Diagnostic Pars Plana Vitrectomy Research Articles

Transient Bacillary Layer Detachment During the Disease Course of Primary Vitreoretinal Lymphoma

ABSTRACT Purpose To report the clinical course and the retinal imaging features of a case of cytology-proven primary vitreoretinal lymphoma (PVRL) presenting with a transient bacillary layer detachment (BALAD) during the disease course. Methods Observational case report. Results A 50 year-old woman was referred to us with a 2-month history of vitritis in both eyes, poorly responding to oral prednisolone. After discontinuation of oral prednisolone, worsening of vitritis and the appearance of multiple creamy-like subretinal infiltrates in the mid-peripheral retina of both eyes, along with the exclusion of common causes of intermediate/posterior uveitis, made us consider PVRL. Aqueous humor sampling detected MYD88 L265P mutation, and subsequent diagnostic pars plana vitrectomy in the left eye yielded a positive cytology for large B cell lymphoma consistent with PVRL. During the disease course, optical coherence tomography of the macula showed a BALAD in the right eye, which resolved during follow-up. Conclusion Our case indicates that BALAD is a possible rare manifestation of PVRL, and this should be considered in the differential diagnosis process in order to avoid diagnostic delays.

The value of diagnostic vitrectomy: Histocytopathology techniques for the diagnosis of lymphoma of the retina

Abstract Purpose: Primary large B-cell lymphoma of the retina, vitreous, and central nervous system (CNS), is an intraocular tumor with an unspecific and insidious clinical presentation. Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) are useful diagnostic tools for this malignant process. The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of PPV for these intraocular lesions under a modified diagnostic protocol with a clinical pathological correlation with OCT imaging. Materials and Methods: A total of 115 samples were collected after a vitrectomy procedure (aspiration or vitrectomy cassette). The samples were centrifuged, and the precipitates were collected. A cell block was prepared and analyzed with multiple stains and an immunohistochemistry (IHC) panel, including B- and T-cell markers, as well as light chain markers, to establish the monoclonal nature of the tumor. Of the 115 samples, 9 (7.83%) were diagnosed with large B-cell lymphoma of the retina, vitreous, and CNS. Conclusion: Diagnostic vitrectomies for the large B-cell lymphoma of the retina, vitreous, and CNS is an excellent tool for the diagnosis of this entity. A negative diagnostic PPV with a strong suspicious OCT image, where the neoplastic cells are located between the retinal pigmented epithelium and Bruch’s membrane, the latter procedure should be either repeated or a chorioretinal biopsy be performed. In contrast, a positive vitrectomy using the IHC panel for large B-cell lymphoma of the retina, vitreous, and CNS is pathognomonic of this condition. In addition, the OCT is an important tool to help in the diagnosis of this difficult entity. Results: The diagnostic PPV provided suitable vitreous samples to all patients with undetermined uveitis and/or intraocular tumor suspicion. A morphological and immunohistichemical (IHC) analysis enabled a conclusive diagnosis of retina, vitreous and CNS lymphoma in all patients submitted to the procedure.

ROLE OF DIAGNOSTIC PARS PLANA VITRECTOMY IN DETERMINING THE ETIOLOGY OF UVEITIS INITIALLY UNKNOWN.

To estimate the success and safety of diagnostic pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in determining the etiology of uveitis initially unknown and analyze their characteristics. The PubMed, Embase, and Ovid were searched up to October 2017 to identify relevant studies. The PRISMA guidelines were followed. Statistical analyses were performed with R version 3.3.1. Result in proportion were transformed by the Freeman-Tukey variant of arcsine square to attain symmetry of confidence intervals (CIs). The statistical heterogeneity was assessed by the chi-square test and I statistics. Sensitivity analysis and subgroup analyses were performed to identify the source of heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed by the Egger test. Sixteen studies involving 1,195 patients were finally included. The pooling result showed the successful rate of diagnostic PPV was 44% (95% CI [39%∼50%]). Among patients whose diagnostic PPV yielded a definitive diagnosis, 69% were infectious uveitis (95% CI [61%∼77%]), 23% were lymphoma (95% CI [17%∼30%]), and 4% were metastatic carcinoma (95% CI [2%∼10%]). Among patients diagnosed with infectious uveitis, the most frequent pathogens identified were viruses, followed by bacteria, Toxocara canis, Toxoplasma gondii, tuberculosis, and fungus. The incidence of postoperative cataract and postoperative retinal detachment was 19% (95% CI [8%∼29%]) and 5% (95% CI [1%∼10%]), respectively, and the rate of secondary vitrectomy surgery was 10% (95% CI [2%∼22%]). Postoperative visual improvement rate was 46% (95% CI [39%∼52%]), and the postoperative treatment strategy was changed in light of the results of diagnostic PPV in 20% of cases (95% CI [10%∼29%]). For uveitis of unknown cause, diagnostic PPV is an effective, reliable, and relatively safe procedure for establishing the definite diagnosis and guiding further treatment. Positive therapeutic effect could also be achieved.

Use of RPMI in Vitreous Cytology: The Case for Sterile, Single Use Aliquots

Importance: Sterile aliquots of Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) are necessary in obtaining uncontaminated vitreous biopsies. Background: To report a case of RPMI medium contamination in diagnostic pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) to exclude vitreoretinal lymphoma. Design: Interventional case report. Participants: One patient. Methods: Diagnostic pars plana vitrectomy, vitreous biopsy. Main outcome measures: Diagnostic, clinical, and histopathologic features of granulmoatous vitritis. Conclusion: A case for single use, sterile aliquots of refrigerated RPMI for vitreoretinal surgeons.

DIAGNOSTIC PARS PLANA VITRECTOMY AND AQUEOUS ANALYSES IN PATIENTS WITH UVEITIS OF UNKNOWN CAUSE

To compare the yield of diagnostic pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with the yield of aqueous analyses in patients with uveitis of unknown cause. Seventy-five consecutive patients (84 eyes) with uveitis involving posterior eye segment who undergo a diagnostic PPV from 2005 through 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. Vitreous specimens were simultaneously analyzed by microbiological culture, flow cytometry, and cytology as well as by polymerase chain reaction and for intraocular antibody production by Goldmann-Witmer coefficient. In 53 eyes, both aqueous and vitreous samples were assessed. The primary outcome measure was the comparison between vitreous and aqueous analyses. Vitreous analysis was positive in 18 of 84 eyes (21%). Positive results indicated infectious uveitis in 12 of 18 cases (67%) and lymphoma in 6 of 18 (33%) cases. Of the 53 eyes with both aqueous and vitreous samples available, aqueous analysis revealed the diagnosis in 6 of 53 eyes and vitreous in 9 of 53 eyes. Unilateral uveitis (P = 0.022), panuveitis and uveitis posterior (P ≤ 0.001), preoperative immunosuppressive therapy (P = 0.004), and increasing age (P = 0.018) were associated with an increased diagnostic yield of PPV. Overall, 1 year after PPV, median visual acuity improved from 20/200 to 20/80 (Snellen, P ≤ 0.001). Of 18 patients who were on immunosuppressive treatment before PPV, 8 (44%) were able to stop immunosuppressive therapy during 1-year follow-up. The complications of PPV consisted predominantly of cataract development (33/65, 51%). Diagnostic PPV with the analysis of vitreous fluid by multiple laboratories for infectious and malignant disorders was useful in diagnosing uveitis of unknown cause. Previous aqueous analysis was especially valuable for the diagnosis of intraocular infections and may therefore decrease the number of patients who would otherwise undergo an invasive diagnostic PPV. Furthermore, PPV was associated with improved visual acuity and decreased use of immunosuppressive therapy.

Oculoleptomeningeal Amyloidosis in a Patient with a TTR Val30Gly Mutation in the Transthyretin Gene

To describe a patient with oculoleptomeningeal amyloidosis associated with infiltration of the vitreous, elevated intraocular pressures (IOPs), and seizures caused by a TTR Val30Gly mutation in the transthyretin gene. Interventional clinicopathologic report. A 44-year-old man with refractory bilateral intermediate uveitis, elevated IOPs, and seizures. The patient underwent diagnostic pars plana vitrectomy in both eyes. Intraocular and intracerebral pressures were controlled by trabeculectomy and cerebroventricular shunt placement, respectively. Visual acuity, histopathologic analysis of vitreous and leptomeningeal tissue, genetic testing, and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. After failure of the patient to respond to topical and periocular corticosteroid therapy, a pars plana vitrectomy was performed and revealed amorphous material that showed green birefringence and dichroism on Congo red staining, establishing the diagnosis of vitreous amyloidosis. A full medical workup, including genetic testing, revealed a TTR Val30Gly mutation in the transthyretin gene. The patient subsequently developed elevated IOPs requiring bilateral trabeculectomy surgery and episodic seizures associated with leptomeningeal enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging. Histopathological analysis of a leptomeningeal biopsy taken at the time of surgery revealed amyloid infiltration, confirming the diagnosis of oculoleptomeningeal involvement by his amyloidosis. A ventriculoperitoneal shunt was placed. Amyloidosis should be considered in patients who present with vitritis that is unresponsive to corticosteroid therapy. Vitreous biopsy with histopathological analysis is recommended in these cases. Additionally, sequencing of the transthyretin gene should be considered in patients with vitreous amyloidosis to help establish known genetic syndromes and predict both ocular and systemic comorbidities. Although not described previously, elevated IOP may develop in patients with vitreous amyloidosis due to a TTR Val30Gly mutation in the transthyretin gene.

CONJUNCTIVAL EPITHELIUM IN PARS PLANA VITRECTOMY SPECIMENS

To review histopathology of vitrectomy specimens obtained during routine pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for evidence of inadvertent introduction of conjunctival epithelium into the vitreous cavity during PPV. Retrospective review of all vitreous specimens obtained from PPV over a 3-year period during which vitreous samples were routinely submitted from routine and diagnostic PPV. Patient charts and operative reports were reviewed, with particular attention to history of postoperative endophthalmitis, and the use of transconjunctival PPV. A total of 650 specimens were obtained over a 3-year period. Three specimens with conjunctival epithelium were identified. None of these cases resulted in endophthalmitis. Two of these three cases used transconjunctival techniques. In one case all three sclerotomies were made using transconjunctival techniques. The presence of conjunctiva in the vitreous aspirate from completely transconjunctival PPV indicates that conjunctival epithelium can be inadvertently introduced into the vitreous cavity during PPV. Although none of these cases resulted in endophthalmitis, special care to sterilize the conjunctiva before the creation of transconjunctival sclerotomies is warranted.

Diagnostic yield of vitrectomy in eyes with suspected posterior segment infection or malignancy

Purpose To determine the yield of diagnostic pars plana vitrectomy in eyes with suspected posterior segment inflammation or malignancy when clinical examination and systemic laboratory testing did not yield a specific diagnosis. Design Noncomparative interventional case series Participants Eighty-seven consecutive patients (90 eyes) who underwent diagnostic pars plana vitrectomy from 1989 through 1999. Interventions Vitreous samples were analyzed in a directed manner based on the preoperative clinical examination and systemic laboratory testing. Main outcome measures Diagnosis from each test performed on the vitreous samples. Results Diagnostic vitrectomy was performed alone in 6 eyes (7%) and as part of a therapeutic procedure in the remaining 84 eyes. The diagnostic tests performed most frequently included cytopathology (83%), microbiologic culture and sensitivity (43%), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (36%), and intraocular antibody levels for T. canis (14%). Of these, intraocular antibody testing and PCR had the highest positive yield, 46% and 39%, respectively. Overall, directed vitreous analysis identified a specific cause in 35 eyes (39%). Of the 65 cases in which an underlying infection was suspected preoperatively, the procedure yielded a specific diagnosis in 27 (42%). When intraocular malignancy was considered preoperatively (71 eyes), a diagnosis of intraocular lymphoma was obtained in seven (10%). This difference between these diagnostic yields was significant ( P = 0.02, Fisher’s exact test). Conclusions Diagnostic vitrectomy with directed vitreous fluid analysis yields a specific cause and guides subsequent therapy in a high percentage of cases. This procedure is a valuable adjunct in cases that cannot be diagnosed by less invasive methods.

Delayed-Onset Pneumococcal Endophthalmitis After Mitomycin-C Trabeculectomy

Delayed-onset endophthalmitis is a well-recognized complication of glaucoma filtering surgery, but, to our knowledge, no previous reports have associated this entity with occult nasolacrimal duct obstruction. A 16-month-old girl developed endophthalmitis 1 month after a mitomycin-C trabeculectomy for congenital glaucoma. A diagnostic pars plana vitrectomy, anterior chamber paracentesis, and injection of intravitreal antibiotics were performed. Streptococcus pneumoniae was cultured from the aqueous and vitreous samples. Gradual clearing of the infection was achieved with systemic, intravitreal, and topical antibiotic therapy. Examination following resolution of the infection revealed complete obstruction of the ipsilateral nasolacrimal duct. The high incidence of Streptococcus pneumoniae as the causative organism in delayed-onset endophthalmitis following glaucoma filtering surgery may be related, in part, to preexisting lacrimal outflow obstruction. Careful preoperative evaluation with attention to lacrimal outflow disorders is imperative prior to glaucoma filtering surgery, especially in children.