Real-world outcomes and complications of different surgical approaches for significant submacular haemorrhages

Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes and complications after different surgical management of cases with significant sumacular hemorrhage (SMH) of size more than 4 disc diameter (DD). Methods: It was a retrospective interventional study. All consecutive 103 cases of significant SMHs were treated by vitrectomy and divided into three groups. In Group A (<4 weeks, confined to the macula or extending inferiorly, n = 62), vitrectomy, subretinal cocktail of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), antivascular endothelial growth factor, and air with SF6 gas; in Group B (4–8 weeks, extending beyond macula, n = 31), subretinal tPA followed by SMH drainage either by retinotomy (Group B?1, n = 17) or by temporal 180?degree retinectomy (Group B?2, n = 14) with silicone oil (SO) tamponade; and in Group C (>8 weeks, extending beyond macula, n = 10), SMH removal with autologous retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)?Choroid patch graft transplantations with SO tamponade were performed. Parameters evaluated were best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), Optos, optical computerized tomography, and ultrasonography as required. Results: Significant visual improvement was seen from mean preoperative to mean postoperative BCVA in Group A (P < 0.001), Group B (P < 0.001), and Group C (P < 0.001). Postoperative complications were recurrent SMH (4.84% vs 12.90% vs 10%), vitreous hemorrhage (6.45%, GroupA), hyphema (4.84% vs 12.90% vs 10%), hypotony (nil vs 3.23% vs 20%), macular hole formation (6.45%, Group A), epiretinal membrane (16.13%, Group B), and retinal detachment (3.23%, Group A and 10%, Group C). Conclusion: Surgical approaches for significant submacular hemorrhage are visually awarding, though certain specific complications may arise

Progress in treatment of submacular hemorrhage due to polypoid choroidal vasculopathy / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy(PCV)in the past referred to as “Idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy(IPCV)”. It is a chronic vascular abnormality resulting in multiple, recurrent, serosanguinous retinal pigment epithelial detachments(PEDs)secondary to leakage and bleeding from choroidal vascular lesions. PCV have two types, including hemorrhagic type and exudative type, in which hemorrhagic type is prone to submacular hemorrhage. In recent years, with the widely used of indocyanine green angiography and optical coherence tomography angiography in ophthalmology, the research on this disease has gradually deepened. At present, the diagnosis of this disease is mainly confirmed by dilated pupil fundus examination, optical coherence tomography(OCT), OCTA, fluorescence fundus angiography(FFA)+ICGA and other auxiliary examinations. When complicated with a small amount of SMH, it can be absorbed by itself. When SMH is large, it is difficult to be absorbed by itself and has a great influence on vision. The main treatment included anti-VEGF drugs, PDT, gas, t-PA and combined vitrectomy. This article combining the latest progress in the study of domestic and foreign, the SMH induced by PCV epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment were summarized, and the treatment methods were discussed and prospected.

Intravitreal Aflibercept Monotherapy for Treating Submacular Hemorrhage Secondary to Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of intravitreal aflibercept injection in the treatment of submacular hemorrhage secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). METHODS: This retrospective, observational study included patients diagnosed with nAMD with submacular hemorrhage treated with intravitreal aflibercept monotherapy. A total of 54 eyes of 54 patients were treated with an initial series of three monthly intravitreal aflibercept injections followed by as-needed injections. At the 6 month follow-up, changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and submacular hemorrhage area (SMH) were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean preoperative BCVA was 0.79 ± 0.59 logMAR, which improved significantly to 0.53 ± 0.46 logMAR at 3 months and 0.48 ± 0.50 logMAR at 6 months (p < 0.001, in both). The CMT significantly decreased in all eyes: preoperative, 454.4 ± 131.5 µm, to 242.6 ± 39.7 µm at 6 months. The SMH was also reduced in all eyes: preoperative, 6.4 ± 4.8 disc areas (DAs) to 0.8 ± 1.4 DAs at 6 months. Ten eyes were diagnosed with typical nAMD (18.5%) and 44 eyes were diagnosed polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (81.5%). There was no significant difference at 6 months in the visual outcomes of the subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal aflibercept monotherapy is well-tolerated as a treatment in maintaining or improving vision in patients with SMH secondary to nAMD.

The efficacy of intravitreal injection of tissue plasminogen activator, ranibizumab and C3F8 in the treatment of early submacular hemorrhage induce to polypoid choroid vasculopathy / 中华眼底病杂志

Objective To observe the clinical effect ofintravitreal injection of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA),ranibizumab and C3F8 in the treatment of early submacular hemorrhage (SMH) induce to polypoid choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).Methods The clinical data of 20 eyes of 20 patients with early SMH induce to PCV were enrolled in this study.The duration of bleeding in the eye was 7 to 28 days,and the mean duration of bleeding was 14.8± 5.6 days.All eyes are measured using the Snellen chart best corrected visual acuity (BCVA),logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) was used to calculate visual acuity.Measure central retinal thickness (CRT) and central retinal pigment epithelial detachment (PED) thickness using frequency-domain optical coherence tomography.The average logMAR BCVA of eyes was 1.73 ±0.91;the mean CRT was 620.0±275.8 μm;the average central PED thickness was 720.3±261.9 μm.All eyes receive intravitreal injection of t-PA,ranibizumab and C3F8.The intravitreal injection of ranibizumab was administered once a month for 3 consecutive months,followed by an on-demand treatment plan.Mean follow-up time was 9.9 ± 3.6 months.The changes in BCVA,CRT,central PED thickness and clearance degree of SMH at 6 months after treatment were observed.Results On the 6 months after treatment,the average logMAR BCVA,CRT and central PED thickness of the eyes were respectively 0.42 ± 0.37,290.2 ± 97.4 μmn and 41.6 ± 78.1 μm.Compared with baseline,the after treatment BCVA was significantly increased (F=38.14,P=0.000),but the CRT and central PED were significantly decreased (F=7.48,75.94;P=0.000,0.000).Among the 20 eyes,16 eyes of SMH was completely cleared,accounting for 80％;4 eyes was partially cleared,accounting for 20％.No recurrence and systemic or local complications occurred during follow-up of all eyes.Conclusion Intravitreal injection oftPA,ranibizumab,and C3F8 in the treatment of early SMH induce to PCV can effectively remove SMH,improve vision,reduce CRT and central thickness of PED.

Clinical features and progress of surgical therapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy(PCV)is a fundus disease characterized by choroidal anomalous branch vascular network and terminal polypoidal dilatation. Submacular hemorrhages(SMH)and vitreous hemorrhage are devastating complications of PCV. Various techniques are available for the management of SMH, including pneumatic displacement with or without tissue plasminogen activator(t-PA), submacular surgery with vitrectomy and retinotomy/external drainge for clot extraction. This article reviews PCV clinical features, complications and especially new advances in surgery.

Management of Acute Submacular Hemorrhage with Intravitreal Injection of Tenecteplase, Anti-vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Gas

PURPOSE: To evaluate the visual and anatomical outcomes for neovascular age-related macular degeneration with submacular hemorrhage after intravitreal injections of tenecteplase (TNK), anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and expansile gas. METHODS: This study was a retrospective clinical case series following 25 eyes of 25 patients. All patients received a triple injection using 0.05 mL TNK (50 µg), 0.05 mL anti-VEGF and 0.3 mL of perfluoropropane gas. Retreatment with anti-VEGF was performed as needed. Preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity and central retinal thickness were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution of best-corrected visual acuity improved significantly from 1.09 ± 0.77 at baseline to 0.52 ± 0.60 at 12 months (p < 0.001). The mean central retinal thickness also improved significantly from 545 ± 156 at baseline to 266 ± 107 at 12 months (p < 0.001). A visual improvement of 0.3 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution unit or more was achieved in 15 eyes (60%). During the 12 postoperative months, an average of 4.04 intravitreal anti-VEGF injections was applied. CONCLUSIONS: A triple injection of TNK, anti-VEGF, and a gas appears to be safe and effective for the treatment of submacular hemorrhage secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Clinical Outcomes of Eyes with Submacular Hemorrhage Secondary to Age-related Macular Degeneration Treated with Anti-vascular Endothelial Growth Factor

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term outcomes of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monotherapy for patients diagnosed with submacular hemorrhage secondary to exudative age-related macular degeneration. METHODS: This retrospective, observational study included 49 patients (49 eyes) who initially presented with submacular hemorrhage associated with exudative age-related macular degeneration and who were followed-up for at least 24 months. Only eyes that were treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF monotherapy were included in the study. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurements obtained at diagnosis, six months, and the final visit were compared. The associations of BCVA at the final visit with baseline BCVA, BCVA at six months, symptom duration, hemorrhage extent, and central foveal thickness were also analyzed. RESULTS: Over the course of follow-up (mean, 32.1 +/- 8.5 months), an average of 5.1 +/- 2.2 anti-VEGF injections were administered. Recurrent hemorrhage was noted in 13 eyes (26.5%). The mean logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution BCVA at diagnosis, six months, and the final visit were 1.40 +/- 0.52, 0.87 +/- 0.64, and 1.03 +/- 0.83, respectively. Both baseline BCVA (p = 0.012) and BCVA at six months (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with BCVA at the final visit. CONCLUSIONS: Improved visual acuity was maintained for more than two years with intravitreal anti-VEGF monotherapy. BCVA at six months is a useful clinical index to predict long-term visual prognosis.

Intravitreal anti-VEGF monotherapy for thick submacular hemorrhage of less than 1 week duration secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Aim: To investigate the role of anti‑VEGF monotherapy in patients with thick submacular hemorrhage (SMH) of ≤1 week duration secondary to neovascular age‑related macular degeneration (N‑AMD). Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review of 14 eyes of 14 patients presenting with acute decrease in central vision of ≤1 week duration secondary to a thick SMH measuring ≥ 2 MPS disk areas from N‑AMD was performed. Intravitreal injections of bevacizumab 1.25 mg (13 eyes) or ranibizumab 0.5 mg (1 eye) were given monthly until resolution of SMH and less frequently thereafter, based on treat-and-extend approach utilizing spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT). Patients with follow‑up of ≥6 months were included. Results: Patients presented after a median of 4 (range 1-7) days from the onset of SMH. Mean lesion size was 27.9 mm2 (range 5.47-100, median 15), with blood comprising 77-98% of the lesion. Presenting visual acuity (VA) ranged from 20/60 to hand motions (median 20/200). Patients received a mean of 11.4 (range 5-20) injections over 18.4 (range 7-50) months. SMH resolved in all eyes in a mean of 4.8 (range 2-8) months. At 6 months follow‑up, mean VA gain was −0.54 logMAR (range: −1.5 to +1, Snellen range 20/25‑20/400, median 20/100, P = 0.0037), with 11 gaining ≥0.2 logMAR. Mean change in VA from baseline at final follow‑up was −0.58 logMAR (range −1.6 to +1, Snellen range 20/30-20/400, median 20/60; P = 0.0022). Conclusion: A good anatomical and visual outcome can be accomplished in patients with thick SMH secondary to N‑AMD treated with anti‑VEGF monotherapy within 1 week.

Combined Anti-VEGF and C3F8 Injection for Large Submacular Hemorrhage Secondary to Age-Related Macular Degeneration

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of intravitreal expansile gas (C3F8) with anti-VEGF injection for the treatment of large submacular hemorrhage (SMH) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). METHODS: In this report, 18 eyes of 18 patients with large SMH secondary to ARMD were treated with a simultaneous injection of 0.3 cc C3F8 and 0.05 ml anti-VEGF intravitrealy. RESULTS: The mean age was 64.89 +/- 5.68 years and the mean size of SMH was 4.44 +/- 1.25 disc diameters (DD). The minimum follow-up period was 12 months (range: 12-17 months). Mean preoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 1.72 +/- 0.56 log MAR which improved significantly to 1.01 +/- 0.68 log MAR at 12 months (p = 0.002). SMH displacement occurred in all eyes. BCVA improved 2 or more lines in 11 eyes (61.1%) and deteriorated in 1 eye (5.6%). CONCLUSIONS: In this report, intravitreal injection of an expansible gas (C3F8) with anti-VEGF produced successful results in anatomical displacement of SMH and early visual improvement.

Submacular hemorrhage: A study amongst Indian eyes.

Aim: To evaluate the management outcomes amongst various treatment modalities for submacular hemorrhage (SMH) in Indian subjects. Settings and Design: Retrospective, single-center study. Materials and Methods: Patients presenting with SMH between 1999 and 2006 were included. Treatment modalities included: vitrectomy with subretinal recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA) assisted SMH evacuation (group 1, n = 14); pneumatic displacement with intravitreal r-tPA and gas (group 2, n = 25); and pneumatic displacement with intraocular gas (group 3, n = 7). Favorable anatomical outcome was defined as complete displacement of SMH from fovea and favorable functional outcome was defined as a gain of >2 Snellen lines from the baseline. Kruskal–Wallis, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Chi-square tests were used to compare the three groups, while Mann–Whitney and independent t-test were used to evaluate the influence of duration and size of SMH on outcomes. Results: There was no difference amongst groups in terms of favorable anatomical (P = 0.121) or functional outcomes (P = 0.611). Eyes with median duration of SMH less than 7.5 days had a significantly higher probability of achieving favorable anatomical outcome compared to eyes with SMH >14.5 days (P = 0.042). However, duration of SMH did not influence functional outcome (P = 0.595). Similarly, size of SMH did not affect anatomical (P = 0.578) or functional (P = 0.381) outcome. Median follow-up was 31.5, 6.5, and 2.5 months in the three groups, respectively. Conclusions: Co- existing posterior segment conditions and duration of SMH may influence the choice of treatment modality and treatment outcomes. Pneumatic displacement with r-tPA and r-tPA assisted vitrectomy appear to be favorable options for the management of SMH.

Clinical Course of Submacular Hemorrhage Due to Various Chorioretinal Diseases According to Pneumatic Displacement

PURPOSE: To assess the clinical course of submacular hemorrhage (SMH) due to various chorioretinal diseases with or without pneumatic displacement and the factors related with the final visual outcome. METHODS: The authors of the present study retrospectively reviewed the charts of 12 eyes (group 1) which underwent pneumatic displacement for SMH and the charts of 14 eyes (group 2) which did not receive pneumatic displacement. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at baseline was compared with the BCVA at 1, 3, and 6 months and on the final visit. Association between final BCVA and other clinical features was analyzed including age, baseline BCVA, duration of symptoms, and size of SMH. RESULTS: In group 1, log MAR BCVA was 1.22 +/- 0.66 at baseline and there was a significant BCVA improvement of 0.77 +/- 0.57 at 6 months compared with baseline (p = 0.045). On the final visit, 6 eyes (50%) had gained 2 Snellen lines or more. In group 2, BCVA was significantly improved from 1.29 +/- 0.70 at baseline to 1.06 +/- 0.84 at 1 month (p = 0.045). Ten eyes (71.4%) had gained 2 Snellen lines or more on the final visit. In group 1, there were no factors correlated with final BCVA (p > 0.05), while the final BCVA was significantly correlated with age and baseline BCVA in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians may expect conservative treatment to lead to significant improvement of BCVA in patients with SMH due to various chorioretinal diseases who did not undergo any procedures to displace the hemorrhage.

The Recurrent Submacular Hemorrhage after Removal of Sub-Internal Limiting Membrane Hemorrhage with Retinal Arterial Macroaneurysm

PURPOSE: To report a case of a recurrent macular hemorrhage that developed after surgical removal of the internal limiting membrane (ILM) for subintimal hemorrhage due to retinal macroaneurysm. CASE SUMMARY: A 75-year-old female was admitted to the hospital complaining of decreased vision in the left eye which had started 3 weeks previously. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of the right and left eye was 0.7 and 0.03, respectively. The intraocular pressure (IOP) of the right and left eye was 10 mm Hg and 12 mm Hg, respectively. On the fundus examination, macular preretinal and subretinal hemorrhage was observed and a diagnosis of retinal arterial macroaneurym of the inferonasal major artery was made. Vitrectomy was performed. After indocyanine green dye staining, the sub-ILM hemorrhage was treated with removal of the ILM. At postoperative day 3, the annular chorioretinal folds were observed due to the hypotony (4 mm Hg). However, the absence of leakage was confirmed through the sclerotomy site. At postoperative day 8, recurrent submacular hemorrhage occurred and the hemorrhage was observed to have spread after intravitreal C3F8 gas injection and when the patient was placed in the prone position. At postoperative 4 months, the hemorrhage that had invaded the macular area was completely resolved. The BCVA was 0.3, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: When removing a sub-ILM hemorrhage due to retinal macroaneurysm, recurrent hemorrhage can occur especially in a patient with ocular hypotony, as in the present case report. Physicians should be aware of this possibility and the proper treatment the condition requires.

Clinical features, management and visual outcome of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in Indian patients.

Aims: To present the clinical, indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) features and results of treatment for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) in Indian patients by a retrospective chart review. Materials and Methods: Forty five patients with PCV underwent complete ocular examination, fluorescein angiography (FFA) and ICGA. Treatment was advised for patients with macular involvement and progressive loss of visual acuity. Demographic data, clinical features and results of treatment were analyzed. Results: Mean age at presentation was 61.06 years. Mean follow up was 18 months. The disease was more prevalent in males. Forty three patients had unilateral disease. The most common location of polyps in ICGA was subfoveal (42.5%). Exudative form was seen in 34 of the 47 eyes and the remaining 13 eyes had a hemorrhagic presentation. Thirty four eyes underwent treatment which included thermal laser (n = 11), photodynamic therapy (PDT) (n = 11) and transpupillary thermo therapy (TTT) (n = 12). Statistical analysis was done using the Chi-square test. Subgroup analysis of visual outcome following various modalities of treatment showed that the results of PDT (P < 0.001) and thermal laser (P < 0.001) were statistically significant. Conclusions: PCV is an important differential diagnosis in patients presenting with serosanginous maculopathy and submacular hemorrhage. The disease was more prevalent in males and was unilateral in the Indian population. Timely intervention in cases with symptomatic polyps could achieve stabilization of visual acuity. Thermal laser and PDT were safe and effective.

Vitrectomy-Assisted Intravitreal Tissue Plasminogen Activator and SF6 Gas Injection on Submacular Hemorrhage

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of vitrectomy-assisted intravitreal tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and SF6 gas injection in the treatment of submacular hemorrhage. METHODS: Thirty-one eyes of 30 consecutive patients with submacular hemorrhages undergoing vitrectomy with intravitreal tPA (50 microg/0.1 ml) and SF6 gas injection and completed 12 months of follow-up were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean duration of visual symptoms was 4.1 days. Submacular blood was completely displaced in all 31 eyes after surgery. The best corrected visual acuity (logMAR) improved to 0.56 +/- 0.46 at 12 months from 1.15 +/- 0.51 at baseline (P = 0.002). The most important factors related to visual acuity at the 12-month follow-up were the underlying etiology for the submacular hemorrhage and visual acuity 3 months after surgery (P = 0.003 and P = 0.000, respectively). The 12-month visual acuity was independent of age, gender, presence of vitreous hemorrhage, sub-ILM hemorrhage, baseline visual acuity, duration of symptoms, and the diameter of the submacular hemorrhage. No retinal detachment or re-submacular hemorrhage developed during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: This surgical technique can effectively displace submacular hemorrhage without complications. The 3-month visual acuity appears to predict the 12-month visual acuity. The final visual acuity was associated with the primary etiology for the submacular hemorrhage.

Retinal Toxicity of Intravitreal Tissue Plasminogen Activator on Submacular Hemorrhage

PURPOSE:To present the clinical feature of retinal toxicity of intravitreal tissue plasminogen activator which was used for treatment of submacular hemorrhage. CASE SUMMARY: An intravitreal injection of tPA (100 microg) with C3F8 gas tamponade (0.2 cc) was given to treat the submacular hemorrhage in a patient with ARMD. The therapeutic effect was measured by visual acuity, slit lamp examination, indirect funduscopy and fluorescein angiogram. Three months after the operation, the hemorrhage was decreased but a pigmentary change was observed on the peripheral retina. After 8 months, the submacular hemorrhage completely reabsorbed but the peripheral pigmentary change had increased. Ten months later, the retinal pigmentary change was observed on the entire retina except the posterior pole. The fluorescein angiogram showed peripheral hyperfluorescene of the retina due to window defect from the pigmentary change but no leakage was detected. The electroretinogram showed reduced amplitude in the right eye. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal tPA injection of 25 to 100 microg with pneumatic displacement is typically used for the treatment of submacular hemorrhage. However, there is no established safety dose of tPA for use in human eyes. In the present study, 100 microg of tPA was used and retinal toxicity was noted. Establishing a safety dose of tPA to prevent dosage dependent complications is necessary.

Intravitreal Injection of tPA and Gas for Submacular Hemorrhage Associated with Age-related Macular Degeneration

PURPOSE: To study the results of intravitreal tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and expansile gas injection for the treatment of submacular hemorrhage in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: Eleven consecutive patients (11 eyes) with submacular hemorrhage in AMD were included in this study. All patients were treated with intravitreal injections of tPA and C3F8 gas. Postoperatively, patients' follow-up period were at least 3 months. Outcome measures included early and final visual acuity, age, disc areas of hemorrhage, duration of symptoms, displacement of blood from the fovea, and final macular status. RESULTS: The maximum diameter of the hematoma ranged from 2 to 10 disc diameters. The mean duration of submacular hemorrhage was 7.5 days. Submacular blood was completely displaced in 7 patients (64%) and partially in four (36%). Best postoperative visual acuity improved in 7 eyes; in 6 eyes (55%), the improvement was two or more lines. Final visual acuity improved in 7 eyes (64%), remained stable in 2 eyes (18%), and worsened in 2 eyes (18%). Choroidal neovascularization positioned at subfovea in 7 eyes (64%) and juxtafovea in 4 eyes (36%). No significant difference was found between postoperative visual recovery and these factors. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that intravitreal tPA and expansile gas injection are safe and of useful for displacing hemorrhages secondary to age-related macular degeneration. Final visual acuity was limited by the underlying choroidal neovascularization of AMD.

Full Thickness Macular Hole formation following Rupture of Retinal Arterial Macoraneur

PURPOSE: To report a case of a macular hole formation following rupture of retinal arterial macroaneurysm. METHODS: A 75-year-old female visited our clinic with a chief complaint of decreased vision in her left eye. We completed full ocular examinations, including fluorescein angiography (FAG), and optical coherence tomography (OCT). RESULTS: The best corrected visual acuity was 0.6 in the right eye and 0.04 in the left. Fundus examination showed a retinal arterial macroaneurysm in supratemporal artery of the left eye. Fluorescein angiography showed hyperfluorescence in the macroaneurysm site. The optical coherence tomography showed macular and submacular hemorrhage. We performed intravitreal gas injection to treat the submacular hemorrhage. One month after the intravitreal gas injection, a full-thickness macular hole developed.

Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy in Korean Patients with Large Submacular Hemorrhage

PURPOSE: To determine and compare the clinical characteristics, visual prognosis and treatment of hemorrhagic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (HPCV) with those of hemorrhagic choroidal neovascularization (HCNV) due to age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 44 consecutive eyes with a submacular hemorrhage comprising more than 50% of the neovascular lesion. Patients were diagnosed as having HPCV or HCNV on the basis of indocyanine green angiography. RESUTLS: Of the 44 eyes with submacular hemorrhage, 26 were classified as HPCV and 18 as HCNV. The baseline patient characteristics were similar for both groups. At the final follow-up the HPCV group had 17 eyes showing visual improvement, four showing maintained vision, and five showing visual deterioration. In contrast, the HCNV group had four eyes showing visual improvement, one showing maintained vision, and 13 showing visual deterioration. Visual acuity of 0.05). CONCLUSION: PCV accounts for the largest proportion of submacular hemorrhage in Koreans. PCV showed a better visual prognosis than CNV.

Treatment of Retinal Arterial Macroaneurysm

PURPOSE: To evaluate the visual prognosis of retinal arterial macroaneurysm with various treatment. METHODS: We did retrospective study in 16 patients(16 eyes) of retinal arterial macroaneurysm diagnosed at our hospital from March 1996 to January 2003. RESULTS: The range of patient's age was from 26 to 92 year-old, and 10 patients were female and 6 patients were male. In 6 eyes without treatment, spontaneous absorption of hemorrhage or edema occurred in 4 eyes. In 2 eyes with preretinal hemorrhage involving the macular area, vision was improved 2 lines or more as hemorrhage was subsided. Two eyes with Nd: YAG laser photodisruption obtained visual improvement of 4 lines or more. In 2 eyes misdiagnosed as CNV, argon laser photocoagulation was performed. In 6 eyes treated surgically with tPA injection or pars plana vitrectomy, 5 eyes showed visual improvement of 4 lines or more. CONCLUSIONS: Laser therapy or vitrectomy seems to be an effective method for the treatment of retinal arterial macroaneurysm involving the macular area.

Two Cases of Aggravation of Submacular Hemorrhage after Intravitreal Gas Injection

PURPOSE: To report two cases of submacular hemorrhage worsened after intravitreal gas (sulfuric hexafluoride; SF6) injection without tissue plasminogen activator. METHODS: Two old men complaining of decreased visual acuity in their one eye visited clinic. On ocular examination, both of them had subretinal hemorrhage in macular area choroidal neovascularization on fluorescein angiography. 0.5cc sulfuric hexafluoride (SF6) gas was injected into vitreous cavity and patients were educated to keep strict prone position. Several days after intravitreal injection, visual acuity decreased and subretinal hemorrhage increased and spread to adjacent area. RESULTS: In cases of the intravitreal injection, aggravation of subretinal hemorrhage should be considered, even without tPA and if so, it is necessary to monitor and informed the patients in detail.