Factores de riesgo aterogénico como predictores de daño microvascular en la retina

Introducción: Se reconoce la asociación entre los factores de riesgo aterogénico y las alteraciones microvasculares de la retina, pero no hay consenso sobre si estas afectaciones en la retina preceden o son una respuesta fisiopatológica a dichos factores. Objetivo: Determinar si la presencia de los factores de riesgo aterogénico predice las alteraciones vasculares retinianas, a través del fondo de ojo y la retinografía. Métodos: Estudio trasversal en 55 sujetos mayores de 19 años de edad, de cualquier sexo, sin opacidades en los medios transparentes del ojo. Se estudiaron las variables edad, sexo, dislipidemia, hábito de fumar, consumo de alcohol, hipertensión arterial, diabetes mellitus tipo 2, presión arterial sistólica y diastólica, índice de masa corporal, colesterol, glicemia, triglicéridos, creatinina, lipoproteínas de alta densidad, urea, eritrosedimentación y conteo leucocitario. Resultados: El 65,45 % presentó alteraciones en el fondo de ojo: aumento del brillo arteriolar (53,03 %) y disminución del calibre arteriolar generalizado (52,24 %). La retinografía mostró daño en el 58,18 %: rectificación de los cruces arteriovenosos (65,71 %), tortuosidad venosa (28,21 %) y cruces arteriovenosos con aplastamiento (85,71 %). El aumento del colesterol sérico (p= 0,003) se asoció con la presión arterial sistólica (p= 0,037) en el fondo de ojo, y con el antecedente de hipertensión arterial (p= 0,023) en la retinografía. Conclusiones: El colesterol sérico, las cifras elevadas de tensión arterial sistólica y antecedentes de hipertensión arterial son los factores de riesgo que mejor predicen el daño vascular retinal.

Introduction: The association between atherogenic risk factors and retinal microvascular alterations is recognized, but there is no consensus on whether these retinal disorders precede or are a pathophysiological response to these factors. Objective: To determine if the presence of atherogenic risk factors predicts retinal vascular alterations, through fundus examination and retinography. Methods: Cross-sectional study in 55 subjects over 19 years of age, of either sex, without opacities in the transparent media of the eye. The variables studied were age, sex, dyslipidemia, smoking habit, alcohol consumption, arterial hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, cholesterol, glycemia, triglycerides, creatinine, high-density lipoproteins, urea, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and leukocyte count. Results: 65.45% presented alterations in the fundus of the eye: increased arteriolar brightness (53.03%) and decreased generalized arteriolar caliber (52.24%). Retinography showed damage in 58.18%: rectification of arteriovenous crossings (65.71%), venous tortuosity (28.21%), and arteriovenous crossings with crushing (85.71%). The increase in serum cholesterol (p= 0.003) was associated with systolic blood pressure (p= 0.037) in the fundus, and with a history of arterial hypertension (p= 0.023) in retinography. Conclusions: Serum cholesterol, high systolic blood pressure and a history of hypertension are the risk factors that best predict retinal vascular damage.

Correlation between baseline aqueous humor cytokine levels and anti-vascu-lar endothelial growth factor treatment in patients with macular edema sec-ondary to retinal vein obstruction / 眼科新进展

Objective To analyze the effect of baseline cytokines in aqueous humor in predicting the improvement of the central macular thickness(CMT)and best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)of patients with macular edema secondary to retinal vein obstruction(RVO-ME)after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)treatment for 3 months.Meth-ods Totally 30 eyes of 30 patients initially diagnosed with RVO-ME in the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanjing Medical Uni-versity from October 2021 to January 2023 were enrolled.Aqueous humor was collected by anterior chamber puncture be-fore the anti-VEGF drug injection.The levels of 11 cytokines in aqueous humor,including VEGF,intercellular adhesion molecule(ICAM)-1,interleukins(ILs)and interferon-γ(IFN-γ),were measured by Luminex xMAP technology.The cor-relation between baseline aqueous humor cytokine levels and CMT,BCVA(logMAR)as well as their changes(difference between baseline and anti-VEGF treatment for 3 months)in RVO-ME patients was analyzed;the correlation between CMT and BCVA(logMAR)was analyzed at baseline and 3 months after anti-VEGF treatment.CMT and BCVA responders were defined as patients with 50％or more reduction in CMT and BCVA(logMAR)from baseline to the third month.A Logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between baseline aqueous humor cytokines and RVO-ME patients be-coming CMT or BCVA responders after 3 months of anti-VEGF treatment.Results Compared with baseline,the CMT sig-nificantly decreased and BCVA significantly improved in RVO-ME patients after anti-VEGF treatment for 3 months(both P＜0.001).The CMT was positively correlated with BCVA(logMAR)of RVO-ME patients at baseline and after anti-VEGF treatment for 3 months(P=0.026,0.002).At baseline,the levels of VEGF and IL-8 of RVO-ME patients were positively correlated with CMT(P=0.032,0.035);the levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were positively correlated with BCVA(logMAR)(P=0.018,0.002).The baseline IL-8 level in RVO-ME patients was negatively associated with the change in CMT(P=0.024).Logistic regression analysis showed that elevated baseline ICAM-1 level could increase the risk of RVO-ME patients becom-ing BCVA non-responders after 3 months of anti-VEGF treatment(P=0.023).Conclusion Baseline IL-8 and ICAM-1 may be predictors of CMT and BCVA improvement after anti-VEGF treatment of RVO-ME.

Comparative study of retinal volume changes in ischemic and non-ischemic macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion treated with ranib-izumab / 眼科新进展

Objective To compare the clinical outcomes and retinal volume changes in patients with ischemic and non-ischemic macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion(BRVO-ME)using optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA).Methods The clinical data of 34 ischemic BRVO-ME patients(34 eyes,ischemic group)and 21 non-ischemic BRVO-ME patients(21 eyes,non-ischemic group)were retrospectively analyzed.Patients in both groups re-ceived intravitreal injections of ranibizumab.The best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)and retinal volume of the macular ar-ea were assessed before,1 day,1 week,1 month,3 months and 6 months after the treatment.Results The BCVA(log-MAR)at 1 day after the treatment was 0.63±0.37 in the ischemic group and 0.44±0.22 in the non-ischemic group,and the difference was statistically significant(P=0.017).The retinal volumes of the outer retina,the full retina,and the Farafovea and Perifovea subdivisions of the full retina before the treatment were(6.42±1.90)mm3,(8.75±1.82)mm3,(3.20±0.87)mm3 and(5.10±0.89)mm3 in the ischemic group and(5.52±1.57)mm3,(7.83±1.56)mm3,(2.80± 0.71)mm3,and(4.66±0.77)mm3 in the non-ischemic group,respectively;1 day after treatment,they were(4.97± 1.18)mm3,(7.46±1.47)mm3,(2.62±0.60)mm3 and(4.53±0.80)mm3 in the ischemic group and(4.25±0.48)mm3,(6.58±0.56)mm3,(2.26±0.26)mm3 and(4.06±0.40)mm3 in the non-ischemic group,respectively;at 1 week after the treatment,they were(4.40±0.82)mm3,(6.90±0.85)mm3,(2.38±0.36)mm3 and(4.24±0.49)mm3 in the ischemic group and(4.04±0.35)mm3,(6.33±0.49)mm3,(2.15±0.19)mm3 and(3.95±0.35)mm3 in the non-ische-mic group,respectively,and the differences between the two groups were statistically significant(all P＜0.05).The a-mount of retinal volume change from baseline in the outer retina and the full retina was(-2.48±2.38)mm3 and(-2.54±2.38)mm3 in the ischemic group,and(-1.31±1.58)mm3 and(-1.38±1.58)mm3 in the non-ischemic group at 1 month after treatment,respectively,and the differences between the two groups were statistically significant(both P＜0.05).Conclusion Ranibizumab is effective in treating both ischemic and non-ischemic BRVO-ME.The short-term visu-al prognosis is better in the non-ischemic group than the ischemic group,and the retinal volume is higher in the ischemic group than the non-ischemic group.However,no significant difference is observed in the visual prognosis or retinal volume between the two groups after long-term treatment.

Research progress of optical coherence tomography biomarkers in macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Retinal vein occlusion(RVO)is the second most common cause of vision loss due to retinal vascular disease. Macular edema(ME)is a common complication of RVO and a major cause of central vision impairment. Optical coherence tomography(OCT)is a high-resolution imaging technique that can provide detailed cross-sectional images of the retina and choroid. OCT biomarkers play an important role in the early and accurate diagnosis of RVO-ME, prediction of disease progression, and assessment of visual prognosis. This article provides an overview of various OCT biomarkers for RVO-ME, including retinal thickness, disorganization of retinal inner layers, hyper-reflectivity of retinal inner layer, the integrity of external limiting membrane and ellipsoid zone, the third highest reflectance band of the fovea, hyperreflective dots, paracentral acute middle maculopathy, prominent middle limiting membrane sign, serous retinal detachment height, macular volume and choroidal thickness. These biomarkers serve as objective indicators for evaluating the severity of RVO-ME, guiding treatment decisions, and predicting visual outcomes.

Small case study of retinopathy associated with novel coronavirus infection / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To observe the clinical and multimodal imaging features of retinopathy associated with novel coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)infection, investigate the related risk factors, and analyze the treatment and prognosis.METHODS: A total of 7 patients(7 eyes)with clinically confirmed COVID-19-associated retinopathy in Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from December 13, 2022 to January 13, 2023 were included in the study. All patients underwent color fundus photography, IR, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography(SD-OCT), fundus autofluorescein(FAF)and other ophthalmic examination and serological examination.RESULTS: Among the included patients, 2 cases(2 eyes)of central retinal vein occlusion(CRVO)appeared differently from previous CRVO. The hemorrhagic features of CRVO were round or fusiform shape hemorrhagic spots with white centers. One of them, the von Willebrand factor antigen(vWF: Ag)level was increased to 161.8%. The other case was positive in serologic test for lupus anticoagulant. In 2 cases(2 eyes)of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome(MEWDS), FAF showed that dots of high spontaneous fluorescence were scattered in the posterior pole. The prognosis of 2 MEWDS were good after the treatment of glucocorticoids. The 3 cases(3 eyes)of acute macular neuroretinopathy(AMN)showed reddened brown lesions in the macular area, hyporeflective lesions with clear boundaries on IR, and high signal intensity in the ONL and ELM, EZ/IZ signal fracture on SD-OCT.CONCLUSION: COVID-19 may cause inflammatory storm, involving all layers of retinal tissues and blood vessels, leading to the occurrence of various retinal lesions. Hormone therapy may be effective and the prognosis is good in most cases. Roth spot can be seen in fundus hemorrhage of CRVO, lupus anticoagulant and increased vWF: Ag may be risk factors for CRVO after COVID-19.

Research progress of mechanism and risk factors of retinal vein occlusion / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Retinal vein occlusion(RVO), the second most prevalent retinal vascular disease, has complex pathophysiological mechanism. Except for mechanical pressure on blood vessel, inflammation and endothelin have been confirmed to be involved in the pathogenesis of RVO. However, its specific mechanism remains unclear. Hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia have been previously shown to be the most common risk factors in elder population, while recent studies found that coagulation and hemorheological abnormalities are more common in people under 50 years old. Ocular risk factors including glaucoma, high corrected intraocular pressure and retinal vessels abnormality, have gained more and more attention. These factors probably exert a synergistic effect when present simultaneously in the same patient. Therefore, early identification and intervention of those factors could lower the incidence of RVO. This article aims to review recent research and summarize existing mechanism and theories, giving some new research ideas for potential therapy targets and providing references for identification and management of risk factors.

Combination of Ranibizumab and Dexamethasone intravitreal implant for macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To compare the differences in the efficacy and safety of combination of intravitreal dexamethasone(Ozurdex)and ranibizumab or monotherapy of ranibizumab in eyes with macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion(RVO-ME).METHODS: Patients diagnosed with non-ischemic RVO-ME by fluorescein fundus angiography in our hospital from June 2020 to December 2022 were selected. All patients were initially treated with intravitreal injection of ranibizumab(0.5 mg), and 42 patients(42 eyes)who had central retinal thickness(CRT)≥300 μm after 2 wk were included. They were randomly divided into combined treatment group and monotherapy group. The combined treatment group(21 eyes)received Ozurdex intravitreal injection immediately, while the monotherapy group(21 eyes)was treated with ranibizumab intravitreal injection by 3+pro re nata(PRN). The changes of best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), CRT, and intraocular pressure before and at 2 wk, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 mo after treatment were recorded, and the ocular or systemic complications were observed.RESULTS:The BCVA and CRT of all patients at 2 wk, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 mo after treatment were significantly better than those before treatment(all P<0.01). There were statistical significance in the BCVA and CRT between two groups at 2 and 3 mo after treatment(all P<0.05). The most significant increase of BCVA in the combined treatment group occurred at 2 mo after treatment. The mean recurrence time of macular edema in the monotherapy group was 1.45±0.53 mo, with 4.21±0.78 injection times of ranibizumab. None of the patients showed serious complications after treatment. The most common complications in the combined treatment group were subconjunctival hemorrhage and elevated intraocular pressure, which were manageable with topical ocular hypotensive agents, and no patient required antiglaucoma or cataract surgery.CONCLUSION: Compared with monotherapy of ranibizumab, intravitreal injection of dexamethasone combined with ranibizumab can significantly improve the visual acuity and effectively reduce the macular edema in the treatment of RVO-ME, with a long duration of efficacy and less intravitreal injection of drugs.

Construction of a individualized model for predicting the risk of recurrence in patients with retinal vein occlusion induced macular edema / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To analyze the recurrence factors of patients with retinal vein occlusion(RVO)induced macular edema(ME)and construct a nomogram model.METHODS: Retrospective study. A total of 306 patients with RVO induced ME admitted to our hospital from January 2019 to June 2022 were included as study objects, and they were divided into modeling group with 214 cases(214 eyes)and 92 cases(92 eyes)in the verification group by 7:3. All patients were followed up for 1 a after receiving anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)treatment, and patients in the modeling group were separated into a recurrence group(n=66)and a non recurrence group(n=148)based on whether they had recurrence. Clinical data were collected and multivariate Logistic regression was applied to analyze and determine the factors affecting recurrence in patients with RVO induced ME; R3.6.3 software was applied to construct a nomogram model for predicting the recurrence risk of patients with RVO induced ME; ROC curve and calibration curve were applied to evaluate the discrimination and consistency of nomogram model in predicting the recurrence risk of patients with RVO induced ME.RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in central retinal thickness(CRT), course of disease, hyperreflective foci(HF), disorder of retinal inner layer structure, and injection frequency between the non recurrence group and the recurrence group before treatment(all P<0.05). The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that pre-treatment CRT(OR=1.011), course of disease(OR=1.104), HF(OR=5.074), retinal inner layer structural disorder(OR=4.640), and injection frequency(OR=4.036)were influencing factors for recurrence in patients with RVO induced ME(all P<0.01). The area under the ROC curve of the modeling group was 0.924(95%CI: 0.882-0.966), the slope of the calibration curve was close to 1, and the results of the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test showed that χ2=11.817, P=0.160; the area under the ROC curve of the verification group was 0.939(95%CI: 0.892-0.985), the slope of the calibration curve was close to 1, and the results of the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test showed χ2=6.082, P=0.638.CONCLUSION: Pre-treatment CRT, course of disease, HF, disorder of retinal inner layer structure, and injection frequency are independent risk factors for recurrence in patients with RVO induced ME. The nomogram model constructed based on this has a high discrimination and consistency in predicting the recurrence risk of patients with RVO induced ME.

Simultaneous unilateral central retinal vein occlusion and branch retinal artery occlusion after Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA vaccine / Oclusão unilateral simultânea da veia retiniana central e artéria retiniana ramificada após vacina mRNA COVID-19

ABSTRACT A 51-year-old non-obese woman presented with a one-week history of progressive blurry vision within the inferior visual field of her left eye. Her only relevant past medical history was long-standing hypothyroidism and recent vaccination against Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) with an mRNA vaccine 12 days before the onset of symptoms. At examination, the anterior segment was unremarkable, but the retinal fundus revealed a central retinal vein occlusion associated with a branch retinal artery occlusion of the superior temporal branch in her left eye. Ancillary tests to rule out thrombophilia, hyperviscosity, hypercoagulability, or inflammation were negative. Ultrasound tests were also negative for a cardiac or carotid origin of the branch retinal artery occlusion. At two-month follow-up, no new retinal vascular occlusive events were observed. Although the best-corrected visual acuity at presentation was 8/10 in the left eye, the final best-corrected visual acuity remained 3/10.

RESUMO Uma mulher de 51 anos, não obesa, apresentou história de uma semana de visão embaçada progressiva no campo visual inferior do olho esquerdo. Seu único histórico médico anterior relevante era hipotireoidismo de longa data e uma recente vacinação contra a Doença de Coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19), com vacina de mRNA, 12 dias antes do início dos sintomas. O exame mostrou segmento anterior normal, mas o fundo da retina revelou uma oclusão da veia central da retina associada a uma oclusão de ramo arterial da retina do ramo temporal superior no olho esquerdo. Testes auxiliares para descartar trombofilia, hiperviscosidade, hipercoagulabilidade ou inflamação apresentaram resultados negativos. Testes de ultrassom também foram negativos quanto a uma origem cardíaca ou da carótida da oclusão do ramo da artéria da retina. Após dois meses de acompanhamento, nenhum novo evento vascular oclusivo retiniano foi observado. Embora, a acuidade visual melhor corrigida na apresentação tenha sido de 8/10 no olho esquerdo, a acuidade visual final melhor corrigida permaneceu em 3/10.

Is there a relationship between the first-day results of anti-VEGF therapy for macular edema due to vascular diseases and longterm outcomes? / Há alguma relação entre os resultados do primeiro dia de terapia anti-VEGF para edema macular devido a doenças vasculares e o resultado a longo prazo?

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate early changes after the first antivascular endothelial growth factor injection for macular edema secondary to diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusion and the relationship between longterm outcomes. Methods: The study enrolled patients who received anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections for treatment-naive macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion and diabetic retinopathy. The central macular thickness was measured at baseline, post-injection day 1, week 2, and month 1, and at the last visit using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. A good response was defined as a central macular thickness reduction of ≥10% on post-injection day 1. Patients were reassessed at the last visit with regard to treatment response on post-injection day 1 based on the favorable anatomic outcome defined as a central macular thickness <350 µm. Results: In total, 26 (44.8%) patients had macular edema-retinal vein occlusion and 32 (55.2%) had macular edema-diabetic retinopathy. The mean follow-up time was 24.0 (SD 8.5) months. A statistically significant decrease in the central macular thickness was observed in both patients with macular edema-retinal vein occlusion and macular edema-diabetic retinopathy after antivascular endothelial growth factor injection therapy (p<0.001 for both). All patients with macular edema-retinal vein occlusion were good responders at post-injection day 1. All nongood responders at post-injection day 1 belong to the macular edema-diabetic retinopathy group (n=16.50%). The rate of hyperreflective spots was higher in nongood responders than in good responders of the macular edema-diabetic retinopathy group (p=0.03). Of 42 (2.4%) total good responders, one had a central macular thickness >350 µm, whereas 5 (31.2%) of 16 total nongood responders had a central macular thickness >350 µm at the last visit (p=0.003). Conclusion: The longterm anatomical outcomes of macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion and diabetic retinopathy may be predicted by treatment response 1 day after antivascular endothelial growth factor injection.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar as alterações precoces após a primeira injeção de anticorpos antifator de crescimento endotelial vascular (anti-VEGF) em casos de edema macular secundário à retinopatia diabética e oclusão da veia da retina e a relação entre essas alterações e o resultado a longo prazo. Métodos: Foram incluídos no estudo pacientes que receberam uma injeção de antifator de crescimento endotelial vascular para edema macular, virgem de tratamento e devido à oclusão da veia retiniana ou a retinopatia diabética. A espessura macular central foi medida no início do tratamento e no 1º dia, 2ª semana e 1º mês após a injeção, bem como na última visita, através de tomografia de coerência óptica de domínio espectral. Definiu-se uma "boa resposta" como uma redução ≥10% na espessura macular central no 1º dia após a injeção. Os pacientes foram reavaliados na última visita com relação à resposta ao tratamento no 1º dia após a injeção, com base em um resultado anatômico favorável, definido como uma espessura macular central <350 µm. Resultado: Foram registrados 26 (44,8%) pacientes com edema macular e oclusão da veia da retina e 32 (55,2%) com edema macular e retinopatia diabética. O tempo médio de acompanhamento foi de 24,0 meses (desvio-padrão de 8,5 meses). Foi observada uma diminuição estatisticamente significativa da espessura macular central após o tratamento antifator de crescimento endotelial vascular tanto em pacientes com edema macular e oclusão da veia retiniana quanto naqueles com edema macular e retinopatia diabética (p<0,001 para ambos). Todos os pacientes com edema macular e oclusão da veia retiniana responderam bem no 1º dia pós-injeção. Todos os que responderam mal no 1º dia pós-injeção pertenciam ao grupo com edema macular e retinopatia diabética (n=16,50%). A presença de manchas hiperrefletivas foi maior nos pacientes que responderam mal do que naqueles que tiveram boa resposta no grupo com edema macular e retinopatia diabética (p=0,03). Um dos 42 (2,4%) pacientes com boa resposta total teve espessura macular central >350 um, enquanto 5 (31,2%) do total de 16 pacientes com resposta ruim apresentaram espessura macular central >350 µm na última visita (p=0,003). Conclusão: O resultado anatômico de longo prazo do edema macular secundário à oclusão da veia retiniana e à retinopatia diabética pode ser previsto pela resposta ao tratamento no 1º dia após a injeção de antifator de crescimento endotelial vascular.

Retinal vein and artery occlusion as the first manifestation of primary antiphospholipid syndrome in a pediatric patient / Oclusão arterial e venosa como primeira manifestação da síndrome antifosfolipide primária em criança

ABSTRACT Antiphospholipid syndrome is an acquired autoimmune disease characterized by hypercoagulability associated with recurrent venous and arterial thromboembolism in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. Herein, we report a case of rapid sequential retinal vein and artery occlusion as the first manifestation of a primary antiphospholipid syndrome triggered by an acute Mycoplasma infection in a previously healthy 11-year-old patient. On day 1, ophthalmoscopy revealed a central retinal vein occlusion. The patient developed temporal branch retinal artery occlusion the next day. On day 3, a central retinal artery occlusion was observed. Serum lupus anticoagulant, immunoglobulin (Ig) G anticardiolipin, IgG anti-β2-glycoprotein 1 antibody, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgM antibody levels were increased. Thus, retinal vascular occlusions can be the first manifestation of primary antiphospholipid syndrome. Although it may not improve visual prognosis, prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to avoid further significant morbidity.

RESUMO A síndrome antifosfolipide é uma doença autoimune adquirida caracterizada por hipercoagulabilidade associada a tromboembolismo venoso e arterial recorrente na presença de anticorpos antifosfolipídicos. Aqui, relatamos um caso clínico de oclusão sequencial de veia e artéria da retina como primeira manifestação de uma síndrome antifosfolipíde primária desen­cadeada por uma infeção aguda por Mycoplasma num paciente de 11 anos previamente saudável. No primeiro dia, a oftalmoscopia revelou uma oclusão da veia central da retina. No dia seguinte, o paciente desenvolveu uma oclusão do ramo temporal da artéria central da retina. No terceiro dia, uma oclusão da artéria central da retina foi diagnosticada. Os níveis de anticoagulante lúpico sérico, anticorpos IgG anticardiolipina e IgG anti-β2-glicoproteína 1 e anticorpos IgM para Mycoplasma pneumoniae estavam aumentados. As oclusões vasculares retinianas podem ser a primeira manifestação da síndrome antifosfolipíde primária. Apesar do prognóstico visual ser reservado, o seu diagnóstico e o tratamento imediatos são essenciais para evitar outras morbilidades associadas.

Presentación atípica de síndrome antifosfolípido

El síndrome antifosfolípido es considerado un trastorno del colágeno asociado a presentaciones clínicas a edades intermedias con incidencias no mayores de 5 casos por cada 100.000 personas. Su espectro clínico oscila en la presencia de manifestaciones trombóticas multisistémicas de origen vascular. Sin embargo, las manifestaciones no vasculares tienen un espectro raro en su presentación habitual. Se presenta el caso de un varón de 64 años con manifestaciones oculares relacionadas a amaurosis fugaz asociado a alteraciones estructurales retinianas. Los hallazgos de tamizajes realizados fueron fuertemente sugestivos de trombofilias primarias. Se aplicó perfil para síndrome antifosfolípido el cual fue positivo, por lo que se instauró anticoagulación plena.

Antiphospholipid syndrome is considered a collagen disorder associated with clinical presentations at intermediate ages with incidences of no more than 5 cases per 100,000 people. Its clinical spectrum ranges from the presence of multisystem thrombotic manifestations of vascular origin. However, non-vascular manifestations have a rare spectrum in their usual presentation. The case of a 64-year-old man with ocular manifestations related to amaurosis fugax associated with retinal structural alterations is presented. The findings of screening performed were strongly suggestive of primary thrombophilia. A profile for antiphospholipid syndrome was applied, which was positive and therefore, full anticoagulation was initiated.

Case of acute vision loss after injectable remdesivir with anticoagulants and overdose of antibiotics: A late report

A woman reported decreased vision in the right eye since hospitalization for COVID-19. Vision in the right eye was 6/18 and in the left eye was counting fingers. Her left eye had cataract and right eye was pseudophakic with earlier documented good recovery. In the right eye, she had branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) with macular edema documented on optical coherence tomography (OCT). It was suspected that it might be an ocular manifestation of COVID-19 which had not been reported and had worsened. An overdose of antibiotics or remdesivir might also be responsible for the same. She was advised anti-VEGF injections and was kept under treatment.

Prospective evaluation of the effectiveness of combined treatment of macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion with intravitreal bevacizumab and dexamethasone implants / Estudo intervencionista prospectivo para avaliar a eficácia da associação do bevacizumabe intravítreo ao implante de dexametasona para edema macular secundário à oclusão da veia retiniana

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of in­­­travitreal bevacizumab injections following a single dexamethasone implant in the treatment of macular edema secondary to branch and central retinal vein occlusion. Methods: This was a prospective interventional non-comparative study, 44 eyes of patients with naïve macular edema related to branch and central retinal vein occlusion were treated with a dexamethasone implant. Patients were followed-up at four-week intervals from the second to the sixth month. If persistent or recurrent macular edema occurred during this period, the patient was treated with intravitreal bevacizumab injections on an as-needed basis. The outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity and central macular thickness changes. Results: The mean best-corrected visual acuity changed from 0.97 ± 0.33 LogMAR at baseline to 0.54 ± 0.40 at the six-month post-implant examination (p<0.00001). Improvement ≥3 Snellen lines were seen in 20 eyes (45.54%). The mean central macular thickness at baseline was 670.25 ± 209.9 microns. This had decreased to 317.43 ± 112.68 microns at the six-month follow-up (p<0.00001). The mean number of intravitreal bevacizumab injections received in the six months post-implant was 2.32. The mean time from dexamethasone implant to first anti-VEGF injection was 3.45 months. Conclusions: Intravitreal bevacizumab injections following a single dexamethasone implant were found to improve best-corrected visual acuity and central macular thickness in patients with macular edema due to branch and central retinal vein occlusion at six months, with few intravitreal injections required.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia da combinação de in­jeções intravítreas de bevacizumabe em olhos com edema macular secundário à oclusão de ramo e da veia central da retina após um único implante de dexametasona. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo prospectivo intervencionista não comparativo com 44 olhos de pacientes com edema macular relacionado à oclusão de ramo e veia central da retina, sem tratamento prévio e tratados com um único implante de dexametasona, que foram acompanhados em intervalos de quatro semanas do segundo ao sexto mês. Se fosse constatado edema macular persistente ou recorrente durante esse período, os pacientes eram tratados com injeções intravítreas de bevacizumabe em um regime ajustado conforme a necessidade. Foram estudadas a melhor acuidade visual corrigida e alterações da espessura macular central. Resultados: A média da melhor acuidade visual corrigida mudou de 0,97 ± 0,33 LogMAR iniciais para 0,54 ± 0,40 no exame de 6 meses (p<0,00001). Vinte olhos (45,54%) melhoraram 3 linhas de Snellen ou mais. A média da espessura macular central inicial foi de 670,25 ± 209,9 μm e diminuiu para 317,43 ± 112,68 μm na visita de 6 meses (p<0,00001). O número médio de injeções intravítreas de bevacizumabe em 6 meses foi de 2,32 e o tempo médio entre o implante de dexametasona e a primeira injeção de anti-VEGF foi de 3,45 meses. Conclusão: Injeções intravítreas de bevacizumabe após um único implante de dexametasona podem proporcionar um aumento da melhor acuidade visual corrigida e diminuição da espessura macular central aos 6 meses em pacientes com edema macular devido à oclusão de ramo e da veia central da retina, com poucas injeções intravítreas.

Bilateral branch retinal vein occlusion following the diagnosis of mild coronavirus disease / Oclusão de ramo bilateral da veia retiniana após diagnóstico de coronavirus leve

ABSTRACT The aim of this case report is to present the case of a patient diagnosed as having coronavirus disease (COVID-19) who developed branch retinal vein occlusion in both eyes at different time points. A 48-year-old male patient was admitted to our hospital with symptoms of mild COVID-19 and was diagnosed as having severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection after polymerase chain reaction testing. Two months after the diagnosis, branch retinal vein occlusion was found in his left eye on fundoscopic examination, with a visual acuity of 20/100. In the third month of therapy, the same symptoms developed in the right eye and was diagnosed as branch retinal vein occlusion. The visual acuity was 10/100 in his right eye, which increased to 40/100 in the right eye and 30/100 in the left eye after treatment. The development of branch retinal vein occlusion can be observed during the mild stage of COVID-19, which triggers viral microangiopathy and hypercoagulation. Physicians should be strictly vigilant for retinal assessment in patients with vision loss due to a mild history of COVID-19.

RESUMO Este relato apresenta o caso de um paciente com diagnóstico de doença por coronavírus de 2019 (COVID-19) que, em diferentes momentos, desenvolveu oclusão de ramos da veia retiniana em ambos os olhos. Um paciente do sexo masculino de 48 anos foi admitido no hospital com sintomas de COVID-19 leve e a presença do coronavírus da síndrome respiratória aguda grave 2 (SARS-CoV-2) foi constatada através de um teste de reação em cadeia de polimerase. Dois meses após o diagnóstico, uma fundoscopia revelou a oclusão de um ramo da veia retiniana em seu olho esquerdo e constatou-se uma acuidade visual de 20/100 no mesmo olho. No terceiro mês de tratamento, os mesmos sintomas desenvolveram-se no olho direito e foi diagnosticada a oclusão de um ramo da veia retiniana. Constatou-se uma acuidade de 10/100 no olho direito. Após o tratamento, a acuidade visual aumentou para 40/100 no olho direito e 30/100 no olho esquerdo. O desenvolvimento de oclusões de ramos da veia retiniana pode ser observado em casos leves de COVID-19, que desencadeia microangiopatia viral e hipercoagulação. Os médicos devem estar altamente vigilantes para uma avaliação da retina em pacientes com perda de visão devido a uma história de COVID-19 leve.

Retinal perfusion density can predict cardiovascular disease risk in patients with retinal vein occlusion

Purpose: To correlate microvascular changes and assess the relationship between microvascular changes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Methods: Patients over 40 years of age with unilateral RVO were included in this prospective study. Those known to have cardiovascular disease were excluded. A detailed medical history was taken and physical exam was done to measure the height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and systolic blood pressure (SBP). A comprehensive eye check?up was followed by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Microvascular indices such as vessel density (VD) and perfusion density (PD) were noted. A statistical model was developed for prediction of CVD risk and was integrated with the World Health Organization (WHO)’s risk prediction charts. Results: This study included 42 patients with RVO and 22 controls with an age range of 42–82 years. There were 40 males (62.5%) and 24 females (37.5%). Along with age, SBP, and gender, perfusion density was found to have significant impact on CVD risk (P = 0.030). Reduction in PD was associated with increase in CVD risk. PD had a greater influence on CVD in <50 years age than in >70 years group. Using linear regression, a model with accuracy of 72.1% was developed for CVD risk prediction and was converted into color coded charts similar to WHO risk prediction charts. Conclusion: These findings suggest a significant correlation between microvascular parameters and CVD risk in RVO patients. Based on these parameters, an easy?to?use and color?coded risk prediction chart was developed

Afibercept treatment for macular edema with and without serous retinal detachment due to branch retinal vein occlusion / Tratamento com afibercepte para edema macular devido à oclusão da veia retiniana do ramo com e sem descolamento seroso da retina

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of intravitreal aflibercept treatment for macular edema with and without serous retinal detachment due to branch retinal vein occlusion. Methods: Thirty-seven eyes with branch retinal vein occlusion treated with intravitreal aflibercept injection for macular edema were evaluated retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether they showed serous retinal detachment on spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Pro re nata regimen was applied after 1 dose of intravitreal aflibercept injection. After the initial injection, control treatments were administered at months 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12. The best-corrected visual acuity and central macular thickness were measured. Results: Fifteen patients had serous retinal detachment, and 22 with macular edema only (non-serous retinal detachment). The central macular thickness was significantly greater in the group with than in the group without serous retinal detachment (811.73 ± 220.68 µm and 667.90 ± 220.68 µm, respectively, p=0.04). The difference between the groups disappeared from the third month. The central macular thickness was similar between the two groups at the last control treatment (407.27 ± 99.08 µm and 376.66 ± 74.71 µm, p=0.66). The best-corrected visual acuity increased significantly in both groups. No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of the best-corrected visual acuities at baseline and the final control. Conclusion: The intravitreal aflibercept treatment was highly effective in improving best-corrected visual acuity and central macular thickness in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion-induced macular edema independent of serous retinal detachment.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia do tratamento com aflibercepte intravítreo para edema macular devido à oclusão de um ramo da veia retiniana, com e sem descolamento seroso da retina. Métodos: Foram analisados retrospectivamente 37 olhos com oclusão de um ramo da veia retiniana, tratados com injeção intravítrea de aflibercepte para edema macular. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos, de acordo com a presença ou ausência de um descolamento seroso de retina na tomografia de coerência óptica (SD-OCT). Um regime pro re nata foi seguido após 1 injeção intravítrea de aflibercepte. Após a injeção, foram realizadas consultas de acompanhamento nos meses 1, 2, 3, 6 e 12. Foram medidas a melhor acuidade visual corrigida e a espessura macular central. Resultados: Houve 15 pacientes com descolamento seroso de retina e 22 pacientes com apenas edema macular (descolamento não seroso de retina). A espessura macular central foi significativamente maior no grupo com descolamento seroso de retina do que no grupo com descolamento não seroso de retina (respectivamente, 811,73 ± 220,68 µm e 667,90 ± 220,68 µm; p=0,04). A diferença desapareceu a partir do terceiro mês. A espessura macular central foi semelhante nos dois grupos na última consulta (407,27 ± 99,08 µm e 376,66 ± 74,71 µm, p=0,66). A melhor acuidade visual corrigida aumentou significativamente em ambos os grupos. Não houve diferença entre os dois grupos quanto à melhor acuidade visual corrigida inicial e final. Conclusão: O tratamento com aflibercepte intravítreo foi altamente eficaz em melhorar a acuidade visual corrigida e a espessura macular central no edema macular induzido pela oclusão de um ramo da veia retiniana, independentemente da presença ou não de um descolamento seroso da retina.

Effects of the epiretinal membrane on the outcomes of intravitreal dexamethasone implantation for macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion / Os efeitos de uma membrana epirretiniana nos resultados da implantação de dexametasona intravítrea para edema macular secundário à oclusão de ramo da veia retiniana

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the effects of epiretinal membrane formation on the clinical outcomes of intravitreal dexamethasone implantation for macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion. Methods: This retrospective interventional case series includes the treatment of naive patients with macular edema secondary to non-ischemic branch retinal vein occlusion who underwent intravitreal dexamethasone implantation. The patients were divided into two groups as follows: Group 1 (n=25), comprised of patients with macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion without epiretinal membrane, and Group 2 (n=16), comprised of patients with macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion with an epiretinal membrane. Corrected visual acuity, central macular thickness, and central macular volume values were measured before and after treatment. The clinical outcomes of the groups were compared. Results: Mean age and male-to-female ratio were similar between the two groups (p>0.05, for both). The baseline and final corrected visual acuity values, central macular thickness, and central macular volumes of the groups were similar (p>0.05, for all). All the parameters were significantly improved after intravitreal dexamethasone implantation treatment (p<0.001, for all). The changes in central macular thickness and volume were also similar (p>0.05, for both). The mean number of intravitreal dexamethasone implantations was 2.1 ± 1.0 (range, 1-4) in Group 1 and 3.0 ± 1.2 (range, 1-5) in Group 2 (p=0.043). Conclusion: Epiretinal membrane formation had no effects on the baseline and final clinical parameters, including corrected visual acuity and central macular thickness and volume. The only parameter affected by the presence of epiretinal membrane formation is the number of intravitreal dexamethasone implantations, a greater number of which is needed for macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion with an epiretinal membrane.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar os efeitos da formação de uma membrana epirretiniana nos resultados clínicos da implantação intravítrea de dexametasona para edema macular secundário à oclusão de um ramo da veia retiniana. Métodos: Esta série retrospectiva de casos intervencionais inclui o tratamento de indivíduos com edema macular secundário à oclusão não isquêmica de um ramo da veia retiniana, sem tratamento prévio e que foram submetidos a implantação intravítrea de dexametasona. Os indivíduos foram divididos em dois grupos: Grupo 1 (n=25), composto por indivíduos com edema macular secundário à oclusão de um ramo da veia retiniana sem a presença de uma membrana epirretiniana, e Grupo 2 (n=16), composto por indivíduos com edema macular secundário à oclusão de um ramo da veia retiniana com a presença de uma membrana epirretiniana. Os valores da acuidade visual corrigida, espessura macular central e volume macular central foram obtidos antes e após o tratamento. Os resultados clínicos dos grupos foram comparados. Resultados: A média de idade e a proporção entre homens e mulheres foram semelhantes nos dois grupos (p>0,05 para ambos os valores). Os valores iniciais e finais da acuidade visual corrigida, espessura macular central e volume macular central foram semelhantes nos dois grupos (p>0,05 para todos os valores). Todos os parâmetros melhoraram significativamente após o tratamento com implante de dexametasona intravítrea (p<0,001 para todos os parâmetros) e as alterações na espessura macular central e no volume macular central também foram semelhantes (p>0,05 para ambos os valores). O número médio de implantações intravítreas de dexametasona foi 2,1 ± 1,0 (faixa de 1-4) no Grupo 1 e 3,0 ± 1,2 (faixa de 1-5) no Grupo 2 (p=0,043). Conclusão: A formação de uma membrana epirretiniana não tem efeitos sobre os parâmetros clínicos iniciais e finais, incluindo a acuidade visual corrigida, a espessura macular central e o volume macular central. O único parâmetro afetado pela formação de uma membrana epirretiniana é o número de implantações intravítreas de dexametasona, sendo necessário um número maior de implantações em casos de edema macular secundário à oclusão de um ramo da veia retiniana com a presença de uma membrana epirretiniana.

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Hexue Mingmu Tablets in Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy and Retinal Vein Obstruction / 中国实验方剂学杂志

In order to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Hexue Mingmu tablets in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy（DR） and retinal vein obstruction（RVO）， and to provide a basis for the clinical treatment of ophthalmic diseases， this paper obtained randomized controlled trials（RCTs） of Hexue Mingmu tablets in the treatment of DR and RVO by searching Chinese and English electronic databases and trial registration platforms（up to September 13， 2022）. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using RoB2.0， and Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan5.4. A total of 35 RCTs involving a total sample size of 3 261 patients were included. Meta-analysis results showed that compared with conventional western medical treatment alone， the combination of Hexue Mingmu tablets with conventional western medical treatment improved patients' macular thickness｛mean difference（MD） =-39.83， 95% confidence interval（CI） ［-51.60， -28.06］， P<0.000 01｝， improved corrected visual acuity｛risk ratio（RR）dichotomous=1.09， 95% CI ［1.00， 1.18］， P=0.04； MDcontinuous variable=0.15， 95% CI ［0.13， 0.17］， P<0.000 01｝， increased effective rate of fundus symptom improvement（RR=1.26， 95% CI ［1.22， 1.30］， P<0.000 01）， improved hemorheology index｛standard mean difference（SMD）=-1.53， 95% CI ［-2.04， -1.01］， P<0.000 01｝， shortened improvement time of fundus symptoms（MD=-5.53， 95% CI ［-5.96， -5.09］， P<0.000 01）， and there was no significant difference on adverse events between the two groups. The results show that treatment of DR and RVO with Hexue Mingmu tablets may improve the macular thickness and hemorheology index of patients， which can significantly enhance the effect of corrected visual acuity and clinical efficiency， and shorten the time to symptom improvement. However， the original literature is of low quality and the pooled results have some limitations. Subsequent studies should try to use uniform standard assessment criteria and testing methods， focus on the rigor of study design and implementation， and pay attention to the key outcomes of this disease and the clinical safety of medication， so as to provide more reliable evidence to support this kind of clinical problems.

Application of optical coherence tomography angiography in retinal vein occlusion / 中华实验眼科杂志

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a common retinal vascular disease that causes painless visual impairment in clinical practice.Currently, fluorescein fundus angiography (FFA) is the gold standard for its diagnosis.However, FFA is an invasive examination, which has poor reproducibility and lacks the ability to distinguish and depict deep capillaries.Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) has the characteristics of the non-invasive, safe, simple, efficient, and high axial resolution, making it a powerful tool for the diagnosis and efficacy evaluation of RVO.OCTA not only rapidly analyzes microvascular images of RVO patients, but also evaluates the morphologic structure and perfusion status of capillaries qualitatively and quantitatively in each layer in the macular and optic disc area of both eyes.The article comprehensively reviewed the application of OCTA in RVO patients, including the detection of changes in retinal structure and blood flow in the macula and optic disc area of the affected eye and healthy contralateral eye, the evaluation of visual prognosis and the effect of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment, the investigation of the recurrence mechanism of macular edema, and the limitations and development prospects.The article aimed to help ophthalmologists have a more comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of RVO disease and lay an important foundation for accurately and effectively guiding disease treatment and predicting patients' prognosis vision.