Incidence Rate of Massive Submacular Hemorrhage and its Risk Factors in Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy

Development and validation of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography prediction model for short-term vitreous haemorrhage secondary to polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

AIMS

To construct and validate an optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) image model for predicting the occurrence of short-term vitreous haemorrhage (VH) in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected clinical and imaging information from patients diagnosed with PCV at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China, between January 2015 and October 2022. Six different screening strategies, including univariate analysis, multivariate analysis, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, stepwise logistic regression, random forest and clinical-data-only approach, were used to select variables and build models. The nomogram was constructed based on the model with the best area under the curve (AUC) and was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves, calibration curves, decision curve analysis and clinical impact curves.

RESULTS

A total of 147 PCV patients were included and randomly divided into a training set (103 patients) and a validation set (44 patients), with an average follow-up time of 17.56±14.99 months. The optimal model that achieved higher AUC in both training and validation sets incorporated seven significant variables identified through univariate analysis: male [OR=2.76, p=0.022], central macular thickness [OR=1.003, p=0.002], the presence of haemorrhagic pigment epithelial detachment (HPED) [OR=6.99, p<0.001], the height of HPED [OR=1.002, p<0.001], the area of HPED [OR=1.16, p<0.001], the presence of multiple PEDs [OR=2.94, p=0.016] and the presence of subretinal haemorrhage [OR=3.11, p=0.011]. A predictive nomogram based on these variables yielded an AUC of 0.896 (95% CI 0.827 to 0.965) in the training set and 0.861 (95% CI 0.749 to 0.973) in the validation set, demonstrating good calibration and clinical usefulness.

CONCLUSION

The proposed OCT/OCTA-based image nomogram, as a novel and non-invasive tool, achieved satisfactory prediction of VH secondary to PCV.

Submacular Hemorrhage Rates Following Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Injections for Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration

PURPOSE

To examine rates of submacular hemorrhage in patients undergoing anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections, comparing rates between specific anti-VEGF agents.

DESIGN

Retrospective clinical cohort study.

METHODS

All patients in the database from January 2015 to November 2023 with a diagnosis of neovascular age-related macular degeneration and accompanying submacular hemorrhage (SMH). SMH prevalence and associated anti-VEGF injection type were analyzed in 140,915 eyes (of which 9107 had SMH) in a nationwide aggregated electronic health care database using chi-square test of proportion. Visual acuity (VA) data was assessed using 2-sample independent t-tests. The primary outcome was rate of SMH per injection type. Secondary datapoints examined were time between SMH diagnosis and last anti-VEGF injection, number of injections before SMH, treatment interval at time of SMH, VA before and at 12 months after SMH, eyes undergoing pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) within 30 days of SMH, and VA before PPV and at 12 months after PPV.

RESULTS

The last injection type in eyes with SMH was bevacizumab in 3430 (37.8%) eyes, brolucizumab-dbll in 46 (0.51%) eyes, aflibercept in 3221 (35.4%) eyes. Ranibizumab in 2246 (24.7%) eyes, and faricimab-svoa in 155 (1.7%) eyes. Rates of SMH were significantly higher (P ≤ .001) for last injection with bevacizumab compared to every other injection type. Rates of SMH were significantly lower (P = .0004) for last injection with faricimab-svoa or ranibizumab injections each had significantly shorter (mean and standard deviation 48.9 (27.9), P < .02; mean and standard deviation 59.6 (38.2), P = .003, respectively) mean time between SMH diagnosis and last injection than did patients undergoing any other injection. Mean VA before SMH and at 12 months after SMH did not significantly differ by injection type among all patients. The number of patients who underwent PPV were 52 (1.51%) for bevacizumab, 4 (8.7%) for brolucizumab-dbll, 58 (1.8%) for aflibercept, 41 (1.8%) for ranibizumab, and 3 (1.9%) for faricimab-svoa. Mean VA before SMH and at 12 months after SMH did not significantly differ by injection type in patients undergoing PPV.

CONCLUSIONS

Faricimab may be more protective than other anti-VEGF injections against SMH in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Predictive Factors for Submacular Hemorrhage in Age-related Macular Degeneration: A Retrospective Study

PURPOSE

Little is known about the major risk factors for submacular hemorrhage (SMH). This study aimed to evaluate the factors associated with SMH in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy receiving three consecutive loading doses of intravitreal aflibercept or ranibizumab injections.

METHODS

This retrospective cross-sectional study included 48 patients diagnosed with nAMD and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy who completed three loading doses under a treat-and-extend regimen. Patients were divided into the SMH group and the non-SMH group (age- and sex-matched without SMH), with 24 patients in each group. Intravitreal injections, agents, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) features were compared.

RESULTS

In the SMH group, SMH occurred approximately 3.29 years after post-nAMD diagnosis. The non-SMH group received more intravitreal injections of aflibercept and brolucizumab during the follow-up period after the initial loading phase. The SMH group exhibited a higher prevalence of serous/hemorrhagic pigment epithelial detachments (PEDs) at the last visit before SMH occurrence compared to the non-SMH group. Patients with a PED increase in the past two visits showed a higher tendency in the SMH group. No other OCT features significantly correlated with SMH development.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of serous/hemorrhagic PEDs may indicate a higher risk of SMH, and eyes with these features should be closely monitored to prevent sudden and devastating visual loss caused by SMH.

Displacement of Submacular Hemorrhage Using Subretinal Cocktail Injection versus Pneumatic Displacement: A Real-World Comparative Study

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study was to compare the outcome of submacular hemorrhage (SMH) displacement using pneumatic displacement with intravitreal expansile gas versus pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with subretinal injection of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agent, and air as primary surgery.

METHODS

Retrospective interventional case series of 63 patients who underwent surgical displacement of SMH secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) or polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) from May 1, 2015, to October 31, 2022. Medical records were reviewed for diagnosis, logMAR visual acuity (VA), central subfield thickness (CST), and postoperative displacement rates and complications up to 12 months after operation.

RESULTS

The diagnosis was nAMD in 24 (38.1%) and PCV in 39 (61.9%) eyes. There were 40 (63.5%) eyes in the pneumatic displacement group (38 received C3F8, 2 received SF6) and 23 (36.5%) eyes in the subretinal cocktail injection. Mean baseline VA was 1.46 and 1.62, respectively (p = 0.404). The subretinal injection group had more extensive SMH (p = 0.005), thicker CST (1,006.6 μm vs. 780.2 μm, p = 0.012), and longer interval between symptom and operation (10.65 vs. 5.53 days, p < 0.001). The mean postoperative VA at 6 months was 0.67 and 0.91 (p = 0.180) for pneumatic displacement and subretinal injection groups, respectively, though VA was significantly better in the pneumatic group at 12-month visit (0.64 vs. 1.03, p = 0.040). At least 10 mean change in VA were >10 letters gain in both groups up to 12 months. Postoperative CST reduction was greater (625.1 μm vs. 326.5 μm, p = 0.008) and complete foveal displacement (87.0% vs. 37.5%), p < 0.001, odds ratio [OR] = 11.1) and displacement to arcade or beyond (52.5% vs. 17.5%, p = 0.009, OR = 5.15) were more frequent in the subretinal injection group. Two patients with failed pneumatic displacement were successfully treated with subretinal cocktail injection as a second operation.

CONCLUSION

Surgical displacement of SMH leads to clinically meaningful improvement in VA. PPV with subretinal cocktail injection is more effective than pneumatic displacement in displacing SMH with similar safety profile despite longer interval before operation, higher CST, and more extensive SMH at baseline. Retinal surgeons could consider this novel technique in cases with thick and extensive SMH or as a rescue secondary operation in selected cases.

Predicting treatment outcomes of intravitreal brolucizumab for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy through noninvasive assessment of polypoidal lesion blood flow with optical coherence tomography angiography

We investigated the assessment of blood flow within polypoidal lesions using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to determine intravitreal brolucizumab (IVBr) efficacy for treating polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). We retrospectively studied 46 eyes with PCV that completed 1-year IVBr treatment. Blood flow signals within polypoidal lesions were evaluated using OCTA after loading-phase treatment, and 1-year outcomes were compared between eyes in which blood flow signals disappeared versus persisting. After loading-phase treatment, blood flow signals within polypoidal lesions disappeared in 31 eyes and persisted in 15. In the former group, visual acuity improved significantly throughout the year (P < 0.01), while in the latter there was no significant difference between baseline and after 1 year. The total number of injections was significantly lower with than without disappearance of blood flow signals (6.0 vs. 6.9, P < 0.01). The intended injection interval at the last visit was significantly longer in the former than in the latter group (15.7 weeks vs. 12.5 weeks, P < 0.01). These results indicate that PCV cases showing disappearance of blood flow signals within polypoidal lesions by OCTA after loading-phase treatment had favorable 1-year outcomes of IVBr. Therefore, evaluating blood flow within polypoidal lesions by OCTA may allow noninvasive prediction of PCV treatment outcomes.

Preliminary analysis of predicting the first recurrence in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration using deep learning

BACKGROUND

To predict, using deep learning, the first recurrence in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) after three monthly loading injections of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF).

METHODS

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) images were obtained at baseline and after the loading phase. The first recurrence was defined as the initial appearance of a new retinal hemorrhage or intra/subretinal fluid accumulation after the initial resolution of exudative changes after three loading injections. Standard U-Net architecture was used to identify the three retinal fluid compartments, which include pigment epithelial detachment, subretinal fluid, and intraretinal fluid. To predict the first recurrence of nAMD, classification learning was conducted to determine whether the first recurrence occurred within three months after the loading phase. The recurrence classification architecture was built using ResNet50. The model with retinal regions of interest of the entire region and fluid region on OCT at baseline and after the loading phase is presented.

RESULTS

A total of 1,444 eyes of 1,302 patients were included. The mean duration until the first recurrence after the loading phase was 8.20 ± 15.56 months. The recurrence classification system revealed that the model with the fluid region of OCT after the loading phase provided the highest classification performance, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.725 ± 0.012. Heatmap analysis revealed that three pathological fluids, subsided choroidal neovascularization lesions, and hyperreflective foci were important areas for the first recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

The deep learning algorithm allowed for the prediction of the first recurrence for three months after the loading phase with adequate feasibility. An automated prediction system may assist in establishing patient-specific treatment plans and the provision of individualized medical care for patients with nAMD.

PREDICTORS OF 3-MONTH AND 1-YEAR VISUAL OUTCOMES AFTER VITRECTOMY WITH SUBRETINAL TISSUE PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATOR INJECTION FOR SUBMACULAR HEMORRHAGE

PURPOSE

To investigate factors associated with 3-month or 1-year best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) after vitrectomy with subretinal tissue plasminogen activator injection for submacular hemorrhage (SMH) and to identify the predictors of early displacement.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study included consecutive eyes with SMH complicating neovascular age-related macular degeneration or retinal macroaneurysm that underwent vitrectomy with subretinal tissue plasminogen activator injection and were followed up for at least 3 months. Parameters that correlated with 3-month BCVA, 1-year BCVA, and 2-week displacement grade (0-3) were identified.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine eyes of 29 patients (73.1 ± 8.4 years; neovascular age-related macular degeneration, 25 eyes) were included. Logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution BCVA improved 3 months after the surgery (baseline, 0.76 [20/115] ± 0.35; 3-month, 0.51 [20/65] ± 0.32; P = 0.006). In multivariable analyses, 1-year logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution BCVA correlated with age ( P = 0.007, β = 0.39) and SMH recurrence within 1 year after surgery ( P < 0.001, β = 0.65). Two-week displacement grade correlated with the contrast-to-noise ratio of SMH ( P = 0.001, β = -0.54). Macular hole occurred in three eyes (10%) with small SMH size and was closed in all eyes via additional vitrectomy with an inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique.

CONCLUSION

The recurrence of SMH negatively affected the 1-year visual outcome after vitrectomy with subretinal tissue plasminogen activator injection for SMH. The contrast-to-noise ratio was a useful predictor of early SMH displacement, but not of 1-year BCVA. Further research is necessary to determine the optimal treatment to prevent SMH recurrence.

Short-term outcomes of intravitreal faricimab for treatment-naïve neovascular age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE

To investigate the efficacy and safety of loading phase treatment with 3 monthly intravitreal injections of faricimab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 16-week outcomes of 40 consecutive eyes of 38 patients with treatment-naïve nAMD. Three monthly injections of faricimab were administered to all eyes as a loading phase treatment. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), foveal thickness, central choroidal thickness (CCT), and dry macula achievement were all assessed every 4 weeks. Moreover, the regression of polypoidal lesions was evaluated after the loading phase.

RESULTS

BCVA was 0.33 ± 0.41 at baseline and showed significant improvement to 0.22 ± 0.36 at week 16 (P < 0.01). Foveal thickness was 278 ± 116 µm at baseline, decreasing significantly to 173 ± 48 µm at week 16 (P < 0.01). CCT was 214 ± 98 µm at baseline, decreasing significantly to 192 ± 89 µm at week 16 (P < 0.01). Dry macula was achieved in 31 eyes (79.5%) at week 16. Indocyanine green angiography after the loading phase revealed complete regression of polypoidal lesions in 11 of 18 eyes (61.1%) with polypoidal lesions. One eye (2.5%) developed vitritis without visual loss at week 16.

CONCLUSION

Loading phase treatment with intravitreal faricimab appears to generally be safe and effective for improving visual acuity and reducing exudative changes in eyes with nAMD.

Advances in multi-modal non-invasive imaging techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is a disease characterized by subretinal pigment epithelium (RPE) orange-red polypoidal lesions and abnormal branching neovascular networks (BNNs). In recent years, various non-invasive imaging technologies have rapidly developed, especially the emergence of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), multi-spectral imaging, and other technologies, which enable the observation of more features of PCV. In addition, these technologies are faster and less invasive compared to indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). Multi-modal imaging, which combined multiple imaging techniques, provides important references for the diagnosis and treatment of PCV with the assistance of regression models, deep learning, and other algorithms. In this study, we reviewed the non-invasive imaging techniques, multi-modal imaging diagnosis, and multi-scene therapeutic applications of PCV, with the aim of providing a reference for non-invasive multi-modal diagnosis and treatment of PCV.

Visual Recovery and Prognosis in the Treatment of Submacular Hemorrhage due to Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy and Retinal Arterial Macroaneurysm: A Retrospective Study

Purpose

This study was carried out to evaluate the visual acuity (VA), complications, and prognosis of patients diagnosed with submacular hemorrhage (SMH) from polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and retinal arterial macroaneurysm (RAM) treated by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), subretinal tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), and air tamponade in vitreous cavity. It facilitates the development of generic treatment methods that can be widely used to improve vision and treat potential complications in patients with SMH, regardless of the underlying pathophysiological condition, such as PCV or RAM.

Methods

In this retrospective study, SMH patients were divided into two groups based on their diagnosis: (1) polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and (2) retinal arterial macroaneurysm (RAM). The visual recovery and complications of patients with PCV and RAM after PPV + tPA (subretinal) surgery were analyzed.

Results

A total of 36 eyes of 36 patients were included: PCV (47.22%, 17/36) and RAM (52.78%, 19/36). The mean age of the patients was 64 years, and 63.89% of the patients (23/36) were female. The median VA was 1.85 logMAR before surgery, 0.93 and 0.98 logMAR at 1 and 3 months after surgery, respectively, indicating that most patients' vision improved after surgery. At the 1 and 3 months postoperative follow-up, each patient was diagnosed with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment at 1 month and 3 months postoperatively, and four patients had vitreous hemorrhage at 3 months postoperatively. Preoperatively, patients exhibited macular subretinal hemorrhage, retinal bulge, and exudation around the blood clot. Postoperatively, most patients showed dispersal of subretinal hemorrhage. Optical coherence tomography results revealed retinal hemorrhage involving the macula and hemorrhagic bulges under both the neuroepithelium and the pigment epithelium under the fovea preoperatively. After surgery, the air injected into the vitreous cavity was completely absorbed and the subretinal hemorrhage was dispersed.

Conclusion

PPV combined with subretinal tPA injection and air tamponade in the vitreous cavity can facilitate modest visual recovery in patients with SMH due to PCV and RAM. However, some complications may occur, and their management remains challenging.

Analysis of Systemic and Serum Risk Factors in Patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy

INTRODUCTION

It remains controversial whether polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) represents a subtype of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) or is a distinct disease entity. This study aimed to compare and analyze systemic and serum risk factors for nAMD and PCV in an aging Chinese population.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed on 108 patients with nAMD, 131 patients with PCV, and 219 control subjects. Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), apolipoprotein A1 (APOA1), apolipoprotein B (APOB), complement 3 (C3), and complement 4 (C4) together with data on systemic risk factors, including hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), coronary artery disease (CAD), and asthma, were collected. Chi-square tests, independent-samples t tests, and binary logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the associations of risk factors with nAMD and PCV.

RESULTS

Patients with PCV and those with nAMD were likely to have hyperlipidemia (P < 0.001). CAD (P = 0.020) and hypertension (P = 0.006) correlated significantly with nAMD and PCV, respectively. Although no association of age and asthma with PCV or nAMD was found (P > 0.05), DM was associated with PCV development (OR = 0.535, P = 0.044). Regarding serum risk factors, HDL, LDL, TG, APOB, and C3 were significantly associated with nAMD (OR < 0.001, P < 0.001; OR = 0.028, P < 0.001; OR = 0.175, P < 0.001; OR = 0.922, P = 0.022; OR < 0.001, P < 0.001) and PCV (OR = 0.001, P = 0.001; OR = 0.097, P = 0.003; OR = 0.410, P = 0.037; OR = 0.895, P = 0.001; OR = 0.001, P < 0.001). Compared with nAMD, higher levels of HDL (P = 0.003) and LDL (P = 0.016) and lower levels of TG (P = 0.039) were found in patients with PCV, but the association of systemic risk factors between the two diseases was not significant (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that hyperlipidemia is significantly associated with both nAMD and PCV. Serum lipid and complement levels have an effect on the pathogenesis of nAMD and PCV, and consideration of the differences between systemic and serum risk factors should be taken into account in clinical management.

Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy: An Update on Diagnosis and Treatment

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is a vascular disease of the choroid that leads to hemorrhagic and exudative macular degeneration. It may cause significant vision loss and thus affect the quality-of-life and psychological well-being. Non-invasive, non-ICGA-based OCT criteria have shown reliable results to plan adjunct photodynamic therapy (PDT) treatment, with the complete and consistent coverage of polypoidal lesions (PL) and branching neovascular network (BNN). The safety and efficacy of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) monotherapy and its combination with verteporfin PDT have been established. However, treatment is still challenging due to frequent follow-ups, non-availability of PDT, and need for multiple anti-VEGF injection visits that increase the treatment burden and lead to patients being lost to follow-up. Effective treatments that prolong intervals between injections while maintaining vision and anatomical gains remain a critical unmet need. Longer acting molecules, like brolucizumab, have shown non-inferiority in BCVA gains and superior anatomical outcomes compared to other anti-VEGF agents. Newer therapies in the pipeline to enhance the efficacy and longevity of treatment include Faricimab and a port delivery system (PDS). This review summarizes the most recent diagnostic and treatment approaches in PCV to offer better treatment avenues.

Differences in clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of submacular hemorrhage caused by age-related macular degeneration and retinal macroaneurysms: A multicenter survey from the Japan Clinical Retina Study (J-CREST) group

Purpose

To evaluate the clinical characteristics, treatment trends, and visual prognosis of submacular hemorrhage (SMH) secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and retinal arterial macroaneurysm (RAM).

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled 187 Japanese patients with SMH at 10 institutions from 2015 to 2018. Medical records including SMH etiology, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fundus photographs, optical coherence tomography images, and selected treatments were analyzed.

Results

Major causes of SMH were typical nAMD (tnAMD) (18%), polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) (50%) and RAM (29%). Age, male/female ratio, baseline BCVA, central retinal thickness, and involved retinal layers were significantly different between etiologies (all P<0.0001). Treatment with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs with and without intravitreal gas injection was chosen for half of eyes in the tnAMD and PCV groups, whereas vitrectomy was performed in 83.7% of eyes with RAM. The final BCVA improved significantly from baseline in the PCV and RAM groups (P = 0.0009, P<0.0001) and final BCVA was significantly better in the PCV group at a level similar to the other groups (P = 0.0007, P = 0.0008). BCVA improvement from baseline was significantly greater in the RAM group compared with the tnAMD (P = 0.0152) and PCV (P = 0.017) groups. Multivariate analysis revealed better final BCVA was significantly associated with younger age (P = 0.0054), better baseline BCVA (P = 0.0021), RAM subtype (P = 0.0446), and no tnAMD (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

The characteristics of, and treatment strategy for, SMH were different between the underlying diseases. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment with or without expansile gas was mainly chosen for SMH in tnAMD and PCV, whereas vitrectomy with gas was the most common treatment for RAM, and the higher rate for vitrectomy might result in the greater BCVA improvement in the RAM group than in the other groups. Final BCVA was better in PCV, RAM, and tnAMD, in that order, because patients with PCV were younger and had better baseline BCVA.

Visual prognosis of submacular hemorrhage secondary to age-related macular degeneration: A retrospective multicenter survey

Purpose

To investigate the clinical features, treatment options, and visual outcomes of submacular hemorrhage (SMH) secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).

Design

A retrospective, observational case series.

Methods

Setting: Multicenter institutional setting. Patient Population: A total of 127 patients (127 eyes; 88 men, 39 women; (mean age, 74.2 years)) diagnosed with AMD-associated SMHs exceeding 2 disc diameters involving the fovea. Observation: The AMD types, previous treatments, treatment options, anatomic findings, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were assessed. Main Outcome Measures: Clinical features, treatment options, and visual outcomes of SMHs secondary to nAMD.

Results

Thirty-two eyes had typical AMD, 94 eyes polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), and one eye retinal angiomatous proliferation. Eighty-five eyes were treatment-naïve; 42 eyes were treated previously: anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy (n = 26), photodynamic therapy (n = 3), and combined therapy (n = 13). Treatment of SMHs included vitrectomy (36 eyes), pneumatic displacement (49 eyes), and anti-VEGF monotherapy (42 eyes). The final BCVA improved significantly in treatment-naïve cases from 0.86 to 0.62 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) unit (Snellen equivalent from 20/145 to 20/83) and from 0.80 to 0.56 (Snellen equivalent from 20/126 to 20/73) in PCV cases. Meanwhile, the BCVA logMAR values improved from 1.15 to 0.75 (Snellen equivalent from 20/283 to 20/112) and from 0.87 to 0.63 (Snellen equivalent from 20/148 to 20/85) in eyes that underwent vitrectomy or pneumatic displacement, respectively. In eyes with BCVAs between 20/133 to 20/40 at SMH onset, the final VA in the pneumatic displacement group was better than in the anti-VEGF monotherapy group. One eye had a retinal detachment and 1 eye had a macular hole in the vitrectomy group, and 5 eyes had a vitreous hemorrhage in the pneumatic displacement group.

Conclusions

The recommended treatment for SMHs secondary to nAMD exceeding 2 disc area and with BCVA below 20/40 is vitrectomy or pneumatic displacement for visual improvement.

Pachychoroid-phenotype effects on 5-year visual outcomes of anti-VEGF monotherapy in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

PURPOSE

To investigate whether the efficacy of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monotherapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) differs between pachychoroid and non-pachychoroid phenotypes in the long term.

METHODS

This retrospective longitudinal study included 115 treatment-naïve eyes in 115 consecutive patients with symptomatic PCV who were treated with anti-VEGF monotherapy and were followed up for 5 years. Eligible eyes were assigned to either a pachy-PCV group, with a pachychoroid phenotype, or a non-pachy-PCV group, without a pachychoroid phenotype. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and other parameters over a 5-year period were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

Forty-eight eyes and 67 eyes were classified into the pachy-PCV and non-pachy-PCV groups respectively. Baseline and 5-year BCVA (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) were 0.19 ± 0.20 and 0.16 ± 0.28 in the pachy-PCV group, respectively, and 0.25 ± 0.26 and 0.26 ± 0.36 in the non-pachy-PCV group respectively. BCVA did not change significantly in either group (p = 0.18 and 0.08 respectively). BCVA did not differ between the groups at any observation time-point. Subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) at baseline and at 5 years was significantly higher in the pachy-PCV group than in the non-pachy-PCV group (both p < 0.001); however, the mean rate of decrease in SFCT did not differ in either group over the 5-year period (22% vs. 23%, p = 0.81).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that anti-VEGF monotherapy was similarly effective for pachychoroid- and non-pachychoroid-phenotype eyes with PCV, for at least 5 years, although further studies are required.

Development of subretinal hemorrhage after treatment discontinuation for neovascular age-related macular degeneration and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

PURPOSE

To investigate the incidence, risk factors, and their influence on visual outcomes of subretinal hemorrhage (SRH) in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy(PCV) who discontinue treatment.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 148 patients with nAMD and PCV who discontinued treatment. The development of a 3-disc area or greater extent of SRH after treatment discontinuation was identified. Visual acuity at the final visit was compared between patients with and those without SRH. Factors associated with SRH were then analyzed.

RESULTS

During the mean 56.8 ± 18.2 months of follow-up, treatment was discontinued at a mean 24.1 ± 16.3 months after diagnosis. SRH developed in 24 (16.2%) patients at a mean 21.5 ± 17.6 months after treatment discontinuation. The visual acuity at the final follow-up was significantly worse in patients with SRH than in those without SRH (P < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the incidence of SRH among the different types of macular neovascularization (MNV) (P = 0.024). In particular, the incidence of type 3 MNV was relatively high (36.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

The development of SRH may lead to very poor visual prognosis in patients who discontinue treatment. The high risk of SRH in type 3 MNV suggests the need for caution when choosing treatment discontinuation in cases of type 3 MNV.

Evolving treatment paradigms for PCV

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is a subtype of neovascular AMD (nAMD) that accounts for a significant proportion of nAMD cases worldwide, and particularly in Asia. Contemporary PCV treatment strategies have closely followed those used in typical nAMD, though there are significant gaps in knowledge on PCV management and it remains unclear if these strategies are appropriate. Current clinical trial data suggest intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy alone or in combination with photodynamic therapy is effective in managing haemorrhage and exudation in PCV, although the optimal treatment interval, including as-needed and treat-and-extend approaches, is unclear. Newer imaging modalities, including OCT angiography and high-resolution spectral domain OCT have enabled characterisation of unique PCV biomarkers that may provide guidance on how and when treatment and re-treatment should be initiated. Treatment burden for PCV is a major focus of future therapeutic research and several newly developed anti-VEGF agents, including brolucizumab, faricimab, and new modes of drug delivery like the port delivery system, offer hope for dramatically reduced treatment burden for PCV patients. Beyond anti-VEGF therapy, recent developments in our understanding of PCV pathophysiology, in particular the role of choroidal anatomy and lipid mediators in PCV pathogenesis, offer new treatment avenues that may become clinically relevant in the future. This article explores the current management of PCV and more recent approaches to PCV treatment based on an improved understanding of this unique disease process.

Long-term outcomes of focal laser photocoagulation for the treatment of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

AIM

To evaluate the long-term effect and safety of focal laser photocoagulation treatment in eyes with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).

METHODS

Medical records of 13 eyes of 13 patients with PCV were followed-up for more than 2y after focal laser photocoagulation treatment. The patients were diagnosed with PCV using indocyanine green angiography, and eyes with other comorbid ocular diseases were excluded. The measurement outcomes of the study were the post-treatment regression and recurrence of polyps, complications, and changes in visual acuities. Paired t-test was performed to compare visual outcome before and after the treatment.

RESULTS

The mean age of the 13 patients was 70.2±5.5y, and the follow-up period was 72.3±31.0 (range, 25-118)mo. Three eyes had juxtafoveal polyps and 10 eyes had extrafoveal polyps. Of the 13 eyes, 9 eyes (69.2%) had regression of polyps 1.7±1.2 (range, 0.9-4)mo after focal laser photocoagulation. Five eyes (55.6%) showed recurrence of polyps during the follow-up periods, and the recurrence period was 12.8±18.9 (range, 1.9-48)mo. Mild subretinal hemorrhage occurred in two eyes (15.4%) 27 and 72d after laser treatment, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in visual acuities at baseline; 1, 2, 3y post-treatment (all P>0.05); and last follow-up (0.63±0.5, 0.73±0.70, 0.67±0.57, 0.75±0.7, and 0.95±0.8 logMAR, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Focal laser photocoagulation is beneficial for early regression of polyps in eyes with PCV and does not result in significant submacular hemorrhage during the long-term follow-up. Furthermore, it can be primarily considered in eyes with PCV with extrafoveal or juxtafoveal polyps to regress risky polyps as well as to maintain visual acuity without serious hemorrhagic complications.

Visual Outcomes and Prognostic Factors of Large Submacular Hemorrhages Secondary to Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy

Purpose

Patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) may develop large submacular hemorrhages (SMHs), which may result in severe visual loss. This study was performed to determine the visual outcomes and prognostic factors of large SMHs secondary to PCV.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients diagnosed with PCV who developed a large SMH. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) data were collected at the SMH development, 1 month, 1 year after the SMH development, and at the final visit. Patients' medical information also were collected and included age, gender, systemic hypertension, current regular use of an anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication, the initial area of the SMH, breakthrough vitreous hemorrhage, ocular treatment, and fellow eye status. Univariate and multiple regression analyses were performed to determine the prognostic factors for the BCVA 1 year after the development of large SMHs.

Results

Thirty eyes of 29 patients were included in this study. The mean area of the SMHs at the development was 17.0 disc areas. The mean follow-up period after the development of SMHs was 53.5 months. The mean BCVA at the development, 1 month, and 1 year after the development, and at the final visit were 20/151, 20/263, 20/138, and 20/152, respectively. Multiple regression analyses indicated that a SMH 20 disc areas or larger was a significant negative factor, and the BCVA 1 month after the development was a significant positive factor affecting the BCVA 1 year after the development of large SMHs.

Conclusion

The increase in the initial area of SMH was correlated inversely with the BCVA 1 year after the development of SMH. The BCVA 1 month after the development may predict the BCVA 1 year after the development of a large SMH.

Massive submacular haemorrhage in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy versus typical neovascular age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE

To investigate the incidence rate of massive submacular haemorrhage (SMH) and risk factors in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and typical neovascular age-related macular degeneration (tnAMD).

METHODS

A total of 465 patients who were diagnosed with either PCV (n = 245) or tnAMD (n = 220) from 2003 to 2014 were enrolled. Cumulative incidence of massive SMH in PCV and that in tnAMD were compared. Risk factors of massive SMH were also analysed.

RESULTS

Massive SMH occurred in 32 patients (13.1%) with PCV and 9 patients (4.1%) with tnAMD. Incidence rates of massive SMH 5 and 10 years after the first visit were 11.1% and 29.9% in PCV and 4.3% and 9.9% in tnAMD, respectively. Incidence rates of massive SMH in PCV were significantly higher than those in tnAMD (hazard ratio [HR], 2.66; p = 0.007). Cox regression analysis revealed that mean number of photodynamic therapies (PDTs) per year (HR, 4.24; p < 0.001), cluster type of polypoidal lesion (HR, 3.42; p = 0.003) in PCV, and mean number of anti-VEGF injections per year (HR, 1.58; p < 0.001) in tnAMD were significantly associated with risk of massive SMH. For patients with severe vision loss, proportion of incident massive SMH was significantly higher in PCV (29.5%) than in tnAMD (6.9%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The incidence rate of massive SMH in eyes with PCV was about three times higher than that in eyes with tnAMD. Treatment methods that can reduce the incidence of massive SMH should be considered, especially for eyes with PCV.

Clinical features of red blood cell-coated intraocular lens after breakthrough vitreous hemorrhage secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE

To investigate the incidence and clinical features of red blood cell (RBC)-coated intraocular lens (IOL) in breakthrough vitreous hemorrhage (VH) with subretinal hemorrhage (SRH) secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).

SETTING

Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort analysis.

METHODS

A total of 30 patients diagnosed as breakthrough VH with SRH in nAMD who underwent pars plana vitrectomy were included in this study. Demographics and clinical characteristics of the subjects, visual acuities, and SRH sizes measured as disc diameters were analyzed. The correlation analysis between SRH size and absorption duration of RBC-coated IOL were performed.

RESULTS

Out of 30 eyes in 30 patients, RBC-coated IOLs were observed in 11 patients (37%). Appearance of RBC-coated IOLs was noted 1 month postoperatively, and the mean duration of SRH absorption was 8.6 ± 2.6 months. SRH sizes were significantly different between eyes with RBC-coated IOL and clear IOL (62.8 ± 20.7 vs 27.4 ± 14.2, P < .001). There was definite correlation between SRH size and absorption duration of RBC-coated IOL (correlation coefficient 0.899, P < .001, R2 = 0.831). There were no statistically significant differences according to age, sex, laterality, underlying medical conditions, preoperative lens status, history of antivascular endothelial growth factor treatment, and visual acuities. The degenerated RBC on the surface of IOL was confirmed by electron and light microscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

RBC-coated IOL could develop after vitrectomy surgery for breakthrough VH with massive SRH secondary to nAMD, and it can be confused with IOL opacification. Because it spontaneously disappears gradually, observation without IOL removal is warranted.

Multicentre, randomised clinical trial comparing intravitreal aflibercept monotherapy versus aflibercept combined with reduced-fluence photodynamic therapy (RF-PDT) for the treatment of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy and safety of intravitreal aflibercept (IVA) monotherapy versus aflibercept combined with reduced-fluence photodynamic therapy (RF-PDT) (IVA+RF-PDT) for the treatment of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Multicentred, double-masked, randomised controlled trial to compare the two treatment modalities. The primary outcome of the study is to compare the 52-week visual outcome of IVA versus IVA+RF PDT. One hundred and sixty treatment-naïve patients with macular PCV confirmed on indocyanine green angiography will be recruited from three centres in Singapore. Eligible patients will be randomised (1:1 ratio) into one of the following groups: IVA monotherapy group-aflibercept monotherapy with sham photodynamic therapy (n=80); combination group-aflibercept with RF-PDT (n=80). Following baseline visit, all patients will be monitored at 4 weekly intervals during which disease activity will be assessed based on best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), ophthalmic examination findings, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and angiography where indicated. Eyes that meet protocol-specified retreatment criteria will receive IVA and sham/RF-PDT according to their randomisation group. Primary endpoint will be assessed as change in BCVA at week 52 from baseline. Secondary endpoints will include anatomical changes based on OCT and dye angiography as well as safety assessment. Additionally, we will be collecting optical coherence tomography angiography data prospectively for exploratory analysis.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study will be conducted in accordance with the ethical principles that have their origin in the Declaration of Helsinki and that are consistent with the ICH E6 guidelines of Good Clinical Practice and the applicable regulatory requirements. Approval from the SingHealth Centralised Institutional Review Board has been sought prior to commencement of the study.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03941587.

Replacement of polyps with type 1 macular neovascularization in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy imaged with swept source OCT angiography

Purpose

To investigate the morphological changes of polyps in eyes with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) after treatment with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors using swept source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA).

Observations

Following anti-VEGF therapy, polyps were found to evolve into typical type 1 macular neovascularization (MNV) in five eyes. In all of these five eyes, a polypoidal lesion was detected adjacent to a serous or hemorrhagic retinal pigment epithelial detachment (PED).

Conclusions and importance

Polypoidal lesions in PCV can evolve into typical type 1 MNV. This morphological evolution suggests that these polyps are clusters of tangled vessels that can proliferate into a more typical neovascular pattern, and this evolution may be facilitated by being adjacent to a PED. Since this morphological appearance could be associated with a better prognosis, SS-OCTA might be helpful in identifying cases of transformed polyps that may be associated with a decreased risk for vision loss.

POSTTREATMENT POLYP REGRESSION AND RISK OF MASSIVE SUBMACULAR HEMORRHAGE IN EYES WITH POLYPOIDAL CHOROIDAL VASCULOPATHY

PURPOSE

To study the association between the risk of massive submacular hemorrhage (SMH) and polyp regression after initial treatment of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy using long-term follow-up data.

METHODS

Retrospective study of 223 patients who were diagnosed with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy and were followed up for up to 11 years. Subjects were categorized into "regression" and "no regression" groups, according to their polyp status after the initial treatment. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were performed on development of massive SMH. The association between treatment methods and the occurrence of massive SMH was also analyzed.

RESULTS

The incidence rates of massive SMH at 3, 6, and 9 years in the "no regression" group were 6.50, 22.59, and 38.03%, respectively, and in the "regression" group were 1.14, 6.47, and 10.92%, respectively (P = 0.005, log-rank test). The hazard ratio of massive SMH was 3.677 for cluster-type polyps and 0.271 for polyp regression after initial treatment. A higher rate of polyp regression was associated with photodynamic therapy (PDT) than anti-VEGF monotherapy (64.4 vs. 33.3%, P < 0.001). Additional anti-VEGF treatments after initial PDT showed lower risk of massive SMH than PDT only. (9.5 vs 38.5%, P = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

The long-term risk of massive SMH after initial treatment on polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy is significantly higher in eyes with persistent polyps than those with regressed polyps. Ophthalmologists should pay attention to the risk of massive SMH and the polyp status when treating polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.

Short-term outcomes of intravitreal brolucizumab for treatment-naïve neovascular age-related macular degeneration with type 1 choroidal neovascularization including polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of loading phase treatment with intravitreal brolucizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) with type 1 choroidal neovascularization (CNV). We analyzed consecutive 42 eyes of 40 patients with treatment-naïve nAMD associated with type 1 CNV. Three monthly injections of brolucizumab were completed in 36 eyes (85.7%). In those cases, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.24 ± 0.27 at baseline and improved significantly to 0.12 ± 0.23 after 3 months (P < 0.001). Central macular thickness was 301 ± 110 µm at baseline and decreased significantly to 160 ± 49 µm after 3 months (P < 0.001). Dry macula was achieved in 34 eyes (94.4%) after the loading phase. Central choroidal thickness was 264 ± 89 µm at baseline and decreased significantly to 223 ± 81 µm after 3 months (P < 0.001). Indocyanine green angiography after the loading phase revealed complete regression of polypoidal lesions in 15 of the 19 eyes (78.9%) with polypoidal lesions. Non-infectious intraocular inflammation (IOI) was observed in 8 of 42 eyes (19.0%) during the loading phase, while showing amelioration in response to combination therapy with topical and subtenon injection of steroids. In these eyes, BCVA after 3 months had not deteriorated as compared to that at baseline. These results indicate that loading phase treatment with intravitreal brolucizumab might be effective for improving visual acuity and reducing exudative changes in eyes with nAMD associated with type 1 CNV. Moreover, polypoidal lesions appear to frequently regress after this treatment. However, we must monitor patients carefully for brolucizumab-related IOI, and administer steroid therapy promptly.

Comparative analysis of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy with and without hemorrhage treated by anti-VEGF monotherapy

PURPOSE

Visual function and treatment response after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor monotherapy were compared between polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) with and without hemorrhage.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective, observational study (mean, 26 months) for 49 eyes of 49 treatment-naive patients with PCV. Patients were classified into PCV with hemorrhage (26 eyes) or without hemorrhage (23 eyes). PCV with massive hemorrhage subgroup has four or more disc-hemorrhagic areas and included five eyes.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in patient age, sex, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, presence of choroidal vascular hyperpermeability, number of polyps, maximum polyp size, lesion area, and presence of pigment epithelium detachment (PED) between the two groups. Except for the course of PCV-related hemorrhage, treatment number and its response were similar between the groups. Best-corrected visual acuity at the last visit in PCV with hemorrhage was 0.33 ± 0.51 logMAR (20/41) comparable with 0.28 ± 0.41 logMAR (20/38) without hemorrhage at the last visit (p = 0.944). Maximum polyp size in massive hemorrhagic PCV was significantly larger (314.6 ± 111.4 μm) than that of small hemorrhagic PCV (229.0 ± 119.1 μm; p = 0.037). All PCV with massive hemorrhage was accompanied by large hemorrhagic PED.

CONCLUSION

There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics, treatment intervention, or suppression of disease activity between PCV with and without hemorrhage. Final visual acuity of PCV did not differ with or without hemorrhage. Development of massive hemorrhaging in PCV may be associated with both large polyps and hemorrhagic PED.

Prognostic Factors and Long-term Surgical Outcomes for Exudative Age-related Macular Degeneration with Breakthrough Vitreous Hemorrhage

Purpose

We sought to evaluate the long-term outcomes for patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) undergoing vitrectomy for breakthrough vitreous hemorrhage and to investigate possible prognostic factors.

Methods

Consecutive patients treated at two high-volume referral-based tertiary hospitals between July 2006 and December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Surgery was performed using the standard three-port vitrectomy. The primary outcome was the change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) over long-term follow-up, while secondary outcomes included the assessment of possible prognostic factors.

Results

Among 50 eyes from 50 patients included in this study, 23 (46%) were diagnosed with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and 27 (54%) were diagnosed with neovascular AMD. Preoperative vision at the time of vitreous hemorrhage onset was 20 / 3,027 (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR], 2.18 ± 0.34). At 12 months after surgery, the mean BCVA improved to 20 / 873 (logMAR, 1.64 ± 0.76; p < 0.001). At 24 months, the BCVA was 20 / 853 (logMAR, 1.63 ± 0.75; p < 0.001). Univariate analysis revealed that older age (odds ratio [OR], 0.879; p = 0.007] and the presence of submacular hemorrhage (OR, 0.081; p = 0.022) were factors associated with a poor 2-year visual outcome. Multivariable regression showed that older age (OR, 0.876; p = 0.026) and neovascular AMD (as compared with PCV) (OR, 0.137; p = 0.014) were significant negative factors influencing the 2-year visual outcome. The mean injection interval prior to vitrectomy was 4.53 months, which extended to 27.64 months after vitrectomy (p = 0.028).

Conclusions

Younger age, the absence of submacular hemorrhage, and PCV type were associated with a favorable 2-year visual outcome after vitrectomy for vitreous hemorrhage in patients with exudative AMD. Overall, vitrectomy resulted in improved visual acuity and patients showed a decreased need for anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy thereafter.

Associations of systemic, serum lipid and lipoprotein metabolic pathway gene variations with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in China

BACKGROUND

To investigate the association of systemic, serum lipids and genetic variants in the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolic pathway with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) in China.

METHODS

The case-control study was included 150 controls and 66 cases with PCV. Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), HDL, triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein A1 (APOA1), apolipoprotein B (APOB) together with systemic risk factors including gender, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD) and asthma were identified. All subjects were genotyped for four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from three genes in the HDL metabolic pathway: rs10468017 of hepatic lipase (LIPC), rs12678919 of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), rs3764261 and rs173539 of cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Student's t-tests, chi-square tests, anova and logistic regression were used to evaluate associations.

RESULTS

Hyperlipidemia was a risk factor (odds ratio (OR) = 1.19, P = 0.001) for PCV. HDL, LDL and APOB levels were associated with PCV (OR = 0.001, P = 0.004; OR = 0.099, P = 0.010; OR = 0.839, P = 0.018). Higher level of TC was potently associated with increased risk of PCV (OR = 109.8, P = 0.000). LIPC rs10468017 was a risk factor for PCV (OR = 11.68, P = 0.000). CETP rs3764261 conferred a decreased risk for PCV (OR = 0.08, P = 0.000). No associations of LPL rs12678919 or CETP rs173539 with PCV were found. Mean level of HDL increased with T allele of the CETP gene (p = 0.026): 1.24 mmol/L (±0.31) for the GG genotype and 1.66 mmol/L (±0.54) for the TT genotype. Additionally, T allele was associated with the following increase in APOA1: 136.78 mg/dl (±20.53) for the CC genotype and 149.57 mg/dl (±22.67) for the TT genotype of LIPC and 137.91 mg/dl (±20.36) for the GG genotype and 162.67 mg/dl (±22.50) for the TT genotype of CETP gene.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggested that the significant association was found between hyperlipidemia, the serum levels of TC, HDL, LDL and APOB and PCV. The result of present study also showed that the association of LIPC rs10468017 and CETP rs3764261 with PCV.

Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy for Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy Associated with and without Pachychoroid Phenotypes

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in eyes with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) associated with and without pachychoroid phenotypes (pachychoroid PCV and nonpachychoroid PCV, respectively).

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients previously diagnosed with PCV and initially treated with PDT.

METHODS

Patients were classified as having pachychoroid- or nonpachychoroid-driven conditions. The long-term visual outcome and its associated factors were investigated.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Visual acuity (VA) outcomes at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years after initial PDT in pachychoroid and nonpachychoroid PCV.

RESULTS

Of the 158 eyes, 88 (55.7%) met the criteria for pachychoroid PCV; 70 (44.3%) did not (nonpachychoroid PCV). In cases of pachychoroid PCV, VA improved significantly at 1 year (P = 0.042) and maintained baseline level at 5 years (P = 0.38). By contrast, VA continued to deteriorate in the nonpachychoroid PCV group during the follow-up period and had already declined significantly by the second year (P = 0.022, compared with baseline). Despite no difference in baseline VA between pachychoroid and nonpachychoroid PCV groups (P = 0.11), the VA at 5 years was significantly better in the pachychoroid PCV group compared with the nonpachychoroid PCV group (0.54±0.47 vs. 0.93±0.63, respectively; P = 0.23 × 10^-3). The incidence of massive submacular hemorrhage (SMH) or vitreous hemorrhage (VH) was not different between groups at 5 years (P = 0.67), and their occurrence was associated with decreased VA in both the nonpachychoroid and pachychoroid PCV groups (coefficient β, 0.361 and 0.481; P = 0.59 × 10^-3 and P < 1.0 × 10^-5, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Five years after PDT treatment, VA was maintained at the baseline level in the pachychoroid PCV group but not in the nonpachychoroid PCV group. Massive SMH or VH during the follow-up period affected the final visual outcomes in both conditions.

Prognostic factors for combined ranibizumab and prompt verteporfin photodynamic therapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

PURPOSE

To investigate the prognostic factors for the combined therapy of ranibizumab and prompt verteporfin photodynamic therapy (vPDT) for eyes with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).

METHODS

Sixty-two PCV eyes of 62 patients that received the initial treatment of intravitreal ranibizumab followed by vPDT within 1 week plus a 2nd intravitreal ranibizumab 1 month later in one single medical center were retrospectively enrolled. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and parameters obtained from optical coherence tomography at baseline, 3 months, 6 months and 1  year were measured and compared. Factors associated with polyp regression, recurrent hemorrhage and visual improvement were analyzed.

RESULTS

After the loading treatment, complete and partial polyp regression was achieved in 53.6% and 39.3% of cases, respectively at Month 3. The mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution of BCVA improved from 0.64 ± 0.38 to 0.55 ± 0.46 (P =  0.008) at Month 12. Recurrent hemorrhage (P =  0.001) and previous anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment (P =  0.017) were associated with poorer visual improvement at Month 12. Incomplete polyp regression (P =  0.038) and previous anti-VEGF treatment (P =  0.005) were associated with a higher risk of recurrent hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrent hemorrhage was associated with poor visual improvement after combined ranibizumab and vPDT for PCV. Complete polyp eradication was associated with a lower risk of recurrent hemorrhage. Patients who had previously received anti-VEGF were associated with recurrent hemorrhage and poor visual improvement; more frequent follow-ups and more aggressive subsequent treatments may be needed for these cases.

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy: An update on current management and review of literature

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is a subtype of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), commonly seen in the Asian population. It is dissimilar in epidemiology, genetic heterogeneity, pathogenesis, natural history, and response to treatment in comparison to nAMD. Confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy-based simultaneous fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) with enhanced depth imaging, swept-source OCT, and OCT angiography have improved the ability to detect PCV, understand its pathology, and monitor treatment response. A plethora of literature has discussed the efficacy of photodynamic therapy, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monotherapy, and combination of both, but only a few studies with higher level of evidence and limited follow-up duration are available. This review discusses the understanding of PCV with respect to epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, natural history, imaging techniques, and various treatment options. Recent clinical trials (EVEREST-II and PLANET study) have emphasized that either anti-VEGF monotherapy or combination treatment is equally capable to strike a balance between polyp regression and stabilization of visual acuity. The recurrent nature of the disease, the development of macular atrophy, and the long-term poor visual prognosis despite treatment are concerns that open avenues for further research.

Development of Submacular Hemorrhage in Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration: Influence on Visual Prognosis in a Clinical Setting

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate changes in visual acuity before and after the development of submacular hemorrhage secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and to compare the visual outcomes between patients with and without hemorrhage.

Methods

This retrospective observational study included 124 patients with neovascular AMD. Patients who developed a submacular hemorrhage involving the fovea were included in the hemorrhage group (n = 55). Patients with no sign of submacular hemorrhage during the follow-up period were included in the no-hemorrhage group (n = 69). Visual outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Results

The logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before the development of submacular hemorrhage, once the hemorrhage had developed, and 6 months after the development of hemorrhage was 0.59 ± 0.45, 1.24 ± 0.57, and 0.99 ± 0.64, respectively. BCVA was significantly worse 6 months after the hemorrhage compared to before the hemorrhage (p < 0.001). The BCVA before the development of hemorrhage (measured at a mean of 12.9 months after diagnosis) was comparable to that of the no-hemorrhage group (mean, 0.58 ± 0.37 at a mean of 12.4 months). However, the BCVA 6 months after identification of hemorrhage (mean, 21.5 months) was significantly worse in the hemorrhage group than in the no-hemorrhage group (mean, 0.73 ± 0.44 at mean 21.2 months) (p = 0.018).

Conclusions

Visual acuity was significantly worse after hemorrhage than before hemorrhage, even after treatment. In addition, patients with submacular hemorrhage had markedly worse visual outcomes than patients without hemorrhage. This result suggests that the development of hemorrhage during the treatment course of neovascular AMD has a devastating effect on visual prognosis.

Long-term visual outcomes for treatment of submacular haemorrhage secondary to polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

IMPORTANCE

There is no consensus on the optimal management of submacular haemorrhage (SMH) secondary to polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).

BACKGROUND

To compare the long-term outcome of three treatment strategies for PCV with SMH.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series at two tertiary hospitals.

SAMPLES

A total of 48 consecutive eyes treated between July 2006 and March 2016.

METHODS

Patients were grouped according to the treatment received: 22 eyes with intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB), 14 with a combination of IVB and pneumatic displacement (PD) and 12 with IVB and vitrectomy (TPPV).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at onset and up to 24 months. Secondary measures included demographic data, imaging data and complications.

RESULTS

Comparing the mean BCVAs of the groups revealed significant differences only at month 1 (P = 0.005). Changes in the mean BCVA over time revealed no significance in the resulting final BCVA (P = 0.062), which was 20 out of 155 (logMAR 0.89 ± 0.64) for IVB monotherapy, 20 out of 174 (0.94 ± 1.04) for combined IVB + PD, and 20 out of 195 (0.99 ± 0.90) for combined IVB + TPPV eyes. Sustained long-term improvement of over three Snellen lines was found in seven (31.82%) IVB monotherapy, 10 (71.43%) combined IVB + PD, and seven (58.33%) combined IVB + TPPV eyes (P = 0.043). SMH recurrence was observed in two eyes after IVB monotherapy and one eye after combined IVB + PD (P = 0.786).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

IVB monotherapy appears to be as effective as combination therapies for treating SMH secondary to PCV with regards to BCVA at 24 months, and may be a cost-effective strategy for long-term management.

Submacular Hemorrhage: Visual Outcomes and Prognostic Factors

PURPOSE

To describe causes, visual outcomes, and prognostic factors in patients with submacular hemorrhage (SMH).

DESIGN

Retrospective case review.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of SMH with a size of at least 1 disc diameter. SMH causes were classified into 3 groups: 1) neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), 2) polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), and 3) other miscellaneous causes.

RESULTS

Ninety-eight eyes of 98 patients were included. Based on clinical presentation and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), the diagnoses of PCV (59%), nAMD (31%), and miscellaneous other causes (10%) were made. PCV patients were younger (P = 0.005) and had larger SMH size than nAMD patients (P = 0.008). Poor visual outcome [>1.0 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR)] at 6 months was associated with low initial visual acuity (VA; >1.0 logMAR; P = 0.002) and with the diagnosis of nAMD (P = 0.02). In addition, limited visual outcomes were noted for patients older than 65 years and those with persistent SMH for at least 2 months.

CONCLUSIONS

PCV was the most common cause of SMH in Thailand. ICGA represented a valuable tool for the diagnosis. Visual outcomes were limited for patients with nAMD and for patients who presented with poor initial VA.

Retinal sensitivity after displacement of submacular hemorrhage due to polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy: effectiveness and safety of subretinal tissue plasminogen activator

PURPOSE

To investigate the effectiveness of displacement of submacular hemorrhage (SMH) caused by polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) by assessing retinal sensitivity using microperimetry.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 11 consecutive PCV patients with SMH. All patients underwent vitrectomy, subretinal injection of tissue plasminogen activator, and fluid-air exchange, followed by antivascular endothelial growth factor therapy using a pro re nata regimen. The retinal sensitivity was measured by use of microperimetry before and after surgery.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) age of the patients was 74.1 ± 9.4 years. The mean SMH diameter was 6.8 ± 5.2 disc diameters. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), mean retinal sensitivity, and mean number of measure points with a sensitivity ≥10 dB before the surgery were 0.94 ± 0.49, 4.2 ± 4.5 dB, and 15.6 ± 15.1 points, respectively. These had significantly improved 6 months after surgery (0.39 ± 0.37, 15.6 ± 7.3 dB, and 50.9 ± 22.2 points, respectively; P < 0.05 for all outcome measures). The mean number of measure points with an absolute scotoma before surgery had decreased significantly 6 months after surgery (from 40.5 ± 15.0 to 9.4 ± 16.0 points; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Displacement of SMH effectively improves retinal sensitivity as well as BCVA.

Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The goal of this paper is to review the recent literature of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and provide an update on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical findings, and management.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although indocyanine-green angiography (ICGA) is still the gold standard for diagnosis of PCV, the use of en face optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography are useful tools in the diagnosis of PCV. Studies demonstrate superior treatment outcomes with combination photodynamic therapy (PDT) and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy.

SUMMARY

PCV is a disease most commonly in Asians and African-Americans and presents with an orange-red nodule in the macula or the peripapillary region. While ICGA remains the most accurate method to diagnose PCV, newer non-invasive imaging modalities (eg. OCT-A and en face OCT) can be used to identify PCV lesions. The combination of PDT and anti-VEGF therapy is superior to either monotherapy. Future studies of OCT modalities and other anti-VEGF agents will be important in guiding PCV diagnosis and management, respectively.