Changes in the Foveal Outer Nuclear Layer of Central Serous Chorioretinopathy Patients Over the Disease Course and Their Response to Photodynamic Therapy

Objective:To investigate the association between foveal outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness and the natural course of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), as well as the thickness change after photodynamic therapy (PDT), exploring the PDT timing for CSC.Methods:This retrospective consecutive case series included 358 CSC patients between January 2014 and December 2019. All patients were divided into four groups depending on disease duration: Group A: ≤1 month; Group B: >1 and ≤3 months; Group C: >3 and≤6 months and Group D: >6 months. Foveal ONL thickness of the CSC eye and the clinically healthy fellow eye were measured and compared in all patients. Fifty-six patients were successfully treated with half-dose of PDT, showing complete subretinal fluid absorption, were followed up for more than 6 months and further investigated. The recovery of foveal ONL thickness was analyzed in the affected eyes of patients with different disease duration.Results:No significant reduction was found in CSC foveal ONL thickness (μm) compared to the fellow eye in patients with disease duration less than 1 week (112.3 ± 12.2 vs. 116.7 ± 15.3, P = 0.268). Patients with longer disease duration had varying degrees of ONL thinning compared to the contralateral eye (all P < 0.05) and this difference was more pronounced in patients with disease duration greater than 6 months (75.8 ± 12.9 vs. 113.0 ± 11.5, P < 0.001). At 6-month follow-up after PDT, foveal ONL thickness of patients with <1 month disease duration recovered significantly from onset (97.3 ± 18.2 to 113.6 ± 8.7, P < 0.001) and became similar to that of the healthy fellow eye. Foveal ONL thickness of patients with duration>1 and≤3 months recovered significantly (88.5 ± 11.5 to 95.8 ± 11.3, P = 0.012) but remained thinner than that of the healthy fellow eye. Foveal ONL thickness did not improve significantly in cases with disease duration longer than 3 months (P > 0.05).Conclusion:Foveal ONL thinning was positively associated with disease duration prior to treatment suggesting that longer disease duration limits scope for foveal ONL recovery. CSC patients should be treated with PDT as soon as possible to prevent disease development and reduced visual function.

Factors Predicting Response to Selective Retina Therapy in Patients with Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

This retrospective study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of selective retina therapy (SRT) with real-time feedback-controlled dosimetry (RFD) for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) and to evaluate factors predictive of treatment response. We included 137 eyes of 135 patients with chronic CSC. SRT was performed to cover each of the leakage areas on fundus fluorescein angiography. Changes in mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and subretinal fluid (SRF) height were evaluated at baseline and at 3 and 6 months after treatment. Complete SRF resolution was observed in 52.6% (72/137 eyes) and 90.5% (124/137 eyes) at 3 and 6 months, respectively. Mean BCVA (logMAR) significantly improved from 0.41 ± 0.31 at baseline to 0.33 ± 0.31 at month 6 (p < 0.001). Mean CMT significantly decreased from 347.67 ± 97.38 μm at baseline to 173.42 ± 30.95 μm at month 6 (p < 0.001). Mean SRF height significantly decreased from 187.85 ± 97.56 µm at baseline to 8.60 ± 31.29 µm after 6 months (p < 0.001). Baseline SRF height was a significant predictive factor for retreatment requirement (p = 0.008). In conclusion, SRT showed favorable anatomical outcomes in patients with chronic CSC. A higher baseline SRF height was a risk factor for retreatment.

Baseline predictors for subretinal fibrosis in neovascular age-related macular degeneration

To find baseline predictors for subretinal fibrosis (SF) in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Forty-five eyes of 45 participants with treatment-naïve nAMD were consecutively enrolled and treated according to a standardized treat-and-extend protocol. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT), color fundus photography and fluorescein angiography as well as novel imaging modalities polarization-sensitive OCT and OCT angiography (OCTA) were performed to detect SF after 1 year and find baseline predictors for SF development. Baseline OCTA scans were evaluated for quantitative features such as lesion area, vessel area, vessel junctions, vessel length, vessel endpoints and mean lacunarity. Additionally, the type of macular neovascularization, the presence of subretinal fluid, intraretinal fluid (IRF), subretinal hyperreflective material (SHRM), retinal hemorrhage as well as best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were evaluated. After 12 months 8 eyes (18%) developed SF. Eyes with SF had worse baseline BCVA (p = .001) and a higher prevalence of IRF (p = .014) and SHRM at baseline (p = .017). There was no significant difference in any of the evaluated quantitative OCTA parameters (p > .05) between eyes with and without SF. There were no quantitative baseline microvascular predictors for SF in our study. Low baseline BCVA, the presence of IRF and SHRM, however, are easily identifiable baseline parameters indicating increased risk.

Twelve-year follow up of a case of autosomal recessive bestrophinopathy with transient resolution of retinal edema in one eye

Purpose To report 12-year follow-up of a patient with ARB. Case report A 25-year-old man presented with blurred vision in his both eyes (OU). Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/63 Snellen equivalent in the right eye (OD) and 20/32 Snellen equivalent in the left eye. The intraocular pressures and anterior segment examination were unrevealing in OU. Posterior segment examination revealed multiple yellowish flecks and dots in the posterior pole in OU. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed subretinal fluid (SRF), intraretinal hyporeflective spaces, elongated and shaggy photoreceptors and outer retinal defects. Fundus autofluorescence demonstrated mottling hyperautofluorescence and hypoautofluorescence in the posterior pole in OU. Fluorescein angiography illustrated hyperfluorescence in the posterior pole and surrounding the arcades in OU. Multifocal electroretinography objectified mild to markedly abnormal responses in all ring areas in OU. Molecular genetic testing confirmed two heterozygous sequence variations in the BEST1 gene. At 4 years of follow-up, OCT revealed a complete resolution of SRF and a partial resolution of intraretinal hyporeflective spaces in the OD with corresponding improvement in the BCVA to 20/23 Snellen equivalent in the OD, even though outer retinal defects persisted. Our patient denied recent changes in his alimentary habits and medical history at that time. Posteriorly, SRF and intraretinal hyporeflective spaces reappeared in the OD. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of ARB with a transient resolution of retinal edema in one eye without medical treatment and dietary therapy.

Hyperreflective Foci and Subretinal Fluid Are Potential Imaging Biomarkers to Evaluate Anti-VEGF Effect in Diabetic Macular Edema

Purpose: The aim was to investigate the effect and underlying mechanism of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) in diabetic macular edema (DME) by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).Methods: Twenty-five eyes in 18 treatment-naïve patients with DME were included. All eyes were imaged by OCTA at baseline and 1 week after monthly intravitreal aflibercept injection (IAI). Visual acuity was measured as best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Additional parameters were evaluated by OCTA, including central macular thickness (CMT), the number of hyperreflective foci (HRF), foveal avascular zone (FAZ), vessel density (VD) in the deep capillary plexus (DCP), the en-face area of cystoid edema in DCP segmentation, and subretinal fluid (SRF) height.Results: The mean time between baseline and final follow-up by OCTA was 79.24 ± 38.15 (range, 28–163) days. Compared with baseline, BCVA was increased significantly after the 3rd IAI, while CMT was decreased significantly from the 1st IAI. SRF height and the area of cystoid edema in DCP segmentation were decreased significantly after the 2nd IAI compared with baseline. The number of HRF was decreased significantly after the 1st IAI (8.87 ± 9.38) compared with baseline (11.22 ± 10.63). However, FAZ’s area and perimeter as well as VD in DCP showed no significant changes post-treatment.Conclusion: Anti-VEGF is effective in treating DME, improving visual acuity and decreasing macular edema. The decreased HRF indicates anti-inflammatory effects of aflibercept to deactivate retinal microglia/macrophages. The decreased cystoid edema and SRF height indicated improved drainage function of Müller glial cells and retinal pigment epithelium after IAI.

A Prediction Model to Discriminate Small Choroidal Melanoma from Choroidal Nevus

Objective: To develop a validated machine learning model to diagnose small choroidal melanoma. Design: Cohort study Subjects, Participants, and/or Controls: The training data included 123 patients diagnosed as small choroidal melanocytic tumor (5.0-16.0 mm in largest basal diameter and 1.0 mm to 2.5 mm in height; Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study criteria). Those diagnosed as melanoma (n=61) had either documented growth or pathologic confirmation. 62 patients with stable lesions classified as choroidal nevus, were used as negative controls. The external validation data set included 240 patients managed at a different tertiary clinic, also with small choroidal melanocytic tumor, observed for malignant growth. Methods: In the training data, lasso logistic regression was used to select variables for inclusion in the final model for the association with melanoma versus choroidal nevus. Internal and external validation were performed to assess model performance. Main Outcome Measures: Predicted probability of small choroidal melanoma Results: Distance to optic disc ≥3mm and drusen were associated with decreased odds of melanoma whereas male versus female sex, increased height, subretinal fluid, and orange pigment were associated with increased odds of choroidal melanoma. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) “discrimination value” for this model was 0.880. The top four variables that were most frequently selected for inclusion in the model on internal validation, implying their importance as predictors of melanoma, were subretinal fluid, height, distance to optic disc, and orange pigment. When tested against the validation data, the prediction model could distinguish between choroidal nevus and melanoma with high discrimination of 0.861. The final prediction model was converted into an online calculator to generate predicted probability of melanoma. Conclusions: To minimize diagnostic uncertainty, a machine learning based diagnostic prediction calculator can be readily applied for decision making and counselling patients with small choroidal melanoma.

Clinical Analysis of Persistent Subretinal Fluid after Pars Plana Vitrectomy in Macula with Diabetic Tractional Retinal Detachment

(1) Background: We analyzed the duration of persistent subretinal fluid (PSF) and the contributing factors of PSF after pars plana vitrectomy in patients who had a macula with diabetic tractional retinal detachment (TRD). (2) Methods: Forty eyes of 40 patients who had pars plana vitrectomy due to a macula with diabetic TRD, between 2014 and 2020, were retrospectively reviewed. The duration of PSF, as well as relevant ocular and systemic factors, was analyzed. (3) Results: The mean duration of PSF was 4.4 ± 4.7 months. The prevalence of PSF was 75.0% at 1 month, 50.0% at 3 months, 30.0% at 6 months and 10.0% at 12 months after surgery. Blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were significantly associated with the duration of PSF in the univariate analysis. In the multivariate analysis, only eGFR was significantly associated with the duration of PSF (β = −0.089, p = 0.030). (4) Conclusion: PSF may persist for more than 12 months in a macula with diabetic TRD after vitrectomy. Moreover, patients with impaired kidney function tended to have a delayed subretinal fluid absorption. Therefore, careful investigation of preoperative systemic conditions, especially kidney function, should be considered before TRD surgery in diabetic patients.

Clinical Characteristics of Pregnancy-Associated Central Serous Chorioretinopathy in the Chinese Population

Purpose. To investigate the clinical characteristics of pregnancy-associated central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) in the Chinese population. Methods. The medical records of patients diagnosed with pregnancy-associated CSC from February 2012 to October 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), symptom duration, pregnancy-related medical information, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) images were collected. Results. Nine patients (11 eyes) were included. Five women were in their first pregnancy and four were in their second pregnancy, two of whom experienced CSC in their first pregnancy as well. The mean age was 35.00 ± 3.97 years. The mean symptom duration at the initial visit was 19.73 ± 13.65 days. The mean gestational age at the time of development of CSC was 27.11 ± 2.09 weeks. The mean BCVA (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR)) at the initial visit was 0.36 ± 0.18 (Snellen 20/45, range 20/100–20/25). All eyes showed subretinal hyperreflective fibrin on OCT images at the initial visit. Four patients (4 eyes) were lost to follow-up before fluid resolution. The mean BCVA at the final visit was logMAR 0.10 ± 0.15 (Snellen 20/25, range 20/50–20/20)). One eye in the oldest patient had persistent subretinal fluid at 26 months postpartum. The subretinal fluid resolved completely after half-dose photodynamic therapy (PDT); however, the ellipsoid zone at the fovea remained discontinuous at 30 months after half-dose PDT. The remaining six eyes all showed spontaneous resolution of subretinal fluid around delivery and regained intact ellipsoid zone. Conclusions. Pregnancy-associated CSC in Chinese developed mostly in the third trimester and usually recovered spontaneously around delivery with good final visual acuity. However, patients might require long-term follow-up until complete resolution of subretinal fluid and to detect recurrences. Half-dose PDT can be administered early if there is little reduction in the amount of subretinal fluid after delivery.

Exhibiting Residual Subretinal Fluid after High Myopic Macular Hole Retinal Detachment Surgery

Purpose: To report a case of poor visual prognosis complicated by residual subretinal fluid after use of the internal limiting membrane flap technique to treat macular hole retinal detachment in a patient with high myopia.Case summary: A 55-year-old male stated that he had experienced a transparent circle in the central visual field of the right eye for 1 month. His best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.32 and the axial length of the right eye was 32.57 mm. Fundus examination revealed a macular hole with retinal detachment localized to the posterior pole. We performed vitrectomy, membrane peeling, internal limiting membrane peeling with inverted internal limiting membrane flap, and silicone oil injection. On day 1 after surgery, the macular hole was closed, but subretinal fluid was noticed in the macula. At 3 months after surgery, the BCVA was 0.16 and the silicone oil was removed. At 14 months after the first surgery, the subretinal fluid was completely absorbed, but leopard-pattern pigment degeneration became prominent and the macula exhibited ellipsoid zone disruption. The BCVA decreased to 0.1.Conclusions: In patients exhibiting macular hole retinal detachment in the context of high myopia, an inverted internal limiting membrane flap may increase the macular hole closure rate but disturb subretinal fluid drainage. As persistent subretinal fluid may cause permanent retinal damage with a poor visual prognosis, the surgical method must be carefully chosen.