Two-Year Results of a Treat and Extend Regimen with Aflibercept in Caucasian Patients with Pachychoroid Neovasculopathy

INTRODUCTION

There are few reports evaluating the treatment of pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PNV) in white patients. The purpose of this study is to analyze the results of a treat and extend regimen with aflibercept in white patients with PNV after 2 years of follow-up.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study in 31 eyes of 26 patients with PNV treated with a treat an extend regimen of intravitreal aflibercept. The mean age was 63,84 ± 7.92 years. There were 9 males (35%) and 17 females (65%). Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), choroidal subfoveal thickness (CST), choroidal thickness (CT) under type 1 choroidal neovascularization (CNV), pigment epithelium detachment (PED) height, and presence of subretinal fluid (SRF), intraretinal fluid (IRF) and wet macula, were evaluated at baseline and after 3, 6, 12, and 24 months.

RESULTS

BCVA remained stable during the follow-up (p 0.161). A significant diminution of CMT was found (p 0.001). Conversely, PED height diminution was not significative (p 0.260). CST and CT under type 1 CNV improved significantly during the follow-up (p 0.005 and 0.009, respectively). Also, wet macula improved after 24 months (p < .001). The average number of intravitreal injections was 12.34 ± 6.01.

CONCLUSION

Treat and extend regimen with intravitreal aflibercept in white patients with PNV may be effective for improving CMT, CST, CT under type 1 CNV and wet macula, and to stabilize vision, with a personalized regimen of intravitreal injections.

Optical coherence tomography angiography quantitative analysis of retinal and choroidal microvasculature in patients with dyslipidemia

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this investigation was to report swept source-optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) quantitative information of retinal and choroidal microvascularization in patients with dyslipidemia (DL).

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study. The study enrolled 37 eyes of 20 patients with DL and 40 eyes of 23 healthy subjects. OCTA quantitative parameters (vessel density (VD) and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area of superficial capillary plexus (SCP), middle capillary plexus (MCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP) and choriocapillaris (CC)) in 6 mm × 6 mm and 4,5 mm × 4,5 mm cubes were recorded.

RESULTS

No differences in VD in SCP, MCP and DCP were demonstrated between DL group and control group (p > 0,05). Conversely, VD in the central region at CC was diminished in patients with DL in both cubes (p < 0,05). Moreover, total VD in CC was decreased in the DL group in 6 mm × 6 mm cube (p < 0,05). Regarding FAZ area, we demonstrated and enlargement of FAZ in each retinal capillary plexus, but it did not reach statistical significance (p > 0,05).

CONCLUSION

We objectified a diminution of VD in the CC, suggesting that DL mainly affects the choroidal microvasculature. Nonetheless, further studies with a larger population are needed.

Swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography automatic analysis of microvascular changes secondary to systemic hypertension

Introduction

The aim of our study is to report swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) quantitative parameters of retinal and choroidal microvasculature in patients with systemic hypertension (HTN) using a built-in software of SS-OCTA.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study. This study enrolled 93 eyes of 51 subjects with HTN and 71 eyes of 38 healthy subjects. OCTA quantitative parameters (vessel density (VD) and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area of superficial capillary plexus (SCP), middle capillary plexus (MCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), total capillary plexus (TCP) and choriocapillaris (CC)) of the OCTA cube of 4,5 mm × 4,5 mm were recorded.

Results

A decrease of parafoveal VD in CC, DCP and TCP were demonstrated between HTN group and control group ( p < 0,05). Conversely, no differences were demonstrated in parafoveal VD of SCP and MCP ( p > 0,05). Subgroup analysis revealed a diminution of central VD at SCP, DCP and TCP in patients taking one antihypertensive drug compared to patients treated with two medications ( p < 0,05). Correlation analysis showed a significant, albeit weak, negative correlation between HTN duration, and parafoveal VD in the SCP and FAZ area at SCP, DCP and TCP ( p < 0,05 and r < 0,300).

Conclusion

When normative data are available, OCTA might be used as a potential tool in the prevention and follow-up of end-organ damage secondary to HTN. Nonetheless, further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

New insights in pathogenic mechanism of hydroxychloroquine retinal toxicity through optical coherence tomography angiography analysis

INTRODUCTION

There is only a unique report with a small sample size studying hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) retinal toxicity with swept-source (SS) optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). The aim of this study was to quantify OCTA quantitative parameters in patients who underwent HCQ therapy.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study. The study included 43 eyes of 22 patients taking HCQ for more than 5 years (high-risk group), 57 eyes of 29 patients taking HCQ for 5 years or less (low-risk group) and 25 eyes of 50 age-matched healthy controls. OCTA quantitative parameters (vessel density (VD) and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area in superficial capillary plexus (SCP), middle capillary plexus (MCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), total capillary plexus (TCP), and choriocapillaris (CC)) were recorded.

RESULTS

In the low-risk group, VD in the SCP and MCP was increased compared to control group (p value <.05). In the high-risk group, VD in the SCP, MCP and TCP was increased (p value <.05). The subgroup analysis revealed an increased VD at SCP in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) high-risk patients, an increased VD at TCP and CC in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) high-risk subjects, and a decreased VD at CC level in the high-risk group patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and connective tissue disease (CTD) (p value <.05). Furthermore, we demonstrated a significant enlargement of FAZ area at MCP level in the high-risk group patients with SS and CTD (p value <.05).

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated an increase of VD in patients who underwent HCQ treatment, so we suggest that HCQ retinal toxicity is not vascular mediated.

Optical coherence tomography angiography analysis of aneurismal type 1 neovascularization in a cohort of white patients

INTRODUCTION

To evaluate the detection rate of aneurysmal type 1 neovascularization (AT1) in Caucasian patients using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and to describe OCTA characteristics of AT1 in a cohort of white patients.

METHODS

We conducted an observational retrospective study in 44 eyes of 43 patients with AT1. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination, including fundus imaging, indocyanine green angiography, optical coherence tomography, and OCTA. Branching vascular network (BVN) and polyp detection rates by OCTA were evaluated. Furthermore, we described BVN and polyp morphologies on en face OCTA and flow of polyps on B-scan OCTA.

RESULTS

En face OCTA revealed BVN in 84.09% of cases and polypoidal lesions in 86.36% of cases. B-scan OCTA showed BVN and polyps in 95.45% and 93.18% of the patients, respectively. "Trunk" BVNs (51.35%) and "ring" polyps (47.37%) were the most frequent morphologies observed in our cohort, and "patchy hyperflow" (80.49%) signal was the most common visualized in our patients. Regarding OCT parameters, CT under polyps was higher in patients with positive detection of polyps on B-scan OCTA.

CONCLUSION

OCTA is a possible diagnosis tool in Caucasian patients with AT1. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest study performed in Caucasian patients regarding OCTA diagnostic abilities and features.

Quantitative analysis of retinal and choroidal vasculature in patients with chorioretinal folds secondary to hyperopia

INTRODUCTION

There is a lack of information on quantitative parameters of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in cases of chorioretinal folds (CRF). The aim of this study was to compare OCTA retinal and choriocapillary vessel density (VD) between normal subjects and patients with CRF.

METHODS

We conducted an observational retrospective study. A total of 16 eyes of eight patients were recruited (eight eyes with CRF and eight control eyes). Data on best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), refractive error, central macular thickness (CMT), central subfoveal thickness (CST), and OCTA findings (VD and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area in superficial capillary plexus (SCP), middle capillary plexus (MCP), and deep capillary plexus (DCP), and VD in choriocapillaris (CC)) were recorded in each eye.

RESULTS

Compared with control group, CRF group showed decreased VD in the foveal region of SCP and MCP (p value 0.003 and 0.001), and increased VD in nasal region of SCP and MCP (p value 0.02 and 0.001), and in parafoveal area of MCP (p value 0.005). No differences were found in DCP and CC layers. Furthermore, we observed an enlargement of FAZ in CRF group at SCP and MCP slabs (p value <0.001 and 0.015). Respect to optical coherence tomography parameters, we demonstrated a thicker choroid in the CRF group (p value 0.002).

CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reported in the literature quantifying VD of retinal capillary plexus and CC in a group of patients with a diagnosis of CRF secondary to hyperopia.

Vitamin A retinopathy secondary to Billroth II anastomosis triggered after the beginning of dialysis

PURPOSE

To report a case of vitamin A retinopathy secondary to Billroth II anastomosis triggered after the beginning of dialysis in a patient with a chronic renal failure.

CASE REPORT

A 73-year-old male complained of nyctalopia that had started 9 months ago, coinciding with the beginning of dialysis. His medical history is remarkable for hepatic cirrhosis and Billroth II anastomosis 20 years ago. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 60 letters in both eyes. Dilated fundus examination showed faint white-yellowish dots. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) illustrated hyperreflective dots and small hyporreflective cavities between the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and the ellipsoid zone (EZ). En face OCT showed multiple hyperreflective dots that coincide with white-yellowish dots of the fundus, and multiple hyporreflective defects which correspond to hyporreflective cavities seen in the OCT. Visual field examination showed concentric narrowing of the visual field. A diagnosis of vitamin A deficiency was confirmed and oral vitamin A supplementation was initiated. One month after treatment, the patient reported a subjective improvement of nyctalopia, and BCVA ameliorated up to 80 and 85 letters. Fundus examination, OCT, and en face OCT showed a diminution of the observed lesions. Moreover, visual field improved.

CONCLUSION

Early diagnosis of vitamin A deficiency can prevent irreversible visual sequelae. This highlights the crucial role of ophthalmologists in the prompt detection of this condition. A lifelong monitoring should be needed in patients undergoing biliopancreatic diversion surgery. Furthermore, OCT and en face OCT becomes a main tool in the diagnosis and monitor response to treatment.

Two-year results of a treat and extend regimen with aflibercept in Caucasian patients with aneurysmal type 1 neovascularization

INTRODUCTION

There are a few reports investigating the treatment of aneurysmal type 1 neovascularization (AT1) in Caucasian patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the 2-year results of a treat and extend regimen with aflibercept in Caucasian patients with AT1.

METHODS

We conducted an observational retrospective study in 28 eyes of 26 patients with naïve AT1 treated with a treat an extend regimen of intravitreal aflibercept. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), pigment epithelium detachment (PED) height, presence of dry macula, and regression rate of polypoidal lesions were assessed at baseline and at 12 and 24 months.

RESULTS

BCVA was significantly increased by 9.03 ± 16 letters (p < 0.01) and 9.2 ± 16.87 letters (p < 0.01) after the 12 and 24 months follow-up. A significant decrease of CMT was found at 12 and 24 months (p < 0.01). Nevertheless, significant changes in PED height were not observed (0.1 < p > 0.05). At 12 and 24 months of follow-up, dry macula was achieved in a total of 10 eyes (35.71%) and 15 eyes (53.57%). The regression rate of polypoidal lesions was 25% (7 eyes) and 35.71% (10 eyes) after 12 and 24 months. The mean number of intravitreal injections was 7.81 ± 3.20 the first year and 6.11 ± 3.49 the second year.

CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, treat and extend regimen with intravitreal aflibercept in Caucasian patients may be effective for improving BCVA, CMT, wet macula, and regression rate of polypoidal lesions.

Multimodal imaging of two cases of retinal vein occlusion secondary to Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia

PURPOSE

To report multimodal imaging characteristics of two cases of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) secondary to Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM).

CASE REPORT

Case 1: An 82-year-old woman presented with vision loss. She had a history of WM. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/100 Snellen equivalent in the right eye (OD) and 20/63 in the left eye (OS). Fundoscopy showed bilateral hemorrhages in posterior pole and along superotemporal arcade. Fluorescein angiography illustrated no macular leakage. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed macular edema (ME). Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) demonstrated abnormalities in choriocapillaris. A diagnosis of bilateral branch RVO was made and ME was treated with intravitreal dexamethasone, achieving stability. Case 2: A 65-year-old man presented with venous dilation, tortuosity, and intraretinal hemorrhages. BCVA was 20/20 in both eyes (OU). OCT showed ME and hyperreflective dots in choroid. A diagnosis of bilateral central RVO was made. Laboratory evaluation and bone narrow biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of WM. After that, our patient consulted because of vision loss. BCVA was 20/400 in OU. Fundoscopy and OCT demonstrated a worsening of the intraretinal hemorrhages and the ME. OCTA showed damage of choriocapillaris. Thus, intravitreal dexamethasone and plasmapheresis was advised. Two months after, BCVA was 20/40 in the OD and 20/32 in the OS. Also, fundoscopy and OCT improved.

CONCLUSION

Early treatment of WM is truly important, with the aim of achieving a decrease in IgM levels in order to avoid toxic effect over the RPE that results in refractory ME.

Peripapillary pachychoroid neovasculopathy: A novel entity

PURPOSE

Peripapillary pachychoroid syndrome is a new variant of pachychoroid disease recently described. It is important to establish the features and pathogenic mechanisms of this novel entity and its possible association with type 1 neovascularization. The aim of this study is to report a case of peripapillary pachychoroid neovasculopathy, a novel entity of pachychoroid spectrum disease.

CASE REPORT

A 51-year-old woman was referred to our macula service due to macular pigmentary changes in her right eye. On examination, best corrected visual acuity was 20/20 Snellen equivalent in both eyes. Funduscopy revealed pigmentary changes in the papillonasal bundle in her right eye with mottled autofluorescence in the same area where pigmentary changes. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography illustrated a shallow irregular pigment epithelium detachment (PED) which appears as "double layer sign" overlying pachyvessels, with hyper-flow signal beneath it and a large network of neovascularization revealed by cross-sectional optical coherence tomography angiography. Indocyanine green angiography confirmed the pachyvessels and choroidal hyper-permeability in the peripapillary region. A diagnosis of peripapillary pachychoroid neovasculopathy was made and good visual and anatomical outcomes were achieved with a treat-and-extend regimen with intravitreal aflibercept.

CONCLUSION

We report a novel entity within the pachychoroid spectrum disease, the peripapillary pachychoroid neovasculopathy, which could improve our understanding of the pathogenic mechanism of choroidal neovascularization in pachychoroid disorders.