Super-Thick Amniotic Membrane Graft for Ocular Surface Reconstruction.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate super-thick amniotic membrane grafts (ST-AMGs) for ocular surface reconstruction. DESIGN: Retrospective, interventional case series. METHODS: This was a single-center study of clinical practice that included select patients with typically large ocular surface abnormalities that required reconstruction. The intervention studied was surgical insertion of a ST-AMG for reconstruction or repair of the ocular surface. Main outcome measures included intraoperative handling, graft position at 1 week post implantation, graft dissolution at 3 weeks, epithelialization of the ocular surface and symblepharon. RESULTS: Eleven ST-AMGs were implanted after resection with cryotherapy: 5 conjunctival melanoma, 4 squamous cell carcinoma, 1 sebaceous carcinoma, and 1 atypical pterygium. In addition, 1 was implanted for scleral necrosis. ST-AMGs were up to nine times thicker than standard amniotic grafts and were therefore amenable to both running and interrupted 7-0 Vicryl sutures without cheese-wiring. All cases had a well-positioned ST-AMG at 1 week and 75% (n = 9) had partial graft dissolution at 3 weeks. Complete epithelialization without wound dehiscence was noted in all cases. However, secondary (after additional tumor treatment) symblepharon formed in 16.7% (n = 2). In all cases, the mean visual acuity and intraocular pressures remained unchanged during conjunctival reconstruction and subsequent secondary treatments. Post epithelialization adjuvant topical chemotherapy was given to extend treatment margins and treat presumed occult disease in 50% (n = 6). At mean follow-up of 25.5 months (median 10, range 3-90), 10 cases (83.3%) showed complete local tumor control, 1 showed revascularization of the scleral melt, and 1 required orbital exenteration. CONCLUSION: ST-AMGs were easy to suture and relatively persistent. Epithelialization of the ocular surface without primary symblepharon formation was noted. ST-AMGs should be considered an alternative for ocular surface reconstruction.

Clinical course of acute zonal occult outer retinopathy complicated by choroidal neovascularization.

PURPOSE: To report the clinical course and multimodal imaging features of acute zonal occult outer retinopathy (AZOOR) complicated by choroidal neovascularization (CNV) treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment or photodynamic therapy (PDT). METHODS: Observational case series. Retrospective analysis of patients presenting to different institutions with evidence of AZOOR and neovascular lesions. Diagnosis of AZOOR was made on the basis of clinical presentation and multimodal imaging. All patients underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation and multimodal retinal imaging, including color fundus photos, fundus autofluorescence, fundus fluorescein angiography and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: Four patients (three males, mean age 53.5 years) were included in the study. Mean follow-up was 5.1 years. Presentation of AZOOR was unilateral in two patients and bilateral in the remainder two patients. One of the patients presenting with unilateral AZOOR developed zonal lesions in the fellow eye during follow-up. All patients presented with unilateral type 2 (subretinal) CNV. Three patients underwent intravitreal anti-VEGF injections and one patient underwent a single PDT. Multimodal retinal imaging showed zonal or multizonal progression during treatment. After treatment, visual acuity and CNV stabilization was observed in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of CNV expands the clinical spectrum of AZOOR. CNV complicating AZOOR may be effectively treated with intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF, despite progression of the zonal lesions. Further studies are required to define the role of treatment in the progression of the zonal lesions.

Central Microscotoma: A Rare Presentation of Epiretinal Membranes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Patients with a symptomatic epiretinal membrane (ERM) typically complain of metamorphopsia and decreased visual acuity. We describe three patients who presented with the single complaint of a central microscotoma due to ERM, an infrequent initial symptom of this entity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective, interventional, non-comparative case series. Three patients with the chief complaint of a central microscotoma related to ERMs who underwent pars plana vitrectomy by a single surgeon experienced full resolution of the preoperative microscotoma. Best-corrected visual acuity, fundus photography, and optical coherence tomography were obtained at each examination. A comprehensive neuro-ophthalmologic evaluation was performed in all cases, including magnetic resonance imaging of the orbits and brain, automated visual fields, multifocal electroretinography, multifocal visually evoked potentials, and blood tests. RESULTS: Three eyes of three patients who presented with the initial sole complaint of a central microscotoma due to ERM are included in this series. A comprehensive neuro-ophthalmologic evaluation ruled out non-retinal etiologies. After months of observation, a pars plana vitrectomy with ERM and internal limiting membrane peeling was performed in all patients. Postoperatively, the patients experienced a complete resolution of their initial, isolated complaint of a central microscotoma. CONCLUSION: Central microscotoma, as a rare stand-alone presentation of ERM, is described. This symptom resolved after a successful removal of the ERM. A greater awareness among clinicians that ERMs may present in this manner may help avoid excessive and costly medical evaluations.

Jak2 mutation-positive polycythemia vera presenting as central retinal artery occlusion.

PURPOSE: To report the case of a 49-year-old man who presented with profound visual loss in his right eye because of a central retinal artery occlusion, accompanied by a stroke in the ipsilateral middle cerebral artery with left upper extremity sequelae. METHODS: The patient underwent a comprehensive ophthalmologic examination, fluorescein angiography, thorough neuroophthalmology evaluation, including magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiography, 12-lead electrocardiogram, transesophageal echocardiogram, bilateral carotid artery Doppler, Holter monitoring, comprehensive laboratory testing, bone marrow biopsy, and genetic testing. RESULTS: Despite an initially normal hematocrit, the etiology of the central retinal artery occlusion and that of the nearly concomitant stroke in the right medial cerebral artery territory was confirmed by bone marrow biopsy to be polycythemia vera (positive JAK2 mutation). Patient received treatment with aspirin, serial phlebotomies, and hydroxyurea, demonstrating a slight improvement in vision and substantial normalization of neurologic and hematological status. At the time of this report, 2 years later, patient remains stable. CONCLUSION: Central retinal artery occlusion, a disease with a frequently devastating visual outcome, is often not an "isolated" ocular occurrence. In the absence of an obvious local trigger, a thorough work-up is always warranted, especially in younger patients, as the ocular pathology oftentimes may herald severe cerebro-cardiovascular events.

Ocular decompression retinopathy: a review.

Ocular decompression retinopathy (ODR) presents as retinal hemorrhages following acute lowering of the intraocular pressure (IOP). We review 32 articles published from 1992 to 2011 and address the pathogenesis, clinical features, management, and outcomes of ODR. ODR is defined as a multifocal hemorrhagic retinopathy that results from acute lowering of IOP and is not explained by another process. Hemorrhages occur in all retinal layers, and most patients are asymptomatic. The mean drop in IOP in ODR is 33.2 ± 15.8 mm Hg (range, 4-57 mm Hg). Eighty-two percent are diagnosed by the first postoperative day, all within 2 weeks. ODR resolved in a mean of 13 ± 12.4 weeks (range, 2-72 weeks). Vitrectomy was required for vitreous and subhyaloid hemorrhage in 14% of cases. Visual outcomes are generally good, with 85% of eyes returning to baseline vision. Although ODR infrequently results in significant ocular morbidity, gradual reduction in IOP might prevent this complication.

Multimodal imaging of pigment epithelial detachment: a guide to evaluation.

PURPOSE: To describe the spectrum of pigment epithelial detachments (PEDs) occurring mainly in age-related macular degeneration and central serous chorioretinopathy and also in other inflammatory, neoplastic and iatrogenic, retinal, and systemic disorders. METHODS: Pigment epithelial detachments are divided into drusenoid, serous, vascularized, or mixed categories. RESULTS: The clinical presentation, classification, and natural history of PEDs are reviewed as illustrated with multimodal imaging combining traditional and novel imaging techniques, including fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, fundus autofluorescence, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Most PEDs occur because of pathophysiologic mechanisms taking place below the retinal pigment epithelium that are difficult to identify with conventional imaging modalities. Enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography and indocyanine green angiography allow a better analysis of the subretinal pigment epithelium compartment. CONCLUSION: The differentiation between various kinds of PEDs is essential because each PED type is a distinct entity that has a specific pathogenesis, natural history, prognosis, and optimal treatment strategy.

Microfiltration of brilliant blue G dye.

BACKGROUND: Brilliant blue G (BBG) is a safe and effective dye used to highlight the internal limiting membrane during macular surgery. The authors proposed that the utilization of a 0.22-µm filter intraoperatively can reduce the risk of inoculating an eye with contaminated BBG. METHODS: An in vitro model of contaminated BBG was prepared. Laboratory stock cultures of 7 organisms including, Staphyloccocus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphyloccocus aureus, Haemophilus influenza, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Fusarium species, and Candida albicans, were prepared in five 10-fold dilutions and injected into BBG vials. These mixtures were drawn with either a 5-µm filter, 0.22-µm, or without a filter and cultured on appropriate plates and growth conditions. RESULTS: No culture plates that had inoculate drawn through a 0.22-µm filter showed evidence of growth. There was evidence of growth for all organisms when no filter was used. A 5 µm was insufficient to filter Fusarium species. CONCLUSION: Using a 0.22-µm filter in the intraoperative processing of BBG would likely reduce the risk of infectious endophthalmitis resulting from contaminated dye.

Klebsiella pneumoniae K1 liver abscess and septic endophthalmitis in a U.S. resident.

Klebsiella pneumoniae K1 is a major agent of hepatic abscess with metastatic disease in East Asia, with sporadic reports originating elsewhere. We report a case of abscess complicated by septic endophthalmitis caused by a wzyAKpK1-positive Klebsiella strain in a U.S. resident, raising concern for global emergence.

Optical coherence tomographic imaging of sub-retinal pigment epithelium lipid.

OBJECTIVE To describe an optical coherence tomographic finding of layered hyperreflective bands beneath the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), the so-called onion sign believed to represent lipid within a vascularized pigment epithelial detachment. METHODS This retrospective observational case series involved reviewing clinical histories of patients with the onion sign. Imaging studies analyzed included spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, color and red-free photographs, near infrared reflectance, fundus autofluorescence, and blue-light fundus autofluorescence. RESULTS A total of 22 eyes of 20 patients with sub-RPE hyperreflective bands were identified. There were 15 women and 5 men with a mean patient age of 76 years (range, 60-92 years). Snellen best-corrected visual acuities ranged from 20/25 to counting fingers, with a median of 20/80. Two patients had bilateral involvement, and 3 of 17 eyes had multifocal onion signs in the same eye. All eyes had neovascular age-related macular degeneration, with type 1 (sub-RPE) neovascularization. In all patients, the onion sign correlated with areas of yellow-gray exudates seen clinically that appeared bright on red-free and near infrared reflectance imaging. No specific fundus autofluorescence or blue-light fundus autofluorescence pattern was identified. CONCLUSIONS The onion sign refers to layered hyperreflective bands in the sub-RPE space usually associated with chronic exudation from type 1 neovascularization in patients with age-related macular degeneration. With an associated bright near infrared reflectance, these bands may correspond to lipid, collagen, or fibrin. Because the onion sign colocalizes to areas of exudation that are known to consist of lipoprotein, we propose that this finding may represent layers of precipitated lipid in the sub-RPE space. To our knowledge, this is the first report of lipid detected in the sub-RPE space on clinical examination.

The expanded spectrum of focal choroidal excavation.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and imaging findings in patients with focal choroidal excavation. METHODS: Retrospective observational case series. The medical records of 12 patients (13 eyes) with focal choroidal excavation were reviewed. Clinical histories and imaging findings (including color photography, fundus autofluorescence imaging, fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, and enhanced depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography) were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 45 years (range, 22-62 years). Four patients were Asian. Mean visual acuity was 20/31 (range, 20/20 to 20/100). Mean refractive error was -3.54 diopters (D) (range, 6.00 to -8.00 D). One patient had bilateral involvement. All patients manifested varying degrees of foveal pigmentary changes that were usually hypoautofluorescent on fundus autofluorescence images. Fluorescein angiographic findings varied with degree of retinal pigment epithelial alterations. Indocyanine green angiography revealed relative hypofluorescence. In 7 eyes, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography revealed outer retinal layers conforming to retinal pigment epithelial alterations within the excavation. In the other 6 eyes, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography revealed a separation between the outer retina and the retinal pigment epithelium within the excavation. In 7 eyes studied with enhanced depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, there was no evidence of scleral ectasia. Mean choroidal thickness of the uninvolved choroid was thicker than normal at 319 µm (range, 244-439 µm). All lesions remained stable except for in 1 eye, which had findings of central serous chorioretinopathy and secondary type 2 (subretinal) neovascularization. CONCLUSION: Focal choroidal excavation is a newly described idiopathic entity in eyes having 1 or more focal areas of choroidal excavation. In some patients, there may be an association with central serous chorioretinopathy. Although most lesions remain stable, secondary choroidal neovascularization may occur.

Intravitreal anti-VEGF bevacizumab (Avastin) for external beam related radiation retinopathy.

PURPOSE: To report on intravitreal bevacizumab treatment for external beam radiation therapy (EBRT)-related radiation maculopathy. METHODS: Three patients (4 eyes) with EBRT-related maculopathy were treated with periodic (4- to 8-week) intravitreal injections of bevacizumab (1.25 mg in 0.05 cc). Outcome measures included best-corrected Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study visual acuity, retinal examination, fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: Patients were diagnosed with Stage 3 radiation maculopathy occurring 12, 19, and 48 months after irradiation. One received 50 Gy of 6-MV photon EBRT for a maxillary carcinoma, the second 30.6 Gy of 6-MV photon EBRT for intraocular lymphoma, and the third 72 Gy proton beam irradiation for adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland. With up to 33 months follow-up, visual acuities improved (8 and 11 letters) in 2 eyes, gained 5 letters in 1 eye and 1 decreased 5 letters from 20/16 to 20/20. All cases demonstrated clinical findings of decreased intraretinal hemorrhages, cotton-wool spots, and retinal edema. There were no significant ocular or systemic side effects. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy was associated with reductions of EBRT-related retinopathy. No ocular or systemic side effects were noted. Anti-VEGF therapy may be considered radiation maculopathy secondary to EBRT.