Ischemic Central Retinal Vein Occlusion Research Articles

Central and Peripheral Changes in Retinal Vein Occlusion and Fellow Eyes in Ultra-Widefield Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography.

To explore the central and peripheral retinal and choroidal changes in retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and fellow eyes using ultra-widefield swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (UWF-SS-OCTA). Fifteen ischemic central RVO (CRVO), 15 branch RVO (BRVO), and 15 age-matched healthy controls were prospectively recruited. Retinal and choroidal parameters, including retinal vessel flow density (VFD) and vessel linear density (VLD), choroidal vascularity volume (CVV), choroidal vascularity index (CVI), and VFD in the large and medium choroidal vessels (LMCV-VFD), were measured in the central and peripheral regions of the 24 × 20-mm UWF-SS-OCTA images. Ischemic CRVO and BRVO eyes showed increased foveal avascular zone area, perimeter, and acircularity index (AI) compared to their fellow eyes and healthy control eyes, and RVO fellow eyes also had larger AI values than controls (P < 0.05). For ischemic CRVO and BRVO eyes versus control eyes, VFD, VLD, CVV, CVI, and LMCV-VFD decreased, but retinal thickness and volume in the superficial capillary plexus, deep capillary plexus, and whole retina increased (P < 0.05). Moreover, RVO fellow eyes also showed significantly decreased retinal VFD, LMCV-VFD, and CVI, as well as increased retinal thickness and volume, compared with control eyes (P < 0.05). Alterations were not consistent throughout the retina, as they involved only the peripheral or central regions in some cases. The affected and unaffected fellow eyes of RVO patients both demonstrated central and/or peripheral structural and vascular alterations in the retina and choroid. Because UWF-SS-OCTA enables visualization and evaluation of the vasculature outside the posterior pole, it presents a promising approach to more fully characterize vascular alterations in RVO.

The progress of assessment methods and treatments of neovascular glaucoma secondary to central retinal vein occlusion.

Neovascular glaucoma is a condition that results from central retinal vein occlusion and often leads to blindness. Accurate evaluation and appropriate treatment are crucial for patients. However, there is currently no uniform and clear standard to differentiate between ischemic and non-ischemic central retinal vein occlusion. Also, the assessment of neovascular glaucoma progression is uncertain. Meanwhile, although pan-retinal photocoagulation is a standard treatment to prevent the onset of neovascular glaucoma, its actual efficacy and the timing of intervention remain highly controversial. It is still challenging to balance the risks of side effects in the visual field against the uncertain effectiveness of the treatment. This paper delves into the pathogenesis of neovascular glaucoma to understand the development of therapeutic approaches. By taking into account various assessment criteria of central retinal vein occlusion and neovascular glaucoma over the years, combining functional tests and morphological tests provides the most accurate and rigorous solution. The age of patients, the extent, location, and duration of retinal ischemia are the primary factors that affect the severity and extent of ischemic central retinal vein occlusion and induce serious complications. From the perspective of prevention and treatment, the ischemic index is closely related to the development of neovascularization. The paper provides essential insights into the mechanism, efficacy, complications, and optimal timing of pan-retinal photocoagulation. Comparing the treatment effects of pan-retinal photocoagulation and intravitreal anti-VEGF injections, we suggest a combination of both treatments to explore effective treatment with fewer side effects in the long term. This article details the debate on the above issues and explores ideas for the clinical diagnosis and preventive treatment of neovascular glaucoma that results from ischemic central retinal vein occlusion.

Long-term outcomes of anti-VEGF treatment with 5+PRN regimen for macular edema due to central retinal vein occlusion.

To assess the long-term outcomes of treating macular edema (ME) associated with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) with a regimen of "5+pro re nata (PRN)". This retrospective study included 27 eyes of 27 patients with ME associated with non-ischemic CRVO (non-iCRVO group, n=15) and ischemic CRVO (iCRVO group, n=12). The eyes were treated with five consecutive intravitreal injections of conbercept or ranibizumab, followed by reinjections as needed or PRN. Retinal laser photocoagulation or intravitreal dexamethasone implants (DEX) were implemented in both groups when necessary. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA, logMAR) and central retinal thickness (CRT) were recorded at baseline, at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 12mo, and at the final visit. The efficacy rates of BCVA and CRT before and after treatment were calculated. The number of injections at each visit and the incidence of adverse events were also recorded. The patients, aged 59.4±15.1y, were followed up for 24.7±8.8mo (range: 15-42mo). After treatment, BCVA improved significantly from 1.04±0.56 logMAR at baseline to 0.59±0.36 logMAR (P=0.038) at the final visit in all patients. Both the non-iCRVO and the iCRVO groups achieved improved BCVA compared to the baseline at all visit points, but there was no statistical significance (P=0.197 and 0.33, respectively). The mean CRT was statistically reduced compared to baseline at all visit points in all the eyes and in both groups (all P<0.001). The apparent effective rate was 22.22% for BCVA and 37.04% for CRT after the first injection, 48.15% for BCVA and 62.96% for CRT after 5 consecutive injections, and 74.08% for BCVA and 100% for CRT at the end of follow up. The average number of injections in all patients was 9.0±2.4 at 12mo and 14.9±8.1 finally with no statistical significance between both groups (P>0.05). Laser treatment was applied to all eyes in the iCRVO group, while only 5 patients in the non-iCRVO group. Six patients in the non-iCRVO group and 3 patients in the iCRVO group had a drug switch. DEX was applied to 4 eyes in the non-iCRVO group and 5 eyes in the iCRVO group. The 5+PRN anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) regimen is found to be safe and effective for both iCRVO and non-iCRVO, especially in the iCRVO group. The best regimen for such patients needs to be further investigated. Adjuvant laser therapy and DEX are necessary in some cases.

Quadrant Asymmetry in Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Metrics in Ischemic Versus Non-Ischemic Central Retinal Vein Occlusion Eyes.

To determine whether quadrant asymmetry (QA) of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) metrics differs between non-ischemic versus ischemic central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Fifty-eight eyes (21 non-ischemic, 10 ischemic CRVO, and 27 contralateral control eyes) underwent 3 × 3 mm spectral-domain OCTA scans with quantification of the superficial retinal layer vessel length density (VLD) and perfusion density (PD). QA, defined as the maximum-minus-minimum value among four parafoveal Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) quadrants, was compared by linear regression including fixed effects for each eye. Mean age was 73.6 ± 11.4 (range 39-88), 73.8 ± 12.4 (range 39-91) and 77.2 ± 9.83, (range 60-88); and QA was 3.46 ± 1.76, 3.14 ± 1.57, and 4.88 ± 2.42 for VLD and 0.072 ± 0.038, 0.062 ± 0.036, and 0.11 ± 0.056 for PD for control, non-ischemic, and ischemic, respectively. QA was significantly higher in ischemic (0.109 ± 0.056) than non-ischemic CRVO eyes (0.062 ± 0.036; P = 0.02) and control eyes for PD (0.072 ± 0.038; P = 0.03). QA was also greater in ischemic (4.875 ± 2.418) than non-ischemic CRVO (3.141 ± 1.572) for VLD (P = 0.04). In terms of identifying which particular quadrant is most affected by ischemia, multivariate regression analysis comparing intra-quadrant effect on the presence of ischemia versus non-ischemia showed no quadrant was significantly affected (P > 0.05 for all quadrants). Ischemic CRVO increases intraeye QA of OCTA metrics when compared to non-ischemic CRVO and control eyes. No specific ETDRS quadrant appears to be more affected. This work uses an intraeye method to delineate between ischemic and non-ischemic CRVO by OCTA imaging, overcoming inter-eye variables encountered in clinical care.

Ghost cell glaucoma secondary to vitreous hemorrhage caused due to ruptured retinal artery macroaneurysm

A 59 year old diabetic and hypertensive lady with primary open angle glaucoma and past history of non ischemic central retinal vein occlusion presented with vitreous hemorrhage(VH). The VH did not resolve over a 2 month period and led to a sudden rise in intraocular pressure(IOP). Anterior chamber had 2+ khaki colored cells. Gonioscopic examination revealed open angles and no evidence of neovascularization. The IOP was controlled with medical management and vitrectomy was performed for non-resolving VH, which revealed a ruptured retinal artery macroaneurysm (RAM). Our case report contributes to the understanding of the diverse clinical spectrum of RAM.

Tilted Optic Disc and Peripapillary Hyper-reflective Ovoid Mass-Like Structure

An 11-year-old healthy girl was seen for a routine examination. Visual acuity was 20/20 both eyes. Refraction was –2.25 in the right eye and –0.50 in the left eye. Fundus examination was notable for an indistinct nasal optic disc margin with elevation in the right eye only (Fig A-B). OCT demonstrated a hyper-reflective signal in the nasal portion of the right optic disc (Fig C, arrow). Peripapillary hyper-reflective ovoid mass-like structures (PHOMS) is believed to represent axoplasmic stasis. Aside from being associated with a tilted optic disc, PHOMS can be observed in papilledema, anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, optic neuritis, and central retinal vein occlusion (Magnified version of Fig A-C is available online at www.aaojournal.org).

Long-term real-world outcomes in retinal vein occlusions: How close are we to the trials?

To assess and analyze the visual outcomes of patients with retinal vein occlusions in a real-world setting with a long-term follow-up of more than 5 years. Retrospective analysis of 56 patients having retinal vein occlusions from a tertiary eye center, with a mean follow-up of 7 years was performed. Primary outcome measures were mean change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from baseline at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, and final visit (≥5 years), proportion of patients having BCVA better than 20/40 and worse than 20/200, and mean number of injections. Secondary outcome measures were change in central macular thickness (CMT), development of subsequent retinal vein occlusion (RVO) in same eye or the other eye, and development of neovascular complications. The mean change in letter score was + 11.84 in branch RVO (BRVO), +7.14 in non-ischemic central RVO (CRVO), and -9.5 in ischemic CRVO at 1 year, which changed to + 8.57, -5 and - 24, respectively, at the end of follow-up. CMT had improved from 506 ± 98.8 μm, 576.44 ± 149 μm, and 618 ± 178.27 μm, respectively, at baseline to 267 ± 94 μm, 345.20 ± 122.61 μm, and 265.50 ± 107.75 μm, respectively, in BRVO, non-ischemic, and ischemic hemi RVO (HRVO)/CRVO groups. The total mean number of injections given in BRVO, non-ischemic CRVO, and ischemic CRVO groups were 4.6, 6.6, and 4.1, respectively. None of the patients with BRVO developed neovascular glaucoma (NVG). Non-ischemic to ischemic HRVO/CRVO conversion was noted in 4/11 eyes at a mean duration of 12.6 months. NVG was noted in 7/9 eyes (77.8%) in initial ischemic CRVO/HRVO group and 3/4 (75%) converted eyes. Patients with BRVO have good visual outcomes with anti-VEGF, while in CRVO results may vary considerably owing to patient compliance and treatment burden on long-term follow-up in a real-world setting.

The role of optical coherence tomography angiography in distinguishing ischemic versus non-ischemic central retinal vein occlusion

Introduction:To observe macular microvascular changes in patients with ischemic and non-ischemic central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), and explore the value of OCTA in differentiating ischemic and non-ischemic CRVO.Methods:Cross sectional study. Fifty patients diagnosed as CRVO with macular edema were included. Macular edema in all patients were regressive after three consecutive anti-VEGF treatment. Patients were divided into ischemic and non-ischemic group according to ultra-wide-angle fundus fluorescein angiography (UWFFA). All patients underwent BCVA, IOP, color fundus photography, UWFFA and OCTA. The following parameters were measured: (1) Vessel density (VD): superficial and deep whole VD (SVD, DVD), superficial and deep central fovea VD (SFVD, DFVD), superficial and deep parafoveal VD (SPFVD, DPFVD); (2) Central foveal retinal thickness (CRT); (3) Area of foveal avascular zone (FAZ), perimeter of FAZ (PERIM), avascular index of FAZ (AI) and VD within a width of 300 microns around the FAZ region (FD-300). Comparison between ischemic and non-ischemic group was performed by two independent sample t-tests. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to measure the area under the curve (AUC) of VD for predicting ischemic CRVO.Results:There were no significant differences in IOP, SFVD, DFVD and CRT between ischemic and non-ischemic group, and significant differences in age, BCVA, SVD, SPFVD, DVD, DPFVD, FAZ area, PERIM, AI and FD-300 between ischemic and non-ischemic group. ROC curve analysis showed AUC of DVD and DPFVD in predicting ischemic CRVO was highest (0.962). the threshold was 38.40%, and the sensitivity was 100%, but the specificity of DVD (92.3%) was significantly higher than that of DPFVD (84.6%). Therefore, DVD ≤ 38.40% can be used as the best threshold for determining ischemic CRVO.Conclusion:OCTA can quantitatively evaluate the macular microvascular structure of CRVO, which is helpful to distinguish ischemic from non-ischemic CRVO.

Central Retinal Vein Occlusion as a Presenting Feature Caused by Hypertensive Crisis Secondary to IgA Nephropathy in a Previously Undiagnosed Young Patient

We present a case of Ischemic Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) caused by hypertension secondary to renal failure in IgA nephropathy. A 17 year old male came with chief complaints of sudden painless diminution of vision in RE since 15 days. On examination the Right eye showed multiple superficial retinal haemorrhages in all 4 quadrents with dilated veins and cystoid macular edema suggestive of CRVO and Left eye showed superficial flame shaped haemorrhage suggestive of grade 3 hypertensive changes.

Etiology, pathogenesis, and diagnosis of neovascular glaucoma.

Neovascular glaucoma is defined as iris and/or anterior chamber angle neovascularization associated with increased intraocular pressure. It is a secondary glaucoma that is most frequently caused by severe retinal ischemia. The most common diseases responsible for the development of neovascular glaucoma are diabetic retinopathy, ischemic central retinal vein occlusion, and ocular ischemic syndrome. Uncommon causes include ocular radiation, ocular tumors, uveitis and other miscellaneous conditions. Vascular endothelial growth factor is an important and likely predominant agent involved in the pathogenesis of intraocular neovascularization and neovascular glaucoma. The evolution of clinical and histopathological changes from predisposing conditions to the occurrence of rubeosis iridis and neovascular glaucoma is divided into four stages: prerubeosis, preglaucoma, open angle glaucoma, and angle-closure glaucoma.

Comparison of Each Retinal Layer Thicknesses between Eyes with Central Retinal Vein Occlusion and Normal Contralateral Eyes.

PurposeTo evaluate the difference in each retinal layer thickness in central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) with resolved macular edema after intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor injection and normal contralateral eyes..MethodsPatients with ischemic and nonischemic CRVO whose macular edema resolved after intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor injections and did not recur for at least 6 months, and a normal contralateral eye were enrolled. Each retinal layer thickness between CRVO and normal contralateral eyes was compared according to Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study subfields using spectral domain optical coherence tomography.ResultsThe thicknesses of outer nuclear layer, photoreceptor layer, and retinal pigment epithelium in central ring, ganglion cell layer, inner plexiform layer, outer nuclear layer, and photoreceptor layer in the inner ring, and ganglion cell layer in the outer ring of CRVO eyes were significantly thinner than those of normal contralateral eyes (all p < 0.05). Whereas, inner nuclear layer and outer plexiform layer thicknesses in central ring of CRVO eyes were 23.86 ± 8.8 and 25.76 ± 7.6 μm, respectively, which was significantly thicker than those of normal contralateral eyes (19.52 ± 7.7 and 22.76 ± 6.5 μm; p = 0.019 and p = 0.043, respectively). Additionally, the mean best-corrected visual acuity of CRVO eyes were significantly correlated with photoreceptor layer thickness in central ring (p = 0.005).ConclusionsIn CRVO eyes with resolved macular edema, the outer retinal layers were thinner as well as inner retinal layers, whereas inner plexiform layer and outer nuclear layer were thicker than normal fellow eyes. Additionally, photoreceptor layer thickness in foveal area had a significant impact on visual acuity in CRVO.

Recommendations for OCT Angiography Reporting in Retinal Vascular Disease: A Delphi Approach by International Experts

Purpose:To develop a consensus nomenclature for reporting OCT angiography (OCTA) findings in retinal vascular disease (e.g., diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion) by international experts.Design:Delphi-based survey.Subjects, Participants, and/or Controls:Twenty-five retinal vascular disease and OCTA imaging experts.Methods, Intervention, or Testing:A Delphi method of consensus development was used, comprising 2 rounds of online questionnaires, followed by a face-to-face meeting conducted virtually. Twenty-five experts in retinal vascular disease and retinal OCTA imaging were selected to constitute the OCTA Nomenclature in Delphi Study Group for retinal vascular disease. The 4 main areas of consensus were: definition of the parameters of “wide-field (WF)” OCTA, measurement of decreased vascular flow on conventional and WF-OCTA, nomenclature of OCTA findings, and OCTA in retinal vascular disease management and staging. The study end point was defined by the degree of consensus for each question: “strong consensus” was defined as ≥85% agreement, “consensus” as 80% to 84%, and “near consensus” as 70% to 79%.Main Outcome Measures:Consensus and near consensus on OCTA nomenclature in retinal vascular disease.Results:A consensus was reached that a meaningful change in percentage of flow on WF-OCTA imaging should be an increase or decrease ≥30% of the absolute imaged area of flow signal and that a “large area” of WF-OCTA reduced flow signal should also be defined as ≥30% of the absolute imaged area. The presence of new vessels and intraretinal microvascular abnormalities, the foveal avascular zone parameters, the presence and amount of “no-flow areas,” and the assessment of vessel density in various retinal layers should be added for the staging and classification of diabetic retinopathy. Decreased flow ≥30% of the absolute imaged area should define an ischemic central retinal vein occlusion. Several other items did not meet consensus requirements or were rejected in the final discussion round.Conclusions:This study provides international consensus recommendations for reporting OCTA findings in retinal vascular disease, which may help to improve the interpretability and description in clinic and clinical trials. Further validation in these settings is warranted and ongoing. Efforts are continuing to address unresolved questions.

Central retinal thickness changes and risk of neovascular glaucoma after intravitreal bevacizumab injection in patients with central retinal vein occlusion

This retrospective study evaluated changes in the central retinal thickness (CRT) and the risk factors for neovascular glaucoma (NVG) after intravitreal bevacizumab injection under a pro re nata (PRN) regimen for macular oedema in 57 eyes with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). The clinical characteristics at the time of NVG diagnosis were assessed, and baseline and final clinical characteristics and mean CRT values at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up evaluations were recorded. The incidence of NVG was 21.1%, with the neovascular group (12 eyes) showing poor baseline and final visual acuity, a higher incidence of baseline ischaemic-type CRVO and subretinal fluid, a higher mean CRT at the 1-month follow-up, and a higher number of intravitreal bevacizumab injections during the 6-month follow-up. Nine eyes with NVG (75%) showed a mean CRT < 300 μm at the time of diagnosis. An ischaemic CRVO and higher CRT at the 1-month follow-up were related to the development of NVG in the multivariate analysis. Thus, NVG development in CRVO patients treated with intravitreal bevacizumab injections was associated with an ischaemic CRVO and elevated CRT at the 1-month follow-up; PRN bevacizumab regimens based on CRT or control of macular oedema did not completely prevent NVG development.

Central Retinal Vein Occlusion: A Brief Overview

Retinal vein occlusion is a common retinal vascular disease and cause of visual loss. Depending on the location of obstruction, it can be classified into central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) and hemi-retinal vein occlusion (HRVO). The condition is labelled as CRVO if the blockage of central retinal vein takes place at the lamina cribrosa. Based on the area of capillary non-perfusion, CRVO can be sub-divided into ischaemic and non-ischaemic types. Ischaemic CRVO is defined by the Central Retinal Vein Occlusion Study (CVOS) as CRVO with fluorescein angiographic evidence of >10 disc areas of capillary nonperfusion on seven-field fundus fluorescein angiography.

The effect of select systemic medications on outcomes in diabetics with central retinal vein occlusion.

Background:Diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO); however, it is unclear whether certain commonly used medications among diabetics or glycemic control impact visual outcomes in diabetic eyes with CRVO.Purpose:To evaluate the effect of select systemic medications and glycemic control on presenting features, treatment burden, and outcomes in patients with diabetes who develop a central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).Methods:Retrospective longitudinal cohort study at a single tertiary academic referral center from 2009–2017 investigating eyes of patients being treated for diabetes mellitus at CRVO onset. Eyes with a prior history of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy or laser treatment within the year prior to CRVO onset were excluded. Main outcomes and measures were visual acuity (VA), central subfield thickness (CST), cystoid macular edema (CME), and number of intravitreal injections and laser treatment throughout follow-up.Results:We identified 138 eyes of 138 participants who were diabetic at CRVO onset. Of these, 49% had an ischemic CRVO. Median follow-up time was 25.5 months. Fifty-five eyes (40%) had a HbA1c within 6 months of CRVO presentation. HbA1c was positively correlated with both presenting CST (p = 0.04) and presence of CME (p < 0.01). In all 138 eyes, mean presenting VA was 20/246, and mean final VA was 20/364. Better-presenting VA was significantly associated with aspirin 325 mg use (p = 0.04). Lower CST at presentation was significantly associated with metformin use (p = 0.02). Sitagliptin use at CRVO onset was associated with a lower prevalence of CME at final follow-up (p < 0.01). Lower final CST was significantly associated with glipizide use at CRVO onset (p = 0.01). There were no significant associations between systemic medications or HbA1c and treatment burden or final VA (p > 0.05).Conclusion:Although aspirin 325 mg, metformin, sitagliptin, and glipizide were associated with better-presenting VA, lower-presenting CST, lower prevalence of macular edema at final visit, and lower final CST, respectively, none of these systemic agents or glycemic control were associated with decreased treatment burden or improved visual outcomes in diabetics with CRVO.

Pars plana vitrectomy combined with pan-retinal photocoagulation, Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation, and/or phacoemulsification for complicated neovascular glaucoma treatment.

To present long-term results of pars plana vitrectomy combined with pan-retinal endolaser photocoagulation, Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation, and/or phacoemulsification in patients with complicated neovascular glaucoma. The study comprised 15 eyes from 15 patients with neovascular glaucoma as a complication of diabetic retinopathy and owing to ischemic central retinal vein occlusion. There was a vitreous hemorrhage n all of the patients. Furthermore, 8 of the cases showed varying degrees of hyphema. All subjects received an intravitreal injection of bevacizumab three days before surgery. In 12 phakic patients, phacoemulsification, pars plana vitrectomy, and Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation were performed. Pars plana vitrectomy and Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation were performed in 3 pseudophakic patients. Perioperative and postoperative complications, intraocular pressure values, and best-corrected visual acuity scores were also recorded. The mean follow-up was 24.4 ± 14.56 months. The mean preoperative intraocular pressure was 50.06 ± 7.6 mmHg. At 1 day, 7 days, and 1-, 3-, 6-, 12-month, and last visit following surgery, the mean intraocular pressure was 11.06 ± 8.22, 12.66 ± 7.27, 13.8 ± 7.73, 18.64 ± 7.05, 19.28 ± 4.61, 16.28 ± 1.68, and 16.92 ± 2.12 mmHg, respectively (p=0.001 for every follow-up visit). The mean visual acuity on the most recent appointment was 1.18 ± 0.42 logMar (p=0.001 for each subsequent visit). As postoperative early complications, varying degrees of hyphema and fibrin reactions were recorded. During follow-up, one patient developed phthisis bulbi. In 4 cases, Ahmed glaucoma valve revision surgery was required. In patients with complicated neovascular glaucoma, combined surgical procedures are safe, effective, and preferable both in terms of controlling high intraocular pressure and providing reasonable visual abilities.

Using ultra-widefield red channel images to improve the detection of ischemic central retinal vein occlusion.

To examine the usefulness of red channel fundus imaging to detect the ischemic status in eyes with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Ultra-widefield (UWF) fundus images were obtained from 42 eyes with CRVO. Twenty-one eyes were ischemic, and 21 eyes were non-ischemic. Rubeosis was found in 11 ischemic eyes. UWF images were split into red and green channels using ImageJ software. Both the color and red channel images were used to predict the presence or absence of ischemia when examined by masked graders. The sensitivity and specificity of UWF imagings for the detection of ischemia were calculated in Group A (total 42 eyes), Group B (32 eyes excluding non-rubeotic ischemic CRVO) and Group C (31 eyes excluding rubeotic ischemic CRVO), respectively. Moreover, a linear mixed model was conducted to investigate the relationship between the type of images and the accuracy of prediction in each group. No significant difference in the sensitivity of color fundus imaging was seen between Group A and Group B. By contrast, a significant difference in the sensitivity of red channel imaging was seen between Group A and Group B (p = 0.031). The accuracies of the predictions were not associated with the type of image in Group A and Group B, but were significantly associated in Group C (p = 0.026). UWF red channel imaging enabled more accurate detection of the ischemic status, compared with color fundus images, especially in non-rubeotic CRVO eyes.

Central Retinal Vein Occlusion: The Effect of Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Agents.

This work evaluates the effect of antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents on clinical outcomes, optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters, and macular ischemia in eyes with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). A retrospective longitudinal cohort study was performed to evaluate patients with CRVO. Demographics, OCT parameters before and after treatment, macular ischemia on fluorescein angiography, and clinical outcomes including the number of injections received were analyzed. A total of 365 patients with CRVO were identified. The average follow-up was 36 months. Antiplatelet or anticoagulant agent use was not associated with a significant difference in visual acuity (VA), prevalence of macular edema, or central subfield thickness on OCT at presentation or final visit. The use of 81-mg aspirin alone was associated with an increased prevalence of foveal hemorrhage at presentation. Patients who were taking an antiplatelet agent, an anticoagulation agent, or both and had an ischemic CRVO with logMAR VA of less than 1.0 experienced improved VA at the final study visit. Patients given antiplatelet or anticoagulant agents had a similar incidence of neovascular sequelae compared with patients not administered these agents. In eyes with CRVO, the use of antiplatelet or anticoagulant agents at CRVO onset was not associated with significantly different functional outcomes, except in ischemic CRVO eyes with VA of less than 20/200. The use of 81-mg aspirin was associated with foveal hemorrhage at CRVO presentation. Otherwise, the use of any antiplatelet agent or anticoagulation was not associated with any CRVO structural outcomes.

Role of bevacizumab intraocular injection in the management of neovascular glaucoma.

To assess the long-term effects of intraocular bevacizumab (Avastin) injections as an adjunctive drug to manage patients with neovascular glaucoma (NVG). A retrospective study was conducted consisting of 34 eyes with secondary NVG caused by proliferative diabetic retinopathy (n=25), ischemic central retinal vein occlusion (n=8), and retinal ischemia resulting from persistent detachment (n=1) were managed by intraocular injections of bevacizumab (1.25 mg/0.05 mL), in addition to other treatments. The main outcome measure was the change in the degree of iris neovascularization. Secondary outcomes included intraocular pressure and the number of additional interventions or antiglaucoma medications administered after injection. All patients were followed-up for at least 12mo. At the last follow-up, complete regression of rubeosis irides was detectable in 13 (38.2%) eyes and incomplete regression in 21 eyes (61.8%). The mean intraocular pressure was 45.32±7.185 mm Hg at baseline and significantly decreased to 26.15±5.679 mm Hg at the last follow-up visit (P=0.000005). Patients received an average of 4.97 injections. As additional treatments, 12 eyes (35%) received laser photocoagulation and 6 eyes (18%) underwent retinocryopexy. No further treatment was needed in 16 eyes (47.1%). Intravitreal bevacizumab injection can have a favorable effect in controlling intraocular pressure and pain control in patients with NVG because it decreases the angiogenesis and helps to augment the results of conventional procedures. The primary cause of retinal ischemia should be always targeted.

Long-term outcomes of intravitreal activated protein C injection for ischemic central retinal vein occlusion: an extension trial

PurposeOur previous 1-year pilot study evaluated the efficacy of intravitreally injected activated protein C (APC) in 10 eyes with ischemic central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). The reperfusion of the areas of retinal nonperfusion (RNP) exceeded 50% of the baseline in five (50%) eyes 1 year after the APC injection. The current study evaluated the long-term efficacy and safety of intravitreal APC.MethodsThe 10 eyes in the pilot study were included in this study. Other treatments were administered at the physicians’ discretion after the pilot study. We evaluated visual acuity (VA), central retinal thickness (CRT) and perfusion status, and adverse events and severity over the long term.ResultsThe median follow-up was 60 months (range, 48–68 months). Compared with baseline, the post-treatment VA improved significantly (P < 0.001) from 1.39 to 1.06 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution. The CRT improved significantly (P < 0.001) from 1090 to 195 μm at the last visit. The RNP areas decreased from an average 29.7 disc areas (DAs) at baseline to an average 16.5 DAs at the last examination (mean, 40 ± 6.5 months after the first APC treatment). No adverse events were related to intravitreal APC.ConclusionNo complications were associated with intravitreal APC, the clinical course improved, and improved RNP was maintained for the long term, suggesting that intravitreal APC may be an alternative treatment for CRVO.