Retinal Pigment Epithelial Detachment Research Articles

Efficacy of Intravitreal Bevacizumab in Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy in Terms of Mean Reduction of Central Macular Thickness in Pakistani Patients

Background: Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is an idiopathic condition described by serous neurosensory retinal detachment at the posterior pole, usually associated with serous retinal pigment epithelial detachment (PED). CSCR patients as a rule have good visual prognosis. In most of the patients, CSCR is self-limiting and patients regain the last visual acuity. However, some patients may have visual disability due to permanent RPE and photoreceptor damage. Objective: The objective of the study is to determine the effect of intravitreal Bevacizumab in cases of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy in terms of mean change in central macular thickness. Study Design: Interventional experimental study. Settings: The study was conducted in Department of Ophthalmology, Allied Hospital, Faisalabad Pakistan. Duration: 2 years from January 2017 to December 2018. Methodology: An aggregate of 95 cases were recruited for the study. Study included both male and female patients with diagnosis of chronic CSCR (at least 6month duration). Best corrected visual acuity, Intra Ocular Pressure on Goldman applanation Tonometer and Optical coherence tomography on Optovue were recorded of both eye of all patients. Before starting the treatment, informed consent was signed by every patient and they were called on the day of injection. Intravitreal off label Bevacizumab (1.25/0.05ml) was given through pars plana in operation theater under aseptic conditions. After injection topical antibiotic drops were given to patients for one week and patients called for follow up after one week, one month, 2 month and 3 months. Same parameters BCVA, IOP, Dilated fundus examine and OCT was recorded on every visit. The final outcome i.e., change in central macular thickness was recorded. Results: In this study, out of 95 cases, 53.68%(n=51) were between 30-45 years of age while 46.32%(n=44) were between 46-60 years of age, mean ± SD was calculated as 46.83+7.82 years, 74.74%(n=71) were male and 25.26%(n=24) were females. Pre-treatment mean central macular thickness was recorded as 344.77+14.61µ which reduced to 154.57+16.57 µ, mean difference was recorded as 190.2+21.46 µ, p value was 0.0001 showing a significant difference. Conclusion: We concluded that intravitreal Bevacizumab significantly reduced central macular thickness in cases of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy.

Fundus autofluorescence of retinal angiomatous proliferation.

PurposeThe present study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of fundus autofluorescence in Japanese patients with retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 100 eyes from 76 patients (male, n = 45; female, n = 31; age range, 50–94 years; mean ± standard deviation, 81.4 ± 6.4 years) with treatment-naïve RAP, which was diagnosed based on the identification of retinal–retinal anastomosis on early-phase fluorescein angiography or indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) and the identification of a hot spot on late-phase ICGA. RAP was classified into the following three stages: stage 1, proliferation of intraretinal capillaries originating from the deep retinal complex (intraretinal neovascularization); stage 2, growth of the retinal vessels into the subretinal space (subretinal neovascularization); and stage 3, clinically or angiographically observed choroidal neovascularization. In all cases, short-wavelength and near-infrared autofluorescence (SW-AF, NIR-AF) was evaluated using a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope.ResultsThe conditions of the 100 eyes were as follows: stage 1 RAP, n = 6 (6%); stage 2 RAP without retinal pigment epithelial detachment (PED), n = 40 (40%); stage 2 RAP with PED, n = 44 (44%); and stage 3 RAP, 10 (10%). On NIR-AF imaging, the number of abnormalities that were observed to correspond to the RAP lesions on ICGA (87 eyes, 87%) was significantly greater in comparison to SW-AF imaging (27 eyes, 27%). The mean follow-up period in all 76 patients was 39.2 months. In the 76 patients with unilateral disease, 21 (21%) eyes developed RAP in the fellow eye during the follow-up period. Among 18 eyes that were examined by both SW-AF and NIR-AF imaging before the onset of RAP lesions, NIR-AF imaging showed hypoautofluorescence in 15 (83%) eyes before the onset of RAP lesions.ConclusionsSW-AF and NIR-AF abnormalities may be related to the dysfunction of the photoreceptor/retinal pigment epithelium complex. Hypoautofluorescence on NIR-AF imaging may accurately indicate the presence or onset of RAP lesions.

Assessment of three successive treatments of ranibizumab on neovascular macular degeneration by OCT angiography.

In the present study, the efficacy of three consecutive anti-VEGF treatments in patients with neovascular macular degeneration (nAMD) was assessed by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A). A total of 23 eyes with nAMD were treated with intravitreal injections (IVIs) of ranibizumab once a month for three consecutive months. There were eight follow-up time-points: Prior to the initial IVI and on days 1, 3, 7, 14, 30, 60 and 90 after the first IVI. The follow-up examinations consisted of measurements of the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), the height of retinal pigmented epithelium detachment (RPED), the greatest linear dimension (GLD), choroidal neovascularization (CNV) flow area, whole retinal thickness and four-quadrant retinal thickness. The results indicated that, when compared with the baseline, the BCVA gradually improved after IVI and improved significantly on days 60 and 90 (P<0.05); the RPED and GLD improved after IVI, with a significant improvement on days 30, 60 and 90 (all, P<0.05); the CNV flow area was gradually shortened in the early stage after IVI but rebounded on day 30, while the difference was statistically significant on day 14 (P<0.05). The temporal retinal thickness was statistically significant on day 30 (P<0.05) and there were statistically significant differences in nasal and inferior retinal thickness on days 14 and 30 compared with prior to IVI (all, P<0.05). The BCVA was positively correlated with the RPED, GLD, CNV flow area and nasal retinal thickness (all, P<0.05). In conclusion, OCT-A may provide an effective reference to guide the evaluation, treatment and monitoring of nAMD. The present study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (CChiTR; no. ChiCTR1900023607; http://www.chictr.org.cn/listbycreater.aspx).

The comparison of spectral domain optical coherence tomography and indocyanine green angiography in the diagnosis of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.

To evaluate the diagnostic capability of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in patients with potential diagnostic findings for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). Ninety-three eyes with potential diagnostic findings for PCV were prospectively evaluated. Patients with multiple retinal pigment epithelial detachment (RPED), sharp RPED peak, RPED notch, hyporeflective lumen representing polyps, double-layer sign and the presence of hyperreflective intraretinal hard exudate were considered as PCV in SD-OCT. The sensitivity and specificity of SD-OCT in the diagnosis of PCV were determined by comparing SD-OCT-based diagnosis with indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). Sixty-nine (74.2%) of 93 eyes included in the study were confirmed with ICGA and diagnosed as PCV. The sensitivity and specificity of SD-OCT for the diagnosis of PCV were 75.3% and 75%, respectively. The SD-OCT-based method helps clinicians to develop appropriate diagnostic and treatment strategies for patients in whom ICGA cannot be used.

Eucalyptol Inhibits Amyloid-β-Induced Barrier Dysfunction in Glucose-Exposed Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells and Diabetic Eyes.

Hyperglycemia elicits tight junction disruption and blood-retinal barrier breakdown, resulting in diabetes-associated vison loss. Eucalyptol is a natural compound found in eucalyptus oil with diverse bioactivities. This study evaluated that eucalyptol ameliorated tight junctions and retinal barrier function in glucose/amyloid-β (Aβ)-exposed human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and in db/db mouse eyes. RPE cells were cultured in media containing 33 mM glucose or 5 μM Aβ for 4 days in the presence of 1–20 μM eucalyptol. The in vivo animal study employed db/db mice orally administrated with 10 mg/kg eucalyptol. Nontoxic eucalyptol inhibited the Aβ induction in glucose-loaded RPE cells and diabetic mouse eyes. Eucalyptol reversed the induction of tight junction-associated proteins of ZO-1, occludin-1 and matrix metalloproteinases in glucose- or Aβ-exposed RPE cells and in diabetic eyes, accompanying inhibition of RPE detachment from Bruch’s membrane. Adding eucalyptol to glucose- or Aβ-loaded RPE cells, and diabetic mouse eyes reciprocally reversed induction/activation of apoptosis-related bcl-2, bax, cytochrome C/Apaf-1 and caspases. Eucalyptol attenuated the generation of reactive oxygen species and the induction of receptor for advanced glycation end products in Aβ-exposed RPE cells and diabetic eyes. Eucalyptol may ameliorate RPE barrier dysfunction in diabetic eyes through counteracting Aβ-mediated oxidative stress-induced RPE cell apoptosis.

Endogenous or Exogenous Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells: A Comparison of Two Experimental Animal Models of Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy.

PurposeProliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a blinding condition that can occur following ocular penetrating injury and retinal detachment. To develop effective therapeutics for PVR, it is imperative to establish an animal model that is reproducible, closest in anatomy to the human eye, and most representative of the human disease. We compared two in vivo models of PVR in minipig eyes to assess reproducibility and consistency.MethodsSix minipigs underwent PVR induction with procedure A and six underwent procedure B. In both procedures, PVR was induced with vitrectomy, bleb retinal detachment, retinotomy, and injection of platelet-rich plasma. In procedure A, retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells were harvested from cadaveric pig eyes and injected at the end of surgery. In procedure B, native RPE cells were released into the vitreous cavity by creating a RPE detachment and scraping the RPE layer. PVR severity was graded on fundoscopic examination with a modified Silicone Study Classification System for PVR. Severe PVR was defined as stages 2 to 5.ResultsThree eyes (50%) and five eyes (83.3%) developed re-detachment of the retina from severe PVR in procedures A and B, respectively (P = 0.55). Median PVR stage was higher in eyes that underwent procedure B compared to eyes that underwent procedure A, although the difference was not statistically significant (2.5 vs. 1.5, P = 0.26).ConclusionsThis new model utilizing native RPE cells achieved a high consistency in inducing severe PVR in the minipig.Translational RelevanceOur model closely follows pathogenic events in human PVR, making it ideal for preclinical testing of novel therapeutics for PVR.

Retinal Pigment Epithelial Detachment in Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Retinal pigment epithelial detachment is defined as a separation of the retinal pigment epithelium from the inner collagenous layer of Bruch’s membrane. It is a common manifestation in both dry and wet types of age-related macular degeneration. This review aims to provide a comprehensive guide to the pathophysiology, clinical and imaging characteristics, natural course and treatment of the various types of pigment epithelial detachments in order to assist in diagnosis and management of this important feature of age-related macular degeneration.

A Comparison Study of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy Imaged with Indocyanine Green Angiography and Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

Indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) was compared with swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) for the detection of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). Retrospective, cross-sectional. Patients with treatment-naïve PCV based on ICGA imaging underwent same-day SS-OCTA imaging at Kyung Hee University Medical Center between April 2017 and November 2018. ICGA and SS-OCTA images were graded independently. SS-OCTA images were graded using both flow and structural information. Images were graded for the number of polypoidal lesions and the total lesion area, which included both the polypoidal lesions and the branching vascular networks (BVNs). A total of 31 eyes from 30 patients were enrolled. Polypoidal lesions were identified in all eyes using both modalities, and there was agreement on the number of polypoidal lesions in 17 eyes (55%). In 12 eyes (39%), SS-OCTA graders identified a greater number of polypoidal lesions, and in 2 eyes (6%) ICGA graders identified more lesions. There was no significant difference in the lesion area measurements (standard deviation= 1.09, P= .08). The lesion with the largest difference in area measurements resulted from focal areas of atrophy, misdiagnosed as polypoidal lesions on ICGA, and a low-lying serous retinal pigment epithelial detachment erroneously identified as part of the BVN by ICGA graders. SS-OCTA imaging correctly diagnosed the focal areas of atrophy and the serous retinal pigment epitheial detachment. SS-OCTA imaging was comparable to ICGA for the diagnosis of treatment-naïve PCV. However, SS-OCTA might be better than ICGA in correctly identifying both polypoidal lesions and BVNs in treatment-naïve PCV.

A phase I, open-label, dose-escalation trial of BI 1701963 as monotherapy and in combination with trametinib in patients with KRAS mutated advanced or metastatic solid tumors.

TPS3651 Background: Activating mutations of KRAS drive many types of cancer. Activation of KRAS relies on guanine nucleotide exchange factors, such as SOS1, to mediate exchange of GDP for GTP. BI 1701963 is a small-molecule protein–protein interaction inhibitor that prevents the interaction between KRAS and SOS. Binding of BI 1701963 to the catalytic site of SOS1 inhibits binding of SOS1 to RAS–GDP, thereby hindering the exchange from RAS–GDP (inactive form) to RAS–GTP (active form). In preclinical studies this has been shown to lead to cytostasis in cancer cells addicted to KRAS signaling. Methods: NCT04111458 is a first-in-human trial of BI 1701963 in patients aged ≥18 years with tumors harboring KRAS mutations. Primary objectives are to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended Phase II dose of BI 1701963 as monotherapy and in combination with trametinib, based on dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs). Secondary objectives are to evaluate safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics/-dynamics and preliminary efficacy. The study will have two arms (mono- and combination therapy), and be divided into dose escalation (Part A), confirmation (Part B) and expansion (Part C, combination only) phases. Inclusion criteria include activating KRAS mutation, ≥1 evaluable lesion (RECIST 1.1), ECOG PS ≤1 and adequate organ function. Exclusion criteria include history of: RAS, MAPK or SOS1 targeting therapies; retinal vein occlusion; retinal pigment epithelial detachment; and decreased cardiac function. Parts B and C will be conducted in patients with advanced NSCLC. Treatment will continue until confirmed clinical benefit, defined toxicities, or withdrawal of consent. The primary endpoints are: Part A, the MTD, and the number of patients with DLTs during Cycle 1; Part B (monotherapy), the number of patients with DLTs; Part C, objective response (OR, RECIST 1.1). Starting doses of BI 1701963 in Part A will be 50 mg once daily (QD) orally (monotherapy) and 100 mg QD (combination, once proved safe as monotherapy) and will be escalated until the MTD is reached. The starting dose of trametinib will be 1 mg QD, escalated to the MTD or a max. of 2 mg QD. Dose cohorts will include ≥3 patients, with two therapeutic relevant doses (TRDs) established in each arm. In Part B, patients will be randomized to groups receiving one of the TRDs. If an OR is observed at a TRD in the combination arm, additional patients will be recruited into expansion cohorts receiving the relevant dose. As of Feb 11, 2020 three patients have been treated. Clinical trial information: NCT04111458 .

Safety and preliminary efficacy of rogaratinib in combination with atezolizumab in a phase Ib/II study (FORT-2) of first-line treatment in cisplatin-ineligible patients (pts) with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer (UC) and FGFR mRNA overexpression.

5014 Background: Programmed cell-death ligand 1 (PD-L1) overexpression is a mechanism for immune escape in UC. Rogaratinib, an oral pan-FGFR1-4 inhibitor, showed promising efficacy in a Phase I study in pts with solid tumors, including UC, with FGFR1-3 mRNA overexpression (Schuler et al. Lancet Oncol 2019). This Phase Ib/II study is evaluating rogaratinib in combination with atezolizumab, a PD-L1 inhibitor, in pts with FGFR-positive, locally advanced or metastatic UC (NCT03473756). We report results from the Phase Ib study. Methods: Cisplatin-ineligible pts with untreated metastatic UC were eligible if high FGFR1 or 3 mRNA was detected by RNA in situ hybridization of archival tissue (RNAscope). Pts were treated at a starting dose of rogaratinib 800 mg p.o. BID and atezolizumab 1200 mg i.v. on day 1 (21-day cycle). Primary objectives were safety, tolerability, and determination of the recommended Phase II dose. Results: 27 pts were treated (rogaratinib 800 mg + atezolizumab, n = 11; rogaratinib 600 mg + atezolizumab, n = 16); 85% were male, median age was 72 years (range 47-83), 37% had an ECOG PS of 1, and 96% had negative/low PD-L1 expression. Most common treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were diarrhea (63%), hyperphosphatemia (44%), and urinary tract infection (37%). Dose interruption/reduction due to AEs occurred in 67%/37% of pts; TEAEs lead to discontinuation in 45.5% (800 mg) and 12.5% (600 mg). Most common grade 3/4 TEAEs were increased lipase without pancreatitis (11%), rash, and increased alanine aminotransferase (7% each). Rogaratinib-related unique TEAEs were hyperphosphatemia (44%) and retinal pigment epithelium detachment (4%). The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was rogaratinib 600 mg BID based on lower overall frequency of AEs. Of 23 evaluable pts (600 mg, n = 13; 800 mg, n = 10), overall 9 (39%) pts had an objective response (RECIST v1.1); 3 (13%) pts had a complete response (600 mg: 2/13 pts), 6 (26%) pts had a partial response (600 mg: 5/13 pts), and 6 (26%) pts had stable disease (600 mg: 4/13 pts). Conclusions: Rogaratinib with atezolizumab showed promising efficacy and safety in cisplatin-ineligible pts with tumor FGFR1 or 3 mRNA-positive UC, with nearly all pts demonstrating low or negative PD-L1 expression. Pts are being enrolled at the MTD of rogaratinib 600 mg BID plus atezolizumab. Clinical trial information: NCT03473756 .

Retinal toxicity after facial laser epilation

A 39-year-old man presented to the ophthalmology emergency room complaining of decreased visual acuity and metamorphopsia on his left eye after undergoing Nd:YAG facial hair epilation without wearing proper eye protection. Fluorescein angiography showed a foveal staining initially, with an increase in foveal leakage over late phases. On optical coherence tomography, a subfoveal retinal pigment epithelial detachment with associated subretinal fluid and no signs of choroidal neovascularization or cystoid macular edema was observed. Observation with monthly follow-ups was adopted. By the fourth month, the subretinal fluid had already disappeared and visual acuity had returned to 20/20. Over one-year follow-up, the retinal pigment epithelial detachment experienced a decrease in its size. Conservative management may be a valid option in assessing accidental foveal photocoagulation when choroidal neovascularization or cystoid macular edema is absent. The use of wavelength specific goggles is mandatory for the patient and the aesthetician operating the cosmetic laser, especially when operating on the face or around the eyes. Abbreviations: Nd:YAG = neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet, OCT = optical coherence tomography, PED = pigment epithelial detachment, CME = cystoid macular edema.

Three-Year Outcomes of Patients with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treated with Aflibercept under the National Health Insurance Program in Taiwan

Purpose To observe and analyze the long-term outcomes of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) treated with aflibercept monotherapy under the National Health Insurance (NHI) program in Taiwan. Methods This retrospective observational study was conducted at Taipei Veterans General Hospital. Patients with naive nAMD who were treated with aflibercept and followed for more than 3 years were reviewed. The better eye was enrolled if both eyes were affected. Visual acuity (VA) and central macular thickness (CMT) were recorded for 3 years. The lost-to-follow-up rate, number of injections, and predictive factors for visual outcomes were analyzed. Results Ninety-nine eyes in 99 patients were followed up for 3 years. The mean age at onset of nAMD was 82.8 ± 9.26 years, and 65% of the patients were male. Compared with initial visual acuity, 5 (5.1%) of our patients improved their vision for 3 or more lines after 3 years of follow-up, 11 (11.1%) of our patients improved for 1 to 3 lines, 62 (62.6%) patients remained their vision with 1 line or less changes, 15 (15.2%) patients lost their vision for 1 to 3 lines, and 6 (6%) patients lost their vision for 3 or more lines. The CMT was 359 ± 180 µm before treatment and 259 ± 98 after 3 years (p < 0.001). The mean number of injections was 4.63 ± 1.91 in the first year, 2.13 ± 2.2 in the second year, and 1.42 ± 1.79 in the third year. Multivariate analysis showed that final VA was significantly associated with VA at year 1, the presence of retinal pigment epithelial detachment at year 1, and receiving more than four injections in the first year. Final CMT was only significantly associated with CMT at year 1. Conclusion After 3 years of treatment under the NHI program in Taiwan, 21.2% of the patients with nAMD still had a visual decline despite good anatomical outcomes. More aggressive treatment or other strategies should be used for patients who may have a poor prognosis.

Avascular Retinal Pigment Epithelial Detachment Treated With Intravitreal Ranibizumab: Three Year Follow Up

Retinal pigment epithelial detachment (PED) is a common manifestation in several retinal conditions including age-related macular degeneration1. Based on retinal imaging as well as clinical examination, PEDs can be classified as drusenoid, serous or vascular2,3,4. Vascularised PEDs, as the name suggests, are associated with choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Drusenoid and serous PEDs may or may not have an associated CNV. Anti-VEGF therapy has a well proven role in the treatment of vascularized PED5,6. Less well established is the beneficial effect of anti-VEGF therapy in those PEDs where a CNV is not clearly present. Large serous PEDs were excluded from phase 3 clinical trials such as TAP, ANCHOR and MARINA7,8,9 trials . As such these trials cannot be relied upon to provide management strategies for these lesions.&#x0D; Development of a rip in a PED can result in permanent damage to central vision10,11.Such a rip is often spontaneous although intravitreal therapy can also precipitate an RPE rip12,13. It is therefore desirable to reduce the height of a PED in order to minimize the risk of a rip. Furthermore a longstanding PED presumably interferes with the nutrition to the RPE and photoreceptors and thus early flattening of the PED or reducing its height was an important treatment rationale in this study. No universally agreed guidelines exist on the treatment of PEDs not associated with a CNV. One study14 looked specifically at the role of the anti-VEGF agent Ranibizumab (Lucentis) in non-vascularised PEDs but the follow-up period in that study was 12 months. The purpose of this study is to look at the long term effects of 3 Ranibizumab injections given in eyes with non-vascularised PEDs . The effects were monitored for up to 36 months and to date this is the longest follow-up published for this sub-set of treated patients.

Multiple retinal pigment epithelial detachments: what should we do? A propos of an idiopathic case

Abstract The purpose is to report the management of multiple retinal epithelial detachments (PEDs) in a 50-year-old male with bilateral PEDs not associated with chorioretinal or systemic pathologies after a complete study. Idiopathic multiple PEDs could be a variation of central serous chorioretinopathy, but other causes as well as other pathological conditions which could produce similar images, are required to be ruled out.

Evaluation of Clinical Findings, Optical Coherence Tomography, Fundus Fluorescein Angiography, and Indocyanine Green Angiography Imaging in Patients with Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy.

Objectives:The aim of this study was to describe clinical findings as well as spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), fundus fluorescein angiography (FA), and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) findings of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).Methods:This retrospective, observational case series included 144 eyes of 103 patients who were diagnosed with PCV between January 2014 and August 2016. Best corrected visual acuity, 90-diopter lens slit-lamp fundus biomicroscopy examination findings, color fundus photography, SD-OCT, FA, and ICGA findings were evaluated at the time of diagnosis.Results:Sixty-six patients (93 eyes, 64.1%) were male and 37 (51 eyes, 35.9%) were female. Sixty-two (60.2%) patients had unilateral involvement. The most common SD-OCT finding was retinal pigment epithelial detachment (PED). Red-orange subretinal lesions were seen in 20 eyes (13.9%). There was a single polyp in 21 (14.6%) eyes, and more than 1 polyp in 123 (85.4%) eyes observed with ICGA imaging. The polyps were located in the peripapillary area in 10 (6.9%) eyes, the macular area in 91 (63.2%) eyes, and the extramacular area in 1 (0.7%) eye. A significant branching vascular network was seen in the ICGA images of 112 (77.8%) eyes.Conclusion:In this study, the majority of patients were male, with unilateral macular polyps. A serous PED and an exudative pattern were the most common clinical manifestations. SD-OCT showed specific findings for PCV, but ICGA was the most useful test for diagnosis.

Avascular retinal pigment epithelium detachments in age-related macular degeneration

Retinal pigment epithelium detachment (PED) is a pathological condition in which retinal pigment epithelium is separated from the underlying Bruch's membrane due to the formation of a fibrovascular membrane, drusenoid material, accumulation of fluid and/or blood. Six types of RPE detachments have been determined: pseudovitelliform, detachments associated with drainage drusen, serous, vascular and hemorrhagic, as well as PED associated with vascular retinal anomaly. The drusenoid PED is always avascular, the drusenoid material is contained between the RPE and Bruch's membrane. It was first described by Casswell in 1985. Ophthalmoscopy of the fundus shows a yellow-white cellular structure in the subretinal space, sometimes containing a patch of pigment, with an uneven surface, clear boundaries and a wavy edge. Serous PED is larger in area and prominence than drusenoid, characterized by the presence of a hyporeflective area under the detached RPE, over the area of more than 50% of the total area of detachment. Ophthalmoscopy shows a transparent yellow lesion in the subretinal space, sometimes brown-tinted, with clear boundaries and dome-shaped prominence. True serous PED is avascular (combination of choroidal neovascularization and serous PED will be discussed in the article about vascularized PED).

Validation of multicolor imaging signatures of central serous chorioretinopathy lesions vis-a-vis conventional color fundus photographs.

Purpose:The current study compares the ability of multicolor imaging (MCI) to detect the lesions of central serous chorioretinopathy against conventional color fundus photographs (CFP).Methods:It was a retrospective, observational case series of 93 eyes of 58 patients of central serous chorioretinopathy who underwent MCI and CFP. MCI and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were performed using Spectralis SD-OCT system (HRA + OCT). CFP was obtained using FF 450 Plus fundus camera (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany). SD-OCT was considered gold standard for subretinal fluid (SRF) and retinal pigment epithelium detachment (PED). CFP was considered confirmatory investigation for fibrin and blue autofluorescence image (BAF) was considered gold standard to detect retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) atrophy.Results:CFP could detect SRF in 41 (44.1%) eyes. MCI detected SRF in 43 (46.2%) eyes. The sensitivity and specificity of MCI to detect SRF were 70.7% and 94.3%, respectively. PED was detected by CFP in 21 (22.6%) eyes and MCI in 27 (29%) eyes. The sensitivity and specificity of MCI to detect PED were 70% and 97.7% respectively. CFP could pick RPE atrophy in 52 (55.9%) eyes whereas MCI was picked it in 78 (83.9%) of eyes.Conclusion:Both MCI and CFP were inferior to a gold standard in identifying the SRF, PED, and RPE atrophy. However, MCI was better than CFP in comparison with gold standard for these clinical findings in CSC. Thus, MCI seems to be a more valuable imaging tool compared to CFP.

Coexistence of retinal angiomatous proliferation and pachychoroid phenotype.

Retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) is usually seen in the eye with thin choroid and drusen.[12] Pachychoroid is the morphological description of the thick choroid.[3] We herein report two cases of RAP noted in eyes with pachychoroid. Case 1 Fundus photograph of the right eye of a 48-years-old gentleman with 6/18, N8 vision showed RPE alterations [Fig. 1a and b]. Spectralis SDOCT line scan showed intraretinal edema, hyperreflective spot, subfoveal choroidal thickness (CT) of 436μ and dilated large choroidal vessels. Line scan through the area of thickening showed serous RPE detachment and edema [Fig. 1c and d]. Early phase fluorescein angiogram (FA) showed hyperfluorescence at fovea [Fig. 2a]. Indocyanine angiogram (ICGA) showed hot spot [Fig. 2b]. Late phase FA [Fig. 2c] showed a leak whereas ICGA [Fig. 2d] showed hypercyanescence at fovea amidst diffuse hypercyanescence due to choroidal hyperpermeability. A diagnosis of pachychoroid phenotype with RAP was made.Figure 1: (a) Color fundus photograph of the right eye shows retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) alterations (black arrow). (b) Confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy based multicolor image shows greenish hue (yellow arrow) owing to thickening. RPE atrophy is highlighted as reddish hue (black arrow). (c) Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) line scan through the fovea shows intraretinal thickening (yellow arrow) and hyperreflective spot (red arrow). Subfoveal choroidal thickness is 436 μ. Dilated Haller's layer vessels (yellow stars) are seen. (d) SDOCT line scan slightly above fovea shows serous RPE detachment (red arrow) and intraretinal edema (yellow arrow)Figure 2: (a) Early phase fluorescein angiography (FA) image of right eye shows hyperfluorescence at fovea. (b): Early phase indocyanine angiography (ICGA) shows hot spot at fovea. (c): Late phase FA image shows hyperfluorescence increasing in area and intensitiy suggestive of leak from retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP). (d): Late phase ICGA image shows diffuse hypercyanescence at macula due to choroidal hyperpermeability in pachychoroid eyes. RAP is seen as focal increased hypercyanescence at foveaCase 2 Fundus photography of left eye of a 62 years old gentleman with 6/18, N10 vision revealed RPE alteration at fovea [Fig. 3a and b]. SDOCT scan through fovea showed hyperreflective spots, subretinal fluid, and CT of 336μ. Line scan above fovea showed prominent hyperreflective spot with dilated large choroidal vessel layer [Fig. 3c and d]. Early FA image showed hyperfluorescence corresponding to hyperreflective spot and leak in late phase [Fig. 4a and b] suggestive of RAP in an eye with pachychoroid phenotype.Figure 3: (a) Color fundus photograph of left eye shows RPE alterations (black arrow). (b) Multicolor image shows greenish hue nasal to fovea owing to thickening (yellow arrow). (c): SDOCT line scan through fovea shows hyperreflective spot (yellow arrow) at the level of outer plexiform layer. There is small subretinal fluid (red arrow). Subfoveal choroidal thickness is 336 μ. (d) SDOCT line scan superior to fovea shows well defined hyperreflective spot (yellow arrow) and shallow RPE detachment along with dilated Haller's layer vessels (yellow star)Figure 4: (a) Early FA image of left eye shows hyperfluorescence nasal to fovea. (b) Hyperfluorescence increased in size and intensity and corresponded to the hyperreflective spot seen on SDOCT, suggestive of RAPDiscussion Thickening of RPE and drusen in eyes with RAP hamper the diffusion of VEGF from RPE to choroid, which disturbs choroidal autoregulation leading to attenuation of choriocapillaris.[24] Thin choroid reduces the transport of metabolites back to retina, accentuating the retinal ischemia, and leading to RAP.[2] Attenuation of choriocapillaris is sine qua non of pachychoroid phenotype.[5] The pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PNV) in these eyes is a result of ischemic environment in sub-RPE space owing to attenuation of choriocapillaris.[3] Attenuation of choriocapillaris is common pathology between RAP and pachychoroid. It may be possible for eyes with pachychoroid to develop type 3 neovascularization or RAP in the manner in which they develop PNV. This plausible explanation for RAP in pachychoroid eyes needs to be substantiated in a larger case series. Declaration of patient consent The authors certify that they have obtained all appropriate patient consent forms. In the form the patient(s) has/have given his/her/their consent for his/her/their images and other clinical information to be reported in the journal. The patients understand that their names and initials will not be published and due efforts will be made to conceal their identity, but anonymity cannot be guaranteed. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.

Clinical Characteristics of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy and Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Treatment Response in Caucasians

Background/Aims: To identify the clinical characteristics of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) in Caucasian patients and assess the prevalence of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) resistance. Methods: This involved a retrospective chart review of Caucasian patients diagnosed with PCV and utilizing indocyanine green angiography with the scanning laser ophthalmoscope. Data collected included patients’ demographics, disease characteristics, and treatment response. Results: There were 54 eyes of 49 patients with PCV; 51.0% were male and 49.0% were female with a mean age of 72.9 years. Forty-four patients (89.8%) had PCV unilaterally and 10.2% (5 patients) had PCV bilaterally. PCV was located in the macula in 79.6%, in the peripapillary region in 16.7%, and in both regions in 3.7%. PCV commonly presents with serous detachment (66.7%), retinal pigment epithelial detachment (RPED) (51.9%) and subretinal hemorrhage (37.0%). Twenty-nine eyes were included in the treatment response analysis, with 18 eyes (62.1%) showing persistent disease activity after 3 initial injections of anti-VEGF treatment. Conclusion: PCV in Caucasian patients is more often unilateral and presents more commonly in the macular region than the peripapillary region. Serous detachment and RPED are the 2 most common findings. Resistance to current anti-VEGF treatment was noted frequently; it is thus extremely important to identify this subtype of type I subretinal neovascularization.

Diagnosis and treatment of peripheral exudative haemorrhagic chorioretinopathy

PurposePeripheral exudative haemorrhagic chorioretinopathy (PEHCR) is a rare disorder that is often misdiagnosed. The aim of this study was to better characterise PEHCR and to assess treatment options.Material and methodsRetrospective...