Intravitreal Triamcinolone Research Articles

Early use of intravitreal triamcinolone to inhibit traumatic proliferative vitreoretinopathy: a randomised clinical trial

AimsTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injection at the end of emergency surgery for open globe injury (OGI) to suppress traumatic proliferative vitreoretinopathy (TPVR).MethodsA single-centre,...

Role of Intravitreal Triamcinolone Acetonide and Bevacizumab in Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase and Inhibitor in Rabbit Penetrating Injury Model

Aims: To assess the effects of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide and bevacizumab on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase MMP-2 and its inhibitor TIMP-1 in an experimental rabbit model of penetrating injury. Settings and Design: An accurate experimental study of five left eyes as negative control and 27 eyes with penetrating injury with or without treatment from 27 rabbits. Methods and Material: A total of 30 New Zealand rabbits were recruited, and penetrating injury was performed in the superotemporal quadrant of the right eye by making incisions 5 mm horizontally and 6 mm behind the limbus. The rabbits were split into five groups: OGI, intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide, and bevacizumab, with varying injection timings (n = 6 per group). All eyes were inspected and analyzed by assessing the expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-1. Statistical analysis used: Statistical analysis was performed using the Prism GraphPad 9. Statistical calculations were made by ANOVA test. All descriptive data are presented as mean+standard deviation. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant statistically. Results: The expression of MMP-2 in the treatment group was considerably lower than in control penetrating injury group (8,36±1,699, p<0,0001), conversely TIMP-1 expression was higher in the treatment group (4,72±1,026, P 0,0593). Fibrosis was assessed with HE staining and primarily detected in positive control groups. Conclusions: TA and bevacizumab treatments after penetrating injury effectively inhibited the elevation of MMP-2 and decreased the expression of TIMP-1 in the retina and wound site tissue, respectively. It reduces the possibility of acquiring posttraumatic PVR.

SARCOID GRANULOMA OF THE CHOROID AND CILIARY BODY IN 50 CASES.

To describe the clinical and imaging features of sarcoid granuloma of the choroid and ciliary body. Retrospective case series of patients with choroid and/or ciliary body sarcoid granuloma managed at the Ocular Oncology Service at Wills Eye Hospital. The mean patient age at diagnosis was 51.0 years (54.1, 11.0-83.8 years). The mean logMAR visual acuity at presentation was 0.3 (0.2, 0.0-3.0) [Snellen equivalent 20/40 (20/30, HM-20/20)]. Clinical features included mean basal dimension of 5.2 mm (4.0, 0.3-20.0 mm) and thickness of 1.7 mm (1.8, 0.0-3.6 mm), yellow color (41, 82%), multifocality (18, 36%), and irregular vermiform margins (46, 92%). Related clinical features included inflammation of the anterior chamber (1, 2%), vitreous (5, 10%), and retina (5, 10%). Imaging features by optical coherence tomography of the choroid lesions (n = 49) demonstrated clear subretinal fluid (6, 12%), "dirty" subretinal fluid (14, 28%), cystoid macular edema (1, 2%), overlying retinal edema (6, 12%), and localized vitreous cellularity (1, 2%). Management included sub-Tenon's triamcinolone (11, 22%), intravitreal triamcinolone (3, 6%), systemic corticosteroids (19, 38%), or observation (26, 52%). Systemic sarcoidosis was present before ocular diagnosis (13, 26%), detected during ophthalmic care (4, 8%), detected after ocular diagnosis (3, 6%), or not found (30, 60%) over a mean follow-up of 13.7 months (6.9, 0.0-138.2). Sarcoid granuloma of the choroid and/or ciliary body can manifest without anterior segment or vitreous/retina inflammation in many cases and reveal underlying systemic sarcoidosis in 40% of cases. A distinguishing feature of choroidal sarcoid granuloma was its vermiform margin.

Intravitreal Injection of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors Combined with Corticosteroids for the Treatment of Macular Edema Secondary to Retinal Vein Occlusion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) and corticosteroid combination therapy for the management of treatment-naïve or recurrent/refractory macular edema caused by retinal vein occlusion (RVO) in comparison with anti-VEGF monotherapy. Methods In this systematic review and meta-analysis study, the data from publications in the electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library Central Register of Controlled Trials, ISI and Scopus from January 1, 2007, through November 20, 2020, were compiled. Heterogeneity was statistically quantified by the I2 statistic, and meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. Results Twenty-four related studies were identified, including a total of 1280 eyes, which consisted of 685 and 507 patients with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO), respectively. This study demonstrated a greater improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in the combination group compared to anti-VEGF monotherapy for both CRVO and BRVO cases at 6 months after initiating therapy. The improvement in vision was more notable in BRVO cases than in CRVO cases. However, the changes in central macular thickness (CMT) did not differ significantly between the different treatment approaches, and the results were inconclusive. Including all cases with RVO, there was no inferiority in terms of BCVA improvement and CMT reduction in the triamcinolone subgroup compared with the slow-release dexamethasone implant subgroup. A greater improvement was noticed in terms of BCVA in the sequentially treated subgroup compared to the simultaneous treatment subgroup, while there was a greater reduction in CMT in the simultaneous subgroup with the highest reduction recorded at 1 month after treatment. Conclusions This study suggests that combination therapy with intravitreal anti-VEGF and corticosteroid (such as intravitreal or subtenon triamcinolone or dexamethasone implant) has a slightly better effect on improving BCVA in cases with BRVO or CRVO at 6 months compared to monotherapy.

Intravitreal Triamcinolone Acetonide for Diabetic Macular Edema and Macular Edema Secondary to Retinal Vein Occlusion: A Meta-Analysis

Background: The comparative safety and efficacy of different doses of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) for diabetic macular edema (DME) and macular edema (ME) secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is unclear. Objectives: This meta-analysis aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of different doses of IVTA in this setting. Methods: A systematic literature search for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) was conducted on Cochrane Library, Ovid MEDLINE, and EMBASE from January 2005 to May 2022. Studies that reported on patients with DME or ME secondary to RVO that received treatment with different doses of IVTA were included. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed. Cochrane’s Risk of Bias Tool 2 was used to assess the risk of bias, and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) guidelines were used to assess certainty of evidence. Results: Five RCTs reporting on 1,041 eyes at baseline were included in this meta-analysis. In eyes with ME secondary to RVO, high-dose (4 mg) IVTA achieved a significantly better change in best-corrected visual acuity (WMD = −4.75 ETDRS letters, 95% CI = [−7.73, −1.78], p = 0.002) and reduction in retinal thickness (WMD = −93.02 μm, 95% CI = [−153.23, −32.82], p = 0.002) at months 4–6 compared to low-dose (1–2 mg) IVTA. However, high-dose IVTA had a higher risk of intraocular pressure-related adverse events (RR = 2.99, 95% CI = [1.05, 8.50], p = 0.04) and cataract surgery (RR = 5.67, 95% CI = [3.09, 10.41], p < 0.00001) than low-dose IVTA in eyes with ME secondary to RVO. These efficacy and safety differences in high-dose and low-dose IVTA were not observed in DME eyes. Conclusions: The RCT evidence in this setting is limited. High-dose IVTA achieved greater improvements in visual acuity and reductions in retinal thickness than low-dose IVTA at months 4–6. However, high-dose IVTA had a less favorable safety profile than low-dose IVTA. The significance of these outcomes was based on patients with ME secondary to RVO, but not DME.

Eales Disease

Eales disease, first described by Henry Eales in 1880, constitutes an idiopathic occlusive retinal vasculopathy apparently multifactorial, and with a likely immunologic origin, which mainly affects the peripheral retina bilaterally in young patients predominantly males. Most cases are asymptomatic in the early stages of the disease however, in the course of the disease floaters and blurry vision arise and hemorrhages lead to significant visual loss. The clinical appearance depends on the peripheral nonperfusion and neovascularization that follow retinal perivasculitis. Visual loss is commonly due to vitreous hemorrhage and tractional retinal detachment. Routine biochemical tests, fundus fluorescein angiography, widefield angiography, optical coherence tomography, optical coherence tomography angiography, and ultrasound are used in the diagnosis of the disease. Corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents, laser photocoagulation, intravitreal triamcinolone, anti-VEGF injections, and vitrectomy are treatment modalities.

Perifoveal exudative vascular anomalous complex and resembling lesions treated with intravitreal triamcinolone.

To report the use of intravitreal triamcinolone to treat macular edema associated with isolated perifoveal exudative vascular anomalous complex (PVAC) and resembling lesion (PVAC-RL). In this case series, three diabetic patients (3 eyes) with PVAC-RLs and one healthy patient (1 eye) with PVAC lesion associated with cystic spaces underwent three intravitreal injections of aflibercept before switching to one intravitreal triamcinolone injection in each patient. Macular edema improved from 297.5 ± 8.10 μm, at baseline, to 269.2 ± 8.89 μm, after triamcinolone; whereas visual acuity improved from 20/38 to 20/26 (ETDRS). PVAC and PVAC-RL are rare and often misdiagnosed lesions that may be associated with decreased vision. Our outcomes suggest that intravitreal injection of triamcinolone may be an effective and affordable treatment for PVAC and PVAC-RL with intraretinal fluid.

Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide and bevacizumab injection as prevention of proliferative vitreoretinopathy in open globe injury

Link of Video Abstract: https://youtu.be/VVibnyUdBx4 Background: Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is common following an open globe injury (OGI) due to aberrant wound healing that can result in retinal detachment or vitreous hemorrhage. Despite the anatomical success, visual acuity improvement remains unsatisfactory. Triamcinolone acetonide (TCA) and Bevacizumab are among these therapies. This study aims to explore the effect of TCA and Bevacizumab intravitreal injection as potential preventive therapies for PVR in OGI. Methods: This literature review compiles and elaborates on previous studies from many authors to support future experimental studies, which will be conducted to evaluate the intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide and bevacizumab injection as prevention of proliferative vitreoretinopathy in open globe injury through several relevant articles. Results: The healing process requires inflammation that stimulates inflammatory cells and mediators, such as transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-2, IL-3, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI) is upregulated during inflammation, resulting in continued collagen deposition due to fibrosis. The injection of corticosteroids as immunosuppressants and anti-VEGFs as antiangiogenesis is thought to have a positive impact by reducing inflammation and the development of new blood vessels, thus suppressing fibrosis. Conclusion: TCA injection was associated with improved anatomical and visual acuity in humans, pre-operatively or during pars plana vitrectomy. Anti-VEGFs, such as Bevacizumab, ranibizumab, conbercept, and aflibercept, demonstrated protective effects on the eyes of animal models and showed their ability to reduce VEGF, TGF-β, and PAI-1, thereby inhibiting wound fibrosis.

TRANSCORNEAL INTRAVITREAL INJECTION TECHNIQUE FOR PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH APHAKIA AND POSTVITRECTOMIZED EYES.

BACKGROUND Although modern minimally invasive vitreoretinal surgery has improved visual outcomes, post-operative proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and hypotony remain a cause of poor visual results1,2. The migration and proliferation of retinal pigment epithelial cells and the invading immune cells lead to the formation of adherent membranes3. To prevent worsening of PVR and suppress intraocular inflammation, intravitreal triamcinolone, or in some cases, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) have been used4,5. In cases of chronic hypotony, intravitreal triamcinolone injection is also thought to have a role in treatment2.

Clinic study on macular epiretinal membrane in patients under the age of 40 years

BackgroundTo describe the risk factors and clinical characteristics of macular epiretinal membrane (MEM) disease in patients up to the age of 40 years and to evaluate the therapeutic effect of IVTA on MEM.MethodsClinical records were reviewed and the etiology of each case and the age distribution data were collected in this retrospective, cohort study. The clinical characteristics of MEM and the factors affecting VA were analyzed. Additionally, we contrasted the effects of MEM peeling with and without intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide on visual acuity (VA) and central foveal thickness (CFT).ResultsIn young patients, the incidence of partial posterior vitreous detachment (P-PVD) was considerably higher in IMEM than SMEM (P = 0.007). Furthermore, patients with stage 3 MEM had lower BCVA values than patients with stage 4 MEM (P < 0.001). Patients who live in urban had lower BCVA values than patients in rural (P < 0.001). Patients with IS/OS integrity had lower BCVA values than patients without IS/OS integrity (P < 0.001). The BCVA values in patients with IMEM were significantly lower than those of patients with SMEM (P < 0.001). BCVA was associated most commonly with etiology (P = 0.001), followed by region (P = 0.002). All patients had a decrease in logMAR Vas and CFT, but the combination of intraoperative IVTA resulted in a more significant decrease in logMAR Vas (P = 0.007) and CFT (P = 0.046).ConclusionIn young patients, the incidence of P-PVD was significantly higher in IMEM cases than in SMEM cases. The region, MEM stage, IS/OS integrity, and etiology influenced VA. Etiology was associated most commonly with BCVA. In individuals under 40, the combination of intraoperative IVTA resulted in a more significant decrease in logMAR Vas and CFT.

Clinical-Therapeutic Orientation in Retinal Venous Obstruction

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a retinal vascular disease that can affect the central retinal vein in central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) or branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO), which causes decreased vision (the second leading cause of blindness after diabetic retinopathy). CRVO is accompanied by retinomacular edema and retinal / peripapillary / iris neovascularization that cause serious complications: absolute neovascular secondary glaucoma, vitreous hemorrhage, retinal traction detachment, possibly present in both forms of CRVO. Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) is often asymptomatic and can be diagnosed accidentally or by retinal control, and is 5 times more common than CRVO. CRVO prophylaxis is done by identifying and appropriate treatment of risk factors (multiple): hypertension, diabetes, smoking, obesity, Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG), hypercoagulability. RVO treatment, the non-ischemic form, requires the treatment of macular edema with: intravitreal AntiVEGF - Ranibizumab, Aflibercept, Bevacizumab, repeatedly, cortisone therapy with intravitreal Triamcinolone or Dexamethasone implant, focal / grid laser photocoagulation and / or panretinal photocoagulation. In all cases of RVO, the non-ischemic form, the following are required: clinical surveillance, fluorescein angiography (FA), OCT for immediate detection of progression to the ischemic form. The treatment of RVO, ischemic form, is the treatment of macular edema with repeated intravitreal antiVEGF treatment, corticosteroids, focal laser photocoagulation, grid, pan-photocoagulation indicated in the treatment of exudative ischemic areas with neovessels proliferation. Panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) is an effective treatment for iris peripapillary retinal neovascularization and secondary complications. The current prognosis of RVO is improved by regular examination of OCT-SD, antiVEGF medication, intravitreal cortisone and laser photocoagulation that provide prophylactic and curative treatment of RVO and complications: vitreous hemorrhage, neovascular glaucoma, retinal traction detachment.

Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide in Berger space: A rare complication

We report the case of a 50-year-old male who presented with a diminution of vision in his right eye for the past 6 months and was subsequently found to have central retinal vein occlusion with macular edema. The patient was given intravitreal triamcinolone in view of non-resolving macular edema despite repeated injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor. We report this rare occurrence of accidental injection of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide in Berger space. A careful slit lamp examination before to look for the presence of prominent Berger space in patients planned for intravitreal injections, along with proper counseling of patients to avoid unwanted eye movements during an injection, can be potential ways to prevent such complications. In our case, the triamcinolone resolved after 6 weeks and the intraocular pressure (IOP) spike was managed using glaucoma medications. It is imperative to measure IOP at each visit in these patients and if spikes are noted, they should be managed accordingly.

Efficacy and safety of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide in the management of recalcitrant diabetic macular edema

Efficacy and safety of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide in the management of recalcitrant diabetic macular edema

Comment on efficacy and safety of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide in the management of recalcitrant diabetic macular edema

Comment on efficacy and safety of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide in the management of recalcitrant diabetic macular edema

Optical coherence tomography biomarkers after intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide in patients with diabetic macular edema

Optical coherence tomography biomarkers after intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide in patients with diabetic macular edema

Comparison between Suprachoroidal Triamcinolone and Intravitreal Triamcinolone Acetonide in patients of resistant Diabetic Macular Edema

Purpose: To compare the effectiveness and safety of suprachoroidal versus intravitreal Triamcinolone Acetonide in cases of resistant diabetic macular edema. Study Design: Quasi experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: This research was executed at Retina Department of Al-Ibrahim Eye Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan between 1st January 2022 till 30th June 2022. Methods: Thirty-four patients with resistant diabetic macular edema were selected through convenient sampling and divided equally into two groups. All patients underwent ocular examination. Group I was given single Intravitreal injection (IVI) of 0.1 mL Triamcinolone Acetonide at 4 mg per 0.1 mL concentration. Group II received same dosage of drug via Suprachoroidal injection (SCI). After 24 hours, they were assessed for side effects. After 6 weeks, second dose of same drug was administered. Patients were followed at 3 and 6 months. Results: No serious side effect was observed in any patient within 24 hours. At 1 month follow-up period, comparison between the two groups for BCVA, CMT and IOP was not significant (p &gt; 0.05). When the two groups were compared at 3 months, both routes were equally effective but IOP remained more stable via SCI route. At 6 months, IOP remained elevated in group I but decreased in group II (p = 0.003). Conclusion: Triamcinolone Acetonide was effective by both routes in resistant diabetic macular edema in terms of improved BCVA and CMT but SCI was better in terms of IOP and cataract progression.

Commentary: Treatment of postoperative cystoid macular edema in vitrectomized eyes: An enigma.

Post-operative cystoid macular edema (PCME) is a sight-threatening complication that could affect visual recovery following a successful ocular surgery. Irvine–Gass syndrome, that is, PCME following cataract surgery has extensively been studied. The incidence of clinical CME following phacoemulsification ranges from 0.2% to 2.35%.[1] The incidence of PCME following vitrectomy for vitreous floaters, rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), and the epiretinal membrane (ERM) has been found to be around 5%, 10–25%, and 13–47%, respectively.[1-4] Although the exact pathophysiology of PCME remains debatable, the most probable cause seems to be subclinical low-grade inflammation. Studies have shown that the levels of cytokines and prostaglandins are elevated in such eyes, leading to blood–aqueous barrier breakdown and consequent fluid accumulation.[1-4] Pole et al.[2] described the optical coherence tomography (OCT) characteristics of PCME after RRD surgery. These included fovea-involving diffuse CME, which involved all four macular quadrants and cysts in the inner nuclear and outer plexiform layers. In untreated eyes, the cysts may coalesce into larger irregular, polygonal-shaped cavities. CME may resolve spontaneously but cause disorganization and atrophy of the retinal layers. Several risk factors for the development of PCME following vitrectomy have been identified. Risk factors following RRD surgery include old age, cataract surgery, macula-off RRD, longer duration, pre-existing proliferative vitreoretinopathy changes (C or higher), intra-operative retinectomy, and multiple surgeries.[12] Risk factors following ERM removal surgery include old age, cataract surgery, stage 4 ERM, and the presence of pre-existing intraretinal cysts.[34] The post-operative tamponading agent did not influence the development of PCME in either pathology.[1-4] To date, there has been no consensus on the treatment for PCME. Its management is often complex due to its recurring nature. The various available treatment options include topical steroid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) drops; intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injections; intravitreal dexamethasone and fluocinolone implants; suprachoroidal triamcinolone injection; and posterior subtenon and trans-tenon retrobulbar triamcinolone injection. The efficacy of topical treatment in previously vitrectomized eyes is usually limited.[12] Similarly, anti-VEGF injections also tend to be less effective in vitrectomized eyes due to faster clearance and reduced half-life.[12] Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) injection has been found to be better than anti-VEGF injections in improving macular thickness and visual acuity.[2] However, the mean elimination half-life in vitrectomized eyes is merely 3.2 days compared to 18.6 days in non-vitrectomized eyes.[5] On the contrary, the vitreoretinal pharmacokinetic profiles of dexamethasone and fluocinolone implants in vitrectomized eyes are similar to that in non-vitrectomized eyes. Intravitreal dexamethasone implant has been found to be an effective treatment option for eyes with PCME following vitrectomy for RRD and even endophthalmitis.[67] Eyes that underwent vitrectomy for ERM compared to RRD, presence of subretinal fluid, intact outer retinal layers, and worse baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) have higher chances of visual improvement. Owing to the recurrent nature of the disease, multiple injections are often needed.[6] Intravitreal fluocinolone acetonide implant has been shown to achieve persistent functional and anatomical improvement with long recurrence-free periods. Miguel–Escuder et al.[8] suggested that it could be considered as a therapeutical option in eyes with refractory PCME following vitrectomy. Suprachoroidal TA injection with the help of custom-made needles is another treatment option. Due to its unique position, the suprachoroidal space serves as a drug reservoir with slow drug washout and better absorption. Animal model-based pharmacokinetic studies have shown that a 12-fold higher drug concentration can be achieved in the retina along with reduced entry drug in the anterior chamber, thus reducing the risk of intraocular pressure rise and cataract formation.[9] Trans-Tenon’s retrobulbar TA infusion has also been used successfully for the management of refractory diabetic macular edema (DME) in vitrectomized eyes. The described technique included making an incision in the conjunctiva and the Tenon’s capsule in the inferotemporal quadrant followed by infusion of 40 mg triamcinolone acetonide with a 25-gauge curved blunt cannula into sub-Tenon’s space under topical anesthesia.[10] Posterior subtenon triamcinolone (PST) injections have classically been used for the management of intermediate uveitis. It has been shown to provide a sustained high level of TA in the vitreous cavity level along with low systemic TA levels that cannot alter the systemic cortisol levels.[11] We congratulate the authors for their manuscript evaluating the efficacy and safety of PST for the treatment of chronic PCME in vitrectomized eyes.[12] However, prospective randomized studies with a larger sample size are required to compare the efficacy with other treatment modalities. Because simultaneous complicated cataract surgery is itself a risk factor for the development of PCME, eyes with nucleus drop should be excluded. Additionally, the management of a raised intraocular pressure in the steroid responder eyes may be challenging, because the depot of TA in the posterior subtenon location is difficult to remove completely.

Serum and vitreous vascular endothelial growth factor levels in diabetic retinopathy.

To research whether serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels could be used to evaluate diabetic retinopathy (DR) progression and to compare vitreous VEGF levels after injections of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB), ranibizumab (IVR), and triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). We enrolled a total of 91 eyes of 89 subjects (70 eyes of 68 diabetics and 21 eyes of 21 non-diabetic controls). The diabetic subjects were divided into three groups as PDR (n = 28), non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (n = 20), and no-DR (n = 20). Eyes with PDR (n = 31) were injected with IVB (n = 7), IVR (n = 10), or IVTA (n = 6) 3days before vitrectomy, and eight eyes did not receive an injection. Serum and vitreous samples were collected before vitrectomy and analyzed using ELISA. We found the severity of retinopathy was not correlated with serum VEGF levels (P = .919, ρ = -0.011). Compared with the controls, vitreous VEGF was higher in the PDR (P < .001), whereas serum VEGF did not differ (P = .99). The controls had lower vitreous VEGF than the IVB, IVR, and no-injection subgroups (P = .01, P < .001, and P = .04, respectively). Vitreous VEGF was similar among the injected and no-injection subgroups (P = .17). Serum VEGF levels may not directly reflect retinopathy progression. Neither IVB, IVR nor IVTA could eliminate vitreous VEGF levels within 3days before vitrectomy.

Laser photocoagulation of a hypofluorescent perifoveal exudative vascular anomalous complex/capillary macroaneurysm.

To report successful treatment of a hypofluorescent perifoveal exudative vascular anomalous complex (PEVAC)/capillary macroaneurysm. A 63 year old healthy gentleman had a perifoveal isolated aneurysmal lesion with white rim. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed cystoid macular edema (CME) with neurosensory detachment. The aneurysmal lesion was seen in the inner retina as a hyperreflective intraretinal structure with a heterogenous lumen suggestive of PEVAC/capillary macroaneurysm. OCT angiography showed a capillary loop and a slightly hyperreflective lesion at the tip of the loop in the superficial capillary plexus slab. Minimal reduction in edema was noted following one dose of intravitreal triamcinolone (2 mg). Fundus fluorescein angiography performed at 6 weeks demonstrated the capillary loop, but the aneurysmal lesion remained hypofluorescent with no definite leak in the late phase. Few perifoveal microaneurysms were seen in both the eyes. Six weeks later, focal laser photocoagulation of the aneurysmal lesion was performed, which resulted in complete resolution of macular edema at 1 month. There was no recurrence of macular edema till his recent follow up, which is 4 month post laser. PEVAC is typically described as unifocal lesion and is not associated with other retinal vascular abnormalities. But in this case, in addition to the lesion, perifoveal microaneurysms were seen in both the eyes. Despite the absence of leak on fundus fluorescein angiography, targeted focal laser photocoagulation resulted in complete resolution of macular edema at 1 month. Laser photocoagulation would be helpful even in hypofluorescent PEVAC/capillary macroaneurysms.

Bilateral Extensive Syphilitic Punctate Inner Retinitis Triggering Macular Ischemia after Intravitreal Triamcinolone Injections

Purpose: To report a case of extensive syphilitic punctate inner retinitis (SPIR) triggering bilateral macular ischemia after intravitreal triamcinolone injections, and the multimodal retinal imaging findings.Case summary: A 69-year-old male patient with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy was transferred to our hospital because of bilateral visual deterioration (to counting fingers) after the first intravitreal triamcinolone injection. Fundus examination revealed numerous yellow punctate precipitates in the superficial retinae, retinal arteriolitis, and vitritis. The punctate lesions and surrounding retinal regions showed decreased vascular density on optical coherence tomography angiography, and focal hypofluorescence on fluorescein angiography. The patient was positive for all of the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test, the fluorescent treponemal antibody-absorption test, and &lt;i&gt;Treponema pallidum&lt;/i&gt; hemagglutination; we diagnosed bilateral SPIR. After treatment with aqueous crystalline penicillin solutions (24 million units per day for 14 days), the punctate lesions reduced but arteriolitis progressed to obliterative vasculitis. After 6 months, the bilateral SPIR and vitritis resolved, and the bilateral visual acuity improved to 20/100. However, inner retinal and macular ischemia persisted because of capillary nonperfusion attributable to obliterative vasculitis.Conclusions: Extensive SPIR can develop after an initial intravitreal steroid injection; the inner retinal ischemia and visual loss may persist after treatment because obliterative vasculitis develops. Therefore, patients scheduled for intravitreal steroid injections should be screened for syphilis infection.