Recurrence Of Macular Edema Research Articles

Regression of macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion during anti-TNF-α therapy for rheumatoid arthritis

A patient with macular edema secondary to a branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) was treated with intravenous injections of infliximab, an antitumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha antibody, for her rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Before the injection, the thickness of the right fovea, determined by optical coherent tomography, was 629 mum and the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/50. After eight injections of infliximab and 10 months after the first injection, her foveal thickness was decreased to 293 mum and the visual acuity improved to 20/20. There was no recurrence of macular edema during the infliximab injections. However, the infliximab injection was stopped because the patient developed pneumonia. Eight months after stopping the infliximab injection, her foveal thickness increased to 494 mum. To treat the RA, her orthopedists began weekly subcutaneous injections of etanercept, a fusion protein of a section of the TNF receptor and immunoglobulin. Five months later, the foveal thickness had decreased to 260 mum, and the visual acuity remained at 20/25(+). Because TNF-alpha is known to break down the blood-retinal barrier, the improvements in our case suggest that TNF-alpha plays a role in the pathogenesis of macular edema in some patients with BRVO.

Simultaneous intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide and tissue plasminogen activator for central retinal vein occlusion: a pilot study

PurposeTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of simultaneous intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) for macular oedema associated with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).MethodsTwenty eyes...

Intravitreal anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor therapy with bevacizumab for tuberous sclerosis with macular oedema

To describe two patients with macular oedema secondary to tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) who were treated with intravitreal bevacizumab injection. Interventional case reports. Bevacizumab 1.25 mg was injected into the vitreous of two patients with TSC-associated macular oedema / exudative retinal detachment. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentration in the vitreous fluid was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in one of these patients. Patient 1: a 22-year-old woman with TSC was diagnosed as having multiple retinal hamartomas in both eyes. Eleven years later, the patient developed macular oedema with epiretinal membrane formation in the right eye. The patient underwent pars-plana vitrectomy with retinal photocoagulation for retinal tumours. VEGF concentration in the vitreous fluid was high compared to that in patients without retinal vascular diseases. Recurrent macular oedema disappeared by intravitreal injection of bevacizumab. Patient 2: a 32-year-old woman with TSC-associated retinal hamartoma, temporally showing macular exudative retinal detachment, developed neovascularization originated from the tumour. By intravitreal bevacizumab injection, the tumour size reduced markedly with regression of neovascularization. These results suggest that VEGF derived from retinal hamartomas causes macular oedema associated with TSC. Intravitreal injections of bevacizumab may be a useful therapeutic option for macular oedema secondary to TSC.

Pars-plana-Vitrektomie mit ILM-Peeling versus intravitreale Triamcinolon-Injektion bei diffusem diabetischem Makulaödem

Visual outcome and anatomic results in patients with diffuse diabetic macular oedema (DDME) were evaluated after vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling versus intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (TA). A prospective, non-randomised pilot study included 41 eyes (35 patients) with clinically significant DDME. In 24 eyes (group A) we performed pars plana vitrectomy with ILM peeling. Seventeen eyes (group B) received an injection of 10 mg TA. Best corrected visual acuity and central macular thickness (measured with OCT) were determined preoperatively as well as 1 and 4 months postoperatively. In group A, OCT showed a macular thickness of 403 +/- 142 microm preoperatively. Best corrected visual acuity was 0.24 +/- 0.18. One month after surgery, macular thickness decreased to 311 +/- 62 microm (p = 0.06 ns) and visual acuity was 0.17 +/- 0.14 (ns). Four months after surgery, macular thickness remained significantly lower compared with preoperative values, at 307 +/- 161 microm (p = 0.012). There was a tendency towards a higher visual acuity of 0.30 +/- 0.26 (p = 0.32 ns). Before TA injection, macular thickness in group B was 551 +/- 180 microm and visual acuity was 0.19 +/- 0.14. One month after TA, macular thickness decreased to 242 +/- 82 (p = 0.001) microm while visual acuity increased to 0.31 +/- 0.21 (p = 0.005). At 4 months follow-up, group B showed recurrence of macular oedema. Compared with the preoperative findings macular thickness was significantly lower (368 +/- 159 microm; p = 0,001). Best corrected visual acuity after 4 months was 0.27 +/- 0.17 and did not differ significantly from the preoperative visual acuity (p = 0.033 ns). Intravitreal TA as a single treatment reduces the extent of DDME within a short time after surgery. These promising results may not be stable during long-term follow-up, necessitating in many cases a re-injection of TA. Macular oedema reduction after vitrectomy with ILM peeling, however, remains stable for more than 4 months and, therefore, offers more permanent results. However, none of these treatments facilitated a significant visual acuity restoration 4 months postoperatively.

Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide versus bevacizumab therapy for macular edema associated with branch retinal vein occlusion

To compare visual outcomes after intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) injection and intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) administration for treatment of macular edema associated with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). A retrospective comparative case series of 134 consecutive patients that were treated with either IVTA or IVB for macular edema caused by BRVO. Visual acuity at baseline and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, and central macular thickness measured by OCT at baseline and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The time to recurrence of macular edema after treatment was also analyzed. Visual acuity (Snellen equivalent) improved significantly from 0.87 logMAR (0.14) to 0.49 logMAR (0.33) in the IVTA group, and from 0.91 logMAR (0.13) to 0.45 logMAR (0.36) in the IVB group 12 months after injection (p < 0.001). Central macular thickness decreased significantly from 491.0 microm to 255.8 microm in the IVTA group, and from 477.4 microm to 218.9 microm in the IVB group 12 months after injection (p < 0.001). In between-group comparisons, neither visual acuity (p = 0.892) nor macular thickness (p = 0.612) improvements were statistically significantly different. In the IVTA-all group, recurrence of macular edema occurred in 7.6% of patients at a mean of 12.6 months postoperatively, and the average number of injections was 1.08. In the IVB-all group, 26.0% of patients suffered recurrences at a mean of 5.3 months after treatment, and received a mean of 1.89 injections. Recurrence was more frequent in the IVB group compared to the IVTA group (Kaplan-Meier survival analysis log-rank test, p < 0.0001). IVTA and IVB injections were similarly effective for improving visual acuity in patients with macular edema secondary to BRVO. However, the IVTA group showed longer mean improvement duration and less disease recurrence, and required fewer injections than the IVB group.

Intravitreal Bevacizumab (Avastin) in the Treatment of Macular Edema Associated With Perfused Retinal Vein Occlusion

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) injection in patients with macular edema (ME) secondary to retinal vein occlusive diseases. A prospective, interventional cases series study was conducted in patients with ME secondary to perfused retinal vein occlusions (RVOs), who were treated with intravitreal bevacizumab (2.5 mg per injection in a volume of 0.1 mL). Patients underwent complete ophthalmic evaluation, including Snellen visual acuity, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fluorescein angiography (FA) at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after the first injection and at the final visit. Twenty-five patients (25 eyes) received intravitreal bevacizumab injections. The mean follow-up time was 6.5 months. Mean Snellen visual acuity improved from 20/125 at baseline to 20/74 at 1 month, 20/69 at 3 months, and 20/57 at the last follow-up (P < 0.01). Five of the 25 eyes (20%) had vision gain of >3 lines. The mean central 1 mm macular thickness was 422 microm at baseline and decreased to 263, 333, and 239 microm at 1 month, 3 months, and the last follow-up, respectively. Recurrent macular edema with a rebound increase of central retinal thickness was observed 3 months after the first injection, and improved after repeated bevacizumab injections. Patients received an average of 2 injections (range 1-3). FA showed no evidence of increased nonperfusion avascular area. No adverse ocular or systemic events were observed following injections. The observed anatomic and visual acuity improvements after intravitreal bevacizumab injection demonstrate that bevacizumab is a useful adjunctive treatment for ME secondary to RVO without safety concerns in a short term. However, repeated injections are needed to maintain visual improvement. Long-term study is warranted to assess the long-term efficacy and safety.

Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration: Intraocular Cytokines and Growth Factors and the Influence of Therapy with Ranibizumab

To investigate concentrations of growth factors and inflammatory cytokines in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) before and during therapy with intravitreal ranibizumab and to identify associations with disease activity. Prospective clinical trial. Twenty-eight eyes of patients with neovascular AMD were compared with 28 eyes of age-matched patients with cataract as control. Ranibizumab was administered intravitreously once at baseline, and retreatments were given at monthly visits if optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed macular edema or vision loss had occurred. Aqueous humor samples were taken each time intravitreal interventions were performed. Follow-up was 12 months. Luminex (Luminex Inc., Austin, TX) multiplex assays were used for measurement of 29 different growth factors and cytokines, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). Differences in the concentrations of growth factors and inflammatory cytokines in eyes with neovascular AMD compared with control eyes and the influence of therapy with intravitreal ranibizumab. A significantly increased expression of VEGF (P = 0.033) and a significantly decreased expression of PDGF (P = 0.038) were measured in the aqueous humor of eyes with neovascular AMD. Furthermore, a significant decrease of VEGF (P<0.001) was observed after intravitreal injection of ranibizumab along with significant changes in visual acuity and central retinal thickness (P = 0.039 and P<0.001). During follow-up with a flexible regimen, a correlation was identified between increased VEGF levels and persistent or recurrent macular edema. Changes in PDGF levels were strongly associated with alterations in VEGF concentration. Vascular endothelial growth factor and PDGF-AA seemed to be associated with disease activity of neovascular AMD. Intravitreal anti-angiogenic treatment with ranibizumab resulted in significantly decreased intraocular VEGF expression below physiologic levels compared with controls. This effect was measurable as long as 4 weeks after each injection and was prolonged by consecutive retreatment. With recurrence after discontinuation of treatment, VEGF levels increased again.

Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide vs bevacizumab for treatment of macular oedema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion

To compare the short-term visual and morphological results of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide vsintravitreal bevacizumab for eyes with macular oedema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Retrospective interventional consecutive case series. We reviewed the clinical records of 29 patients (29 eyes) who had macular oedema due to BRVO with minimum follow-up of 6 months. A total of 16 patients were treated with intravitreal injection of 4 mg/0.1ml triamcinolone acetonide. The other 13 patients received intravitreal bevacizumab of 1.25 mg in 0.05 ml. Baseline visual acuity, macular thickness, and intraocular pressure were recorded. Final visual acuity, final macular thickness, intraocular pressure, and adverse events were also recorded throughout the follow-up. All patients completed at least 6 months of follow-up. There were significant improvement in visual acuity and showed significant macular oedema decrease in optical coherence tomography examination in both the two groups postoperatively. However the therapeutic effects showed no statistically significant difference between these two groups with regard to visual results (F=6.012, P=0.083) and macular thickness decline (F=0.007, P=0.570). Seven eyes developed recurrent macular oedema and received reinjections of triamcinolone acetonide or bevacizumab. These short-term results indicate that intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide or bevacizumab can both improve visual acuity and decrease macular oedema temporarily in eyes with BRVO. However, the therapeutic effects of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide showed no significant differences compared with intravitreal bevacizumab with regard to anatomical and functional outcomes but seemed to cause more adverse events than bevacizumab.

INTRAVITREAL INJECTION OF BEVACIZUMAB FOR MACULAR EDEMA SECONDARY TO BRANCH RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION

To evaluate the 12-month follow-up results of intravitreal bevacizumab therapy for macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion and to identify the pretreatment factors that were associated with an improvement of the final visual outcome. Fifty eyes of 50 patients with macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion received an injection of 1.25 mg/0.05 mL bevacizumab. Additional injections were done when recurrence of macular edema occurred or the treatment was not effective. The best-corrected visual acuity and foveal thickness were measured. Stepwise multiple regression analyses were also performed. The mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity improved significantly from 0.53 to 0.26, and the mean foveal thickness decreased significantly from 523 to 305 microm during the 12-month follow-up period. The mean number of injections was 2.0 (range, 1-4). Stepwise multiple regression analyses showed that younger patients had both better visual acuity at 12 months and greater improvement of visual acuity during 12 months. In addition, better pretreatment visual acuity was associated with better visual acuity at 12 months but with less improvement of the visual acuity. Intravitreal bevacizumab therapy can be a long-term effective treatment for macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion.

Predictive factors for changes in macular edema in intravitreal bevacizumab therapy of retinal vein occlusion

To evaluate prognostic factors of response to intravitreal bevacizumab therapy of macular edema (ME) due to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) or branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Patients with ME due to CRVO (32 patients) or BRVO (38 patients) received intravitreal bevacizumab (2.5 mg/0.1 ml) at baseline, and every 6 to 8 weeks if OCT showed persistent or recurrent ME. Visual acuity (EDTRS), ophthalmic examination and OCT were performed at baseline and at all follow-up visits. Six to 8 weeks after first injection, baseline factors (visual acuity, central retinal thickness, age and gender) were analyzed retrospectively between patients with resolved ME (group 1) and persisting ME (group 2). At last visit, baseline factors of patients with resolved ME since first injection (group A), with recurrent ME since baseline (group B) and with persistent ME since baseline (group C) were compared. In CRVO patients, central retinal thickness (CRT) and patients' age are prognostic predictors in bevacizumab therapy. Age of CRVO patients differed significantly between groups 1 and 2 after first injection, while CRT only showed a strong trend to thinner CRT. At last visit, age and CRT differed statistically significantly between groups A, B and C. In BRVO patients, none of the investigated factors revealed any prognostic value. In CRVO and BRVO patients, final CRT is correlated with the CRT after first injection. CRT and age of patients have prognostic value in bevacizumab therapy of ME due to CRVO. CRVO patients who benefit from therapy are significantly younger and have a lower CRT at baseline than patients with persisting ME. In BRVO patients, no predictive factors for effectiveness of bevacizumab therapy could be observed.

Long-term follow-up of OCT-guided bevacizumab treatment of macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion

To evaluate the long-term outcome of an OCT-guided reinjection scheme for bevacizumab treatment of macular edema (ME) due to retinal vein occlusion. Patients with persistent ME (>250 microm) due to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) or branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) received intravitreal bevacizumab 2.5 mg/0.1 ml. Visual acuity (ETDRS), ophthalmic examination and OCT were performed at baseline and at 6- to 8-week intervals. Reinjections were only performed if OCT showed persistent or recurrent ME. Sixty-one patients with a minimum follow-up of 25 weeks were included in this analysis. Mean follow-up was 60 +/- 29 wks. In CRVO patients, central retinal thickness (CRT) decreased from 748 +/- 265 microm to 372 +/- 224 microm (p < 0.001) and visual acuity (VA) improved by 1.9 +/- 3.2 lines. In BRVO patients, mean CRT decreased from 601 +/- 206 microm to 386 +/- 178 microm (p < 0.001) and VA improved by 1.8 +/- 2.6 lines. Thirty-three percent of CRVO and 15% of BRVO patients did not show a ME recurrence for > or =25 wks at last visit. Thirty-seven percent of CRVO and 50% of BRVO patients suffered recurrences of ME within the last 25 wks, whereas 30% of CRVO and 35% of BRVO patients did not achieve a complete resolution of ME at any follow-up visit after receiving a minimum of three injections. CRVO patients with dry interval of > or =25 weeks at last visit were significantly younger, had a thinner CRT at baseline and more often had a complete resolution of ME after the first injection. In CRVO and BRVO, final VA was correlated significantly with initial VA, patients' age and final CRT. Change of VA was correlated with change of CRT in BRVO. Patients with retinal vein occlusion benefit from treatment with bevacizumab. Favourable long-term results without necessity of further injections were achieved in 33% and 15% of CRVO and BRVO patients respectively. The remaining patients needed repeated injections to treat ME recurrences. However, one third of the CRVO/BRVO patients did not improve in VA, and further injections might be discontinued in these patients.

Intravitreal triamcinolone injection combined with or without macular grid laser photocoagulation to treat macular edema

Objective To compare the efficacy of intravitreal triamcinolone(IVTA) injection and IVTA combined with macular laser grid photocoagulation (MLGP) to treat macular edema.Methods Consecutive 89 patients (109 eyes)diagnosed with macular edema by examinations of ocular fundus and optical coherence tomography (OCT).The visual acuity was hand moving- 0.8 (0.19±0.13);the intraocular pressure(IOP)ranged from 7 mm Hg to 21 mm Hg(1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa)and the average IOP was 13.78 mm Hg.All the patients received OCT and microperimetry examinations,the central macular thickness was (570±182) μm;the average light sensitivity was (5.07±3.94) dB and the fixation percentage was 70.67% within 4 ° area around the macular fovea.All the patients received IVTA treatment,39 patients (48 eyes)further received MLGP 1 month later (IVTA-MLGP group).The remaining 50 patients (61 eyes) without MLGP treatment was the IVTA group.Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA),lOP,lens,OCT and microprimetry examinations before and after IVTA (1,3,6,12 months) were followed and analyzed.Results On the 12th months,the BCVA in IVTA-MLGP and IVTA group was (0.41±0.20),(0.24±0.19) respectively (P<0.05);the central macular thickness was (309±187) and (487±206) μm respectively(P<0.05);the mean light sensitivity of 4° central macular was (8.24±4.64)and(6.30±3.22) dB respectively (P<0.05);the fixation percentage was (87.01±19.70)% and (78.85±20.41) % respectively (P<0.05).During the follow-up recurrent macular edema was noticed in 28 eyes of IVTA group and 8 eyes of IVTA-MLGP group.Conclusions IVTA combined with MLG was more effective than IVTA to cure macular edema. Key words: Macular edema,cystoid/therapy; Triameinolone acetonide/therapeutic use; Laser coagulation/methods; Treatment outcome

RETINAL SENSITIVITY AFTER INTRAVITREAL INJECTION OF BEVACIZUMAB FOR THE TREATMENT OF MACULAR EDEMA SECONDARY TO RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION

To evaluate the change in macular function after intravitreal injection of bevacizumab for the treatment of macular edema associated with retinal vein occlusion. For this interventional case series, 20 eyes of 20 patients with macular edema associated with retinal vein occlusion were treated with an intravitreal injection of bevacizumab. Microperimetry in the macular area was performed with a Micro Perimeter 1 before and at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. Improvement in macular function was detected immediately after treatment and lasted for at least 6 months. As measured by the Micro Perimeter 1, mean retinal sensitivities within the central 10 degrees field (4.9 +/- 2.7 dB at baseline) improved to 7.2 +/- 3.1 dB at 1 month, to 7.6 +/- 3.4 dB at 3 months, and to 7.7 +/- 3.9 dB at 6 months (P < 0.001). Of the 20 eyes, a recurrence of macular edema was observed in 14 (70%), but with the use of optical coherence tomography, integrity of the outer aspect of the foveal photoreceptors was detected at 3 months to 6 months in 15 (75%) eyes. In eyes with macular edema associated with retinal vein occlusion, improvement in macular function was detected immediately after intravitreal injection of bevacizumab and lasted for at least 6 months.

Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide vs bevacizumab for treatment of macular oedema due to central retinal vein occlusion

To compare the efficacy of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide vs intravitreal bevacizumab in eyes with macular oedema caused by central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Retrospective consecutive case series. Retrospective review of the medical records of 35 consecutive patients (35 eyes) with macular oedema associated with CRVO. Twenty-two patients were treated with intravitreal injection of 4 mg/0.1 ml triamcinolone acetonide. The other 13 patients accepted intravitreal bevacizumab 1.25 mg in 0.05 ml. Initial visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), and macular thickness were recorded. Final visual acuity, IOP, macular thickness, and adverse events were recorded during the treatment period. The mean follow-up was 282.73+/-70.62 days in the group administered with triamcinolone acetonide and 253.92+/-36.10 days in the study group who accepted bevacizumab, respectively. Visual acuity measurements improved significantly and showed significant macular oedema resolution in optical coherence tomography examination in both the two groups. However, the therapeutic effects had no significant difference between these two groups with regard to visual results (F=1.723, P=0.240) and macular thickness decrease (F=1.814, P=0.832). Thirteen eyes developed recurrent macular oedema and received repeat injections of triamcinolone acetonide or bevacizumab. Intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide or bevacizumab can both lead to a significant improvement in visual acuity and a resolution of macular oedema in patients with CRVO. However, the significant effect was not permanent. Besides, the efficacy of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide showed no significant differences compared with intravitreal bevacizumab but seemed to cause more adverse events than bevacizumab.

Vitrectomy Alone Versus Vitrectomy With Simultaneous Intravitreal Injection of Triamcinolone for Macular Edema Associated With Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

To evaluate the efficacy of vitrectomy with simultaneous intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide for macular edema associated with branch retinal vein occlusion. A retrospective study of 45 eyes with macular edema associated with branch retinal vein occlusion. A posterior vitreous detachment was created and the vitreous cortex was completely removed, after which 23 eyes immediately had an intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide (triamcinolone acetonide group) and 22 eyes did not (no triamcinolone acetonide group). Visual acuity, fluorescein angiograms, and foveal thickness determined by optical coherence tomography were examined preoperatively and postoperatively. Mean postoperative visual acuity at 12 months was significantly better than the preoperative visual acuity in both groups. The fovea was significantly thinner 1 month postoperatively in both groups. Foveal thickness gradually decreased until 12 months in the no triamcinolone acetonide group; however, foveal thickness increased for 12 months in the triamcinolone acetonide group. A recurrence of macular edema was more frequent in the triamcinolone acetonide group than in the no triamcinolone acetonide group (P = .006). Because there was no significant difference in the improvement of best-corrected visual acuity between the groups 12 months postoperatively, there may be no benefit in the use of intraoperative intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide.

Intravitreal Bevacizumab Treatment of Macular Edema Due to Optic Disc Vasculitis

Purpose: To report the efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab injection in treatment of macular edema in a case of optic disc vasculitis. Design: Retrospective case review. Methods: A patient diagnosed with macular edema due to optic disc vasculitis was treated with intravitreal bevacizumab injection. Results: One week after injection, fundus appearance dramatically improved and macular edema regressed. The patient was followed up for 1 year after injection and there was no recurrence of macular edema. Conclusions: This case suggests that intravitreal bevacizumab treatment might be effective in the management of macular edema in patients with optic disc vasculitis.

Grid Laser Photocoagulation After Intravitreal Triamcinolone for Macular Edema Associated With Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of macular laser photocoagulation after intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) for macular edema in branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Methods: In this retrospective study we reviewed the medical records of patients who had been treated with an intravitreal injection of 4 mg triamcinolone acetonide for macular edema due to BRVO and followed up for more than six months. We divided the eyes into two groups, namely, the IVTA-only group and the additional grid laser group after IVTA. Visual acuity, macular thickness, intraocular pressure, and abundance of IVTA were compared. Results: A total of 41 eyes underwent IVTA, 21 of which were treated with additional macular grid photocoagulation. The difference in best corrected visual acuity before IVTA between the two groups was not statistically significant. Laser photocoagulation was performed at an average of 2.8 months after IVTA. Final VA and foveal thickness improved significantly after IVTA in both groups and showed no significant difference between the two groups. After six months a second injection was required in six eyes in the IVTA group and one eye in the photocoagulation group due to recurrence of macular edema, the difference of which was significant (p=0.04). Conclusions: IVTA in BRVO patients improved macular edema and visual acuity. Combined grid photocoagulation after IVTA lowered the recurrence rate of macular edema. Grid photocoagulation can be considered as a useful adjuvant for avoiding repeated administration of intravitreal triamcinolone.

Effect of Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injection on Aqueous Humor Cytokine Levels in Clinically Significant Macular Edema

To determine the effect of intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin, Genentech, Inc., San Francisco, CA) injection on aqueous humor cytokine levels in clinically significant macular edema (CSME). Retrospective, comparative study. Seventeen eyes undergoing intravitreal injection for CSME and 11 eyes undergoing cataract surgery as negative controls. Nine patients with CSME were naïve to intravitreal bevacizumab injection (CSME group 1), and 8 patients previously received 1 intravitreal bevacizumab injection at a mean of 9.6+/-1.4 weeks earlier (CSME group 2). Aqueous humor samples were collected before performing intravitreal injection in the CSME group and during cataract surgery in the control group. Aqueous cytokine levels were determined by immunoassay using multianalyte biochip array technology. The concentration of cytokines in the aqueous humor was recorded as a mean (+/- standard deviation) in CSME groups 1 and 2 and the control group. Correlations of aqueous humor cytokine levels were evaluated. Significantly higher levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 were noted in patients with CSME compared with controls. Although higher vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were noted in CSME group 1 (P = 0.001), a lower level of VEGF was noted after intravitreal bevacizumab injection in CSME group 2 (P = 0.004) compared with the control group. VEGF levels were also lower in CSME group 2 compared with CSME group 1 (P = 0.001). In CSME group 2, a significant negative correlation was observed between VEGF and IL-6 (rho = -0.833, P = 0.01) and VEGF and MCP-1 (rho = -0.736, P = 0.037). Significantly higher levels of IL-6, IL-8, VEGF, and MCP-1 were noted in the aqueous humor of CSME. However, recurrence of macular edema was noted with significantly lower concentrations of VEGF after a single intravitreal injection of bevacizumab. This suggests the potential importance of IL-6 and MCP-1 in the pathogenesis of CSME. The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Cystoid macular oedema in Cogans syndrome-a case report.

IntroductionCogan's Syndrome is typically characterised by a non syphilitic interstitial keratitis (IK), with or without conjunctivitis, iritis or subconjunctival bleeding and progressive sensorineural hearing loss within two years of ocular signs. Atypical ocular manifestations include episcleritis, scleritis, posterior scleritis, retinal artery occlusion, choroiditis, retinal vasculitis, and optic disc oedema. We report a case of Cogan's syndrome in with recurrent cystoid macular oedema was the main feature.Case presentationA patient was diagnosed with Cogan's syndrome nearly 2 years after first presentation. He had cystoid macular edema which failed to respond initially to steroid, methotrexate and azothiaprine however resolved after treatment with mycophenolate mofetil.ConclusionCogan's syndrome is rare and presents a challenge in terms of diagnosis and treatment. Recurrent cystoid macular oedema is a unique finding in this condition and can be difficult to control. Multidisciplinary management of this multisystem disorder is vital.

A study comparing two protocols of treatment with intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) for neovascular age-related macular degeneration

Aims:The aim of this study was to compare two treatment options for choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD): (1) bevacizumab administered once a month for 3 months...