Subretinal rtPA Injection Research Articles

Three-dimensional heads-up system assisted pars plana vitrectomy and subretinal recombinant tissue plasminogen activator injection for submacular hemorrhage

BackgroundTo evaluate the outcomes of three-dimensional (3D) heads-up system assisted pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and subretinal injection of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) for submacular hemorrhage (SMH).MethodsMedical records of SMH patients who underwent 3D heads-up system assisted-PPV and subretinal injection of rt-PA from June 2021 to January 2022 were reviewed. The main outcomes included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), SMH absorption, and perioperative complications.ResultsWe finally included 18 SMH eyes, most of which happened secondary to polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) (10, 55.56%), followed by retinal arterial microaneurysm (RAM) (5, 27.78%), traumatic retinopathy (2, 11.11%) and neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) (1, 5.56%). The greatest linear dimension (GLD) and height of SMH were 6538.17 ± 2533.11 μm and 937.36 ± 420.21 μm, respectively. After an average postoperative follow-up period of 131.06 ± 38.96 days, patients’ BCVA improved significantly from 1.85 ± 0.62 to 1.14 ± 0.82 logMAR (P < 0.05). SMH was completely and partially absorbed in 9 (50.00%) and 6 (33.33%) eyes, with no occurrence of iatrogenic retinal break. However, 4 additional PPVs were performed to manage the postoperative SMH and/or vitreous hemorrhage (VH) recurrence (2, 11.11%) and retinal detachment (RD) occurrence (2, 11.11%). Preoperative BCVA was significantly correlated with postoperative BCVA in multiple linear regression analysis (P < 0.05), and hemorrhagic pigment epithelial detachment (PED) was significantly correlated with SMH and VH recurrence in univariate binary logistic regression analysis (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe 3D heads-up system assisted-PPV and subretinal injection of rt-PA were efficacious in eliminating SMH and improving visual prognosis with satisfactory safety profile, while caution should be taken for PCV patients with hemorrhagic PED and massive SMH.

Subretinal Injection of Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator and Gas Tamponade to Displace Acute Submacular Haemorrhages Secondary to Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

PurposeTo analyse the efficacy of subretinal injection of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) and gas tamponade for the displacement of submacular haemorrhage (SMH).MethodsThis single-centre, retrospective, case series included 25 consecutive patients (25 eyes) who underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with subretinal rtPA injection and 20% sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) tamponade. The primary outcome was SMH displacement rate, defined as the absence of subretinal blood within (complete) or outside (partial) 1500 μm centred on the fovea one month after PPV. Secondary outcomes were final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), recurrence probability, number of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections after PPV, and intra- and post-operative complications.ResultsSuccessful displacement was obtained in all 25 eyes (100%), with complete and partial displacement obtained in 15 (60%) and 10 (40%), respectively. BCVA significantly improved from 1.81±0.33 to 1.37±0.52 LogMar at 12 months from surgery (p = 0.001). The bivariate correlation analysis revealed that earlier the surgery had better visual prognosis at the end of the follow-up (p = 0.007). CMT significantly decreased from 922 ± 273.69 µm at baseline to 403.53 ± 314.64 µm at 12 months follow-up (p < 0.001). SMH recurrence was observed in two (8%) patients with a mean survival time of 11.6 ± 0.339 months and a cumulative survival probability of 88% at the end of follow-up. After PPV, the mean number of anti-VEGF injections was 3.00 ± 0.957 with no correlation with final visual acuity (p = 0.365). No intraoperative complications were recorded. Only one patient developed open funnel retinal detachment 40 days after primary PPV.ConclusionPPV with rtPA subretinal injection and SF6 tamponade is a safe and effective technique in displacing acute SMHs secondary to neovascular AMD. It is recommended to perform within 14 days from the onset of the symptoms to achieve BCVA improvement at 12 months and proper imaging to plan future anti-VEG treatment.

Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator (rtPA) in the Treatment of Macular Hemorrhages

Macular hemorrhage is a frequent complication of retinal macroaneurysms and represents a threat to central vision. We report the surgical use of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) in the treatment of macular hemorrhage. Two eyes of 2 female patients with macular hemorrhage from ruptured retinal macroaneurysms were treated with subretinal rtPA injection. Visual acuities on admission were of counting fingers (<20/400) in the 2 eyes treated. Best corrected visual acuity improved to 20/100. No major intraoperative complications were reported. Macular hemorrhage presents a low rate of spontaneous resolution and, left untreated, portends a poor prognosis. Subretinal injection of rtPA is a challenging, yet effective surgical technique, with rates of hemorrhage displacement reported between 50%-90%.

Functional and structural outcome after vitrectomy combined with subretinal rtPA Injection with or without additional intravitreal Bevacizumab injection for submacular hemorrhages.

BackgroundTo analyze the functional and anatomical outcome after vitrectomy with subretinal rtPA (recombinant tissue plasminogen activator) combined with or without an intravitreal Bevacizumab injection.Patients and methodsRetrospective, consecutive case series of 31 pseudophakic patients with submacular hemorrhage (SMH) due to neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) treated with vitrectomy, subretinal rtPA and pneumatic air displacement with or without an additional intravitreal Bevacizumab injection. The primary endpoints were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and central macular thickness (CMT) measured by SD‑OCT. The secondary endpoint was a displacement of hemorrhage from the subretinal space three months after surgery.Results31 eyes of 31 patients were treated with vitrectomy and subretinal rtPA. 17/31 were treated simultaneously with an intravitreal Bevacizumab injection (group +B) and 14/31 without (group -B). The mean visual acuity improved significantly in both groups (from 1.37±0.39 to 1.03±0.57 logMAR in +B and from 1.48±0.48 to 1.01±0.38 logMAR in group –B, p<0.05). The mean CMT decreased in group +B from 607±179 μm to 424±205 μm (p = 0.2) and in group –B from 722±216 μm to 460±202 μm (p<0.05). A central displacement of the hemorrhage could be achieved in 47% in group +B, whereas in group -B displacement could be achieved in 50% (p = 0.44).ConclusionsVitrectomy with subretinal rtPA injection and air tamponade with or without simultaneous intravitreal Bevacizumab injection displaces SMH and improves BCVA effectively. In comparison, the postoperative outcome is comparable regardless of whether or not intravitreal bevacizumab is applied simultaneously.

Traitement des hématomes sous-maculaires par vitrectomie, injection sous-rétinienne de rtPA et tamponnement gazeux : une étude observationnelle rétrospective monocentrique

To evaluate the functional and anatomic recovery of submacular hemorrhage (SMH), treated with vitrectomy, subretinal injection of rtPA and gas tamponade, to highlight the risk factors for their occurrence as well as the factors influencing prognosis. This is a single-center retrospective study. Thirty-two eyes of 30 patients from the Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital were included, with a submacular hemorrhage (SMH) requiring surgical evacuation. The primary endpoint was final postoperative visual recovery. Visual acuities (AV) were converted to the logarithmic minimum angle of resolution scale (logMAR) for statistical analysis. The average time from onset of symptoms to surgery was 4.8±3.3 days. The initial VA was 2.1±0.3 logMAR, with an average improvement of 0.7±0.7 logMAR (P=0.0004) at the final visit. The mean thickness of the SMH decreased by 729±352μm (P<0.0001) at the final visit. Treatment of SMH with vitrectomy, subretinal injection of rtPA and gas tamponade results in a statistically significant improvement in final VA, as well as a significant decrease in SMH thickness on OCT.

Traitement des hématomes de la dégénérescence maculaire liée à l’âge par vitrectomie et injection sous-rétinienne de rt-PA : résultats préliminaires

To evaluate anatomical and functional outcomes of surgical displacement of macular hemorrhages complicating exsudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) after vitrectomy, subretinal rtPA (recombinant tissue plasminogen activator) injection, intravitreal bevacizumab injection and gaz tamponade. Retrospective case series, including 26 patients with submacular hemorrhage, who underwent a surgical displacement within 15 days after the onset of symptoms. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was carried out to measure the diameter of the hemorrhage and to specify the relation with retinal pigment epithelium. Anatomical success was defined as a total displacement of the hemorrhage away from the fovea at first postoperative visit. Visual acuity improvement was measured at 1 and 6 months and at final postoperative visit. The procedure resulted in hemorrhage displacement away from the fovea in 20 eyes (81%). Visual acuity significantly improved by 5,8 (±7,2) lines (P=0.0003) at 1 month postoperatively, 7,4 (±6,7) lines (P=0.0004) at 6 months and 7,4 (±7,4) lines (P=0.0002) at final postoperative visit (16,5±19,8 months). There was an inverse correlation between hemorrhage diameter and final acuity improvement (Pearson correlation coefficient P=-0.60 (IC 95% [-0.81; -0.26]; P=0.002)). Vitrectomy with subretinal rtPA injection was found to be effective for the displacement of AMD hemorrhage in 81% of the patients. Mean final visual acuity improved by more than 7 lines.

Treatment of hematomas in age related macular degeneration by vitrectomy and subretinal injection of r-tPA: Preliminary results

Macular subretinal hematoma is a complication of age related macular degeneration (AMD) responsible for a severe change in vision. We evaluated anatomic and functional results of surgical treatment of hematoma by vitrectomy, subretinal injection of r-tPA (recombinant tissue plasminogen activator), intravitreal bevacizumab injection and air tamponade. Retrospective case series including 26 patients with submacular hemorrhage who underwent vitrectomy within 15 days after the onset of symptoms. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed to measure the diameter of the hemorrhage and specify the location in relation to the retinal pigment epithelium. Anatomical success was defined as a total displacement of the hemorrhage out of the fovea at the first postoperative visit. Visual acuity improvement was measured at 1 and 6 months and at final postoperative visit. The procedure resulted in hemorrhage displacement away from the fovea in 20 eyes (81%). Visual acuity significantly improved by 5.8 (±7.2) lines (P=0.0003) at 1 month postoperatively, 7.4 (±6.7) lines (P=0.0004) at 6 months and 7.4 (±7.4) lines (P=0.0002) at the final postoperative visit (16.5±19.8 months). There was an inverse correlation between hemorrhage diameter and final acuity improvement (Pearson correlation coefficient ρ=-0.60 (IC 95% [-0.81; -0.26]; P=0.002)). Vitrectomy with subretinal r-tPA injection was found to be effective for the displacement of AMD hemorrhage in 81% of the patients. Mean final visual acuity improved by more than 7 lines, confirming the efficacy and functional benefit of surgical displacement.

Traitement des hématomes maculaires compliquant la DMLA par vitrectomie, injection sous-rétinienne r-TPA, injection intravitréenne de bévacizumab associé à un tamponnement par gaz : à propos de 4 cas

The occurrence of a subretinal hematoma in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a serious complication that can impact the visual prognosis with a poor functional recovery. The management of this complication remains controversial. Several therapeutic methods have been described. We report the results of four patients treated with a protocol combining: vitrectomy, subretinal injection of r-TPA 0.025mg/0.3ml, intravitreal injection of 0.05ml of bevacizumab and retinal tamponade with 20% SF6 gas. Our series consists of four patients with a submacular hematoma complicating AMD, included in succession between October2013 and October2014 and treated with the same treatment protocol and by the same surgeon. All patients underwent surgery within eight days after the onset of the macular hematoma. Patients with a consultation period longer than eight days did not undergo this treatment. Face down postoperative positioning was then carried out for seven days by the patients. We observed a shift in the macular hematoma in the four patients, which allowed the identification of secondary neovascularization responsible for the bleeding. The visual acuity improved in three patients from hand motion (HM) preoperatively to 2/10 at one month postoperatively. One patient maintained visual acuity 1/20 during the entire follow-up despite almost complete resorption of the subretinal hematoma. These visual acuities were stable at 6months postoperatively. Macular subretinal hematoma can cause severe visual loss by several mechanisms. The blood accumulates between the neurosensory retina and the retinal pigment epithelium, which causes a toxic effect on the surrounding tissues, thus resulting in a loss of photoreceptors and cellular destruction in the pigment epithelium and choriocapillaris, evolving into a fibroglial scar. The therapeutic evaluation of this protocol in our series of four patients gives a favorable result. We observed an improvement in visual acuity in 3/4 of cases. This surgical technique appears to be effective in the treatment of this complication of AMD. However, a study on a larger scale is needed to confirm these results.

Efficacy of Vitrectomy Combined with Subretinal rtPA Injection with Gas or Air Tamponade.

Background Functional and anatomical outcome after vitrectomy with rtPA combined with gas or air tamponade. Patients and methods Retrospective analysis of pseudophakic patients treated with subretinal rtPA and gas or air tamponade. The primary endpoint was displacement of haemorrhage six months after surgery. The secondary endpoints were visual acuity (BCVA), haemorrhage diameter (MHD) and central macular thickness (CMT), as measured by SD-OCT. Results 53 of 85 eyes were pseudophakic. 27 of these eyes were treated with air tamponade and 26 with gas tamponade. For patients with air tamponade, the mean BCVA improved from 20/530 to 20/355 (p = 0.01). MHD and CMT decreased from 6386 ± 2281 µm to 3805 ± 2397 µm (p < 0.001) and 895 ± 592 µm to 532 ± 386 µm (p < 0.001), respectively. For patients with gas tamponade, the mean BCVA improved only slightly, from 20/471 to 20/394 (p = 0.17). MHD and CMT exhibited statistically significant decreases from 6759 ± 1773 µm to 3525 ± 1548 µm (p < 0.001) and 1089 ± 587 µm to 537 ± 251 µm (p < 0.001), respectively. Conclusions Vitrectomy with subretinal rtPA injection has strong functional and anatomical effects on submacular haemorrhages with both gas and air tamponade.

Tissue plasminogen activator-assisted vitrectomy for submacular hemorrhage due to age-related macular degeneration.

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the treatment efficacy of vitrectomy combined with subretinal recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA) and factors affecting visual improvement in patients with submacular hemorrhage (SMH) due to neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).Materials and Methods:Medical records of 17 consecutive patients diagnosed with SMH secondary to nAMD were retrospectively reviewed. The initial surgical procedure involved a 23-gauge transconjunctival vitrectomy, subretinal r-tPA application through a self-sealing inferior retinotomy, and sulfur hexafluoride gas for tamponade in all patients. The duration, size, and thickness of the hemorrhage and the pre- and post-operative visual acuity (VA) using a Snellen chart were recorded. VA was converted to logMAR for statistical analysis.Results:The average duration and size of the SMH were 12.8 ± 18.2 days and 8.6 ± 5.3 disc areas, respectively. The mean follow-up time was 16.9 ± 4.7 months. A statistically significant visual improvement was found when comparing initial VA with postoperative best-corrected VA (BCVA) and final BCVA (Wilcoxon rank test, P ≤ 0.01). There was no significant correlation between the size of the hemorrhage and postoperative BCVA and final BCVA (Spearman's rho test). There was no statistically significant correlation between the initial VA and postoperative BCVA and final BCVA (Spearman's rho test). There was no significant correlation between the duration of hemorrhage and postoperative BCVA and final BCVA (Spearman's rho test). The preoperative thickness of hemorrhage (747.5 ± 30 μm) was not correlated with postoperative BCVA or final BCVA (Pearson's test).Conclusions:Vitrectomy combined with subretinal r-tPA injection and gas tamponade is an effective surgical intervention to preserve VA in selected patients with apparent SMH.

Efficacy of Vitrectomy Combined with Subretinal Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator for Subretinal versus Subpigment Epithelial versus Combined Hemorrhages

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes after subretinal recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) treatment for subretinal hemorrhages (SRH), subpigment epithelial hemorrhages (SPH), and combined subretinal and subpigment epithelial hemorrhages (CH). Methods: An observational analysis of patients treated with subretinal rtPA was performed. The primary endpoint was the assessment of visual improvement (best-corrected visual acuity, BCVA) after surgery. Secondary endpoints were evaluation of the maximal hemorrhage diameter (MHD) and central macular thickness (CMT) measured by spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Results: From a total of 83 eyes included in the study, 19 eyes showed SRH, 11 eyes SPH, and 53 eyes CH. For SRH and CH, the mean BCVA, MHD, and CMT improved significantly (p < 0.05). For patients with SPH, both the mean MHD and CMT decreased significantly (p < 0.05), whereas the mean BCVA improved only slightly after surgery (p = 0.28). Conclusion: Vitrectomy combined with subretinal rtPA injection and gas or air tamponade has a strong functional and anatomical effect on both SRH and CH and also seems to slightly improve the anatomical outcome in SPH.

Anatomic and functional outcome of eyes with massive submacular hemorrhage secondary to retinal macroaneurysm submitted to vitrectomy

Purpose: To report the anatomic and functional outcome in patients with severe visual loss after acute massive submacular hemorrhage secondary to retinal arterial macroaneurysm submitted to vitrectomy and subretinal recombinant tissue plasminogen activator injection. Methods: Retrospective, observational, case-series of 4 eyes of 4 patients submitted to pars plana posterior vitrectomy (ppV) combined with internal limiting membrane (ILM) removal and subretinal recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA-12.5 mg/0.1 ml) injection with dilute (20%) sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas in the vitreous cavity of eyes with recent onset (≤7 days) massive macular hemorrhage due to retinal arterial macroaneurysm (RAMA). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was obtained both at presentation and during follow up. Results: Patients ranged in age from 63 to 78 years and all had systemic arterial hypertension. Visual acuity at presentation ranged from hand motions to count fingers at 50 cm. All eyes showed extensive retinal hemorrhage involving more than two-thirds of macular area. The time between the onset of symptoms and the surgery ranged from 3 to 7 days. After a mean postoperative follow-up of 15.5 ± 5.19 months (range, 10-22 months), all eyes showed visual acuity improvement and final visual acuity ranged from 20/30 to 20/80. All had complete displacement of the subretinal hemorrhage from the fovea after the surgery. OCT images showed neurosensory retina thinning and disruption of the reflective line that represents the junction between inner and outer photoreceptors segments (IS/OS line) beneath the macular area and absence of the external limiting membrane (ELM). Conclusions: ppV associated with subretinal rtPA injection with intravitreal gas seems to be a safe and effective technique to promote visual improvement in patients with multilevel macular hemorrhage secondary to RAMA. Despite functional improvement, OCT images demonstrate that submacular hemorrhage leads to permanent structural damage to the neurosensory retina, especially to the outer photoreceptors layers.

Subretinal injection of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator for submacular hemorrhage associated with ruptured retinal arterial macroaneurysm.

To evaluate the surgical outcomes of small-gauge vitrectomy with subretinal injection of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) for a submacular hemorrhage caused by a ruptured retinal arterial macroaneurysm (RAM). Non-comparative, consecutive case-series performed at two ophthalmological institutions. We examined 22 eyes of 22 patients with a submacular hemorrhage associated with a RAM but without a preretinal or sub-internal limiting membrane hemorrhage at the fovea. During 25-gauge vitrectomy, approximately 4000-8000 IU of rt-PA was injected subretinally, followed by the injection of air or 10 % sulfur hexafluoride as a tamponade. The patients maintained an upright position for 1 hour, then turned to a facedown position for 1 to 3 days. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and postoperative complications were evaluated. The average interval from the onset of symptoms to surgery was 8.4 ± 7.6 days, and the average size of the subretinal hemorrhage was 3.4 ± 1.0 disc diameters. The submacular hemorrhage was displaced from the foveal area in all eyes after 1 week. The mean baseline BCVA was 1.41 ± 0.41 logMAR units, and it improved to 0.91 ± 0.43 at 1 month and to 0.64 ± 0.45 at the final visit (P = 0.0001, P < 0.0001 respectively). A macular hole was detected intraoperatively in two eyes and postoperatively in two eyes, and both were closed by internal limiting membrane peeling or a second vitrectomy. Small-gauge vitrectomy with subretinal rt-PA injection and gas tamponade were effective in displacing a submacular hemorrhage associated with a RAM.

Treatment of multilevel macular hemorrhage secondary to retinal arterial macroaneurysm with submacular tissue plasminogen activator

To evaluate the efficacy of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) followed by internal limiting membrane (ILM) removal and injection of subretinal recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA)-assisted pneumatic displacement in eyes with massive multilevel macular hemorrhage caused by ruptured retinal arterial macroaneurysm (RAMA). Four eyes of 4 patients treated with PPV for recent (</= 7 days) macular hemorrhage at both beneath the ILM and subretinal space involving the center of the fovea caused by RAMA were included in the study. In each case, following PPV, ILM removal, subretinal injection of rtPA (12.5 µg/0.1 mL), and fluid-air exchange with postoperative prone positioning was performed. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) examination was performed at the initial and the follow-up visits. Duration of symptoms ranged from 3 to 7 days (average, 4.5±1.9 days). Preoperative visual acuity ranged from hand motions to 20/800. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 18 months (average, 13±5.2 months). The postoperative visual acuity improved in all eyes and ranged from 20/100 to 20/30 (mean, 20/50). At the final visit, OCT examination revealed well-preserved foveal structure in all eyes. Mild nuclear sclerosis developed in one eye. Pars plana vitrectomy followed by ILM removal and injection of subretinal rtPA-assisted pneumatic displacement appears to be effective in both improving visual acuity and preserving the foveal structure in eyes with recent massive multilevel macular hemorrhage secondary to RAMA.

Subretinal recombinant tissue plasminogen activator and pneumatic displacement for the management of subretinal hemorrhage occurring after anti-VEGF injections for wet AMD

We describe three cases of submacular hemorrhage that occurred two to four days after anti-VEGF intravitreal injection for occult choroidal neovascularisation in age-related macular degeneration and their management with 25 gauge pars plana vitrectomy with injection of subretinal recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rTPA) followed by fluid-air exchange and postoperative prone position. Vitrectomy, subretinal rTPA injection and fluid-gas exchange apply as a safe and effective treatment in these cases. Functional results seem to be positive especially if surgical treatment is promptly performed.

Traitement des hématomes maculaires compliquant la DMLA par vitrectomie, injection sous-rétinienne de rt-PA et tamponnement intraoculaire par gaz

The natural prognosis of eyes with subretinal hemorrhage resulting from age-related macular degeneration is generally poor. A variety of therapeutic approaches have been developed but no consensus was found. Therefore, we evaluated a technique consisting of pars plana vitrectomy and subretinal rt-PA injection followed by evacuation of the liquid blood using sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). This study was a retrospective clinical case series examining 18 eyes of 16 patients with age-related macular degeneration and thick submacular hemorrhage treated with vitrectomy, subretinal injection of rt-PA (0.5mg), and fluid-gas exchange. The subretinal hemorrhage was displaced in all 18 cases, revealing a choroidal lesion in 17 eyes. A treatable lesion accountable for the bleeding was identified in ten eyes, which all received a secondary treatment (intravitreal injection or photodynamic therapy). After a mean follow-up of 6 months, the final visual acuity improved in ten eyes. Complications consisted of one case of retinal detachment and one case of hyphema. This surgical technique seems useful in displacing thick submacular hemorrhage secondary to age-related macular degeneration, allowing postoperative fluorescein angiography testing and, potentially, subsequent treatments. However, further controlled and multicentric studies will be required to assess its efficacy and safety in the management of this difficult clinical problem.

Management of submacular hemorrhage with intravitreal versus subretinal injection of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator

To compare the efficacy of pars plana vitrectomy (ppV) with intravitreal injection of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) and gas versus ppV with subretinal injection of rtPA and intravitreal injection of gas. Nonrandomized, retrospective, interventional, comparative consecutive series including 47 patients with submacular hemorrhage. Eighteen patients were treated with ppV, intravitreal injection of rtPA and 20% SF6 gas [group A: mean age 78 years, mean duration of symptoms 6.6 days, 15 age-related macular degeneration (AMD), three retinal arterial macroaneurysm (RAMA)]. Twenty-nine patients were treated with ppV, subretinal injection of rtPA and intravitreal injection of SF6 gas (group B: mean age 75 years, mean duration of symptoms 5.9 days, 26 AMD, two RAMA, one blunt ocular trauma). The main outcome measure was complete displacement of submacular hemorrhage from the fovea. Complete displacement of submacular hemorrhage was achieved in less patients in group A (22%) than in group B (55%) (p = 0.025). In group A, mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) change was logMAR -0.14, standard deviation (SD) = 0.64, and in group B logMAR -0.32, SD = 0.68 without statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.2, Mann-Whitney test). Complications (retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, and recurrence of submacular hemorrhage) were more frequent in group B than in group A. ppV with subretinal injection of rtPA and intravitreal injection of gas was more effective than ppV with intravitreal injection of rtPA and gas in terms of complete displacement of submacular hemorrhage; however, it may be associated with a higher rate of postoperative complications. Functional improvement in the majority of patients suggests the absence of direct retinal toxicity of subretinally applied rtPA.

Retinal pigment epithelial tear after subretinal rtpa and intravitreal air for the displacement of a large submacular hemorrhage.

The authors report a case of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) tear following pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), subretinal recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA), and intravitreal gas administration for the displacement of large submacular hemorrhage. A patient with a large submacular hemorrhage secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) received a subretinal rt-PA injection and intravitreal air installation after PPV. Ophthalmic examination included standardized visual acuity testing and fluorescein angiography. One patient from the authors' outpatient clinic. Baseline visual acuity of the eye was 20/160. Ophthalmoscopy showed a predominantly hemorrhagic lesion in the macula. Ophthalmoscopy and fluorescein angiography 2 weeks after the surgery revealed a RPE tear. Postoperative visual acuity was 20/1000. This case demonstrates that a RPE tear is a possible complication of the procedure of subretinal rt-PA and intravitreal air tamponade after PPV for the displacement of a large submacular hemorrhage secondary to neovascular AMD. The surgeon has to be aware about this complication and should inform the patient before surgery.