Diabetic Cystoid Macular Edema Research Articles

Correlation between Diabetic Cystoid Macular Edema and Best Corrected Visual Acuity after Intravitreal Injection of Ranibizumab

Correlation between Diabetic Cystoid Macular Edema and Best Corrected Visual Acuity after Intravitreal Injection of Ranibizumab

Clinical Comparative Study of Intravitreal Injection of Triamcinolone Acetonide and Aflibercept in the Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Cystoid Macular Edema.

Objective To compare the curative effect of intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide and aflibercept on diabetic retinopathy (DR) cystoid macular edema. Methods A total of 102 patients with DR cystoid macular edema admitted to the hospital were enrolled between July 2018 and July 2021. According to random number table method, they were divided into the control group (intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide) and the observation group (intravitreal injection of aflibercept), 51 cases in each group. All were followed up for half a year. The clinical curative effect, visual acuity, central subfield macular thickness (CSMT), macular volume, scores of quality of life, and levels of cytokines in aqueous humor (vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), human angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4)] at different time points (before and at 6 months after surgery) were compared between the two groups. The times of drugs injection and occurrence of adverse reactions in both groups were statistically analyzed. Results The total effective rate in observation group was higher than that in the control group (96.08% vs 82.35%) (P < 0.05). After 6 months of treatment, visual acuity was improved, and CSMT and macular volume were decreased in both groups. Also, the above changes were more significant in the observation group than those in the control group (P < 0.05). After 6 months of treatment, levels of cytokines in aqueous humor were decreased in both groups. The levels of VEGF, MCP-1, and ANGPTL4 in observation group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). After 6 months of treatment, quality of life scores in observation group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). In the follow-up period, average times of drugs injection in the observation group were more than those in the control group, and the incidence of adverse reactions was lower than that in control group (5.88% vs 21.57%) (P < 0.05). Conclusion The curative effect of intravitreal injection of both triamcinolone acetonide and aflibercept is good on DR cystoid macular edema. The curative effect of aflibercept is better, which can improve visual acuity and quality of life, and regulate cytokines in aqueous humor, with high safety. However, aflibercept has a high price, and further research is needed to determine whether its price can be matched with clinical benefits. In clinic, medication plan should be selected according to the actual situation.

The Prognostic Role Of Early Hyperfluorescence In The Treatment Of Cystoid Diabetic Macular Edema

Aim: To evaluate the predictive value of fluorescence level in fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) images for the prognosis of diabetic macular edema (DME). Material and Methods: In this retrospective study, 21 eyes of 21 patients who have been treated with intravitreal injection (ranibizumab, aflibercept) for DME were evaluated. In addition to demographic features, pre/post-treatment best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT), early-stage reflectance of fluorescence in FFA were also quantified. The prognostic role of early angiographic reflectance in response to treatment were evaluated. Groups were defined as high or low early fluorescence according to the reflectance level in early angiographic phase. Results: After treatment, mean BCVA was increased and mean CRT was decreased significantly (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between groups regarding BCVA and CRT change (p=0.716, p=0.809, respectively). The change in CRT in eyes with higher early fluorescence was significantly higher than eyes with lower fluorescence. Eyes with higher fluorescence had a wider foveal avascular zone. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that more vascular and cellular damage is related to higher hyperfluorescence level in the early period of FFA. The prognostic significance of this finding deserves to be evaluated with further studies.

Predictive value of the characteristics of intraretinal cystoid spaces on early response to antivascular endothelial growth factor treatment in patients with cystoid diabetic macular edema.

To evaluate whether baseline spectral-domain optical coherence tomography characteristics of intraretinal cystoid spaces predict visual outcomes in patients receiving intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor injection therapy (bevacizumab 1.25mg/0.05ml) for diabetic cystoid macular edema. The relationship between the properties of the cystoid spaces before injection and anatomic and functional results after injection were investigated in patients who received three consecutive intravitreal bevacizumab injections for cystoid macular edema. The best-corrected visual acuity for functional success and central subfield thickness for anatomical success were evaluated. The relationship of the location of the cystoid spaces with the integrity of photoreceptors and inner retinal layers was also evaluated. In 36 eyes of 36 patients, the mean best-corrected visual acuity significantly improved (p=0.002), and mean central subfield thickness decreased after injections (p=0.003). The improvement in best-corrected visual acuity was limited in eyes with outer nuclear layer cysts (p=0.045). Intracystic reflectivity was higher in eyes that poor best-corrected visual acuity than in eyes with successful visual outcomes (p=0.028). The disrupted ellipsoid zone was present in 13 (59.0%) of 22 eyes with outer nuclear layer cysts, whereas in only 1 of 14 eyes (7.1%) without outer nuclear layer cysts (p=0.009). Disorganization of retinal inner layers was present in 15 of 22 (68.1%) eyes with outer nuclear layer cysts, whereas only 2 of 14 (14.2%) without outer nuclear layer cysts had disorganization of retinal inner layers (p=0.013). Characteristics of intraretinal cystoid spaces may predict prognosis in patients with diabetic cystoid macular edema, and visual gain may be limited in the eyes with outer nuclear layer cysts.

FOVEAL MÜLLER CELL CONE AS A PROGNOSTIC OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY BIOMARKER FOR INITIAL RESPONSE TO ANTIVASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR TREATMENT IN CYSTOID DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA.

To investigate the effect of the foveal Müller cell cone structure on the anatomical and functional response to intravitreal bevacizumab treatment in patients with diabetic macular edema. In 93 treatment-naive eyes with center-involved cystic type diabetic macular edema, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography scans of baseline were retrospectively evaluated to determine the foveal Müller cell cone structure and prognostic features including length of disorganization in the retinal inner layers and ellipsoid zone disruption. The area and circularity of the foveal avascular zone of the superficial and deep capillary plexus 1 month after intravitreal bevacizumab treatment were evaluated using optical coherence tomography angiography. Destruction of the foveal Müller cell cone structure and a large foveal avascular zone in the deep capillary plexus (mm2) correlated strongly with a poor anatomical response (CST > 250 µm) at 1 month after first intravitreal bevacizumab (Exp [B] = 29.444, P = 0.002 and Exp [B] = 12.419, P = 0.013, respectively). A destroyed Müller cell cone structure (P = 0.008) and length of ellipsoid zone disruption (P < 0.001) at baseline were associated with poor visual acuity at 1 month after the first intravitreal bevacizumab. The foveal Müller cell cone structure correlates with the response to initial antivascular endothelial growth factor treatment.

Efficacy of topical dorzolamide 2% in diabetic cystoid macular edema.

To study the effect of topical dorzolamide 2% on macular thickness reduction in diabetic cystoid macular edema (CME). This was a prospective, non-randomized, open study including eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME). All eyes received topical dorzolamide 2% three times daily for one month. Changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and central macular thickness (CMT) by optical coherence tomography) were evaluated at 1wk, 1, and 3mo post-treatment. Ninety-three eyes (84 patients) were included. Mean±SD (logMAR) BCVA improved significantly from 1.08±0.26 pretreatment to 0.66±0.24 at 1mo and 0.87±0.26 at 3mo post-treatment (P<0.001 both). The mean±SD CMT was significantly reduced from 535.27±97.4 µm at baseline to 357.43±125.8 µm at 1mo and 376.23±114.5 µm at 3mo post-treatment (P<0.001 both). No significant ocular or systemic side effects were recorded. Topical dorzolamide 2% results in significant improvement of mean BCVA and reduction of mean CMT at 3mo post-treatment. It can be used as an effective, affordable, and safe therapy for treatment of non-refractory diabetic CME.

Sutureless scleral-fixated intraocular lens: long-term outcomes

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of sutureless scleral-fixated intraocular lens (SFIOL) implantation at a tertiary referral center.&#x0D; Methods: This retrospective observational study included 50 eyes of 43 consecutive patients who underwent sutureless SFIOL implantation by a single surgeon from January 2009 to December 2015. Indications for surgery were aphakia, dislocated intraocular lens (IOL), complicated cataract surgery (posterior capsule rupture, zonular dialysis, dropped nucleus), iris-clipped IOL with corneal decompensation, and lens with poor capsular support. Indication for surgery, visual acuity, ocular history, ocular comorbidities, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and the need for further surgery were analyzed.&#x0D; Results: The analysis conducted on 50 eyes from 43 patients with a mean ± standard deviation (SD) follow-up of 16.64 ± 9.34 months. Patients were 27 (63%) men and 16 (37%) women with a mean ± standard deviation (SD) age of 53.36 ± 22.45 years (range 8–90 years). Final visual acuity was 6/18 or better in 39 eyes. SFIOL was stable and well centered in 48 eyes. SFIOL dislocation was noted in 2 eyes, retinal detachment in 1 eye, and worsening of diabetic cystoid macular edema in 1 eye. Two patients with pre-existing corneal decompensation from complicated cataract surgery had worsening of their condition&#x0D; Conclusions: Sutureless SFIOL could be considered as a long-term option for the management of aphakia, dislocated IOL, and lens with poor capsular support. However, future studies with more subjects, longer follow-ups, and robust study design are needed to confirm the results of the present study.

Dril Influences Short-term Visual Outcome after Intravitreal Corticosteroid Injection for Refractory Diabetic Macular Edema

ABSTRACT Purpose: Intravitreal injections (IVI) of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) are considered the gold standard for diabetic macular edema (DME). Despite adequate anti-VEGF treatments, many patients present persistent DME. The aim of this study is to identify systemic, ocular and anatomical characteristics influencing functional and anatomical outcomes in refractory DME patients treated with IVI of corticosteroid. Materials and Methods: Retrospective multicenter hospital-based cohort study including type 2 diabetic adult patients with refractory DME that switched from intravitreal anti-VEGF to intravitreal corticosteroid between January 2017 and September 2018. Sociodemographic, clinical data, DME and treatment characteristics were collected at baseline (visit before switch), as well as spectral domain OCT features. Results: A total of 101 eyes were included. The median number of anti-VEGF injections before switch was 5.0 (min-max: 4.0–9.0) and the median anti-VEGF treatment duration before switch was 33.2 (min-max: 19.5–50.3) months. More than half of the patients (56; 54.9%) were diagnosed with diffuse DME. At baseline, 80 (88%) patients had cystoid DME, 55 (62.5%) patients had disorganization of retinal inner layers (DRIL) and 16 (17.6%) had subretinal fluid. Dexamethasone was the corticosteroid more commonly used (71.4%), followed by triamcinolone (24.4%) and fluocinolone (4.2%). Regarding best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), post-switch results showed no statistically significant improvement at three-month follow-up (p = .048/0.096), but the mean central macular thickness (CMT) decreased significantly from 486.3 (SD = 159) µm to 369.3 (SD = 129) µm at three-month follow-up (p < .001). DRIL was the tomographic characteristic able to influence significantly both CMT and BCVA final results (p = .02 and 0.012, respectively). Conclusions: Subfoveal DRIL on structural OCT was the DME factor influencing significantly clinical and imaging outcomes in refractory DME patients treated with intravitreal corticosteroid. Portuguese care trend towards DME shows preference for the use of dexamethasone implant after therapeutic failure with ranibizumab or bevacizumab injection.

OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY BIOMARKERS TO DISTINGUISH DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA FROM PSEUDOPHAKIC CYSTOID MACULAR EDEMA USING MACHINE LEARNING ALGORITHMS.

In diabetic patients presenting with macular edema (ME) shortly after cataract surgery, identifying the underlying pathology can be challenging and influence management. Our aim was to develop a simple clinical classifier able to confirm a diabetic etiology using few spectral domain optical coherence tomography parameters. We analyzed spectral domain optical coherence tomography data of 153 patients with either pseudophakic cystoid ME (n = 57), diabetic ME (n = 86), or "mixed" (n = 10). We used advanced machine learning algorithms to develop a predictive classifier using the smallest number of parameters. Most differentiating were the existence of hard exudates, hyperreflective foci, subretinal fluid, ME pattern, and the location of cysts within retinal layers. Using only 3 to 6 spectral domain optical coherence tomography parameters, we achieved a sensitivity of 94% to 98%, specificity of 94% to 95%, and an area under the curve of 0.937 to 0.987 (depending on the method) for confirming a diabetic etiology. A simple decision flowchart achieved a sensitivity of 96%, a specificity of 95%, and an area under the curve of 0.937. Confirming a diabetic etiology for edema in cases with uncertainty between diabetic cystoid ME and pseudophakic ME was possible using few spectral domain optical coherence tomography parameters with high accuracy. We propose a clinical decision flowchart for cases with uncertainty, which may support the decision for intravitreal injections rather than topical treatment.

Development of "Predict ME," an online classifier to aid in differentiating diabetic macular edema from pseudophakic macular edema.

Differentiating the underlying pathology of macular edema in patients with diabetic retinopathy following cataract surgery can be challenging. In 2015, Munk and colleagues trained and tested a machine learning classifier which uses optical coherence tomography variables in order to distinguish the underlying pathology of macular edema between diabetic macular edema and pseudophakic cystoid macular edema. It was able to accurately diagnose the underlying pathology in 90%-96% of cases. However, actually using the trained classifier required dedicated software and advanced technical skills which hindered its accessibility to most clinicians. Our aim was to package the classifier in an easy to use web-tool and validate the web-tool using a new cohort of patients. We packaged the classifier in a web-tool intended for use on a personal computer or mobile phone. We first ensured that the results from the web-tool coincide exactly with the results from the original algorithm and then proceeded to test it using data of 14 patients. The etiology was accurately predicted in 12 out of 14 cases (86%). The cases with diabetic macular edema were accurately diagnosed in 7 out of 7 cases. Of the pseudophakic cystoid macular edema cases, 5 out of 6 were correctly interpreted and 1 case with a mixed etiology was interpreted as pseudophakic cystoid macular edema. Variable input was reported to be easy and took on average 7 ± 3 min. The web-tool implementation of the classifier seems to be a valuable tool to support research into this field.

Interferon Alpha 2a and 2b in Ophthalmology: A Review

Interferon alpha (IFN-α) is a glycoprotein with antitumor, antiviral, and immunomodulatory activity, used widely in the treatment of viral infections (hepatitis B and C, condylomata acuminata, herpes zoster, etc.), hematological disorders (leukemia, multiple myeloma, T cell lymphoma, and essential thrombocythemia), and solid tumors (clear cell carcinoma in the metastatic stage, melanoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and cervical neoplasia). Studies have proven the effectiveness of IFN-α in the treatment of ophthalmic disorders involving the anterior segment of the eye (conjunctival papilloma, squamous neoplasia, conjunctival mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, Mooren's ulcer, and vernal keratoconjunctivitis) and the posterior segment of the eye (serpiginous choroidopathy, posterior uveitis, pseudophakic and diabetic cystoid macular edema, and proliferative diabetic retinopathy). The therapy with IFN-α remains a promising alternative in cases of a failing response to conventional therapy, helping to maintain or improve visual acuity, prevent vision loss, and ameliorate the prognosis of the patient. However, clinicians who decide to use IFN-α in their patients must be aware of general and ophthalmological side effects and inform their patients to undergo a systemic evaluation such as a physical examination, blood and serological tests, and a chest X-ray before the beginning of treatment. This review presents the current knowledge of the use of IFN-α, its efficacy, and properties in ophthalmological diseases, and thus may encourage clinicians to administer this drug as a treatment modality in ophthalmological diseases in the future.

Optical Coherence Tomography of Adult-Onset Foveomacular Vitelliform Dystrophy Concomitant with Diabetic Cystoid Macular Edema

Optical Coherence Tomography of Adult-Onset Foveomacular Vitelliform Dystrophy Concomitant with Diabetic Cystoid Macular Edema

Vitrectomy for Diabetic Macular Edema: Optical Coherence Tomography Criteria and Pathology of the Vitreomacular Interface

To correlate spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) criteria and clinical data with pathology of the vitreomacular interface (VMI) in eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME). Retrospective cross-sectional study and laboratory investigation. We included specimens of 27 eyes of 26 patients with center-involved DME that underwent vitrectomy with peeling of the internal limiting membrane (ILM). Selection of specimens was consecutive and in retrospect using our register of the Vitreoretinal Pathology Unit. Clinical data and SDOCT examinations were correlated to immunocytochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. Classification of DME comprised sponge-like diffuse retinal thickening, cystoid macular edema, and serous retinal detachment. VMI was evaluated for presence of epiretinal membrane (ERM) and thickened vitreous cortex (tVC). ERMs and tVC were found in all DME types. Diffuse DME showed tVC more often than cystoid DME. Hyalocytes, contractile myofibroblasts, glial cells, matrix metalloproteinases-2 and -9, and collagen type I, II, and III were positive tested irrespective of DME type. There were no significant cell fragments at the retinal side of the ILM. Visual acuity improved in the majority of cases and macular thickness decreased significantly during mean follow-up of 17 ± 10months. All eyes presented pathologic VMI changes irrespective of the OCT classification of DME type or presence of ERM. Composition of fibrocellular membranes at the VMI indicated remodeling of vitreous cortex and transdifferentiation of hyalocytes into myofibroblasts. Our findings might argue for an early surgical intervention in eyes with DME irrespective of the presence of traction formation imaged by SDOCT.

Metamorphopsia Score and Central Visual Field Outcomes in Diabetic Cystoid Macular Edema.

Aim To detect abnormality of the visual function in naïve patients with cystoid diabetic macular edema (DME) using M-charts, Amsler test, and white on white (W/W) and blue on yellow (B/Y) perimetry. Methods There were 64 eyes included in the study: 30 eyes with DME, 22 eyes with diabetes without DME, and 12 eyes of normal subjects. Conventional W/W perimetry and B/Y perimetry were performed within the central 10° of the visual field. To assess metamorphopsia, Amsler test and M-charts were used. Results The rate of detection of metamorphopsia was 37% with Amsler test examination and 50% with M-charts. Specificity of both tests was 100%. We found a significant difference between vertical scores of M-charts in all groups, but not in horizontal scores (p < 0.0001). Mean defect (MD) was 8.9 dB and 3.6 dB and loss variance (LV) 4.8 dB and 3.3 dB (p < 0.0001). Conclusions M-chart is more sensitive than Amsler test method for detection of metamorphopsia. The MD and LV are higher in b/y in comparison to W/W perimetry. B/Y perimetry and M-charts are more sensitive than conventional methods for detecting the visual function loss in cystoid DME.

Surgical cystotomy for refractory diabetic cystoid macular edema.

Surgical cystotomy for refractory diabetic cystoid macular edema.

Six-month postoperative outcomes of intraoperative OCT-guided surgical cystotomy for refractory cystoid macular edema in diabetic eyes.

PurposeThis study evaluated the outcomes of surgical cystotomy for recurrent diabetic cystoid macular edema (CME).Patients and methodsWe analyzed 20 eyes with a clinical diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy and refractory CME. Release of vitreoretinal adhesion, epiretinal membrane (ERM) and internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling and cystotomy guided by intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) were performed in every patient. Pars plana vitrectomy was also performed in 17 patients, 11 of whom also underwent lensectomy and intraocular lens implantation. Central retinal thickness (CRT), central minimum macular thickness (CMMT), macular volume (MV) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were compared preoperatively and 1 and 6 months post surgery.ResultsCRT, CMMT and MV significantly improved 1 and 6 months post surgery in each group (P<0.01). Significant improvements in BCVA were only observed 6 months post surgery (P<0.01). No intra- or postoperative complications were observed in all patients.ConclusionCRT, CMMT, MV and BCVA significantly improved 6 months following surgical cystectomy. This implies that iOCT-guided cystotomy could be another treatment option for refractory CME in diabetic eyes.

Evaluation of Choroidal Thickness in Diabetic Macular Edema Using Spectral - Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Enhanced Depth Imaging Mode

Purpose: to evaluate the choroidal thickness (CH-T) and the central macular thickness (CMT) in eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME) and to detect if CH-T varies according to the type of DME. Patients and methods: One hundred forty two eyes of 96 patients were enrolled in the study. Eyes of diabetic patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) with/without DME were evaluated. Eyes of normal subjects with no ocular or systemic diseases were included as a control group. The CMT and the underlying choroidal thickness were estimated using enhanced depth imaging mode of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (EDI SD-OCT). CH-T thickness was measured at the subfoveal area and at an interval of 500 μm up to 1500 μm from the center of the fovea (nasal, temporal, superior and inferior). In eyes with DME, the type of DME was detected. Results: DME included cystoid DME (19 eyes), diffuse DME (27 eyes), and DME with serous retinal detachment (SRD) (23 eyes). 33 eyes with NPDR without DME and 40 non diabetic normal eyes were examined. Estimation of the choroidal thickness was performed and the subfoveal CH-T was thickest in the control group and significantly decreased in the diabetic groups especially with DME. The sub-foveal CH-T was 326±25.75 μm in the control group, 256.27±30.5 μm in NPDR without DME group, 210±23.96 μm in Cystoid DME group, 215.5±27.0 μm Diffuse DME group and 195.2±23.9 μm in DME with SRD group. The CMT was 238.75 ± 14.7 μm, 260.85 ± 24 μm, 530± 120.5 μm, 420.8± 101.6 μm and 506.60± 131.87 μm in the control group, NPDR without DME group, Cystoid DME, Diffuse DME and DME with SRD groups respectively. There was a statistically insignificant negative correlation between the subfoveal choroidal thickness and the CMT. Conclusion; there is an overall decrease in the CH-T in patients with NPDR and this thinning become more pronounced with the presence of diabetic macular edema.

Differential diagnosis of cystoid macular edema by optic disc thickness in optical coherence tomography

PurposeThe differential diagnosis between Irvine‐Gass Syndrome (IGS) and Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) is currently established by angiography, which is an invasive and time‐consuming tool. The aim of this study is to evaluate differences in optic disc's nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL) in patients with macular edema associated with IGS and Diabetes Mellitus (DM).MethodsRetrospective case control study of 28 eyes of 28 patients with macular edema divided into 2 groups. Group 1 included 14 eyes with IGS diagnosed by clinical and angiographic criteria and group 2 included 14 eyes with cystoid diabetic macular edema (DME) without previous ocular surgery. A control group (group 3) of 14 eyes of 14 healthy patients paired by age and gender were also included. Ophthalmologic examinations included visual acuity (VA) measurements, slit‐lamp examination, Goldmann applanation tonometry, Spectral‐Domain Optic Coherence Tomography (SD‐OCT) and fluorescein angiography.ResultsForty two patients (21 females and 21 males), with a mean age of 66.57 ± 10.80 years were included in this study. Optic disc nasal and temporal RNFL thicknesses as well as central macular thickness were significantly higher in group 1 and 2 compared with control group (p &lt; 0.05). Nasal RNFL thickness was higher in IGS than in patients with DME (p &lt; 0.001). To detect IGS (Group 1), comparative to DME (Group 2), using Nasal RNFL thickness, the area under the curve was 0.842 p &lt; 0.002. A cut‐off criterion of 82.50 μm resulted in 92.9% sensitivity and 71.4% specificity.ConclusionsOptic disc SD‐ OCT imaging might be a useful diagnostic tool to differentiate IGS from DME.

CORRELATION BETWEEN CYSTOID SPACES IN CHRONIC DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA AND CAPILLARY NONPERFUSION DETECTED BY OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY.

To study the relationship between the location of cystoid spaces and retinal capillary nonperfusion areas in diabetic cystoid macular edema (DCME). In this retrospective study, 24 eyes of 21 patients with chronic DCME were followed using optical coherence tomography angiography. The capillary density of the superficial capillary plexus and deep capillary plexus was measured using AngioAnalytics software in all DCME eyes and in 20 healthy controls. Diabetic cystoid macular edema improved spontaneously or after treatment in 11 eyes. The intraretinal cystoid spaces were surrounded by capillary-flow void areas in the superficial capillary plexus in 71% of cases and in the deep capillary plexus in 96% of cases. The deep capillary plexus had lost its regular pattern in all cases. The capillary density was decreased in both plexus (mean decrease of -23.0% in the superficial capillary plexus and -12.4% in the deep capillary plexus vs. normal). In the 11 cases with DCME resolution, the capillary did not reperfuse in areas of resolved cystoid spaces, and the capillary density did not change significantly. In chronic DCME, cystoid spaces were located within capillary dropout areas. No reperfusion occurred after DCME resolution. The impact of the severity of this nonperfusion on the risk of recurrence of DCME remains to be clarified.

Effectiveness of diffuse diabetic macular edema treatment in relation to structural changes in macular region

to describe baseline functional and anatomical parameters of the macular region and how they change under ranibizumab therapy depending on the type of diabetic macular edema (DME) determined with optical coherence tomography (OCT). The study included 100 patients (100 eyes) with diabetes mellitus and DME (38 men and 62 women) aged 61.9±5.6 years with the mean disease duration of 8.48 years. Basing on OCT findings, 4 groups (25 patients each) were formed: sponge-like DME, cystoid DME, DME with serous neuroepithelium detachment (NED), and mixed DME (cystoid DME and serous NED). All patients received 3 consecutive monthly injections of 0.5 mg ranibizumab. The relationship between anatomical, functional, and clinical parameters was analyzed. The lowest visual acuity (VA) at baseline was found in patients with mixed DME (р<0.05). The greatest increase in VA after the 3 injections was noted in patients with sponge-like DME - 0.34±0.18. Retinal thickness was significantly lower (р<0.05) in sponge-like DME as compared to other groups both at baseline and after the treatment. Foveolar thickness decreased after the treatment in all groups, the effect being the most pronounced (the edema got reduced by 42.4%, р<0.05) in cystoid DME. The most significant reduction in macular volume (by 2.7 mm3) as well as its lowest absolute post-treatment values were reported for patients with cystoid edema (9.01 mm3, р<0.05 as compared to sponge-like and mixed DME). Correlation analysis revealed an evident relationship between the improvement in VA (ΔVA) and the decrease in macular volume (р<0.05). Of clinical parameters, only diabetes duration correlated with the extent of VA improvement (r=-0.3; p<0.05). The effectiveness of intravitreal ranibizumab therapy for diffuse DME depends on the morphological type of macular edema by OCT. Moreover, it correlates with diabetes duration.