Choroidal juxtapapillary neovascularization regression in multiple evanescent white dot syndrome by optical coherence tomography angiography: a case report

The multimodal imaging features and outcomes of multifocal choroiditis/punctate inner choroidopathy lesion with multiple evanescent white dot syndrome-like features: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS)-like features is a rare condition triggered by a macular disease or iatrogenic injury, exhibiting MEWDS changes in the fundus. This study aims to describe the multimodal imaging features and outcomes of multifocal choroiditis/punctate inner choroidopathy (MFC/PIC) lesions with MEWDS-like features.

METHODS

Six cases were studied retrospectively. All cases were given regional and oral corticosteroids.

RESULTS

All cases showed an isolated juxtafoveal yellowish-white MFC/PIC lesion with disruption of RPE-Bruch's membrane-choriocapillaris complex (RPE-BM-CC), subretinal hyperreflective materials and choroidal thickening on optical coherence tomography. Two weeks after presentation, the grayish-white dots disappeared spontaneously and the corticosteroids were given. After four weeks, the ellipsoid zone (EZ) around the lesion and hyper-autofluorescence resolved. After 13 weeks, five cases showed shrinkage of the juxtafoveal lesion and restoration of foveal EZ. After six months, the juxtafoveal lesion became pigmented. Only one case developed type 2 choroidal neovascularization.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical course of MEWDS-like manifestations is still evanescent in our cases. The yellowish-white juxtafoveal MFC/PIC lesions with disruption of RPE-BM-CC and choroidal thickening showed a well-controlled prognosis after corticosteroid treatment.

Multiple Evanescent White Dot Syndrome and Choroidal Neovascularization following SARS-COV-2 Infection in a Patient on Dabrafenib and Trametinib

PURPOSE

to describe multimodal imaging and electrophysiology of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) concomitant with COVID-19 infection in a patient on BRAF (B Rapidly Accelerated Fibrosarcoma) and MEK (Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase) inhibitors.

METHODS

observational case report and literature review.

RESULTS

a 37-year-old woman affected by cutaneous melanoma on BRAF and MEK inhibitors developed visual symptoms in the right eye simultaneously with a SARS-COV-2 infection. The right eye visual acuity was hand movement, and clinical examination disclosed vitreous cells, yellow-white retinal spots, and macular yellowish material. Fundus autofluorescence and angiograms were consistent with MEWDS. Angiograms, optical coherence tomography, and optical coherence tomography angiography revealed a macular choroidal neovascular membrane. The infectious and inflammatory work-up was negative. Electrodiagnostic tests revealed cone dysfunction. MEWDS resolved and anti-VEGF treatment allowed partial vision recovery.

CONCLUSION

the case illustrates the association of MEWDS and choroidal neovascularization developing after COVID-19 infection in the setting of immunotherapy.

Mechanism of Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1α (HIF-1α) in Choroidal Neovascularization in Macular Lutea of High Myopia

To explore the changes in the expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the process of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in the macular area of cases with form deprivation myopia (FDM), in this study, 36 healthy mice were selected as research subjects for analysis. Specifically, they were randomly divided into test group (n = 18) and control group (n = 18). The right eye of the test group mice underwent form deprivation for 6 weeks to induce FDM, also known as FDM group. Five mice were randomly selected from FDM group and control group at 6 time points (before photocoagulation, at 7 d, 14 d, 21 d, 28 d, and 35 d after photocoagulation), respectively, for fluorescein angiography and hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) staining to observe differences in the retina. It was found that the retina of Control group mice was well-structured with clear stratification, while that of the test group mice was severely damaged with a disordered structure, manifested as edema and swelling and damaged Bruch membrane and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) layer. Furthermore, macrophages and RPE cells were observed in the photocoagulation area, and there was a high-fluorescence area with a blurred margin in the fundus, indicating the formation of new blood vessels. The immunohistochemical experiment revealed that within three weeks after the surgery, HIF-1α was highly expressed in the test group, and the expression level was obviously higher than the Control group. The real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results showed that the expression level of VEGF and HIF-α in the test group was obviously higher than the Control group within three weeks after the surgery. The Western blot experiment was performed 1 week after the surgery, and it was noted that the expression level of VEGF and HIF-1α were higher in the test group versus the Control group. In summary, HIF-1α is instrumental in ocular CNV, which is also associated with VEGF.

Establishing a mouse model of choroidal neovascularization to study the therapeutic effect of levotinib and its mechanism

Objective

To study the therapeutic effect and mechanism of levotinib on choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in mice.

Methods

45 healthy C57BL/6 mice were selected and randomly divided into three groups: control group (group A), model group (group B) and levotinib group (group C). The model of CNV in mice was established. The fluorescence leakage of choroidal lesions in mice was observed by fundus fluorescein angiography. The morphological changes of retinal vessels in mice were observed by retinal slice preparation, the pathological changes of eyeball tissues in mice were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in mice retina was detected by real-time quantitative fluorescence PCR, and the protein expression of VEGF in mice retina was detected by Western blotting.

Result

On the 7th, 14th and 21st day after modeling, compared with group B, the fluorescence leakage area of group C mice was significantly reduced, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The morphology of retinal vessels in group A was normal. In group B, the retinal vessels showed large areas of ischemia without perfusion and abundant neovascularization clusters and capillaries. Compared with group B, the morphology of retinal vessels in group C was significantly improved. Group A mice had normal eyeball structure, group B mice had visible spindle-like damage to the inner and outer retina, while group C mice had significantly less spindle-like damage than group B. Compared with group A, group B mice had significantly higher expression of retinal VEGF and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05), but compared with group B mice, the expression of VEGF in the retina of mice in group C was significantly decreased, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Compared with group A, the expression of VEGF in retina of group B mice was significantly increased, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Compared with group B, the expression of VEGF in retina of group C mice was significantly decreased, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Levatinib has obvious therapeutic effect on CNV, which may be achieved by inhibiting the high expression of VEGF in CNV.