Fundus Fluorescein Angiography Research Articles

Intraretinal Microvascular Abnormalities in Eyes with Advanced Stages of Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: Comparison Between UWF-FFA, CFP, and OCTA-The RICHARD Study.

This study aimed to evaluate intraretinal microvascular abnormalities (IRMA) in eyes with advanced nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) using multimodal approach in co-located areas focusing on central retina (up to 50°) and to look at possible correlations between IRMA and other structural changes, like ischemia and presence of microaneurysms. The RICHARD study (NCT05112445) included 60 eyes from 60 patients with type2 diabetes with moderate-severe NPDR, diabetic retinopathy severity levels 43, 47, and 53 (DRSS). IRMA were defined as capillary tortuosity covering a minimum circular area of 300µm (calculated to correspond to the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study standard photo 8A) and were identified using multimodal imaging with distinct fields of view (FoV): color fundus photography (CFP) using a Topcon TRC-50DX camera (Topcon Medical Systems, Japan), Optos California ultra wide field fundus fluorescein angiography (UWF-FFA) (Optos plc, UK), and swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) (PLEX® Elite 9000, ZEISS, USA). Different areas of the retina were examined: central macula (up to 20°) and posterior pole (between 20° and 50°). Multimodal imaging was used to identify IRMA in co-located areas (FoV < 50°) including UWF-FFA, CFP, and SS-OCTA. In eyes with DRSS levels 47 and 53, IRMA were identified in both areas of the retina, while in eyes with DRSS level 43, IRMA were detected only outside of the central macula (FoV > 20°). Our results show that when evaluating the presence of IRMA (FoV < 50°), UWF-FFA detected 203 IRMA, SS-OCTA detected 133 IRMA, and CFP detected 104 IRMA. Our results also show that the presence of IRMA was positively associated with presence of microaneurysms. Identification of IRMA in eyes with advanced NPDR is better achieved by UWF-FFA than CFP and SS-OCTA. A statistically significant correlation was found between the presence of IRMA and the increase in number of microaneurysms. ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT05112445.

Posterior short ciliary arteries ischemia following embolization of anterior ethmoid artery to treat dural arteriovenous fistulas: a case report

BackgroundThe Onyx™ Liquid Embolic System is a non-adhesive liquid embolic agent, which has been proved by the US FDA for embolization of lesions in the peripheral and neurovasculature since 2005. We reported a case of ischemic optic neuropathy after using Onyx-18 to embolize the anterior ethmoid arteries that feeding dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF).Case presentationA 57-year-old Asian male presented with anterior cranial fossa DAVF underwent embolotherapy by delivering Onyx-18 through a microcatheter into the anterior ethmoid arteries under angiography guidance. The interventional procedure was successful and no clear evidence was found pointing to untargeted occlusive embolus. But after the surgery the patient experienced delayed painless vision loss in the right eye (RE). The fundoscopy showed unilateral papilledema with pale optic disc in RE, accompanied by significant edema and thickening in the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) of macula. The fundus fluorescence angiography showed that most of the optic disc in RE had postponed or absent fluorescence filling. Visual evoked potential (VEP) confirmed that the amplitude of the P100 component was decreased in RE without significant prolongation of the latency. The patient was diagnosed with anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, but immediate pulse steroid therapy failed to rescue his vision.ConclusionPreoperative evaluation of the patient’s hemodynamic status and fundus examination are essential for assessing the risk of ischemic ocular complications, and the non-adhesive liquid embolic agent Onyx-18 should be used cautiously during endovascular embolization of intracranial artery.

Uveal Effusion Syndrome Due to WNT10A Mutation.

Uveal effusion syndrome (UES) is an exudative detachment of ciliary body, retina and choroid. Various underlying causes leads to UES-like drugs (topiramate), inflammation and hypotony. Wnt gene involvement has never been associated with UES. We report a case of bilateral UES being misdiagnosed as Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome (VKH), with Wnt gene dysfunction as the underlying trigger. A 32-year-old male presented with diminution of vision in his left eye. He was found to have choroidal detachment with retinal detachment in his left eye. Choroidal detachment was noted in the right eye. Various ocular imaging including fundus fluorescein angiography and ocular coherence tomography was done. He was misdiagnosed as a case of VKH syndrome, for which he was treated with systemic immunomodulatory therapy. However, a subclinical response was made to revisit the diagnosis. Ultrasound biomicroscopy showed supraciliary effusion. Systemic and genetic evaluation led to the detection of Wnt10A pathway mutation. UES is an entity of diagnostic challenge. Careful and thorough systemic evaluation is required to clinch the diagnosis. We reported the first case of bilateral UES recalcitrant to corticosteroids, with Wnt10A gene mutation.

Ocular Toxoplasmosis: Advances in Toxoplasma gondii Biology, Clinical Manifestations, Diagnostics, and Therapy.

Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular parasite, is a globally prevalent pathogen capable of infecting a wide range of warm-blooded animals, including humans. Ocular toxoplasmosis (OT), a severe manifestation of T. gondii infection, can lead to potentially blinding complications. This comprehensive review delves into the current understanding of T. gondii biology, exploring its complex life cycle, diverse transmission routes, and strain diversity. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the clinical manifestations of OT, which can result from both congenital and acquired infections, presenting a spectrum of signs and symptoms. The review examines various diagnostic strategies employed for OT, including clinical examination, multimodal imaging techniques such as fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), as well as laboratory tests including serology and molecular methods. Despite extensive research, the specific mechanisms underlying ocular involvement in T. gondii infection remain elusive, and current diagnostic options have limitations. Moreover, the treatment of active and recurrent OT remains a challenge. While existing therapies, such as antimicrobial agents and immunosuppressants, can control active infections, they do not offer a definitive cure or completely prevent recurrence. The clinical endpoints for the management of active and recurrent OT are also not yet well-established, and the available treatment methods carry the potential for adverse effects. This article highlights the need for future research to elucidate the pathogenesis of OT, investigate genetic factors influencing susceptibility to infection, and develop more sensitive and specific diagnostic tools. Enhancing global surveillance, implementing robust prevention strategies, and fostering multidisciplinary collaborations will be crucial in reducing the burden of OT and improving patient outcomes. This comprehensive review aims to provide a valuable resource for clinicians, researchers, and policymakers, contributing to a better understanding of T. gondii infection and its impact on ocular health.

Secondary Multiple Evanescent White Dot Syndrome in a patient with North Carolina Macular Dystrophy.

To describe a novel case of secondary multiple evanescent white dot syndrome in a patient with North Carolina Macular Dystrophy (NCMD). The patient was evaluated with ultra-widefield color and autofluorescence imaging, fluorescein angiography, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. A 43-year-old man with longstanding blurred vision in both eyes acutely developed glare in the right eye after an upper respiratory illness. He had chorioretinal atrophy in both eyes consistent with North Carolina Macular Dystrophy, which was later confirmed by genetic testing. He alsyo had white spots in the macula of the right eye consistent with secondary MEWDS. The diagnosis of secondary MEWDS was confirmed with fundus autofluorescence and fluorescein angiography, as well as a negative infectious workup. His symptoms and the retinal lesions had resolved by 11 weeks and after a short course of oral corticosteroids. Prior studies have suggested a link between disruption of the RPE/Bruch's membrane complex and secondary MEWDS. This report describes the first case of secondary MEWDS after NCMD and provides further support for this association.

Role of Plasma Angiopoietin-1 and VEGF Levels as Potential Biomarkers in Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy with Macular Neovascularization.

To evaluate the plasma levels of angiopoietin-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and their association with macular neovascularization (MNV) in patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC). Correlations between plasma cytokine levels, CSC duration, and mean choroidal thickness (CT) were also investigated. Of the 59 patients with cCSC, 10 patients with MNV secondary to cCSC and 10 patients with cCSC without MNV were enrolled in the study. The control group included 15 healthy volunteers matched for age, sex, smoking status, and comorbidities. Chronic CSC was diagnosed based on typical findings on swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus fluorescein angiography, and indocyanine green angiography. Additionally, all patients underwent OCT angiography to help detect MNV. Plasma angiopoietin-1 and VEGF levels were assessed using multiplex immunoassay. The plasma angiopoietin-1 levels differed between the 3 groups (p = 0.005). The angiopoietin-1 levels were lower in patients with cCSC with MNV than in controls (p = 0.006). There were no differences in the plasma VEGF levels between all the 3 groups (p = 0.329). The VEGF levels were negatively correlated with mean CT in cCSC patients with MNV (rho = -0.683, p = 0.042) but correlated positively with disease duration in patients with cCSC without MNV (rho = 0.886, p = 0.003). Our study confirms that MNV is a common complication of cCSC and provides new insights into the role of angiopoietin-1 in cCSC and MNV. Reduced angiopoietin-1 levels in cCSC patients, regardless of MNV status, highlight the importance of the Ang-Tie2 pathway in disease pathogenesis and may point to new therapeutic targets and future novel treatments to improve the management of these patients.

Acute Idiopathic Blind Spot Enlargement and Multiple Evanescent White Dot Syndrome

Acute idiopathic blind spot enlargement syndrome (AIBSES) and Multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) are diseases that fall within the same spectrum. They share common characteristics such as affecting young and middle-aged individuals, being mostly unilateral, causing damage to the outer layers of the retina, and leading to blind spot enlargement in the visual field. In AIBSES, lesions are more frequently located in areas adjacent to the optic disc, whereas in MEWDS, they are observed around the central and peripheral vascular arcades. Unlike MEWDS, in AIBSES, visual field improvement is not expected over time. Multimodal imaging methods, including optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence, fundus fluorescein angiography, and indocyanine green angiography, play an important role in diagnosis and follow-up. In both conditions, the optic nerve can appear normal, but it can also be seen with slightly blurred boundaries and edema, and it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of optic neuropathy.

Choroidal Changes and Choroidal Neovascularization in Pathological Myopia

Among the complications of pathological myopia, myopic macular neovascularization (mMNV) is one of the most vision-threatening complications. Despite significant advances in understanding the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and natural history of the disease, there is no standard definition of mMNV. Although the sensitivity of mMNV diagnosis increases to 97% with the combined use of fundus fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography, multimodal imaging is valuable in differential diagnosis. Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy has become the standard and first-line treatment option for mMNV. Continued monitoring of patients is required to assess any progression or recurrence.

Branch retinal vein occlusion and peripheral nonperfusion associated with astrocytic hamartoma of the optic nerve head in a patient with tuberous sclerosis.

To report a case of branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) causing retinal neovascularization (NV) and vitreous hemorrhage associated with astrocytic hamartoma (AH) involving the optic nerve head in a patient with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). We review the natural history of the clinical presentation and posit its etiology. Electronic health records were reviewed for patient history and demographics and multimodal ophthalmic imaging including fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Neovascularization emanating superiorly and inferiorly from a large AH of the optic nerve head was identified as the cause of a longstanding vitreous hemorrhage. Retinal nonperfusion was also found in superior peripheral quadrants, most notably distal to the superior NV. OCT was useful in visualizing small retinal AH in the fellow eye that was otherwise undetected on prior dilated fundus examinations. The patient was treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF and superior sectoral PRP in the involved eye. BRVO and associated NV may represent rare vision-threatening sequela of AH in TSC and manifested in this case with diffuse peripheral retinal nonperfusion secondary to BRVO-induced ischemia. OCT is a valuable resource in identifying and monitoring AH of the retina.

Resolution of choroidal effusion and serous retinal detachment after PASCAL photocoagulation in a patient with diabetic retinopathy.

To present a rare case of PASCAL photocoagulation-induced choroidal effusion and serous retinal detachment in a patient with diabetic retinopathy. A case report. A 68-year-old man with type 2 diabetes mellitus presented with decreased vision in both eyes. His best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.39 logMAR units in both eyes. The patient underwent panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) in two quadrants of both eyes on the same day according to his fundus fluorescein angiography. Three days after the first session of PRP, the BCVA in his left eye deteriorated by 2.0 logMAR units. Fundoscopic examination detected a significant choroidal effusion in inferonasal quadrant of the left eye. A macular Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) scan showed a large macular serous retinal detachment in the left eye. Topical steroid, topical cycloplegic, and 64 mg oral methylprednisolone were initiated. Two weeks later, his BCVA returned to the level of the first visit with a completely resolved choroidal effusion and no subretinal fluid. Considering the inflammatory and destructive mechanism of PRP, the laser operator should use the minimum power necessary to avoid possible chorioretinal complications.

Eales’ disease with secondary coats’-like reaction: a case report

BackgroundEales’ disease is an idiopathic, inflammatory condition characterized by peripheral retinal phlebitis, distal non-perfusion, and neovascularization. Coats’ disease, on the other hand, is an idiopathic, retinal vasculopathy characterized by telangiectasia and yellowish exudation. Both diseases commonly affect males. Here, we report an atypical case of unilateral Eales’ disease with co-existing, secondary Coats’-like reaction in a 25-year-old male exhibiting unilateral retinal telangiectasia accompanied by subtle macular edema, extensive peripheral vascular sheathing, and distal non-perfusion in the absence of clinically visible exudation.MethodsCase report.ResultsA 25-year-old male presented with painless blurring of vision in the right eye for two months. Best-corrected Snellen visual acuity was 3/60 in the affected eye, with relative afferent pupillary defect observed, and 6/9 contralaterally. Anterior segment examination was unremarkable. Right eye fundoscopy showed aneurysmal telangiectasia at the macula, 360 degrees perivascular sheathing and telangiectasia of peripheral retinal vessels. There was no exudation, neovascularization, tractional membranes, vitritis, retinitis, and choroiditis. Left eye fundus was unremarkable. Optical coherence tomography of the macula revealed disorganization and thinning of the inner retinal layers with minimal intraretinal fluid. Fundus fluorescein angiography showed leakage from the aneurysms but not from the sheathed vessels, and an enlarged foveolar avascular zone. A well-defined zone of non-perfusion and retinal vascular telangiectasia with shunts was observed. Blood investigations ruled out metabolic, infectious, haematological, and autoimmune causes. Carotid Doppler showed no stenosis, and CT angiography of the brain did not show any vascular abnormalities. In view that no cause was identified, a diagnosis of Eales’ disease with secondary Coats’-like reaction was made. Treatment consisted of FFA-guided laser photocoagulation to the areas of non-perfusion. Intavitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injection was not done in view of poor visual prognosis. The condition and visual acuity remained stable during 18 months of follow-up.ConclusionThis report highlights an atypical case of Eales’ disease with co-existing, secondary Coats’-like reaction.

Exploring the Protective Effects of Xueshuantong Injection on Central Retinal Vein Occlusion

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to assess the therapeutic effects of Xueshuantong (XST), a traditional Chinese medicine that has been studied for its protective effects on the cardiovascular system and anti-inflammatory properties, on central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) in rabbits and rats. Materials and Methods: CRVO was induced in rabbits and rats by laser photocoagulation. The animals were then treated with different doses of XST or lyophilized XST (L). Color fundus photography, fundus fluorescein angiography, histological examination, TUNEL assay, and immunofluorescence staining were conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effects. Results: The study revealed that both XST and lyophilized XST injections exhibited therapeutic effects against CRVO in rabbits and rats. The drugs improved retinal lesions and structure and mitigated apoptosis of retinal cells to varying degrees. Additionally, downregulation of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 within the retina was observed in both drug groups. Conclusions: The results indicate that XST injection exhibited significant protective effects against experimental CRVO by regulating angiogenesis and inflammation, suggesting its potential as an effective therapeutic strategy for treating CRVO.

Unveiling the clinical incapabilities: a benchmarking study of GPT-4V(ision) for ophthalmic multimodal image analysis

PurposeTo evaluate the capabilities and incapabilities of a GPT-4V(ision)-based chatbot in interpreting ocular multimodal images.MethodsWe developed a digital ophthalmologist app using GPT-4V and evaluated its performance with a dataset (60...

Applications of optical coherence tomography angiography in glaucoma: current status and future directions.

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, with its pathophysiology remaining inadequately understood. Among the various proposed theories, the vascular theory, suggesting a crucial role of retinal vasculature deterioration in glaucoma onset and progression, has gained significant attention. Traditional imaging techniques, such as fundus fluorescein angiography, are limited by their invasive nature, time consumption, and qualitative output, which restrict their efficacy in detailed retinal vessel examination. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) emerges as a revolutionary imaging modality, offering non-invasive, detailed visualization of the retinal and optic nerve head microvasculature, thereby marking a significant advancement in glaucoma diagnostics and management. Since its introduction, OCTA has been extensively utilized for retinal vasculature imaging, underscoring its potential to enhance our understanding of glaucoma's pathophysiology, improving diagnosis, and monitoring disease progression. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge regarding the role of OCTA in glaucoma, particularly its potential applications in diagnosing, monitoring, and understanding the pathophysiology of the disease. Parameters pertinent to glaucoma will be elucidated to illustrate the utility of OCTA as a tool to guide glaucoma management.

Development and evaluation of a deep learning model for automatic segmentation of non-perfusion area in fundus fluorescein angiography

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most prevalent cause of preventable vision loss worldwide, imposing a significant economic and medical burden on society today, of which early identification is the cornerstones of the management. The diagnosis and severity grading of DR rely on scales based on clinical visualized features, but lack detailed quantitative parameters. Retinal non-perfusion area (NPA) is a pathogenic characteristic of DR that symbolizes retinal hypoxia conditions, and was found to be intimately associated with disease progression, prognosis, and management. However, the practical value of NPA is constrained since it appears on fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) as distributed, irregularly shaped, darker plaques that are challenging to measure manually. In this study, we propose a deep learning-based method, NPA-Net, for accurate and automatic segmentation of NPAs from FFA images acquired in clinical practice. NPA-Net uses the U-net structure as the basic backbone, which has an encoder-decoder model structure. To enhance the recognition performance of the model for NPA, we adaptively incorporate multi-scale features and contextual information in feature learning and design three modules: Adaptive Encoder Feature Fusion (AEFF) module, Multilayer Deep Supervised Loss, and Atrous Spatial Pyramid Pooling (ASPP) module, which enhance the recognition ability of the model for NPAs of different sizes from different perspectives. We conducted extensive experiments on a clinical dataset with 163 eyes with NPAs manually annotated by ophthalmologists, and NPA-Net achieved better segmentation performance compared to other existing methods with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.9752, accuracy of 0.9431, sensitivity of 0.8794, specificity of 0.9459, IOU of 0.3876 and Dice of 0.5686. This new automatic segmentation model is useful for identifying NPA in clinical practice, generating quantitative parameters that can be useful for further research as well as guiding DR detection, grading severity, treatment planning, and prognosis.

Evaluation of AI-enhanced non-mydriatic fundus photography for diabetic retinopathy screening

ObjectiveTo assess the feasibility of using non-mydriatic fundus photography in conjunction with an artificial intelligence (AI) reading platform for large-scale screening of diabetic retinopathy (DR). MethodsIn this study, we selected 120 patients with diabetes hospitalized in our institution from December 2019 to April 2021. Retinal imaging of 240 eyes was obtained using non-mydriatic fundus photography. The fundus images of these patients were divided into two groups based on different interpretation methods. In Experiment Group 1, the images were analyzed and graded for DR diagnosis using an AI reading platform. In Experiment Group 2, the images were analyzed and graded for DR diagnosis by an associate chief physician in ophthalmology, specializing in fundus diseases. Concurrently, all patients underwent the gold standard for DR diagnosis and grading—fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA)—with the outcomes serving as the Control Group. The diagnostic value of the two methods was assessed by comparing the results of Experiment Groups 1 and 2 with those of the Control Group. ResultsKeeping the control group (FFA results) as the gold standard, no significant differences were observed between the two experimental groups regarding diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, false positive rate, false negative rate, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, Youden's index, Kappa value, and diagnostic accuracy (X2 = 0.371, P > 0.05). ConclusionCompared with the manual reading group, the AI reading group revealed no significant differences across all diagnostic indicators, exhibiting high sensitivity and specificity, as well as a relatively high positive predictive value. Additionally, it demonstrated a high level of diagnostic consistency with the gold standard. This technology holds potential for suitability in large-scale screening of DR.

Sea-fan retinal neovascularization associated with rickettsial retinitis: a case report

BackgroundRickettsial disease has been commonly associated with retinitis, retinal vasculitis, and optic nerve involvement, but the development of retinal neovascularization has been very rarely reported. We herein describe a case of rickettsial retinitis complicated with the development of sea-fan retinal neovascularization documented with multimodal imaging, including fundus photography, SS-OCT, fluorescein angiography, and SS-OCT angiography.Case presentationA 26-year-old female with a history of fever one week earlier presented with sudden decreased vision in the left eye. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/2000 and the patient was diagnosed with rickettsial retinitis along the superotemporal retinal vascular arcade associated with serous retinal detachment and retinal hard exudates. The indirect immunofluorescence test was positive for Rickettsia conorii, and the patient was treated with oral doxycycline (200 mg/day) and oral prednisone (0.75 mg/kg/day, with gradual tapering). Four weeks after presentation, the retinal infiltrate and associated serous retinal detachment had resolved, but retinal hard exudates had increased. A large sea-fan preretinal fibrovascular neovascularization became apparent along the superotemporal retinal vascular arcade, but there was no associated retinal ischemia on fluorescein angiography. The patient received an adjunctive single intravitreal injection of 1.25 bevacizumab. Sequential follow-up examinations showed shrinking of sea-fan retinal neovascularization, a complete resolution of retinal hard exudates, and the development of a self-limited vitreous hemorrhage. On last follow-up, 30 months after intravitreal bevacizumab injection, BCVA was 20/25.ConclusionPatients with rickettsial retinitis may develop a sea-fan retinal neovascularization, with subsequent vitreous hemorrhage, putatively through inflammatory mechanisms. Multimodal imaging including OCT, fluorescein angiography, and OCT-angiography, is highly useful for accurate diagnosis and reliable monitoring of the evolution of retinitis, retinal neovascularization, and other retinal changes. The use of a combination therapy with oral doxycycline and corticosteroids and intravitreal anti-VEGF can improve outcomes.

An Investigation of the Correlation Between Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness with Blood Biochemical Indices and Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

The study aimed to explore the correlation between retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) with blood biochemical indicators and cognitive dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the possible mechanism, thereby providing more theoretical basis for the occurrence and prevention of diabetes related complications. Eighty T2DM patients treated in our hospital from March 2022 to September 2022 were selected as the study subjects, and the clinical data of the patients were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) to analyze the changes in retinal blood vessels. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were divided as the diabetic retinopathy (DR) group (n=46) and simple diabetes group (n=34). The RNFLT, blood biochemical indexes and changes in cognitive functions of the patients were detected. The correlation between RNFLT with blood biochemical indexes and cognitive dysfunction was analyzed. Compared with the simple diabetes group, patients in the DR group had much lower mean, nasal, inferior and superior thicknesses (P<0.01). There existed no significant difference in blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), blood lipids (triglycerides, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein) between the two groups (P>0.05). Compared with the simple diabetes group, patients in the DR group had much higher fasting blood glucose (FBG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting insulin (FINS), insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, apolipoprotein B (ApoB)/apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) (P<0.001). Besides, the DR group had sharply lower scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scale and higher levels of the Trail Making Test-A (TMT-A) and TMT-B (P<0.001). Spearman correlation analysis confirmed that the mean RNFLT was negatively correlated with the levels of FBG, HbA1c, HOMA-IR index, TMT-A and TMT-B (P<0.05), positively correlated with the score of mini-mental state examination (MMSE) (P<0.05), and was no significant correlation with FINS and ApoB/ApoA1 (P>0.05). DR patients had significantly reduced RNFLT, elevated levels of blood glucose related indicators, and cognitive dysfunction. There existed a correlation between RNFLT and FBG, HbA1c, HOMA-IR index, TMT-A, TMT-B and MMSE.

Multimodal imaging to distinguish microvascular and morphological changes in retinal vein occlusion after intravitreal ranibizumab with or without triamcinolone acetonide injection

BackgroundThe study was designed to investigate microvascular and morphological changes in retinal vein occlusion (RVO) using multimodal imaging after intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) with or without triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) injections.MethodsThis was a retrospective and observational study. Fifty patients (52 eyes) diagnosed with RVO were enrolled. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), ophthalmoscopy, fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT), and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) were employed sequentially both before treatment and at the last visit after treatment.ResultsThe mean logMAR VAs in BRVO eyes decreased significantly after treatment (P = 0.029). OCTA showed there was a significant difference in foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in BRVO eyes (P = 0.024), superificial foveal vessel density in both CRVO (P = 0.0004) and BRVO eyes (P = 0.02155). OCT showed the foveal thickness had significant differences after treatment in both CRVO (P < 0.0001) and BRVO eyes (P = 0.0001). BCVA was associated most commonly with ellipsoid zone integrity (P = 0.022). The BCVA in eyes treated with IVR and IVTA was significantly decreased compared with IVR only in BRVO group (P = 0.021). However, the combination of IVR + IVTA significantly improved intraocular pressure (IOP) compared with IVR only in BRVO group (P = 0.037).ConclusionBoth IVR and IVR + IVTA can significantly improve the central vision, macular structure, and functions in BRVO group. Simultaneous IVR with IVTA can significantly increase BCVA compared with IVR only in BRVO group.

Clinical and Multimodal Imaging Study to Differentiate Amelanotic Choroidal Lesions

Introduction: The aim of this study was to differentiate amelanotic choroidal lesions – amelanotic choroidal melanoma, choroidal metastasis, and choroidal granuloma using multimodal imaging. Methods: Retrospective comparative chart review was done. Patients diagnosed with the abovementioned choroidal lesions from 2015 to 2022 were included. Baseline lesion morphology and retinal layer changes on optical coherence tomography (OCT), lesion echogenicity and dimensions on ocular ultrasonography (USG), fundus autofluorescence (FAF), fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), and indocyanine green angiography (ICG-A) patterns and findings were assessed. Results: Twelve eyes with melanoma, 22 eyes with metastasis, and 9 eyes with granuloma were included. On OCT, 83% of melanomas and 67% of granulomas, and 68% of metastasis had dome-shaped choroidal lesions. Presence of intraretinal fluid (IRF) and shaggy photoreceptors was 94% (95% CI: 79–99%) and 90% (95% CI: 74–98%) specific to differentiate melanomas from other choroidal lesions (AUC >0.75, p < 0.05). Similarly, presence of incomplete retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and outer retinal atrophy (iRORA) was 77% (95% CI: 55–92%) sensitive and 77% (95% CI: 53–92%) specific (AUC = 0.8, p+ 0.03) and presence of lumpy-bumpy choroid was 55% (95% CI: 32–76%) sensitive and 95% (95% CI: 76–99%) specific (AUC = 0.75, p = 0.04) to distinguish metastasis from other choroidal lesions. Mean height: base ratio was more in melanoma compared to metastasis (0.54 ± 0.22 vs. 0.43 ± 0.12, p = 0.17) and both were hyperechoic on USG. On FAF, 100% metastasis and 60% granulomas were hypoAF, whereas 100% melanomas were hypoAF. Majority choroidal lesions were hyperfluorescent on FFA. Double vascular circulation was observed in melanomas (50%). On ICG-A, all choroidal lesions were hypofluorescent. Conclusion: Clinical and multimodal imaging features such as the presence of IRF, shaggy photoreceptors, iRORA, and lumpy-bumpy choroid can help diagnose and differentiate amelanotic choroidal lesions, thereby avoiding the need for choroidal biopsy. Further larger studies are needed to devise a standard imaging protocol to validate our findings.