Punctate inner choroidopathy in a young Filipino female: A case report

@#A 30-year-old, monocular myopic female consulted for new onset scotoma on her left eye. Best corrected visual acuity was 20/20 for the left eye. Fundus exam revealed a hypopigmented lesion in the inferior juxtafoveal area with no overlying vitreous reaction/opacity. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) showed focal disruption and elevation of the inner choroid and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), indicating punctate inner choroidopathy (PIC). OCT angiography (OCT-A) revealed the presence of a choroidal neovascular membrane (CNV) on RPE-RPE fit segmentation. The CNV and lesion resolved upon treatment with one intravitreal bevacizumab injection and oral prednisone 60 mg (1.2 mg/kg body weight) per day tapering over 2 months. This is the first reported case of PIC in a Filipino that was diagnosed and treated with the guidance of high-resolution SD-OCT and OCT-A. These diagnostic tests proved useful in identifying the lesions based on cross-sectional views of the retina, RPE and choroid.

Neovascularización coroidea asociada a coroiditis punteada interna / Choroidal Neovascularization Associated with Punctate Inner Choroidopathy

Las membranas neovasculares coroidea representan el crecimiento de nuevos vasos sanguíneos originados de la coriocapilar hacia el epitelio pigmentario de la retina o el espacio subretinal por una disrupción de la membrana de Bruch ocasionado por la inflamación prolongada. El desarrollo de las membranas neovasculares coroidea está estrechamente conectado a la morbilidad asociada con la coroidopatía punteada interna y puede ser su primera forma de presentación. La coroidopatía punteada interna es clasificada como una de las enfermedades de los síndromes de puntos blancos evanescentes, es una enfermedad infrecuente, bilateral y de origen desconocido. Se presenta un caso clínico de un paciente al cual se le diagnostica membranas neovasculares coroidea en el curso de una coroidopatía punteada interna con una presentación atípica o previa a las lesiones de coroiditis. La coroidopatía punteada interna complicada con membranas neovasculares coroidea compromete la visión central de forma considerable en pacientes jóvenes(AU)

Choroidal neovascular membranes represent the growth of new blood vessels originating from the choriocapillaris into the retinal pigment epithelium or subretinal space due to disruption of Bruch's membrane caused by prolonged inflammation. The development of choroidal neovascular membranes is closely connected to the morbidity associated with punctate inner choroidopathy and may be its first form of manifestation. Punctate Inner choroidopathy is classified as one of the evanescent white dot syndromes diseases, is a rare, bilateral disease of unknown origin. We present a case report of a patient diagnosed with choroidal neovascular membranes while suffering from punctate inner choroidopathy with an atypical manifestation or prior to choroiditis lesions. Punctate Inner choroidopathy when complicated with choroidal neovascular membranes compromises significantly the central vision in young patients(AU)

Pseudodrusen reticulares y degeneración macular asociada a la edad / Pseudodrusen reticularis and age-related macular degeneration

Objetivo: Identificar la relación de los pseudodrusen reticulares con la degeneración macular asociada a la edad mediante imágenes tomográficas. Método: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal en pacientes con pseudodrusen reticulares atendidos en consulta de retina a los que se les realizó tomografía de coherencia óptica espectral desde enero de 2009 hasta diciembre de 2014 en el Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología "Ramón Pando Ferrer". La población estuvo constituida por 69 pacientes de 55 años y más con pseudodrusen reticulares en dichas imágenes. Resultados: Los pseudodrusen predominaron en pacientes con edades comprendidas entre los 70 y 79 años para un 49,3 por ciento. El sexo femenino fue el más numeroso con un 76,8 por ciento. De los 122 ojos con pseudodrusen, 86 presentaron algún signo de degeneración macular asociada a la edad representado por el 70,5 por ciento. El 58,1 por ciento de estos últimos tuvo la forma avanzada. La membrana neovascular tipo II fue la más frecuente con un 58,0 por ciento. El grosor coroideo se estimó disminuido en el 77,9 por ciento de los casos. Conclusiones: Los pseudodrusen reticulares mantienen una relación directa con la degeneración macular asociada a la edad e influyen en la progresión de esta(AU)

Objective: To identify the relationship of reticular pseudodrusen with age-related macular degeneration using tomographic imaging. Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted in patients with reticular pseudodrusen seen in retina consultation who underwent spectral optical coherence tomography from January 2009 to December 2014 at the Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology "Ramón Pando Ferrer". The population consisted of 69 patients aged 55 years and older with reticular pseudodrusen in these images. Results: Pseudodrusen predominated in patients between 70 and 79 years of age (49.3 percent). The female gender was the most numerous with 76.8 percent. Out of the 122 eyes with pseudodrusen, 86 showed some sign of age-related macular degeneration (70.5 percent). Out of the latter, 58.1 percent had the advanced form. Type II neovascular membrane was the most frequent with 58.0 percent. Choroidal thickness was estimated decreased in 77.9 percent of cases. Conclusions: Reticular pseudodrusen maintain a direct relationship with age-related macular degeneration and influence its progression(AU)

Secondary glaucoma after intravitreal dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex) injection in patients with retinal disorder: A retrospective study

Purpose: To investigate the rate of secondary glaucoma after intravitreal (IV) dexamethasone implant (ozurdex) 0.7 mg injection in a retinal disorder over a clinical treatment period of 2 years in a tertiary eye care center. Methods: Retrospective study based on the records of patients receiving IV ozurdex 0.7 mg implant for T/t of cystoid macular edema (CME), diabetic macular edema (DME), macular edema due to central retinal vein occlusion/branch retinal vein occlusion (CRVO/BRVO), and choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) at a tertiary eye care hospital for 2 years with 6 months of follow?up. The post?T/t intraocular pressure (IOP) and antiglaucoma medication (AGM) required was recorded at day 1, 1 week, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 months and analyzed for secondary IOP spike or ocular hypertension defined as IOP >21 mmHg at any point in time. The patients with pre?existing glaucoma and lost to follow?up were excluded. Results: A total of 102 eyes of 80 patients were included in the study. The mean baseline IOP was 14.40 + 2.97 mmHg, post?injection was 15.01 + 3.22 mmHg at day 1, 15.15 + 3.28 mmHg at 1 week, 15.96 + 3.62 mmHg at 1 month, 16.26 + 3.95 mmHg at 2 months, 15.41 + 3.33 mmHg at 3 months, 15.38 + 3.28 mmHg at 4 months, and 14.27 + 2.69 mmHg at 6 months. No significant difference was seen from baseline IOP at day 1 (P = 0.163), 1 week (P = 0.086), and 6 months (P = 0.748). Statistically significant difference was seen at 1 month (P = 0.0009), 2 months (P = 0.0001), 3 months (P = 0.023), and 4 months (P = 0.026). The mean IOP peak at 2 months recovered to baseline by 6 months subgroup IOP trend shows a similar variation and the results are consistent with the studies in the literature. About 19/102 (18.62%) eyes showed an IOP spike post?T/t. The maximum was seen at 2 months; 16 eyes showed a rise in the range 22–25 mmHg; 8 in the range 26–30 mmHg; and 1 eye had 34 mmHg and required multiple AGM—no surgical intervention was needed. Conclusion: A secondary IOP spike post?IV ozurdex 0.7 mg seen in 18.62% of the cases require AGM. The IOP monitoring should be meticulously performed for the variations and secondary IOP spike management to prevent irreversible damage to the optic nerve and visual field

Neovascularización coroidea en pacientes con uveítis / Choroidal neovascularization in patients with uveitis

Objetivo: Determinar las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de la neovascularización coroidea en los pacientes con uveítis. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal en pacientes con diagnóstico de neovascularización coroidea asociada a uveítis, atendidos en el Servicio de Uveítis e Inflamaciones Oculares del Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología "Ramón Pando Ferrer". Resultados: Esta entidad predominó en el sexo femenino, en edad pediátrica y en jóvenes. Se asoció con mayor frecuencia a enfermedades infecciosas, como la toxoplasmosis ocular, y un pequeño número de pacientes desarrolló membrana neovascular coroidea bilateral. Las membranas localizadas con mayor frecuencia fueron las subfoveales. Por angiografía fluoresceínica predominaron las clásicas, mientras el grosor de la membrana neovascular coroidea fue mayor que el grosor foveal central. La agudeza visual mejor corregida en la mayoría de nuestros pacientes fue menor de 85 VAR. Conclusión: La membrana neovascular coroidea asociada a las uveítis es reconocida como una complicación infrecuente, pero compromete de forma severa la visión en estos pacientes(AU)

Objective. To determine the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of choroidal neovascularization in patients with uveitis. Method. An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out in patients with a diagnosis of choroidal neovascularization associated with uveitis, attended in the Uveitis and Ocular Inflammations Service of the Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology "Ramón Pando Ferrer". Results. This entity predominated in the female sex, in pediatric age and youth. It was more frequently associated with infectious diseases, such as ocular toxoplasmosis, and a small number of patients developed bilateral choroidal neovascular membrane. The most frequent location of the membranes were the subfoveal ones, by fluorescein angiography the predominantly classic ones and the thickness of the choroidal neovascular membrane was greater than the central foveal thickness. The best corrected visual acuity in most of our patients was less than 85 VAR. Conclusion. CNVM associated with uveitis is recognized as an uncommon complication but one that severely compromises vision in these patients(AU)

Sequential imaging of a case of choroidal osteoma using swept-source OCT and optical coherence tomography angiography: A 4-year follow-up study

A 33-year-old gentleman was presented with metamorphopsia in the left eye due to choroidal osteoma (CO) complicated by choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM). Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) proved to be a valuable, noninvasive tool in monitoring treatment response of CNVM. The tumor subsequently underwent decalcification over a period of 4 years. In addition, SS-OCT scans were instrumental in documenting the natural course of the tumor and focal choroidal excavations (FCE), which were found in correspondence with tumor decalcification. Close follow-up is warranted in FCE, secondary to decalcification of CO, as CNVM has been documented to occur on the slope or bottom of eyes with FCE.

Clinicopathological and immunohistochemistry correlation in a case of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease is a systemic disorder causing bilateral panuveitis. Histopathological documentation along with molecular diagnostic evidence in VKH eye is a rarity. We present a 46-year-old woman with VKH with several ocular complications and subsequently enucleation of the right eye was done because of painful blind eye. Patient had clinical complications of VKH and some of the complications were observed in histopathology. Pathology of the case showed nongranulomatous uveitis, indicating the disease in chronic recurrent stage. Immunohistochemistry showed predominant T-cell involvement in this case. The case showed clinicopathological and immunohistochemistry correlation in a case of VKH disease.

Optical coherence tomography angiography versus fluorescein angiography in diagnosing choroidal neovascularization in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy

Purpose: Diagnosis of choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) is difficult in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CCSC) due to overlapping features of both on conventional dye angiography. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) allows a quick and noninvasive detection of CNVM in these eyes. We compared the fluorescein angiography (FA) features of CNVM with those of OCTA to assess the role of FA in detecting CNVM in CCSC eyes. Methods: Patients with CCSC undergoing FA, spectral domain (SD)-OCT, and OCTA were identified (March 2015–June 2015). Four retina specialists individually reviewed FA images (without OCTA and SD-OCT) to determine whether CNVM was present. In parallel, two other retina specialists reviewed all images (FA/SD-OCT/OCTA) for CCSC features and confirmed whether CNVM was present using OCTA as the gold standard. The inter- and intraobserver variability was measured by Kappa (k) coefficient. The FA features of CNVM were compared and correlated with those on OCTA. Results: Of 43 eyes (26 patients, mean age 45.6 ± 8.5 years, all males), a definite CNVM (detected by OCTA) was present in nine (20.9%) eyes. FA alone detected CNVM in 13 (30.2%) eyes [sensitivity 44.4% (95% confidence interval (CI): 11.9–76.9), specificity 73.5% (95% CI: 58.7–88.3), positive and negative predictive values 30.8% and 83.3%, respectively, and accuracy 67.44% (95% CI: 53.4–81.4)]. Conclusion: When compared with OCTA, the FA was unable to characterize CNVM in CCSC (with a very low sensitivity and moderate specificity) as none of the specific dye leakage patterns on FA correlated with CNVM seen on OCTA, limiting its usefulness and accuracy in detecting CNVM in these eyes.

Focal choroidal excavation: Cause or effect?

We report the imaging characteristics of focal choroidal excavation (FCE) and associated choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) and interpret the probable etiopathogenesis of FCE through findings in four patients detected by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). FCE was found as an acquired entity in two of our cases subsequent to treatment of CNVM, whereas in the two other cases FCE was pre-existing. Furthermore, association of FCE with pachychoroid spectrum is reaffirmed through this case series.

Association between C-reactive protein and age-related macular degeneration

Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible visual impairment among the elderly, worldwide affecting 30-50 million individuals. Inflammation is now increasingly thought to be a key risk factor for AMD. The association of CRP with AMD has been reported in only a few studies, with somewhat inconsistent results. The present study was undertaken to determine the association between AMD and serum CRP levels.Methods: A total of 53 patients diagnosed of any form of AMD fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. A 5 mL sample of venous blood (non-fasting) was collected to determine serum high-sensitivity CRP levels (hsCRP). Different stages of AMD and serum hs CRP level were compared using one-way ANOVA test and calculated p value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Comparison between the two groups, one with risk factor and one without risk factor was performed using student-t test and calculated p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Out of 53 patients 21 were having early AMD, 21 were having intermediate AMD and 11 were having advanced AMD. The mean serum hs CRP level was 0.14±0.05 mg/dL, 0.20±0.09 mg/dL and 0.28±0.08 mg/dL in early, intermediate and advanced AMD respectively. When statistically analysed the difference of mean serum hs CRP level among the three groups was found to be statistically significant.Conclusions: Type of AMD influence the baseline hsCRP level. Smoking and diabetes are associated with higher baseline serum hsCRP in all stages of AMD.

Successful management of peripapillary choroidal neovascular membrane secondary to idiopathic intracranial hypertension with intravitreal ranibizumab

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a common cause of papilledema in young females and causes headache with transient visual loss. Severe visual loss occurs due to optic atrophy or peripapillary choroidal neovascular membrane (PCNVM). PCNVM in IIH has an incidence of 0.5% with a benign course in the majority of patients. Intravitreal Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents have anecdotally been used to manage these patients, with complete resolution reported in all cases after a single injection. Our case of IIH-associated PCNVM was treated with three injections of intravitreal ranibizumab with no recurrence at 6-month follow-up.

Rebound inflammation after an intravitreal injection in Vogt朘oyanagi朒arada syndrome

A 43-year-old male with chronic Vogt朘oyanagi朒arada syndrome (VKH) presented with subfoveal choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) in the right eye with no evidence of active inflammation. He underwent intravitreal bevacizumab and dexamethasone injections. Postinjection he developed fresh keratic precipitates and exudative retinal detachment (RD). He received two more bevacizumab injections with oral corticosteroids and immunosuppressants causing resolution of exudative RD with scarred CNVM. We report this case to highlight that intravitreal injection may act as a trigger for rebound inflammation in VKH patients and may require anti-inflammatory drugs to be started even in the absence of an active inflammation.

To laser or not?

A 64-year-old male patient presented to the clinic with diminished vision in his right eye for the past 2 years. Examination revealed a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of counting fingers at 1 m with a scarred choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) in the right eye while the left eye had a BCVA of 20/20 with a small peripapillary subretinal hemorrhage along with angioid streaks in both eyes. Multimodal imaging revealed the presence of a CNVM in the left eye which was treated with focal thermal laser. Regression was noted on optical coherence tomography angiography at 1 month post-laser, but at 3-month follow-up, exacerbation of the CNVM was observed. Subsequently, four intravitreal ziv-aflibercept injections were given, and scarring of CNVM was noted on OCT. Thermal laser in the background of angioid streaks has worsened the breaks in the Bruch's membrane leading to worsening of the CNVM.

Choroidal neovascular membrane in a treated choroidal hemangioma.

Association of choroidal neovascular (CNV) membrane with circumscribed choroidal hemangioma is rare, and the CNV development after photodynamic therapy (PDT) is also rare. Etiopathogenesis of these associations is poorly understood. We noted the development of CNV over choroidal hemangioma after PDT therapy in a young female patient in our hospital. Temporal association of CNV development after PDT treatment points toward the possible side effects of PDT. Repeat injections of antivascular endothelial growth factor (ranibizumab) regressed the CNV resulting in a favorable visual outcome.

Microperimetry biofeedback training in a patient with bilateral myopic macular degeneration with central scotoma.

Microperimetry‑1 (MP‑1) evaluation and MP‑1 biofeedback training were done in a case of bilateral myopic macular degeneration with a central scotoma. Fixation behavior, location and stability of preferred retinal locus, eye movement speed, and mean sensitivity were assessed. The mean retinal sensitivities before, after and at 1‑year after training in the right eye were 2.9 dB, 2.9 dB and 3.7 dB and in the left eye were 3.5 dB, 3.7 dB and 1.8 dB. The fixation point in the 2° gravitation circle, improved from 40% to 50% in the right eye and from 43% to 67% in the left eye. The average eye speed before, after and at 1‑year after training in right eye were 0.19°/s, 0.26°/s and 0.25°/s and in left eye were 0.36°/s, 0.25°/s and 0.27°/s. Thus, biofeedback training using MP‑1 can improve the visual function in patients with macular diseases and central scotoma.

Choroidal Neovascular Membrane in a case of Subretinal Cysticercosis.

This is a photo essay of a 20-year-old boy who presented with a subretinal cyst. The patient first presented to us with a history of decreased vision in his left eye of 2 weeks duration with a visual acuity of 20/20 in the right eye and 20/60 in the left eye.

Unilateral Punctate inner choroidopathy with choroidal neovascular membrane in a young male.

Punctate inner choroidopathy (PIC), first described by Watzke et al., in 1984, is a disease of young, relatively healthy, myopic women characterized by small yellow‑white lesions of the inner choroid and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE).[1] The chorioretinal lesions seen in PIC tend to be small and acutely no larger than 500 μm. Acute lesions heals to atrophic scars and develop more pigmentation with time. Choroidal neovascular membranes (CNVM) develops in more than half of these individuals. We describe a case of PIC occurring in a young adult male with CNVM. The clinical characteristics, fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) findings are described.

Foveal slope measurements in subjects with high-risk of age-related macular degeneration.

Background: Recent reports indicated that the slope of the foveal depression influences the macular pigment (MP) spatial profile. MP has been shown to confer possible protection against age‑related macular degeneration (ARMD) because of its antioxidant properties. Aims: To study the configuration of foveal slope and the foveal thickness in fellow eyes of subjects with unilateral neovascular ARMD. Settings and design: Case‑control series. Materials and Methods: The study population consisted of 30 cases aged >50, who had unilateral choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) or disciform scar in the fellow eye and 29 controls aged >50, who had no sign of ARMD in the either eye. Using spectral‑domain optical coherence tomography, foveal thickness at different locations including the central subfield foveal thickness (CSFT) was noted. The foveal slopes were calculated in the six radial scans (between 0.25° and 1° retinal eccentricity) as well as the 3D scan. Results: Cases had a significantly higher CSFT when compared to controls (215.1 ± 36.19 μ vs. 193.0 ± 17.38 μ, P = 0.004). On the 3D scan, the cases had shallower superior (cases 1.32 ± 0.32 vs. controls 1.45 ± 0.13, P = 0.04) and temporal slopes (cases 1.27 ± 0.21 vs. controls 1.39 ± 0.12, P = 0.01) in comparison to the controls. Conclusions: We noted a shallower superior and temporal foveal slope and a higher CSFT in the fellow eyes of subjects with a unilateral neovascular ARMD. Prospective studies observing the development of CNVM in subjects with altered foveal slope might provide more information on this optical coherence tomography finding.