Identifying Imaging Predictors of Intermediate Age-Related Macular Degeneration Progression.

Purpose: Intermediate age-related macular degeneration (iAMD) is a risk factor for progression to advanced stages, but rates of progression vary between individuals. Predicting individual risk is advantageous for programing timely and effective treatment and for patient stratification into future clinical trials. Methods: We conducted a prospective and noninterventional study following patients with iAMD for 24 months. Optical coherence tomography parameters related with drusen, hyper-reflective foci (HRF), presence of incomplete retinal pigment epithelial and outer retinal atrophy (iRORA) and ellipsoid zone (EZ) status were explored at the baseline. Patients were reclassified at the end of the follow-up period and divided according to their progression. A risk prediction model for progression to late AMD was developed. Results: A total of 135 patients were enrolled in the study and 30.4% developed late disease. A multivariate logistic regression model was created using those optical coherence tomography parameters, further optimized by backward feature elimination. Parameters offering the best fit in prediction progression were presence of iRORA, EZ status, drusen area and presence of HRF. iRORA is the feature that provides a higher probability of developing late AMD (odds ratio, 12.91; P = 0.000), followed by EZ disruption status (odds ratio, 3.54; P = 0.0018). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve calculated for the testing set was 0.77 (95% confidence interval, 0.56-0.98). Conclusions: The combination of iRORA and EZ disruption constitute a high risk of progression to complete RORA within 2 years. Translational Relevance: We propose a practical and useful model to help clinicians in their daily practice in predicting individual progression to advanced AMD.

Identifying Clinical Predictors of Proliferative Sickle Cell Retinopathy.

PURPOSE: To identify systemic and/or ophthalmologic predictors of proliferative sickle retinopathy. METHODS: Cross-sectional study comparing clinical, laboratory, and structural choriorretinal aspects between sickle cell disease patients with and without proliferative retinopathy. Patients underwent complete systemic and ophthalmologic evaluation. Enhanced depth spectral domain optical coherence tomography with choroidal binarization and optic coherence tomography angiography were performed and choriorretinal vascular components were compared. RESULTS: Forty-five eyes from 45 sickle cell patients were included. Ninety-one percent of patients were diagnosed with sickle cell retinopathy, 29% with proliferative retinopathy. Mean corpuscular volume, lactate dehydrogenase, and percentage of fetal hemoglobin were reduced in the subgroup of patients with proliferative retinopathy when compared with patients without proliferative retinopathy (p ≤ 0.001; p = 0.04; p ≤ 0.001, respectively). The best predictor of proliferative retinopathy was mean corpuscular volume (AUC = 0.842; p = 0.001), followed by the percentage of fetal hemoglobin (AUC = 0.763, p = 0.009) and lactate dehydrogenase (AUC curve = 0.706; p = 0.039). No differences were found between groups in the quantitative analysis of retinal vascularization using OCTA and choroidal vascularization using OCT (p ≥ 0.05). CONCLUSION: Fetal hemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume may be good predictors of proliferative sickle retinopathy. The association between proliferative retinopathy and reduced levels of lactate dehydrogenase and mean corpuscular volume points to hypoxia and not hemolysis as a possible driving force in its pathophysiology.

Choroidal Vascular Impairment in Intermediate Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a multifactorial disease, whose complete pathogenesis is still unclear. Local hemodynamics may play a crucial role in its manifestation and progression. To evaluate choroidal and retinal vascular parameters, a total of 134 eyes were analyzed, 100 with intermediate AMD and 34 age matched healthy controls. 131 eyes of 104 patients were eligible for complete image assessment and 3 eyes were excluded for insufficient image quality: Group 1: intermediate AMD (n = 97) and Group 2: healthy controls (n = 34). Spectral domain optic coherence tomography (SD-OCT) with enhanced depth imaging (EDI) and optic coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) were acquired using Spectralis (Heidelberg Engineering). Choroid and retinal capillary plexus were evaluated and image binarization was used to obtain quantitative data. Mean age was 77.67 years old (YO) and 67.2% were women. Total subfoveal choroidal area and luminal area were significantly reduced in Group 1 compared with Group 2 (0.88 mm2 and 0.40 mm2 vs. 1.24 mm2 and 0.55 mm2, respectively) (p < 0.05). Regarding choriocapillary flow density, AMD eyes recorded reduced values (34.83%) compared with controls (36.25%) (p < 0.05). Chorioretinal vasculature is impaired in intermediate AMD patients and vascular parameters could be attractive new prognostic biomarkers. Future therapeutic approaches may target this vascular dysfunction and delay disease progression.

Brolucizumab 12- and 16-Week Fixed Dosing Potential in Neovascular AMD: A post hoc Evaluation of Data from the HAWK and HARRIER Trials.

INTRODUCTION: This post hoc analysis applies a fixed dosing stratification approach to patient-level brolucizumab data from the phase III HAWK and HARRIER trials to determine the proportion of patients who would have been assigned to fixed dosing regimens with treatment intervals of 8, 12, or 16 weeks (q8w, q12w, or q16w) based on the presence/absence of disease activity (DA) following the loading phase. The analysis also simulates central subfield thickness (CSFT) data to estimate the anatomical outcomes if the patients had been thus assigned. Of note, the limitations of this analysis include the post hoc nature of the work and the inability to directly compare HAWK and HARRIER with TENAYA and LUCERNE due to the differences in design. DESIGN: This study was a post hoc modelling analysis of patient-level data. METHODS: Using patient-level data from HAWK and HARRIER, patients (n = 730) were allocated to a fixed q16w, q12w, or q8w regimen based on assessment of DA at weeks 16 and 20. Two definitions of DA were used: DA 1, based on a phase II study of faricimab, and DA 2, a definition derived from common clinical consideration including visual acuity and anatomical changes. CSFT simulations were performed using a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model describing CSFT response to anti-VEGF treatment. Outcome measures were modelled patient allocation to fixed regimens and mean CSFT reduction. RESULTS: Using DA definitions 1 and 2, respectively, 78% and 76% of patients in the brolucizumab arm were allocated to a greater than or equal to q12w regimen, and 56% and 52% were allocated to a q16w regimen. Mean reduction in CSFT was similar between the two study drugs with both DA definition assumptions. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis demonstrates the potential durability of action and effectiveness of brolucizumab.

Adiponectin Influences FGF2 in the Developing Porcine Corpus Luteum.

Luteal angiogenesis is regulated by pro-angiogenic hormones including fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and angiopoietin 1 (Ang1), which are regulated by the adipokine leptin during development. Another adipokine, adiponectin, exhibits an inverse relationship with leptin and has been identified in the CL. Therefore, it is hypothesized that adiponectin will influence pro-angiogenic hormones in the developing porcine CL. Crossbred sows were randomly allocated to one of two days of the estrous cycle, day 5 (D5; n = 4) or day 7 (D7; n = 5) for CL collection. Tissue was processed for immunohistochemical localization of adiponectin receptor 2 (AdipoR2), gene expression of FGF2, Ang1, leptin, AdipoR2, and cell culture for adiponectin treatment. The expression of AdipoR2 tended (p = 0.09) to be higher in D7 lutea and was more prevalently localized to the cell surface of large and small luteal cells than in D5 tissue. Adiponectin influenced (p ≤ 0.05) FGF2, leptin, and AdipoR2 gene expression relative to the dose and day (D5 or D7). Collectively, the evidence supports the supposition that adiponectin influences angiogenic factors in the developing CL.

A Delphi study on the clinical management of age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the main causes of blindness and visual impairment worldwide. As achieving a dry macula is one of the main objectives in AMD management, the purpose of this work was to reach a consensus on the relevance of retinal fluid in function, disease activity control and treatment patterns. METHODS: Forty-seven Portuguese ophthalmologists specialized in AMD participated in a DELPHI panel. Two rounds of presential meetings were conducted and a cut-off of 80% or more of votes was defined to consider answers consensual. RESULTS: Consensus was reached for 11 out of 18 questions. These questions focused on the impact of anatomical results on visual acuity, standards exams and parameters to assess disease activity, frequency and factors which influence disease activity assessment, criteria to use non-fixed treatment regimens, usefulness of individualized regimens and conditions for treatment interruption. No consensus was obtained for relevance of the different fluid types in AMD prognosis, frequency of fluid presence assessment, factors commonly associated with progression to geographic atrophy, ideal conditions for a fixed treatment regimen, date of first disease activity assessment and parameters to monitor disease activity. CONCLUSIONS: Consensus was achieved for over half of the questions assessed through this Delphi study. The questions for which no consensus was reached concerned either subjects that need further investigation or monitoring times which are influenced by resource availability. Raising awareness for these issues will allow the improvement of AMD management and treatment.

Guidelines for the Management of Center-Involving Diabetic Macular Edema: Treatment Options and Patient Monitorization.

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is the main cause of visual impairment associated with diabetic retinopathy (DR) and macular laser, during approximately three decades, and was the single treatment option. More recently, intravitreous injections of anti-angiogenics and corticosteroids modified the treatment paradigm associated with significant vision improvements. Nevertheless, not all patients respond satisfactorily to anti-VEGF or corticosteroid injections, so an adequate treatment choice and a prompt switch in therapeutic class is recommended. Several algorithms and guidelines have been proposed for treating center involving DME to improve patients' vision and quality of life. However, in Portugal, such guidelines are lacking. The present review aimed to provide guidelines for the treatment options and patient monitorization in the management of center-involving DME. We recommend anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as first-line therapy after a clinical evaluation accompanied by a rigorous metabolic control. Depending on the response obtained after 3-6 monthly intravitreal injections we suggest switching outside the class in case of a non-responder, maintaining the anti-VEGF-therapy in responders to anti-angiogenics. The treatment regimen for Dexamethasone intravitreal implant (DEXii) should be pro-re-nata with bi-monthly or quarterly monitoring visits (with a scheduled visit at 6-8 weeks after DEXii for intraocular pressure control). If a patient does not respond to DEXii, switch again to anti-VEGF therapy, combine therapies, or re-evaluate patients diagnose. There is a resilient need to understand the disease, its treatments, regimens available, and convenience for all involved to propose an adequate algorithm for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and DME in an individualized regimen. Further understanding of the contributing factors to the development and progression of DR should bring new drug discoveries for more effective and better-tolerated treatments.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Pathophysiology, Management, and Future Perspectives.

Among older adults, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a prevalent disabling condition that begins as subtle visual disturbances and can progress to permanent loss of central vision. In its late neovascular form, AMD is treatable with inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor, the key driver of exudative disease. In the atrophic form, treatment remains elusive. This review addresses the natural history of AMD - through early, intermediate, and advanced disease stages - and concentrates on diagnosis and risk stratification, deficiencies of current treatments, and the promising findings of emerging therapies.

Non-central serous chorioretinopathy in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus and hydroxychloroquine retinopathy.

Subretinal fluid accumulation in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may represent a diagnostic challenge. We present a case of a 43-year-old man with baseline diagnosis of SLE and hydroxychloroquine-associated maculopathy who reported progressive vision loss on the right eye, associated with corticosteroids use for an arthritic crisis. Ophthalmological examination did not reveal any acute finding. On optical coherence tomography, subretinal fluid in the perifoveal area was visible on the right eye, with corresponding enlargement of the visual field defect. An increased choroidal thickness was also visible. Fluorescein angiography revealed, on the right eye, two pinpoint areas of leakage and indocyanine green angiography signs of choroidal vascular hyperpermeability. Considering a diagnosis of a non-central central serous chorioretinopathy, corticosteroids use was interrupted, with resolution of the subretinal fluid. This case illustrates the relevance of a multimodal imaging approach to guide the diagnosis of patient with an SLE with subretinal fluid.

Retinal Progression Biomarkers of Early and Intermediate Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Early and intermediate AMD patients represent a heterogeneous population with an important but variable risk of progression to more advanced stages of the disease. The five-year progression from early and intermediate AMD to late disease is known to range from 0.4% to 53%. This wide variation explains the particular interest in searching predictive AMD biomarkers. Clinical parameters such as drusen size, presence of pigmentary abnormalities, and fellow eye status were, traditionally, the more important predictive elements. Multimodal retinal assessment (Color Fundus Photography, Optical Coherence Tomography, Optical Coherence Angiography and Fundus Autofluorescence) is providing new and accurate image biomarkers, useful in research and in daily practice. If individual progression risk could be anticipated, then management plans should be adapted accordingly, considering follow-up intervals and therapeutic interventions. Here, we reviewed the most important image progression biomarkers of early and intermediate AMD with relevant interest in clinical practice.

CORRELATION STUDY BETWEEN DRUSEN MORPHOLOGY AND FUNDUS AUTOFLUORESCENCE.

PURPOSE: To correlate drusen morphology and outer retinal status with autofluorescence (AF) imaging in patients with intermediate age-related macular degeneration. METHODS: Drusen type and morphology were analyzed using color fundus photography and spectral-domain optic coherence tomography, whereas fundus AF was used for drusen AF evaluation. Additional structural changes on spectral-domain optic coherence tomography, such as disruption of external limiting membrane, ellipsoid zone, and retinal pigment epithelium/Bruch membrane complex, as well as the presence of choroidal hypertransmission at correspondent locations were also evaluated and correlated with fundus AF findings. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation between spectral-domain optic coherence tomography morphological characteristics of drusen and AF appearance of the corresponding drusen. Strength of correlation was calculated (r), and a P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-eight drusen from 53 eyes of 53 patients were analyzed, 130 soft drusen (57.02%) and 98 cuticular drusen (42.98%). Sixty percent of the drusen were isoautofluorescent (n = 136), 35% hyperautofluorescent (n = 80), and 5% hypoautofluorescent (n = 12). We found positive correlation between drusen AF and hyperreflective foci (r = 0.4). Outer retinal layers morphology (external limiting membrane and ellipsoid zone status and hypertransmission) also correlates with autofluorescent findings (r = 0.3). CONCLUSION: Multimodal imaging reveals a broad spectrum of ultrastructural changes, which may reflect different stages in the evolution of drusen. Our results suggest that drusen morphological characteristics and autofluorescent findings are correlated but other factors or cofactors may be involved. The described correlations will help us understand new progression biomarkers of nonexudative age-related macular degeneration.

TAMOXIFEN-INDUCED CHORIORETINAL CHANGES: An Optical Coherence Tomography and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Study.

PURPOSE: To study structural chorioretinal changes in tamoxifen-treated patients. METHODS: Cross-sectional case-control study comparing structural chorioretinal aspects in tamoxifen-treated patients and healthy controls. Enhanced depth spectral domain optic coherence tomography with choroidal binarization and optic coherence tomography angiography were performed. Individual retinal layer thickness and chorioretinal vascular components were compared. Subgroup analysis regarding history of chemotherapy was performed. RESULTS: Two hundred eyes of 100 TAM-treated patients (Group 1) and 80 eyes of 40 healthy controls (Group 2) were included. Of the 200 spectral domain optic coherence tomography scans from patients, 2 showed structural changes attributable to tamoxifen. Group 1 showed significantly lower values in choroidal parameters and in total retinal, ganglion cell layer, inner plexiform layer, outer nuclear layer, and retinal pigment epithelial thicknesses as well as an increased thickness in the outer plexiform layer. The subgroup not submitted to chemotherapy maintained significant reductions in total retinal thickness, ganglion cell layer, retinal pigment epithelium, outer nuclear layer, outer retinal layer, choroidal parameters, as well as an increased thickness in the outer plexiform layer, in comparison with Group 2. CONCLUSION: Subclinical structural retinal changes could indicate early retinal pigment epithelial and photoreceptor damage. The new finding of choroidal thinning could point toward another important pathophysiologic process in tamoxifen-induced toxicity.

XEN® implant and trabeculectomy medium-term quality of life assessment and comparison of results.

AIM: To evaluate and compare the quality of life of patients submitted to XEN® implant or trabeculectomy and the relationship with potentially involved variables. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of patients with advanced open-angle glaucoma who underwent implantation of XEN® (group 1) and trabeculectomy (group 2) between October 2015 and February 2017. The studied variables were: age, gender, follow-up time, need of topical anti-hypertensive therapy, visual acuity and intraocular pressure (IOP). The quantification of the quality of life was attained through the Glaucoma Symptom Scale (GSS) questionnaire. RESULTS: Totally 34 eyes (34 patients) were included, 17 in each group. The mean GSS scores for group 1 were 42.6±6.8 (median, 47; p25, 36.5; p75, 48.5) and for group 2 it was 41.6±7.0 (median, 43; p25, 36.5; p75, 47.0; P=0.34). There was a strong negative correlation between the need for topical anti-hypertensive drugs and the GSS result in both groups (r=-0.88, P<0.01, r=-0.59, P=0.01, respectively) and a moderate negative correlation with IOP in group 1 (r=-0.50, P=0.03). CONCLUSION: The analysis demonstrates the non-inferiority of medium-term quality of life of one group in relation to the other (XEN® implant and trabeculectomy). The number of topical anti-hypertensive drugs and IOP negatively influenced the quality of life.

Chronic lacrimal canaliculitis - the answer to a three-year history of red eye / Canaliculite lacrimal crônica - a resposta para uma história de olho vermelho com 3 anos de evolução

ABSTRACT Chronic lacrimal canaliculitis is a rare infection of the lacrimal system, and can lead to misdiagnosis due to its overlapping presentation to other common entities. The authors report a case of lacrimal canaliculitis with a three-year history of recurrent unilateral red eye and mucopurulent discharge. Here, we describe the clinical course, surgical details, and microbial analysis of canaliculitis infection.

RESUMO A canaliculite lacrimal crónica é uma infecção rara do sistema lacrimal e pode levar a erros de diagnóstico devido à sua apresentação sobreposta a outras entidades comuns. Os autores relatam um caso de canaliculite lacrimal com história de três anos de olho vermelho unilateral recorrente e secreção mucopurulenta. Aqui, descrevemos o curso clínico, os detalhes cirúrgicos e a análise microbiológica da infecção por canaliculite.

Chronic lacrimal canaliculitis - the answer to a three-year history of red eye.

Chronic lacrimal canaliculitis is a rare infection of the lacrimal system, and can lead to misdiagnosis due to its overlapping presentation to other common entities. The authors report a case of lacrimal canaliculitis with a three-year history of recurrent unilateral red eye and mucopurulent discharge. Here, we describe the clinical course, surgical details, and microbial analysis of canaliculitis infection.

A Retrospective Analysis of the Real-Life Utilization of Ranibizumab in Patients with Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration from Portugal.

INTRODUCTION: Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy has revolutionized the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration; however, it is important to monitor actual use of ranibizumab and related treatment outcomes in routine practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective, observational study to monitor the 2-year outcomes following ranibizumab treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration in Portugal. Patients treated between January 2009 and December 2009 were retrospectively evaluated. All decisions were made by the treating physician in accordance with their usual routine clinical practice. The primary assessment was mean change in visual acuity score using Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study or Snellen equivalent. RESULTS: A total of 128 patients with wet age-related macular degeneration were analyzed (mean age 79.4 years; mean visual acuity score 54.2 letters). Mean change in visual acuity score from baseline was -1.6 letters (n = 82) at year one and -5.1 letters (n = 72) at year two. The mean number of ranibizumab injections was 3.8 (year one) and 1.6 (year two). On average, patients attended 8.6 and 5.0 visits and optical coherence tomography was used in 75.0% of patients in year one and in 56.3% of patients in year two, respectively. DISCUSSION: Despite a relatively high number of visits, including monitoring visits and use of optical coherence tomography - guided therapy, few injections were administered and visual acuity was not improved. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that as-needed treatment resulted in under-dosing in a real-life setting in Portugal. Such limitations may also be related to increasing numbers of patients, resulting in clinic saturation.

Introdução: A terapeutica com anti-factor de proliferação endotelial vascular revolucionou o tratamento da degenerescência macular da idade exsudativa; no entanto, é importante monitorizar o uso em contexto real do ranibizumab e os resultados associados ao tratamento na prática clínica corrente. Material e Métodos: Este foi um estudo observacional, retrospetivo, para monitorizar os resultados de dois anos, após o tratamento com ranibizumab para a da degenerescência macular da idade exsudativa em Portugal. Os doentes tratados entre janeiro de 2009 e dezembro de 2009 foram avaliados retrospetivamente. Todas as decisões foram tomadas pelo médico responsável pelo tratamento, em conformidade com a respetiva prática clínica corrente. A avaliação primária foi a alteração média na melhor acuidade visual corrigida utilizando a tabela ETDRS (Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study) ou Snellen equivalente. Resultados: Foi analisado um total de 128 doentes com degenerescência macular da idade exsudativa (idade média de 79,4 anos; média de acuidade visual de 54,2 letras). A alteração média na melhor acuidade visual corrigida desde a situação basal foi de -1,6 letras (n = 82) no ano um e -5,1 letras (n = 72) no ano dois. O número médio de injeções de ranibizumab foi de 3,8 (ano um) e 1,6 (ano dois). Em média, os doentes tiveram entre 8,6 e 5,0 consultas e foi utilizada a tomografia de coerência ótica em 75,0% dos doentes no ano um e em 56,3% dos doentes no ano dois, respetivamente. Discussão: Apesar do número de consultas relativamente elevado, incluindo consultas de monitorização e de utilização de terapêutica guiada por tomografia de coerência ótica, foram administradas poucas injeções e não houve melhoria na acuidade visual. Conclusão: Em Portugal, num contexto real, estes achados indicam que o tratamento consoante as necessidades resultou numa dosagem insuficiente. Essas limitações também podem estar associadas ao número crescente de doentes, o que resulta numa saturação clínica.

Real-World Outcomes of Anti-VEGF Treatment for Retinal Vein Occlusion in Portugal.

PURPOSE: Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is an important cause of visual disability in the modern world. We aim to evaluate the real-world outcomes of patients with RVO treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in Portugal. METHODS: We performed a retrospective, observational, multicenter study including 8 centers across Portugal and 200 patients treated with either ranibizumab or bevacizumab. Data were collected at 3 time points: time of diagnosis (0 time point) and 6 and 12 months after initiating treatment. Demographic and clinical data were collected. RESULTS: Median visual acuity (VA) and central macular thickness (CMT) improved in the branch RVO (BRVO), central RVO (CRVO), bevacizumab, and ranibizumab groups at 6 and 12 months compared to baseline, with CMT improving further only in the CRVO and ranibizumab groups between 6 and 12 months (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively). The CMT was lower in the ranibizumab group compared to the bevacizumab group both at 6 and 12 months (p<0.02). Median CMT improved in both the good and poor baseline VA groups at 6 and 12 months compared to baseline (p<0.001). Median VA only improved for the group with poor baseline VA at 6 and 12 months of follow-up (p<0.001). Regression analysis identified several baseline variables as predictors of visual outcomes at 6 and 12 months, with different results depending on the analyzed group. CONCLUSIONS: Both treatments were effective, although less effective than results reported in clinical trials. The morphologic response was better with ranibizumab compared to bevacizumab, although functionally there were no differences.

The Portuguese Experience with Ocriplasmin in Clinical Practice.

AIM: Evaluate the real-life experience with ocriplasmin on vitreomacular traction (VMT) release and full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) closure in Portugal. METHODS: Multicentric, retrospective study of 83 eyes of 78 patients who were treated with intravitreal ocriplasmin for VMT with and without FTMH. Primary outcomes were VMT release and FTMH closure. Secondary outcomes included visual acuity changes and structural features on spectral-domain ocular coherence tomography. RESULTS: VMT resolved in 47 of the 83 eyes (56.6%) and 6 of the 12 FTMH were closed (50.0%). Mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from 65.1 at baseline to 70.8 ETDRS letters at the end of follow-up (p < 0.0001) with a mean follow-up of 138.8 days. Improvement in BCVA was significantly better in eyes with VMT release (p = 0.021). Approximately 73% of patients had normal ellipsoid zone integrity at the end of follow-up, 87% had no neurosensorial detachment and 40% had no intra- or subretinal fluid. CONCLUSION: VMT release and FTMH closure were achieved in more than half of the treated eyes and were correlated with significant BCVA improvements and favorable baseline characteristics. In fact, if a careful patient selection is carried out, VMT resolution with ocriplasmin can be optimized, tailoring the best approach to each patient.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia presenting with bilateral serous macular detachment.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a malignant hematopoietic neoplasia, which is rare in adults. Although ocular fundus alterations may be commonly observed in the course of the disease, such alterations are rarely the presenting signs of the disease. Here we describe the case of a patient with painless and progressive loss of visual acuity (right eye, 2/10; left eye, 3/10) developing over two weeks, accompanied by fever and cervical lymphadenopathy. Fundus examination showed bilateral macular serous detachment, which was confirmed by optical coherence tomography. Fluorescein angiography revealed hyperfluorescent pinpoints in the posterior poles. The limits of the macular detachment were revealed in the late phase of the angiogram. The results of blood count analysis triggered a thorough, systematic patient examination. The diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia B (CD10+) was established, and intensive systemic chemotherapy was immediately initiated. One year after the diagnosis, the patient remains in complete remission without any ophthalmologic alterations.