Choroidal Neovascular Membrane Formation Research Articles

State of microcirculation in the retina and choroid according to optical coherence tomography with angiography data in children with posterior and panuveitis

AIM: Retinal and choroidal microvascular changes analysis in children with posterior and panuveitis using optical coherence tomography with angiography (OCTA) and determination of the possibility of using this method in activity assessment and disease monitoring.
 MATERIAL AND METHODS: 24 children with uveitis were examined. The age of children was from 8 to 18 years old (38 affected eyes). All included patients were divided into two groups: with posterior uveitis (27 eyes) and with panuveitis (11 eyes). In each of the groups, subgroups with active and inactive uveitis were identified. In addition to the standard examination OCTA was performed. Foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, perfusion density in the superficial and deep vascular plexuses of the retina (SVRP, DVRP) and also in the layers of choriocapillaries and large and medium vessels of the choroid were studied. The control group consisted of 10 paired healthy eyes.
 RESULTS: Аll eyes with posterior and panuveitis were characterized by the irreversible decrease in perfusion density in DVRP. In eyes with active chorioretinitis was also detected the reversible decrease in perfusion density in SVRP, layers of choriocapillaries and large and medium vessels of the choroid. The formation of choroidal neovascular membranes (CNM) in patients with panuveitis with choroiditis was accompanied by the decrease in perfusion density at all levels studied. In eyes with chorioretinitis and CNM the decrease in perfusion density was detected in DVRP and the area of FAZ increased.
 CONCLUSION: The features of microcirculation in the chorioretinal complex identified using OCTA in children with posterior and panuveitis can improve the diagnosis and monitoring of these diseases.

Primary Antiphospholipid Syndrome: A Hidden Predisposing Factor for Retinal Vein Occlusion and Choroidal Neovascular Membrane Formation Among Young Population

Background & Objectives: Antiphospholipid syndrome can lead to variable systemic and ophthalmic manifestations. The study aims to establish the relationship between retinal vein occlusion (RVO) or choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) with Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS). Methods: A multicentric prospective cross-sectional study was carried out in three major eye centers in Bahrain that included The Eye Infirmary, Bahrain Royal Hospital, and King Hamad University Hospital. All young patients aging from 35 to 50 years, presenting with either RVO or CNVM and not known to have any underlying systemic disease were included in the study. Antiphospholipid confirmatory tests and coagulation profiles were done for all patients. Results: Total number of fourteen eyes of ten patients were enrolled in the study. Six patients had RVO, three out of them had central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and three had branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Four patients had bilateral CNVM (total of 8 eyes). All patients recorded high activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) readings, six out of ten patients were labeled as primary APS, four of them had positive anti-cardiolipin antibodies and the other two patients were positive for plasma lupus anticoagulant. Conclusion: APS should be considered as an etiological factor in all cases of retinal vein occlusion and choroidal neovascular membrane affecting young otherwise healthy individuals. In this study, 60% of patients who fit the inclusion criteria were labeled as primary APS patients. Timely investigations and treatment in these cases can prevent major catastrophic thrombotic events which may involve any system or organ in the body. Keywords: Antiphospholipid syndrome, Blood coagulation tests, Eye, Lupus coagulation inhibitor, Retinal vein occlusion

Pitfalls and Complications of Epiretinal Membrane Peeling in Eyes with Comorbid Subretinal Drusenoid Deposits: A Report of Five Cases

Background: Idiopathic epiretinal membranes (ERM) are common with potential for severe visual loss. Surgical outcomes are excellent but predominantly reported from healthy eye studies rather than those with co-morbidities. We report a series of patients with subretinal drusenoid deposits (SRDD) and comorbid ERM with post-operative complications or poor outcomes, describing potential pitfalls to avoid. Case Presentation: This is a case series illustrating the poor functional and morphological outcomes following ERM surgery in five eyes with SRDD. These eyes appear at risk of geographic atrophy (GA), choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) formation (pre-and post-operatively) and outer retinal atrophy (ORA), all of which can limit outcomes. Conclusion: ERM surgery in eyes with SRDD presents specific challenges. Assessment of outer retinal changes can be challenging pre-operatively, particularly with significant oedema. Identification of patients with SRDD in ERM eyes often relies on examination of the contralateral eye. Appropriate listing is paramount, with care taken to rule out pre-existing GA or CNVM through use of fundus fluorescein angiography. Patients should be given a guarded prognosis during the consenting process if the outer retina is poorly visualized.

Pachychoroid Spectrum Disorders: A Review of Clinical Features and Management

Pachychoroid disorders are an entity distinct from age-related macular degeneration and constitute four major variants along a continuum- pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathy, central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR), pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PNV), and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). The common characteristics include presence of dilated outer choroidal vessels (pachyvessels), choriocapillaris and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) attenuation with or without increased choroidal thickness in a focal area or diffuse in topography. Whether choroidal congestion and hyperpermeability is the primary event with consequent choriocapillaris atrophy or choriocapillaris attenuation occurs primarily with resultant compensatory outer choroidal vascular dilatation, remains poorly understood. Chronic choroidal inflammation and ischemia predispose to angiogenic factor release which together with overlying RPE-Bruch’s disruption leads to type 1 choroidal neovascular membrane (CNV) formation. Pachychoroid disorders occur in younger population, does not have multiple soft drusen, and have distinct genetic polymorphisms and favourable treatment response when compared to the age-related macular degeneration. Systemic associations are known to occur with pachychoroid disorders. The treatment is required in cases of CSCR with chronic subretinal fluid and PNV or PCV with CNV and macular exudation. While acute cases of CSCR resolves spontaneously, diffuse epitheliopathy often requires photodynamic therapy or focal laser photocoagulation depending upon the site of RPE leakage. Pachychoroid disorders with exudation from CNV respond to three monthly intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections followed by pro-re-nata treatment. The presence of polyps and branched vascular network in PCV often requires photodynamic therapy instead or in addition to anti-VEGF therapy. Significant advances have occurred in the understanding of this novel spectrum with the help of indocyanine green angiography and optical coherence tomography angiography. However, there remain several areas of uncertainty including the pathogenesis and superiority of the various treatment approaches. Specific therapies aimed at the pathological changes occurring in the pachychoroid disease are the need of future.

OCT-Angiography for the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Best’s Disease

Best’s disease is a relatively rare form of macular dystrophy, characterized by bilateral staged course. The cases of the choroidal neovascular membrane (XNM) formation in the course of the disease development are described, however the true frequency of this complication and the management of such patients are not determined. In recent years, a new promising method of examination — OCT — angiography (OCTA) — has been actively introduced into clinical practice. Non-invasive character and contactlessness of OKTA open wide possibilities of its application in various pathologies, in particular, in pediatric ophthalmology. The purpose of this work was to assess the prospects for using OCTA in the diagnosis and monitoring of Best’s disease. Patients and methods. The data of the standard complex ophthalmological examination and OCTA of the posterior pole of the eye were analyzed in 5 patients with Best’s disease — 4 children aged 5 to 12 years and the 25-year-old woman observed for this disease from childhood. Results. In all patients, the disease was bilateral. In 1 of 9 eyes (1 out of 10 eyes was excluded from the analysis due to the presence of retinal detachment at the time of examination) the disease was at the vitelliform stage, in 2 — at the pseudohypopyon, in 5 — at the vitelliruptive stage, in 1 — at the atrophic stage. Visual acuity at the time of the examination was from 0.02 to 1.0. Clinically, the presence of CNM could be assumed in 4 eyes. According to OCTA CNM was detected in 7 cases, in 3 of them signs of membrane activity were noted. Сonclusion. OCTA provide detection that the formation of СNM in the Best’s disease occured already at the pseudohypopyon stage and in half of cases was not accompanied by the development of clinical symptoms. The study allows to assess the localization, size and activity of the membrane, which is necessary for monitoring and determining the tactics of treatment of this complication. Carrying out further research will determine the true frequency, risk factors for development and features of CNM in Best’s disease, which will allow developing optimal tactics for conducting such patients.

Predictors for choroidal neovascular membrane formation and visual outcome following blunt ocular trauma.

Aim:The aim of this study was to determine the predictors for choroidal neovascular membrane formation and visual outcome after blunt ocular trauma.Methods:Retrospective review of electronic medical records of patients with blunt ocular trauma from January 2013 to December 2016 at Narayana Nethralaya Super Speciality Eye Hospital (Bangalore, India) was done. Cases with positive macular findings were enrolled. Data such as age, sex, laterality, mode of injury, presenting and final vision, follow-up duration and retinal findings were noted.Results:A total of 853 cases were referred to the retina clinic with history of blunt ocular trauma. Of which, 37 cases with positive macular findings were identified. Trauma with ball (18/37, 49%) was the most common mode of injury. Choroidal rupture was seen in 33 (89%) eyes. Other retinal findings noted were as follows: retinal haemorrhages (11%), commotio retinae (22%), submacular haemorrhage (43%), macular hole (11%), epiretinal membrane (3%), macular scar (8%) and vitreous haemorrhage (4%). Choroidal neovascular membrane was noted in 6 (16%) out of 37 eyes. No retinal findings showed any positive association with choroidal neovascular membrane formation. Using Pearson’s correlation test, independent variables such as presenting visual acuity (r = 0.601, p = 0.000) and choroidal neovascular membrane formation (r = –0.356, p = 0.031) showed a strong correlation with final visual acuity.Conclusion:The occurrence rate of post-traumatic choroidal neovascular membranes is about 12% in eyes with choroidal rupture. Most choroidal neovascular membranes occur within 1 year of trauma. Eyes with poor presenting vision and choroidal rupture or subretinal haemorrhage warrant regular and shorter follow-up intervals for long periods to identify the choroidal neovascular membrane. Treatment with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy is useful.

Single intravitreal etamsylate injection for the treatment of choroidal neovascular membrane formation in neovascular age-related macular degeneration

Single intravitreal etamsylate injection for the treatment of choroidal neovascular membrane formation in neovascular age-related macular degeneration

Single intravitreal etamsylate injection for the treatment of choroidal neovascular membrane formation in neovascular age-related macular degeneration

Single intravitreal etamsylate injection for the treatment of choroidal neovascular membrane formation in neovascular age-related macular degeneration

Torpedo maculopathy: disease spectrum and associated choroidal neovascularisation in a paediatric population.

Torpedo maculopathy is a rare lesion of the retinal pigment epithelium. This study set out to look at these lesions in the paediatric population and determine the spectrum and features of the disease. The paediatric ophthalmology database was used to identify eight children with torpedo maculopathy between 2012 and 2017. Fundal images and optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to analyse the cases. Eight patients with torpedo maculopathy were identified, making the prevalence approximately 2 per 100,000 population under 16 years old. The OCT images were classified using the previously described subtypes: Type 1 in patients 5 and 6 and Type 2 in patients 1, 2, 3, 4 and 8. The average age of presentation of Type 1 and Type 2 lesions was 8 and 7 years old respectively. We also report patient 8, who is the youngest reported case of choroidal neovascular membrane associated with torpedo maculopathy. Good anatomical response to a single injection of anti-Vegf was shown. This study is the first case series of torpedo maculopathy in the paediatric population. Contrary to previous reports of two distinct types of lesion on OCT representing different stages of the same disease, our case series indicates that Type 1 and Type 2 lesions are in fact different phenotypic entities both of which can occur at a young age. We also present the associated risk of choroidal neovascular membrane formation which is an important consideration for long term follow-up.

Retinal Injury Secondary to Laser Pointers in Pediatric Patients

This case report describes 4 male children (age, 9-16) who had laser-related retinal injury to the macula of 1 eye or both eyes due to the mishandling of the laser pointer devices at a single vitreoretinal clinical practice. The presenting symptoms associated with laser pointer injury include central vision loss, central scotoma, and metamorphopsia. Clinical findings of laser-related retinal injury include reduced visual acuity, disruption of the photoreceptor ellipsoid zone, retinal pigment epithelium atrophy, and choroidal neovascular membrane formation. Disruption of the foveal ellipsoid zone (photoreceptor inner segment/outer segment layer) is the most common finding on optical coherence tomography imaging. Three patients had potential irreversible vision loss. Laser pointers are readily available and appropriate use of laser pointers in the pediatric population must be emphasized due to the potential irreversible retinal injury. Health professionals, school teachers, and parents should raise public awareness of this emerging public health issue by educating children about the dangers of laser pointers. Laser pointer devices among children should be discouraged and limited due to the possibility of permanent harm to themselves and others. Legislation and laws may be required to better control the sale and use of these devices.

Cytokine concentration in aqueous humour of eyes with exudative age‐related macular degeneration

To measure the concentration of cytokines in the aqueous humour of eyes with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The clinical interventional study included a study group of 18 patients with exudative AMD and a control group of 20 patients undergoing routine cataract surgery. Age did not vary significantly (p = 0.36) between study group (80.8 ± 6.4 years) and control group (77.0 ± 9.9 years), nor did gender (p = 0.75). During the interventions, aqueous humour samples were obtained, in which the concentration of cytokines was measured using a solid-phase chemiluminescence immunoassay. Macular thickness was measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT). In the study group as compared to the control group, significantly higher concentrations were measured for epithelial growth factor (EGF) (p = 0.017), human growth factor (HGF) (p= 0.048), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1) (p = 0.028), interleukin 12p40 (IL12p40) (p = 0.009), interleukin 1a2 (IL1a2) (p = 0.01), interleukin 3 (IL3) (p = 0.02), interleukin 6 (IL6) (p = 0.006), interleukin 8 (IL8) (p = 0.02), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) (p = 0.048), monokine induced by interferon gamma (MIG) (p = 0.016), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) (p = 0.004) and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI1) (p = 0.006). Macular thickness was significantly associated with the concentrations of EGF (p = 0.001), HGF (p = 0.02), ICAM1 (p = 0.001), interleukin 12p40 (p = 0.006), IL 1a2 (p = 0.002), MIG (p = 0.001), MMP9 (p < 0.001) and PAI1 (p = 0.01). Interleukin 6 and MCP-1 showed significant associations with the height of retinal pigment epithelium detachment. Numerous cytokines are associated with the presence and the amount of exudative AMD.

Reduced Choroidal Neovascular Membrane Formation in Cyclooxygenase-2 Null Mice

To assess the degree of laser-induced choroidal neovascular membrane formation in wild-type (WT) and COX-2 null mice and to measure vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin (IL)-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels in the retina and choroid. Four laser burns were placed in each eye of WT and COX-2 null mice to induce choroidal neovascularization. Fluorescein angiography (FA) was performed at 14 days, and retinal pigment epithelium-choroid-sclera (choroidal) flat mounts were prepared. The retina and choroid were isolated from WT and COX-2 null mice at 24, 72, and 168 hours after laser photocoagulation and from unlasered eyes and were tested for VEGF, IL-1β, and TNF-α. COX-2 null mice demonstrated 58% (P = 0.001) and 48% (P = 0.001) reductions in CNV formation on FA and choroidal flat mounts, respectively, compared with WT mice. For unlasered mice, mean VEGF concentrations in the retina and choroid were 1.2 ± 0.42 pg/mg protein for WT but only 0.42 ± 0.2 pg/mg protein for COX-2 null mice (P < 0.05). After laser photocoagulation, WT mice showed significantly greater VEGF and IL-β expression in the retina and choroid by 168 hours (P < 0.05) and 72 hours (P < 0.05), respectively, compared with COX-2 null mice. COX-2 null mice exhibited significantly less choroidal neovascular membrane formation associated with reduced expression of VEGF. The results of this study suggest that COX-2 modulates VEGF expression in CNV and implicates a potential therapeutic role for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Inflammatory choroidal neovascular membrane in posterior uveitis-pathogenesis and treatment

Choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) formation is a well-documented sight-threatening complication of posterior segment intraocular inflammation (PSII). The aim of this article is to review the basic and clinical science literature on the pathogenesis of CNVM formation in PSII and to present results of a case series. We searched the literature using the mesh terms- inflammation, CNVM, age-related macular degeneration, immunosuppression, photodynamic therapy, steroids, vascular endothelial growth factors and posterior uveitis. Additionally, we evaluated the visual outcome of and clinical response to our standard treatment protocol involving a combination treatment for young patients with inflammatory CNVM. The development of CNVM in PSII is promulgated by infiltrating myeloid cells as well as choroidal and retinal myeloid cell activation, subsequent vascular endothelial growth factors, cytokine and chemokine production and complement activation acting in consort to mediate angiogenic responses. No clear standard of care currently exists for the treatment of inflammatory CNVM and various combinations have been tried. Using our combination treatment, visual acuity improved in four, stabilized in one and worsened in four patients. Though significant advances have occurred in the understanding of the pathogenesis and management of this condition, optimizing therapeutic regimens will require further well-constructed prospective cohort series.

Visual rehabilitation in pre phthisis bulbi's patient: case report

Uveitis is a group of intraocular inflammatory diseases that affects mainly patients of working age. Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease is a chronic, granulomatous, systemic and autoimmune disease with manifestations in the eye, skin, and hearing and nervous systems. Ocular complications include cataract, glaucoma, choroidal neovascular membrane formation, and subretinal fibrosis, which can lead to phthisis bulbi with profound low vision or even blindness. The purpose of this article is to present the visual rehabilitation of a young patient with pre phthisis bulbi as a complication of the uveitis. During the active stage of the disease the patient quit her studies in a crucial phase of her life. After clinical treatment and surgery, training program of optical device adaptation and residual visual optimization were performed. Due to the great patient's motivation, it was possible to reintegrate her to social life.

A SYNDROME RESEMBLING ACUTE POSTERIOR MULTIFOCAL PLACOID PIGMENT EPITHELIOPATHY IN OLDER ADULTS

To describe clinical characteristics and visual and anatomic outcomes of a syndrome in older patients that is similar in its active stage to acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy, but has a distinct clinical course. We retrospectively reviewed medical records and photographic studies of consecutive patients over the age of 50 who presented with acute-onset visual symptoms associated with flat, gray-white lesions at the level of the retinal pigment epithelium reminiscent of acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy. The cohort included four men and two women with a median age of 72.5 (range, 58-82) years. The disease course was characterized by recurrent episodes in 6 (55%) of 11 eyes, with initial or eventual bilaterality in all five binocular patients. Five of six patients were treated with corticosteroids and all six patients experienced significant short-term improvement in visual acuity. However, 8 (73%) of 11 eyes developed progressive geographic atrophy and 7 (64%) developed choroidal neovascularization. With a mean (+/-SD) follow-up time of 6.6 +/- 5.5 years, the final visual acuity was 20/200 or worse in 8 (73%) of 11 eyes. Although older patients presenting with acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy-like lesions are likely to experience visual improvement as acute lesions resolve, geographic atrophy and choroidal neovascular membrane formation may subsequently develop, leading to moderate or severe visual loss.

Predictors of Visual Outcome and Choroidal Neovascular Membrane Formation After Traumatic Choroidal Rupture

To determine predictors of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and visual outcome after traumatic choroidal rupture. A retrospective review of patients with traumatic choroidal rupture diagnosed in the Retina Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, between January 1993 and August 2001 was performed. Parametric and nonparametric statistical methods were used to evaluate visual prognosis, CNV, and retinal detachment after traumatic choroidal rupture. One hundred eleven cases were identified and reviewed. Visual acuity (VA) changes were recorded in all of the cases. Thirty-eight (34%) of the 111 patients recovered driving vision (VA > or =20/40). Rupture location was recorded in 107 cases. Recovery of driving vision was seen in 20 (59%) of 34 eyes with peripheral choroidal ruptures, 17 (22%) of 73 eyes with macular choroidal ruptures, 38 (38%) of 99 eyes without CNV, 1 (8%) of 12 eyes with CNV, 38 (40%) of 96 eyes without retinal detachment, and 1 (7%) of 15 eyes with retinal detachment. Older age and location of rupture within the arcades were positively associated with CNV formation (P = .04 and .03, respectively). Foveal location of rupture, multiple ruptures, and poor baseline VA were associated with failure to recover driving vision in univariate regression analyses. In multivariate analysis, rupture location and baseline VA were independently associated with visual outcome. Of 12 patients diagnosed with CNV, 5 were not treated, 4 were treated with argon laser photocoagulation, 1 was treated with surgery, 1 was treated with argon laser photocoagulation followed by surgery, and 1 was treated with verteporfin photodynamic therapy. Most patients with traumatic choroidal rupture do not achieve final VA of 20/40 or better. Poor visual outcome was most highly associated with a macular rupture and baseline VA of less than 20/40. The formation of CNV was most strongly associated with older age and macular choroidal rupture.

Association Between Topical Prostaglandin Analog Use and Development of Choroidal Neovascular Membranes in Patients with Concurrent Glaucoma and Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of enzymes that act to degrade extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules, such as collagen, elastin, and gelatin. The glaucoma medication latanoprost, and possibly other topical prostaglandin analogs, increase uveoscleral outflow and lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) by activating MMPs 1, 2, 3, and 9 in the ciliary body. It has been reported that latanoprost may also gain access to the posterior segment and induce cystoid macular edema, although the mechanism is unknown. In the choroid, activation of some of the same subtypes of MMPs (particularly subtypes 2 and 9) has been implicated in the formation of choroidal neovascular membranes (CNVMs) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This study examined whether topical prostaglandin analog use is associated with a greater risk of CNVM formation in patients diagnosed with both AMD and POAG. A retrospective record review was performed to identify patients with a concurrent diagnosis of AMD and POAG between 1998 and 2004. Four hundred and eighty-four (484) eyes were identified and grouped as wet (n = 65) or dry (n = 419) AMD. Prostaglandin usage was compared between the two groups. Usage of other glaucoma medications was also compared. A minimum of 1 year of topical glaucoma medication was required for inclusion in the study. Exclusion criteria included a history of CNVM prior to starting glaucoma medications and a previous history of glaucoma surgery. Fifty-six percent (56%) of dry AMD and 62% of wet AMD eyes were using a topical prostaglandin (P > 0.10; not significant). Analysis of specific topical prostaglandin analog usage in the wet versus dry AMD groups revealed no statistically significant differences in the percentage of eyes treated with latanoprost (37.7% versus 41.5%), bimatoprost (12.9% versus 10.8%), or travoprost (9.2% versus 5.3%), respectively. No significant differences in the use of other glaucoma medications were observed between the two groups. No association between long-term topical prostaglandin use and CNVM development was found in patients with AMD and POAG.

ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF LUMIRACOXIB REDUCES CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULAR MEMBRANE DEVELOPMENT IN THE RAT LASER-TRAUMA MODEL

To determine whether lumiracoxib, a highly selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor that exhibits anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic properties, can inhibit experimental choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) development induced by focal laser trauma in a well-characterized Brown Norway rat CNVM model. Over a 35-day period, 24 rats received daily oral gavage dosages of 20 mg/kg lumiracoxib in a 0.5% (w/v) suspension of sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), while a control group received the 0.5% CMC suspension only. After 7 days, eight laser photocoagulation sites were placed concentrically around the optic disk to induce CNVMs. Thirty-five days later, fundus photography and fluorescein angiography (FA) were performed and eyes were processed for histopathologic analysis. Masked FA grading of lesion sites revealed a small, but statistically significant difference (P<0.0001) in late stage staining intensity and leakage between the mean group scores of treated (1.4) and control (1.7) eyes. Histopathologic analysis demonstrated that the mean CNVM thickness +/- SD of 38 +/-19 microm (n=24 eyes, 175 photocoagulation sites) in the lumiracoxib-treated animals was reduced by 30% (P<0.001) compared to the CNVM mean thickness+/- SD of 54+/- 20 microm (n=24 eyes, 171 photocoagulation sites) in the control animals. Systemic administration of the selective COX-2 inhibitor lumiracoxib results in a partial but significant reduction in CNVM development in the rat laser-trauma model and thus may be clinically beneficial as a potential inhibitor of CNVM formation in exudative age-related macular degeneration.

Retinal pigment epithelial changes and choroidal neovascularisation at the edge of posterior staphylomas; a case series and review of the literature

To report five myopic patients who presented with a variety of changes at the edge of posterior staphyloma. Retrospective, observational case series. The clinical and angiographic records of five patients who showed changes at the edge of posterior staphyloma were reviewed. One of these patients had been referred querying macular dystrophy. On fundus examination, three patients showed retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) changes at the edge of the staphyloma and two showed RPE atrophy with surrounding haemorrhages. Fluorescein angiography revealed areas of hyperfluorescence at the point of change of curvature of the staphyloma suggestive of RPE atrophy in all patients. In two patients, a choroidal neovascular membrane was seen. Indocyanine green angiogram carried out in one patient showed the presence of an occult choroidal neovascular membrane with preservation of the adjacent choriocapillaris. This case series illustrates the variety of changes that can occur at the edge of posterior staphylomas, which ranged from RPE disturbance to choroidal neovascular membrane formation. In one of the patients, these changes were mistaken for macular dystrophy. Our observations also support the hypothesis that chorioretinal changes occur at the edge of staphylomas and may predispose to choroidal neovasularisation.

Decreased Thickness and Integrity of the Macular Elastic Layer of Bruch's Membrane Correspond to the Distribution of Lesions Associated with Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness in the elderly. In its severest form, choroidal neovessels breach the macular Bruch's membrane, an extracellular matrix compartment comprised of elastin and collagen laminae, and grow into the retina. We sought to determine whether structural properties of the elastic lamina (EL) correspond to the region of the macula that is predilected toward degeneration in AMD. Morphometric assessment of the macular and extramacular regions of 121 human donor eyes, with and without AMD, revealed a statistically significant difference in both the integrity (P < 0.0001) and thickness (P < 0.0001) of the EL between the macular and extramacular regions in donors of all ages. The EL was three to six times thinner and two to five times less abundant in the macula than in the periphery. The integrity of the macular EL was significantly lower in donors with early-stage AMD (P = 0.028), active choroidal neovascularization (P = 0.020), and disciform scars (P = 0.003), as compared to unaffected, age-matched controls. EL thickness was significantly lower only in individuals with disciform scars (P = 0.008). The largest gaps in macular EL integrity were significantly larger in all categories of AMD (each P < 0.0001), as compared to controls. EL integrity, thickness, and gap length in donors with geographic atrophy did not differ from those of controls. These structural properties of the macular EL correspond spatially to the distribution of macular lesions associated with AMD and may help to explain why the macula is more susceptible to degenerative events that occur in this disease.