Long-term follow-up of a case of choroidal neovascularization secondary to reticular pigmentary retinal dystrophy / Seguimento de longo-prazo de um caso de neovascularização de coroide secundária à distrofia reticular pigmentar da retina

ABSTRACT Reticular pigmentary retinal dystrophy, also known as Sjögren's reticular dystrophy, is a rare condition characterized by macular lesions with a reticular pattern, which are best seen on fluorescein angiogram. Choroidal neovascularization secondary to this type of dystrophy is even less common. This report describes a case of reticular pigmentary retinal dystrophy with vision loss due to neovascular membrane, which responded well to treatment with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor.

RESUMO A distrofia reticular pigmentar da retina, também conhecida como distrofia reticular de Sjögren, é uma doença rara, caracterizada por lesões maculares com um padrão reticular, que são mais bem visualizadas na angiografia com fluoresceína. A neovascularização de coroide secundária a este tipo de distrofia é ainda menos comum. Este relato descreve um caso de distrofia reticular pigmentar da retina, com perda de visão devido à membrana neovascular, que respondeu bem ao tratamento com fator de crescimento endotelial antivascular.

Manejo da coroidite interna punctata complicada por membrana neovascular sub-retiniana / Management of punctate inner choroidopathy complicated by subretinal neovascular membrane

RESUMO Este trabalho visou evidenciar a importância da detecção precoce da coroidite interna punctata e destacar sua fisiopatologia inflamatória e possíveis diagnósticos diferenciais dentro das white dot syndromes. O destaque foi dado principalmente à coroidite multifocal e à panuveíte, ao se demonstrar sua epidemiologia peculiar em mulheres jovens, caracterizar sua apresentação clínica típica na fundoscopia e explorar as vantagens e as desvantagens de realizar os exames complementares que fazem parte da análise multimodal útil para o diagnóstico (especialmente a angiografia fluoresceínica, a tomografia de coerência óptica e a indocianina verde). Descreve-se o caso de uma mulher de 28 anos diagnosticada com coroidite interna punctata com membrana neovascular coroidal em olho direito. O tratamento foi realizado com injeção intravítrea de aflibercepte e corticoterapia sistêmica 1mg/kg ao dia. Este relato é importante por permitir debater o manejo da coroidite interna punctata durante a gestação e a decisão de realizar o tratamento mediante uma diversidade de opções terapêuticas.

ABSTRACT This work aimed to demonstrate the importance of early detection of punctate inner choroidopathy, highlighting the pathophysiology of inflammation and the differential diagnoses among white dot syndromes. Special attention was given to multifocal choroiditis and panuveitis, by demonstrating the peculiar epidemiology in young women, characterizing the typical clinical presentation in ophthalmoscopy, and exploring the advantages and disadvantages of performing the complementary examinations, which are part of the multimodal analysis useful for diagnosis (particularly fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography, and indocyanine green). We report the case of a 28-year-old female, diagnosed as punctate inner choroidopathy with choroidal [N.T. no título aparece subretinal = subrretiniana] neovascular membrane in the right eye. She was treated with intravitreal injection of aflibercept and systemic corticosteroid 1 mg/kg/day. This case report is important for addressing the management of punctate inner choroidopathy during pregnancy, and the decision to carry out treatment considering diverse therapeutic options.

Drastic effect of ranibizumab on choroidal neovascularization in idiopathic angioid streaks / Efeito dramático do ranibizumabe na neovascularização de coroide em estrias angióides idiopáticas

ABSTRACTA 28-year-old man presented with bilateral vision loss. His best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.3 in the right eye (OD) and 0.6 in the left eye (OS). Fundoscopy and fluorescein angiography showed angioid streaks encircling the optic discs of both eyes (OU). Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) showed bilateral macular serous detachment. Systemic and ocular screening tests showed no specific cause for the angioid streaks. The patient had previously received pegaptanib sodium injection on three occasions, photodynamic therapy in OS, and no treatment in OD. Upon intravitreal injection of ranibizumab (twice in OU), subretinal fluid was nearly eliminated in OU. BCVA increased to 0.6 in OD and 0.9 in OS, and remained improved until 6 months after treatment.

RESUMOUm homem de 28 anos apresentou-se com perda de visão bilateral. A melhor acuidade visual corrigida (BCVA) era 0,3 no olho direito (OD) e 0,6 no olho esquerdo (OS). A fundoscopia e a angiofluoresceinografia demonstraram estrias angióides ao redor dos discos ópticos em ambos os olhos (OU). A tomografia de coerência óptica de domínio espectral (SD-OCT) demonstrou descolamento seroso macular bilateral. Testes de triagem sistêmicas e oculares não mostraram causa específica para estrias angióides. O paciente tinha um historia de três tratamentos com injeção de pegaptanibe sódico e terapia fotodinâmica em OS e nenhum tratamento em OD. Após a injeção intravítrea de ranibizumabe (duas vezes em OU), fluido sub-retiniano quase desapareceu em OU. BCVA melhorou para 0,6 em OD e 0,9 em OS e não se alterou até o sexto mês de tratamento.

Intravitreal bevacizumab combined with infliximab in the treatment of choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration: case report series / Administração intravítrea de bevacizumabe combinado com infliximabe no tratamento da neovascularização coroidiana secundária à degeneração macular relacionada à idade: relato de uma série de casos

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility of the combined use of bevacizumab (Avastin®) and combined with infliximab (Remicade®) in the treatment of naive choroidal neovascularization due to age-related macular degeneration eyes. METHODS: Intravitreal injections of bevacizumab combined with infliximab in 6 neovascular age-related macular degeneration eyes. All patients underwent complete ophthalmologic examination on the initial visit and at days 1, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 following the first injection. Optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography were performed during at initial visit and monthly during the 6 months follow-up period. Electroretinography was performed before and 30 days after initial injection, in order to evaluate retinal toxicity induced by such treatment. RESULTS: Thirty days after the first injection, 5 eyes (83%) shown decrease in macular thickness. No change was seen in electroretinogram in any eyes compared to initially performed electroretinogram. All phakic eyes developed cataract. One patient developed vitritis and was submitted to medical treatment successfully. At the end of the 6 months follow-up period, 4 patients showed significant improvement in the exudative process of choroidal neovascularization. One eye had mild persistent submacular fluid without active choroidal neovascularization, and another eye had persistent amount of intraretinal fluid due to active choroidal neovascularization. CONCLUSION: The combined use of bevacizumab with infliximab in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration was effective in reducing leakage and improving the macular thickness. However, it is not possible to assert that the results were related to synergic effects of the combination therapy. A controlled study with more cases is necessary to precisely define the complication rates; however the dosage and/or association of drugs studied in this research should not be recommended in clinical practice due to cataract as well as inflammatory reaction.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a viabilidade do uso combinado do bevacizumabe (Avastin®) e do infliximabe (Remicade®) no tratamento da degeneração macular relacionada à idade neovascular em pacientes sem tratamentos prévio. MÉTODOS: Foram realizadas injeções intravítreas de bevacizumabe combinado com infliximabe em 6 pacientes portadores de degeneração macular relacionada à idade neovascular. Todos foram submetidos ao exame oftalmológico completo, no primeiro dia de consulta, no dia seguinte a cada injeção e mensalmente até completar seis meses após a primeira injeção. Foram realizados tomografia de coerência óptica e angiografia fluoresceínica na primeira consulta e mensalmente, até completar 6 meses após o primeiro procedimento. Eletrorretinografia também foi realizada antes da injeção e 30 dias após, no intuito de avaliar toxidade retiniana. RESULTADOS: Ao final de 30 dias da primeira injeção, 5 (83%) pacientes apresentaram diminuição na espessura macular. Não foi visualizada alteração à eletrorretinografia em relação ao exame inicial em 100% os pacientes. Cinco pacientes (100% dos fácicos) desenvolveram catarata. Um paciente desenvolveu vitreíte e foi tratado com sucesso. Ao final dos 6 meses, 4 pacientes apresentaram melhora significativa da neovascularização de coroide, porém ainda com foco de neovascularização em atividade, um paciente apresentava discreta persistência de fluido submacular sem neovascularização ativa e 1 paciente persistia importante quantidade de fluido intrarretiniano com neovascularização em atividade. DISCUSSÃO: Avaliou-se o uso combinado do bevacizumabe com infliximabe em pacientes portadores de degeneração macular relacionada à idade neovascular e a associação mostrou-se eficaz na redução do vazamento da neovascularização de coroide e da espessura macular ao tomografia de coerência óptica. Não é possível, no entanto, afirmar se os resultados apresentam efeitos sinérgicos pela associação entre as duas drogas. Um estudo com maior número de casos é necessário para definir exatamente as taxas de catarata e vitreíte da associação entre as drogas, no entanto, ao menos na dosagem estudada no presente trabalho, a associação não deveria ser recomendada na prática clínica.

Intravitreal ranibizumab and bevacizumab therapy for choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration with extensive pre-existing geographic atrophy / Avaliação da resposta da injeção intravítrea de ranibizumab e bevacizumab em pacientes com neovascularização de coroide da degeneração macular relacionada à idade com atrofia geográfica extensa pré-existente

PURPOSE: To report the response of choroidal neovascularization to intravitreal ranibizumab or bevacizumab treatment in the setting of age-related macular degeneration with extensive pre-existing geographic atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium. METHODS: This is a retrospective case series of 11 eyes in ten consecutive patients retrieved from a photographic database. The patients were treated with ranibizumab or bevacizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration with pre-existing geographic atrophy. Patients were included if they had geographic atrophy at or adjacent to the foveal center of at least 1 disc area in size that was present before the development of choroidal neovascularization. The best corrected visual acuity and optical coherence tomography analysis of the central macular thickness were recorded for each visit. Serial injections of ranibizumab or bevacizumab were administered until there was complete resolution of subretinal fluid on optical coherence tomography. Data over the entire follow-up period were analyzed for overall visual and optical coherence tomography changes. RESULTS: The patients received an average of 7 ± 3 intravitreal injections over the treatment period. Seven of 11 eyes had reduced retinal thickening on optical coherence tomography. On average, the central macular thickness was reduced by 72 ± 115 µm. Six of these 7 eyes had improvement of one or more lines of vision and one had no change. The average acuity change for all patients was -0.04 ± 0.46 logMAR units, which corresponded to a gain of 0.2 ± 4.4 lines of Snellen acuity. The treatment resulted in a good anatomic response with resolution of the subretinal fluid and overall stable visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this case series suggest that the use of an intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agent (ranibizumab or bevacizumab) for choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration with pre-existing geographic atrophy is effective. Our results are not as striking as published results from large-scale trials of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization, presumably due to the limitation in the baseline visual acuity caused by the underlying geographic atrophy. The favorable anatomic response with the resolution of subretinal fluid and stable acuity were consistent with other ranibizumab and bevacizumab studies.

OBJETIVO: Avaliação dos resultados da injeção intravítrea de ranibizumab e bevacizumab em pacientes com neovascularização de coróide da degeneração macular relacionada a idade, com atrofia geográfica extensa, pré-existente. MÉTODOS: Este é um estudo retrospectivo de 10 pacientes, 11 olhos com neovascularização de coroide da degeneração macular relacionada à idade, com atrofia geográfica extensa, pré-existente. Os pacientes incluídos apresentaram atrofia geográfica, envolvendo a fóvea ou adjacência, antes do desenvolvimento da neovascularização de coroide. A melhor correção visual e o exame de tomografia de coerência óptica com análise da espessura macular foram registrados em cada visita. As injeções de ranibizumab e bevacizumab intravítrea foram feitas até a resolução do líquido sub-retiniano pela tomografia de coerência óptica e clinicamente. Todos os pacientes tinham seguimento de 6 meses do diagnóstico a 2 anos, com média de 16 meses. RESULTADOS: Onze olhos de 10 pacientes incluídos receberam uma média de 7 ± 3 injeções intravítreas de ranibizumab e bevacizumab, sendo que 7 apresentaram redução do espessamento macular pelo tomografia de coerência óptica. A mácula teve o espessamento reduzido entre 72 ± 115 µm, 6 olhos tiveram melhora de 1 ou mais linhas de visão, um olho teve acentuada diminuição da visão e um outro não teve alteração. A média do resultado do tratamento em logMAR era -0,04 ± 0,46 correlacionando um ganho de visão na tabela de Snellen entre 0,2 ± 4,4 linhas de visão. CONCLUSÕES: Estes resultados sugerem que o uso do ranibizumab e bevacizumab intravítrea para neovascularização de coroide da degeneração macular relacionada à idade em extensa atrofia geográfica pré-existente é eficaz. Há, entretanto dificuldades na avaliação da acuidade visual destes pacientes em virtude da extensa atrofia geográfica que apresentavam e sobre esta ainda a neovascularização de coroide, se comparados a casos em que a neovascularização de coroide não ocorre em atrofia geográfica pré-existente.

Intravitreal bevacizumab for treatment of choroidal neovascularization associated with osteogenesis imperfecta.

A 12-year-old girl, diagnosed of osteogenesis imperfecta, presented with sudden visual loss in the left eye. Investigations revealed an active choroidal neovascular membrane. She underwent treatment with intravitreal Bevacizumab (1.25 mg/0.05 ml). Follow-up at 1 month revealed the development of lacquer crack running through the macula, underlying the fovea. The patient received two re-treatments at 1-month intervals, following which the choroidal neovascularization (CNV) regressed completely. However, further progression of lacquer cracks was noted. At the last follow-up, 6 months following the last injection, the fundus remained stable and vision was maintained at 20/200. Considering the natural history of the disease and the increased risk of rupture of the Bruch's membrane in such eyes, the possible complication of a lacquer crack developing must be borne in mind, before initiating treatment.

Ranibizumab for choroidal neovascular membrane in a rare case of Bietti's crystalline dystrophy: A case report.

We report a rare case of Bietti's crystalline dystrophy presenting with choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) which was treated with three injections of intravitreal ranibizumab. The CNVM underwent scarring after the injections with stabilization of visual acuity at a follow-up period of 12 months suggesting that intravitreal ranibizumab may have a role in the management of CNVM in these rare cases.

Tratamento da DMRI exsudativa: revisão das drogas antiangiogênicas / Wet-amd treatment: a review in the anti-vegf drugs

Degeneração Macular Relacionada à Idade (DMRI) exsudativa é a principal causa de perda visual severa em indivíduos acima de 50 anos nos países desenvolvidos. O fator de crescimento endotelial (VEGF) é considerado um dos mais importantes reguladores da angiogênese e da permeabilidade vascular . Drogas com atividade antiVEGF tem se mostrado eficaz em preservar ou melhorar a acuidade visual (AV) ao inibir a permeabilidade vascular e o crescimento neovascular nos pacientes tratados. Este artigo de revisão descreve o atual uso terapêutico das medicações antiVEGF para DMRI exsudativa e fornece uma visão geral do futuro da terapia antiangiogênica.

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of severe, irreversible vision loss in individuals over 50 years in developed countries. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been shown to play a role in the regulation of choroidal neovascularization and vascular permeability. Anti-VEGF drugs have been shown to preserve or improve visual acuity by inhibiting vascular permeability and arresting the growth of neovascularization in the vast majority of treated patients. This review describes the current literature on the use of this therapeutic approach in the management of neovascular AMD and gives an overview of the future directions.

Combination therapy of low-fluence photodynamic therapy and intravitreal ranibizumab for choroidal neovascular membrane in choroidal osteoma.

Choroidal osteoma is an unusual form of intraocular calcification seen in otherwise healthy eyes. It is a benign idiopathic osseous tumor of the choroid, typically seen in young females. Choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) is a complication seen in one-third of these patients and carries a poor visual outcome. We report a case of a 25-year-old hyperthyroid female with choroidal osteoma and subfoveal CNVM in her left eye which was successfully treated using low-fluence photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin followed by a single injection of intravitreal ranibizumab.

Tratamento da degeneração macular relacionada à idade com neovascularização de coróide extrafoveal: análise de uma série de casos e revisão de literatura / Treatment of nonsubfoveal choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration: analysis of a cases series and revision paper

A degeneração macular relacionada à idade (DMRI) é uma doença degenerativa da área central da retina freqüentemente associada à perda visual central, em pessoas acima de 55 anos de ambos os sexos, sendo a mais importante causa de cegueira irreversível em adultos nos países desenvolvidos e a terceira causa de cegueira no mundo. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia da injeção intravítrea de Ranibizumab (anti-VEGF) no tratamento da neovascularização de coróide não subfoveal, podendo ser extrafoveal ou justafoveal, causada pela degeneração macular relacionada à idade exsudativa e revisão da literatura. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo e transversal com avaliação de quinze pacientes com neovascularização de coróide extrafoveal ou justafoveal causada por degeneração macular relacionada à idade. Os pacientes foram tratados com uma injeção intravítrea, por mês, no mínimo por três meses consecutivos, de Ranibizumab na dose de 0,5mg, no olho com neovascularização de coróide. Os mesmos foram examinados com um mês de intervalo entre as aplicações das injeções e acompanhados com exames complementares. RESULTADOS: Os resultados da análise dos quinze pacientes que foram incluídos nesta série de casos mostraram que onze (73,3 por cento) pacientes apresentavam neovascularização de coróide extrafoveal e quatro (26,6 por cento) justafoveal. Oito (53,3 por cento) apresentavam a forma oculta e sete (46,6 por cento) tinham lesões clássicas. A média de injeções realizadas foi de 3,67, sendo o menor número de injeções 3 e o maior 6 injeções. Oito (53,3 por cento) pacientes apresentaram resolução do quadro exsudativo neovascular com o máximo de três injeções e apenas um (6,67 por cento) paciente necessitou de seis injeções para resolução do seu quadro. A acuidade visual máxima alcançada foi de 20/30, e ocorreu em cinco (33,3 por cento) pacientes. A média de acuidade visual no momento do diagnóstico foi de 0,44logMAR e a média final de 0,27logMAR Na avaliação final dos pacientes após os seis meses de estudo, a média de linha de visão ganha foi de 1,87 linha de acuidade visual pela tabela de Snellen, sendo que todos os 15 pacientes ganharam uma ou mais linhas de visão. CONCLUSÃO: No tratamento dos pacientes com degeneração macular relacionada à idade e neovascularização de coróide extrafoveal a injeção de Ranibizumab mostrou-se eficaz, podendo ser a opção como indicação inicial de tratamento nestes casos.

Age-related macular degeneration is a major cause of central vision loss and is the leading cause of blindness for people aged over 60 years. PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of intravitreal injection of Ranibizumab (anti-VEGF) in the treatment of choroidal neovascularization nonsubfoveal, extra-foveal or juxta-foveal, caused by age-related macular degeneration and revision paper. METHODS: The study design was descriptive and transverse.15 patients with nonsubfoveal choroidal neovascularization caused by age-related macular degeneration, were treated with intravitreal injection of Ranibzumab per month, at least for three consecutive months. Patients were examined at one month interval between the injections and evaluated using visual acuity testing with Snellen charts, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography scans. RESULTS: There were 11extra-foveal lesions (73.3 percent) and 4 juxta-foveal lesions (26.6 percent). Seven lesions were predominantly classic (46.6 percent) and eight lesions were occult (53,3 percent). The mean number of injections performed was 3.67 and the lowest number of injections 3 and 6 larger injections. Eight (53.3 percent) patients had complete resolution of the exudative neovascular condition with a maximum of three injections and only one (6.67 percent) patient required six injections to resolution his condition. The best visual acuity achieved was 20/30, and occurred in five (33.3 percent) patients. The mean visual acuity at diagnosis was 0.44 logMAR and 0.27 logMAR final average. In the final evaluation of patients after six months of study, the average line of sight gains were 1.87 line of visual acuity by Snellen chart. All 15 patients gained one or more lines of vision. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of patients with nonsubfoveal choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration, injection of Ranibizumab was effective and could be an option as an indication of initial treatment in these cases.

Intravitreal ranibizumab for the treatment of choroidal neovascularization secondary to ocular toxoplasmosis.

The purpose of the study was to report a case of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to ocular toxoplasmosis in an 18-year-old female patient. She was treated with a single intravitreal injection of ranibizumab. The CNV resolved as confirmed by fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography (OCT). The visual acuity improved to 20/30, which was maintained till the last follow-up visit at two years, without requisition of a repeat injection.

Combination treatment of low fluence photodynamic therapy and intravitreal ranibizumab for choroidal neovascular membrane secondary to angioid streaks in Paget's disease – 12 month results.

Angioid streaks also called Knapp striae are small breaks in the Bruch's membrane and have been reported with a host of systemic diseases. Rupture of streaks or development of secondary choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) carries a dismal visual prognosis. We report the successful treatment of CNVM secondary to Paget's disease using low fluence photodynamic therapy (PDT) and intravitreal ranibizumab.

Photodynamic monotherapy or combination treatment with intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide, bevacizumab or ranibizumab for choroidal neovascularization associated with pathological myopia.

This retrospective, interventional case series analyses treatment outcomes in eyes with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to pathological myopia, managed with photodynamic therapy, (PDT), (Group 1, N = 11), PDT and intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (4 mg/0.1ml) (Group 2, N = 3), PDT and intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) bevacizumab 1.25 mg/0.05 ml, ranibizumab 0.5 mg/0.05 ml and reduced-fluence PDT and intravitreal ranibizumab 0.5 mg/0.05 ml (Group 3, N=12). All the patients underwent PDT. Intravitreal injections were repeated as required. SPSS 14 software was used to evaluate the data. Wilcoxon signed ranks test was used to evaluate pre- and post-treatment vision. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used for comparison between the groups. All the groups were statistically comparable. All the eyes showed complete regression of CNV, with a minimum follow-up of six months. All groups had visual improvement; significantly in Group 3 (P = 0.003). Combination PDT with anti-VEGF agents appeared to be efficacious in eyes with myopic CNV. However, a larger study with a longer follow-up is required to validate these results.

Comparative role of intravitreal ranibizumab versus bevacizumab in choroidal neovascular membrane in age-related macular degeneration.

Context: Ranibizumab and bevacizumab are used widely for treating patients with choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Aims: To determine and compare the efficacy and safety of intravitreal ranibizumab and bevacizumab in treatment of CNVM due to AMD. Settings and Design: Prospective comparative case series carried out in an eye institute and eye department of a hospital in Kolkata, India. Materials and Methods: One hundred and four eyes with CNVM due to AMD were randomized into two groups. Group A (n=54; 24 occult) received monthly intravitreal ranibizumab injections (0.5 mg in 0.05 ml) and Group B (n=50; 22 occult) received monthly bevacizumab injections (1.25 mg in 0.05 ml) for 3 consecutive months and then as per study criteria. Data analysis done using SPSS software. P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in the ranibizumab group increased from 58.19 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters at baseline to 64 ETDRS letters at month 3 (P<0.001). In bevacizumab group mean BCVA increased from 56.80 to 61.72 ETDRS letters at month 3 (P<0.001). At the end of 18 months, there was no statistically significant difference between groups A and B with respect to change in BCVA (P=0.563) or central macular thickness (CMT; P=0.281), as measured by optical coherence tomography (Stratus OCT 3000). No significant sight-threatening complications developed. Conclusions: Ranibizumab and bevacizumab are equally safe and efficacious in treating CNVM due to AMD.

Combination photodynamic therapy and bevacizumab for choroidal neovascularization associated with toxoplasmosis.

A 14-year-old girl presenting with visual loss in both eyes was diagnosed to have healed toxoplasma retinochoroiditis in the right eye with active choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to toxoplasmosis in the left. She underwent combination photodynamic therapy (PDT) and intravitreal bevacizumab as primary treatment. PDT was performed as per the ‘Treatment of Age-related Macular Degeneration by Photodynamic therapy’ study protocol and was followed by intravitreal bevacizumab after 2 days. CNV regressed at 8 weeks of follow-up and remained stable at 8 months of follow-up. The initial visual acuity improved from 20/120 to 20/30. Combination therapy with PDT and intravitreal bevacizumab appears to be effective in the treatment of CNV secondary to toxoplasma retinochoroiditis.

The role of oxidative stress and antioxidants in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of oxidant/antioxidant status and protein oxidation in the development of age-related macular degeneration. METHOD: The activities of serum superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and the levels of serum malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation protein products, glutathione and vitamin C were measured in 25 patients with age-related macular degeneration and 25 control subjects without age-related macular degeneration. RESULT: The malondialdehyde and advanced oxidation protein product levels in the serum were significantly higher in the age-related macular degeneration patient group than in the control group (p<0.05). The superoxide dismutase activity in the serum was significantly lower in the age-related macular degeneration patient group than in the control group (p<0.05). The levels of vitamin C and glutathione and the activity of glutathione peroxidase in the serum were unchanged between groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study suggest that decreased effectiveness of the antioxidant defense system and increased oxidative stress may play a role in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration.

Bevacizumab en el tratamiento de la neovascularización coroidea miópica / Bevacizumab in the treatment of myopic choroidal neovascularization

Objetivo: Determinar los efecto de bevacizumab intravítreo en el tratamiento de la membrana neovascular miópica. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio tipo cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes sometidos a inyección intravítrea de 1,25 mg de bevacizumab para el tratamiento de neovascularización coroidea miópica. Se evaluó cambios en agudeza visual (AV) mejor corregida, efectos secundarios y complicaciones. Resultados: 22 ojos fueron incluidos. La AV inicial fue de 0,17 +/- 0.15; al mes post-tratamiento de 0,28 +/- 0,15; a los 3 meses de 0,26 +/- 0,13; a los 6 meses de 0,21 +/-0,17; a los 12 meses de 0,31 +/- 0,13; a los 18 meses de 0,29 +/- 0,08; y a los 24 meses de 0,31 +/- 0,14. Hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre el 1° y 12° mes en relación a la AV inicial. Conclusión: El tratamiento con bevacizumab intravítreo resultó en una significativa mejoría en la AV durante el primer año post-tratamiento.

Purpose: To determine the effects of intravitreal bevacizumab in the treatment of myopic choroidal neovascularization. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed by clinical history research of patients treated with 1,25 mg of intravitreal bevacizumab, with a follow up of 24 months. best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), side effects and complications were evaluated. Results: 22 eyes of 19 patients were included. Initial BCVA was 0.17 +/-0.15; at 1 month post treatment 0.28 +/- 0.15; at 3 months 0.26 +/-0.13; at 6 months 0.21 +/- 0.17; at 12 months 0.31 +/- 0.13; at 18 months 0.29 +/- 0.08; at 24 months 0.31 +/- 0.14. There was a significant statistical difference between the 1° and 12° month in contrast with the initial BCVA. Conclusions: Treatment with intravitreal bevacizumab resulted in a significant BCVA improve during the first year after treatment.

Quantitative evaluation of experimental choroidal neovascularization by confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy: fluorescein angiogram parallels heparan sulfate proteoglycan expression

The objective of the present study was to develop a quantitative method to evaluate laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in a rat model using Heidelberg Retina Angiograph 2 (HRA2) imaging. The expression of two heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG) related to inflammation and angiogenesis was also investigated. CNV lesions were induced with argon laser in 21 heterozygous Zucker rats and after three weeks a fluorescein angiogram and autofluorescence exams were performed using HRA2. The area and greatest linear dimension were measured by two observers not aware of the protocol. Bland-Altman plots showed agreement between the observers, suggesting that the technique was reproducible. After fluorescein angiogram, HSPG (perlecan and syndecan-4) were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. There was a significant increase in the expression of perlecan and syndecan-4 (P < 0.0001) in retinas bearing CNV lesions compared to control retinas. The expression of these two HSPG increased with increasing CNV area. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that the rat retina damaged with laser shots presented increased expression of perlecan and syndecan-4. Moreover, we observed that the overexpression occurred in the outer layer of the retina, which is related to choroidal damage. It was possible to develop a standardized quantitative method to evaluate CNV in a rat model using HRA2. In addition, we presented data indicating that the expression of HSPG parallels the area of CNV lesion. The understanding of these events offers opportunities for studies of new therapeutic interventions targeting these HSPG.

Inflammatory choroidal neovascular membrane in posterior uveitis—pathogenesis and treatment.

Choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) formation is a well-documented sight-threatening complication of posterior segment intraocular inflammation (PSII). The aim of this article is to review the basic and clinical science literature on the pathogenesis of CNVM formation in PSII and to present results of a case series. We searched the literature using the mesh terms- inflammation, CNVM, age-related macular degeneration, immunosuppression, photodynamic therapy, steroids, vascular endothelial growth factors and posterior uveitis. Additionally, we evaluated the visual outcome of and clinical response to our standard treatment protocol involving a combination treatment for young patients with inflammatory CNVM. The development of CNVM in PSII is promulgated by infiltrating myeloid cells as well as choroidal and retinal myeloid cell activation, subsequent vascular endothelial growth factors, cytokine and chemokine production and complement activation acting in consort to mediate angiogenic responses. No clear standard of care currently exists for the treatment of inflammatory CNVM and various combinations have been tried. Using our combination treatment, visual acuity improved in four, stabilized in one and worsened in four patients. Though significant advances have occurred in the understanding of the pathogenesis and management of this condition, optimizing therapeutic regimens will require further well-constructed prospective cohort series.

Estrias angióides: análise fundoscópica de 317 casos / Angioid streaks: fundoscopic analysis of 317 cases

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a presença de neovascularização de coróide (NVC) e suas seqüelas em pacientes portadores de estrias angióides (EA). MÉTODOS: Foram analisados retrospectivamente os prontuários de pacientes atendidos no Instituto Suel Abujamra, São Paulo (SP), Brasil, de 1976 a 2006. Considerou-se a idade, cor da pele, queixas na primeira consulta, acuidade visual e aspecto fundoscópico com especial atenção a lesões disciformes por NVC sub-retinianas ativas ou cicatrizadas. RESULTADOS: Dos 317 pacientes estudados, 163 (51,5 por cento) eram homens. A média de idade era de 57 anos com desvio-padrão de 12,4 anos, mínimo de 11 e máximo de 91 anos. Quanto a cor da pele, 209 (66,2 por cento) eram brancos, 91 (29,0 por cento) amarelos,11 (3,7 por cento) negros, e 3 (1,1 por cento) pardos. As EA eram bilaterais em todos os pacientes, e de 631 olhos pesquisados, 348 (55,1 por cento) tinham EA de coloração marrom, 153 (24,2 por cento) cinza e 124 (19,6 por cento) marrom-avermelhada. No momento do diagnóstico, as acuidades visuais medidas na tabela de Snellen foram piores que 20/200 em 40,4 por cento dos olhos. Comprovou-se a ausência de NVC em 103 (32,5 por cento) pacientes. As lesões NVC unilaterais estavam presentes em 112 (35,3 por cento) e bilaterais em 99 (31,2 por cento). Quanto à localização, 242 (74,3 por cento) eram maculares, 45 (13,8 por cento) extra-maculares e 38 (11,7 por cento) mistas. CONCLUSÃO: As EA são importante causa de cegueira legal e podem passar despercebidas no exame oftalmológico de rotina quando não apresentam lesões maculares disciformes ativas ou cicatrizadas. A importância deste estudo é o expressivo número de casos e alertar os oftalmologistas quanto à necessidade de um exame fundoscópico minucioso, a fim de monitorá-las, diagnosticar e tratar precocemente a NVC.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the presence of choroidal neovascularization (CN) and their sequels in patient bearing angioid streaks (AE). METHODS: Case records of patients assisted from 1976 to 2006 at the Instituto Suel Abujamra located in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, were analyzed retrospectively. Age, skin color; patient complaints at the first evaluation, visual acuity, fundoscopic aspects with special attention to disciform lesions to active or scarred subretinal CN were considered. RESULTS: Among the 317 studied patients, 163 (51.5 percent) were men. The average age was 57, with standard deviation of 12.4 years, minimum 11 and maximum 91 years. Regarding skin color, 209 (66.2 percent) were white, 91 (29.0 percent) were yellow, 11 (3.7 percent) were black, and 3 (1.1 percent) were mulatto. AE were bilateral in all patients; of 631 researched eyes, 348 (55.1 percent) had brown color AE, in 153 (24.2 percent) they were gray and in 124 (19.6 percent) reddish brown. Upon diagnosis, visual acuities measured with the Snellen chart were worse than 20/200 in 40.4 percent of the eyes. CN absence was proven in 103 (32.5 percent) patients. The unilateral lesions were present in 112 (35.3 percent) and bilateral lesions were present in 99 (31.2 percent). Regarding location, 242 (74.3 percent) were macular, 45 (13.8 percent) were extramacular and 38 (11.7 percent) were both macular and extramacular. CONCLUSION: AE are an important cause of legal blindness and can be easily bypassed in an ophthalmic routine examination in the absence of active or disciform neovascular lesions. The expressive number of these cases brings us to the importance of this study. It highlights the need for a meticulous fundoscopic examination in order to improve diagnoses of the disease and early treatment of CN.