Branching Vascular Network Research Articles

Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy on Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography with Variable Interscan Time Analysis.

PurposeTo use a novel optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) algorithm termed variable interscan time analysis (VISTA) to evaluate relative blood flow speeds in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).MethodsProspective cross-sectional study enrolling patients with confirmed diagnosis of PCV. OCTA of the retina and choroid was obtained with a prototype swept-source OCT system. The acquired OCT volumes were centered on the branching vascular network (BVN) and polyps as determined by indocyanine-green angiography (ICGA). The relative blood flow speeds were characterized on VISTA-OCTA.ResultsSeven eyes from seven patients were evaluated. Swept-source OCTA enabled detailed enface visualization of the BVN and polyps in six eyes. VISTA-OCTA revealed variable blood flow speeds in different PCV lesion components of the same eye, with faster flow in the periphery of polyps and slower flow in the center of each polyp, as well as relatively slow flow in BVN when compared with retinal vessels. BVNs demonstrated relatively faster blood flow speeds in the larger trunk vessels and relatively slower speeds in the smaller vessels.ConclusionsSwept-source OCTA identifies polyps in most, but not all, PCV lesions. This limitation that may be related to relatively slow blood flow within the polyp, which may be below the OCTA's sensitivity. VISTA-OCTA showed heterogeneous blood flow speeds within the polyps, which may indicate turbulent flow in the polyps.Translational RelevanceThese results bring relevant insights into disease mechanisms that can account for the variable course of PCV, and can be relevant for diagnosis and management of patients with PCV.

Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography for Assessment of the 3-Dimensional Structures of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy

Investigating the quantitative 3-dimensional (3-D) anatomy of polypoidal complex is important for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). To quantitatively evaluate the 3-D characteristics of polypoidal structures, branching vascular networks (BVNs), and origin of PCV using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and multiple image systems. A prospective, observational study was conducted in 47 consecutive Taiwanese patients (47 eyes) from May 21, 2015, to April 30, 2017. All participants were scanned with the Optovue-RTVue-XR-Avanti OCTA system. Patients in whom PCV was identified on OCTA were examined to define characteristics and structures of the original spouting vessels (stalks) from the choroid, polypoidal structures, and BVNs on OCTA. Quantitative analysis of 3-D structures of the polypoidal complex. Among the 47 patients, the mean (SD) patient age was 68.9 (8.0) years, and 28 (59.6%) men were included. Clear images of polypoidal structures could be detected in 17 eyes (36.2%, 22 polypoidal structures), BVNs in 26 eyes (55.3%, 26 tufts of BVNs), and stalks of origin from the choroid in 26 eyes (55.3%, 26 stalks) on the en face plane on OCTA. All polypoidal structures were found at a mean (SD) height of 45.3 (36.1) μm above the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) reference plane that was preset by the machine, while the BVNs were found at a mean (SD) depth of 28.6 (14.2) μm below the RPE reference plane and the choroidal stalks at 80.4 (24.4) μm below RPE reference plane. The mean (SD) thickness of polypoidal structures was 38.4 (15.5) μm and of BVNs, 60.2 (25.0) μm. The polypoidal structures were all above the Bruch membrane within the dome of the RPE detachment, the choroidal stalks were all in the choroid layer. The BVNs could be either above (up to 18 μm), within, or below (up to 28 μm) the Bruch membrane and were in proximity to the double layers of flattened RPE detachment. These results demonstrate a 3-D architecture of PCV that may be helpful for a better understanding of the anatomy, pathophysiology, and pathogenesis of PCV.

Comparison of the 12-Month Outcomes of Intravitreal Ranibizumab between Two Angiographic Subtypes of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy

Background: To compare the 12-month outcomes of intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) between two angiographic subtypes of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of 38 treatment-naïve PCV cases. Three consecutive IVR and retreatments as needed were performed. Subsequently, the PCV cases were classified into two phenotypes (18 type 1 and 20 type 2) according to the status of branching vascular network. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was evaluated in each PCV subtype up to 12 months after the initial IVR. Results: The mean BCVA was significantly improved from baseline in type 1 PCV while not in type 2 PCV. In type 2 PCV, 3 cases showed severe visual loss after 6 months from the initial IVR. The mean retreatment number was 1.9 ± 1.7 in type 1 PCV and 1.2 ± 1.3 in type 2 PCV. Conclusions: The outcomes of IVR may be different between two angiographic subtypes of PCV.

Quantitative Analysis of En Face Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging in Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy.

Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) imaging can be used to visualize polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) lesions in the en face plane. Here, the authors describe a novel lesion quantification technique and compare PCV lesion area measurements and morphology before and after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment. Volumetric SD-OCT scans in eyes with PCV before and after induction anti-VEGF therapy were retrospectively analyzed. En face SD-OCT images were generated and a pixel intensity thresholding process was used to quantify total lesion area. Thirteen eyes with PCV were analyzed. En face SD-OCT PCV lesion area quantification showed good intergrader reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.944). Total PCV lesion area was significantly reduced after anti-VEGF therapy (2.22 mm2 vs. 2.73 mm2; P = .02). The overall geographic pattern of the branching vascular network was typically preserved. PCV lesion area analysis using en face SD-OCT is a reproducible tool that can quantify treatment related changes. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2017;48:126-133.].

Афлиберцепт в лечении резистентной полипоидной хориоидальной васкулопатии: краткосрочные результаты

Polypoid choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is a rare subtype of age-related macular degeneration, characterized by a formation of a branching vascular network (BVN) and polyps. In a number of cases a resistance to the performed therapy was observed in particular using Ranibizumab. In its turn, the angiogenesis inhibitor Aflibercept with a relatively greater affinity for VEGF-A molecules had already demonstrated its efficacy in previously untreated patients with PCV. Purpose. To evaluate the first results of Aflibercept treatment in polypoid choroidal vasculopathy, resistant to a previous combined therapy. Material and methods. The prospective study included 8 patients (9 eyes) with treatment-resistant PCV (three or more intravitreal injections of 0.5mg of Ranibizumab monthly or in combination with photodynamic therapy (PDT) with Chlorin e6). One month after 3 monthly intravitreal injections of 2mg of Aflibercept, changes in visual acuity, central retinal sensitivity (CRS) and central retinal thickness (CRT), a resorption of the subretinal fluid, dome-shaped retinal pigment epithelial detachment, polyps and BVN were evaluated according to the OCT data, OCTangiography, fluorescein angiography (FAG) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). Results. Visual acuity before and after treatment did not show the statistically significant difference (0.5±0.2 and 0.6±0.2, respectively, p=0.4). The CRS demonstrated a pronounced positive dynamic from 21.5±2.7 to 24.0±3.7dB (p=0.02). Resorption of the subretinal fluid was noted with a statistically significant decrease in the CRT from 336.3±55.1 to 284.3±60.1µm (p=0.03). Among 6 eyes with dome-shaped RPE detachment, two showed a complete attachment, and three a partial attachment, in one patient the height of retinal detachment increased. According to ICGA, OCT and OCT angiography data, the regression of polyps was detected in 6 of 9 eyes, however, the BVN still persisted. Conclusion. Short-term results of Aflibercept treatment in patients with resistant PCV showed its efficacy in relation to the reduction of exudation, the polyps closure and the increase of central retinal sensitivity.

Comparison of the 1-year Outcomes of Conbercept Therapy between Two Different Angiographic Subtypes of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy.

Background:Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is characterized by the presence of polyps with or without a branching vascular network and more prevalent among Asians. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of conbercept therapy between two different angiographic subtypes of PCV.Methods:Fifty-eight patients of PCV were classified into two phenotypes according to indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). In Type 1, both feeder and draining vessels are visible on ICGA and network vessels are numerous. In Type 2, neither feeder nor draining vessels are detectable, and the number of network vessels is small. The patients were treated with intravitreal conbercept (IVC) for 3 months. Additional IVC was given at subsequent monthly visits, if needed. The patients were followed up for 12 months, and changes in mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), subretinal fluid (SRF) thickness, pigmented epithelial detachment (PED), hemorrhage, and number of polypoidal lesions were evaluated.Results:The mean BCVA in Type 2 PCV (15.92 ± 9.76 letters) achieved a significantly greater improvement than that in the Type 1 (14.10 ± 9.07 letters) at month 12 (t = 2.37, P < 0.01). Moreover, the mean CRT decrease was numerically greater in Type 2 (120.44 ± 73.81 μm) compared with Type 1 (106.48 ± 72.33 μm) at month 6 (t = 4.31, P < 0.01), and greater in Type 2 (130.21 ± 76.28 μm) compared with Type 1 (111.67 ± 79.57 μm) at month 9 (t = 1.87, P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between the two types for the decrease in SRF thickness, PED height, and regression of polyps from month 3 to 12 (t = 2.97, P > 0.05).Conclusion:Classification systems for PCV will show differences in presentation, natural history, or response to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment and might, therefore, provide a new key to the choice of treatment for the disease.

Comparison of indocyanine green angiography and optical coherence tomographic angiography in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.

PurposeTo compare optical coherence tomographic angiography (OCTA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) images for detecting polypoidal lesions (PLs) and branching vascular networks (BVNs), and to measure the polypoidal areas (PAs) in patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).MethodsAll patients underwent ICGA, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and OCTA. We compared the detection sensitivity for PL and BVN, as evaluated by the ICGA and OCTA images. Furthermore, PA measured by ICGA was divided into two groups: one in which the area could be measured by OCTA (ICGA+OCTA+) and the other in which the area could not be measured by OCTA (ICGA+OCTA-).ResultsTwenty-one consecutive eyes of 21 patients (mean age, 73.8±9.8 years) were included. ICGA detected PL in all eyes (100%), whereas OCTA detected PL in 16 eyes (75.2%); ICGA detected BVN in 15 eyes (71.4%), whereas OCTA detected BVN in 20 eyes (95.2%). The mean PA in ICGA+OCTA+ and ICGA+OCTA- was 0.24±0.04 and 0.14±0.01 mm2, respectively; a significant difference was observed between ICGA+OCTA+ PA and ICGA+OCTA- PA (P<0.0001). In addition, the mean PA in the ICGA+OCTA+ group measured by ICGA and OCTA was 0.24±0.04 was 0.19±0.04 mm2, respectively; these values were significantly different (P=0.0046).ConclusionsOCTA might detect more BVNs and fewer PLs compared with ICGA, and PL detected by OCTA might be smaller than those detected by ICGA.

ANGIOGRAPHIC FINDINGS OF RANIBIZUMAB-RESISTANT POLYPOIDAL CHOROIDAL VASCULOPATHY AFTER SWITCHING TO A TREAT-AND-EXTEND REGIMEN WITH INTRAVITREAL AFLIBERCEPT.

The aim of this study was to study the angiopathic findings of ranibizumab-resistant polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy after switching to a treat-and-extend regimen with intravitreal aflibercept. The authors retrospectively reviewed 17 eyes of 17 Japanese patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (10 men and 7 women, age: 73.8 ± 7.4 years) who were treated with intravitreal aflibercept (2 mg/0.05 mL) injections from February 2013 to August 2014 at Tokyo University Hospital. All patients had switched to aflibercept because their polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy had been refractory to ranibizumab. The mean logMAR best-corrected visual acuity at baseline and after 12 months of therapy was 0.30 ± 0.29 (Snellen equivalent: 20/40) and 0.17 ± 0.26 (20/30) (paired t-test P < 0.001). Visual acuity remained stable in 5 cases (29%), deteriorated in 3 (18%), and improved in 9 (53%). Branching vascular networks persisted in all 17 eyes but shrank in 15 (88%). The mean lesion diameter was 3329 ± 1261 μm at baseline and 3180 ± 1247 μm after 12 months (P = 0.0002). A treat-and-extend regimen with intravitreal aflibercept for ranibizumab-resistant patients resulted in branching vascular network shrinkage over a 1-year period.

Characteristics of Fundus Autofluorescence in Active Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy.

Objectives:To define characteristic fundus autofluorescence (FAF) findings in eyes with active polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).Materials and Methods:Thirty-five eyes of 29 patients with active PCV who were diagnosed at Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Retina Division between January 2012 and November 2014 were included in the study. All the patients underwent a complete ophthalmological examination including fundus photography, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, FAF photography, and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). ICGA was used to diagnose active PCV and identify lesion components. FAF findings were described at the retinal site of the corresponding lesions identified and diagnosed using ICGA.Results:The mean age of the 29 study patients (15 men, 14 women) was 64.6±7.5 years (range, 54-82 years). ICGA revealed active PCV in 35 eyes, consisting of polypoid lesions in 11 eyes (31.4%), branching vascular networks (BVN) in 10 eyes (28.6%), and a combination of polypoid lesions and BVNs in 14 eyes (40%). On FAF images, 4 different patterns were detected at the corresponding retinal sites of 25 polypoid lesions detected by ICGA: confluent hypoautofluorescence with a hyperautofluorescent ring in 18 eyes (72%), hyperautofluorescence with hypoautofluorescent ring in 2 eyes (8%), confluent hypoautofluorescence in 1 eye (4%), and granular hypoautofluorescence in 1 eye (4%). The remaining 3 eyes (12%) demonstrated blocked hypoautofluorescence because of the excessive hemorrhaging in the macula. The FAF images showed the granular hypoautofluorescent FAF pattern in all 24 BVNs (100%) consistent with the location of the lesions on ICGA.Conclusion:The typical PCV lesions, polypoid lesions and BVNs had characteristic autofluorescent findings on FAF imaging. Non-invasive, quick, and repeatable FAF imaging can be considered a reliable and helpful diagnostic technique for the diagnosis of active PCV.

Evaluating Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy With Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography.

PurposeWe observed and analyzed the morphologic characteristics of polypoidal lesions and abnormal branching vascular network (BVN) in patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).MethodsA retrospective observational case series was done of patients with PCV. All patients were scanned with a 70-kHz spectral-domain OCT system using the split-spectrum amplitude-decorrelation angiography (SSADA) algorithm to distinguish blood flow from static tissue. The OCTA images of these patients were compared to those from indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). Semiautomated segmentation was used to further analyze the polypoidal lesion and the BVN.ResultsWe studied 13 eyes of 13 patients 51 to 69 years old. A total of 11 patients were treatment-naive. Two patients had multiple anti-VEGF injections and one underwent photodynamic therapy (PDT). Optical coherence tomography angiography was able to detect the BVN in all cases. Using cross-sectional OCTA, BVN locations were shown to be in the space between the RPE and Bruch's membrane. Using en face OCTA, the BVN vascular pattern could be shown more clearly than by ICGA. Polypoidal lesions showed high flow signals in different patterns in 12 cases in the outer retina slab. Using cross-sectional OCTA, the polyps were shown to be just below the top of the pigment epithelial detachment (PED). In one case, the polypoidal lesion was not detectable at the outer retina slab.ConclusionsOptical coherence tomography angiography is a noninvasive imaging tool for detecting vascular changes in PCV. Branching vascular networks showed more clearly on OCTA than on ICGA. Polypoidal lesions had variable patterns on OCTA and were not always detected. The OCTA patterns of the polypoidal lesions and the BVN are helpful in understanding the pathology of PCV.

Concise Review: Salivary Gland Regeneration: Therapeutic Approaches from Stem Cells to Tissue Organoids.

The human salivary gland (SG) has an elegant architecture of epithelial acini, connecting ductal branching structures, vascular and neuronal networks that together function to produce and secrete saliva. This review focuses on the translation of cell- and tissue-based research toward therapies for patients suffering from SG hypofunction and related dry mouth syndrome (xerostomia), as a consequence of radiation therapy or systemic disease. We will broadly review the recent literature and discuss the clinical prospects of stem/progenitor cell and tissue-based therapies for SG repair and/or regeneration. Thus far, several strategies have been proposed for the purpose of restoring SG function: (1) transplanting autologous SG-derived epithelial stem/progenitor cells; (2) exploiting nonepithelial cells and/or their bioactive lysates; and (3) tissue engineering approaches using 3D (three-dimensional) biomaterials loaded with SG cells and/or bioactive cues to mimic in vivo SGs. We predict that further scientific improvement in each of these areas will translate to effective therapies toward the repair of damaged glands and the development of miniature SG organoids for the fundamental restoration of saliva secretion.

Characteristics of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy Evaluated by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

The purpose of this study was to compare the angiographic findings of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) detected by indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) and en face optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). The study design was a retrospective chart review of 20 eyes with a clinical diagnosis of treatment-naive PCV, seen at Nagoya City University Hospital between December 2014 and January 2016. Indocyanine green angiography was performed with Heidelberg Retina Angiography 2 and OCTA was performed by using Avanti RTVue XR. Twenty eyes of 20 patients (18 male, 2 female) were studied. Average age was 71.9 years. Manual segmentation was required to detect the pathologic lesions of PCV in all cases. The polypoidal lesions were detected in 20 eyes (100%) by ICGA, and in 17 eyes (85%) by OCTA. The number of polypoidal lesions detected by OCTA averaged 2.6 ± 1.9, with an average of 2.0 ± 1.1 by ICGA (P < 0.05). The branching vascular network (BVN) was detected in 14 eyes (70%) by ICGA and in 14 eyes (70%) by OCTA. All of the BVNs detected by OCTA were located between the RPE and Bruch's membrane. Despite the manual segmentation required, en face OCTA enabled us to analyze the angiographic features of PCV combined with longitudinal image (B-scan). En face OCTA may be useful for understanding the pathogenesis of PCV and managing PCV.

Choroidal Watershed Zone and Growth of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy

ABSTRACTPurpose: To investigate the topographic relationship between polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) growth and choroidal watershed zones (CWZ) by using indocyanine green angiography (ICGA).Materials and Methods: We evaluated PCV lesions smaller than the CWZ at baseline and followed up more than 6 months. The CWZ was traced in the early phase ICGA at baseline. The vascular lesion of PCV was traced in baseline and follow-up ICGA. These traces were overlapped and topographic relationships between CWZs and PCV growth were evaluated.Results: Among 31 eyes of 31 patients, enlargement of a PCV lesion was observed in 20 patients (64.5%) at mean follow-up of 30.4 months (6–68 months). A topographical relationship between the CWZ and PCV growth was demonstrated in 14 eyes (70.0%), as the shape of the PCV lesion conformed to the boundary of the CWZ, and/or the growth of the branching vascular network was aligned to the direction of the CWZ extension to the periphery. Growth beyond the boundary of the CWZ was noted in 9 eyes (45.0%), however growth area was greater inside the CWZ than outside in all eyes. Of 15 eyes of extrafoveal lesion at baseline, 8 eyes in which the vascular lesion progressed to the fovea had the CWZ involving the fovea, whereas PCV in three eyes with an extrafoveal CWZ remained as a non-subfoveal disease after mean follow-up of 17.0 months (p = 0.019).Conclusions: A subfoveal CWZ was related to PCV growth to the fovea. Topographical relationships between PCV growth and the CWZ suggest that choroidal circulation is a predisposition for PCV growth.

Optical coherence tomography angiography characteristics of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

PurposeTo analyse the morphological characteristics of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A).MethodsProspective study with consecutive patients affected with PCV were included. All patients underwent a complete...

Tomographic features of idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy using spectral domain OCT

Purpose: To study the tomographic features of idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (IPCV) diagnosed on indocyanine green (ICG) angiogram using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT). Design: This was a retrospective observational case series. Materials and Methods: Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD OCT) features of 50 eyes of 50 consecutive patients diagnosed as idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (IPCV) between January 2013 to January 2015 on ICG angiograms were studied. A qualitative analysis based on various tomographic features corresponding to the polypoidal lesions and branching vascular network on Spectrailis OCT was studied. Polyps were localized to subfoveal and juxtafoveal areas. These were later compared with SDOCT features of 15 eyes of 15 consecutive patients newly diagnosed as occult choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) on FFA/ICG. Results: Of the 50 eyes, sharp peak pigment epithelial notch (PED) was present in 49 eyes (98%); PED notch in 49 eyes (98%); a visible hyporeflective lumen with hyperreflective lesions adherent to the outer surface of the RPE in 48 eyes (96%), multiple PED in 44 eyes (80%), and diffuse PED in 44 eyes (80%); intraretinal hyperreflective dots representing hard exudates were seen in 44 eyes (88%). Surrounding OCT features such as intraretinal hyperreflective dots represent hard exudates, Cystoid macular edema and subretinal fluid were seen in 44 eyes (88%). Sub-RPE features such as PED with sheaths of internal reflectivity – branching vascular network in 19 eyes (38%) and prominent Bruchs membrane and surfacing of choroidal vessels was seen in 18 eyes (36%). At least 3 of the abovementioned OCT features were seen in all of the eyes diagnosed as PCV. The height of the PED ranged from 138–1300 μ (median = 422.2 μ). Of the 15 eyes, 80% showed presence of FVPED; multiple PED were seen in 33.3%; intraretinal hard exudates in 66.7%, and notch PED in 6.7%. Hyporeflective lumen with hyperreflective lesion under RPE was not seen in any of the eyes. The height of PED ranged from 118–339 μ (median = 164.28 μ). Conclusions: SDOCT-based features mentioned above allows detection of IPCV and differentiate it from occult CNVM. Our results suggest that SDOCT may be a useful noninvasive tool compared to ICG in detecting PCV, especially in places where ICG is not available or is contraindicated.

Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography of Idiopathic Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy.

To analyze the morphological characteristics of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A). Consecutive patients with PCV underwent complete ophthalmological examination, including fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, spectral-domain OCT and OCT-A. Segmentation of the choriocapillaris layer on OCT-A revealed the branching vascular network as a hyper-flow lesion, and it revealed the polypoidal lesion as a hyper-flow round structure surrounded by a hypo-intense halo in some cases and as a hypo-flow round structure in most cases. OCT-A is a noninvasive imaging modality that allows for the visualization of different structures in PCV. The branching vascular network is consistently and clearly detected. The hypo-flow round appearance of the polyps on OCT-A is probably due to unusual blood flow inside of the polypoidal lesions, in contrast with the branching vascular network. Further improvements in OCT-A knowledge will provide information on the specificity of the different intensity characteristics in PCV.

POLYPOIDAL CHOROIDAL VASCULOPATHY SECONDARY TO A STABLE CHOROIDAL NEVUS

Choroidal nevus is the most common ocular fundus tumor in adults. Previous studies have widely discussed the features of choroidal neovascularization secondary to nevus and its treatment options. Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is an exudative chorioretinopathy that is often underdiagnosed. Clinical features, natural history, and treatment response of PCV are distinct from occult choroidal neovascularization. Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy secondary to choroidal nevus has not been previously documented. We report a patient with a history of stable choroidal nevus who developed a polypoidal lesion at the edge of the nevus lesion. A white woman who presented with a choroidal nevus and clinical features of PCV was examined using fundoscopy, optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, and indocyanine green angiography. A polypoidal lesion with an associated branching vascular network adjacent to the nevus was demonstrated by optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, and indocyanine green angiography. The patient was asymptomatic and was managed conservatively. Our case showed that PCV developing in association with a stable choroidal nevus. Pathogenic mechanisms of this condition may include chronic degenerative or inflammatory changes at the level of the retinal pigment epithelium resulting in vascular changes. Unlike treatment of occult choroidal neovascularization secondary to nevus, optimal management of PCV secondary to nevus may vary. Indocyanine green angiography is the gold standard for the diagnosis of PCV and is a useful investigation in atypical choroidal neovascularization.

OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY OF POLYPOIDAL CHOROIDAL VASCULOPATHY AND POLYPOIDAL CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION.

To describe the use of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) for evaluating the spectrum of polypoidal vascular diseases. Retrospective observational case series of seven patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (three cases) or polypoidal choroidal neovascularization (four cases). Optical coherence tomography angiography information was acquired using two different OCT-A devices (the Optovue RTVue XR Avanti SD-OCT and the Spectralis OCT angiography). Flow signals within branching vascular networks, type 1 neovascularization and polyps were evaluated. Comparisons were made between en face and cross-sectional OCT-A images. Vascular information from OCT-A was also compared with indocyanine green angiography. En face images from OCT-A provided anatomical information about branching vascular networks that were comparable to indocyanine green angiography. Polyps were poorly resolved on en face OCT-A images but were clearly defined on cross-sectional OCT-A images. Cross-sectional OCT-A revealed flow signals within focal regions of the polyps with a significant portion of the polyp lumen being devoid of flow signal. Flow signals from cross-sectional OCT-A images also showed that branching vascular networks, type 1 neovascularization, and polyps were confined to the anatomic compartment between the retinal pigment epithelium and Bruch's membrane. It was not possible to detect leakage on en face or cross-sectional OCT-A. The combination of en face and cross-sectional OCT-A images provides anatomical information about polypoidal structures that is comparable to indocyanine green angiography. OCT-A may be a useful modality for the management of polypoidal diseases. However, the limitations of OCT-A identified in this study suggest that it is not a replacement for indocyanine green angiography.

Comparative observation of indocyanine green angiography and optical coherence tomography angiography in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

Objective To observe the characteristics of indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). Methods 17 patients (17 eyes) with PCV referred to Peking Union Medical College Hospital from November 2014 to February 2015 were included in this cross-sectional study. There were 9 males (9 eyes) and 8 females (8 eyes), aged from 55 to 79 years, with the mean of (68.24±6.80) years. There were 10 right eyes and 7 left eyes. All patients were examined by fundus fluorescein angiography combined with ICGA, and OCTA was performed within 1 hour. Results ICGA showed 5 eyes with branching vascular network (BVN), 7 eyes with polyps, only 1 eye with both BVN and polyps. 4 eyes showed no positive findings, 3 of them with large hemorrhage. 5 eyes with BVN shared the similar location and range of the lesions in ICGA and OCTA. 7 eyes with polyps showed hot spot in OCTA, 5 of them shared the similar lesions with ICGA, the other 2 eyes showed slightly different in ICGA and OCTA. 1 eye showed both BVN and polyps, OCTA and ICGA were consistent for this. In the 3 eyes with large hemorrhage, 2 of them showed hot spot below pigment epithelial detachment, 1 eye show no positive findings in both ICGA and OCTA. Conclusions PCV patients with BVN shared similar findings in ICGA and OCTA, PCV patients with polyps showed highlight spot in OCTA. OCTA can visualize BNV and polyps of choroidal capillary, and it can showed the similar site and range of lesions in ICGA. Key words: Choroid diseases/diagnosis; Indocyanine green/diagnostic use; Tomography, optical coherence

IMPROVED SPECIFICITY OF POLYPOIDAL CHOROIDAL VASCULOPATHY DIAGNOSIS USING A MODIFIED EVEREST CRITERIA

To evaluate the performance of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) diagnosis using fundus camera-based indocyanine green angiography, comparing a single sign of "subretinal focal hyperfluorescence" on indocyanine green angiography with a modification of the EVEREST criteria. Color fundus photograph, flash fundus camera-based fluorescein angiography, and indocyanine green angiography of 241 eyes of 230 consecutive patients with exudative maculopathy due to PCV or typical age-related macular degeneration were graded independently by 2 retinal specialists using a modified EVEREST criteria, which requires the presence of subretinal focal hyperfluorescence plus any 1 of 5 additional criteria. Discordant cases were adjudicated by a senior retinal specialist to arrive at the final diagnosis. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating curve of subretinal focal hyperfluorescence versus the EVEREST criteria and combinations of individual EVEREST criteria were compared. Among the 241 eyes with exudative maculopathy, 131 eyes had PCV and 110 eyes had typical age-related macular degeneration. Using a single sign of subretinal focal hyperfluorescence alone for the diagnosis of PCV, sensitivity was 85.3% and specificity was 80.9%, with an area under the receiver operating curve of 83.1%. When applying the EVEREST definition, sensitivity was reduced to 78.4% but specificity improved to 87.1% with a similar area under the receiver operating curve of 82.8%. The frequency of individual criteria was highly variable, with stereo nodular appearance (73.7%) and orange nodule (55.0%) being the most common and branching vascular network, massive hemorrhage, and hypofluorescent halo in the presence of subretinal focal hyperfluorescence being less common (21.5%-28.1%). The EVEREST criteria have a higher specificity for the diagnosis of PCV than subretinal focal hyperfluorescence alone and may be applied to flash fundus camera-based indocyanine green angiography in a clinical setting. Stereo nodular appearance is the most important additional criterion.