Peripapillary microvasculature and retinal nerve fiber layer damage according to the severity of diabetic retinopathy.

PURPOSE: To identify damage to the inner retinal layer and microvasculature in the peripapillary area according to the severity of diabetic retinopathy (DR). METHODS: Patients were divided into four groups: control (group 1), type 2 diabetes (T2DM) without DR (group 2), mild to moderate nonproliferative DR (NPDR) (group 3), and severe NPDR (group 4). The peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness and peripapillary vessel density (VD) were compared. Linear regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with the DR severity. RESULTS: The average pRNFL thicknesses were 96.2 ± 7.1, 94.1 ± 9.6, 92.0 ± 9.9, and 90.3 ± 12.4 µm in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively (P = 0.003) (post hoc analyses: group 1 vs. group 2, P = 0.529; group 2 vs. group 3, P = 0.627; group 2 vs. group 4, P = 0.172; group 3 vs. group 4, P = 0.823). The VDs of the outer ring were 18.9 ± 0.6, 18.4 ± 0.8, 17.9 ± 1.1, and 17.3 ± 1.6 mm-1 in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively (P < 0.001) (all pairwise comparisons, P < 0.050). In multivariate analysis, the VD of the outer ring (B = - 0.35, P < 0.001) was significantly associated with the DR severity. CONCLUSIONS: The peripapillary microvasculature reflects retinal damage following DR progression better than the structure of the pRNFL.

Delayed-onset micrococcus luteus-induced postoperative endophthalmitis several months after cataract surgery: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Micrococcus luteus (M. luteus)-induced endophthalmitis is very rare and and may present as either acute or chronic postoperative endophthalmitis. The aim of this study was to report a case of delayed-onset M. luteus-induced endophthalmitis that occurred several months after cataract surgery. CASE SUMMARY: A 78-year-old man presented with decreased vision, pain and redness in the right eye that had begun 3 days prior. He had undergone cataract surgery 4 mo prior. Visual acuity was counting fingers; slit-lamp examination revealed conjunctival injection, posterior corneal precipitates, anterior chamber inflammation (cell 4+), and hypopyon. Fundus examination revealed moderate vitreous haze. Urgent vitrectomy was performed for suspected infectious endophthalmitis, followed by vitreous irrigation with injections of antibiotics. On the postoperative day 1, anterior chamber cell decreased to 2+ and hypopyon was not observed on slit lamp examination. Six days postoperatively, the patient had recurrent eye pain, and the anterior chamber cell grade increased to 4+; hypopyon recurred in the anterior chamber, and whitish plaque was observed in the lens capsule. Therefore, the patient underwent intraocular lens (IOL) and lens capsule removal, followed by vitreous irrigation, antibiotics injection, and vitrectomy. M. luteus was identified from a lens capsule culture. CONCLUSION: In cases of delayed-onset M. luteus-induced endophthalmitis, early vitrectomy and removal of the IOL and lens capsule may be necessary.

Superficial capillary plexus vessel density/deep capillary plexus vessel density ratio in healthy eyes.

BACKGROUND: To identify factors differently affecting the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) in healthy eyes using their vessel density (VD) ratio. METHODS: Healthy eyes were enrolled. The ratio between the VD of SCP and DCP (SVD/DVD ratio) was calculated. Pearson correlation analyses were performed to identify the relationships between this ratio and other factors. RESULTS: The mean SVD and DVD were 36.2 ± 5.7 and 37.7 ± 4.9%, respectively, and the mean SVD/DVD ratio was 0.96 ± 0.15. The SVD was significantly correlated with the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (r = - 0.368, P <  0.001), age (r = - 0.408, P <  0.001), and OCTA quality (r = 0.520, P <  0.001). The DVD was significantly correlated with the BCVA (r = - 0.150, P = 0.008), age (r = - 0.229, P <  0.001), and OCTA quality (r = 0.555, P <  0.001). Among various factors, age (r = - 0.296, P <  0.001), the BCVA (r = - 0.237, P <  0.001), axial length (r = 0.234, P <  0.001), and OCTA quality (r = 0.270, P < 0.001) were significantly correlated with the SVD/DVD ratio. CONCLUSIONS: Age, BCVA, axial length, and OCTA image quality were significantly correlated with the SVD/DVD ratio. Age, the BCVA, and OCTA quality were more strongly correlated with the SCP, and the axial length was more strongly correlated with the DCP.

Different characteristics of retinal damage between chronic hypertension and hypertensive retinopathy.

The purpose of this study was to identify how chronic hypertension (HTN) and hypertensive retinopathy (HTNR) have different effects on retinal damage including inner retinal thinning and microvasculature impairment. The subjects were divided into three groups: controls, HTN patients without HTNR (HTN group), and patients with relieved HTNR (HTNR group). The ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) thickness, vessel density (VD), and GC-IPL/VD ratio were compared among the groups. A total of 241 eyes were enrolled; 101 in the control group, 92 in the HTN group, and 48 in the HTNR group. The mean GC-IPL thicknesses were 83.5 ± 5.7, 82.1 ± 6.2, and 75.9 ± 10.7 µm in each group, respectively (P < 0.001). The VD was 20.5 ± 1.3, 19.6 ± 1.4, and 19.5 ± 1.6 mm-1 in each group, respectively (P = 0.001). The GC-IPL/VD ratio was 4.10 ± 0.33, 4.20 ± 0.40, and 3.88 ± 0.56 in each group, respectively (P < 0.001). In the HTNR group, HTN duration (B = 0.054, P = 0.013) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (B = -0.012, P = 0.004) were significantly associated with the GC-IPL/VD ratio. In conclusion, inner retinal reduction and retinal microvasculature impairment were observed in patients with HTN and HTNR, and the GC-IPL/VD ratio of HTNR patients was significantly lower than that of HTN patients, indicating more prominent damage to the inner retina than microvasculature in HTNR patients. Additionally, the GC-IPL/VD ratio was significantly associated with SBP in HTNR patients, so more strict BP control is required in HTNR patients.

Effect of Weiss ring on peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measurements using SD-OCT.

Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) must accurately identify and measure the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness to improve the repeatability and reproducibility, and reduce measurement errors. Because Weiss ring can be located in front of the optic disc, we hypothesized that it may affect pRNFL thickness measurements obtained using SD-OCT. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with (group W) and without (group N) Weiss ring, observed on OCT fundus image and an RNFL map devised using SD-OCT. Optic disc cube scans (200 × 200) were obtained to measure pRNFL thicknesses (superior, temporal, inferior, nasal, and average) at two consecutive visits. Pearson's correlation coefficient (r), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and coefficient of variation (CV) were calculated. The r and ICC values for the pRNFL thickness measurements at the two visits were lower for group W compared to group N, but statistical significance was reached only for inferior pRNFL thickness. In addition, CV values were greater for group W compared to group N, but the differences were significant only for inferior and average pRNFL thickness measurements (p < 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively). Weiss ring located near the optic disc can affect pRNFL thickness measurements and repeatability thereof, especially the inferior quadrant and average values. Therefore, it is important to identify the presence of Weiss ring when analyzing pRNFL thickness values.

Effect of prophylactic anti-VEGF injections on the prevention of recurrent vitreous hemorrhage in PDR patients after PRP.

We evaluated the effectiveness of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) antibody injection (IVAI) for the prevention of recurrent vitreous hemorrhage (VH) due to neovascularization on disc (NVD) in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) after panretinal photocoagulation (PRP). This retrospective case series reviewed the medical records of 12 PDR patients with recurrent VH after PRP from NVD. The interval between IVAIs was decided on the basis of the interval between VH recurrences after the initial IVAI, and NVD regression/recurrence during follow-up. We recorded the success rate of VH prevention, and the interval between IVAIs. Fundus examination revealed NVD regression at 1 month after the injection. However, NVD progressed gradually and VH recurred after 3-4 months. Thereafter, IVAIs were administered every 3-4 months; VH did not recur and visual acuity remained stable during the treatment period. In one case, NVD did not recur after 4 years of periodic injections. No systemic or ocular complications of IVAI were observed. In conclusion, proactive and periodic IVAIs (at 3-4-month intervals) may prevent recurrent VH in association with NVD in PDR patients after PRP.

Delayed-onset endophthalmitis associated with Achromobacter species developed in acute form several months after cataract surgery: Three case reports.

BACKGROUND: Achromobacter species-associated endophthalmitis is rare and may present as either acute or chronic postoperative endophthalmitis. Delayed-onset Achromobacter species endophthalmitis appearing in acute presentation that develops more than several months after cataract surgery is very rare. Intraocular lens (IOL) removal is commonly recommended to treat Achromobacter species endophthalmitis, which is based on previous studies. Here, we report the results of surgery without IOL removal when treating patients with delayed-onset postoperative Achromobacter species endophthalmitis that developed in an acute form. CASE SUMMARY: Three patients visited our ophthalmology clinic due to visual impairment that began 2-3 d earlier. They had undergone cataract surgery 5-18 mo prior. Best-corrected visual acuity of the diseased eye was between counting fingers at 30 cm to non-light perception. They showed conjunctival injection, inflammation in the anterior chamber (cell reaction 4+) and hypopyon formation. The patients were diagnosed with infectious endophthalmitis and immediately underwent pars plana vitrectomy, anterior chamber irrigation and intravitreal injection of ceftazidime and vancomycin. Before fluid infusion, a vitreous specimen was obtained. In all cases, the IOLs were not removed. Achromobacter species was detected on vitreous specimen culture. After surgery, the vitreous opacity decreased gradually and there was little retinal damage. At 1 mo after treatment, the best-corrected visual acuity had improved to 20/50 and 20/40. CONCLUSION: Delayed onset postoperative endophthalmitis caused by Achromobacter species can appear in an acute form. All patients responded well to early vitrectomy and administration of empirical antibiotics including ceftazidime. There was no need for IOL removal during surgery.

Asymmetry between right and left fundus images identified using convolutional neural networks.

We analyzed fundus images to identify whether convolutional neural networks (CNNs) can discriminate between right and left fundus images. We gathered 98,038 fundus photographs from the Gyeongsang National University Changwon Hospital, South Korea, and augmented these with the Ocular Disease Intelligent Recognition dataset. We created eight combinations of image sets to train CNNs. Class activation mapping was used to identify the discriminative image regions used by the CNNs. CNNs identified right and left fundus images with high accuracy (more than 99.3% in the Gyeongsang National University Changwon Hospital dataset and 91.1% in the Ocular Disease Intelligent Recognition dataset) regardless of whether the images were flipped horizontally. The depth and complexity of the CNN affected the accuracy (DenseNet121: 99.91%, ResNet50: 99.86%, and VGG19: 99.37%). DenseNet121 did not discriminate images composed of only left eyes (55.1%, p = 0.548). Class activation mapping identified the macula as the discriminative region used by the CNNs. Several previous studies used the flipping method to augment data in fundus photographs. However, such photographs are distinct from non-flipped images. This asymmetry could result in undesired bias in machine learning. Therefore, when developing a CNN with fundus photographs, care should be taken when applying data augmentation with flipping.

Twenty-seven-gauge endoilluminator-assisted scleral buckling using a wide-field viewing system: Case report.

RATIONALE: We report a new scleral buckling technique using a 27-gauge endoilluminator and a wide-field viewing system to overcome the limitations of conventional indirect ophthalmoscope-methods and "chandelier-assisted" surgery. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 26-year-old female patient visited the local clinic for floaters and lower visual field defects in her left eye that had occurred 5 days prior. DIAGNOSES: On fundus examination, upper retinal detachment without macular involvement and an atrophic hole was observed in her left eye. INTERVENTIONS: Under general anesthesia and after perilimbal conjunctival incision, extraocular muscle isolation, and traction with black silk, a 27-gauge trocar-cannula was inserted 90° away from the retinal break, 4 mm away from the limbus. Under wide-field viewing using a contact lens, the fundus was observed through a surgical microscope. Retinal break was evaluated and cryopexy was performed with careful movement of the endoilluminator, paying attention to damage to the lens. The surgeon could accurately and freely control the direction of the illumination tip to obtain a brighter view of the region of interest. OUTCOMES: There were no complications associated with trocar cannula incision or the illuminator. The retina was successfully reattached. LESSONS: Twenty seven gauge endoilluminator-assisted scleral buckling is an easy and safe procedure and provides better control over and free adjustment of the light direction, thus overcoming the limitations of chandelier-assisted surgery.

Wide-Field Swept-Source OCT Analysis of Interocular Symmetry of Choroidal Thickness in Subjects with Uncomplicated Pachychoroid.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to study the bilateral choroidal thickness (CT) symmetry and difference in uncomplicated pachychoroid subjects using wide-field swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). METHODS: All subjects underwent a wide-field 16-mm one-line scan using SS-OCT. Bilateral CT was measured at, and compared among, the following 12 points: three points at 900-µm intervals from the nasal optic disc margin (nasal peripapillary area), one point at the subfovea, six points at 900-µm intervals from the fovea to the nasal and temporal areas (macular area), and two peripheral points 5400 and 8100 µm from the fovea (peripheral area). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in CT between the right and left eyes in any area (all p > 0.05); they all showed significant positive correlations (all p < 0.01). However, the correlation coefficients (ρ) were smaller for the nasal peripapillary and peripheral areas compared to the macular area. CONCLUSIONS: The CTs in each region were bilaterally symmetrical in subjects with uncomplicated pachychoroid. However, interocular difference in CT increased from the center to the periphery, indicating that the anatomical variation of the nasal peripapillary and peripheral choroid was greater than that of the macula.

Repeatability of Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Measurements of Bruch's Membrane Opening-Minimum Rim Width in Epiretinal Membrane Patients with Peripapillary Involvement.

The Bruch's membrane opening-minimum rim width (BMO-MRW) is a recently introduced parameter of the neuroretinal rim. We analyzed the repeatability of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) measurements of BMO-MRW in epiretinal membrane (ERM) patients with peripapillary involvement, since the surface around the optic disc is distorted in such patients. BMO-MRW and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measurements were performed using SD-OCT in prospectively enrolled ERM patients and age-matched healthy control individuals. After two consecutive measurements with a 5 min interval, repeatability was analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), repeatability coefficient (RC), and coefficient of variation (CV). Fifty-two eyes of 52 ERM patients and 62 eyes of 62 healthy controls were included in the study. The ICCs of the mean BMO-MRW/RNFL thickness measurements were 0.999/0.985 in ERM eyes and 0.999/0.999 in normal eyes, respectively. The RC values of mean BMO-MRW/RNFL thickness measurements were 9.0/6.25 µm in ERM eyes and 4.61/0.92 µm in normal eyes, respectively. The CV values were 0.91% and 1.45% for BMO-MRW and RNFL thickness in ERM eyes, and 0.63% and 0.33% in normal eyes, respectively. In ERM eyes, the RC, CV of average BMO-MRW were 1.9 and 1.4 times greater than those of normal eyes, but 6.8 and 4.4 times greater for average RNFL thickness. BMO-MRW and RNFL thickness showed good repeatability in the diseased eyes with peripapillary involvement and healthy control eyes. Based on the ICC, RC, and CV values, the repeatability of BMO-MRW measurements in peripapillary membrane patients was better than that of RNFL thickness.

Wide-Field Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography Analysis of Interocular Symmetry of Choroidal Thickness in Healthy Young Individuals.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper was to study the bilateral choroidal thickness (CT) symmetry and differences in healthy individuals using wide-field swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). Methods: All participants underwent a wide-field 16-mm 1-line scan using SS-OCT. CTs were measured at the following 12 points: 3 points at 900 µm, 1800 µm, and 2700 µm away from the nasal optic disc margin (nasal peripapillary area), 1 point at the subfovea, 6 points at 900 µm, 1800 µm, and 2700 µm away from the subfovea to the nasal and temporal areas (macular area), and 2 peripheral points at 2700 and 5400 µm from temporal point 3 (peripheral area). Bilateral CTs were measured; their correlations and differences in the corresponding regions were analyzed. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in CTs between the right and left eyes in all corresponding areas (all P > 0.05); they all showed significant positive correlation coefficients (r) (all P < 0.001). However, the nasal peripapillary and peripheral areas had relatively low correlation coefficients, compared to the macular areas. In addition, the bilateral CT differences were 32.60 ± 25.80 µm in the macular area, 40.67 ± 30.58 µm in the nasal peripapillary area, and 56.03 ± 45.73 µm in the peripheral area (all P < 0.001). Conclusions: Overall, the CTs of each region were bilaterally symmetrical. However, the differences in CTs increased from the center to the periphery, which indicated that the anatomic variation of the nasal peripapillary and peripheral choroid was greater than that of the macula.

Effects of prolonged type 2 diabetes on changes in peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in diabetic eyes without clinical diabetic retinopathy.

To identify the effects of prolonged type 2 diabetes (T2DM) on changes in peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness in patients without clinical diabetic retinopathy. Subjects were divided into two groups: controls and patients with T2DM (DM group). After the initial visits, the pRNFL thicknesses were measured three more times at 1-year intervals. Subgroup analyses were performed in patients with T2DM duration ≥ 10 years. The mean pRNFL thickness at each visit was 95.8 ± 8.1, 95.4 ± 8.3, 94.9 ± 8.1, and 94.5 ± 8.3 µm in the control group (P = 0.138) (n = 55); and 93.4 ± 9.1, 92.1 ± 9.3, 90.9 ± 9.3, and 89.5 ± 9.2 µm in the DM group (P < 0.001) (n = 85). The estimated rate of reduction in mean pRNFL thickness was - 0.45 µm/year in the control group and - 1.34 µm/year in the DM group, respectively. In the DM group, the BCVA and HbA1c (both P = 0.001) were significant factors associated with pRNFL reduction. In patients with T2DM duration ≥ 10 years, the estimated pRNFL reduction rate was - 1.61 µm/year, and hypertension was a significant factor affecting the pRNFL reduction (P = 0.046). We confirmed rapid pRNFL reduction over time in T2DM, and the reduction rate was higher in patients with T2DM ≥ 10 years. Additionally, BCVA and HbA1c levels were significantly associated with the change in pRNFL thickness in T2DM patients.

INFECTIOUS ENDOPHTHALMITIS AFTER SCLERAL FIXATION OF AN INTRAOCULAR LENS.

PURPOSE: To determine the mechanism of infection, clinical features, and risk factors of endophthalmitis after scleral fixation of an intraocular lens. METHODS: We included 15 patients with infectious endophthalmitis after scleral fixation of an intraocular lens between April 2004 and December 2017, as well as four patients found through a literature search. Thus, a total of 19 patients were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 19 eyes, infectious endophthalmitis developed at a mean of 23 months (range: 1 day-10 years) after scleral fixation surgery. Nine eyes (47.4%) had early-onset endophthalmitis (≤6 weeks), and 10 eyes (52.6%) had delayed-onset endophthalmitis (>6 weeks). Eleven eyes (57.9%) had presumed microbial influx due to suture exposure. Those with delayed-onset endophthalmitis showed a higher rate of suture-related infection (80.0% vs. 33.3%) and culture of gram-negative bacteria (70.0% vs. 12.5%) than did those with early-onset endophthalmitis. CONCLUSIONS: Infectious endophthalmitis can develop late after scleral fixation of an intraocular lens, usually related to the exposed sutures, and the visual prognosis is poor. Eyes that have sutured scleral fixation should be monitored regularly, and preventive measures should be performed if an exposed suture is found.

The effect of initial intravitreal tissue plasminogen activator and gas injection on vision improvement in patients with submacular haemorrhage associated with age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: To compare visual improvements between initial intravitreal t-PA with gas injection before anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and anti-VEGF injection monotherapy for submacular haemorrhage (SMH) associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of naive patients treated with intravitreal t-PA with gas injection before anti-VEGF (Group 1) or only with intravitreal anti-VEGF injection (Group 2) for SMH [disc area (DA) ≥ 2] associated with AMD from two institutions. Both groups received 3 monthly loads of anti-VEGF injections followed by injections as needed for AMD treatment. Changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA, logMAR) between the initial visit and after 6 months of treatment were compared between two groups. RESULTS: A total of 82 patients were enroled. Of these, 32 patients and 50 patients were grouped in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. The mean change in BCVA over 6 months for Group 1 was -0.52 ± 0.88, which was significantly larger (p = 0.044) than the mean change for Group 2 (-0.15 ± 0.58). We compared visual improvements between the two groups based on the following SMH size categories: ≤5, >5, and ≤15, and >15 DA. When the SMH size was ≤5, or >5 and ≤15 DA, the mean change in BCVA was larger for Group 1 than for Group 2, but this difference was not significant. When SMH size was >15 DA, Group 1 patients exhibited a mean visual improvement of -0.79 ± 0.80, which was significantly greater (p = 0.029) than that of Group 2 (-0.06 ± 0.67). CONCLUSIONS: Patients that were primarily treated for SMH associated with AMD using t-PA and gas injection (followed by anti-VEGF injection) exhibited better visual improvement than those treated with anti-VEGF monotherapy, especially in patients exhibiting larger SMH sizes (>15 DA) at the initial visit.

Risk factors for breakthrough vitreous hemorrhage after intravitreal tissue plasminogen activator and gas injection for submacular hemorrhage associated with age related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: We investigated risk factors for breakthrough vitreous hemorrhage (VH) after an intravitreal tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and gas injection in patients with submacular hemorrhage (SMH) associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: The medical records of patients diagnosed with SMH associated with AMD who received an intravitreal tPA (50 µg/0.05 mL) and perfluoropropane gas (0.3 mL) injection were reviewed retrospectively. We analyzed the associations of breakthrough VH with age, sex, best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, AMD subtype, accompanying sub-retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) hemorrhage, history of cataract surgery, history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus, history of drinking and smoking, and history of antiplatelet or anticoagulant medication. We also examined the relationships between various parameters, including the area ratio of the SMH to the optic disc (AHD) and the height of the SMH obtained from optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: In total, 52 eyes from 52 patients were enrolled in this study; 16 eyes (30%) showed breakthrough VH. The proportions of patients with a current smoking history were 75.0% in the VH group and 22.2% in the non-VH group (p = 0.010). Other factors did not differ significantly between the two groups. The proportion of cases with accompanying sub-RPE hemorrhage was 50.0% and 58.3% in the VH and non-VH groups, respectively (p = 0.763). The AHD (p = 0.001) and SMH height (p < 0.001) were significantly greater in the VH group. In a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the cut-off values of AHD and SMH height were 20.1 and 1208 µm, respectively. According to logistic regression analysis, when the AHD and SMH height were greater than the individual cut-off values, the odds ratio of VH increased by 10.286 fold (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.452-43.148; p = 0.001) and 75.400 fold (95% CI, 7.991-711.441; p < 0.001), respectively, with respect to their respective reference groups (less than the cut-off value). Among the significant factors associated with VH occurrence, including current smoking, AHD, and SMH height, only current smoking and SMH height were found to be significant in multiple regression analysis (p = 0.040, 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of breakthrough VH was significantly higher in those with current smoking status and for SMH with a larger AHD and greater height. The height of the SMH was more predictable of the possibility of VH than AHD.

Full thickness macular hole formation and spontaneous closure associated with branch retinal vein occlusion in a vitrectomized eye: A case report.

RATIONALE: Macular hole (MH) formation after vitrectomy is rare and it may be due to several mechanisms associated with change of foveolar anatomy by vitrectomy. If a MH develops after vitrectomy, surgical treatments including internal limiting membrane peeling and intravitreal gas injection are usually needed for repair of hole. Spontaneous closure of MH is much rarer. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 66-year-old patient had a vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment not involving the macula of the right eye. Eight months after the vitrectomy, the visual acuity decreased and full-thickness defect of macula, epiretinal membrane progression, intraretinal cysts, and flame shape hemorrhage along with superior temporal vascular arcade were observed on fundus examination and optical coherence tomography. DIAGNOSES: MH and branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) accompanying cystoid macular edema (CME) were both present on her right eye. Thus, we planned a surgery for MH repair. INTERVENTIONS: The status of MH was observed while waiting the surgery schedule. At 2 weeks after detection of the MH, optical coherence tomography showed that intraretinal cysts had decreased in extent and the inner wall of the MH had contracted; 4 weeks later, the MH was closed with a subtle subretinal space. OUTCOMES: The fovea was well-maintained with a complete closure for 9 months. LESSONS: MH formation and spontaneous closure occurred in association with BRVO accompanying CME in a patient who had a vitrectomy. In vitrectomized eyes, physicians should consider the possibility of MH development in association with BRVO, and possible spontaneous closure of the MH in accordance with CME resolution.

Phosphorylation of STAT3 and ERBB2 mediates hypoxia­induced VEGF release in ARPE­19 cells.

Neovascularization in the retina can cause loss of vision. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) serves an important role in the pathogenesis of retinal vascular diseases. Hypoxia is a notable cause of VEGF release and both STAT3 and ERBB2 are known to be associated with VEGF. In addition, STAT3 and ERBB2 interact with each other. In the present study, it was hypothesized that signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and erbB­2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (ERBB2) may be involved in the regulation of hypoxia­induced VEGF in the retina. Cells of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) are an important source of VEGF. Therefore, the RPE­derived human cell line ARPE­19 was exposed to hypoxia. Hypoxia­induced phosphorylation of STAT3 and ERBB2 in ARPE­19 cells was decreased by AG490, an inhibitor of Janus kinase 2, as were hypoxia­induced VEGF release and tube formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Thus, phosphorylation of ERBB2 and STAT3 regulates hypoxia­induced VEGF release in ARPE­19 cells. The results of the present study suggested that inhibition of ERBB2 and STAT3­mediated pathways under hypoxia may represent a new strategy for treating retinal vascular disease.

Emerging Enterococcus isolates in postoperative endophthalmitis by selection pressure of fluoroquinolones: an 11-year multicenter and experimental study.

Postoperative endophthalmitis (PE) is the devastating complication that frequently results in vision loss. Recently, enterococcus have emerged as a major cause of PE in several countries and resulted in poor visual outcome. However, the reason remains elusive. We investigate whether selection pressure of fluoroquinolone exerts effects on microorganism profiles isolated from PE. Medical records of patients who were diagnosed with PE at eight resident training institutions between January 2004 and December 2015 were reviewed. The most common isolate was Enterococcus faecalis (28.0%), followed by Staphylococcus epidermidis (18.6%) and other coagulase negative Staphylococci (7.6%). However, the rates of E. faecalis isolated from conjunctival microbes were 6.2% (16/257) and their resistance to fluoroquinolones was higher than those of S. epidermidis. In vitro and in vivo co-culture models of E. faecalis and S. epidermidis were established for survival assays after administration of fourth-generation fluoroquinolone. In in vitro co-culture model, the survival assay of E. faecalis and S. epidermidis against the treatment of moxifloxacin showed that E. faecalis survived significantly better than S. epidermidis in the presence of moxifloxacin 1 µg/mL and more. In in vivo co-culture model, E. faecalis survived significantly better than S. epidermidis after topical treatment of moxifloxacin (5 mg/mL). E. faecalis has been the most common causative strain of PE in Korea. We suggest that the increase of E. faecalis in PE could be associated with the selection pressure of fourth-generation fluoroquinolone. Summary: Enterococcus spp. have emerged as a leading causative strain of postoperative endophthalmitis in 11-year clinical data. We suggest that the increase of Enterococcus spp. is associated with the selection pressure of fourth-generation fluoroquinolone.