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Rinaldi M, Tranfa F, Chiosi F, Campagna G, De Bernardo M, Gioia M, Natale F, Caiazza M, Dongiglio F, Verrillo F, Palmiero G, Limongelli G, Costagliola C. OCT angiography indices and the choroidal vascularity index in wild-type transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis (ATTRwt). Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 10:1174643. [PMID: 38288300 PMCID: PMC10823855 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1174643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Retinal angiopathy represents a well-known ocular manifestation of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv). Until recently, there have been no reports on retinal changes in ATTRwt. In this retrospective observational clinical study, we aimed to determine whether vessel density (VD) indices and the choroidal vascularity index (CVI) could offer insights into retinal and choroidal vascular changes among patients affected by ATTRwt. Methods Eighteen patients with a confirmed diagnosis of ATTRwt underwent structural optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA). We established a control group consisting of 16 healthy subjects for statistical comparisons. The 3D OCT and OCTA datasets were analyzed to assess retinal and choroidal thickness and VD. For measuring CVI, we obtained measurements for the total choroid area (TCA), luminal area (LA), and stromal area (SA). Results The mean VD exhibited a statistically significant reduction in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), and choriocapillaris (CC) among the ATTRwt group in comparison to the control group (p < 0.0001). Notably, ATTRwt patients displayed decreased choroidal thickness (p = 0.08). Additionally, the median CVI was lower in the ATTRwt group than in the control group (p = 0.04). Conclusion The indices from OCTA and CVI have the potential to serve as non-invasive biomarkers for the quantitative evaluation of retinal and choroidal vascular involvement in patients with ATTRwt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Rinaldi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Università degli studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Fausto Tranfa
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Flavia Chiosi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Azienda Ospedaliera dei Colli, Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Campagna
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
| | - Maddalena De Bernardo
- Eye Unit, Department of Medicine Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Marco Gioia
- Eye Unit, Department of Medicine Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Francesco Natale
- Department of Cardiothoracic Sciences, Università degli studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Caiazza
- Inherited and Rare Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Dongiglio
- Inherited and Rare Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Verrillo
- Inherited and Rare Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Palmiero
- Inherited and Rare Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Limongelli
- Inherited and Rare Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Ciro Costagliola
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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Maceroni M, Falsini B, Luigetti M, Romano A, Guglielmino V, Fasciani R, Placidi G, D’Agostino E, Sasso P, Rizzo S, Minnella AM. Ocular Morpho-Functional Evaluation in ATTRv Pre-Symptomatic Carriers: A Case Series. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13030359. [PMID: 36766465 PMCID: PMC9914588 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13030359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate ocular findings in hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) pre-symptomatic carriers. Fourteen ATTRv pre-symptomatic carriers, who are patients with positive genetic testing but without signs or symptoms of the disease, were retrospectively evaluated. Retinal morphology was assessed using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT-angiography. Retinal function was evaluated using cone b-wave and photopic negative response (PhNR). Pupillometry and in vivo corneal confocal microscopy (IVCM) were performed. ATTRv pre-symptomatic carriers presented a significantly reduced central macular thickness (CMT) (p = 0.01) and outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness (p = 0.01) in comparison to normal controls. No differences were found when analyzing sub-foveal choroidal thickness, retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell complex. In comparison to healthy controls, pre-symptomatic carriers presented an attenuated superficial retinal vascular network and a significantly augmented PhNR amplitude (p = 0.01). However, PhNR implicit times, B-wave amplitude and B-wave peak time did not show significant differences in comparison to controls. No differences were found for pupillometric values. All the examined eyes presented alterations in the IVCM. Preclinical ocular structural and functional abnormalities can be found in ATTRv pre-symptomatic carriers. Thus, an extensive ophthalmological evaluation should be included at the baseline visit and during follow-up. Considering the availability of new drugs potentially able to prevent or delay disease progression, the identification of new disease biomarkers appears to be particularly promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Maceroni
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00135 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, 00135 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0630154928
| | - Benedetto Falsini
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00135 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Luigetti
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, 00135 Rome, Italy
- Institute of Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Romano
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, 00135 Rome, Italy
- Institute of Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Guglielmino
- Institute of Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Romina Fasciani
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Placidi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena D’Agostino
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Sasso
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Stanislao Rizzo
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00135 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Maria Minnella
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00135 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, 00135 Rome, Italy
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Kakihara S, Hirano T, Kitahara J, Matsuda Y, Imai A, Miyahara T, Murata T. Application of optical coherence tomography angiography to assess systemic severity in patients with hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275180. [PMID: 36156600 PMCID: PMC9512205 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis is an autosomal dominant form of amyloidosis caused by an abnormality in transthyretin, with various ocular manifestations. Among these, ocular amyloid angiopathy has attracted attention because of its direct link to visual impairment and its correlation with systemic severity. We hypothesized that optical coherence tomography angiographic parameters would be useful biomarkers of amyloidosis systemic severity and investigated their correlation with the systemic severity score. The primary outcome was the correlation between the systemic severity score and choriocapillaris flow deficit percentage. Secondary outcomes were the correlations between the systemic severity score and retinal optical coherence tomography angiographic parameters, including foveal avascular zone size and circularity and superficial/deep/total retinal perfusion and vessel densities. The choroidal and retinal vasculature was quantified in 36 eyes from 36 patients (age, 51.8±12.1 years; disease duration, 13.4±6.2 years). Ten eyes had a history of vitrectomy for vitreous opacity. Choriocapillaris flow deficit percentage was not significantly correlated with the systemic severity score (Spearman’s rank correlation: r = 2.96×10−2, p = 0.863). Similarly, foveal avascular zone size and circularity, and superficial/deep/total retinal perfusion and vessel densities were not significantly correlated with the systemic severity score. These results may indicate that optical coherence tomography angiographic parameters are not sufficient to predict amyloidosis severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinji Kakihara
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Takao Hirano
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
| | - Junya Kitahara
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
| | - Yorishige Matsuda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
| | - Akira Imai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
| | - Teruyoshi Miyahara
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
| | - Toshinori Murata
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
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Marques JH, Coelho J, Menéres MJ, Melo Beirão J. Monitoring the Patient with Retinal Angiopathy Associated with Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis: Current Perspectives. Clin Ophthalmol 2022; 16:2227-2233. [PMID: 35844663 PMCID: PMC9278722 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s359312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal angiopathy associated with hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv), if untreated, may lead to irreversible vision loss. Our purpose was to systematically review the clinical and imaging features of retinal angiopathy associated with ATTRv and assemble a monitoring approach for these patients. All types of original research studies reporting clinical and imaging findings on retinal angiopathy associated with ATTRv were included. The most common clinical findings were tortuous retinal vessels, microaneurysms, retinal hemorrhages, sheathing of retinal vessels, whitish amyloid deposits along retinal arteries, obliteration of retinal vessels, vitreous hemorrhage, retinal and iris neovascularization. The most relevant imaging findings were hyperautofluorescence of perivessel amyloid deposits; delayed arterial filling, vascular leakage, and retinal ischemia on fluorescein angiography; late hypercyanescence along the choroidal arteries on indocyanine green angiography; perivascular hyperreflective material, needle-shaped deposits on the retinal surface and macular edema on optical coherence tomography (OCT) and attenuated retinal vascular network on OCT-angiography. ATTRv patients should be strictly followed to detect and treat retinal angiopathy, avoiding complications. Both panretinal photocoagulation and intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor have been used to treat retinal angiopathy in ATTRv. In an individual that presents with retinal angiopathy of unknown etiology, ATTRv should be considered as in the differential diagnosis, even out of the initial core countries. The prognostic value of subclinical findings, namely in OCT-A, is not yet established.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Heitor Marques
- Serviço de Oftalmologia, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: João Heitor Marques, Serviço de Oftalmologia, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Largo do Prof. Abel Salazar, Porto, Portugal, Tel +351913680736, Email
| | - João Coelho
- Serviço de Oftalmologia, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria João Menéres
- Serviço de Oftalmologia, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Melo Beirão
- Serviço de Oftalmologia, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Patil NS, Iqbal MM, Bursztyn LLCD. Conjunctival lymphangiectasia and retinal angiopathy in hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis. Int J Retina Vitreous 2022; 8:4. [PMID: 34991732 PMCID: PMC8734248 DOI: 10.1186/s40942-021-00357-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR amyloidosis) is a rare condition where a mutation in the transthyretin gene leads to systemic deposition of amyloid. The manifestations and prognosis of ATTR amyloidosis depends on the specific ATTR mutation, with over 100 mutations reported in the literature. The manifestations of many rare forms of ATTR amyloidosis have not been well described, particularly the late-onset ophthalmic findings. Case presentation We present the case of a 43-year-old Caucasian male with a diagnosis of ATTRD18E amyloidosis confirmed by fat pad biopsy. He had diffuse systemic involvement, including cardiovascular, pulmonary, and gastrointestinal symptoms. He also had significant ocular involvement including vitreous opacities, retinal angiopathy, and conjunctival lymphangiectasia. These ocular findings modestly progressed at 2-year follow-up. Discussion The ATTRD18E mutation is a rare variant, with few described cases. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of ATTRD18E amyloidosis with significant ocular involvement. These ocular findings may serve as a relevant biomarker for severe disease prognosis in ATTRD18E amyloidosis. With improving treatments addressing the systemic symptoms of ATTR amyloidosis, a better understanding of the late-onset ocular symptoms is becoming increasingly relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil S Patil
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Munir M Iqbal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Lulu L C D Bursztyn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Western University, London, ON, Canada. .,Clinical Neurological Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
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Minnella AM, Rissotto R, Antoniazzi E, Di Girolamo M, Luigetti M, Maceroni M, Bacherini D, Falsini B, Rizzo S, Obici L. Ocular Involvement in Hereditary Amyloidosis. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:955. [PMID: 34206500 PMCID: PMC8304974 DOI: 10.3390/genes12070955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The term amyloidosis describes a group of rare diseases caused by protein conformation abnormalities resulting in extracellular deposition and accumulation of insoluble fibrillar aggregates. So far, 36 amyloid precursor proteins have been identified, and each one is responsible for a specific disease entity. Transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) is one of the most common forms of systemic and ocular amyloidosis, due to the deposition of transthyretin (TTR), which is a transport protein mainly synthesized in the liver but also in the retinal pigment epithelial cells. ATTRv amyloidosis may be misdiagnosed with several other conditions, resulting in a significant diagnostic delay. Gelsolin and keratoepithelin are other proteins that, when mutated, are responsible for a systemic amyloid disease with significant ocular manifestations that not infrequently appear before systemic involvement. The main signs of ocular amyloid deposition are in the cornea, irido-corneal angle and vitreous, causing complications related to vasculopathy and neuropathy at the local level. This review aims at describing the main biochemical, histopathological and clinical features of systemic amyloidosis associated with eye involvement, with particular emphasis on the inherited forms. We discuss currently available treatments, focusing on ocular involvement and specific ophthalmologic management and highlighting the importance of a prompt treatment for the potential sight-threatening complications derived from amyloid deposition in ocular tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Maria Minnella
- Dipartimento Universitario Testa-Collo Rgani di Senso, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.M.M.); (M.M.); (B.F.); (S.R.)
- UOC Oculistica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Rissotto
- Eye Clinic, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Antoniazzi
- Institute of Ophthalmolgy, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Marco Di Girolamo
- Former Director “Presidio Ambulatoriale per le Amiloidosi Sistemiche” Fatebenefratelli “San Giovanni Calibita” Hospital, 00135 Rome, Italy;
| | - Marco Luigetti
- Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS. UOC Neurologia, 00168 Rome, Italy;
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Maceroni
- Dipartimento Universitario Testa-Collo Rgani di Senso, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.M.M.); (M.M.); (B.F.); (S.R.)
| | - Daniela Bacherini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Eye Clinic, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy;
| | - Benedetto Falsini
- Dipartimento Universitario Testa-Collo Rgani di Senso, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.M.M.); (M.M.); (B.F.); (S.R.)
- UOC Oculistica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Stanislao Rizzo
- Dipartimento Universitario Testa-Collo Rgani di Senso, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.M.M.); (M.M.); (B.F.); (S.R.)
- UOC Oculistica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Obici
- Amyloidosis Research and Treatment Centre, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
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Marques JH, Malheiro L, Malheiro J, Oliveira L, Menéres MJ, Beirão JM. Pupillometry: An objective test to assess endocular hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis. Eur J Ophthalmol 2021; 32:637-642. [PMID: 33601896 DOI: 10.1177/1120672121997294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To automatically study the pupillary light reflex in patients with hereditary transthyretin-associated amyloidosis (hATTR). METHODS Prospective cross-sectional observational study in patients with hATTR with unilateral scalloped iris. Pupillary light reflex of scalloped iris eyes (21 eyes) were compared with non-scalloped iris eyes (21 eyes, paired eyes of the same patients) and also with a control group of 20 healthy eyes, using static and dynamic pupillometry with the Metrovision® MonPack One. RESULTS No patient presented evident neurological involvment of the cranial nerves. No significant differences were found in the pupillary diameters under standardized lighting conditions (static pupillometry) among groups. In dynamic pupillometry, the amplitude of contraction, the velocity of contraction and the velocity of dilation were statistically significantly lower in eyes with scalloped iris, comparing both with the contralateral non-scalloped iris eyes (p < 0.001 for all) and with eyes from healthy subjects (p < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSION A scalloped iris reflects a more advanced endocular hATTR and it is associated with an altered pupillary light reflex. Pupillometry may be a quick, simple, and portable test to objectively evaluate ocular amyloid deposition in hATTR eyes. Pupillary light reflex may not be reliable to evaluate neurological dysfunction in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Heitor Marques
- Ophthalmology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Luísa Malheiro
- Ophthalmology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge Malheiro
- Nephrology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís Oliveira
- Ophthalmology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria João Menéres
- Ophthalmology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Melo Beirão
- Ophthalmology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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