Um cirurgião sob o olhar de Deus

Objetivo A síndrome de Terson (ST), também conhecida como hemorragia vítrea, é relatada em pacientes com hemorragia subaracnóide causada por um aneurisma rompido. Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a presença de hemorragia ocular nesses pacientes, buscando identificar aqueles que poderiam se beneficiar do tratamento específico para a recuperação do déficit visual. Métodos Estudo prospectivo de 53 pacientes com hemorragia subaracnóide espontânea (SSAH) por aneurisma rompido. Os pacientes foram avaliados quanto à hemorragia vítrea por fundoscopia indireta com 6 a 12 meses de seguimento. Resultados A idade dos pacientes variou de 17 a 79 anos (média de 45,9 ± 11,7); 39 pacientes eram do sexo feminino (73%) e 14 do sexo masculino (27%). Seis pacientes (11%) apresentaram ST e 83,3% apresentaram perda transitória de consciência durante a ictus. Conclusões Uma avaliação oftalmológica deve ser realizada rotineiramente em pacientes com hemorragia subaracnóide, especialmente naqueles com pior grau neurológico. Além disso, o prognóstico foi ruim em pacientes com ST.

Retinopatía por descompresión, una complicación de la cirugía ocular / Decompression retinopathy, a complication of ocular surgery

La retinopatía por descompresión es una complicación infrecuente de la cirugía ocular. Aunque después de una trabeculectomía con o sin antimetabolitos se ha reportado la mayoría de los casos, también se ha comunicado en otros procederes oculares. La presión intraocular preoperatoria elevada y sus bruscas variaciones intra- y posoperatorias juegan un rol en su fisiopatología. Las hemorragias retinales son su signo distintivo y la oclusión de la vena central de la retina su diagnóstico diferencial más complejo. En la mayoría de los pacientes se resuelve el cuadro clínico en las primeras ocho semanas sin necesidad de intervención terapéutica. Para minimizar su riesgo, se recomienda una reducción gradual y controlada de la presión intraocular pre- e intraoperatoria. Para la actualización del conocimiento sobre retinopatía por descompresión se realizó una revisión de las publicaciones más relevantes relacionadas con el tema durante los últimos años, con el objetivo de profundizar y mejorar el entendimiento sobre retinopatía por descompresión(AU)

Decompression retinopathy is an infrequent complication of ocular surgery. Most cases have been reported after trabeculectomy with or without antimetabolites, but it has also been described in other ocular procedures. High preoperative intraocular pressure and its sudden intra- and postoperative variations play a role in its physiopathology. Retinal hemorrhage is its distinguishing sign, and central retinal vein occlusion its most complex differential diagnosis. In most patients the clinical picture is resolved within the first eight weeks without any therapeutic intervention. A gradual, controlled reduction in pre- and intraoperative intraocular pressure is recommended to minimize risk. With the purpose of updating knowledge about decompression retinopathy, a review was conducted of the most relevant studies about the topic published in recent years(AU)

Diferentes abordajes en el manejo de las hemorragias maculares: reporte de casos y revisión de literatura / Different approaches in the management of macular hemorrhage: case reports and a literature review

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las hemorragias maculares producen una pérdida de la visión súbita y profunda. Las principales modalidades de tratamiento incluyen observación, inyección intravítrea de fármacos antiangiogénicos, hialoidotomía con láser neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet, inyección intravítrea de gas y/o activador de plasminógeno tisular, en monoterapia o combinadas con cirugía. En el presente trabajo reportamos cuatro casos de hemorragias maculares de distintas causas, tratadas con diferentes abordajes, y realizamos una revisión de la literatura al respecto. PRESENTACIÓN DE CASOS: Los cuatro pacientes mostrados presentaron diferentes causas de hemorragias maculares. El primer caso tuvo una hemorragia prerretiniana debido a retinopatía de Valsalva y fue tratado con cirugía, el Caso 2 tuvo una hemorragia macular multinivel debido a una rotura de un macroaneurisma arteriolar retiniano y fue manejado con desplazamiento neumático, láser y ranibizumab intravítreo, el Caso 3 presentó una hemorragia subretiniana extensa debido a rotura coroidea posterior a un trauma ocular cerrado de alta energía y fue tratado exitosamente con cirugía. El último caso presentó una hemorragia prerretiniana debido a retinopatía diabética, manejada con láser neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet. Los diferentes tratamientos fueron realizados exitosamente con buenos resultados. CONCLUSIÓN: Existen amplias opciones disponibles para el manejo de las hemorragias maculares y la mejor opción depende de las características de cada caso en particular. El manejo apropiado y oportuno de éstas puede lograr un resultado visual bueno, especialmente si la localización de la hemorragia es prerretiniana.

INTRODUCTION: Macular hemorrhages result in a sudden and profound loss of vision. The primary treatment modalities include observation, intravitreal injection of antiangiogenic drugs, neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet hialoidotomy, intravitreal injection of gas with or without tissue plasminogen activator, as monotherapy or combined with surgery. In this paper, we report four cases of macular hemorrhages of different causes treated with different approaches, and we review the literature in this regard. CASE PRESENTATION: All four patients presented different causes of macular hemorrhage. The first case had a preretinal hemorrhage due to a Valsalva retinopathy and was treated with surgery. Case 2 had a multilevel macular hemorrhage due to a rupture of a retinal arteriolar macroaneurysm and was treated with pneumatic displacement, laser, and intravitreal ranibizumab. Case 3 presented an extensive subretinal hemorrhage due to a choroidal rupture after high-energy ocular trauma that was also successfully treated with surgery. The last case was a preretinal hemorrhage due to diabetic retinopathy managed with neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser. Different treatment approaches were successfully performed in all cases with good outcomes. CONCLUSION: There is an extensive range of options available for the management of macular hemorrhages, and the best option depends on the characteristics of each particular case. Proper and timely management of these diseases can achieve an excellent visual outcome, especially if the location of the hemorrhage is preretinal.

Retinal Toxicity Following the Injection Ganciclovir into Silicone Oil-filled Eye to Treat Acute Retinal Necrosis

PURPOSE: To report a case of retinal toxicity after an intravitreal ganciclovir injection to treat acute retinal necrosis in an eye filled with silicone oil.CASE SUMMARY: A 56-year-old male presented with ocular pain and visual loss in his right eye. His best-corrected visual acuity was 20/25, inflammatory cells in the anterior chamber, multiple retinitis lesions and retinal vessel occlusions in the peripheral retina and vitreous opacity were showed. Acute retinal necrosis was suspected, anterior chamber polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was done. Aciclovir 2,400 mg/day intravenously and ganciclovir 2.0 mg were administered by intravitreal injection. After 4 days, retinitis was worsened and PCR test was positive for varicella zoster virus. Ganciclovir intravitreal injections were increased twice a week. After 16 days, retinal detachment occurred, so scleral encircling, vitrectomy, laser photocoagulation, and silicone oil tamponade were conducted. Ganciclovir 1.0 mg was injected at the end of surgery. The patient's visual acuity decreased to hand motion, and multiple crystal deposits with multiple retinal hemorrhages were observed in the right eye the next day. Visual acuity did not recover and optical coherent tomography showed that the macula was thinned.CONCLUSIONS: Visual loss seemed to be related with the retinal toxicity of ganciclovir. The increased local concentration due to the silicone oil tamponade is thought to have caused the toxicity.

Retinopatía tipo Purtscher en fallo renal por glomerulonefritis aguda postestreptocóccica. Estudio evolutivo con Tomografía de Coherencia Óptica (TCO) / Purtscher-like retinopathy in renal failure caused by acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) study

Introducción: la retinopatía tipo Purtscher es una complicación asociada a varias enfermedades. En muchos casos el tratamiento de la enfermedad de base es suficiente para la resolución de la retinopatía. Objetivo: reporte de caso que sugiere la validez de la OCT para el estudio de la retinopatía tipo Purtscher. Diseño del estudio: reporte de caso. Resumen del caso: hombre de 36 años presentó una retinopatía tipo Purtscher asociada a glomerulonefritis aguda postestreptocóccica. La mejor agudeza visual corregida (MAVC) era de contar dedos en ambos ojos (AO). La funduscopia reveló manchas algodonosas, hemorragias intrarretinianas y retinianas superficiales. La tomografía de coherencia óptica (OCT) mostró edema macular en AO. Realizamos el seguimiento el primer y tercer mes tras la presentación inicial hasta la resolución de la retinopatía sin tratamiento oftalmológico. Conclusión: la OCT es un método no invasivo útil en el estudio de la retinopatía tipo Purtscher.

Background: Purtscher-like retinopathy is a complication associated with several diseases. In many cases the treatment of the underlying desease is sufficient for the resolution of retinopathy. Objective: to report a case and suggest the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) for the study of Purtscher-like retinopathy. Study design: a case report Case summary: a 36-year-old man presented a Purtscher-like retinopathy associated with acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was to count fingers in both eyes (OU). Funduscopy revealed cotton spots, intraretinal hemorrhages and superficial retinal hemorrhages. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed macular edema in OU. We monitored the first and third month after the initial presentation until the resolution of retinopathy without ophthalmological treatment. Conclusion: OCT is a non-invasive method useful in the study of Purtscherlike retinopathy.

Two Case Reports of a Purtscher-like Retinopathy Occurring after Retrobulbar Anesthesia

PURPOSE: Although there are significant risks, retrobulbar anesthesia is commonly used for eye surgery. We report two cases of Purtscher-like retinopathy, a rare complication. CASE SUMMARY: (Case 1) A 76-year-old female visited our hospital because of decreased vision. She underwent right cataract surgery with retrobulbar anesthesia. After 7 days, she had decreased visual acuity (VA) and a constricted visual field. Multiple white spots and cotton wool spots around the optic nerve and post pole, macular edema (ME), and subretinal fluid (SRF) were found using a fundus examination. A non-perfusion area and staining of the vascular wall were seen using fluorescence angiography. Although carotid arterial angiography, thrombolysis, and intravenous injection of high-dose steroids were performed, the ME and SRF persisted. After intravitreal aflibercept was injected twice (2-month interval), the ME and SRF decreased and remained stable. (Case 2) A 61-year-old male underwent left cataract surgery with retrobulbar anesthesia. After anesthesia, the VA of the left eye was 10 cm finger count. The fundus examination showed multiple hemorrhage blots and retinal hemorrhages, and hyperfluorescence around the optic nerve and post pole; vascular wall staining revealed a Purtscher-like retinopathy. Left carotid arterial angiography, thrombolysis, and intravenous injection of high-dose steroids were then performed. After treatment, the VA of the left eye, ME, and SRF were improved at the 4-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: We report rare complications of retrobulbar anesthesia, with active and timely treatment having a positive impact on the visual prognosis.

Evaluation of a birth-related foveal hemorrhage in an infant using optical coherence tomography / Avaliação de uma hemorragia foveal relacionada ao nascimento de uma criança usando tomografia de coerência óptica

ABSTRACT During the routine ophthalmologic examination of a 38-day old female infant, indirect ophthalmoscopy revealed a dense hemorrhage on the fovea and a couple of superficial hemorrhages in the nasal retina of the left eye. No hemorrhage was observed in the right eye. A hand-held spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was used at the time of diagnosis. The hemorrhage at the nasal retina resolved in the first week of follow-up, and the foveal hemorrhage resolved 12 weeks after birth. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography was repeated once the foveal hemorrhage had resorbed, and it showed that the foveal contour had reformed without any sequelae. This case suggests that birth-related foveal hemorrhages do not cause any disturbance in the foveal architecture.

RESUMO Durante o exame oftalmológico de rotina de uma criança do sexo feminino de 38 dias, a oftalmoscopia indireta revelou uma hemorragia densa na fóvea e algumas hemorragias superficiais na retina nasal do olho esquerdo. Nenhuma hemorragia foi observada no olho direito. Foi utilizada uma tomografia de coerência óptica de domínio espectral no momento do diagnóstico. A hemorragia na retina nasal foi resolvida na primeira semana de acompanhamento e a hemorragia foveal foi resolvida em 12 semanas após o nascimento. A tomografia de coerência óptica de domínio espectral foi repetida uma vez que a hemorragia foveal foi reabsorvida, e mostrou que o contorno foveal havia se reformado sem sequelas. Este caso sugere que as hemorragias foveais relacionadas ao nascimento não causam qualquer distúrbio na arquitetura foveal.

Retinopatia vaso-oclusiva por lúpus eritematoso sistêmico associada à síndrome do anticorpo antifosfolipídeo / Vaso-occlusive retinopathy by systemic lupus erythematosus associated with the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome

Resumo Relatar um caso de paciente com Retinopatia vaso-oclusiva por Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico (LES) associado à Síndrome do Anticorpo Antifosfolipídeo (SAF), que se iniciou com um quadro de anemia hemolítica autoimune acompanhado por baixa visual súbita monocular. Poucos casos foram descritos na literatura nacional e mundial em que o LES se manifeste primeiramente com alterações oculares. O screening dos Anticorpos antifosfolípideos (APAs) é de suma importância para pacientes com retinopatia lúpica para que seja instituída a terapia imediata com anticoagulantes como forma de prevenir a trombose vascular, o que piora o prognóstico visual.

Abstract To report the case of a patient with vaso-occlusive retinopathy due to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) associated with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APAS), which started with signs and symptoms of autoimune hemolytic anemia accompanied by sudden monocular visual loss. Few cases of SLE manifestation primarily involving ocular changes have been reported in the Brazilian and international literature. Screening for antiphospholipid antibodies is of the greatest importance for patients with lupus retinopathy, so that immediate therapy with anticoagulants may be instituted in order to prevent vascular thrombosis, which worsens the visual prognosis.

Poor Prognosis in Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura-associated Retinopathy

PURPOSE: To report a case of retinopathy in a patient with chronically resistant idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) associated with a poor prognosis. CASE SUMMARY: A 52-year-old female presented with a complaint of decreased visual acuity, which was 0.63 in both eyes. The patient had received a splenectomy, was receiving systemic treatment for chronic ITP, and had a history of diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Multiple retinal and subretinal hemorrhages and Roth spots were found on fundus examination. Fluorescein angiography revealed microaneurysms and hemorrhages in all four quadrants of the retina. The patient's platelet count was 38,000/µL. The patient was diagnosed with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and ITP-associated retinopathy, and underwent panretinal photocoagulation. Sudden visual loss was noted 4 months later, at which time the patient's visual acuity was 0.1 in both eyes, and her platelet count was 7,000/µL. For 2 years, the patient's platelet count was not controlled, and remained between 12,000–19,000/µL despite active medical treatment. Macular edema did not improve with intravitreal triamcinolone, dexamethasone, and bevacizumab. Retinal hemorrhages were not absorbed and visual acuity decreased to light perception in the right eye and counting fingers in the left eye. CONCLUSIONS: ITP-associated retinopathy was associated with a poor prognosis when the systemic disease was not controlled.

A Case of Orbital Apex Syndrome with Central Retinal Artery and Vein Occlusion Following Trauma

PURPOSE: To report a case of orbital apex syndrome (OAS) combined with central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) and central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) following blunt trauma. CASE SUMMARY: A 4-year-old female visited the hospital following a traffic accident. She was admitted because of multiple fractures of the skull and pneumocephalus. On day 5, she was referred to us with decreased visual acuity in her right eye. Her initial visual acuity was hand motions in the right eye and 0.8 in the left eye. The right eye showed a dilated pupil, ptosis, and total ophthalmoplegia, and the left eye showed limited abduction. A fundus examination revealed multiple retinal hemorrhages, tortuous veins, and an edematous white retina with a cherry-red spot in the right eye. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed an entrapped right optic nerve because of bony fragments in the orbital apex. The patient was diagnosed with OAS accompanied by CRAO and CRVO in the right eye, and with traumatic abducens nerve palsy in the left eye. After 6 months, the visual acuity was hand motions, and the fundus examination showed absorbed retinal hemorrhages, pale discs, and general retinal thinning of the right eye. Ptosis of the right eye and extraocular muscle movement of both eyes were improved. CONCLUSIONS: Combined CRAO and CRVO following trauma is very rare and is even more rarely associated with OAS. It is important for clinicians to be aware of the potential for central retinal vessel occlusions and OAS in cases of blunt ocular trauma.

Rapid Progression of the Epiretinal Membrane after Intravitreal Aflibercept Injection

PURPOSE: To report a case of rapid progression of the epiretinal membrane following intravitreal aflibercept injection in a patient with exudative age-related macular degeneration. CASE SUMMARY: An 82-year-old female presented with a complaint of decreased visual acuity in her left eye for 1 month. The initial best-corrected visual acuity was 0.2 in the left eye. Fundus examination and optical coherence tomography revealed soft drusen with retinal hemorrhage of the macula and a transparent epiretinal membrane in the left eye. Fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography showed retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) of the left eye, so intravitreal aflibercept injection was performed. One month after the first injection, intraretinal cystic macular edema decreased, while transparency of the epiretinal membrane decreased and reflectivity and thickness of the membrane increased. After two additional injections of aflibercept, RAP showed improvement, whereas the epiretinal membrane progressed. Visual acuity of the left eye decreased to 0.1 and vitrectomy of the membrane was performed. CONCLUSIONS: Careful observation for potentially rapid progression of epiretinal membrane is needed after intravitreal aflibercept injection in the management of exudate age-related macular degeneration accompanied by epiretinal membrane.

A Case of Choroidal Osteoma with Subretinal Hemorrhage Improved by Intravitreal Bevacizumab and Aflibercept Injections

PURPOSE: To report a case of choroidal osteoma (CO) complicated by extensive subretinal hemorrhage treated with intravitreal bevacizumab and aflibercept injections. CASE SUMMARY: A 42-year-old female patient presented with decreased visual acuity and a temporal visual field defect in the left eye. The patient had a history of retinal hemorrhage in the left eye 3 years prior, which improved without any treatment. The patient's visual acuity had decreased to 0.6 at the initial visit. On fundus examination, orange-colored elevated lesions involving the superior peripapillary area with massive subretinal hemorrhage extending to the macular area were revealed. Optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, and B-scan ultrasonography results indicated CO complicated by choroidal neovascularization (CNV). With multiple intravitreal injections of bevacizumab and aflibercept (bevacizumab ×1, aflibercept ×2), the patient's visual acuity improved and the CNV lesion was kept stable without recurrence as of the 1-year follow-up visit. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal bevacizumab and aflibercept injections can be helpful in the treatment of CO complicated by CNV, by improving visual acuity and the retinal anatomy.

Complication of epiduroscopy: a brief review and case report

Epiduroscopy is defined as a percutaneous, minimally invasive endoscopic investigation of the epidural space. Periduroscopy is currently used mainly as a diagnostic tool to directly visualize epidural adhesions in patients with failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), and as a therapeutic action in patients with low back pain by accurately administering drugs, releasing inflammation, washing the epidural space, and mechanically releasing the scars displayed. Considering epiduroscopy a minimally invasive technique should not lead to underestimating its potential complications. The purpose of this review is to summarize and explain the mechanisms of the side effects strictly related to the technique itself, leaving aside complications considered typical for any kind of extradural procedure (e.g. adverse reactions due to the administration of drugs or bleeding) and not fitting the usual concept of epiduroscopy for which the data on its real usefulness are still lacking. The most frequent complications and side effects of epiduroscopy can be summarized as non-persistent post-procedural low back and/or leg discomfort/pain, transient neurological symptoms (headache, hearing impairment, paresthesia), dural puncture with or without post dural puncture headache (PDPH), post-procedural visual impairment with retinal hemorrhage, encephalopathy resulting in rhabdomyolysis due to a dural tear, intradural cyst, as well as neurogenic bladder and seizures. We also report for first time, to our knowledge, a case of symptomatic pneumocephalus after epiduroscopy, and try to explain the reason for this event and the precautions to avoid this complication.

Bilateral Frosted Branch Angiitis in Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease

PURPOSE: A case of frosted branch angiitis in Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease is reported. CASE SUMMARY: A 33-year-old male complained of a sudden decrease in visual acuity that developed in both eyes 5 days prior. He suffered from a headache, chills, myalgia, and flank pain 1 week before. The initial best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.1 in the right eye and 0.2 in the left eye. On slit lamp examination, no inflammatory finding was observed in the anterior chamber and vitreous body of both eyes. On fundus examination, a diffuse vascular sheathing-like frosted branch was found in the retinal vessels, and retinal hemorrhage was observed. Fluorescein angiography showed staining and leakage of dye along the vascular sheathing. Serological findings were negative, showing no evidence of an autoimmune disease or viral infection. Neck ultrasonography revealed non-tender left cervical lymph node enlargement >1 cm in diameter. Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology showed findings compatible with Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease, including necrotic changes and pronounced karyorrhexis, plus histiocyte and lymphocyte infiltration without neutrophils. We started systemic steroid therapy. One month after treatment, the BCVA of both eyes improved to 1.0. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with frosted branch angiitis, systemic disease such as Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease should be considered.

Roth Spots and Panuveitis in a Patient with Infectious Mononucleosis

PURPOSE: To report a case of Roth spots, panuveitis, and infectious mononucleosis in a healthy adult. CASE SUMMARY: An immunocompetent 30-year-old male visited our clinic complaining of reduced visual acuity and a floating sense in both eyes of 2 days. He had experienced flu-like symptoms including fever, sore throat, myalgia, and malaise for 10 days before visual acuity decreased. His best-corrected visual acuity was 20/25 in both eyes and inflammatory cells were found in both the anterior chambers and the vitreous. Funduscopy revealed multiple retinal hemorrhages and Roth spots in both eyes. We prescribed topical steroid eye drops. A peripheral blood test revealed mild leukocytosis with lymphocytosis (60%) consisted of atypical lymphocyte (7%). Serologic examinations were positive for cytomegalovirus (CMV) immunoglobulin M (IgM) Ab and Epstein-Barr virus IgM Ab. A polymerase chain reaction for blood CMV was positive. The presumptive clinical diagnosis was Roth spots and panuveitis associated with infectious mononucleosis. Three weeks later, no inflammatory cells were apparent in the anterior chamber or vitreous. Best-corrected visual acuity had recovered to 20/20 in both eyes, and the retinal hemorrhage had completely disappeared. CONCLUSIONS: Roth spots and panuveitis can be present in patients with infectious mononucleosis, which should thus be included in the differential diagnosis of Roth spots.

Rétinopathie de Valsalva associée à un effort de défécation chez une adolescente drépanocytaire homozygote

La rétinopathie de Valsalva est une hémorragie rétinienne liée à une manœuvre de Valsalva qui consiste à une expiration forcée à glotte bloquée après une inspiration forcée. Pathologie rare survenant le plus souvent chez l'adulte entrainant une baisse brutale de l'acuité visuelle de l'œil atteint. Les auteurs rapportent un cas de rétinopathie de Valsalva, occasionnée par un effort de défécation chez une adolescente drépanocytaire de 17 ans, dans un conteste de constipation. L'absence de lésions vasculaires rétiniennes à l'angiographie oculaire a permis d'écarter la rétinopathie drépanocytaire. Les suites ont été simples

Delayed Onset Purtscher's Retinopathy with Serous Retinal Detachment after Trauma in a Retinitis Pigmentosa

PURPOSE: To report a case of Purtscher's retinopathy accompanied by serous retinal detachment in a patient with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) who was referred to us for treatment of post-traumatic visual discomfort. CASE SUMMARY: A 36-year-old man with history of RP was referred to us with the chief complaint of bilateral visual discomfort after chest injury from a traffic accident. His corrected visual acuity was 0.3 and 0.6 in the right and left eyes, respectively. Fundus examination revealed findings characteristic of RP in both eyes, along with a lesion in the right eye, which was suspected to be a serous elevation of the macula, as well as suspected exudates near the optic nerves. Optical coherence tomography indicated serous retinal detachment in the right eye, and fluorescein angiography findings were characteristic of RP. Seven days later, the amount of cotton-wool exudate in the right eye had increased and was more distinct than at the initial examination, and retinal hemorrhage was observed. Based on the medical history and specific fundus findings, the patient was diagnosed with Purtscher's retinopathy. One month later, the serous retinal detachment in the right eye had improved, but the vision loss and total anopsia in the right eye persisted. CONCLUSIONS: The concomitant occurrence of RP and Purtscher's retinopathy is very rare. Moreover, the presence of accompanying serous retinal detachment and delayed onset of typical clinical symptoms are not present in typical Purtscher's retinopathy.

Multiple Subretinal and Intraretinal Hemorrhages as a First Sign of Infective Endocarditis

PURPOSE: To report a patient with multiple subretinal and intraretinal hemorrhages in the absence of retinal/choroidal lesions, diagnosed with infective endocarditis (IE). CASE SUMMARY: We describe the case of a 44-year-old male with an acute decrease of vision in his right eye. Ophthalmic evaluation revealed multiple subretinal and intraretinal hemorrhages, but no choroidal or other retinal lesions. A systemic examination revealed a pansystolic murmur and blood cultures with echocardiography were suggestive of IE. CONCLUSIONS: Thorough systemic evaluations are important when patients present with subretinal and intraretinal hemorrhages in the absence of other retinal/choroidal lesions.

Anatomical Characteristics of End-stage Exudative Age-related Macular Degeneration Refractory to Intravitreal Anti-vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Injection

PURPOSE: To analyze the anatomical characteristics on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) of patients who are legally blind (less than 20/1,000) due to end-stage exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that does not require intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injection. METHODS: After anti-VEGF injections (active group), 120 eyes of 103 exudative AMD patients experienced visual acuity improved by at least 2 lines or improvement on SD-OCT. In addition, 55 eyes of 54 end-stage exudative AMD patients who did not respond to treatment or who were legally blind due to foveal scar at the first visit (end-stage group) were evaluated retrospectively. Changes in retinal structures of the 2 groups were analyzed by SD-OCT at the last visit. RESULTS: The mean age of the end-stage group was about 5 years older than the active group. During the follow-up period, subretinal hemorrhage, intraretinal hemorrhage and retinal pigment epithelium tear occurred more frequently in the end-stage group than in the active group (p < 0.05). Intra-retinal fluids and subretinal fluids were more frequently administered in the active group than in the end-stage group, and thick subretinal hyper-reflective materials (SRHRM), fibrovascular pigment epithelial detachment (PED) and extensive inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) line disruption were observed in all eyes of the end-stage group. The size and thickness of PED, foveal thickness and SRHRM thickness were significantly larger in the end-stage group than in the active group (p < 0.05). Disciform retinal scars were eventually formed in most of the end-stage group. CONCLUSIONS: In end-stage exudative AMD, the presence of retinal hemorrhage and retinal pigment epithelium tear during follow-up, or the findings of thick SRHRM, fibrovascular PED, and extensive IS/OS line disruption on SD-OCT suggest weak expected effect of intravitreal anti-VEGF injection, which can act as a reference for determining the timing of treatment termination.

Anatomical Characteristics of End-stage Exudative Age-related Macular Degeneration Refractory to Intravitreal Anti-vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Injection

PURPOSE: To analyze the anatomical characteristics on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) of patients who are legally blind (less than 20/1,000) due to end-stage exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that does not require intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injection. METHODS: After anti-VEGF injections (active group), 120 eyes of 103 exudative AMD patients experienced visual acuity improved by at least 2 lines or improvement on SD-OCT. In addition, 55 eyes of 54 end-stage exudative AMD patients who did not respond to treatment or who were legally blind due to foveal scar at the first visit (end-stage group) were evaluated retrospectively. Changes in retinal structures of the 2 groups were analyzed by SD-OCT at the last visit. RESULTS: The mean age of the end-stage group was about 5 years older than the active group. During the follow-up period, subretinal hemorrhage, intraretinal hemorrhage and retinal pigment epithelium tear occurred more frequently in the end-stage group than in the active group (p < 0.05). Intra-retinal fluids and subretinal fluids were more frequently administered in the active group than in the end-stage group, and thick subretinal hyper-reflective materials (SRHRM), fibrovascular pigment epithelial detachment (PED) and extensive inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) line disruption were observed in all eyes of the end-stage group. The size and thickness of PED, foveal thickness and SRHRM thickness were significantly larger in the end-stage group than in the active group (p < 0.05). Disciform retinal scars were eventually formed in most of the end-stage group. CONCLUSIONS: In end-stage exudative AMD, the presence of retinal hemorrhage and retinal pigment epithelium tear during follow-up, or the findings of thick SRHRM, fibrovascular PED, and extensive IS/OS line disruption on SD-OCT suggest weak expected effect of intravitreal anti-VEGF injection, which can act as a reference for determining the timing of treatment termination.