Retinal vasoproliferative tumours

Nonpigmented Adenoma of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium Mimicking a Retinal Vasoproliferative Tumor Managed With Endoresection

Purpose: To present a case with signs suggestive of a retinal vasoproliferative tumor. Methods: A case report was evaluated and a surgical video presented. Results: A 61-year-old White man presented with an amelanotic retinal tumor associated with exudation, retinal edema, and overlying telangiectatic vessels, suggestive of a retinal vasoproliferative tumor. Standardized echography showed an irregular mass with medium-to-high internal reflectivity and internal calcification, which suggested chronicity. He was initially treated for an exudative retinal detachment (RD) in the context of a presumed vasoproliferative tumor but later developed combined exudative and rhegmatogenous RD, prompting surgical repair with tumor endoresection. Pathology showed nonpigmented adenoma of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Conclusions: Nonpigmented adenoma of the RPE is a rare tumor, and its clinical similarity to a vasoproliferative tumor should be noted. Endoresection may be considered in cases resulting in RD.

CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF SECONDARY RETINAL VASOPROLIFERATIVE TUMOR/REACTIVE RETINAL ASTROCYTIC TUMOR SUCCESSFULLY TREATED BY ENDORESECTION

PURPOSE

To report the clinicopathological findings of retinal vasoproliferative tumor/reactive retinal astrocytic tumor (VPT/RRAT) with retinal vasculitis, treated by tumor resection.

METHODS

A retrospective single case report.

PATIENT

A 29-year-old Japanese woman was referred with cystoid macular edema and retinal vasculitis in the right eye. Best-corrected visual acuity was 0.9. Results of fundus examination, optical coherence tomography, and fluorescein angiography demonstrated VPT/RRATs in the temporal retina surrounded by a subretinal exudate, serous retinal detachment and macular edema, and retinal vasculitis. Despite 3 months of oral prednisolone treatment, a full-thickness macular hole developed. Pars plana vitrectomy and endoresection of the VPT/RRATs were performed. Pathologic and immunohistochemical analyses with anti-CD34 antibody, antiglial fibrillary acidic protein antibody, anti-Ki67 antibody, and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibody were performed on the excised tissue. Inflammation was evaluated by immunohistological staining with leukocyte common antigen (LCA), anti-CD3 antibody, and anti-CD20 antibody.

RESULTS

After surgery, the macular hole closed, best-corrected visual acuity improved to 1.2, retinal vasculitis was ameliorated, and retinal exudate disappeared. There was no recurrence of VPT/RRAT or retinal vasculitis. Pathologic examination showed that antiglial fibrillary acidic protein and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor were widely expressed, irrespective of the distribution of blood vessels. Ki67-positive proliferating cells were detected in the perivascular area. Leukocyte common antigen-positive leukocytes and CD3-positive T cells were detected throughout the samples, whereas CD20-positive B cells were rarely detected.

CONCLUSION

Endoresection of VPT/RRAT could be a good treatment option for secondary VPT/RRAT accompanied by retinal vasculitis. Pathologic findings revealed for the first time that inflammatory cells infiltrate the tissue in secondary VPT/RRAT.

SURGICAL OUTCOMES OF PARS PLANA VITRECTOMY FOR INTRAOCULAR COMPLICATIONS RELATED TO VASOPROLIFERATIVE TUMOR OF THE RETINA

PURPOSE

To investigate the safety and efficacy of vitrectomy pars plana vitrectomy in managing intraocular complications relating to vasoproliferative tumors of the retina (VPL).

METHODS

Retrospective study. 17 patients with VPL who underwent vitrectomy at Sheffield Teaching Hospital NHS Trust from 2005 to 2020 were included. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, intraoperative data, and surgical outcomes were collected and evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean age was 52 years. Indications for pars plana vitrectomy included epiretinal membrane (n = 7), vitreous hemorrhage (n = 5), retinal detachment (n = 3), diagnostic (n = 1), and others (n = 1). After pars plana vitrectomy, 14/17 (82.4%) have stabilized vision and 3/17 (17.6%) deteriorated. Subgroup analysis of epiretinal membrane peel had good outcomes with 6/7 (85.7%) noticing improvement or stabilization of symptoms and mean logarithm of minimal angle of resolution visual acuity improved from 0.719 [6/30] ± 0.267 [6/12] to 0.476 [6/19] ± 0.271 [6/12]. Patients undergoing surgery for vitreous hemorrhage also had good outcomes with resolution (and no recurrence) of the hemorrhage in 3/5 (60%) and 5/5 (100%) with one or more surgeries, respectively. Outcomes for retinal detachment surgery were logarithm of minimal angle of resolution 2.126 [HM] ± 0.301 [6/12] preoperatively and 1.185 [6/95] ± 0.522 [6/19] postoperatively, with one recurrence of retinal detachment. In the epiretinal membrane group, three patients had adjunctive treatment for VPL intraoperatively and four patients had none, and no difference found between the two groups in outcome or complications. Tumor with thickness of ≥2 mm exhibited inferior visual outcomes compared with <2 mm ( P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This is one of the largest data sets in looking at outcomes of vitrectomy for complications of VPL. Pars plana vitrectomy is effective and safe in managing VPL-related intraocular complications with good outcomes and a low rate of complications, especially for patients with epiretinal membrane and vitreous hemorrhage.

Repair of a Tractional Retinal Detachment in the Setting of an Idiopathic Vasoproliferative Tumor

Vasoproliferative tumors (VPT) are benign retinal lesions that may cause epiretinal membrane proliferation and tractional retinal detachments (TRD). We describe a case of a 71-year-old woman who presented with a macula involving TRD in the setting of a VPT. Given the limited number of publications on the management of these cases, we aim to articulate some principles we believe may be helpful in planning a surgical approach that maximizes postoperative anatomic and functional outcomes. We hope that our video provides useful guidance in preparing the vitreoretinal surgeon for managing this uncommon entity. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2023;54:485-488.].

Epiretinal Membrane and Vitreomacular Traction Associated With Vasoproliferative Tumor in Macular Telangiectasia Type 2: A Case Report

We report a case of a 62-year-old man who presented with blurred and distorted vision in both eyes. Fundus examination revealed a fibrous band-like membrane emanating from the disc to the foveal center in the right eye, aneurysmal gray parafoveal lesions in both eyes, and an inferotemporal peripheral vascular tumor in the right eye. The presence of an epiretinal membrane with vitreomacular traction in this patient has led to the diagnosis of an incidental peripheral vascular tumor. To our knowledge, there are no reports describing an association between macular telangiectasia type 2 and epiretinal membrane formation with vitreomacular traction due to a vasoproliferative tumor.

A case of primary vasoproliferative tumor with full-thickness macular hole

A 53-year-old female presented with defective vision in the left eye of one week duration with a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 6/9. Fundus examination showed a primary retinal vasoproliferative tumor (RVPT) at the inferotemporal quadrant and a small full-thickness macular hole (MH). The patient underwent cryotherapy for RVPT, followed later by vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling and gas tamponade. The tumor regressed and the MH was closed with BCVA of 6/9. RVPT can present with remote macular complications like epiretinal membrane, cystoid macular edema, macular exudates, and rarely full-thickness MH. Management should be directed towards the tumor as well as the complication.

EN BLOC RESECTION OF RETINAL VASOPROLIFERATIVE TUMOR USING 23G VITRECTOMY. A CASE REPORT

PURPOSE

Retinal vasoproliferative tumor is one of the benign vascular tumors which in advanced stages leads to exudative retinal detachment with the formation of epiretinal and subretinal membranes. In such advanced stages, one of the therapeutic options is pars plana vitrectomy. This article presents the case of a patient on whom was performed 23-gauge pars plana phacovitrectomy with en bloc resection of the tumor followed by histological confirmation.

CASE REPORT

A 70-year-old patient with a one-year history of unilateral loss of vision in his left eye was admitted to our clinic for examination in February 2018. At admission, the best corrected visual acuity in the right eye was 1.0, and in the left eye was light perception. Based on the clinical picture, sonographic examination of the eye, and fluorescein angiography, the patient was diagnosed with a retinal vasoproliferative tumor. Due to the advanced stage of disease, we proceeded with surgical intervention. We performed 23-gauge phacovitrectomy with a bloc resection of the tumor. Subsequent histological examination confirmed the presence of the presumed tumor. The follow-up exam a few months later showed a completely attached retina with silicone oil tamponade, without exudative retinopathy. However, the best corrected visual acuity improved only slightly to the ability to count fingers at one meter.

CONCLUSION

Pars plana vitrectomy with en bloc resection of retinal vasoproliferative tumor is one of the therapeutic modalities in advanced stages.

Long-term success treating inflammatory epiretinal neovascularization with immunomodulatory therapy

PURPOSE

This study aims to report the long-term outcomes of uveitis-associated optic disc and epiretinal neovascularization (NV) treated with immunomodulatory therapy alone.

METHODS

This is a retrospective, multi-center chart review conducted at Northwestern University (Chicago, IL) and San Raffaele Scientific Institute (Milan, Italy) from 2014 to 2021 of patients with optic disc and/or retinal neovascularization associated with uveitis. The data collected included age at the time of NV detection, gender, medications, and follow-up period. Imaging was reviewed if available.

RESULTS

Eight eyes of six patients were identified. The mean age was 22 years (range 10-52 years); the median follow-up was 3 years (range 6 months to 7 years). All eyes presented with active NV at the time of uveitis onset; 7 eyes were treatment-naïve. None had clinical or angiographic evidence of retinal ischemia. All patients received a variable combination of local steroids, systemic steroids, and systemic immunosuppression. Complete resolution of uveitic NV occurred in all eyes within a median of 8 weeks (ranging 2-20 weeks) from initiating treatment. No NV recurrence was noted.

CONCLUSION

Immunomodulatory therapy alone may be successful in achieving long-term control of uveitis-associated NV, without the use of destructive measures.

Macular sequelae in vasoproliferative tumors: results of surgical approach

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to report the clinical manifestations and treatment outcomes in three patients diagnosed with vasoproliferative tumors (VPTs).

METHODS

A retrospective, single-center case series was conducted, and retinal findings from three cases were documented by clinical examination and multimodal imaging.

RESULTS

Three patients presented with an elevated, yellow-white retinal lesion located at the peripheral retina and extensive retinal exudation. All three patients were closely monitored, and tumor-associated features included lipid exudates, cystoid macular edema (CMO), pre-retinal fibrosis and epi-retinal membrane (ERM). Clinical management relied on observation, cryotherapy, laser photocoagulation, intravitreal steroids and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment. Despite different clinical courses, two patients underwent vitreo-retinal surgery to address VPT-related complications of macular hole and vitreo-macular traction, whereas a patient underwent phacoemulsification to treat steroid-induced cataract.

CONCLUSION

VPTs are uncommon benign vascular tumors and usually located at the infero-temporal peripheral retina. Close observation and early diagnosis of VPTs are of great importance in preventing vision-threatening complications and ensuring the best final visual outcome. The optimal treatment has yet to be defined due to lack of multi-center clinical studies. Despite the availability of less invasive therapeutic interventions, however, our case series show that pars plana vitrectomy is sometimes the most appropriate choice to restore visual acuity.

Management of Vasoproliferative Tumors of the Retina with Macular Complications by Pars Plana Vitrectomy Combined with Episcleral Cryotherapy

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with episcleral cryotherapy in treating vasoproliferative tumors of the retina (VPTR) with macular complications.

Methods

In this retrospective noncomparative interventional case-series analysis, we included 11 eyes of ten patients diagnosed with VPTR. All patients underwent comprehensive ophthalmic examinations and were treated with PPV combined with episcleral cryotherapy. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), tumor activity, retinal morphological structure, and postoperative complications were evaluated.

Results

Macular complications included epimacular membrane (n = 10), macular hole (n = 3), and macular edema (n = 1). Tumors were treated with triple freeze-thaw episcleral cryotherapy during PPV. The mean logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) BCVA dropped from 0.62 ± 0.58 to 0.39 ± 0.46. The difference between the mean values of logMAR BCVA before and after treatment was statistically significant (t = 2.48, P=0.033). The tumor activity was controlled effectively in nine cases. Compared with preoperative tumor activity, tumor activity after treatment was significantly lower (P < 0.01). The increase of central retinal thickness and the disruption of retinal layers were associated with macular holes, macular edema, and retinal proliferative membrane. After the treatment, visual acuity improved in 91% of the cases, and 73% had no long-term complications.

Conclusion

PPV combined with episcleral cryotherapy promoted tumor regression, preserved retinal integrity, and improved visual acuity. Thus, the combination of PPV with episcleral cryotherapy can be considered effective and safe for the management of VPTR with macular complications.

Indocyanine green angiographic findings in seven eyes with vasoproliferative retinal tumor

Purpose

Vasoproliferative tumors (VPTs) are rare benign tumors, and detailed indocyanine green angiographic (ICGA) findings in eyes with VPTs have not been reported. We present the characteristic ICGA findings in seven eyes with a VPT.

Observations

We present the fluorescein angiographic (FA) and ICGA findings of seven consecutive patients who were diagnosed with primary VPT from April 2013 to March 2015 in the Oncology Service of the Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University. We reviewed the demographics of the seven patients with VPTs. Abnormal vessels within the tumor were observed in three cases with active tumors. These vessels were hypofluorescent in the ICGA images in the scar phase. On the other hand, three cases in which the exudation remained from the initial visit to the last examination had abnormal vessels in the ICGA images. The remaining case had one straight vessel in the tumor from the initial to the last examination in the scar phase. FA in the active phase changed from hyperfluorescent leakage to staining in one eye, and the remaining six eyes continued to show hyperfluorescent leakage throughout the examination period.

Conclusions

The leakage of fluorescein continued from the initial to the final examination even after the activity of the tumor had decreased. In the active phase, ICGA showed abnormal vessels with or without leakage, and the tumors at the scar phase show a hypofluorescent lesion.

Importance

ICGA supported the ophthalmoscopic findings, and can be used as a diagnostic aid to confirm a regression of the VPTs.

Updated Systematic Review and Clinical Spectrum of Peripheral Exudative Hemorrhagic Chorioretinopathy

Peripheral exudative hemorrhagic chorioretinopathy (PEHCR) is a rare retinal vasculopathy that might cause subretinal and/or vitreous hemorrhages. Although the primary etiology is still unknown, choroidal neovascularization is mainly involved in the pathogenesis. The main risk factors are age and systemic hypertension. Ancillary testing such as fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography and ultrasonography can be of great value for diagnosing this entity and distinguishing PEHCR from other lesions as choroidal melanoma and retinal vasoproliferative tumor. Various treatments have been reported including photocoagulation, cryotherapy, intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (Anti-VEGF) and surgical intervention as pars plana vitrectomy. This review handles an up-to-date perspective regarding PEHCR.

Ru-106 plaque radiotherapy for vasoproliferative tumors of retina: a 15-year single-center experience

PURPOSE

This study evaluates the outcomes of ruthenium-106 (Ru-106) plaque brachytherapy for vasoproliferative tumors (VPTs) of the ocular fundus in a single referral ocular oncology center.

METHODS

The clinical charts of all patients diagnosed with VPT who underwent plaque radiotherapy from 2002 to 2017 were reviewed. Clinical features, types of treatment, outcomes and complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

Of 46 patients with VPT diagnosis in our ocular oncology clinic, 25 (54.34%) cases were treated with Ru-106 plaque brachytherapy. Eleven patients (44%) were male, and the mean age at the time of diagnosis was 40.92 ± 13.11 years. The mean follow-up time was 47.56 ± 36.87 months. Inferotemporal quadrant was the most common site of the tumor (64.00%). The mean delivered apex and scleral dose was 101.56 ± 6.51 and 412.26 ± 113.66 Gray (Gy), respectively. Initial tumor length, width and thickness were 10.26 ± 3.42, 8.05 ± 2.83 and 4.27 ± 1.10 mm, respectively. The mean tumor thickness decreased to 2.60 ± 0.63 mm, postoperatively. Complete resolution of subretinal fluid around the tumor was achieved in 81.80% of cases. Visual acuity was more than 20/400 in 64% of patients before treatment and 60% of patients at last follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that Ru-106 plaque radiotherapy is an effective and safe method of treatment in VPTs.

Update on the management of vasoproliferative tumour

CASE REPORT

Here we report a 19-year-old female patient who presented a vasoproliferative tumour. It caused complications, such as epiretinal membrane, macular oedema, vitreous haemorrhage, and exudative retinal detachment. The patient was treated with 3 injections of intravitreal bevacizumab, an intravitreal dexamethasone implant, tocilizumab, and double freeze-thaw cryotherapy.

DISCUSSION

Therapeutic options are: observation, if it is small, if it is a peripheral lesion, and if there seems to be no threat to vision. If it requires treatment, laser photocoagulation, intravitreal bevacizumab, trans-conjunctival cryotherapy, transpupillary thermotherapy, photodynamic therapy, brachytherapy plaques and surgery are the different options available. Recently, tocilizumab and intravitreal dexamethasone implants have been reported to be beneficial.

Clinical features and treatment outcomes of vasoproliferative tumors in Indian participants

Purpose:

The aim of the study was to describe the clinical features and treatment outcomes of vasoproliferative tumors (VPT) in Indian participants.

Methods:

This study design was a retrospective case series in a tertiary eye care center. Case records of patients diagnosed with VPT from 2011 to 2015 were reviewed, and their demographic details, clinical presentation, and treatment outcomes were documented. Baseline and follow-up visual acuity and tumor dimensions were statistically compared by applying paired t-test. Statistical analysis used SPSS version 14.

Results:

Twenty-two tumors from 19 eyes of 17 patients were included. Mean age at presentation was 43.5 years (range: 15–68 years). Mean presenting best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was + 1.10 logMAR. Sixty-eight percent eyes had secondary tumors. Most common association of secondary VPT was Coats disease followed by retinal vasculitis, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, familial exudative vitreoretinopathy, and traumatic chorioretinopathy. Ten tumors (45%) involved the inferior quadrant. Tumor-associated features were intra/subretinal exudates, vitritis, subretinal fluid, vitreous hemorrhage, preretinal fibrosis, epiretinal membrane, and subretinal blood. Treatment included cryotherapy, intravitreal or oral steroids, laser photocoagulation, cryotherapy with encirclage, cryotherapy with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor, and observation. Complications included tumor recurrence, retinal detachment, raised intraocular pressure, neovascularization of iris, and cataract. Ninety-five percent VPT regressed at mean 21 months (Median: 17 months; Range: 3–64 months). Mean final BCVA was + 1.21 logMAR.

Conclusion:

VPTs are commonly unilateral, unifocal, and located anterior to equator in inferior fundus. Secondary tumors are more common than primary tumors. Treatment achieves tumor regression in majority of cases.

Bilateral Myelinated Retinal Nerve Fibers Associated With Bilateral Vitreous Cysts and Solitary Vasoproliferative Tumor: A New Syndrome

The authors report a case of a 57-year-old male with high myopia, extensive bilateral myelination of the retinal nerve fiber layer, bilateral vitreous cysts, and a solitary vasoproliferative tumor in the right eye. He underwent pars plana vitrectomy and multiple transpupillary thermotherapy treatments for recurrent vitreous hemorrhages and subretinal exudation from the vasoproliferative tumor. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first description of this constellation of findings and suggests this represents a new syndrome. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2018;49:356-359.].

Retinal meteor

We describe a case of a 65-year old man diagnosed with retinal vasoproliferative tumour secondary to posterior uveitis. The fluorescein angiography shows an interesting meteor-like leak emanating from the tumour and rising towards the superior retina in the later frames of the angiogram. Pictorially, we call it the “Retinal Meteor” and also describe the possible mechanism for this pattern of leakage.

Intravitreal bevacizumab role in the treatment of macular edema secondary to retinal vasoproliferative tumor in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1

Objective: To report a case of neurofibromatosis-1 (NF-1) with retinal vasoproliferative tumor (RVPT) and macular edema and exudation that was successfully treated with intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB).

Method: A retrospective case report of patient with neurofibromatosis, retinal vasoproliferative tumor and macular edema who received three monthly intravitreal injections of bevacizumab. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography (FAG) before and three months after treatment were done.

Results: Macular edema and exudation of the right eye was effectively resolved with IVB injection and vascularity of RVPT significantly decreased after treatment with IVB.

Conclusion: Macular edema and exudation secondary to RVPT in patients with NF-1 could be successfully treated with IVB.

Cryotherapy-induced release of epiretinal membrane associated with retinal vasoproliferative tumor: analysis of 16 cases

PURPOSE

To evaluate epiretinal membrane (ERM) response after cryotherapy for retinal vasoproliferative tumors (VPTs).

METHOD

Retrospective interventional case series.

RESULTS

Of 16 eyes with VPT and ERM, the tumor was classified as primary in 12 (75%) eyes or secondary in 4 (25%) eyes. The median patient age was 44 years (mean, 43 years; range, 9-70 years). The tumor was located in extramacular zone (n = 16, 100%) and inferotemporal quadrant (n = 12, 75%). The mean tumor base was 6 mm, and thickness was 3 mm. The ERM involved the macula in 12 (75%) eyes and extramacular zone in 4 (25%) eyes, with best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better in 6 (38%) eyes. Associated features included cystoid macular edema (n = 8, 50%), subretinal fluid (n = 10, 63%), vitreous cells (n = 9, 56%), and vitreous hemorrhage (n = 7, 44%). Single-session cryotherapy (double freeze-thaw) to the VPT was performed in each case. Over mean follow-up of 68 months (median, 54 months; range, 8-252 months), tumor regression was documented in 16 (100%) cases, with ERM release in 10 (63%) cases. After ERM release, the foveal anatomy was normal in 12 (75%) eyes. Final visual acuity improved (n = 5, 31%), remained stable (n = 9, 56%), or worsened (n = 2, 13%). Posttreatment best-corrected visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 10 (63%) eyes.

CONCLUSION

Cryotherapy is remarkably effective for VPT of 6 mm or less in basal dimension. After cryotherapy, VPT-related ERM spontaneously released in 63% of the cases, without the need for surgical intervention.

Intravitreal bevacizumab in the treatment of vasoproliferative retinal tumours

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab in the treatment of retinal vasoproliferative tumours (VPT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Six eyes of 6 patients with VPT who received intravitreal bevacizumab were retrospectively reviewed. All patients received between one and three injections of intravitreal bevacizumab depending upon response to treatment. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), tumour size, and presence of co-pathology or sequelae were noted pre- and postoperatively and then analysed. Subsequent retreatments were performed in patients with recurrent or persistent VPT according to the ophthalmologist's discretion. Retreatments included photodynamic therapy with verteporfin, ruthenium-106 plaque brachytherapy, or endoresection of tumour.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up duration was 33.3 months (range 10-66 months). At baseline, the mean logMAR BCVA was 1.45 (Snellen equivalent of 6/165); range 0.10-1.90 (6/8-CF). Following bevacizumab treatment the mean logMAR BCVA was 0.98 (Snellen equivalent of 6/57); range 0.5-1.9 (Snellen equivalent of 6/19 to CF). Therefore, there was no statistically significant change in visual acuity. The mean tumour thickness reduced from 2.4 to 2.1 mm following treatment with bevacizumab. However, this did not reach the statistical significance of P<0.05. Despite the visual improvement following bevacizumab therapy, five out of six patients had recurrence of tumour activity during the follow-up period and required further intervention in order to achieve sustained regression.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravitreal bevacizumab appeared to result in temporary reduction of tumour thickness in 3 out of 6 VPT patients. However, neither the reduction in tumour thickness nor the change in visual acuity were statistically significant and intravitreal bevacizumab monotherapy had limited effectiveness in causing long-term regression of the lesions. Additional therapy was indicated in five out of six patients to establish long-term regression. The efficacy of bevacizumab as an adjunct is as yet undetermined and further studies are needed. Presently, we recommend other treatment modalities in the long-term management of VPTs.

Emerging roles for antiangiogenesis factors in management of ocular disease

The first antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) was developed as an anticancer drug for colonic carcinomas. Since then, anti-VEGFs have developed in scope and indications. They have revolutionized the treatment of exudative macular degeneration and have had a major impact on treatment of several other conditions. This has resulted in an increased number of patients seeking treatment with new treatment options and has had a considerable financial impact on health care resources. Anti-VEGFs have been used in the treatment of all age groups of the population ranging from infants where it is used for treatment of retinopathy of prematurity to the elderly where it is used in exudative macular eegeneration.

Mushroom-shaped secondary vasoproliferative tumor

The authors report a clinical and echographic correlation of a retinal vasoproliferative tumor that assumed a mushroom shape. A 64-year-old man with a history of retinal detachment repair presented with vitreous hemorrhage. A clinical examination including standardized ultrasound was performed, which revealed a mushroom-shaped tumor with high reflectivity. The patient underwent pars plana vitrectomy with fine needle aspiration biopsy. Histopathology of the biopsy specimen demonstrated vascular proliferation. The lesion was diagnosed to be a retinal vasoproliferative tumor. Clinicians should be aware that a mushroom-shaped configuration can be seen in such cases, although it is common for uveal melanoma.

Evaluation of verteporfin pharmakokinetics--redefining the need of photosensitizers in ophthalmology

INTRODUCTION

The benzoporphyrine derivative verteporfin has lost its importance to the treatment of the most frequent neovascular eye diseases. Nevertheless, it is still mandatory to define the remaining applications, role, and potential of verteporfin in ocular photodynamic therapy (PDT), including the dosages of administration, effectiveness, and safety profile.

AREAS COVERED

Although verteporfin PDT has forfeited the first-line status and value of treating subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) due to age-related macular degeneration or pathologic myopia, the treatment remains the standard of care for choroidal haemangioma and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy. PDT is effective in less pigmented choroidal melanoma as well as in retinal vascular proliferations and retinal angioma. Verteporfin was granted the orphan drug designation for the treatment of chronic or recurrent central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).

EXPERT OPINION

Evidence-based data regarding optimized parameters (low fluence, reduced dose, fractionated irradiation) adapted to the treated diseases (target structure, dosimetry, blood supply) are scarce. Prospective and large clinical trials are missing, although the scientific community agrees on the fact that the standard treatment protocol does not necessarily provide the optimal efficacy to the specific disease or individual patient. Within the reviewed indications, the adverse effect profile is favorable compared with other therapies.