Branch retinal artery occlusion after dye yellow photocoagulation of an arterial macroaneurysm

RETINAL ARTERIAL MACROANEURYSM COMBINED WITH BRANCH RETINAL ARTERY OCCLUSION: Literature Review

PURPOSE

To summarize the causes of retinal arterial microaneurysm combined with branch retinal artery occlusion.

METHODS

The case reports of retinal arterial microaneurysm combined with branch retinal artery occlusion were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, and CNKI databases before May 1, 2024. A total of nine participants from nine case reports were included to analyze factors leading to complications.

RESULTS

The reasons for this complication are as follows: complications during photocoagulation therapy. Intraretinal hemorrhage and exudation result in compression of adjacent or distal arteries, resulting in branch retinal artery occlusion. Embolus dislodgement or intraarterial embolus formation can block the artery, damage the wall, and provide conditions for the development of retinal arterial microaneurysm. In addition, it is necessary to be alert to the optic disk macroaneurysm, if hemorrhage or embolus formation in the macroaneurysm will affect the blood supply of the downstream artery, affecting a large range of the retina.

CONCLUSION

Based on the review of case reports, we found that retinal arterial microaneurysm and branch retinal artery occlusion can cause each other. Acute vision loss can result when a complication occurs. In addition, retinal vascular diseases can reflect the whole body, suggesting that ophthalmologists need to pay attention not only to the patient's fundus but also to the patient's systemic diseases.

Clinical variations and therapeutic challenges in the management of symptomatic retinal artery macroaneurysm: a tertiary center experience

PURPOSE

To find out clinical characteristics, therapeutic options, and visual outcome in symptomatic retinal artery macroaneurysm (RAMA) patients.

METHOD

Newly diagnosed cases of symptomatic RAMA from January 2015 to December 2019 were included. Fifteen eyes of 15 patients with mean age 62.46 years ± 14.89 (SD) fulfilled the inclusion criteria.

RESULT

Hypertension was present in 66.6% of the patients, and the commonest site was superotemporal (12 eyes, 80%). The most commonly employed treatment was Nd: Yag laser hyaloidotomy in 4 eyes (26.6%). Other treatments were intravitreal bevacizumab in 3 eyes (20%), focal laser with intravitreal bevacizumab in 3 eyes (20%), PPV with focal laser (13.3%) in 2, focal laser only in one (6.6%), PPV with focal and intravitreal bevacizumab in one (6.6%). The mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at baseline was 1.35 ± 0.84 LogMAR, which improved to 0.39 ± 0.53 LogMAR at the last follow-up. Presenting VA 0.77 (±0.40) improved to 0.20 (±0.17) p value (0.180) in intravitreal bevacizumab only group, 1.29 (±0.35) to 0.75 (±0.15) p value 0.66 in Nd: Yag laser group, 2.67 (±0.58) to 0.46 (±0.28) p value 0.019 in PPV group and did not improve in combined anti-VEGF and focal laser group due to dense hard exudates at the fovea in one and persistent cystoid macular edema in another case.

CONCLUSION

With regard to its presentation, which can vary tremendously, there are no approved guidelines for its treatment. The present study reinforces the need for a treatment guideline development. Customization of treatment should be considered depending on the clinical presentation of each case.

Combined Intravitreal Bevacizumab and Laser Photocoagulation to Treat Retinal Arterial Macroaneurysms

Purpose: To investigate the effects of intravitreal bevacizumab injection combined with laser photocoagulation in patients with retinal microaneurysms.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 21 eyes of 21 patients who underwent intravitreal bevacizumab injection and/or laser photocoagulation to treat retinal macroaneurysms. Eleven eyes received the combination therapy (CT) and 10 eyes monotherapy (MT) (either bevacizumab injection or laser photocoagulation). Changes in visual acuity, central macular thickness, macroaneurysm size and location, blood pressure, and the lipid level were compared between the two groups.Results: The mean patient age was 74.0 ± 10.5 years and the mean study period 7.0 ± 5.3 months. The mean macroaneurysm diameter of the CT group was 480.00 ± 292.30 μm and that of the MT group 328.75 ± 87.09 μm. The diameter was significantly larger in the CT group (p = 0.002). The initial visual acuities were 0.91 ± 0.66 and 0.88 ± 0.83 in the CT and MT groups, respectively. At the 4-month follow-up, the visual acuities were 0.33 ± 0.26 and 0.17 ± 0.29 in the CT and MT groups, respectively, and had significantly improved only in the CT group (p = 0.042). The initial central macular thicknesses were 441.82 ± 226.81 and 541.63 ± 401.97 μm in the CT and MT groups, respectively. At the 4-month follow-up, the figures were 293.60 ± 46.10 and 269.00 ± 48.34 μm in the CT and MT groups, respectively, and had significantly decreased only in the CT group (p = 0.043). Compared to the initial findings, the proportion of patients whose final visual acuities improved by more than two lines were 73% and 40%, respectively, thus significantly higher in the CT group (p < 0.001).Conclusions: Combined intravitreal bevacizumab injection and laser photocoagulation treatment of retinal macroaneurysms improve visual acuity and decrease macular thickness.

INTRAVITREAL ANTI-VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR INJECTIONS FOR EXUDATIVE RETINAL ARTERIAL MACROANEURYSMS

PURPOSE

There is no established therapy for exudative-hemorrhagic complications in primary retinal arteriolar macroaneurysm (RAM).

METHODS

Retrospective multicenter interventional study of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor in symptomatic RAMs. Central macular thickness in μm and best-corrected visual acuity in logMar were correlated with the RAM size and distance to the macula. Statistical analyses were performed using paired comparisons and Pearson correlation.

RESULTS

Thirty-two eyes (32 patients) were treated with a mean of 2.7 injections over a mean follow-up of 16.6 months. Initial best-corrected visual acuity correlated with the RAM size and distance to the macula (P = 0.02). Central macular thickness decreased by 131,180, and 211 μm at 1, 2, and 3 months after the first injection (P < 0.001). Best-corrected visual acuity improved by 0.47 and 0.38 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study lines at 2 and 3 months (P = 0.005). Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor response correlated with the RAM size (P = 0.04) and the distance to the macula (P = 0.009).

CONCLUSION

Symptomatic RAMs can be treated successfully with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections, leading to a decrease in macular edema.

Subthreshold laser treatment for retinal arterial macroaneurysm associated with exudative maculopathy

In this article, we present a case of retinal arterial macroaneurysm (RAM) complicating into exudative maculopathy who was successfully treated with subthreshold laser treatment (STLT). A 45-year-old Indian female was referred to our institution with diminution of vision in her left eye for 1 month with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of counting fingers at 2 m in the left eye. A dilated fundus examination of the left eye revealed deposition of lipid exudates in the macular area and a reddish round vascular lesion superior to macula around two disc diameters from the center of fovea. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed serous neurosensory detachment in the macular area in the left eye. Fundus fluorescein angiography showed leakage at the site of vascular lesion in the arterial phase of angiogram. Laser treatment using subthreshold laser parameters was done with three mirror contact lens at the site of vascular lesion. Over the next 12-month follow-up, her BCVA as well as OCT picture improved gradually, and at the last follow up, her BCVA was 20/30 in the left eye with complete resolution of subretinal fluid as detected by OCT. STLT offers promising results in the treatment of symptomatic RAM without causing any complications.

EN FACE IMAGING OF RETINAL ARTERY MACROANEURYSMS USING SWEPT-SOURCE OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY

PURPOSE

To describe the advantages of en face view with swept-source optical coherence tomography in assessing the morphologic features of retinal arterial macroaneurysms, their consequences on adjacent retina, planning laser treatment, and evaluating its effects.

METHODS

Three eyes were treated for retinal arterial macroaneurysms and followed by swept-source optical coherence tomography in 2014-2015. En face images of the retina and choroid were obtained by EnView, a swept-source optical coherence tomography program.

RESULTS

Retinal arterial macroaneurysms have a typical optical coherence tomography appearance. En face view allows delineation of the macroaneurysm wall, thrombotic components within the dilation, and lumen measurement. Hemorrhage, lipids, and fluids can be precisely described in terms of amount and extent over the macula and depth. This technique is also practical for planning focal laser treatment and determining its effects.

CONCLUSION

En face swept-source optical coherence tomography is a rapid, noninvasive, high-resolution, promising technology, which allows excellent visualization of retinal arterial macroaneurysms and their consequences on surrounding tissues. It could make angiography with intravenous injection redundant in planning and assessing therapy.

Idiopathic Retinal Vasculitis, Aneurysms, and Neuroretinitis Syndrome Presenting With Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion

Idiopathic retinal vasculitis, aneurysms, and neuroretinitis (IRVAN) is a rare syndrome affecting the retinal and optic disc vasculature. Diffuse retinal ischemia, macular edema, and neovascularization may lead to bilateral vision loss. The authors report a case of a 36-year-old woman presenting with branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) in her right eye who was subsequently diagnosed with IRVAN syndrome. She was treated with panretinal photocoagulation for peripheral retinal ischemia and pars plana vitrectomy for vitreous hemorrhage. She later developed a BRAO in her left eye. This case demonstrates that BRAO may be a presenting feature of IRVAN syndrome. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2017;48:948-951.].

Idiopathic retinal vasculitis, aneurysms, and neuroretinitis (IRVAN) syndrome: clinical perspectives

Idiopathic retinal vasculitis, aneurysms, and neuroretinitis (IRVAN) syndrome typically affects young, healthy individuals. Despite the dramatic fundus appearance seen in this syndrome, these patients are usually asymptomatic. The syndrome includes peculiar vascular abnormalities in the form of multiple aneurysmal dilatations seen along retinal arterioles and optic nerve-head arterioles, which are best appreciated on fluorescein angiography. Neuroretinitis and retinal vasculitis are seen in all patients, and manifested by staining of the optic nerve head and diffuse leakage from vessels, mainly arterioles, on fluorescein angiography. The devastating vision-threatening outcomes of this syndrome include exudative retinopathy and extensive peripheral retinal nonperfusion areas, which can eventually lead to neovascularization. This review summarizes current knowledge on the variable clinical aspects of this disease, highlighting diagnostic and treatment strategies.

Long-Term Management of Complications of Retinal Artery Macroaneurysms with Intravitreal Aflibercept Injection

PURPOSE

To report the 1-year follow-up results of intravitreal aflibercept injection (IAI) for the management of complications of retinal artery macroaneurysms (RAM).

METHODS

A retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series of 4 eyes of 4 patients (all female, aged 68-91 years, 3 treatment naive) treated with IAI 2 mg for complications of RAM [macular edema (ME) 2, submacular hemorrhage (SMH) 1, and vitreous hemorrhage (VH) 1] was conducted. Baseline parameters consisted of complete ocular examination, medical history, best-corrected Snellen VA, fundus photography, IVFA and SD OCT, unless precluded by VH (1). All patients completed ≥1 year follow-up.

RESULTS

Baseline VA was hand motions in the eye with SMH (31 mm² area and 1,478 μm thickness); 20/40 and 20/100 with ME (CST 390 and 337 μm, respectively), and 20/200 in the eye with VH. At 1 month, both patients with ME showed resolution of ME with CST <300 μm with improvement in VA which was maintained through 1 year. VH resolved in one eye at 1 month with no recurrence after 1 year. The eye with SMH developed macular scar and had counting fingers vision at 1 year. Thrombosis of RAM was noted in all eyes and hairpin-like remodeling of artery in one. No eye required repeat injection or laser.

CONCLUSION

ME and VH from RAM were effectively treated with IAI. However, the eye with thick SMH had poor visual outcome despite thrombosis of RAM. Single IAI provided effective therapy for complications of RAM with excellent anatomical and visual results in each eye, except one with thick SMH, and merits further study.

Long-Term Follow-Up Case of Multiple Retinal Arterial Macroaneurysms Developing Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion following Ruptured Macroaneurysm

Purpose

Retinal arterial macroaneurysm (RAM) has been reported in association with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO), and usually BRVO precedes RAM. We present a long-term follow-up case report of unilateral multiple RAMs that developed BRVO following ruptured RAM in the same retinal quadrant.

Case Presentation

An 80-year-old woman presented with floaters in her right eye in June 2012. Visual acuity (VA) was 20/25 in her right eye with posterior capsular opacity. Her fundus showed the first ruptured RAM at the superotemporal vascular arcade with subinternal limiting membrane and subretinal hemorrhages not involving the macula. These were absorbed gradually with a VA of 20/20. After 2 years, the second RAM at the proximal superotemporal vascular arcade developed and impending BRVO occurred with macular edema at the distal site of the RAM. With the RAM located close to the arteriovenous crossing, her VA was dropped to 20/60. Intravitreal injection of ranibizumab was performed and macular edema was resolved with improved vision of 20/30. Three months later, she realized a sudden vision loss of 2/200. Her posterior pole showed massive pre- and subretinal hemorrhages, and vitrectomy was performed. The source of bleeding was the third RAM's rupture in a different artery. Her vision improved to 20/30. The unaffected eye showed no RAMs.

Conclusion

We experienced a long-term follow-up case of multiple RAMs showing different courses. We should cautiously note that BRVO can occur following RAM at the arteriovenous crossing.

Long-term, therapy-related visual outcome of 49 cases with retinal arterial macroaneurysm: a case series and literature review

PURPOSE

Retinal arterial macroaneurysms (RAMAs) are acquired dilations of branches of the central retinal artery. Treatment depends on vision-limiting complications. We compare the long-term visual acuity (VA) in three groups according to treatment.

METHODS

49 charts of patients with RAMA were reviewed. 16 remained untreated, 15 received photocoagulation and 18 vitrectomy. Patients underwent full ophthalmological examinations and up-to-date imaging. We evaluated chosen therapy, complications and final VA at the last visit.

RESULTS

65% of the cohort was female, aged 75±11 years (mean±SD). Follow-up was 34±23 months. These parameters did not differ significantly between the three groups. In the observed group, initial VA was 0.48 (mean log MAR) vs 0.35 at the final visit, in the photocoagulation group 0.55 vs 0.59, and in the vitrectomy group 1.8 vs 0.77. VA was significantly worse at enrolment in the vitrectomy group, while all other VA differences were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall visual prognosis of RAMA was good, even after macular complications. VA remained unchanged in the observed and the laser groups and was comparable in all groups after 3 years. Based on an individual treatment decision, all therapies were effective and efficient. If subfoveal haemorrhage caused a macular hole, the VA outcome was limited.

Serial bevacizumab injections and laser photocoagulation for macular edema associated with a retinal artery macroaneurysm

An 84-year-old female with a history of hypertension and dyslipidemia was referred for a retinal artery macroaneurysm with exudation that had extended into the macula. She underwent a total of six injections of bevacizumab, with some improvement in visual acuity and retinal thickness. Due to persistent macular edema, focal laser photocoagulation was performed around the macroaneurysm. The vision remained at 20/30 during 20 months of follow up. Although anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy may improve vision and decrease retinal thickness in retinal artery macroaneurysm, recalcitrant cases may be treated with laser photocoagulation to seal the leaking vessel.

Laser therapy versus observation for symptomatic retinal artery macroaneurysms

PURPOSE

The optimal management approach to retinal arterial macroaneurysms (RAM) is unknown. This paper compares long-term outcomes in RAM treated with laser therapy versus observation.

METHODS

This is an IRB-approved retrospective study of patients with symptomatic RAM. Charts of patients with a diagnosis of RAM causing symptomatic visual loss were reviewed. Patients with less than 6 months follow up, other confounding diagnoses, or additional therapy beyond thermal laser were excluded. Statistical analysis was done using χ(2) or Student's t test as appropriate.

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients with RAM were identified and 27 were included in the study (13 treated, 14 observed). Mean visual acuity in the observation group improved from 20/120 to 20/96 (p = 0.53) compared to 20/280 to 20/54 (p = 0.0003) in the treated group. Subgroup analysis showed that visual acuity in primarily hemorrhagic lesions treated with laser therapy improved by 1.21 logMAR compared to a loss of 0.11 logMAR (p = 0.002) in those that were observed. In primarily exudative lesions, both treated and observed lesions showed an improvement of 0.32 logMAR. No patients in the treatment group had a final visual acuity below 20/200 compared to four in the observation group.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with direct laser photocoagulation was associated in this study with greater improvement in visual acuity and may decrease the risk of severe visual loss especially in primarily hemorrhagic RAM lesions. Compared to observation alone.

Intravitreal bevacizumab for symptomatic retinal arterial macroaneurysm

PURPOSE

To evaluate the therapeutic effect of intravitreal bevacizumab injection for symptomatic retinal arterial macroaneurysm.

DESIGN

Retrospective interventional case series.

METHODS

The study included 23 patients (23 eyes) with symptomatic retinal arterial macroaneurysm. They were categorized according to treatment method into 2 groups: an intravitreal bevacizumab-treated group (11 eyes) and an untreated group (12 eyes). Bevacizumab was injected at the initial visit, followed by as-needed monthly reinjection. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness were documented and analyzed between groups.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period for all subjects was 10.83 ± 4.6 months. The mean number of injections for the treated group was 1.42 ± 0.69. The mean logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) of BCVA improved from baseline at the last follow-up by 0.26 in the bevacizumab-treated group (P = .02) and by 0.34 in the untreated group (P = .005). Average central macular thickness decreased from 384.4 ± 150.1 μm to 265 ± 112.5 μm in the bevacizumab-treated group (P = .0002) and from 413.2 ± 155.2 μm to 236.3 ± 103.5 μm in the untreated group (P = .008). The BCVA was significantly improved from baseline after 1 month in the bevacizumab-treated group (P = .02) and after 3 months in the untreated group (P = .01). However, there was no statistically significant difference in BCVA improvement or central macular thickness improvement achieved at the final visit.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravitreal bevacizumab injection likely hastens resolution of macular edema and hemorrhage secondary to retinal arterial macroaneurysm. Intravitreal bevacizumab injection could be an effective treatment option for symptomatic retinal arterial macroaneurysm.

Idiopathic retinal vasculitis, arteriolar macroaneurysms and neuroretinitis: clinical course and treatment

Background

The purpose of the study is to describe the clinical course and treatment of idiopathic retinitis, vasculitis, aneurysms and neuroretinitis. The study utilized non-randomized, retrospective and interventional case series. The eight eyes of six patients were analysed. Testing included wide fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography and systemic evaluation. Treatment involved observation, panretinal laser photocoagulation (PRP) for peripheral retinal ischemia, grid laser for macular oedema and focal laser on the macroaneurysms. The main outcome measures were initial visual acuity (VA), initial stage at diagnosis, clinical course, surgical intervention, final VA, final stage and complications of disease.

Results

Five out of eight eyes with retinal ischemia in more than two quadrants that were treated with PRP and grid laser for macular oedema maintained excellent VA and demonstrated no progression of retinal ischemia during follow-up. The two eyes which exhibited retinal ischemia in less than two quadrants and macular oedema were treated with grid laser and focal laser on the macroaneurysms, but did not undergo PRP. VA improved by two lines of the Snellen chart, and there was no progression of retinal ischemia during the 3 and 4 years of follow-up. One eye with neither retinal ischemia nor macular oedema was not treated, and the clinical picture remained stable during the follow-up.

Conclusion

Early PRP may be considered in the presence of angiographic evidence of peripheral retinal non-perfusion. However, treatment could be withheld until the patient develops retinal ischemia in more than two quadrants.

Retinal arteriolar macroaneurysms overlying the optic nerve

BACKGROUND

Retinal arteriolar macroaneurysms typically involve the second and third order arterioles. Macroaneurysms involving the first order arterioles, specifically overlying the optic nerve, have been infrequently reported.

METHODS

This is a retrospective case series.

RESULTS

Two patients were found to have an arteriolar macroaneurysm overlying the optic nerve. The first, a 77-year-old man, had focal laser photocoagulation to the macroaneurysm. The second, a 75-year-old woman, had spontaneous resolution of the lesion without treatment. Final visual acuity was 20/25 in the treated patient compared to 20/80 in the untreated patient.

CONCLUSION

Retinal arteriolar macroaneurysms overlying the optic nerve will involute spontaneously or as a result of focal laser photocoagulation. The associated macular edema may result in permanent visual loss. Focal laser treatment over the optic nerve did not cause optic nerve damage.

Idiopathic retinitis, vasculitis, aneurysms, and neuroretinitis (IRVAN): new observations and a proposed staging system

PURPOSE

To review the clinical features, disease progression, and effects of treatment on idiopathic retinitis, vasculitis, aneurysms, and neuroretinitis (IRVAN).

DESIGN

Retrospective interventional case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Ten patients with IRVAN originally reported in 1995 and 12 additional patients identified since the original series.

INTERVENTION

Patients in the series had testing that may have included fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, and systemic evaluation. Treatments included panretinal laser photocoagulation, cryotherapy, vitrectomy surgery, and injection of periocular or intravitreal steroids.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Initial visual acuity (VA), initial stage at diagnosis, clinical course, surgical intervention, final VA, and complications of disease.

RESULTS

A total of 44 eyes of 22 patients were studied; 9 eyes had reached stage 1 or 2 disease at last follow-up, 17 had reached stage 3, and 12 had reached stage 4 or 5. At the time of last follow-up, 14 eyes had maintained 20/20 vision, 15 had between 20/40 and 20/200 vision, and 9 had 20/300 vision or worse. Later stages of retinal ischemia are associated with worse VA. Thirty-two of 38 followed eyes were treated. Twenty-five were treated initially with panretinal laser photocoagulation. The clinical course of each eye after initiation of panretinal laser photocoagulation was evaluated with respect to the final VA and stage of ischemic retinopathy at the initiation of treatment. Panretinal laser photocoagulation was initiated in 3 eyes at stage 2, 16 at stage 3, 5 at stage 4, and 1 at stage 5. Seven eyes underwent grid laser retinal photocoagulation of the macula for macular edema.

CONCLUSIONS

Idiopathic retinitis, vasculitis, aneurysms, and neuroretinitis is an isolated retinal vascular disease that can progress rapidly to severe vision loss due to ischemic sequelae despite treatment with panretinal laser photocoagulation. Based on our review of the largest cohort of IRVAN patients, early panretinal laser photocoagulation should be considered when angiographic evidence of widespread retinal nonperfusion is present, and before (or shortly after) the development of neovascularization. A functional staging system is proposed to improve treatment paradigms.

Surgical Excision of Retinal Macroaneurysms with Submacular Hemorrhage

PURPOSE

To report the visual outcome following the surgical excision of retinal macroaneurysms with submacular hemorrhage.

METHODS

Two patients presented with decreased vision caused by submacular hemorrhage from retinal macroaneurysms. In the first case, the macroaneurysm was too large to be treated by photocoagulation, and in the second case the direct photocoagulation during the first vitrectomy did not prevent the recurrence of hemorrhages. Vitrectomy with surgical excision of the retinal macroaneurysm using scissors and diathermy with a drainage of the submacular hemorrhage was then performed.

RESULTS

In the first patient, the visual acuity was light perception before treatment and 2/200 16 months after the excision. In the second patient, the visual acuity was 20/667 before treatment and 20/40 11 months after the excision. No hemorrhage has recurred in either case after the second vitrectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

The surgical excision of retinal macroaneurysms might be an effective procedure in cases where the macroaneurysm is too large or cannot be treated by photocoagulation during vitrectomy.

Management of submacular hemorrhage associated with retinal arterial macroaneurysms

PURPOSE

Experience is reported with intraoperative pharmacologic lysis of recent submacular hemorrhage with tissue plasminogen activator followed by surgical drainage of the unclotted blood in patients with retinal arterial macroaneurysms.

METHODS

Nine eyes (nine patients) with a recent (< or = 7 days old) submacular hemorrhage involving the center of the fovea secondary to retinal arterial macroaneurysm that were managed with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator-assisted subretinal hemorrhage evacuation, including subretinal injection of tissue plasminogen activator and removal of the liquefied blood. Patients were followed for a mean 18 +/- 7 months (range, 7 to 30 months).

RESULTS

All nine eyes had improved final corrected visual acuity after surgery, and eight eyes (89%) attained a corrected visual acuity of 20/60 or better (mean, 20/40; range, 20/20 to 20/200). Final corrected visual acuity was limited to 20/200 in one eye. Two eyes developed a cataract that required surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Submacular surgery with tissue plasminogen activator-assisted thrombolysis achieved improved best-corrected visual acuity in eyes with recent submacular hemorrhage involving the center of the fovea associated with retinal arterial macroaneurysm.

Arterial macroaneurysms in peripheral multifocal chorioretinitis associated with sarcoidosis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to describe the clinical presentation, angiographic findings, and natural history of acquired arterial macroaneurysms diagnosed in 8 of 48 patients with peripheral multifocal chorioretinitis (PMC) (panuveitis with multiple peripheral punched-out chorioretinal lesions).

DESIGN

A retrospective case-control study.

PARTICIPANTS

Forty-eight consecutive patients with PMC, consisting of 13 patients with histologically or radiologically proven sarcoidosis, 11 with laboratory evidence of (presumed) sarcoidosis, and 24 with no evidence of systemic disease, participated in the study.

INTERVENTION

A review of the clinical, photographic, and angiographic records was performed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Arterial macroaneurysms, clinical symptoms, and associations with systemic disease were measured.

RESULTS

Of 48 patients with PMC, 8 (17%) had arterial macroaneurysms: 3 (38%) of 8 with histologically proven sarcoidosis, 1 (20%) of 5 with radiologically proven sarcoidosis, 2 (18%) of 11 with laboratory evidence of sarcoidosis, and 2 (8%) of 24 patients with no evidence of systemic sarcoidosis. All eight patients were white females older than 60 years of age. Macroaneurysms appeared to be unrelated to the systemic hypertension (5 of 17 compared to 3 of 31; P = 0.11); however, the frequency of cerebrovascular accidents or myocardial infarctions was higher among those with macroaneurysms (5 of 8 vs. 2 of 40; P = 0.0000). Three of the eight patients reported visual complaints related to macroaneurysms; only one patient required laser treatment. Fluorescein angiography showed no evidence of previous vasculitis in the involved area.

CONCLUSIONS

Arterial macroaneurysms, which occur in elderly female patients with PMC, are associated with severe cardiovascular disease. Whether the macroaneurysms are a complication of an inflammatory vascular process remains speculative.

Idiopathic retinal vasculitis, aneurysms, and neuro-retinitis. Retinal Vasculitis Study

PURPOSE

The authors describe the clinical feature of ten patients with a new syndrome characterized by the presence of retinal vasculitis, multiple macroaneurysms, neuro-retinitis, and peripheral capillary nonperfusion.

METHODS

The authors evaluated ten patients identified to have clinical features compatible with the syndrome of idiopathic retinal vasculitis, aneurysms and neuroretinits (IRVAN). Clinical examination findings, sequential funds photographs (when available), fluorescein angiograms, systemic investigations, response to therapy, and visual outcomes were reviewed.

RESULTS

Seven eyes of four patients sustained a marked decrease in visual acuity of 20/200 or worse. Visual loss was due to a combination of an exudative maculopathy and sequelae of retinal ischemia. Capillary nonperfusion was seen in all ten patients and was severe enough to warrant panretinal laser photocoagulation in six patients. Systemic investigations were uniformly noncontributory. Oral prednisone appears to have little beneficial effects on patients with this disorder.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with IRVAN have characteristic retinal features that readily identify this syndrome. An increased awareness of this rare syndrome may help to identify sight-threatening complications at an earlier stage. The authors caution against extensive medical investigations.

Retinal arteriolar macroaneurysms: long-term visual outcome

Visual outcome was analysed in 16 consecutive eyes with symptomatic retinal arteriolar macroaneurysms treated by direct laser photocoagulation and 26 consecutive symptomatic eyes followed with no treatment. No difference existed between groups in presenting visual acuity, macular involvement, presence of macular subretinal fluid, or presence or location of associated haemorrhage. The mean follow up was 41 months. In the 26 untreated eyes, visual acuity was improved by 2 or more lines in 13 (50%), was unchanged in nine (35%), and decreased in four cases (15%). In the 16 treated cases, three improved (19%), seven were unchanged (43%), and six had decreased visual acuity (38%). The average minimum angle of resolution improved 0.53 log units in untreated cases and decreased 0.14 log units in treated cases (p = 0.02). Multivariable logistic regression modelling analysis revealed that laser treatment remained a significant risk factor for final visual acuity of less than 20/80 even when controlling for the effects of subretinal haemorrhage and foveal subretinal fluid (odds ratio 8.4, p = 0.01). Laser photocoagulation directly to the macroaneurysm did not improve the visual outcome in this series.

Retinal arterial macroaneurysms: risk factors and natural history

A case control study was conducted to identify the systemic and ocular risk factors for retinal arterial macroaneurysms. Forty-three patients with 52 photographically confirmed macroaneurysms were located. Forty-three age-matched, race-matched concurrent control patients were also identified. The patients with macroaneurysms had decreased visual acuity (p less than 0.0001) and a higher prevalence of hypertension (p = 0.037), female sex (p = 0.099), and retinal vein occlusions (p = 0.055) than controls. In patients with both a macroaneurysm and venous occlusion there was a 12.0 times higher prevalence of macroaneurysms in the area of retina drained by the occluded vein (p less than 0.05). Common findings associated with macroaneurysms included retinal haemorrhage (81% of patients), retinal exudate (70%), vitreous haemorrhage (30%), macular involvement (30%), and distal arteriolar narrowing (26%). Arteriolar occlusion occurred spontaneously (8%) or after laser photocoagulation (16%).

Retinal arterial macroaneurysms

Retinal arterial macroaneurysms represent a distinct clinical entity. Macroaneurysms are seen in the elderly with a marked female predominance and a strong association with hypertension and arteriosclerotic vascular changes. The classic appearance provides an easy diagnosis; however, variable presentations, such as subretinal hemorrhage, macular exudate, and epiretinal membranes can make the diagnosis difficult. The differential diagnosis of retinal arterial macroaneurysms include retinal telangiectasia, angiomatosis retinae, venous macroaneurysms, background diabetic retinopathy, and cavernous hemangioma. The clinical characteristics of the reported cases are summarized, and our series of 60 patients is presented. The natural history of most macroaneurysms is spontaneous involution without loss of vision. However, visual loss may occur secondary to macular edema, exudate, hemorrhage and neurosensory retinal detachment, and photocoagulation may expedite visual recovery. Photocoagulation treatment may be applied directly to the macroaneurysm, indirectly by surrounding the macroaneurysm, or as a combination of these two methods.