THE INCIDENCE OF NEOVASCULARIZATION IN CENTRAL SEROUS CHORIORETINOPATHY BY OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY

A case of choroidal neovascularization as a first manifestaion of systemic lupus erythematosus

BACKGROUND

To report a rare occurrence of pigment epitheliopathy associated with choroidal neovasculization as a first manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 54-year-old female, with no prior medical history, sought a second opinion due to sudden drop in vision in her right eye to 20/80. Slit lamp examination was normal. Fundus examination revealed the presence of a subretinal hemorrhage in the macular area. Fundus imaging including optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography showed multifocal retinal pigment epitheliopathy associated with choroidal neovascularization (CNV). The patient had received an intravitreal injection of Bevacizumab 2 weeks ago. It was decided to complete the loading dose regimen with two additional Bevacizumab injections, and the first injection was done 2 weeks after her presentation. Two weeks later, the patient reported a rash on her cheeks, painful joints, and purpura. Systemic workup revealed positive ANA, anti-cardiolipin antibodies, and decreased complement levels, with negative anti-histone antibodies. This led to the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) based on the "Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics" criteria. The patient was treated with 50 mg of prednisolone which was then tapered. 1 month after the third injection, an showed a total resolution of the sub-retinal fluid with an improvement of vision to 20/20. No recurrence was observed during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Based on the findings from the fundus exam and imaging, systemic symptoms and the blood work-up, we postulate that the pigment epitheliopathy associated with choroidal neovascularization was related to the vaso-occlusive disease at the level of the choroid that can be part of SLE vasculopathy. To our knowledge, this represents the first case in which pigment epitheliopathy and CNV were the primary manifestations of SLE.

Central serous chorioretinopathy: An evidence-based treatment guideline

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a relatively common disease that causes vision loss due to macular subretinal fluid leakage and is often associated with reduced vision-related quality of life. In CSC, the leakage of subretinal fluid through defects in the retinal pigment epithelial layer's outer blood-retina barrier appears to occur secondary to choroidal abnormalities and dysfunction. The treatment of CSC is currently the subject of controversy, although recent data obtained from several large randomized controlled trials provide a wealth of new information that can be used to establish a treatment algorithm. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of our current understanding regarding the pathogenesis of CSC, current therapeutic strategies, and an evidence-based treatment guideline for CSC. In acute CSC, treatment can often be deferred for up to 3-4 months after diagnosis; however, early treatment with either half-dose or half-fluence photodynamic therapy (PDT) combined with the photosensitive dye verteporfin may be beneficial in selected cases. In chronic CSC, half-dose or half-fluence PDT, which targets the abnormal choroid, should be considered the preferred treatment. If PDT is unavailable, chronic CSC with focal, non-central leakage on angiography may be treated using conventional laser photocoagulation. CSC with concurrent macular neovascularization should be treated with half-dose/half-fluence PDT and/or intravitreal injections of an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor compound. Given the current shortage of verteporfin and the paucity of evidence supporting the efficacy of other treatment options, future studies-ideally, well-designed randomized controlled trials-are needed in order to evaluate new treatment options for CSC.

Optical coherence tomography-based misdiagnosis and morphological distinction in pachychoroid neovasculopathy vs. polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

PURPOSE

To evaluate the rate of misdiagnosis of aneurysmatic pachychoroid type 1 choroidal neovascularization/polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PAT1/PCV) among cases diagnosed as non-aneurysmatic pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PNV) and to define optical coherence tomography (OCT) features facilitating their distinction.

METHODS

The database of the Department of Ophthalmology, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, was screened for patients diagnosed with PNV. Multimodal imaging was screened for the presence of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and aneurysms/polyps. Imaging features facilitating the diagnosis of PAT1/PCV were analysed.

RESULTS

In total, 49 eyes of 44 patients with a clinical PNV diagnosis were included, of which 42 (85.7%) had PNV and 7 (14.3%) represented misdiagnosed PAT1/PCV. SFCT was comparable (PNV: 377 ± 92 vs. PAT1/PCV: 400 ± 83 µm; p = 0.39). Whereas no difference was detected in total pigment epithelium detachment (PED) diameter (p = 0.46), maximum PED height was significantly higher in the PAT1/PCV group (199 ± 31 vs. 82 ± 46, p < 0.00001). In a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the optimum cutoff for defining "peaking PED" was 158 µm with an area under the curve of 0.969, a sensitivity of 1.0 (95% CI: 0.59-1.0), and a specificity of 0.95 (95% CI: 0.84-0.99). Sub-retinal hyperreflective material (SHRM; p = 0.04), sub-retinal ring-like structures (SRRLS; p < 0.00001), and sub-RPE fluid (p = 0.04) were significantly more frequent in eyes with PAT1/PCV.

CONCLUSION

A relevant percentage of eyes diagnosed with PNV might instead suffer from PAT1/PCV. The detection of a maximum PED height ("peaking PED") exceeding approximately 150 µm, SHRM, SRRLS, and sub-RPE fluid might greatly aid in the production of a more accurate diagnosis.

Three-Year Follow-Up Detecting Choroidal Neovascularization with Swept Source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (SS-OCTA) after Successful Half-Fluence Photodynamic Therapy for Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

Purpose: To assess the clinical course, structural changes, and choroidal neovascularization detection by SS-OCTA in long-standing and resolved patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC) after successful half-fluence photodynamic therapy (hf-PDT) treatment. Methods: Twenty-four eyes presenting with cCSC were examined with SS-OCTA and were classified as choroidal neovascular (CNV) or non-choroidal neovascular (non-CNV) cCSC depending on the vascular pattern detected by SS-OCTA after one, two, and three years after hf-PDT. Two groups were compared based on the following clinical findings: demographic characteristics, time of clinical signs, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), central choroidal thickness (CFT), subretinal fluid (SRF), flat, irregular pigment epithelial detachment (FIPED), and features of fluorescein angiography (FA) and vascular pattern by SS-OCTA. Results: All patients showed resolved cCSC during follow-up after hf-PDT. A total of 5 of 24 (20.8%) eyes showed a neovascular pattern by SS-OCTA. No differences between BCVA, CRT, SRF, FIPED, or FA features were found between both groups (p > 0.05). However, CFT and older age were associated with a neovascular pattern by SS-OCTA (p < 0.05) in follow-up. No signs of neovascular activity were detected by SS-OCT during follow-up in CNV cCSC patients, and no antiVEGF treatment was required for three-year follow-ups. Conclusions: Despite patients with cCSC showing a favorable clinical response after hf-PDT, lower foveal thickness and older age were associated with CNV patterns by SS-OCTA during follow-up.

Scleral Thickness as a Risk Factor for Central Serous Chorioretinopathy and Pachychoroid Neovasculopathy

In the pathophysiology of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), scleral changes inducing increased venous outflow resistance are hypothesized to be involved. This work aims to investigate anterior scleral thickness (AST) as a risk factor for pachychoroid disorders. A randomized prospective case-control study was performed at the Ludwig Maximilians University, Department of Ophthalmology. In patients with CSC or pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PNV) and in an age- and refraction-matched control group, swept source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) was used to measure anterior scleral thickness (AST). Subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) was assessed using enhanced depth imaging OCT (EDI-OCT). In total, 46 eyes of 46 patients were included in this study, with 23 eyes in the CSC/PNV and 23 eyes in the control group. A significantly higher AST was found in the CSC/PNV compared with the control group (403.5 ± 68.6 (278 to 619) vs. 362.5 ± 62.6 (218 to 498) µm; p = 0.028). Moreover, the CSC/PNV group showed a higher SFCT (392.8 ± 92.8 (191-523) vs. 330.95 ± 116.5 (167-609) µm, p = 0.004). Compared with the age- and refraction-matched controls, patients with CSC and PNV showed a significantly thicker anterior sclera. Scleral thickness might contribute to the venous overload hypothesized to induce pachychoroid phenotypes.

Multimodal Imaging Based Predictors for the Development of Choroidal Neovascularization in Patients with Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

This study evaluated predictors for choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) based on multimodal imaging. A retrospective multicenter chart review was conducted on 134 eyes of 132 consecutive patients with CSCR. Eyes were classified as per the multimodal imaging-based classification of CSCR at baseline into simple/complex CSCR and primary episode/recurrent/resolved CSCR. Baseline characteristics of CNV and predictors were evaluated with ANOVA. In 134 eyes with CSCR, 32.8% had CNV (n = 44) with 72.7% having complex CSCR (n = 32), 22.7% having simple (n = 10) and 4.5% having atypical (n = 2). Primary CSCR with CNV were older (58 vs. 47, p = 0.00003), with worse visual acuity (0.56 vs. 0.75, p = 0.01) and of longer duration (median 7 vs. 1, p = 0.0002) than those without CNV. Similarly, recurrent CSCR with CNV were older (61 vs. 52, p = 0.004) than those without CNV. Patients with complex CSCR were 2.72 times more likely to have CNV than patients with simple CSCR. In conclusion, CNV associated with CSCR was more likely in complex CSCR and older age of presentation. Both primary and recurrent CSCR are implicated in CNV development. Patients with complex CSCR were 2.72 times more likely to have CNV than patients with simple CSCR. Multimodal imaging-based classification of CSCR supports detailed analysis of associated CNV.

Recent Advances in Clinical Applications of Imaging in Retinal Diseases

Many diseases that cause visual impairment, as well as systemic conditions, manifest in the posterior segment of the eye. With the advent of high-speed, high-resolution, reliable, and noninvasive imaging techniques, ophthalmologists are becoming more dependent on ocular imaging for disease diagnosis, classification, and management in clinical practice. There are rapid advances on the indications of multimodal retinal imaging techniques, including the application of ultra-widefield fundus angiography, fundus autofluorescence, optical coherence tomography, as well as optical coherence tomography angiography. This review summarizes and highlights the clinical applications, latest indications, and interpretations of multimodal imaging in age-related macular degeneration, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, diabetic macular edema, central serous chorioretinopathy, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, and uveitis.

Focal Choroidal Excavation: Epidemiology, Clinical Characteristics and Multimodal Imaging Findings

BACKGROUND

Focal choroidal excavation (FCE) is one of the pachychoroid spectrum diseases. It may be an isolated lesion or associated with other ophthalmological disorders. The aim of the study was to present the epidemiology, clinical features and multimodal imaging findings in FCE.

METHODS

This is a case series of 14 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of FCE, confirmed by multimodal imaging, from a review of the 5076 optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans in 2538 patients. Choroidal thickness (CT) was measured under the fovea and in the area of maximum choroidal thickening in the affected eye and under the fovea in the fellow eye.

RESULTS

The mean age of the subjects was 40 ± 13.58 years. FCE occurred unilaterally and was an isolated lesion in all cases. The fellow eye did not show any macular pathology in all patients. Twelve eyes presented conforming FCEs and two non-conforming FCEs. In 79% of cases, FCE was subfoveal. The mean maximum CT was 390 μm in the affected eye with the presence of pachyvessels. A total of 13 patients were asymptomatic, while one patient reported a visual disturbance due to neovascularization secondary to FCE. Of all the multimodal imaging techniques, optical coherence tomography (OCT) provided the most important data in the diagnosis of FCE.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study confirmed that FCE is a rare ocular condition, but it may be more common in Caucasian population than previously known. Multimodal imaging methods, mainly OCT, are crucial in FCE diagnostics. Further studies are needed to expand the available knowledge about its etiology and clinical course.

Central serous chorioretinopathy: A review

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is the fourth most common non-surgical retinopathy associated with fluid leakage. The pathogenesis is not yet completely understood, but changes in the choroid, sclera and RPE have been described associated with venous congestion of choroidal outflow. CSC can be categorised into acute, chronic, and recurrent subtypes with recent classifications of simple and complex based on the area of RPE change seen on fundus autofluorescence. A multimodal imaging approach is helpful in the diagnosis and management of CSC and secondary complications such as type 1 neovascularisation. Although spontaneous resolution with relatively good visual outcomes is common, treatment should be considered in patients with persistent or recurrent SRF. Treatment options include laser, systemic medications, intravitreal therapy, and surgery. Of these, argon laser for focal extramacular fluid leaks and photodynamic therapy of leakage identified by indocyanine-green angiography currently have the greatest supportive evidence.

Detection of pachychoroid neovasculopathy with optical coherence tomography angiography versus dye angiography imaging

BACKGROUND

To investigate the sensitivity and specificity of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) versus dye angiography for detecting pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PNV) and to determine the morphological factors that affect PNV detection.

METHODS

Patients with pachychoroid phenotype were prospectively enrolled and underwent multimodal imaging examinations during the same visit. The diagnostic accuracy of fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), FFA combined with indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) and OCTA for PNV was evaluated using multimodal imaging as the reference. Multimodal parameters of PNV were qualitatively and quantitatively assessed.

RESULTS

PNV was detected in 58 eyes (46 patients) out of 340 pachychoroid eyes (201 patients) according to reference standard. Patients with PNV eyes were significantly older (54.6±7.56 vs. 48.2±9.1 years), were more likely to have a chronic central serous chorioretinopathy history (CSC) (93.1% vs. 12.4%) and had a worse visual acuity (0.30±0.22 vs. 0.58±0.30) than those without PNV eyes (all P<0.001). The sensitivity of FFA, FFA combined with ICGA, and OCTA in detecting PNV in patients with the pachychoroid phenotype was 67.2%, 63.8% and 98.3%, respectively, and the specificity was 87.2%, 96.8% and 100.0%, respectively. PNV not identified by dye angiography was more manifested as the absence of late plaque hypercyanescence on ICGA (P<0.001) and overall smaller capillaries without a distinct pattern (P=0.001), fewer core vessels (P=0.002) and smaller area (P=0.044).

CONCLUSIONS

OCTA showed superior detection rate and accuracy for identifying PNV over dye angiography. In case multimodal imaging is unavailable, OCTA can be an effective and noninvasive method for monitoring PNV and guiding treatment decisions.

Association between retinal sensitivity and the presence of quiescent choroidal neovascularization in pachychoroid diseases

This study was conducted to examine retinal sensitivity (RS) in eyes with pachychoroid diseases and to analyze its association with the presence or absence of quiescent choroidal neovascularization (CNV), that can be protective against retinal dysfunction or atrophy in other macular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration. A total of 12 eyes of 12 patients aged ≥45 years having the characteristic findings of central serous chorioretinopathy but not presenting any exudative changes were included in this study. Choroidal vascular hyper permeability (CVH) was identified by indocyanine green angiography, and the presence or absence of CNV was evaluated by optical coherence tomography angiography. RS at 68 points was examined by microperimetry. The average RS corresponding to within and outside CVH was compared. The association between the difference in RS and the presence or absence of CNV was also analyzed. CNV was detected in six eyes (50%). In eyes without CNV, the RS within CVH was similar compared with that outside CVH. However, in eyes with CNV, the RS within CVH was significantly decreased compared with that outside CVH. Multiple regression analysis revealed the presence of CNV as an independent factor associated with RS. In eyes with pachychoroid diseases, RS decreased within the CVH area under the coexistence of nonexudative CNV.

Risk factors and characteristics of central serous chorioretinopathy with later development of macular neovascularisation detected on OCT angiography: a retrospective multicentre observational study

Objective

To identify the risk factors and characteristics of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) with subsequent macular neovascularisation (MNV) detected on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

Methods and analysis

We included patients from six institutions who were initially diagnosed with CSC and subsequently did or did not develop MNV detected by OCTA. Potential influencing factors were identified by evaluating the patients’ baseline demographics, multimodal fundus imaging, treatment options, recurrence and outcomes in both groups.

Results

We enrolled 176 eyes in 152 patients (112 men, 40 women; mean age: 52.1±10.4 years) with a mean follow-up of 30.4±16.3 months. Secondary MNV was present in 23 eyes (13.1%), and non-MNV was observed in 153 eyes (86.9%) by OCTA. Multivariate analysis revealed that older age (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.11; p=0.014), chronic CSC (OR 3.05; 95% CI 1.12 to 8.30; p=0.029), leakage sites within the fovea on fluorescein angiography (OR 7.60; 95% CI, 1.89 to 30.48; p=0.004) and recurrent fluid within the first year (OR 5.12; 95% CI 1.66 to 15.77; p=0.012) were risk factors for subsequent MNV. Moreover, eyes with CSC complicated with MNV were characterised by poor visual acuity and low complete fluid resolution rates.

Conclusion

The factors associated with MNV secondary to CSC were older age, higher rates of chronic CSC and recurrence, and foveal leakage points on fluorescein angiography.

Progression of pachychoroid neovasculopathy into aneurysmal type 1 choroidal neovascularization or polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

PURPOSE

To describe the progression of pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PNV) into pachychoroid aneurysmal type 1 choroidal neovascularization (PAT1) / polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).

DESIGN

Retrospective longitudinal cohort study.

SUBJECTS

Patients diagnosed with PNV with a follow-up of ≥ 2 years.

METHODS

Multimodal imaging, including optical coherence tomography and fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography, was reviewed for the presence of choroidal neovascularization (CNV), aneurysms within/at the margins of the CNV and sub-foveal choroidal thickness (SFCT).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Rate of PNV to PAT1/PCV conversion and risk factors thereof.

RESULTS

In total, 37 PNV eyes of 32 patients with a mean follow-up of 3.3±1.1 (2.0 - 5.2) years were included in the study. At PNV diagnosis, mean age was 59.7±8.7 (range: 38.5 - 78.0) years and mean SFCT was 357±92 (185 - 589) μm. During follow-up, 5 eyes (13.5 %) developed aneurysms after a mean 3.4±0.8 years (2.3 - 4.2 years) years, defining PAT1/PCV. Risk of PAT1/PCV conversion was 7.4 % at year 3, 13.6 % at year 4 and 30.7 % at year 5. Mean 5.2±4.0 to 8.1±3.4 intravitreal anti-VEGF injections were given per year, resulting in a significant reduction of SFCT to 317±104 (122 to 589) μm (p= 0.0007). Age at diagnosis of PNV was significantly lower in eyes that later went on to develop PAT1/PCV (54.0±5.6 (45.9 to 60.5) vs. 61.2±8.4 (38.5 - 78.0) years, p=0.025). At end of follow-up, SFCT had on average decreased by -14.0±17.6 (-55.9 to 23.1) % in the PNV group, while it had increased by mean 6.9±4.4 (0.00 to 10.8) % in the PAT1/PCV conversion group (p=0.0025).

CONCLUSION

PNV can develop aneurysms within its type 1 CNV, defining conversion to PAT1/PCV. In this study, conversion to PAT1/PCV was seen in 13.5 % of eyes, resulting in Kaplan Meier estimates of risk for conversion of 7.4 % at year 3, 13.6 % at year 4 and 30.7 % at year 5. Younger age at diagnosis of PNV and sustained choroidal thickening despite anti-VEGF therapy might be risk factors for PNV to progress into PAT1/PCV.

Factors related to the location of pigment epithelial detachment in central serous chorioretinopathy

Pigment epithelial detachment (PED) is common in eyes with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), and choroidal neovascularisation (CNV), which is almost always associated with PED, is found in a higher proportion than previously expected. Using en-face optical coherence tomography, this retrospective study aimed to investigate the PED location in relation to various geometric landmarks including the foveal centre (FC), greatest choroidal thickness (GCT) point and optic disc centre. In a total of 98 eyes, the distance from the FC to PED centroid was correlated with the ratio of GCT to subfoveal choroidal thickness (r = 0.278, P = 0.006) and the distance from the FC to GCT point (r = 0.371, P < 0.001). Eyes with CNV had a shorter distance between the PED centroid and FC (700 ± 439 μm) than those without (1191 ± 964 μm, P = 0.001). Analysis of covariance showed that the distance from the FC to the PED centroid was significantly correlated with the distance from the FC to the GCT point (P = 0.009) and the PED group with and without CNV (P = 0.020). This result suggests that the development of complicated PED with CNV can be related to both choroidal vascular abnormalities and retinal pigment epithelial insufficiency.

OCT Angiography Fractal Analysis of Choroidal Neovessels Secondary to Central Serous Chorioretinopathy, in a Caucasian Cohort

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) can be complicated by different types of choroidal neovascularization (CNV). The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence and quantitative optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) features of CSCR-related CNVs. Methods: This was a retrospective multicenter study including 102 eyes of 102 Caucasian patients with acute or complex CSCR. All patients underwent a comprehensive ophthalmological examination. Quantitative OCT-A parameters, including vascular perfusion density (VPD), fractal dimension (FD), and lacunarity (LAC), were measured in CNV eyes. Results: Forty eyes (39.2%) had acute CSCR, whereas the remaining sixty-two (60.8%) had complex CSCR. CNV was observed in 37 (36.27%) eyes, all of which had the complex form. CNVs were classified as type 1 CNV in 11/37 (29.73%) cases and as polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) in the remaining 26/37 (70.27%). Overall, the mean VPD, FD, and LAC of CSCR-related CNVs were 0.52 ± 0.20%, 1.44 ± 0.12, and 2.40 ± 1.1, respectively. No significant difference between type 1 CNV and PCV was found. Conclusion: Complex CSCR is often complicated by type 1 CNV and PCV with similar neovascular architecture and branching complexity, a finding supporting the idea that they might be different stages of the same neovascular process. Future OCT-A fractal analysis-based studies that also include other relevant parameters, such as demographics, presentation, morphology on multimodal imaging, and response to treatment, are necessary before drawing any definitive conclusions.

InCASEOf scoring system for distinction between pachychoroid-associated macular neovascularization and neovascular age-related macular degeneration in patients older than 50 years

To develop a novel scoring system aiming at guiding the differential diagnosis between macular neovascularization secondary to pachychoroid disease (pMNV) and neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in patients aged 50 years and older. In this retrospective study performed at University Vita-Salute San Raffaele (Milan, Italy) and Créteil University Eye Clinic (Créteil, France), we enrolled patients 50 years of age and older, visited between January 2017 and January 2019, who were diagnosed with either treatment-naïve pMNV or neovascular AMD. At the time of diagnosis, all patients underwent a comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluation, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, and optical coherence tomography angiography. Univariate comparison between pMNV and neovascular AMD groups was performed to identify the main clinical predictors for pMNV. The selected predictors were taken into a binomial logistic regression and eventually served as the basis for the development of InCASEOf scoring system. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to study the model performance. Forty-eight right eyes from 48 patients with pMNV and 39 right eyes from 39 patients with neovascular AMD were considered in this study. Age (+ 2 points), sex (+ 2 points), choroidal thickness (+ 2 points), early pachyvessels (+ 2 points), and evidence of MNV at OCTA (+ 3 points) turned out to be predictors for pMNV. Four additional factors significant at univariate analysis were considered: type 2 and type 3 MNVs and presence of intraretinal fluid (− 0.5 points each), and presence of subretinal fluid (+ 0.5 points). InCASEOf scoring system was built with a high score of 11.5 points. The cutoff value of 6.5 showed good accuracy in separating pMNVs from neovascular AMDs. InCASEOf is a straightforward clinical scoring system, accessible to comprehensive ophthalmologists, with the purpose of enabling easy distinction and expert-like diagnosis of pMNV and neovascular AMD in patients aged 50 years or older.

Artificial Intelligence and OCT Angiography in Full Thickness Macular Hole. New Developments for Personalized Medicine

Purpose: To evaluate the 1-year visual acuity predictive performance of an artificial intelligence (AI) based model applied to optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) vascular layers scans from eyes with a full-thickness macular hole (FTMH). Methods: In this observational cross-sectional, single-center study, 35 eyes of 35 patients with FTMH were analyzed by OCT-A before and 1-year after surgery. Superficial vascular plexus (SVP) and deep vascular plexus (DVP) images were collected for the analysis. AI approach based on convolutional neural networks (CNN) was used to generate a continuous predictive variable based on both SVP and DPV. Different pre-trained CNN networks were used for feature extraction and compared for predictive accuracy. Results: Among the different tested models, the inception V3 network, applied on the combination of deep and superficial OCT-A images, showed the most significant differences between the two obtained image clusters defined in C1 and C2 (best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) C1 = 66.67 (16.00 SD) and BCVA C2 = 49.10 (18.60 SD, p = 0.005)). Conclusions: The AI-based analysis of preoperative OCT-A images of eyes affected by FTMH may be a useful support system in setting up visual acuity recovery prediction. The combination of preoperative SVP and DVP images showed a significant morphological predictive performance for visual acuity recovery.

Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Compared with Multimodal Imaging for Diagnosing Neovascular Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

PURPOSE

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) compared with multimodal imaging for choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) eyes and to determine the features that predicted CNV.

DESIGN

Prospective cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Consecutive CSC patients were recruited from retina clinic. The reference standard for CNV was determined by interpretation of multimodal imaging with OCTA, structural OCT line scan, fluorescein angiography (FA), indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), ultra-widefield fundus photography and fundus autofluorescence (FAF). Two independent masked graders examined OCTA without FA and ICGA to diagnose CNV. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate factors associated with CNV.

RESULTS

CNV was detected in 69 eyes in 64 out of 277 CSC patients according to reference standard. The two masked graders who examined OCTA had sensitivity of 81.2% (95% Confidence Interval [CI], 71.9%-90.4%) and 78.3% (95% CI, 68.5%-88.0%), specificity of 97.3% (95% CI, 95.9%-98.8%) and 96.2% (95% CI, 94.5%-98.0%), positive predictive values of 82.4% (95% CI, 73.3%-91.4%) and 76.1% (95% CI, 66.1%-86.0%), and negative predictive values of 97.1% (95% CI, 95.6%-98.7%) and 96.7% (95% CI, 95.0%-98.3%). Their mean area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.88 with good agreement (Kappa coefficient 0.80 [95% CI, 0.72-0.89]). Flat irregular pigment epithelial detachment on structural OCT, neovascular network on OCTA and ill-defined late leakage on FA significantly correlated with CNV in CSC from multiple regression (P < 0.001, P < 0.001 and P = 0.005, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

There is discordance between OCTA and multimodal imaging in diagnosing CNV in CSC. This study demonstrated the caveats in OCTA interpretation, such as small extrafoveal lesions and retinal pigment epithelial alterations. Comprehensive interpretation of OCTA with dye angiography and structural OCT is recommended.

Characteristics and Associated Factors of Flat Irregular Pigment Epithelial Detachment With Choroidal Neovascularization in Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

Purpose: Flat irregular pigment epithelial detachment (FIPED) in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is strongly associated with type 1 choroidal neovascularization (CNV). The present study aimed to describe the multimodal imaging characteristics of FIPED in patients with chronic CSC and investigate the factors associated with vascularized FIPED.

Methods: We included 55 chronic CSC eyes with vascularized FIPED (47 patients) and 55 chronic CSC eyes with avascular FIPED from age-matched patients (47 patients). None of the included eyes had a history of previous treatment with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor, photodynamic therapy, focal laser, or vitrectomy. The demographic and multimodal imaging data were reviewed. The location, angiography features, height and width, presence of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) aggregations, RPE thickness, and choroid status of the FIPED area were compared between the groups.

Results: The mean age of the included chronic CSC patients was 54.3 ± 7.8 years (range: 33–72 years), and 85.1% were male. Vascularized FIPED eyes had a larger width (1,556.4 ± 731.6 vs. 931.1 ± 486.2 μm, p < 0.001), larger subfoveal RPE thickness (33.4 ± 15.3 vs. 26.3 ± 6.6 μm, p = 0.004), larger maximum RPE thickness of the FIPED area (46.3 ± 20.5 vs. 31.5 ± 8.3 μm, p < 0.001), and more RPE aggregations in the FIPED area (94.5 vs. 54.5%, p < 0.001) than avascular FIPED eyes. RPE aggregations in the FIPED area were an independent factor strongly associated with vascularized FIPED (OR = 7.922, 95% CI = 1.346–46.623, p = 0.022).

Conclusion: FIPED with a larger width and RPE thickening may suggest the presence of an underlying type 1 CNV. FIPED with RPE aggregations had an increased occurrence of neovascularization in chronic CSC.

Pachychoroid Spectrum Disease: Underlying Pathology, Classification, and Phenotypes

PURPOSE

Pachychoroid spectrum disease encompasses a set of macular disorders secondary to an abnormally thick choroid. However, the pathological process underlying pachychoroid spectrum disease and its overlap with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remain unclear. This review aimed to understand the underlying pathology, classification, and phenotypes of pachychoroid spectrum disease.

METHODS

This comprehensive literature review was performed based on a search of peer-reviewed published papers relevant to the current knowledge of pachychoroid disease spectrum.

RESULTS

Pachychoroid is primarily a bilateral phenomenon; the main pathological lesions include choriocapillaris attenuation and abnormally dilated pachyvessels. Chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) and pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PNV) show similar morphological changes and angiogenic cytokine levels. The subretinal fluid in PNV may not accurately indicate PNV activity. Besides, types 1 and 2 of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) may be involved in primary pachychoroidal disease. Both choroidal arteriosclerosis and higher hydrostatic pressure contribute to hyalinized choroidal arteries and aneurysmal dilatations, resulting in PNV progression to polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). Thus, pachychoroid-related type 2 CNV and chronic CSC could be considered as PNV (IIIc) and as a precursor of PNV (IIIa), respectively. Tangled PCV on optical coherence tomography angiography that fails to develop aneurysms should be classified as a subtype of PNV or a forme fruste of PCV.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple disorders of the pachychoroid spectrum are considered as a continuous disease process, ultimately stimulated by choroidal malfunction. PCV overlaps both AMD and pachychoroid disease, especially for thin-choroid and bilateral types. The terminology and classification of pachychoroid spectrum disease should be used cautiously.

Peripapillary Choroidal Vascularity Outside the Macula in Patients With Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

Purpose

To investigate choroidal vascularity outside the macula in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).

Methods

Fifty normal controls and 103 patients with a history of CSC (31 with acute CSC, 32 with chronic CSC, and 40 with resolved CSC) were included. Using swept-source optical coherence tomography, we measured choroidal thickness (CT) and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) at the subfoveal and nasal peripapillary areas.

Results

Subfoveal CT in the acute CSC group was greater than that in all other groups (all P < 0.05). Peripapillary CT in the acute and chronic CSC groups was significantly greater than that in controls (all P ≤ 0.005). However, subfoveal and peripapillary CT in the resolved CSC group was not different from controls. Subfoveal CVI in the acute group (64.71% ± 2.68%) was higher than that in controls (61.68% ± 5.68%) (P = 0.015). Peripapillary CVIs in the acute (67.35% ± 6.04%) and chronic groups (64.90% ± 5.31%) were higher than controls (54.57% ± 7.02%) (all P < 0.001). Subfoveal CVI in the resolved CSC group was not different from controls (P = 0.252), whereas peripapillary CVI (62.61% ± 6.03%) was higher (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Unlike CT, CVI outside the macula was increased in all eyes with both current and past history of CSC. These findings suggest that the choroidal vascularity outside the macula may represent choroidal characteristics in addition to the subfoveal area.

Translational Relevance

Peripapillary CVI outside the macula may provide additional information beyond what is known through subfoveal choroid studies.

Subthreshold laser therapy with a standardized macular treatment pattern in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy

Purpose

There is an ongoing controversial debate about the effectiveness of laser treatments in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC). We performed a prospective non-randomized interventional study to learn about the effects of a subthreshold laser treatment (Topcon Endpoint Management™, Topcon Healthcare Inc., Tokyo, Japan) in patients with cCSC.

Methods

Patients with cCSC and a minimum symptom duration of 4 months were included and treated with a standardized laser pattern covering the macular area. Retreatment was performed every 3 months if persistent subretinal fluid was observed. The primary endpoint was resolution of subretinal fluid at 6 months. Further outcome parameters included best corrected visual acuity, microperimetry, central macular and subfoveal choroidal thickness.

Results

A total of 42 eyes of 39 patients were included. Mean patient age was 48 ± 10.6 years (range 25–67). Mean symptomatic time before inclusion into the study was 134 ± 133.4 weeks (16–518). Before inclusion, 78.6% of the patients had failed to resolve subretinal fluid under mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and 14.3% had a recurrence after half-dose photodynamic therapy. Complete resolution of subretinal fluid was observed in 42.9% at 6 months and in 53.8% at 12 months after baseline. Central retinal thickness decreased from 398 ± 135 µm to 291 ± 68 µm (p < 0.001), subfoveal choroidal thickness changed slightly (430 ± 116 µm to 419 ± 113 µm, p = 0.026), microperimetry-derived macular function improved by 19.1 ± 4.7 dB to 21.3 ± 4.8 dB (p = 0.008) and mean BCVA improved by 4.9 ± 8.6 ETDRS letters (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The results show that the investigated laser treatment is effective in reducing subretinal fluid and leads to an improvement of functional parameters.

Short-term effect of anti-VEGF for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy according to the presence of choroidal neovascularization using optical coherence tomography angiography

Purpose

To analyze the short-term therapeutic efficacy of intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (IVB) for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) according to the presence of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

Methods

A retrospective chart review was perfomed on cases of CSC with CNV (Group 1: n = 31) and an age-matched cases of CSC without CNV (Group 2: n = 30). The response to IVB was evaluated by changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), choroidal thickness (CT), and pachyvessel diameter. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with the visual outcome of chronic CSC with CNV after IVB.

Results

At baseline, the CT values differed significantly between Groups 1 and 2 (371.55 ± 67.09 vs. 417.33 ± 71.32 μm, p = 0.01). In Group 1, BCVA improved significantly (p < 0.001), and CMT (p < 0.001), CT (p = 0.001) and pachyvessel diameter (p = 0.045) decreased significantly, after IVB. In Group 2, only pachyvessel diameter (p = 0.001) was significantly smaller after IVB. Univariate analysis showed that the initial CT (B = 0.002, p = 0.026) and pachyvessel diameter (B = 0.002, p = 0.001) significantly affected visual outcome. In multivariate analysis, the initial pachyvessel diameter exhibited significant results (B = 0.002, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

IVB showed less effective short-term outcomes in chronic CSC patients without CNV than in patients with CNV. In chronic CSC with CNV, the short-term visual outcome after IVB was better in patients with a thinner choroid and smaller pachyvessels.

Peripapillary Retinal Vascular Involvement in Early Post-COVID-19 Patients

The ability of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2's) to cause multi-organ ischemia and coronavirus-induced posterior segment eye diseases in mammals gave concern about potential sight-threatening ischemia in post coronavirus disease 2019 patients. The radial peripapillary capillary plexus (RPCP) is a sensitive target due to the important role in the vascular supply of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL). Eighty patients one month after SARS-CoV-2 infection and 30 healthy patients were selected to undergo structural OCT (optical coherence tomography) and OCTA (optical coherence tomography angiography) exams. Primary outcome was a difference in RPCP perfusion density (RPCP-PD) and RPCP flow index (RPCP-FI). No significant difference was observed in age, sex, intraocular pressure (IOP) and prevalence of myopia. RPCP-PD was lower in post SARS-CoV-2 patients compared to controls. Within the post-COVID-19 group, patients with systemic arterial hypertension had lower RPCP-FI and age was inversely correlated to both RPCP-FI and RPCP-PD. Patients treated with lopinavir + ritonavir or antiplatelet therapy during admission had lower RPCP-FI and RPCP-PD. RNFL average thickness was linearly correlated to RPCP-FI and RPCP-PD within post-COVID-19 group. Future studies will be needed to address the hypothesis of a microvascular retinal impairment in individuals who recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection.