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Significance of Hyperreflective Foci as an Optical Coherence Tomography Biomarker in Retinal Diseases: Characterization and Clinical Implications. J Ophthalmol 2021; 2021:6096017. [PMID: 34956669 PMCID: PMC8709761 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6096017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperreflective foci (HRF) is a term coined to depict hyperreflective dots or roundish lesions within retinal layers visualized through optical coherence tomography (OCT). Histopathological correlates of HRF are not univocal, spacing from migrating retinal pigment epithelium cells, lipid-laden macrophages, microglial cells, and extravasated proteinaceous or lipid material. Despite this, HRF can be considered OCT biomarkers for disease progression, treatment response, and prognosis in several retinal diseases, including diabetic macular edema, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinal vascular occlusions, and inherited retinal dystrophies. The structural features and topographic location of HRF guide the interpretation of their significance in different pathological conditions. The presence of HRF less than 30 μm with reflectivity comparable to the retinal nerve fiber layer in the absence of posterior shadowing in diabetic macular edema indicates an inflammatory phenotype with a better response to steroidal treatment. In AMD, HRF overlying drusen are associated with the development of macular neovascularization, while parafoveal drusen and HRF predispose to macular atrophy. Thus, HRF can be considered a key biomarker in several common retinal diseases. Their recognition and critical interpretation via multimodal imaging are vital to support clinical strategies and management.
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Concilio M, Fossataro F, Montorio D, Giordano M, Cennamo G. The role of quantitative deep capillary plexus in the pathogenesis of type 3 macular neovascularization: an optical coherence tomography angiography study. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2021; 260:425-430. [PMID: 34350468 PMCID: PMC8786746 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-021-05330-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To quantitatively investigate the role of deep capillary plexus (DCP) in patients affected by type 3 macular neovascularization (MNV), compared to patients with reticular pseudodrusen (RPD) eyes and healthy controls, using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Methods In this prospective observational study, a total of seventy-eight eyes of 78 patients were included. Group 1 consisted of 40 eyes of 40 patients with stage 1 of type 3 MNV (22 males, 18 females, mean age 73.7, SD ± 6.60) and group 2 included 38 eyes of 38 patients with RPD (17 males, 21 females, mean age 73.2, SD ± 4.55). The control group included 40 eyes of 40 healthy subjects (20 males, 20 females, mean age 71.4, SD ± 6.36 years). We evaluated the retinal vessel density (VD) of superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) using OCTA. Results Patients with diagnosis of type 3 MNV showed statistically lower values of VD in DCP with respect to controls and to RPD group (p < 0.001), while there were no statistical differences between RPD and control group in macular region. No significant differences in VD of SCP were detected among the three study groups. Conclusion OCTA provides a reproducible, non-invasive detailed quantitative analysis of retinal vascular features and changing in early-stage type 3 MNV patients, which allowed to shed the light on the main role of DCP ischemia in the development of type 3 MNV. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Concilio
- Eye Clinic, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Fossataro
- Eye Clinic, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Montorio
- Eye Clinic, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariapaola Giordano
- Eye Clinic, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Gilda Cennamo
- Eye Clinic, Department of Public Health, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
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Wong DT, Berger AR, Bourgault S, Chen J, Colleaux K, Cruess AF, Dookeran RI, Gauthier D, Hurley B, Kapusta MA, Kertes PJ, Qian CX, Samad A, Sheidow T, Whelan JH. Imaging Biomarkers and Their Impact on Therapeutic Decision-Making in the Management of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Ophthalmologica 2021; 244:265-280. [PMID: 33823520 DOI: 10.1159/000516108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
These recommendations, produced by a group of Canadian retina experts, have been developed to assist both retina specialists and general ophthalmologists in the management of vision-threatening neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). The recommendations are based on published evidence as well as collective experience and expertise in routine clinical practice. We provide an update on practice principles for optimal patient care, focusing on identified imaging biomarkers, in particular retinal fluid, as well as current and emerging therapeutic approaches. Algorithms for delivering high-quality care and improving long-term patient outcomes are provided, with an emphasis on timely and appropriate treatment to preserve and maintain vision. In the context of nAMD, increasing macular fluid or leakage on fluorescein angiography (FA) may indicate disease activity regardless of its location. Early elimination of intraretinal fluid (IRF) is of particular relevance as it is a prognostic indicator of worse visual outcomes. Robust referral pathways for second opinion and peer-to-peer consultations must be in place for cases not responding to intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David T Wong
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alan R Berger
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Serge Bourgault
- Department of Ophthalmology, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - John Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Kevin Colleaux
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Alan F Cruess
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Ravi I Dookeran
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Danny Gauthier
- Department of Ophthalmology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Bernard Hurley
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael A Kapusta
- Department of Ophthalmology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Peter J Kertes
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cynthia X Qian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Arif Samad
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Thomas Sheidow
- Department of Ophthalmology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - James H Whelan
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
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