Vitreoretinal Interface Abnormalities Research Articles

Vitreoretinal Interface Abnormalities in Pathologic Myopia (Myopic Traction Maculopathy)

Myopic traction maculopathy (MTM) is an umbrella term proposed to describe the spectrum of pathologic anatomic changes in the macula of pathologic myopic eyes, including vitreomacular traction, macular foveoschisis and myopic macular hole, affecting a large proportion of eyes with pathologic myopia. In this review, we aim to share information about the diagnosis, clinical features and treatment of MTM.

Vitreoretinal Interface Abnormalities in Patients With Retinal Vein Occlusion in a Tertiary Referral Center.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of vitreoretinal interface (VRI) disorders in patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and to evaluate the impact of VRI abnormalities on the treatment outcomes of macular edema secondary to RVO using intravitreal aflibercept. Participants in this prospective study were consecutive patients with macular edema secondary to RVO, who received intravitreal aflibercept injections. At baseline, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was assessed, and spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was performed to measure central subfield thickness (CST) and to evaluate the presence of VRI disorders, namely, vitreoretinal adhesion (VMA), vitreoretinal traction (VMT), epiretinal membrane (ERM), lamellar macular hole (LMH), and full-thickness macular hole (FTMH). The primary outcomes were the prevalence of various VRI disorders in patients with RVO and the impact of VRI disorders on BCVA and CST after aflibercept treatment in such patients. At baseline, 16.1% of patients had VMA, 3.2% VMT, 18.3% ERM, and 1.1% LMH. There were a statistically significant improvement in BCVA and a decrease in CST in RVO patients over time. There was no statistically significant difference regarding BCVA and CST at baseline and until month 24 after treatment between patients with VRI disorders and those without VRI disorders. However, the mean number of injections during the follow-up period was higher in the group with VRI disorders (9.4±2.1) compared to those without VRI disorders (8.1±0.7, p=0.0002). The prevalence of VRI disorders in patients with RVO was 16.1% for VMA, 3.2% for VMT, 18.3% for ERM, and 1.1% for LMH. VRI disorders were not found to affect the anatomical and visual outcomes after intravitreal aflibercept treatment in patients with RVO, although more intravitreal injections were needed in patients with VRI disorders.

Vitreoretinal interface abnormalities in fellow eyes of patients with a macular hole.

This study aimed to determine the incidence of bilateral macular holes (MHs), and to investigate the incidence and characteristics of retinal abnormalities in the fellow eyes, using high-definition optical coherence tomography (OCT). Medical records from 724 consecutive patients diagnosed with full-thickness MHs, who underwent surgery at Fujita Health University Hospital from May 2015 to March 2022, were retrospectively reviewed. Based on the exclusion criteria, 658 patients with idiopathic MHs were included. B-scan OCT images of the fellow eyes were used to identify vitreoretinal interface abnormalities, such as MHs, epiretinal membranes (ERMs), vitreomacular traction syndrome (VMTS) and lamellar macular holes (LMHs). The mean age of the patients was 65.9±9.0 years. There were 292 males (44.4%) and 366 females (55.6%). There were 39 fellow eyes with MHs (5.9%), 77 with ERMs (11.7%), 32 with VMTS (4.9%) and 11 with LMHs (1.7%). Thirty-four fellow eyes (5.2%) could not be classified and 469 fellow eyes were normal (71.3%). Furthermore, the 39 bilateral MHs were divided into four stages according to the Gass classification, as follows: stage 1, 32 eyes (82.1%); stage 2, none (0%); stage 3, 5 eyes (12.8%); and stage 4, 2 eyes (5.1%). Vitreoretinal interface abnormalities, such as MHs, ERMs, VMTS and LMHs, are more common in the fellow eyes of patients with MHs than in the healthy population. The fellow eyes of patients with MHs should be carefully followed using OCT.

Macular Anatomy and Abnormalities in Neurofibromatosis Type 2

Purpose: To describe macular anatomy and abnormalities on Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) in a large series of patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2). Methods: Retrospective review of all consecutive patients with NF2. Results: A total of 166 eyes in 83 patients with NF2 were identified from February 2014 to May 2015. Macular SD-OCT was available for 124 eyes (75%). Isolated epiretinal membrane (ERM) was diagnosed in 52% of patients (n=43) with bilateral ERM in 15 cases. ERM was commonly fine (64%), non-retractile (90%), extra-foveolar (90%), discontinuous (78%) and without posterior vitreous detachment (93%). Combined Hamartoma of the Retina and Retinal Pigmented Epithelium (CHRRPE) was seen in 12% of patients (n=10); three of which were bilateral. Additional OCT anomalies identified include Congenital Hypertrophy of Retinal Pigment Epithelium (CHRPE), internal limiting membrane irregularities, inner retinal tufts, serpentine-like extensions into the vitreoretinal interface, focal alterations of inner retinal lamination and infiltration of the posterior vitreous cortex. All retinal anomalies identified suggest pathological involvement of Müller cells. Conclusion: Our series underscores the utility of macular SD-OCT in patients with NF2. While ERM and vitreoretinal interface abnormalities are the most common macular pathology identified in NF2, all SD-OCT pathology suggests Muller cell involvement.

Nodular Epiretinal Mϋller Cell Gliosis in the Fovea.

To report the findings of a hyperreflective nodular epiretinal gliosis observed with optical coherence tomography (OCT) presumed to be due to subclinical hyaloidal traction causing Mϋller cell cone gliosis. Retrospective, observational case series. Six eyes of 6 patients (mean age: 57, range 35-81 years) presented with a nodular epiretinal gliosis and had an average follow-up interval of 26 months (range 1-82 months). Mean baseline best corrected visual acuity was 0.25±0.17 (Snellen equivalent 20/38.3±16.9). Fundus photography demonstrated a yellowish lesion overlying the fovea. OCT imaging revealed a hyperreflective preretinal lesion with a mean vertical length of 267-microns (µm) (range 185-497) and a mean greatest linear diameter of 312-µm (range 124-640). There was no vitreoretinal abnormality including vitreomacular traction or epiretinal membrane noted in any eye, and 2 of 6 eyes displayed a definitive posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). These nodules may have occurred prior to and persisted even after a PVD or may have been acquired after the PVD. The nodules typically remained stable with minimal change although in one eye, a PVD occurred 6 months after initial presentation and lifted the gliosis off of the retinal surface where it remained attached to the posterior hyaloid. Foveal nodular epiretinal gliosis may occur due to subclinical hyaloidal traction on the Müller cell cone even without obvious vitreoretinal interface abnormality on OCT.

ULTRA-WIDEFIELD OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY IN MILD FAMILIAL EXUDATIVE VITREORETINOPATHY.

To investigate ultra-widefield optical coherence tomography angiography (UWF-OCTA) to detect and evaluate mild familial exudative vitreoretinopathy and compare the detective ratio of UWF-OCTA with ultra-widefield scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography. The patients with familial exudative vitreoretinopathy were included in this study. UWF-OCTA, using a 24- × 20-mm montage, was performed for all patients. All images were independently tested for the presence of familial exudative vitreoretinopathy-associated lesions. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS V.24.0. Forty-six eyes of 26 participants were included in the study. Ultra-widefield optical coherence tomography angiography was found to be greatly superior to ultra-widefield scanning laser ophthalmoscopy in detecting peripheral retinal vascular abnormality ( P < 0.001) and peripheral retinal avascular zone ( P < 0.001). The detection rates of peripheral retinal vascular abnormality, peripheral retinal avascular zone, retinal neovascularization, macular ectopia, and temporal midperipheral vitreoretinal interface abnormality were comparable with ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography images ( P > 0.05). Furthermore, vitreoretinal traction (17/46, 37%) and small foveal avascular zone (17/46, 37%) were detected effectively on UWF-OCTA. Ultra-widefield optical coherence tomography angiography is a reliable noninvasive tool to detect familial exudative vitreoretinopathy lesions, especially in mild patients or asymptomatic family members. The unique manifestation of UWF-OCTA offers an alternative to ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography for the screening and diagnosis of FEVR.

MULTICOLOR CONFOCAL SCANNING LASER OPHTHALMOSCOPE IMAGING IN POSTERIOR UVEITIS.

To study the utility of MultiColor confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope imaging (MCI) in identifying the morphology of uveitic lesions compared with conventional color fundus photography (CFP) in patients with posterior uveitis. In this prospective observational study, subjects with posterior uveitis underwent MCI and CFP. The images obtained by the two modalities were analyzed by two independent reviewers for vitreoretinal surface abnormalities, retinal fluid and hemorrhages, and depth/location of lesions. These findings were compared with the clinical findings and other imaging techniques. Sixty-nine eyes of 43 patients (25 men) with mean age of 33.5 ± 13.9 years were studied. MultiColor imaging had better sensitivity and specificity in detecting vitreoretinal interface abnormalities, such as epiretinal membrane and inner retinal striae, compared with CFP. MultiColor imaging failed to detect retinochoroiditis lesions in 5 of 6 eyes (83%) and choroiditis in 9 46 eyes (20%), which were detected on CFP and clinical examination. Also, MCI showed a high false-positive rate of 34% in detecting intraretinal hemorrhages. Retinochoroidal lesions in posterior uveitis may be poorly identified on MCI compared with CFP and clinical examination. One must exercise caution in commenting on disease morphology based on MCI alone.

FZD4 in a Large Chinese Population With Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy: Molecular Characteristics and Clinical Manifestations.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to establish a genotype-phenotype correlation of familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) caused by FZD4 gene mutations.MethodsSix hundred fifty-one probands and their family members were recruited based on a clinical diagnosis of FEVR between 2015 and 2021 at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center. Ocular examinations were performed in all participants. Targeted gene panel sequencing and whole-exome sequencing were performed in the probands, and Sanger sequencing was used to verify the mutations and segregation analysis was performed in the family members.ResultsFifty-one FZD4 mutations (24 novels and 27 known) were detected in 84 families. Of these 168 eyes with FEVR, the eyes at stages 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 were 29 (17.3%), 15 (8.9%), 19 (11.3%), 55 (32.7%), and 12 (7.1%), respectively. Exact stage of 38 (22.6%) eyes could not be determined. The FEVR phenotypes were more severe in the probands than the phenotypes in the family members (P < 0.001). The families were divided into two groups, probands that inherited the variant from the mother, and probands that inherited the variant from the father. In addition, the FEVR stage differences between these two groups were different (P < 0.05). Despite the mutations being located in different domains of FZD4, no significant differences were identified among the domains in terms of FEVR staging, retinal folds, retinal detachment, temporal midperipheral vitreoretinal interface abnormality, and foveal hypoplasia.ConclusionsThe FZD4 probands had severer phenotype than the family members, and the FEVR stage difference was greater between the probands and mothers than that between the probands and fathers.

Inter-Eye Comparison in Highly Myopic Patients with Unilateral Myopic Traction Maculopathy

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the risk factors for myopic traction maculopathy (MTM) through inter-eye comparisons of asymmetric ocular features in patients with unilateral MTM. Materials and Method Highly myopic patients with unilateral MTM were enrolled in the study. The results of comprehensive ophthalmologic examinations, color fundus images, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were reviewed. MTM and myopic atrophic maculopathy was evaluated according to the ATN classification system. The status of the posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), posterior precortical vitreous pocket, vitreoretinal interface abnormalities, posterior staphyloma height (PSH), and the location of the protrusion of the sclera were assessed through OCT. Results Among the 54 eyes of 27 patients 48.89 ± 12.78 years of age, the affected eyes had worse best-corrected visual acuity, a longer axial length (AXL), greater PSH, and higher rates of posterior staphylomas, vitreovascular traction and epiretinal membranes (ERMs) than the fellow eyes (P < .001; P < .001; P < .001; P = .010; P = .002; P < .001). Thirteen cases present obvious anisometropia with an inter-eye AXL difference of more than 1 mm. In the 14 cases without obvious anisometropia, the eyes with MTM still had longer AXL, greater PSH and a higher ERMs rate than the fellow eyes (P = .039; P = .017; P = .001). Besides, in the 7 cases with an inter-eye AXL difference of less than 1 mm and asymmetrical stages of PVD, 5 cases with greater PVD in the affected eyes. Multiple risk factors coexisted in 96% of cases. Conclusions In patients with unilateral MTM, a longer AXL, greater PSH, posterior staphyloma, vitreovascular traction, and ERMs were the main factors contributing to the occurrence of MTM. The process of PVD might involve in MTM development.

Is pseudoexfoliation syndrome associated with vitreoretinal interface abnormalities?

To evaluate vitreoretinal interface abnormalities in patients with pseudoexfoliation (PEX) syndrome. This case-control study was performed in 136 patients diagnosed with unilateral PEX (PEX group) and 139 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers (Control group). Both the affected and contralateral eyes were evaluated in the PEX group and the right eye was evaluated in the Control group. Vitreoretinal interface abnormalities and posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) were evaluated on optical coherence tomography (OCT) examination. The incidences of incomplete and complete PVD were significantly higher in the affected than contralateral eye in the PEX group and in the right eye in the Control group (P = 0.009, P = 0.012 and P = 0.004, P = 0.017, respectively). The rates of 'no PVD' were significantly higher in the contralateral eye in the PEX group and the Control group compared to the affected eye in the PEX group (P = 0.003 and P = 0.001, respectively). The odds ratio for incomplete PVD was 3.1 in PEX eyes compared to the contralateral eye in the PEX group and 3.9 compared to the Control group. The rate of epiretinal membranes (ERMs) in the affected eye was significantly different from the contralateral eye in the PEX and Control groups (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). The odds ratio for ERM in PEX eyes was 3.51 compared to the contralateral eye in the PEX group and 4.23 compared to the Control group. In the presence of incomplete PVD, the odds ratio for ERM development was 3.81 in PEX eyes. We detected high rates of ERMs and incomplete PVD in patients with PEX. It is important to evaluate and follow up PEX cases in terms of vitreoretinal interface abnormalities.

Ocular Involvement in Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis: A Case Series Describing Novel Potential Biomarkers.

Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (hATTR) is a rare disease caused by a point mutation in the transthyretin (TTR) gene and inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion. TTR is a plasma protein that functions as a carrier for thyroxine (T4) and retinol (vitamin A). Ophthalmological manifestations are due to both the hepatic and ocular production of mutated TTR. In this case series, we report the ocular manifestations of hATTR in eighteen eyes of nine consecutive patients. Corneal nerve abnormalities as well as morphological and functional changes in the retina were investigated. The study was a single-center, retrospective, observational, clinical case series. In all patients, corneal confocal microscopy (CCM), multimodal imaging of the retina, including fundus photography and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), as well as rod and cone electroretinography (ERG) were performed. Eight patients had active disease and one was an unaffected carrier. In all study eyes, corneal nerve plexa examined with CCM were poorly represented or absent. Mixed rod-cone and cone ERG b-wave amplitudes were reduced, and photopic b-wave responses were significantly delayed. Photopic Negative Response (PhNR) amplitude was significantly reduced, while PhNR latency was significantly augmented. In 13/18 eyes, vitreous opacities and abnormalities of vitreo-retinal interface were found. The current results highlight the presence of corneal nerve damage. Functional retinal abnormalities, detected by ERG, can be found even in the presence of minimal or absent structural retinal damage. These findings support the use of CCM and ERGs to detect early biomarkers for primary hATTR.

Prevalence, Causes, and Factors Associated with Visual Impairment in a Chinese Elderly Population: The Rugao Longevity and Aging Study.

PurposeThis study aimed to explore the current prevalence, causes, and factors associated with visual impairment in a Chinese elderly population.MethodsA random sample of 2164 candidates aged ≥70 years was selected. Among them, 1914 participants (response rate: 88.4%) underwent comprehensive eye examinations. The prevalence and causes of visual impairment were estimated, and the associated factors were identified.ResultsThe standardized prevalence of mild visual impairment (<6/12 to ≥6/18), moderate to severe visual impairment (MSVI) (<6/18 to ≥3/60), and blindness (<3/60) in the better eye were 20.5%, 25.8%, and 3.4%, respectively. The leading cause of visual impairment was cataract (49.7%), followed by uncorrected refractive error (26.5%), myopic maculopathy (5.8%), and posterior capsular opacification (5.5%). Optical coherence tomography revealed that vitreoretinal interface abnormalities were the third most common cause of monocular mild visual impairment (2.2%) and MSVI (4.4%) in the elderly population. A large number of patients with visual impairment (81.7%) were amenable to undergo the interventions. Visual impairment was associated with advanced age (odds ratio [OR], 1.09 per year; p<0.001), female sex (OR, 1.59; p=0.003), self-reported visual impairment (OR, 1.91; p<0.001), cognitive impairment (OR, 1.40, p=0.005), and high educational level (OR, 0.75; primary, p=0.045; and OR, 0.53, secondary or higher; p<0.001).ConclusionVisual impairment was common in the Chinese elderly population and a severe health and social problem. Practicable policies are urgently needed to popularize eye health knowledge and promote treatments for visual impairment in elderly people in rural China.

Prevalence of Vitreoretinal Interface Disorders in an Australian Population: The Blue Mountains Eye Study.

PurposeTo describe the prevalence, risk factors, and associations of vitreoretinal interface (VRI) abnormalities in a population-based study of older adults.DesignCross-sectional analysis of cohort study participants.ParticipantsOf the 1149 participants (mean age, 76.1 ± 6.9 years) in the 15-year Blue Mountains Eye Study follow-up examination from 2007 through 2009, 905 (1791 eyes) had gradable time-domain or spectral-domain OCT scans of the macula from at least 1 eye.MethodsOCT scans were graded according to the International Vitreomacular Traction Study Group classification system of VRI abnormalities. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was recorded.Main Outcome MeasuresPrevalence of VRIs.ResultsOverall, 451 participants showed any VRI abnormality (49.8%). Prevalence of VRI abnormality by person was: vitreomacular adhesion (VMA), 33.6%; vitreomacular traction (VMT), 1.6%; epiretinal membrane (ERM), 21.4%; full-thickness macular hole (FTMH), 0.7%; and lamellar macular hole (LMH), 0.7%. Twenty-two percent of VMAs were focal, and 78% were broad based; 76% of VMTs were focal, and 24% were broad based. All FTMHs observed were large (>400 μm), with mean aperture size of 573 μm (range, 459–771 μm). Increased age was associated with higher ERM and lower VMA prevalence (P < 0.001 for both). Pseudophakia and myopia were associated with ERM (age- and sex-adjusted odds ratios [ORs], 1.48 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01–2.17] and 1.72 [95% CI, 1.05–2.81], respectively). Moderate or severe ERM and FTMH were associated with worse BCVA of 9.2 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters (95% CI, 3.4–15.0 ETDRS letters; P = 0.008) and 26.0 ETDRS letters (95% CI, 10.9–41.1 ETDRS letters; P = 0.001), respectively.ConclusionsThe prevalence of VRI abnormalities is high in older individuals. Epiretinal membrane was associated with increasing age, pseudophakia, and myopia. Epiretinal membrane and FTMH may account for significant visual loss in the affected eye. This study provided useful population-based data on the prevalence of VRI abnormalities in older individuals.

Baseline characteristics of myopic choroidal neovascularization in patients above 50\xa0years old and prognostic factors after intravitreal conbercept treatment

To investigate the influence of age on the function and morphology of patients with myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) and to evaluate the effect and prognostic factors of recurrence of Conbercept treatment on mCNV patients over 50 years. A total of 64 patients (64 eyes) with mCNV were enrolled in this retrospective study. The differences in baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and morphological features on imaging between the younger group (˂ 50 years) and the older group (≥ 50 years) were analyzed. Of all, 21 eyes of 21 mCNV patients aged over 50 years who received Conbercept injection were further analyzed. Between the younger and the older group, significant differences were shown in mean BCVA (0.58 ± 0.28 vs 0.77 ± 0.31), subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) (108.17 ± 78.32 μm vs 54.68 ± 39.03 μm) and frequency of vitreoretinal interface abnormalities (VIA) (2 vs 13), respectively (P < 0.05). After treated with Conbercept, the mean BCVA of 21 older mCNV patients increased from 0.83 ± 0.30 at baseline to 0.49 ± 0.24 at one year. Baseline BCVA, external limiting membrane damage, CNV area and CNV location correlated with the visual acuity at the 1-year follow-up. There were 7 (33.3%) recurrent cases during the follow-up and the risk of recurrence in patients with baseline central macular thickness (CMT) ≥ 262.86 μm was 14 times greater than that of patients with CMT < 262.86 μm. The risk of recurrence increased 1.84 times for every 100-μm increment in the CMT. Patients over 50 years with mCNV had a worse BCVA, thinner choroid, and higher risk of VIA than young mCNV patients. The standard Conbercept treatment strategy was safe and effective in mCNV patients over 50 years. As patients over 50 years with a greater CMT have a high risk of recurrence, more attention should be paid on these patients by following them up closely.

Spectral Domain OCT Predictors of Visual Acuity in the Study of COmparative Treatments for REtinal Vein Occlusion 2: SCORE 2 Report 15

To evaluate the association between baseline demographic and spectral domain OCT (SD-OCT) features with visual acuity (VA) in the Study of COmparative Treatments for REtinal Vein Occlusion 2 (SCORE2) over 2 years. Post hoc analysis of prospective clinical trial data. A total of 362 SCORE2 participants with macular edema secondary to central retinal (CRVO) or hemiretinal vein occlusion (HRVO). Spectral domain OCT volume scans were assessed at the SCORE2 reading center at baseline, month 01 (M01), month 06 (M06), month 12 (M12), and month 24 (M24) for central subfield thickness (CST), subretinal fluid, intraretinal fluid, vitreoretinal interface abnormalities, disorganization of retinal inner layers (DRIL), and ellipsoid zone (EZ) within the central subfield (CSF). Visual acuity at M06, M12, and M24. Mean baseline age was 68.9 years. Mean VA at M01 was 63.2 letters, and CST was 299.7 μm. At M01, subretinal fluid was seen in 28.5% intraretinal fluid in 67.2%, DRIL was seen in 73.8%, mostly within the CSF, and the EZ was absent in 9.8 and patchy in 31.7%. In multivariate analysis including all M01 demographics and SD-OCT parameters and their association with VA at M06, M12, and M24, VA at M01 remained significant across all time points up to M24 (P < 0.001). In this 2-year follow-up of eyes that were treated with both per protocol and off protocol for RVO, VA at M01 was an important predictor of long-term vision and change in vision. Establishing predictors of visual recovery helps identify causes for poor responders to treatment in patients with RVO.

Swept-source OCT findings in shaken baby syndrome: case report

BackgroundOur purpose was to document the swept source optical coherence tomography (SSOCT) findings in a patient with Shaken baby syndrome (SBS).Case presentationSSOCT was obtained without sedation in a six-month-old girl with bilateral multilayered retinal hemorrhages due to SBS. It documented vitreoretinal interface abnormalities, including internal limiting membrane (ILM) detachment with retinal traction, in association with other specific changes in the inner and outer retinal layers. Six weeks later, retinal hemorrhages had substantially resolved, and there was optic disc pallor. OCT showed ILM reattachment with release of retinal traction and the development of severe diffuse retinal atrophy involving the fovea.ConclusionsSS OCT can provide useful information in SBS, revealing a wide variety of vitreoretinal interface, inner, and outer retinal changes not detected by clinical examination. It also may have a prognostic value over follow-up.

Ultra-wide-field scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and optical coherence tomography in FEVR: findings and its diagnostic ability

Background/AimsTo describe some novel vitreoretinal microstructural findings in patients with mild familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) on ultra-wide-field scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (UWF-SLO) and UWF optical coherence tomography (UWF-OCT) and to evaluate...

Pathogenic role of the vitreous in angle-closure glaucoma with autosomal recessive bestrophinopathy: a case report

BackgroundAutosomal recessive bestrophinopathy (ARB) is caused by homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in the BEST1 gene and always accompanied with refractory angle-closure glaucoma (ACG). The exact mechanism for the pan-ocular abnormalities in ARB is still unknown and the management of ACG in these cases is challenging.Case presentationA 26-year-old patient with a novel autosomal–recessively inherited c.1 A > G variant in BEST1 diagnosed as ARB and ACG, presented as widespread vitelliform deposits in the posterior pole, retinoschisis in the macula, vitreoretinal interface abnormalities, shallow anterior chamber depth (ACD) and angle closure with uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP). Combined phacoemulsification, intraocular lens implantation and goniosynechialysis did not improve any clinical presentation. However, low dose transscleral cyclophotocoagulation with subsequent vitreous liquefaction effectively lowered IOP, deepened ACD, and rehabilitated retinoschisis in both eyes.ConclusionsThis case implied vitreous condition may play a pathogenic role in formation of retinoschisis and ACG in the patients with ARB. Treatments that induce vitreous liquefaction could be used to treat young ACG patients with ARB or other kinds of ACG to avoid vision-threatening post-operative complications.

Anaphylatoxin concentration in aqueous and vitreous humor in the eyes with vitreoretinal interface abnormalities

The complement system may be activated in the posterior segment of the eye with chorioretinal disease, which may be reflected to the concentration of anaphylatoxins in the aqueous humor. Little is known about the distribution of anaphylatoxins in the aqueous and vitreous humor. The aim of the present study was to investigate the distribution of anaphylatoxin concentration in the aqueous and vitreous humor of the eyes with idiopathic epiretinal membrane or idiopathic macular hole. This was an experimental, observational case series. This study included 43 eyes from 43 patients; 29 eyes with idiopathic epiretinal membrane, and 14 eyes with idiopathic macular hole. All 43 eyes underwent cataract surgery and vitrectomy. The aqueous and vitreous humor were collected at the surgery. The anaphylatoxin concentrations were measured by using a cytometric beads array, and the respective C3a, C4a, and C5a concentrations were 2.003 ± 0.679 (mean ± standard deviation) ng/ml, 1.389 ± 0.419 ng/ml, and 0.003 ± 0.004 ng/ml in the aqueous humor, and 1.236 ± 0.642 ng/ml, 1.250 ± 0.542 ng/ml, and 0.048 ± 0.069 ng/ml in the vitreous humor. The mean C3a concentration in the aqueous humor was significantly higher than in the vitreous humor in 43 eyes of iMH and iERM (P < 0.001). The mean C4a concentration showed no significant difference between the aqueous humor and vitreous humor (P = 0.282), and the mean C5a in the aqueous humor was significantly lower than in the vitreous humor overall (P < 0.001). The C3a concentration in the aqueous humor strongly correlated with that in the vitreous humor (R = 0.510, P < 0.001). The concentrations of C4a and C5a in the aqueous humor moderately correlated with those in the vitreous humor (C4a; R = 0.356, P = 0.019, C5a; R = 0.464, P = 0.022). In conclusion, the anaphylatoxin concentrations measured by cytometric beads array in the aqueous humor may be associated with those measured in the vitreous humor.

OBSERVATION OF VITREOUS FEATURES USING ENHANCED VITREOUS IMAGING OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY IN HIGHLY MYOPIC RETINOSCHISIS

To observe features of the posterior vitreous and vitreoretinal interface in highly myopic eyes with retinoschisis using enhanced vitreous imaging optical coherence tomography. Comprehensive ophthalmologic examination and enhanced vitreous imaging optical coherence tomography were performed in 77 eyes of 63 patients with highly myopic retinoschisis. Two different modes of spectral domain optical coherence tomography were employed to estimate retinoschisis and the posterior vitreous features in optical coherence tomography images, respectively. The types and distribution of vitreoretinal interface abnormalities were also analyzed. Complete posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) was identified in 55 eyes (71.4%) with a Weiss ring. Residual cortex was found in 39 eyes (70.9%) with complete PVD. Vitreoretinal interface changes, including vitreoretinal adhesion and epiretinal membrane (ERM), most frequently appeared in the macular area (47.3%), followed by the inferior arched vessels region (34.5%). In partial PVD eyes, vitreoretinal traction, vitreoretinal adhesion, and epiretinal membrane tended to be observed in the inferior and superior arched vessels regions (54.5 and 40.9%, respectively). Among all types of vitreoretinal interface abnormalities, epiretinal membrane comprised the largest proportion (46.8%) despite the status of PVD. The presence of inner layers of retinoschisis connoted a relatively high possibility of vitreoretinal interface abnormalities occurring. Enhanced vitreous imaging optical coherence tomography reveals a high prevalence of vitreoretinal interface abnormalities in highly myopic eyes with retinoschisis. Vitreous cortex tends to remain on the macular area in eyes with complete PVD. Our findings may lead to better guidance for the surgical treatment of highly myopic retinoschisis.