Subretinal Hemorrhage Research Articles

Manejo de la membrana neovascular coroidea secundaria a toxoplasmosis ocular

A 12-year-old patient diagnosed with congenital toxoplasmosis, with no systemic treatment at the time, who presented with a decreased visual acuity (VA) in his left eye (LE). On examination, VA in the LE was 0.05 and the fundus examination revealed a focus of chorioretinitis adjacent to a pigmented macular scar, as well as a large associated subretinal haemorrhage. After confirming the diagnosis of choroidal neovascular membrane secondary to ocular toxoplasmosis, treatment was started with systemic anti-toxoplasmosis drugs and two anti-VEGF intravitreal injections separated by one month. Finally, the patients had a VA in LE of 0.4, with reabsorption of the haemorrhage, leaving an inactive pigmented macular scar. The use of anti-VEGF intravitreal injections in cases of ocular toxoplasmosis has been associated with a reactivation of old lesions, so the prophylactic use of oral anti-toxoplasmosis drugs is recommended in these cases.

Long-term observation of vitrectomy without subretinal hemorrhage management for massive vitreous hemorrhage secondary to polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.

To describe the long-term observation of vitrectomy without subretinal hemorrhage (SRH) management for massive vitreous hemorrhage (VH) secondary to polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). This is a retrospective, consecutive case series. A total of 86 eyes of 86 patients with >14d of massive VH associated with PCV were included. All patients underwent vitrectomy without SRH management, followed by intravitreal ranibizumab injections and/or photodynamic therapy (PDT) as needed. The main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), postoperative adverse events and the recurrence of VH. The average follow-up period was 25.5±9.2mo (range 12-35mo). Mean BCVA at baseline (2.16±0.39 logMAR) had improved significantly, both 3mo after surgery (1.42±0.66 logMAR, P<0.001) and by the last visit (1.23±0.74 logMAR, P<0.001). The common postoperative complications included macular subretinal fibrosis in 14 eyes (16.3%) and ciliary body detachment in 4 eyes (4.7%). Nineteen eyes (22.1%) received following treatment with ranibizumab injections without/with PDT, and 15 (17.4%) were resolved. Four eyes (4.7%) had recurrent hemorrhage during the follow-up period. In multiple regression analysis, thicker SRH (beta=0.33, P=0.025) in the preoperative B-scan and the presence of foveal subretinal fibrosis (beta=0.28, P=0.018) in the follow up were associated with poor postoperative BCVA. Vitrectomy without SRH management for massive VH secondary to PCV improved/stabilized visual function in the long-term observation. Eyes presenting with thicker SRH preoperatively and forming foveal subretinal fibrosis in the follow-up period tended to have worse BCVA.

Small choroidal melanoma and pseudomelanomas: methods of differential diagnostics. Part 1

Choroidal melanoma is a malignant tumor prone to early metastasis. Its clinical picture is polymorphic, as a result of which it can simulate many diseases of the fundus, which are referred to in the literature as pseudomelanomas. Among these are: choroidal nevus, localized choroidal hemangioma, melanocytomas, choroidal metastatic carcinoma, congenital hypertrophy of retinal pigment epithelium, late stage of age-related macular degeneration, focal retinal choroiditis, organized subretinal hemorrhage, retinal hemangiomas. However, studies comparing the clinical signs of all listed pseudomelanomas and small choroidal melanoma are few. The first part of the review describes the ophthalmoscopic picture of the small choroidal melanoma and pseudomelanomas.

Surgical Technique, Indications, and Outcomes of BIOM-Assisted Transvitreal Biopsy for Uveal Melanoma.

Controversy exists regarding the best method for biopsy of uveal melanoma. We describe our transvitreal technique and evaluate the safety of this technique as well as the efficacy for obtaining sample for prognostic genetic profiling. Description of surgical technique and retrospective case series. Medical records for uveal melanoma patients who underwent transvitreal biopsy using our described technique were analyzed for tumor size, location, primary treatment, method of biopsy, and any complications thereof. Characteristics of tumors that underwent transvitreal biopsy were noted including tumor size, location, or presence of subretinal fluid, to see whether these affected surgeon preference for biopsy modality. A cohort of contemporaneous uveal melanoma patients who underwent biopsy through a transscleral technique served as a comparator group for these patient, tumor, and complication factors. A total of 27 patients aged 27.2 to 88.6 years (mean 64.8) underwent transvitreal biopsy using our described technique between 2013 and 2016. There were 15 small, 10 medium, and 2 large tumors at diagnosis with the majority (n = 17) posterior to the equator. Intraoperative complications included a clot or small trickle of blood at the biopsy site in 20 (74.1%) of patients, small localized subretinal hemorrhage in 8 (29.6%), small vitreous hemorrhage in 4 (14.8%), and small transient choroidal detachments in 1 patient (3.6%). When subretinal hemorrhage occurred, it was almost always into a pre-existing pocket of subretinal fluid ( P = 0.0093). However, the presence of subretinal fluid was not associated with the decision to proceed with any biopsy ( P = 0.36) or transvitreal biopsy specifically ( P = 1.00). By 3 months, subretinal and/or vitreous hemorrhage resolved in essentially all cases. There were no cases of iatrogenic retinal detachment or extraocular tumor spread over a mean follow-up of 41.7 (range: 20-62.1) months. Adequate tissue for gene expression profiling was obtained from each biopsy. The comparator group of patients undergoing transscleral biopsy including 21 uveal melanomas in 20 patients (one eye had two melanomas). Transvitreal biopsies were more common in patients with small (n = 15; P < 0.0001), posterior (n = 17; P < 0.0001) tumors, compared with patients who underwent transscleral biopsy during the same period. This technique can be used for small or posterior tumors or for small anterior tumors where a transscleral approach would risk tumor perforation. Complications were minor, transient, and self-limited. Biopsy yields for molecular prognosis were adequate in all cases. The presence of subretinal fluid may be considered a relative contraindication because it may lead to subretinal hemorrhage in the fluid pocket but did not dissuade us from using this transvitreal technique for patients who would benefit from it.

Clinical Characteristics of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy and Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Treatment Response in Caucasians

Background/Aims: To identify the clinical characteristics of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) in Caucasian patients and assess the prevalence of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) resistance. Methods: This involved a retrospective chart review of Caucasian patients diagnosed with PCV and utilizing indocyanine green angiography with the scanning laser ophthalmoscope. Data collected included patients’ demographics, disease characteristics, and treatment response. Results: There were 54 eyes of 49 patients with PCV; 51.0% were male and 49.0% were female with a mean age of 72.9 years. Forty-four patients (89.8%) had PCV unilaterally and 10.2% (5 patients) had PCV bilaterally. PCV was located in the macula in 79.6%, in the peripapillary region in 16.7%, and in both regions in 3.7%. PCV commonly presents with serous detachment (66.7%), retinal pigment epithelial detachment (RPED) (51.9%) and subretinal hemorrhage (37.0%). Twenty-nine eyes were included in the treatment response analysis, with 18 eyes (62.1%) showing persistent disease activity after 3 initial injections of anti-VEGF treatment. Conclusion: PCV in Caucasian patients is more often unilateral and presents more commonly in the macular region than the peripapillary region. Serous detachment and RPED are the 2 most common findings. Resistance to current anti-VEGF treatment was noted frequently; it is thus extremely important to identify this subtype of type I subretinal neovascularization.

SPECKLED HYPOAUTOFLUORESCENCE AS A SIGN OF RESOLVED SUBRETINAL HEMORRHAGE IN NEOVASCULAR AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION.

To describe patterns of hypoautofluorescence in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration occurring after subretinal hemorrhage. This was a retrospective descriptive analysis of neovascular age-related macular degeneration eyes presenting with subretinal hemorrhage over the last 5 years that underwent serial multimodal imaging. A review of color fundus photographs, fundus autofluorescence, near-infrared reflectance, and optical coherence tomography was performed at baseline and all available follow-up visits to document the course and evolution of subretinal hemorrhage in these eyes. Eleven eyes of 10 patients (9 female, 1 male; mean age: 84.1 years, range: 72-99 years) with a mean follow-up of 19.8 months (range: 3-68 months) were included. Color fundus photographs showed subretinal hemorrhage that resolved over a mean of 5.5 months. During and after hemorrhage resolution, all eyes showed hypoautofluorescence, which appeared distinct from that due to retinal pigment epithelium loss. Discrete multifocal punctate hyperpigmented lesions were observed in 90% of eyes and were markedly hypoautofluorescent, producing a speckled pattern on fundus autofluorescence. Areas of hypoautofluorescence in the absence of retinal pigment epithelium atrophy, often with a speckled pattern, delineate areas of prior subretinal hemorrhage long after its resolution in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Potential mechanisms for the development of this pattern are proposed.

Predictive Factors And Long-Term Visual Outcomes After Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Treatment Of Retinal Angiomatous Proliferation.

PurposeTo report the results of 9-year follow-up examinations and predictive factors for visual acuity outcome after intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents to treat retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP).MethodsWe conducted a retrospective observational study of 85 treatment-naïve eyes in 61 patients (21 men, 40 women; age range, 70–95 years; mean age, 84.0 years) treated with intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF agents. All patients received three consecutive monthly injections as an induction treatment. During the maintenance phase, the patients received intravitreal injections as needed or fixed dosing. The primary outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) during the follow-up period. Furthermore, we investigated potential predictive factors of improvement in visual acuity. The proportion of patients who developed specific complications were also analyzed.ResultsThe mean BCVA gradually decreased from 0.58 at baseline to 0.70 at 36 months (P = 0.146), 0.82 at 48 months (P = 0.004), and 0.92 at 108 months (P = 0.021). Improvement in visual acuity at the final visits was associated with baseline visual acuity and central foveal thickness. Massive subretinal hemorrhage, fibrotic scars, and macular atrophy developed in 4 (4.7%), 9 (10.6%), and 50 (56.8%) eyes, respectively, at the final visits, and were all significantly associated with final visual acuity (P = 0.013, P < 0.001, and P = 0.001, respectively).ConclusionLong-term stabilization of vision in patients with RAP, regardless of treatment modality, was difficult to achieve by using intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF agents. Earlier detection and treatment are important to maintain visual acuity in patients with RAP.

Indications, Findings, and Outcomes of Pars Plana Vitrectomy after Open Globe Injury

To determine the indications, findings, and outcomes of patients with open globe injury (OGI) requiring pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Retrospective, single-vitreoretinal surgeon case series. Sixty-one consecutive eyes with OGI that required PPV. Retrospective chart review of consecutive patients who underwent PPV after OGI between March 1, 2011, and August 1, 2017, at Massachusetts Eye and Ear by 1 surgeon. Final visual acuity and rates of recurrent retinal detachment (RD) and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Sixty-one eyes of 61 consecutive patients underwent PPV after sustaining OGI. Mean follow-up was 12.8±12.1 months (range, 0.5-65 months). At the time of presentation after OGI, 64% of eyes showed light perception or worse vision. The indications for PPV, which was performed on average of 15 days after injury, included RD without retinal incarceration (39%), RD with retinal incarceration in the scleral or corneal wound or both (13%), media opacity without RD (28%), vitreous traction without RD (11%), intraocular foreign body (5%), and endophthalmitis (3%). At the time of PPV, substantial comorbidities were noted, including corneal trauma (20%), hyphema (41%), iris trauma (62%), lens expulsion (54%), subretinal hemorrhage (51%), and choroidal hemorrhage (30%). Using multivariate analysis, factors associated with RD after initial PPV were preoperative subretinal hemorrhage (odds ratio [OR], 5.73; P= 0.03), PVR found at initial PPV (OR, 11.94; P= 0.021), and retinectomy (OR, 17.88; P= 0.003). No patients were inoperable, because all patients left the operating room with complete retinal reattachment. Of 35 eyes that showed RD, 19 (54%) redetached as a result of PVR. In 80% of eyes with RD at initial presentation (28/35 eyes), the retina remained completely attached at last follow-up, and 5 additional eyes remained partially attached (33/35 [94%]). Of 61 total eyes included in this study, 89% remained completely attached, and 42 (69%) achieved visual acuity of 20/200 or better at last follow-up. Despite substantial ocular comorbidities, PPV can result in retinal reattachment in even the most severe cases. Good visual outcomes can be achieved for most patients who undergo vitreoretinal surgery after open globe trauma.

Interface vitrectomy-a savior technique for vitreoretinal surgery

Interface vitrectomy is a special vitrectomy technique based on performing the surgery at the interface between surface tension agents including air liquid perfluorocarbon or silicone oil and the retina Interface vitrectomy technique allows good stabilization of the retina while preventing the increasing subretinal fluid and bleeding to interface during traction removal in vitreoretinal surgery In this review we aimed to summarize interface vitrectomy technique

Autologous translocation of the choroid and retina pigment epitelial cells(RPE) in age-related macular degeneration: Monitoring the viability of choroid and RPE patch with indocyanine green angiography(ICGA) and fundus autofluorescence(FAF).

To investigate the functional and anatomical results of autologous retinal pigment epithelial(RPE) cells and choroidal translocation after removal of the subfoveal choroidal neovascular membrane(CNVM) in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration(AMD). To monitor the viability of choroidal patch with indocyanine green angiography(ICGA) and fundus autofluorescence(FAF) METHODS: This study was conducted as a retrospective, interventional case series, and evaluation of 8 patients ;4 patients had large (> 1 disk diameter) subfoveal choroidal membranes, 3 with massive subretinal hemorrhage and 1 case with suprachoroidal hemorrhage(SCH) + rhegmatogenous retinal detachment(RRD). After removal of the CNVM, the autologous full-thickness patch of the RPE, bruch's membrane, choriocapillaris, and choroid was excised from the midperiphery and placed under the macula. At the 1 st month, 3rd month, 6th month and final examination, color fundus pictures and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed by preferred fixation of the OCT-light. Visual test with the early treatment of diabetic retinopathy study(ETDRS), OCT imaging with fixation, scanning with laser ophthalmoscopy autofluorescence, and ICGA were performed to evaluate the viability of choroidal patch at each visits. This study was carried out in 8 patients with a mean follow-up of 14.12 ± 8.16 (range 7-30 months) months. The mean age was 73 ± 7.17(range, 60-80 years) years. Pre-operative visual acuity ranged from hand motion (HM) (20/2000) to light perception (LP)(20/20000). Post-operative vision ranged from HM (20/2000) to 0.15(20/125). In 6 patients, autofluorescence was reflected in FAF imaging and lipofuscin activity was evaluated as viable. Post-operative subretinal hemorrhage was encountered in 1 (12.5%) patient and it also resolved spontaneously. There was a statistically significant increase in visual acuity at the postoperative final visit compared to baseline. (p = 0.027) CONCLUSIONS: After removal of the CNVM, translocation of a full-thickness patch with the autologous peripheral RPE and choroid can be performed at the macula, resulted in survival and functional graft for 6 months and moreover, hereby viability of the choroid and RPE patch were monitored by imaging methods such as FAF and ICGA.

Comparison between non-visualized polyps and visualized polyps on optical coherence tomography angiography in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.

To determine the underlying reasons for the non-visualization of polyps on en face optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). A cross-sectional study of consecutive treatment-naïve 30 eyes with active PCV was included. Results of fundus photography, fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and en face OCTA were analyzed. A total of 64 active polyps were found on FFA and ICGA in 30 eyes. On OCTA, 42/64 (65.6%) polyps were visualized, while 22/64 (34.4%) polyps were non-visualized. There were no significant differences in the size (P = 0.723) and filling time of polyps (P = 0.558) between the two groups. However, polypoidal lesions were less common in the non-visualized group (P< 0.001). The height of the polyps on SD-OCT was 243.95 ± 114.24μm in the non-visualized group, which was higher than those (188.00 ± 87.93μm) in the visualized group (P = 0.048). Moreover, more pulsatile polyps (72.7%) were found in the non-visualized group than those (2.4%) in the visualized group (P< 0.001). Four of the 22 polyps in the non-visualized group (18.2%) were located under a thick subretinal hemorrhage, and two of 22 invisible polyps (9.6%) located under and parallel to the retinal vessel in the inner layer of retina. Our results revealed that the height of the polyps, and not the size and pulsation of the polyps, correlated with the visualization of the polyps on OCTA. Polyps that were pulsating in early ICGA were difficult to be visualized on OCTA, which is the most possible reason for the non-visualization. Coverage with thick subretinal hemorrhage or retina vessels was another reason for the non-visualization of the polyps in active PCV on OCTA.

Хирургическое лечение травматического макулярного разрыва, осложнённого субретинальным кровоизлиянием

Хирургическое лечение травматического макулярного разрыва, осложнённого субретинальным кровоизлиянием

SUBRETINAL ENDOSCOPIC SURGERY TO TREAT LARGE SUBRETINAL HEMORRHAGES SECONDARY TO AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION.

To evaluate the potential of subretinal endoscopic surgery as a novel treatment for large subretinal hemorrhage secondary to age-related macular degeneration. Five patients with large subretinal hemorrhage secondary to age-related macular degeneration underwent subretinal endoscopic surgery, with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. The large subretinal hemorrhage was completely removed by subretinal endoscopic surgery without a large retinotomy in all cases. The fibrovascular pigment epithelial detachment including choroidal neovascularization was completely removed in four cases. In three of these cases, the bleeding was confirmed to be originating from one point of rupture in the Bruch membrane, which was treated by coagulation using intraocular diathermy. Although visual acuity improved in three cases, it deteriorated and remained stable in one case each. Fibrovascular pigment epithelial detachment persisted in one patient after surgery; he needed anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy, whereas the other four did not because their fibrovascular pigment epithelial detachment was removed. At the final follow-up, no severe postoperative complications, such as retinal detachment or proliferative vitreoretinopathy, were noted. Subretinal endoscopic surgery can completely remove subretinal hemorrhage and fibrovascular pigment epithelial detachment including choroidal neovascularization without a large retinotomy. It also aids in the direct and detailed confirmation of subretinal lesions by ophthalmic endoscope.

IDENTIFICATION OF POSTERIOR SEGMENT PATHOLOGY WITH EN FACE RETINAL IMAGING USING MULTICOLOR CONFOCAL SCANNING LASER OPHTHALMOSCOPY.

To assess posterior segment findings on multicolor confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy by correlation with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and to quantify agreement between these imaging modalities. Retrospective review of 159 eyes of 96 consecutive patients who underwent concurrent imaging with multicolor confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and SD-OCT. Positive percent agreement and negative percent agreement were calculated for each finding identified on infrared, green, blue, and multicolor reflectance images using SD-OCT as a comparator. Infrared reflectance best detected outer retinal and choroidal findings such as choroidal lesions, retinal pigment epithelium atrophy, peripapillary atrophy, and drusen (positive percent agreement 100, 92, 92, and 67%, respectively). Inner retinal changes including epiretinal membrane, lamellar macular hole, and inner retinal alterations were best detected on blue reflectance (positive percent agreement 94, 50, and 100%, respectively). Composite multicolor reflectance most effectively detected conditions with retinal elevation, including pigment epithelial detachment, intraretinal fluid, and subretinal fluid (positive percent agreement 65, 49, and 54%, respectively). Multicolor confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy detected intraretinal and subretinal hemorrhages, which were not detected on SD-OCT (negative percent agreement 87 and 97%, respectively). Multicolor confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy is capable of identifying posterior segment pathology at various anatomical depths and may be a useful adjunct to SD-OCT for detecting or monitoring certain retinal conditions.

Anti–Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Resistance in Exudative Macular Degeneration and Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy

To evaluate the prevalence of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) in different ethnic populations and to determine the prevalence of PCV in eyes with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that is sensitive and resistant to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. Retrospective chart review. Two hundred fifty-three eyes of 221 patients with exudative AMD. Baseline data were collected on all eyes diagnosed with exudative AMD, which included ethnic data. Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy was diagnosed using indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) with the scanning laser ophthalmoscope. Exudative AMD eyes were separated into 2 groups: anti-VEGF-resistant eyes with persistent subretinal fluid, subretinal hemorrhage, or macular edema after 4 anti-VEGF injections and anti-VEGF-sensitive eyes defined as eyes without residual disease activity. The prevalence of PCV was determined in each group based on ICGA. Prevalence of PCV in exudative AMD, and in different ethnic populations, and prevalence of anti-VEGF resistance in eyes with and without PCV. Exudative AMD was diagnosed in 253 eyes of 221 patients. Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy was noted to have a prevalence of 45.1% (114/253 eyes) in the overall population. Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy was noted in 51.6% (81/157) of eyes with wet AMD in Asians, 31.9% (23/72 eyes) of eyes with wet AMD in white persons, and 28.6% (4/14 eyes) in a small group of Pacific Islanders. Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy was diagnosed in 50% (60/120 eyes) of eyes in the anti-VEGF-resistant group, which is more prevalent than the 30.2% (29/96 eyes) in the anti-VEGF-sensitive group (P < 0.001). Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy is more prevalent in Asian patients with exudative AMD, but is more prevalent than generally recognized in white patients. Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy is more prevalent in anti-VEGF-resistant eyes in both white and Asian patients, which could help to predict therapeutic response.

Anatomical and functional changes in neovascular AMD in remission: comparison of fibrocellular and fibrovascular phenotypes

PurposeTo investigate the anatomical changes and the macular function in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) eyes, according to the recognition of either fibrocellular or fibrovascular phenotype.MethodsWe enrolled eyes with previously...

Chandelier-assisted scleral buckling using wide angle viewing contact lens for pseudophakic retinal detachment repair.

To evaluate a modified technique for scleral buckling (SB) in pseudophakic retinal detachment (RD). A retrospective non-comparative study included 21 consecutive eyes with uncomplicated pseudophakic RD that was repaired by chandelier assisted SB using wide angle viewing (WAV) contact lens. Segmental tire alone was used in 5 eyes (23.81%), and combined with encircling band in 7 eyes (33.33%). Radial sponge alone was used in 3 eyes (14.29%) and combined with encircling band in 6 eyes (28.57%). Primary success rate was (90.48%). External drainage of subretinal fluid was performed in 8 eyes (38.1%). Intraoperative complications included vitreous prolapse at chandelier sclerotomy site in 4 eyes (19.05%) and localized subretinal hemorrhage at drainage site in one eye (4.76%). No case of intraocular lens (IOL) displacement, retinal incarceration or iatrogenic retinal tear was detected. Postoperative complications included choroidal detachment in one eye (4.76%), elevated intraocular pressure in 2 eyes (9.52%), epiretinal membrane formation in one eye (4.76%) and proliferative vitreoretinopathy in 3 eyes (14.29%). Mean postoperative corrected distance visual acuity was 0.7±0.3 logMAR units. Chandelier-assisted SB using WAV contact lens is a reliable technique for repairing selected cases of simple pseudophakic RD.

Pharmacotherapy for Choroidal Neovascularization Due to Uncommon Causes.

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in adults is most commonly associated with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and pathologic myopia. Though less common, CNV can also develop from other conditions such as uveitis, central serous chorioretinopathy, angioid streaks, intraocular tumors, hereditary chorioretinal dystrophies, or can be idiopathic in origin. If left untreated, CNV may cause visual loss because of exudation of intraretinal or subretinal fluid, retinal or subretinal hemorrhage, or fibrosis involving the macula. It is well known that one of the main drivers of angiogenesis in CNV development is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and therefore inhibitors of VEGF might be an effective treatment for CNV. The goal of this review is to provide an overview and summary in the use of pharmacotherapy especially anti-VEGF therapy, in the treatment of CNV due to uncommon causes. Results from uncontrolled case series and controlled clinical trials have reported good efficacy and safety in using anti-VEGF agents including bevacizumab, ranibizumab, aflibercept and ziv-aflibercept in the treatment of CNV due to uncommon causes. Anti-VEGF has also been used in combination with verteporfin PDT and anti-inflammatory agents for treating CNV of various causes. Pharmacotherapy with anti-VEGF agents is an effective treatment option for CNV due to uncommon etiologies.

Abrupt visual loss during anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment for type 3 neovascularization

To investigate the incidence of abrupt visual loss and its associated factors, during anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment for type 3 neovascularization. This retrospective study included 137 eyes that were newly diagnosed with type 3 neovascularization. All eyes were treated with anti-VEGF therapy. Abrupt visual loss was defined as loss of 5 or more lines in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in comparison to the previous visit. The incidence and timing of abrupt visual loss as well as the factors associated with it, were determined. In addition, the BCVA at the final follow-up was compared between the eyes with and those without abrupt visual loss. The mean follow-up period was 42.4±18.9mo after diagnosis, and abrupt visual loss was noted in 22 eyes (16.1%) at a mean of 19.6±13.9mo. Abrupt visual loss was found to be associated with subretinal hemorrhage in 11 eyes (50.0%), development of or increase in the height of pigment epithelial detachment with fluid in 8 eyes (36.4%), and tears in the retinal pigment epithelium in 3 eyes (13.6%). The logarithm of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) mean BCVA at the final follow-up was 2.07±0.67 (Snellen equivalents: 20/2349) and 1.00±0.55 (20/200) in eyes with and without abrupt visual loss, respectively. BCVA was significantly worse in the eyes with abrupt visual loss (P<0.001). Abrupt visual loss is noted in 16.1% of patients with type 3 neovascularization and is associated with poor visual outcome. Additional studies are needed to determine how abrupt visual loss can be prevented.

Treatment of macular hemorrhage in retinal arterial microaneurysm: anatomic site-oriented therapy.

To investigate the usefulness of anatomic site-oriented therapy for macular hemorrhage secondary to retinal arterial macroaneurysm (RAM). Retrospective observational study, clinical case series METHODS: Twenty-seven consecutive patients (27 eyes) with macular hemorrhage secondary to RAM were classified according to the retinal layer(s) with hemorrhage identified by optical coherence tomography into 4 types and treated differentially. Vitrectomy was conducted for subinternal limiting membrane hemorrhage (SILMH), intravitreal gas injection for subretinal hemorrhage (SRH) or intraretinal hemorrhage (IRH), and vitrectomy and intravitreal air/gas exchange for multilevel hemorrhage (at least 2 among SILMH/SRH/IRH). Complete displacement or resolution of the macular hemorrhage was achieved in all 27 eyes: 7 with SILMH, 7 with SRH, 3 with IRH, and 10 with multilevel hemorrhage. Compared with the baseline score, the 3-month postoperative Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study score (mean ± SD) improved significantly in SILMH (+42.9 ± 6.9 letters; P < .0001, paired t test), multilevel hemorrhage (+23.9 ± 14.4 letters; P = .0005), and SRH (+17.7 ± 18.4 letters; P = .0440), but not in IRH (+6.7 ± 9.0 letters; P = .3228). Compared with the baseline thickness, the 3-month postoperative central retinal thickness decreased significantly in multilevel hemorrhage (-930.3 ± 290.8µm; P < .0001), SILMH (-628.4 ± 177.0µm; P < .0001), IRH (-508.3 ± 72.1µm; P = .0066), and SRH (-476.9 ± 300.0µm; P = .0056). The central ellipsoid zone was detectable in 7/7 eyes with SILMH but in none of the eyes in the other 3 groups (P < .0001). No retinal detachment or macular hole occurred in any eyes. For macular hemorrhage secondary to RAM, anatomic site-oriented therapy using different treatments targeting the hemorrhagic retinal layers is useful. The optimal treatments for individual hemorrhagic retinal layers require further studies.