scholarly journals Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography-Based Quantitative Assessment of Morphologic Changes in Active Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization During Anti-vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yao Wang ◽  
Zhongli Hu ◽  
Tiepei Zhu ◽  
Zhitao Su ◽  
Xiaoyun Fang ◽  
...  

Purpose: To establish quantitative profile of the morphologic changes among patients with active myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) before and after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to assess the therapeutic response.Methods: Patients with active mCNV who received anti-VEGF injections between February 2017 to October 2020 and fit the study criteria were retrospectively reviewed. Quantitative analysis of their OCTA images were carried out to evaluate the morphologic features and vascular changes of mCNV lesions in response to anti-VEGF therapy. For further quantitative profiling, mCNV area, fractal dimension, vessel area, vessel density, vessel diameter, vessel length, vessel junction, junction density, and vessel tortuosity were obtained by means of advanced skeletonization postprocessing analyses.Results: Thirty-one eyes of 29 consecutive patients with OCTA-positive mCNV lesions (mean spherical equivalent: −12.55 ± 3.24 diopters) were included. The 31 cases were divided into two phenotypes at baseline: organized interlacing pattern (83.87%) and disorganized vascular loops pattern (16.13%). The values of mCNV area, fractal dimension, vessel area, vessel length, vessel junction, and junction density decreased remarkably 1 month after the initial anti-VEGF injection (p < 0.001). Although, vessel density, vessel diameter, and vessel tortuosity increased meanwhile, only vessel diameter displayed statistical significance (p = 0.027). Of note, relative ratio analysis showed that vessel junction was the most sensitive biomarker in response to anti-VEGF therapy, reflecting a mean decrease of 50.36%. Sensitivity lowered successively in biomarkers of vessel length, vessel area, junction density, mCNV area, and fractal dimension. In addition, percent change of mCNV area (r = 0.552, p = 0.002), fractal dimension (r = 0.446, p = 0.017), vessel area (r = 0.518, p = 0.005), and vessel length (r = 0.440, p = 0.019) were moderately associated with that of central retinal thickness.Conclusions: The study showed morphological as well as quantitative changes on OCTA responding to anti-VEGF treatment in mCNV patients, among which vessel junctions might be the most predictive biomarker. OCTA-based analysis, providing intuitive images and a large spectrum of quantitative data at the same time, could promote new insights into the therapeutic response assessment in mCNV patients.


Author(s):  
Felipe F. Conti ◽  
Weilin Song ◽  
Eduardo B. Rodrigues ◽  
Rishi P. Singh

Abstract Background Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) enables detailed, non-invasive assessment of ocular vasculature. This study uses OCTA imaging to evaluate choriocapillaris and retinal capillary perfusion density (CPD) changes in diabetic retinopathy following anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment. Methods Records of 38 eyes at a single institution were reviewed, grouped as non-diabetic controls (19 eyes), diabetes mellitus patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR, 19 eyes) and macular edema (DME). DR eyes were imaged at baseline, 6-months and 12-months after anti-VEGF treatment. Quantitative analyses assessed CPD of the choriocapillaris and retinal plexus. Results DR eyes showed decreased choriocapillaris whole-image CPD (62.6 ± 6.1 vs. 68.4 ± 5.1, p < 0.003), foveal CPD (61.2 ± 7.4 vs. 66.3 ± 9.8, p < 0.014), and parafoveal CPD (61.9 ± 6.6 vs. 68.2 ± 4.8, p < 0.002) at baseline. DR eyes also showed decreased retinal density, including whole-image CPD (46.9 ± 5.1 vs. 50.7 ± 5.6, p < 0.04), foveal CPD (27.6 ± 5.9 vs. 34.1 ± 6.1, p < 0.002), and parafoveal CPD (49.0 ± 5.6 vs. 53.1 ± 6.0, p < 0.011). Following 12 months of anti-VEGF treatment, no changes to retinal or choriocapillaris or CPD were observed. Retinal central subfield thickness decreased (397.1 ± 93.2 µm vs. 294.2 ± 71.5 µm, p < 0.005). Lastly, FAZ area (0.307 ± 0.133 mm2 vs. 0.184 ± 0.058 mm2, p = 0.008) and perimeter (2.415 ± 0.692 mm2 vs. 1.753 ± 0.408 mm2, p = 0.002) were increased in DR eyes at baseline. No changes to FAZ area or perimeter were seen with anti-VEGF treatment in DR eyes. Conclusions Compared to control, choriocapillaris and retinal CPD are reduced in DR, while FAZ area and perimeter are increased. No retinal capillary or choriocapillaris CPD changes were observed in DR eyes following anti-VEGF treatment.



2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kunho Bae ◽  
Hyo Jung Kim ◽  
Yong Kyun Shin ◽  
Se Woong Kang

AbstractThe advent of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies has remarkably improved the functional outcomes of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients. However, there are guidelines on how to start treatment, the guidelines for discontinuing treatment are not yet clear. In this respect, the treat-extend-stop (TES) protocol have showed us the possibility of discontinuing treatment. In this study, we tried to investigate optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) biomarkers related to recurrence of neovascular activity in eyes with nAMD undergoing treatment using TES protocol. A total of 134 eyes with nAMD were divided into two groups (stop, non-stop) depending on whether they met criteria for stopping anti-VEGF treatment. Quantitative and qualitative OCTA parameters including the morphologic pattern of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) were compared between groups. Of these, 44 eyes (32.8%) were in the stop group and 90 eyes (67.2%) were in the non-stop group. In multivariate regression analysis, closed-circuit pattern of CNV and the presence of peripheral loop were associated with the non-stop group (all p < 0.001). Our results imply that the morphologic appearance of CNV on OCTA after anti-VEGF treatment may be a useful biomarker to predict weaning from treatment.



2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeany Q. Li ◽  
Ulrich Kellner ◽  
Birgit Lorenz ◽  
Andreas Stahl ◽  
Tim U. Krohne

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Durch Verbesserungen in der neonatologischen Versorgung von Frühgeborenen und die Entwicklung neuer Behandlungsmöglichkeiten der Frühgeborenenretinopathie („retinopathy of prematurity“ [ROP]) haben sich die Anforderungen an das ROP-Screening seit der Veröffentlichung der letzten Fassung der deutschen Leitlinie zum ROP-Screening im Jahr 2008 verändert. Auf Grundlage aktueller Studiendaten wurde die Leitlinie in 2020 grundlegend überarbeitet und in einer aktualisierten Fassung veröffentlicht. Ziel Dieser Artikel fasst die wichtigsten Änderungen in der neuen Leitlinie zusammen. Ergebnisse Die Altersgrenze für einen Screeningeinschluss wurde für Kinder ohne zusätzliche Risikofaktoren auf ein Gestationsalter von unter 31 Wochen gesenkt. Die Mindestdauer für eine Sauerstoffsupplementation, die einen Einschluss in das Screening bei Frühgeborenen erforderlich macht, wurde auf über 5 Tage angehoben. Eine Behandlung bei ROP in Zone II kann nun schon bei jedem Stadium 3 mit Plus-Symptomatik unabhängig von der Anzahl der betroffenen Uhrzeiten erfolgen. Für die Nachkontrollen nach Anti-VEGF („vascular endothelial growth factor“)-Therapie wurden Kriterien zur Frequenz und Dauer definiert. Das verbindliche Dokument für diese und weitere neue Empfehlungen ist die Leitlinie selber. Schlussfolgerungen Die Empfehlungen der Leitlinie ermöglichen eine zuverlässige Identifikation von Kindern mit ROP-Risiko für den Einschluss in das Screening und eine rechtzeitige Erkennung fortgeschrittener Krankheitsstadien für die Therapieeinleitung, um so Erblindung durch ROP zu verhindern.



Author(s):  
Takao Kamai ◽  
Toshiki Kijima ◽  
Toyonori Tsuzuki ◽  
Akinori Nukui ◽  
Hideyuki Abe ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Adenosine and its adenosine 2A receptors (A2AR) mediate the immunosuppressive mechanism by which tumors escape immunosurveillance and impede anti-tumor immunity within the tumor microenvironment. However, we do not know whether the adenosine pathway (CD39/CD73/A2AR) plays a role in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Therefore, we studied the role of immunosuppression in RCC by assessing the adenosine pathway in patients with RCC treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents or immune checkpoints inhibitors (ICIs) or both. Methods In 60 patients with metastatic RCC, we examined the expression of CD39, CD73, A2AR, and programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) immunohistochemically in surgically resected tumor tissues and studied the clinicopathological characteristics of these patients. Patients were treated by cytoreductive nephrectomy with systemic therapy with anti-VEGF agent or a combination of the ICIs anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA4) antibody and programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) antibody. Results Increased expression of A2AR in the primary tumors was associated with metastatic profiles. Patients treated with anti–PD-1 antibody in monotherapy, a combination of anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA4 antibodies, or anti-VEGF agents showed better response and longer overall survival if the primary tumor had higher PD-L1 expression and lower A2AR expression. In Cox multivariate regression analysis, higher expression of A2AR was associated with shorter overall survival. Conclusions Our findings suggest that the expression of A2AR and PD-L1 in the primary tumors in RCC might predict the outcomes of treatment with anti-VEGF agents and ICIs and that the A2AR pathway might be a molecular target for immunotherapy.



2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maisarah Jalalonmuhali ◽  
Tengku Ain Fathlun Tengku Kamalden ◽  
Nurul 'Ain Sham Ismail ◽  
See Yen Yong ◽  
Wei Ting Teo ◽  
...  

Abstract Background and Aims Intravenous (IV) anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) is a potent anti-angiogenic factor for the treatment of solid tumours. While, intravitreal anti-VEGF injection is used in the treatment for macular and retinal diseases. The effects of IV anti-VEGF agents are well documented to cause hypertension, renal impairment and proteinuria. However only few reports showed the significance of intravitreal anti-VEGF injection causing minimal change disease (MCD) and acute kidney injury (AKI). Hence, this study is to determine the outcome of renal function following intravitreal anti-VEGF injection. Method This is a prospective, cross sectional study recruiting patients from ophthalmology day-care operation theatre that were scheduled for intravitreal anti-VEGF injection in University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC). On the day of the injection of anti-VEGF, patients’ demographic data (age, gender, medical background, medications), blood pressure, height, weight and investigations for serum creatinine and urine protein creatinine ratio (PCR) were collected. Following these, they will receive the intravitreal anti-VEGF as per schedule. All these patients were given a follow-up within 72hours to reassess blood pressure, serum creatinine and urine PCR. Results A total of 90 patients were recruited. However, 15 patients were subsequently excluded as there was no repeated serum creatinine at 72-hours post treatment. Their mean age was 67.25 ± 10.41. Among all, 3 patients had significance increased in serum creatinine (4%) with significance changed of urine PCR post treatment. Table 1 showed baseline parameters prior to treatment and table 2 was post treatment parameters. Higher serum creatinine and proteinuria pre intravitreal anti-VEGF were identified to have higher OR of 1.018 (95% CI 1.001-1.035) (p=0.043) and OR 1.004 (1.000-1.007) (p=0.025) respectively among those who developed AKI. In assessing the association between higher pre-treatment creatinine and proteinuria (independent variable) and development of AKI (dependent variable) estimated by logistic regression with no AKI as a reference group we found that there were no significance. Conclusion Following intravitreal anti-VEGF administration, there were no significant changes in blood pressure. However, 4% from our cohort had AKI and worsening proteinuria at 72 hours post treatment. These patients had higher serum creatinine and proteinuria prior to treatment. However, our study is underpowered to establish the relationship between intravitreal anti-VEGF and development of AKI. Further study with larger sample size and longer-term outcome is needed.



2017 ◽  
Vol 102 (9) ◽  
pp. 1232-1237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tapas Ranjan Padhi ◽  
Bradley J Anderson ◽  
Ashkan M Abbey ◽  
Yoshihiro Yonekawa ◽  
Maxwell Stem ◽  
...  

PurposeTo analyse the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of choroidal neovascular membranes (CNVM) in paediatric subjects at three paediatric retina referral centres.MethodsMedical charts of patients aged 18 years or less with a diagnosis of CNVM were retrospectively reviewed. The demographic profile, laterality, presenting complaint, corrected vision, underlying pathology, fundus, fundus fluorescein angiogram and optical coherence tomogram (OCT) were analysed. CNVM type, frequency, treatment indications, recurrences and final visual acuity were noted.ResultsThere were a total of 35 subjects (43 eyes) with a mean age of 11.2 years. The CNVMs were mostly type 2 (90.0%), classic (90.9%), subfoveal (59.09%) and active (84.1%). Best vitelliform macular dystrophy was found to be the most common association (32.5%). Intravitreal injection of an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agent was the initial therapy of choice in all. Eyes with CNVMs responsive to anti-VEGF alone required a mean of 2.11 injections. Patients with recurrent disease (21.21%) had an average of 1.14 episodes per eye. While 50% of recurrent CNVMs stabilised with repeat anti-VEGF treatment, the remaining patients required photodynamic therapy, laser or surgery.ConclusionPaediatric CNVMs in this series differed from those in the adult population with regard to aetiology, OCT and angiographic characteristics, treatment response and rate of recurrence.



2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Manoj Soman ◽  
Jay U. Sheth ◽  
Asmita Indurkar ◽  
Padmanabhan Meleth ◽  
Unnikrishnan Nair

AbstractThis study describes the occurrence of multilayered pigment-epithelial detachment (MLPED) as a De-novo phenomenon (DN-MLPED) and compare the features with multi-layering secondary to chronic anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy (s-MLPED). We did a retrospective evaluation of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) features, treatment-profile, and visual-acuity (VA) outcomes in eyes with MLPED. Out of 17 eyes with MLPED, 7 eyes had DN-MLPED and 10 eyes had s-MLPED. There was no significant difference in baseline and final VA between the groups. At the final visit, no significant visual improvement was noted in both the groups, although a possible trend towards an improvement was seen in DN-MLPED eyes while the s-MLPED demonstrated a declining trend (DN-MLPED—LogMAR-BCVA: Baseline = 0.79 [∼ 20/123] ± 0.91; Final = 0.76 [∼ 20/115] ± 0.73; p = 0.87; s-MLPED—LogMAR BCVA: Baseline = 0.43 [∼ 20/54] ± 0.68; Final = 0.94 [∼ 20/174] ± 0.71; p = 0.06). Moreover, after presentation, the median number of injections in DN-MLPED eyes were significantly lower compared to s-MLPED eyes (DN-MLPED:4; s-MLPED:12; p = 0.03) (Median follow-up: DN-MLPED = 26 months; s-MLPED = 54 months; p = 0.15). Subretinal hyperreflective-material (SHRM) deposition heralded the onset of multilayering and was seen to progress in all DN-PED eyes and 1/4 eyes of s-MLPED. To conclude, MLPED is a unique form of cicatrizing fibrovascular-PED which can evolve denovo too. Long-standing disease with intermittent or low-grade activity can potentially explain this unique phenomenon. With fewer anti-VEGF therapy, the de-novo MLPED eyes show more visual stability as compared to s-MLPED eyes.



2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 1024
Author(s):  
Timothy Y. Y. Lai ◽  
Ricky Y. K. Lai

Previous studies based on clinical trial data have demonstrated that greater fluctuations in retinal thickness during the course of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is associated with poorer visual acuity outcomes. However, it was unclear whether similar findings would be observed in real-world clinical settings. This study aimed to evaluate the association between retinal thickness variability and visual outcomes in eyes receiving anti-VEGF therapy for nAMD using pro re nata treatment regimen. A total of 64 eyes which received intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy (bevacizumab, ranibizumab or aflibercept) for the treatment of nAMD were evaluated. Variability in spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) central subfield thickness (CST) was calculated from the standard deviation (SD) values of all follow-up visits after three loading doses from month 3 to month 24. Eyes were divided into quartiles based on the OCT CST variability values and the mean best-corrected visual acuity values at 2 years were compared. At baseline, the mean ± SD logMAR visual acuity and CST were 0.59 ± 0.39 and 364 ± 113 µm, respectively. A significant correlation was found between CST variability and visual acuity at 2 years (Spearman’s ρ = 0.54, p < 0.0001), indicating that eyes with lower CST variability had better visual acuity at 2 years. Eyes with the least CST variability were associated with the highest mean visual acuity improvement at 2 years (quartile 1: +9.7 letters, quartile 2: +1.1 letters, quartile 3: −2.5 letters, quartile 4: −9.5 letters; p = 0.018). No significant difference in the number of anti-VEGF injections was found between the four CST variability quartile groups (p = 0.21). These findings showed that eyes undergoing anti-VEGF therapy for nAMD with more stable OCT CST variability during the follow-up period were associated with better visual outcomes. Clinicians should consider adopting treatment strategies to reduce CST variability during the treatment course for nAMD.



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