1/233. Peripheral choriovitreal neovascularization in proliferative diabetic retinopathy: histopathologic and ultrastructural study. We describe the histopathologic and ultrastructural evidence of choriovitreal neovascularization in the peripheral fundus of a non-vitrectomized eye with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). One eye with PDR was surgically enucleated because of neovascular glaucoma and studied with light and electron microscopy. The eye had neovascular membranes at the ora serrata of the peripheral fundus. The newly formed vessels originated from the choroid, passed through Bruch's membrane and the retina, and extended into the vitreous. These vessels had either developing or mature characteristics. The endothelial cells of the developing vessels contained a bulky cytoplasm with many intracytoplasmic filaments, ribosomes and rough endoplasmic reticulum. Budding endothelial cells were frequently found in the developing vessels. The endothelial cells of the mature vessels had attenuated cytoplasm and fenestrations with diaphragms. These observations suggest that choriovitreal neovascularization in the peripheral fundus is one of the features of PDR. ( info) |
2/233. Fluorescein angiographic abnormalities after prophylactic macular photocoagulation for high-risk age-related maculopathy. PURPOSE: Initial studies suggest that drusen associated with age-related maculopathy resolve in response to laser photocoagulation; there are conflicting reports regarding whether this treatment might prevent neovascular complications and blindness. The goal of the Drusen Laser Study is to maintain good visual acuity in eyes at the highest risk for neovascular complications of age-related maculopathy. In this report, we alert the ophthalmic community to possible laser-induced complications in patients treated within the context of this clinical trial. methods: A double-masked, randomized, controlled clinical trial of prophylactic macular photocoagulation for high-risk age-related maculopathy is in progress. patients randomly assigned to treatment received a ring-type distribution of 12 light spots of argon laser photocoagulation. Drusen were treated directly only if they were present at the protocol treatment locations. fluorescein angiography was performed in all patients at yearly review, and at nonprotocol visits if symptoms or clinical examination were suggestive of choroidal neovascularization. RESULTS: Fluorescein angiographic abnormalities suggestive of choroidal neovascularization have been seen in treated eyes only: one patient in the pilot study and six patients in the Drusen Laser Study. No fluorescein angiographic abnormalities were seen in eyes of control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Laser photocoagulation in high-risk age-related maculopathy may induce choroidal neovascularization and, therefore, is not recommended outside the context of a randomized, controlled clinical trial. ( info) |
3/233. Dark spots in late-phase indocyanine green angiographic studies in a patient with presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome. PURPOSE: We analyzed indocyanine green (ICG) angiograms in a patient with presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (POHS) complaining about "seeing spots" and decreased visual acuity in order to identify the pathologic process. patients AND methods: A 30-year-old caucasian man with clinical signs of POHS who had previously undergone laser photocoagulation for secondary choroidal neovascularization developed visual disturbances primarily in his temporal visual field. We performed fundus photography, fluorescein angiography and ICG angiography before, during and after the episode of visual disturbance. ICG angiographic findings were correlated to fundus photographs and fluorescein angiograms. RESULTS: Fundus examination, fluorescein angiograms and early-phase ICG angiograms were unremarkable at all time points. However, during the phase of visual disturbance, late-phase ICG angiographic study revealed hypofluorescent lesions in the area representing the visual disturbances. At 1 week follow-up, these hypofluorescent lesions were reduced in size and number; at 6 months follow-up they had completely resolved. CONCLUSIONS: Late-phase ICG angiographic study can provide additional information in inflammatory retinal disease by virtue of identifying areas of choroidal alterations while standard diagnostic examination remain unremarkable. ( info) |
4/233. Surgical removal of subfoveal choroidal neovascular membranes in high myopia. BACKGROUND: A study was carried out to elucidate the anatomical and functional outcome after surgical excision of subfoveal choroidal neovascular membranes in high myopia. methods: Sixty-five patients with high myopia (> or =6 diopters), well-defined subfoveal neovascular membranes on fluorescein angiography and preoperative visual acuity < or =20/100 were selected for surgery. A standardized surgical technique was used in all cases, by a single surgeon. The main outcomes assessed were Snellen visual acuity, surgical retinal pigment epithelium defect and postoperative perfusion of the choriocapillaris. Multifactor analysis of variance and chi-square/Fisher's exact test statistics were used to assess the association between patients' pre- and postoperative characteristics and outcome measures. RESULTS: Follow-up ranged from 6 to 48 months (mean 16 months). Mean postoperative visual acuity (0.18) was significantly better than mean preoperative visual acuity (0.09). visual acuity improved by at least two lines in 29 eyes (45%) and was unchanged in 24 (37%). overall, 43 eyes (66%) had visual acuity of 20/200 or better and 15 (23%), 20/60 or better. Predictive factors with a significant effect on final visual acuity were mean visual acuity, preoperative status of retinal pigment epithelium and postoperative perfusion of the choriocapillaris. Postoperative perfusion was detected in 31 (48%) of the total 65 eyes and in 12 (67%) of the 18 eyes with normal retinal pigment epithelium at baseline. The mean postoperative retinal pigment epithelium defect was 4.6 times larger than the original neovascular membrane. In selected patients, SLO macular scotometry showed areas of retained retinal sensitivity within the atrophic scar. CONCLUSION: The natural history of subfoveal neovascularization in high myopia is rarely visually restorative. By contrast, surgical excision of the membranes is feasible and may restore visual acuity in selected patients. This therapeutic approach merits a formal multicenter clinical trial. ( info) |
5/233. Ocular toxocariasis: a rare presentation of a posterior pole granuloma with an associated choroidal neovascular membrane. BACKGROUND: Ocular toxocariasis is a rare infection caused by the nematode larvae of toxocara canis, which is commonly found in dogs. Human transmission is usually via geophagia, the ingestion of food contaminated with the toxocara eggs, or contact with infected puppies, often resulting in devastating ocular and/or systemic effects. Distribution is worldwide; however, a higher incidence is demonstrated in the united states. methods: A 17-year-old black woman sought treatment at a neighborhood health center with a report of gradual decrease in vision from her left eye over a 3-month period. Her ocular and systemic histories were unremarkable. Anterior segment evaluation revealed no signs of anterior uveitis. The posterior pole showed a 1.5 DD, round, raised, white, subretinal lesion adjacent to the fovea with an overlying serous retinal detachment and retinal hemorrhage. RESULTS: She was referred to a retinologist who performed both fluorescein and indocyanine green (ICG) angiographies. A serum toxocara ELISA test was also ordered. fluorescein angiography revealed hyperfluorescence consistent with the granuloma. The ICG demonstrated an occult choroidal neovascular membrane (CNV) underlying the area of hemorrhage inferotemporal to the granuloma. CONCLUSION: This paper illustrates the case presentation and includes an extensive review of the ocular and systemic manifestations of toxocariases. A description of ICG videoangiography, therapeutic approaches, and management will also be discussed. ( info) |
6/233. Effective macular translocation without scleral imbrication. PURPOSE: To describe a case of effective macular translocation accomplished without scleral imbrication or extensive retinotomy. methods: A case report of a 59-year-old woman with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization in her left eye who underwent vitrectomy with macular detachment and fluid-air exchange. RESULTS: The macula was translocated approximately 500 microm inferiorly, allowing for photocoagulation of extrafoveal neovascularization. CONCLUSION: Limited macular translocation may be attained without scleral imbrication or significant retinotomy. ( info) |
| BACKGROUND: Retinal pigment epitheliopathy, a recognized finding in eyes that have undergone macular hole surgery, may limit visual outcome and predispose to the development of choroidal neovascularization (CNV). This study reports on the features and outcomes of CNV following otherwise successful surgery for idiopathic macular holes. methods: Case series including three eyes of two patients who developed CNV following macular hole surgery. RESULTS: choroidal neovascularization developed 3 to 30 months after macular hole surgery. The CNV was crescent-shaped, surrounding a central area of retinal pigment epithelial mottling that corresponded to the site of the macular hole in all three cases. All neovascular membranes were adjacent to the fovea and were associated with substantial leakage of fluorescein. The macular hole remained closed in all cases. CONCLUSION: choroidal neovascularization is a rare complication following macular hole surgery. Retinal pigment epitheliopathy and defects in the Bruch's membrane, pre-existing or secondary to surgery, may be predisposing factors. ( info) |
8/233. Macular translocation with retinotomy and retinal rotation for exudative age-related macular degeneration. PURPOSE: To determine the effectiveness of macular translocation with retinotomy and retinal rotation in exudative age-related macular degeneration. methods: After written informed consent was obtained, 20 patients underwent macular translocation. We created a 180-degree retinotomy superior, inferior, and temporal to the macula near the equator. The hinged retinal flap was rotated superiorly or inferiorly to place the center of the fovea over an area of healthy retinal pigment epithelium. The retina was flattened under silicone oil and laser photocoagulation was placed. RESULTS: The fovea was moved 425 to 1,700 microm (965 /-262 microm) superiorly or inferiorly. Follow-up time was 2 to 12 months (median 8 months). Complications included macular pucker (3 eyes), subfoveal hemorrhage (2 eyes), macular hole (1 eye), and progression of cataract in phakic eyes (3 eyes). Thirteen of 20 eyes showed various degrees of proliferative vitreoretinopathy with epiretinal membrane formation over the inferior peripheral retina with the inferior retinal detachment stabilized by the silicone oil. One eye progressed to phthisis bulbi. Initial visual acuity ranged from 20/80 to 20/800 (median 20/150) and final visual acuity ranged from light perception to 20/200 (median 20/1000). CONCLUSION: The fovea can be moved up to 1,700 microm with retinotomy and retinal rotation; however, there is a high rate of complications. Proliferative vitreoretinopathy is the major complication of this technique and is probably related to the extensive retinotomy and subretinal irrigation inherent in the technique. Other techniques such as scleral shortening may have fewer complications. ( info) |
| PURPOSE: To evaluate the possible association between the development of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and pregnancy. methods: A retrospective review was performed of the clinical records of three patients who were pregnant at the time a choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) was diagnosed. The clinical presentations and treatment of the CNVM occurring in association with the pregnancies are described. RESULTS: Each patient had a decrease in visual acuity during her pregnancy: one in the first trimester, one in the second trimester, and one in the third trimester. Two patients were diagnosed with CNV related to presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (POHS) and one with an idiopathic CNVM. The two-patients with POHS showed progression of CNV after childbirth. All patients received laser photocoagulation directly to the site of the CNV. The two patients with ocular histoplasmosis experienced recurrence after treatment; one received further photocoagulation treatment, and the other underwent vitrectomy with removal of the CNVM. CONCLUSIONS: pregnancy and the immediate postpartum period may be associated with development or recurrence of CNV in POHS or idiopathic cases. This may be related to hormonal changes during pregnancy, or the cases described may reflect only a coincidental association. This report discusses possible causal factors and mechanisms. ( info) |
10/233. Macular injury by a military range finder. OBJECTIVE: The authors report the clinical findings of a civilian patient who unintentionally looked into the laser beam of a military range finder. Detailed information on the range finder is given. The objective is to illustrate the potential danger of such devices and to give detailed information on the device, the clinical findings associated with exposure, and the laser-tissue interaction mechanism. methods: The patient was examined with fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, microperimetry, and optical coherence tomography, both in the acute stage (2 hours) and 4 weeks later. fluorescein angiography was performed again 4 months later. A total of 100 mg prednisone tapered over 9 days was prescribed. Additionally, 50 microg tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) and 0.5 mL pure C2F6 were injected in the vitreous. RESULTS: In the acute phase, hemorrhage was located beneath the retina, primarily beneath the retinal pigment epithelium. Retinal defects as seen initially over the subretinal blood were reduced after 4 weeks, but a retinal defect ranging from the lasered site toward the fovea remained. visual acuity slightly increased from 20/100 to 20/63 after 4 weeks. indocyanine green angiography showed a large hypofluorescent spot in the macula. Four months after the accident, a classic choroidal neovascularization developed, originating from the lasered site. The technical parameters of the range finder were: Nd:YAG laser (1,064 nm), pulse duration 10 ns, beam divergence 1.5 mrad, energy 10 mJ. CONCLUSION: A range finder can produce severe macular injury. The primary laser-tissue interaction mechanism seems to be explosive disruption of choroidal tissue. Intravitreal injection of TPA and C2F6 did not show a clear benefit to such laser lesions. A late complication can be secondary choroidal neovascularization. ( info) |