Retinale Pigmentepithelrisse nach intravitrealem Bevacizumab bei AMD

Retinal Pigment Epithelium Tears After Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration

PURPOSE

To assess the visual prognostic factors of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) tears and describe their clinical features.

METHODS

The medical records of treatment-naive neovascular age-related macular degeneration patients who received intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

The incidence of RPE tears was 1.36% (10 out of 733 eyes). The type of anti-VEGF agent administered did not affect the incidence (p = 0.985). The median best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 10 patients decreased after an RPE tear (0.4 to 0.6 logMAR); however, subsequent injections restored the BCVA to a level similar to that before the RPE tear (0.4 logMAR, p = 0.436). Central macular thickness improved significantly during the study (794.4 to 491.9 μm, p = 0.013). The final BCVA was positively correlated with the BCVA before and immediately after the RPE tear (p = 0.025 and 0.002, respectively) and was weakly correlated with foveal involvement of the RPE tear (p = 0.061).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of RPE tears did not differ according to the type of anti-VEGF agent. The final BCVA was proportional to the BCVA before and after RPE tears. Continuous treatment with anti-VEGF after the occurrence of RPE tears can benefit the final visual acuity and macular anatomy.

Retinal pigment epithelial tears

A retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) tear is a well-known complication of retinal pigment epithelial detachments (PED) and may cause a significant visual impairment. The most common cause is a vascularized PED in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The development of diagnostic imaging techniques brings us closer to the etiology and pathophysiological mechanisms of this entity, offering us new strategies for treatment and follow-up. The advent of intravitreal antiangiogenic treatment (anti-VEGF) has led to an increase in the number of reported cases of RPE tears, which are an important vision-limiting factor during treatment. However, RPE tears may occur spontaneously or as a consequence of thermal laser treatment, photodynamic therapy or anti-VEGF therapy. It is accepted that the mechanism of RPE tears is multifactorial. The optimization of the functional outcome of this complication has been described with continuous treatment with antiangiogenic drugs. The goal of the present review is to evaluate the incidence, risk factors and treatment of RPE tears.

Suppression of Human Tenon Fibroblast Cell Proliferation by Lentivirus-Mediated VEGF Small Hairpin RNA

Purpose. The functions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in scar formation after trabeculectomy were investigated in a human Tenon fibroblast cell line from glaucoma patients using lentivirus-mediated VEGF shRNA. Methods. Human Tenon fibroblast (HTF) cells were isolated from scar tissue of glaucoma patients during secondary surgery. Lentivirus-VEGF-shRNA was constructed and transfected into HTF cells. Subsequently, VEGF mRNA and protein expression were analyzed using quantitative RT-PCR and western blotting, respectively, and the effects of VEGF knockdown were analyzed. The inhibition of HTF proliferation was monitored according to total cell numbers using ScanArray. Results. Both mRNA and protein levels of VEGF were reduced by lentivirus-mediated VEGF-shRNA, and proliferation of HTF cells was inhibited. Conclusions. Primary cultures of human Tenon fibroblast (HTF) were established, and proliferation was decreased following inhibition of VEGF. VEGF may be a suitable therapeutic target for reducing scar tissue formation in glaucoma patients after filtration surgery.

RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIAL TEAR AND ANTI-VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR THERAPY IN EXUDATIVE AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION: Clinical Course and Long-Term Prognosis

BACKGROUND

To document the long-term outcome in cases of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) tears after treatment of vascularized pigment epithelial detachments with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the long-term outcome of a consecutive series of eyes with RPE tear developed during anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy for pigment epithelial detachment associated with choroidal neovascularization or retinal angiomatous proliferation (vascularized pigment epithelial detachment) was performed. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), spectral domain optical coherence tomography, and autofluorescence images and also fluorescein angiograms were analyzed to determine the functional and morphologic development over time.

RESULTS

The long-term outcome of 22 eyes (21 patients, 13 women and 8 men; 65-85 years; mean: 76 years) with RPE tear was performed with minimal follow-up of 3 years (range: 3-5 years, mean: 44 months) and re-treatment with different therapeutic strategies. The eyes were differentiated in 2 groups according to the course of BCVA after the first 2 years of follow-up: Group 1 (11 eyes) demonstrated a stabilized or improved BCVA after 2 years and Group 2 (11 eyes) demonstrated a decrease in BCVA after 2 years. The initial BCVA between both groups was comparable. Also the mean initial size of the RPE tear was the same between the 2 groups, the area of the RPE tear decreased continuously during follow-up in Group 1, whereas this was the case in Group 2 only at the beginning of treatment with a further increase of the size of the RPE tear with longer follow-up. This corresponded with a different morphologic development between the two groups. In Group 1, increasing recovery of autofluorescence at the RPE-free area was visible beginning from the outer border, whereas in Group 2, further growth of the neovascular complex in the area of the RPE tear was observed resulting in larger fibrovascular scars. In addition, in both groups, the development of hyperreflective tissue was seen on spectral domain optical coherence tomography in the RPE-free area. The major therapeutic difference between the 2 groups was a significantly larger number of injections especially during the first year in Group 1.

CONCLUSION

The development of RPE tear after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy for vascularized pigment epithelial detachment in exudative age-related macular degeneration does not necessarily result in large disciform scars and functional loss, but multiple injections seem to be beneficial especially in the first year. With this strategy, RPE tears seem to be covered by autofluorescent and hyperreflective tissue and a regrowth of the neovascular complex can be prohibited. As a result, photoreceptor cells regain their metabolic support with functional recovery.

One-Year Feasibility Study of Replenish MicroPump for Intravitreal Drug Delivery: A Pilot Study

PURPOSE

To determine the feasibility of the surgical procedure and to collect some safety data regarding the bioelectronics of a novel micro drug pump for intravitreal drug delivery in a Beagle dog model for up to 1 year.

METHODS

Thirteen Beagle dogs were assigned to two groups. The experimental group (n = 11) underwent pars plana implantation of MicroPump; the body of which was sutured episclerally, while its catheter was secured at a pars plana sclerotomy. The control group (n = 2) underwent sham surgeries in the form of a temporary suturing of the MicroPump, including placement of the pars plana tube. Baseline and follow-up exams included ophthalmic examination and imaging. The experimental animals were euthanized and explanted at predetermined time points after surgery (1, 3, and 12 months), while the control animals were euthanized at 3 months. All operated eyes were submitted for histopathology.

RESULTS

Eyes were scored according to a modified McDonald-Shadduck system and ophthalmic imaging. Neither the implanted eyes nor the control eyes showed clinically significant pathological changes beyond the expected surgical changes. The operated eyes showed neither significant inflammatory reaction nor tissue ingrowth through the sclerotomy site compared with the fellow eyes.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that the Replenish Posterior MicroPump could be successfully implanted with good safety profile in this animal model.

TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE

The results of this study in a Beagle dog model are supportive of the biocompatibility of Replenish MicroPump and pave the way to the use of these devices for ocular automated drug delivery after further testing in larger animal models.

Quantification of retinal pigment epithelium tear area in age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE

To compare different quantification tools based on confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy for assessment of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) tear area size.

METHODS

Confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy fundus autofluorescence (FAF) and near-infrared reflectance (IR) images were retrospectively evaluated in 23 patients with RPE tear after intravitreal injection for pigment epithelium detachment due to exudative age-related macular degeneration at baseline and additionally in 11 patients after 5.1 ± 1.8 months of follow-up. Retinal pigment epithelium tear area was measured by three independent readers using three methods: manually on confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy FAF images, manually on confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy IR images, and using an FAF-based semiautomated software.

RESULTS

Confidence intervals were 0.08 and 0.12 for FAF, 0.11 and 0.09 for FAF-based semiautomated software, and 0.25 and 0.27 for IR for intraobserver (Reader 1) and interobserver agreements (Readers 1 and 2), respectively. The average values of the square errors of the quantification methods were 0.040 ± 0.033 mm (FAF), 0.035 ± 0.060 mm (software), and 0.187 ± 0.219 mm (IR). Mean area of RPE tears at baseline given as the average measurement of all 3 readers using FAF-based semiautomated software was 5.77 ± 4.62 mm (range, 0.13-14.74 mm). Follow-up measurements of unilobular RPE tears (8 patients) showed no change in lesion area size (0.14 ± 0.33 mm); in contrast, multilobular RPE tears (3 patients) showed a progression in lesion area size of 1.80 ± 0.74 mm.

CONCLUSION

Manual FAF-based and semiautomated FAF-based quantifications of RPE tear area are accurate and reproducible and superior to manual IR-based measurement. Retinal pigment epithelium tear area quantification is clinically relevant regarding further intravitreal treatment, particularly in multilobular RPE tears.

Causes of unsuccessful ranibizumab treatment in exudative age-related macular degeneration in clinical settings

PURPOSE

To identify the causes of loss of vision after ranibizumab therapy in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration treated in three clinical settings.

METHODS

A retrospective multicentric analysis of 290 consecutive eyes comprising cohorts from 3 clinical settings showed that 21 eyes lost ≥ 15 letters on the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study chart 1 year after the start of ranibizumab treatment. Fundus images of these eyes were analyzed by two independent readers to investigate the causes of visual loss. The three cohorts were compared. A search was made for factors predisposing to visual loss. A second analysis was performed to compare the baseline characteristics of patients who gained (visual acuity gainers) or lost (visual acuity losers) ≥ 15 letters.

RESULTS

Among the 290 eyes included, the proportions from each center experiencing visual loss were not significantly different (mean, 7.24%, P = 0.2631). Mean visual loss of affected eyes was 27 letters. There was no significant difference between these eyes and others as regards age and gender of patients, laterality, type of choroidal neovascularization, number of visits, or initial visual acuity. Visual loss was secondary to the progression of atrophy in eight eyes, fibrosis in five eyes, a combination of fibrosis and atrophy in three eyes, severe subretinal hemorrhage in three eyes, and retinal pigment epithelial tear in two eyes. A significant difference between visual acuity gainers and losers was observed for 2 parameters: age of patients, 80.9 ± 5.3 years in visual acuity losers versus 77.5 ± 7.3 years in visual acuity gainers (P = 0.0473) and visual acuity at diagnosis, respectively, 56.2 ± 11.2 versus 49.0 ± 12.0 (P = 0.0288).

CONCLUSION

Although uncommon, visual loss may occur during ranibizumab treatment and is because of the natural course of age-related macular degeneration in most cases.

The Importance of Informed Consent in Patients with Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration considering Intravitreal Anti-vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Treatments

Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) tears are now a documented potential complication following the intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatments for neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Patients are often not well consented regarding this risk and thus we retrospectively analyzed the data from all of our patients undergoing this treatment over a six month period. Our findings highlighted the fact that the three patients (out of thirty) who had developed this RPE tear complication were initially all diagnosed with a pigment epithelial detachment (which is a type of macular degeneration in question). Therefore, we have adjusted our informed consent procedure such that all patients with “wet” macular degeneration and especially those with pigment epithelial detachments are now fully consented regarding the risks of the intravitreal treatment, which could potentially damage their vision further.

Retinal pigment epithelial detachments in age-related macular degeneration: classification and therapeutic options

Retinal pigment epithelial detachment (PED) is an important predictor of vision loss in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Here we review the historical PEDs subtypes, include recent insights into PED pathogenesis provided by modern imaging modalities, and summarize the current options for treatment.

Characteristics of eyes with secondary loss of visual acuity receiving variable dosing ranibizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE

The aim of this work is to investigate the characteristics of eyes failing to maintain visual acuity (VA) receiving variable dosing ranibizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) after three initial loading doses.

METHODS

A consecutive series of patients with nAMD, who, after three loading doses of intravitreal ranibizumab (0.5 mg each), were re-treated for fluid seen on optical coherence tomography. After exclusion of eyes with previous treatment, follow-up less than 12 months, or missed visits, 99 patients were included in the analysis. The influence of baseline characteristics, initial VA response, and central retinal thickness (CRT) fluctuations on the VA stability from month 3 to month 24 were analyzed using subgroups and multiple regression analyses.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up duration was 21.3 months (range 12-40 months, 32 patients followed-up for ≥24 months). Secondary loss of VA (loss of five letters or more) after month 3 was seen in 30 patients (mean VA improvement from baseline +5.8 letters at month 3, mean loss from baseline -5.3 letters at month 12 and -9.7 at final visit up to month 24), while 69 patients maintained vision (mean gain +8.9 letters at month 3, +10.4 letters at month 12, and +12.8 letters at final visit up to month 24). Secondary loss of VA was associated with the presence of pigment epithelial detachment (PED) at baseline (p 0.01), but not with baseline fibrosis/atrophy/hemorrhage, CRT fluctuations, or initial VA response. Chart analysis revealed additional individual explanations for the secondary loss of VA, including retinal pigment epithelial tears, progressive fibrosis, and atrophy.

CONCLUSIONS

Tissue damage due to degeneration of PED, retinal pigment epithelial tears, progressive fibrosis, progressive atrophy, or massive hemorrhage, appears to be relevant in causing secondary loss of VA despite vascular endothelial growth factor suppression. PED at baseline may represent a risk factor.

Long-term visual outcome of pigment epithelial tears in association with anti-VEGF therapy of pigment epithelial detachment in AMD

PURPOSE

Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) tears may develop as a complication after anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) treatment for pigment epithelial detachments (PEDs) in exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This retrospective study analyses best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and foveal involvement after RPE tears that are associated with anti-VEGF therapy due to PED in exudative AMD.

METHODS

A total of 37 patients with RPE tears during anti-VEGF therapy (bevacizumab 12, ranibizumab 21 and pegaptanib 4 eyes) for progressive PED in AMD (PED with occult choroidal neovascularization 25 eyes and PED with retinal angiomatous proliferation 12 eyes) were included in this study. We analyzed BCVA and different morphologic aspects by means of appearance on fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography. Mean follow-up was 88 weeks.

RESULTS

RPE tears were diagnosed a mean of 56 days after the first injection. BCVA deteriorated after RPE tear and during follow-up significantly (P<0.001), with 53.2% of eyes being legally blind (WHO, world health organization) at 12 months. RPE-free foveal area, foveal wrinkling of the RPE, and fibrotic scar development were significantly associated with worse visual acuity.

DISCUSSION

RPE tears can be observed in 12-15% of treated eyes during anti-VEGF therapy for PED in exudative AMD. Owing to the close time relationship with the therapy, this complication must be taken into consideration. Visual prognosis is associated with a decrease in vision in the long term, often resulting in a severe visual disability. Relevant factors for a negative visual prognosis were the potential foveal involvement of the central RPE and morphologic fibrovascular transformation of the RPE tear.

Preclinical aspects of anti-VEGF agents for the treatment of wet AMD: ranibizumab and bevacizumab

Three anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies are currently used for the treatment of patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD): pegaptanib, ranibizumab, and bevacizumab. Ranibizumab is an antibody fragment approved for the treatment of wet AMD. Bevacizumab is a full-length antibody registered for use in oncology but unlicensed for wet AMD. However, it is used off-label worldwide not only for wet AMD but also for various other ocular diseases associated with macular edema and abnormal vessel growth. We consider aspects of ranibizumab and bevacizumab in relation to their molecular characteristics, in vitro and in vivo properties, and preclinical safety data. Before 2009, most studies described the short-term toxicity of bevacizumab in multiple cell types of the eye. Since 2009, an increasing number of studies have compared the properties of ranibizumab and bevacizumab and investigated their impact on retinal cell functioning. Compared with bevacizumab, ranibizumab neutralizes VEGF better at low concentrations, maintains efficacy for longer, and has a higher retinal penetration and potency. Studies in animals demonstrate ranibizumab to be better localized to the injected eye, whereas bevacizumab appears to have a greater effect in the fellow eye. In humans, a localized and systemic effect has been reported for both molecules. In conclusion, overlapping yet distinct pharmacological properties of ranibizumab and bevacizumab indicate that safety or efficacy data from one cannot be extrapolated to the other.

Serous pigment epithelial detachment in age-related macular degeneration: comparison of different treatments

AIMS

To investigate the therapeutic effects of different treatments on serous pigment epithelium detachment (PED) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

METHODS

A total of 328 patients suffering from serous PED in AMD were retrospectively analysed. We treated only patients with documented visual deterioration: 86 patients with bevacizumab, 128 with ranibizumab, 60 with pegaptanib, and 54 with photodynamic therapy (PDT) combined with intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA). Best-corrected vision was determined in the logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR). We also analysed morphological findings such as full foveal thickness by optical coherence tomography (OCT), manually calculated height of PED as measured by OCT, and fluorescence angiography.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up was 42.4 weeks. The best-corrected visual acuity of 0.78 logMAR before treatment could be improved by about 0.066 logMAR after treatment. Retinal thickness decreased in all patients with PED, in the mean by about 64.06 microm, and the mean value of the manually calculated height decreased by about 0.98 units. All functional and morphological results proved to be significantly better after injection of ranibizumab and bevacizumab than after pegaptanib and the combined treatment with PDT and IVTA. In all, 41 (12.5%) of our patients developed a tear of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE).

CONCLUSION

The therapeutic results were significantly better in patients treated with bevacizumab and ranibizumab than in those treated with pegaptanib or with a combination of PDT and IVTA. Even with treatment, tears of the RPE or only a partial flattening of the PED always indicated a worse prognosis in eyes with exudative AMD than in eyes with classic choroidal neovascularization.

[Pigment epithelial detachment in exudative macular degeneration: clinical characteristics and therapeutic options]

Vascularized pigment epithelial detachment (PE detachment) can be viewed as a special form of occult choroidal neovascularization (CNV) owing to the natural course of the disease, its specific pathogenesis and its response to various forms of treatment. This applies to serous PE detachment associated with both occult CNV and also with retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP). A tear in the retinal pigment epithelium (RIP) represents a serious complication of vascularized PE detachment and is often associated with acute vision deterioration that not uncommonly also involves massive subretinal hemorrhaging. The pathomechanism underlying the development of RIP has not yet been completely elucidated. The notion that the PED bursts as a result of the increased pressure stands in contrast to the theory that the CNV contracts and causes scarring which in turn causing secondary RIP. Anti-VEGF therapy is currently the preferred treatment. However, the initial stabilization of visual acuity after treatment could not be confirmed in long-term studies and after 2 years visual acuity deteriorated significantly. Furthermore, optimal VEGF treatment regimens have also not been defined and the criteria for repeated treatment have not been established as yet. Presently, visual deterioration and the presence of subretinal and intraretinal exudates seem to indicate that treatment will be effective. Here, high resolution OCT imaging should help to provide further insight into the matter.

Retinal pigment epithelium tears after intravitreal injection of ranibizumab for predominantly classic neovascular membranes secondary to age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE

Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) tear is an extremely rare complication in patients with classic neovascular membranes without RPE detachment. We evaluate their incidence and functional outcome following treatment with intravitreal ranibizumab.

METHODS

Observational study of 72 consecutive patients (74 eyes) treated at Jules Gonin University Eye Hospital, Lausanne, with intravitreal ranibizumab 0.5 mg for classic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) between March 2006 and February 2008. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fundus examination and optical coherence tomography were recorded monthly; fluorescein angiography was performed at baseline and repeated at least every 3 months.

RESULTS

RPE tears occurred in four (5.4%) eyes temporal to the fovea, after a mean of four injections (range 3-6). Mean baseline BCVA was 0.25 decimal equivalent (logMAR 0.67) and improved despite the RPE tear to 0.6 decimal equivalent (logMAR 0.22).

CONCLUSION

RPE tears following intravitreal ranibizumab injections for classic CNV can occur in about 5% of patients, even in the absence of baseline RPE detachment. Nevertheless, vision may improve provided the fovea is not involved.

Concomitant bilateral intravitreal anti-VEGF injections for the treatment of exudative age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE

To report the outcomes of same-day, bilateral intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy for a consecutive series of patients treated for exudative age-related macular degeneration (ARMD).

METHODS

A consecutive series of 254 eyes of 127 patients received bilateral, same-day anti-VEGF injections of either bevacizumab or ranibizumab between January 1, 2007 and July 1, 2008 and the outcomes were assessed. Approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

RESULTS

Bilateral, same-day anti-VEGF injections were well tolerated in all patients receiving the therapy. Indication for injection was exudative macular degeneration in all patients. The incidence of adverse effects was low, with only four events reported, none of which were serious.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, bilateral anti-VEGF injections performed on the same day were preferred over staggered injections and were well tolerated by patients. No major systemic or ocular adverse events were noted, despite the presence of risk factors in a subset of patients. Given that there are serious, albeit rare, complications following anti-VEGF injection, further study with a larger number of patients will be necessary to definitively prove the safety of this treatment modality.

Treatment of retinal pigment epithelial detachment with antiangiogenic therapy

Purpose

Evaluate the efficacy of pegaptanib, a selective anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agent, and bevacizumab, a nonselective anti-VEGF agent, for retinal pigment epithelial detachment (PED) associated with occult choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods

Prospective, comparative, nonrandomized pilot study included patients with PED comprising >50% of total lesion in subfoveal location with visual acuity (VA) 20/40–20/400 and lesions either previously untreated or treated only with photodynamic therapy/verteporfin. Seven patients received pegaptanib 0.3 mg intravitreally (IVT); eight received IVT bevacizumab 1.25 mg. Follow-up occurred every 4–6 weeks for 6 months. Reinjection of initial medication occurred if there was intra- or subretinal fluid observed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) or increased PED. Endpoints were mean changes from baseline to month 6 in VA (ETDRS) and foveal thickness.

Results

At baseline, mean VA was lower, and mean foveal thickness was greater in pegaptanib versus bevacizumab-treated patients (36.1 vs 49.5 letters; 470.4 vs 321.1 μm). Mean improvements to month 6 in VA and foveal thickness were greater for pegaptanib (VA: +9.1 vs +7.2 letters; foveal thickness: −88.2 vs −52.9 μm). On average, pegaptanib-treated patients had slower but more sustained improvement in VA and foveal thickness; bevacizumab-treated patients showed rapid improvement with a slow return towards baseline. Both agents were well tolerated.

Conclusion

Intravitreal injections of pegaptanib or bevacizumab are both efficacious and safe treatments for PED associated with occult CNV secondary to AMD.

Low-fluence-rate photodynamic therapy to treat subfoveal choroidal neovascularization in pathological myopia. A study of efficacy and safety

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of low-fluence-rate photodynamic therapy (LFPDT) to treat choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) secondary to pathological myopia (PM).

METHODS

Twenty-five eyes with CNV in PM underwent LFPDT, with a standard dose of verteporfin and timing but adopting fluence and irradiance rates reduced to 25 mJ/cm2 and 300 mW/cm2, respectively. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured and biomicroscopy and fluorescein angiography (FA) were evaluated. Particular attention was paid to choroidal hypoperfusion, and to changes (depigmentation/atrophy) at the RPE level in areas exposed to laser light.

RESULTS

After a mean follow-up of 13.4+/-2.46 months (range: 12-21), and 1.37+/-0.66 treatments (range: 1-3), BCVA was stable in 29 (91%) eyes. Two (6%) patients gained more than three lines and one (3%) eye lost more than three lines. Mean greatest linear dimension did not change significantly (p=0.08) at the end of follow-up. RPE depigmentation was present in six eyes (18%) and no patient showed RPE atrophy.

CONCLUSIONS

LFPDT is effective and safe for CNV secondary to PM treatment, stabilizing visual acuity and lesion size and determining only mild RPE changes. Further controlled studies are needed to demonstrate the long-term efficacy and safety of this treatment option.

Massive choroidal hemorrhage after intravitreal administration of bevacizumab (Avastin) for AMD followed by controlateral sympathetic ophthalmia

PURPOSE

To report a severe ocular complication initiated ten days after intravitreal administration of bevacizumab (Avastin((R))), in a patient with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Case report.

RESULTS

Ten days after intravitreal injection of 1.25 mg Avastin((R)), the patient manifested acute loss of vision with excruciating pain. An extensive choroidal detachment was evident in close contact with the lens, which necessitated an emergency sclerotomy with reconstruction of the anterior chamber. Four months later, the eye proceeded to phthisis bulbi. Five months after the injection, the patient complained of mild pain, photophobia, and visual acuity deterioration from the fellow eye. The diagnosis of sympathetic ophthalmia was suggested and treated with intravitreal injections of triamcinolone acetonide every three months with good response, complicated by elevation of intraocular pressure which we managed with Ahmet valve implantation.

CONCLUSION

Serious ocular complications after intravitreal of Avastin((R)) can not be excluded, including massive choroidal hemorrhage and sympathetic ophthalmia of the fellow eye.

Retinal pigment epithelial tears in ranibizumab-treated eyes

PURPOSE

To report the incidence of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) tears in patients treated with ranibizumab therapy for choroidal neovascularization due to age-related macular degeneration.

DESIGN

: Interventional case series.

METHODS

One hundred sixty-four eyes from a large clinical practice were retrospectively reviewed for number of injections and the presence or absence of a fibrovascular retinal pigment epithelial detachment. Main outcome measures were occurrence of RPE tears, and timing of tears following the last injection.

RESULTS

Patients were observed for an average of 11 months. A single patient (0.61%) experienced an RPE tear and this occurred after the first injection. In eyes with a fibrovascular retinal pigment epithelial detachment the incidence was 5%. Lesions containing a fibrovascular retinal pigment epithelial detachment tended to be larger (4.5 versus 3.8 Macular Photocoagulation Study Disc Areas), but this was not statistically significant. (P = 0.63). However, these lesions required more injections on average (P = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of RPE tears associated with ranibizumab therapy is low and may result from a predisposition rather than an effect of treatment. Even so, patients undergoing ranibizumab therapy should be counseled regarding this possible complication.