinomas have predominantly inferior growth compared to nonfunctioning adenomas and are less likely to cause vision changes.

Relación entre la calidad de vida y la severidad del daño funcional en pacientes con glaucoma

ObjectiveTo assess the quality of life in glaucoma patients and normal subjects, and to assess its relationship with the severity of damage in each eye. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with prospective selection of cases. The study included 464 subjects and were distributed into 4categories. Subjects included in group 1 had both eyes normal, that is with a normal intraocular pressure (IOP), optic disk and visual fields (VF), or mild glaucoma, defined as untreated IOP>21mmHg and abnormal VF with mean defect (MD) over −6dB. Group 2 consisted of patients with both eyes with mild or moderate glaucoma, defined as untreated IOP>21mmHg and abnormal VF with MD between −6 and −12dB. Group 3 included patients with moderate to severe glaucoma, that is, untreated IOP>21mmHg and abnormal VF with MD of less than −12dB in both eyes. Group 4 consisted of patients with asymmetric glaucoma damage, that is, they had one eye with severe glaucoma and the other eye normal or with mild glaucoma. All subjects completed 3 different questionnaires. Global quality of life was evaluated with EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D). Vision related quality of life was assessed with Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25). Quality of life related to ocular surface disease was measured with Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). ResultsVFQ-25 showed that group 3 had significantly lower scores than group 1 in mental health (P=.006), dependence (P=.006), colour vision (P=.002), and peripheral vision (P=.002). EQ-5D showed no significant differences between any group, but a trend was found to greater difficulty in group 3 than in groups 1 and 2, and in all dimensions. OSDI showed a higher score, or which was the same as a major disability, in groups 2 and 3 than group 1 (P=.021 and P=.014, respectively). VFQ-25 only found significant differences between group 1 and group 4. Dimensions with significant differences were found between group 1 and 3 (both eyes with advanced or moderate glaucoma). These were not found between group 1 and group 4 (the group in which one eye has only mild glaucoma or no glaucoma). This finding confirms that the eye with less glaucoma damage determines the quality of life. ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that quality of life is impaired in patients with glaucoma, and this alteration is greater the more advanced is glaucoma damage in the best or both eyes.

24-2 Visual Fields Miss Central Defects Shown on 10-2 Tests in Glaucoma Suspects, Ocular Hypertensives, and Early Glaucoma

To investigate the prevalence of visual field defects in glaucomatous eyes, glaucoma suspects, and ocular hypertensives with 24-2 and 10-2 visual fields. Prospective, cross-sectional study. Patients with or suspected glaucoma tested with 24-2 and 10-2. Patients were classified into 3 groups on the basis of the presence of glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON) and 24-2 visual field abnormalities: early glaucoma (GON and abnormal visual field, mean deviation >-6 decibels [dB]), glaucoma suspects (GON and normal visual field), and ocular hypertensives (normal disc, normal visual field, and intraocular pressure >22 mmHg). For the classification of visual field abnormalities, 24-2 and 10-2 tests performed on the same visit were analyzed. Comparison of the prevalence of abnormal 24-2 versus 10-2 visual field results based on cluster criteria in each diagnostic group. A total of 775 eyes (497 patients) were evaluated. A total of 364 eyes had early glaucoma, 303 eyes were glaucoma suspects, and 108 eyes were ocular hypertensives. In the glaucoma group, 16 of the 26 eyes (61.5%) classified as normal based on cluster criteria on 24-2 tests were classified as abnormal on 10-2 visual fields. In eyes with suspected glaucoma, 79 of the 200 eyes (39.5%) classified as normal on the 24-2 test were classified as abnormal on 10-2 visual fields. In ocular hypertensive eyes, 28 of the 79 eyes (35.4%) classified as normal on the 24-2 were classified as abnormal on the 10-2. Patients of African descent were more likely to have an abnormal 10-2 result (67.3 vs. 56.8%, P= 0.009). Central visual field damage seen on the 10-2 test is often missed with the 24-2 strategy in all groups.This finding has implications for the diagnosis of glaucoma and classification of severity.

Research progress of treatment strategies for retinitis pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a genetically heterogeneous group of hereditary retinal disorders characterized by photoreceptor cell death, associated with night blindness, vision loss, progressive peripheral visual field loss and abnormalities in the electroretinogram. A number of gene defects have so far been associated with RP, which cause a progressive loss of rod photoreceptor function, followed by cone photoreceptor dysfunction and eventually complete blindness. The rate of blindness related to RP is high. At present there is no effective therapeutic strategy for RP. In recent years, with the progress of molecular biology technique, many new therapeutic approaches have become promising. This article summarizes the pathogenesis of RP and gives a brief overview of related research progress of RP therapeutic strategies. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2017, 53: 148-153).