SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT OF SEVERE PERIPAPILLARY PACHYCHOROID SYNDROME WITH ANTI-VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR THERAPY

PURPOSE

To describe two cases of severe peripapillary pachychoroid syndrome successfully managed with monthly intravitreal aflibercept therapy.

METHODS

Medical and imaging records were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were imaged with ultra-widefield fluorescein, indocyanine green angiography, and fundus autofluorescence. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography was performed to evaluate macular edema and choroidal thickness. Optical coherence tomography angiography excluded macular neovascularization.

RESULTS

This report summarizes two cases of peripapillary pachychoroid syndrome complicated by very severe bilateral macular edema. In all four eyes, the diffuse intraretinal and subretinal fluid remarkably improved or completely resolved after monthly intravitreal aflibercept injections with commensurate improvement of visual acuity. Multimodal imaging documented the significant improvement of fluid and the reduction in choroidal thickening in response to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy in each case.

CONCLUSION

Severe cases of peripapillary pachychoroid syndrome associated with vision loss can be successfully treated with intravitreal aflibercept therapy.

FROM DRUSEN TO TYPE 3 MACULAR NEOVASCULARIZATION

PURPOSE

To investigate the imaging features preceding the occurrence of type 3 (T3) macular neovascularization (MNV) using tracked spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.

METHOD

From a cohort of eyes with T3 MNV and ≥ 12 months of previously tracked spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, T3 lesions that developed above soft drusen were selected for optical coherence tomography analysis. Retinal imaging findings at the location where type T3 MNV occurred were analyzed at each follow-up until the onset of T3 MNV. The following optical coherence tomography parameters were assessed: drusen size (height and width), outer nuclear layer/Henle fiber layer thickness at the drusen apex, and the presence of intraretinal hyperreflective foci, retinal pigment epithelium disruption, incomplete retinal pigment epithelium and outer retina atrophy, and complete retinal pigment epithelium and outer retina atrophy.

RESULTS

From a cohort of 31 eyes with T3 MNV, T3 lesions developed above soft drusen in 20 eyes (64.5%). Drusen showed progressive growth ( P < 0.001) associated with outer nuclear layer/Henle fiber ( P < 0.001) thinning before T3 MNV. The following optical coherence tomography features were identified preceding the occurrence of T3 MNV, typically at the apex of the drusenoid lesion: disruption of the external limiting membrane/ellipsoid zone and/or the retinal pigment epithelium, hyperreflective foci, and incomplete retinal pigment epithelium and outer retina atrophy/complete retinal pigment epithelium and outer retina atrophy.

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrate specific anatomic alterations preceding the occurrence of T3 MNV that most commonly originates above soft drusen. Drusen growth, reduced outer nuclear layer/Henle fiber thickness, and retinal pigment epithelium atrophy at the drusen apex precede the development of T3 MNV. Identifying these optical coherence tomography features should warrant close monitoring for identification of T3 MNV, which can benefit from prompt intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy.

Non-neovascular fluid in age-related macular degeneration: observe-and-extend regimen in a case-series study

OBJECTIVE

To describe the course of non-neovascular fluid in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy or after observation without injections.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

METHODS

AMD eyes with macular drusen and (or) drusenoid pigment epithelial detachment associated with non-neovascular fluid were included. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography was performed in all eyes to exclude the presence of macular neovascularization. Subretinal fluid (SRF) was measured to determine the response after anti-VEGF therapy and after observation without injections.

RESULTS

Ten eyes of 9 patients with intermediate AMD and SRF were studied over a median period of 59.5 months (range, 7-128 months). Six patients (6 eyes) had a history of anti-VEGF therapy. Median follow-up off injections was 13.5 months (range, 4-44 months). SRF thickness remained stable and unchanged during the follow-up off injections in all eyes (n = 6) with prior injection and in all eyes (n = 4) that had never been injected. Six eyes developed complete retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) and outer retinal atrophy, and 1 eye developed incomplete RPE and outer retinal atrophy. All eyes exhibited at least 2 OCT biomarkers associated with a high risk for progression to atrophy.

CONCLUSION

This study provides preliminary data regarding the progression of non-neovascular fluid in AMD with or without anti-VEGF injections. A possible mechanism for fluid development may be related to RPE pump impairment. Distinguishing neovascular versus non-neovascular fluid using multimodal imaging, including OCT angiography, is essential to avoid unnecessary anti-VEGF therapy. An observe-and-extend regimen may be considered in AMD eyes with non-neovascular fluid.

RAPID PENTOSAN POLYSULFATE SODIUM MACULOPATHY PROGRESSION

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to report a unique case of pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS) maculopathy with remarkable rapid progression over 2 years. These findings show the importance of early detection of macular disease to limit toxic exposure and reduce the risk of progression.

METHODS

Multimodal retinal imaging including fundus autofluorescence, near-infrared reflectance with pseudocolor, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography was performed in an elderly patient with a history of PPS therapy (cumulative dose of 1,205 g) at baseline and 2 years later.

RESULTS

Baseline multimodal retinal imaging failed to show significant macular findings of PPS toxicity in either eye, but on repeat evaluation 2 years later, advanced features of PPS maculopathy were detected in both eyes with fundus autofluorescence, near-infrared reflectance, pseudocolor, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography.

CONCLUSION

This report describes a remarkable case of rapid progression of PPS maculopathy as documented with multimodal retinal imaging. The dramatic progression of macular findings over just 2 years underscores the importance of early detection and prompt withdrawal of therapy, if systemically feasible, to retard the development and rate of progression of PPS maculopathy.

Progression of Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium Maculopathy in a Prospective Cohort

PURPOSE

To describe the progression of pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS) maculopathy after drug discontinuation qualitatively and quantitatively using multimodal imaging assessmen.

DESIGN

Prospective case series.

METHODS

Patients with PPS maculopathy were evaluated after discontinuation of PPS. Near-infrared reflectance (NIR), fundus autofluorescence (FAF), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were evaluated in all patients at baseline and at the final follow-up visit at least 12 months later. A qualitative and quantitative analysis of the retinal imaging findings was performed. Patterns of disease progression were evaluated. Area of disease involvement on FAF, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) atrophy on FAF and NIR, and retinal layer thicknesses on OCT were measured at baseline and at the follow-up visit.

RESULTS

A total of 26 eyes were included, with a follow-up period ranging from 13 to 30 months. The diseased area measured on FAF showed significant expansion in all eyes from baseline to follow-up despite drug cessation (P = .03) with a median linearized rate of change of 0.42 mm/y. There was significant reduction in the central macular thickness (P = .04), inner nuclear layer thickness (P = .003), outer nuclear layer thickness (P = .02), and subfoveal choroidal thickness (P = .003) at follow-up vs baseline. New areas of RPE atrophy on FAF in the macula developed in 4 eyes while preexisting atrophic lesions increased in size in 5 eyes.

CONCLUSION

Eyes with baseline PPS maculopathy all exhibited remarkable progression with qualitative and quantitative multimodal imaging analysis despite drug discontinuation. Disease progression may be attributed to underlying inner choroidal ischemia or RPE impairment.

EVALUATION OF PARAVASCULAR INNER RETINAL DEFECTS USING EN FACE OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY

PURPOSE

To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for development of paravascular inner retinal defects (PIRDs) using en face optical coherence tomography.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. En face and cross-sectional optical coherence tomography images were reviewed (9 × 9 mm or 12 × 12 mm). Paravascular inner retinal defects were classified as either Grade 1 (i.e., paravascular inner retinal cysts) when the lesion was confined within the nerve fiber layer without any communication to the vitreous cavity or Grade 2 (i.e., paravascular lamellar hole) when the defects communicated to the vitreous. Paravascular inner retinal defect grading was correlated with presence of high myopia, stage of posterior vitreous detachment, and presence of epiretinal membrane and retinoschisis.

RESULTS

Of 1,074 patients (2,148 eyes), PIRDs were detected in 261 eyes with a prevalence of 261 per 2,148 eyes (12.2%) and 176 per 1,074 patients (16.4%). A total of 116 eyes (44.4%) displayed Grade 2 PIRDs while 145 eyes (55.6%) were Grade 1. In the multivariate logistic regression model, the presence of partial/complete posterior vitreous detachment, retinoschisis, and epiretinal membrane was significantly correlated with PIRDs (OR = 2.78 [1.7-4.4], P < 0.001; OR = 2.93 [1.7-5], P < 0.001; and OR = 25.9 [2.8-242.5], P < 0.001, respectively). The presence of partial/complete posterior vitreous detachment and epiretinal membrane was also significantly associated with Grade 2 PIRDs versus Grade 1 PIRDs ( P = 0.03 and P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that wide-field en face optical coherence tomography facilitates the identification of PIRDs over a large area of retina with a single capture. The presence of PIRDs was significantly associated with posterior vitreous detachment, epiretinal membrane, and retinoschisis, confirming the role of vitreoretinal traction in the pathogenesis of PIRDs.

The Use of Additional Facedown Positioning with Silicone Oil Tamponade for the Treatment of Retinal Re-detachment

PURPOSE

To highlight a potential alternative to additional surgery for management of retinal re-detachment through the use of additional facedown positioning with silicone oil tamponade.

METHODS

Retrospective case-series of two patients evaluated with examination, multimodal imaging, including fundus photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fluorescein angiography.

RESULTS

In case 1, a 70-year-old female patient underwent surgery for a full-thickness macular hole with associated macula-off retinal detachment, but experienced a recurrent detachment and underwent a second surgery with silicone oil placement. Another recurrent detachment was found. The case was managed conservatively with face-down positioning, resulting in resolution of subretinal fluid and improvement in vision. At follow-up, the retina remained attached with stable vision. In case 2, a 25-year-old male patient underwent a surgical repair for PVR retinal detachment with a scleral buckle, cryotherapy, and external drainage. After multiple re-detachment surgeries with retinectomy and oil placement there was another tractional re-detachment of the fovea was noted. Management was with facedown positioning and follow-up evaluation showed resolution of the subretinal fluid and improvement in vision with stability for greater than 2 months.

CONCLUSIONS

For recurrent retinal re-detachments with silicone oil in place, an additional week of facedown positioning can result in anatomic success and be a viable alternative or bridge to invasive surgical interventions. This approach may have greatest utility for patients who are poor surgical candidates without new peripheral pathology.

A MIDDLE-AGED PATIENT WITH BILATERAL VISION LOSS AND NYCTALOPIA

PURPOSE

To report a case of nonparaneoplastic autoimmune retinopathy in a patient with a diagnosis of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome.

METHODS

Case report. Main outcome measures included findings on retinal examination and analysis of fundus autofluorescence, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, and full-field electroretinogram. Vitamin A levels and results of antiretinal antibody testing and paraneoplastic workup are also presented.

RESULTS

A 47-year-old male presented with a 1-year history of bilateral vision loss and nyctalopia. Past medical history was significant for Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, confirmed by positive voltage-gated calcium channel antibodies, and thymectomy reported as thymic follicular hyperplasia. Optical coherence tomography showed bilateral diffuse outer retinal atrophy and ellipsoid zone loss. Fundus autofluorescence displayed a bull's pattern of hyperautofluorescence around each fovea. Full-field electroretinogram showed an extinguished rod response and a severely depressed cone response in each eye.

CONCLUSION

We describe a case of nonparaneoplastic autoimmune retinopathy in a patient with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome. Multimodal retinal imaging and electroretinogram confirmed the presence of autoimmune retinopathy with severe rod-cone degeneration. The association of this myasthenic syndrome with AIR is novel.

Recurrent Anterior Uveitis Associated with Major Fluctuations in Choroidal Thickness in Patient with Pachychoroid Disorder

PURPOSE

To describe remarkable choroidal thickness fluctuations corresponding to episodes of recurrent anterior uveitis with subretinal fluid development when exceeding a choroidal thickness threshold.

METHODS

A patient with pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathy and unilateral acute anterior uveitis of the left eye was evaluated over a period of 3 years with multimodal retinal imaging including optical coherence tomography (OCT). Longitudinal changes in subfoveal choroidal thickness (CT) were measured and correlated with episodes of recurrent inflammation.

RESULTS

Over the course of 5 recurrent episodes of inflammation in the left eye treated with oral antiviral and topical steroid therapy, subfoveal CT increased as much as 200 um or more. Subfoveal CT in the fellow quiescent right eye by contrast, was within normal limits and minimally changed throughout the follow up. Increased CT occurred with each episode of anterior uveitis and decreased by 200 µm or more during periods of quiescence in the affected left eye. Subretinal fluid and macular edema developed with a maximum CT of 468 um and spontaneously resolved when CT decreased after treatment.

CONCLUSION

In eyes with pachychoroid disease, anterior segment inflammation may lead to marked increases in subfoveal CT and the development of subretinal fluid at a threshold thickness value.

The Impact of Systemic Medications on Retinal Function

This study will provide a thorough review of systemic (and select intravitreal) medications, along with illicit drugs that are capable of causing various patterns of retinal toxicity. The diagnosis is established by taking a thorough medication and drug history, and then by pattern recognition of the clinical retinal changes and multimodal imaging features. Examples of all of these types of toxicity will be thoroughly reviewed, including agents that cause retinal pigment epithelial disruption (hydroxychloroquine, thioridazine, pentosan polysulfate sodium, dideoxyinosine), retinal vascular occlusion (quinine, oral contraceptives), cystoid macular edema/retinal edema (nicotinic acid, sulfa-containing medications, taxels, glitazones), crystalline deposition (tamoxifen, canthaxanthin, methoxyflurane), uveitis, miscellaneous, and subjective visual symptoms (digoxin, sildenafil). The impact of newer chemotherapeutics and immunotherapeutics (tyrosine kinase inhibitor, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase, checkpoint, anaplastic lymphoma kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase inhibitors, and others), will also be thoroughly reviewed. The mechanism of action will be explored in detail when known. When applicable, preventive measures will be discussed, and treatment will be reviewed. Illicit drugs (cannabinoids, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, alkyl nitrite), will also be reviewed in terms of the potential impact on retinal function.

Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium-Associated Maculopathy: Early Detection Using OCT Angiography and Choriocapillaris Flow Deficit Analysis

PURPOSE

To compare choriocapillaris flow deficit (CC-FD) analysis using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in eyes of patients treated with high cumulative dosages of pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS) but no signs of retinal toxicity versus healthy age-matched controls.

DESIGN

Retrospective clinical cohort study.

METHODS

Patients treated with PPS for interstitial cystitis with a cumulative dose of > 1000 g underwent multimodal imaging screening to exclude evidence of PPS maculopathy or other retinal findings. All study patients and age-matched healthy controls completed a 3 × 3 mm macular volume scan OCTA using the SOLIX full-range OCT. En face OCTA images at the level of the CC were exported and CC-FDs were computed and compared between groups.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients treated with PPS and 15 age-matched controls were included. The mean PPS cumulative dose was 1974 ± 666 g over a mean of 17.6 ± 6.8 treatment years. All patients registered a visual acuity of 20/25 or better and normal fundus autofluorescence (FAF), OCT, multicolor, near-infrared reflectance (NIR), and ultra-widefield fundus color and autofluorescence images. The CC-FD was 32.7 ± 3.6% in the PPS group compared with 28.6 ± 4.3% in the control group (P = .023).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients treated with PPS long enough to accumulate dosages > 1000 g showed significant CC flow impairment before the development of macular toxicity signs with OCT, NIR, and FAF compared with age-matched normal controls. Thus, the choroid may be the earliest manifestation of ocular toxicity, predating the development of clinically evident retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) injury. The subsequent RPE disruption may be the result of choriocapillaris impairment or primary PPS toxicity. Assessment of the CC on OCTA may be a useful tool for early detection of toxicity, although further longitudinal studies are required.