Outcome indicators for vitrectomy in Terson syndrome

Factors affecting anatomical and visual outcomes in Terson syndrome managed by surgery or observation

OBJECTIVES

To investigate visual outcomes and prognostic factors of patients with Terson syndrome (TS) managed with observation or pars plana vitrectomy (PPV).

METHODS

retrospective review of medical records of 117 eyes from 81 patients (43 females) with TS. Main outcome measures were final best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraoperative findings and long-term sequelae.

RESULTS

46 (39.3%) eyes were managed conservatively and 71 (60.7%) eyes underwent PPV. Median follow-up was 8.4 months. The PPV group had significantly worse (p < 0.001) baseline BCVA (median 2.3 versus 0.7 logMAR, Snellen equivalent 20/4000 versus 20/100). Final BCVA did not differ between the two groups (p = 0.38). Final BCVA ≥ 0.3 logMAR (20/40) in the surgery group was associated with post-operative retinal detachment (p = 0.013) and macular abnormalities (p = 0.014), and in the observation group with ocular comorbidity (p = 0.008). Retinal breaks were detected intraoperatively in 25 (35.2%) eyes and were associated with an interval longer than 3 months between ocular diagnosis and surgery (p = 0.04), but not with larger gauge instrumentation and posterior vitreous detachment. Incidence of ERM did not differ among patients managed conservatively and after PPV (p = 0.9) and between eyes undergoing early or delayed surgery (p = 0.09). The most common post-operative complications were cataract in 16 (22.5%) eyes and ERM in 8 (11.3%) eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

visual outcomes in TS are similar with both management strategies. Surgery allows faster and greater visual recovery but carries high risk of intraoperative retinal tears if delayed for longer than 3 months from initial presentation. ERM and retinal detachment are not correlated with timing of surgery or management strategy.

Early versus Late Pars Plana Vitrectomy in Vitreous Hemorrhage: A Systematic Review

Background: Vitreous hemorrhage (VH) is a common vitreoretinal condition causing impairment of vision due to various etiologies. No consensus exists on the best timing for performing pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in fundus-obscuring VH. Materials and Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standards, we conducted a systematic review of the timing of PPV in VH. We assessed the strength of the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach for all the included publications, in accordance with the 2011 Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM) recommendations. Results: A total of 1731 articles were identified. Following the removal of duplicates and screening of abstracts, 1203 articles remained. Subsequently, a comprehensive full-text review of 30 articles was conducted. Ultimately, 18 articles met the predefined inclusion criteria. Conclusions: Despite the small number of studies on the timing of treatment for VH, the advantage of early over late PPV seems to be a reasonable approach in selected cases, and it might be considered modern standard care.

PHOTORECEPTOR DAMAGE IN TERSON SYNDROME

PURPOSE

To describe photoreceptor damage in patients with Terson syndrome as a potential cause for inconsistent clinical outcomes.

METHODS

Clinical evaluation and retinal imaging in six patients.

RESULTS

Four patients were women and two men, with an average age of 46.8 years (SD 8.9). Four patients suffered aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, one vertebral artery dissection, and one superior sagittal sinus thrombosis. In 11 eyes, a consistent pattern of outer retinal changes within the central retina affecting the ellipsoid zone and the outer nuclear layer was observed, indicating photoreceptor damage. Areas of photoreceptor damage showed poor spatial correlation with intraocular hemorrhage, particularly subinternal limiting membrane hemorrhage. The observed retinal abnormalities demonstrated incomplete recovery over long-term follow-up 3.5 to 8 years posthemorrhage, irrespective of surgical or conservative treatment strategy, and had variable impact on the patients' visual function.

CONCLUSION

The observations suggest that photoreceptor damage in Terson syndrome likely represents a distinct manifestation of this condition, which could be caused by transient ischemia of the outer retina secondary to acute rise in intracranial pressure.

Terson Syndrome in Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A 10-Year Single-Center Experience

BACKGROUND

Terson syndrome (TS), an intraocular hemorrhage associated with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), occurs in up to 46% of all patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Despite its high incidence, TS is underrepresented in the literature, and patients with aSAH are sometimes not systematically evaluated for the presence of TS in clinical practice. This work aims to raise awareness of TS, reevaluate previous scientific findings, describe risk factors associated with the occurrence of TS, and present our local diagnostic and treatment concept.

METHODS

All patients with aSAH treated at our institution between October 2010 and May 2020 were included in this retrospective study. The frequency of ophthalmological screening by indirect funduscopy, as well as the results, was investigated. In addition, the collection and statistical analysis of epidemiological and clinical data was performed using χ2, Kruskal-Wallis, and analysis of variance testing; multivariate regression; and receiver operating characteristic analysis. The significance level was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 617 patients were treated for aSAH in our institution. Of these, 367 patients (59.5%) were ophthalmologically examined for the presence of TS. The rate of TS in the examined patients was 21.3% (n = 78). Patients with TS had significantly higher Fisher and World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) scores (p < 0.0001). Regression analyses showed WFNS grade (p = 0.003) and the occurrence of seizures (p = 0.002) as independent predictors of TS, as did receiver operating characteristic analyses, which had a significant area under the curve of 0.66 for the combination of WFNS grade and seizures. For 12 (15.4%) patients, the TS had to be surgically treated by pars plana vitrectomy in a total of 14 eyes, which resulted in significant improvement of visual function in all patients: mean preoperative best-corrected visual acuity was 0.03 (± 0.08) versus 0.76 (± 0.21) postoperatively (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

TS is a common complication in patients with aSAH, affecting approximately one in five patients. A higher WFNS grade and the occurrence of seizures are associated with TS; therefore, screening for TS should be performed in these patients.

Terson Syndrome - Clinical Presentation, Management, and Visual Outcomes in a Tertiary Centre

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to characterize the clinical presentation, management strategy and visual outcomes of patients diagnosed with Terson syndrome and followed in a tertiary centre in Portugal.

Patients and Methods

A single-centre retrospective study was performed, based on the survey review of the medical records of every consecutive patient diagnosed with Terson syndrome and followed from January 2018 to August 2021. The change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from baseline to the final evaluation was the primary outcome.

Results

Fifteen eyes from 8 patients (50% female) were included. The mean age at diagnosis was 55±7 years. The neurological event was traumatic brain injury in 37.5% (n=3) and subarachnoid haemorrhage in 62.5% of the patients (n=5). Bilateral intraocular haemorrhage occurred in 875% (n=7) of the patients. Vitreous and preretinal haemorrhages occurred each in 66.7% (n=10), intraretinal in 30% (n=3) and subretinal in 13.3% (n=2) of the eyes. In 40% of the eyes (n=6), spontaneous resolution of intraocular haemorrhage occurred, while PPV was performed in the remaining 60% (n=9). Ocular haemorrhage detection occurred 58.47 ± 40.94 days after the neurological event (range 11 to 121 days). Baseline BCVA was 1.11 ± 1.01 logMAR and improved to 0.32 ± 0.69 logMAR in the follow-up period (p=0.004). A positive correlation was found between initial and final BCVA (Spearman's rho = 0.643, p=0.01). Baseline BCVA of eyes undergoing PPV was lower than of those conservatively managed (1.84±0.72 vs 0.20±0.28 logMAR, p<0.001). However, there were no statistically significant differences in final BCVA after surgery or observation (0.56 ± 0.90 vs 0.04 ± 0.04 logMAR, p=0.149). Longer periods between the neurological and the ophthalmological diagnosis were correlated with worse final BCVA (Spearman's rho = 0.688, p=0.005).

Conclusion

Terson syndrome is a potential cause of irreversible visual loss. Diagnosis delay may affect visual prognosis. PPV is indicated when intraocular haemorrhage is dense and does not resolve spontaneously or when visual acuity at presentation is low, allowing for good visual outcomes with minimal complications.

Terson's syndrome, the current concepts and management strategies: A review of literature

Terson's Syndrome describes intraocular hemorrhage secondary to an acutely raised intracranial pressure (ICP). Although Terson's Syndrome is common amongst patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), it is underdiagnosed and often overlooked. This review discusses the current understanding of the etiopathogenesis, clinical features, and management of Terson's Syndrome and highlights the visual and prognostic implications to stress the importance of timely diagnosis and management. The origin of intraocular hemorrhage in Terson's Syndrome has been debated. A recognized theory suggests that an acutely raised ICP induces effusion of cerebrospinal fluid into the optic nerve sheath which dilates the retrobulbar aspect of the sheath in the orbit. Dilatation mechanically compresses the central retinal vein and retinochoroidal veins resulting in venous hypertension and rupture of thin retinal vessels. A commonly reported clinical feature is decreased visual acuity and blurred vision. These may be accompanied by symptoms of increased ICP including loss of consciousness and headache. Diagnosis is established using evidence from the clinical presentation, ophthalmoscopy, and, when required, imaging including B-mode ultrasound, CT, MRI, and fluorescein angiography. Terson's Syndrome is managed conservatively by observation for mild cases and with vitrectomy for bilateral cases and for patients whose hemorrhage has not spontaneously resolved after an observational period. Terson's Syndrome can be used as a prognostic indicator of morbidity and mortality in underlying pathology like SAH. Fundoscopy of patients with SAH, acutely raised ICP or visual disturbance with unknown etiology can help establish a timely Terson's Syndrome diagnosis. This may avoid the risk of permanent visual impairment.

An explanation for Terson syndrome at last: the glymphatic reflux theory

Terson Syndrome (TS) describes the presence of intraocular hemorrhage in patients with intracranial hemorrhage, typically subarachnoid hemorrhage. Despite TS being a well-defined and frequently occurring phenomenon, its pathophysiology remains controversial. This review will present the current understanding of TS, with view to describing a contemporary and more plausible pathomechanism of TS, given recent advances in ophthalmic science and neurobiology. Previously proposed theories include a sudden rise in intracranial pressure (ICP) transmitted to the optic nerve sheath leading to rupture of retinal vessels; or intracranial blood extending to the orbit via the optic nerve sheath. The origin of blood in TS is uncertain, but retinal vessels appear to be an unlikely source. In addition, an anatomical pathway for blood to enter the eye from the intracranial space remains poorly defined. An ocular glymphatic system has recently been described, drainage of which from the globe into intracranial glymphatics is reliant on the pressure gradient between intraocular pressure and intracranial pressure. The glymphatic pathway is the only extravascular anatomical conduit between the subarachnoid space and the retina. We propose that subarachnoid blood in skull base cisterns near the optic nerve is the substrate of blood in TS. Raised ICP causes it to be refluxed through glymphatic channels into the globe, resulting in intraocular hemorrhage. We herewith present glymphatic reflux as an alternative theory to explain the phenomenon of Terson Syndrome.

Clinical observations and considerations in the treatment of Terson syndrome using 23G vitrectomy

PURPOSE

This retrospective study analyzed the results of 23G vitrectomy for the treatment of intraocular hemorrhage in patients with Terson syndrome. The pathogenesis of Terson syndrome and the timing of vitrectomy are discussed.

METHODS

Eight eyes of eight patients were included in the study. Intrasurgical images were acquired, and membranes peeled off during surgery were subjected to pathological staining. Postoperative examination included visual acuity, intraocular pressure, funduscopy, and optical coherence tomography angiography.

RESULTS

The course of visual impairment in the patients ranged from < 1 to 5 months; visual acuity ranged from light perception to 20/1000. Surgeries in the eight patients were all successful, and no severe complications were observed. Visual acuity improved in each operative eye. Pathological staining revealed only fibrous connective tissue, and no nerve fibers in the membranes peeled off during surgery. Optical coherence tomography angiography revealed no changes in blood vessel density in the inner layer of the retina of the operative eye compared with the non-operative eye in each patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Timely surgical intervention is necessary for the treatment of intraocular hemorrhage in patients with Terson syndrome. Clinical findings support the theory that intraocular blood results from stasis or rupture of retinal superficial peripapillary vessels caused by elevated intracranial pressure.

Can Baseline Computed Tomography Scans Be Used to Identify Patients at High Risk of Vision Loss due to Terson Syndrome?

PURPOSE

To determine if routinely performed computed tomographic (CT) scanning in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhages (aSAHs) is sufficient to identify patients at high risk of vision loss due to Terson syndrome (TS).

METHODS

Consecutive patients with a diagnosis of aSAH admitted to the neurologic intensive care unit of a regional referral hospital over a 3-year period were prospectively evaluated. Head CT scans performed in the emergency department were assessed for the presence of a "crescent sign" (evidence of significant subinternal limiting membrane hemorrhage). Dilated funduscopic examinations were performed by an ophthalmologist, masked to the results of the CT scan, to identify retinal and vitreous hemorrhages consistent with TS. Retinal hemorrhages were categorized according to size-those smaller than 2 mm in diameter were deemed low risk (lrTS) for vision loss and those larger than 2 mm in diameter were deemed high risk (hrTS) for vision loss.

RESULTS

One hundred seventeen patients with aSAH were enrolled in the study. The overall incidence of TS was 24.9% (29 of 117 patients; 12 were bilateral). Compared to patients without TS, those with TS had a higher Fisher Hemorrhage Grade and a lower mean (±standard deviation) GCS score (8.66 ± 4.97 vs 12.09 ± 1.10; P < 0.001). The CT crescent sign was positive in 7 patients (6.0%), 6 (5.1%; 2 were bilateral) of whom were found to have hrTS. Of the 110 patients without a CT crescent sign, 88 (75.1%) patients did not have TS, 21 had lrTS, and 1 patient had hrTS in one eye. The CT crescent sign was highly sensitive (85.7%) and specific (99.1%) for diagnosing hrTS.

CONCLUSION

The CT crescent sign is a highly sensitive and specific marker for hrTS. CT scanning may replace routine ophthalmologic examinations to identify patients at risk of vision loss due to aSAH.

Clinical characteristics of asymptomatic Terson syndrome in the patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

AIM

To investigate clinical characteristics of asymptomatic Terson syndrome and its clinical impact in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

METHODS

This retrospective, interventional study included 31 patients with aneurysmal SAH, and the medical records were reviewed. In addition to baseline characteristics of the study population such as age, sex, and underlying medical history, multi-modal imaging analysis, including fluorescein angiography (FA), spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), were also reviewed. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Hunt-Hess (HH) grade, and Fisher scale at the time of admission, and functional outcome by using modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 6mo were compared.

RESULTS

Of the 31 patients, 10 patients (32.3%) were diagnosed with Terson syndrome. All the patients with Terson syndrome did not report visual symptoms at the time of ophthalmologic screening. FA showed microvascular changes of retinal capillaries and varying degrees of disc leakage. SD-OCT allowed intuitive anatomical localization of multi-layered retinal hemorrhages and assessment of ellipsoid zone integrity. The patients with Terson syndrome showed significantly worse GCS (P=0.047) and HH grade (P=0.025) than those without, except Ficher scale (P=0.385). There was no significant difference in the mRS (P=0.250) at 6mo. Among baseline factors, the HH grade was the only significant factor associated with Terson syndrome (B=1.079, P=0.016).

CONCLUSION

In our study, 32.3% of the patients have Terson syndrome without visual symptoms. The baseline HH grade is significantly correlated with Terson syndrome, and there is no significant difference in the functional outcome between the patients with and without Terson syndrome. Terson syndrome may develop without any visual symptoms as shown in our study, and ophthalmologic screening may be recommended to prevent further visual deterioration especially in the patients with poor HH grade at the time of aneurysmal SAH.

Terson syndrome with persistent vitreous hemorrhage following traumatic brain injury

The objective of this study was to report clinical findings and surgical outcomes of 3 patients with persistent vitreous hemorrhage diagnosed as Terson syndrome (TS). Posterior segment changes, optical coherence tomography scans, fundus autofluorescence images, and fundus fluorescein angiography findings of patients were evaluated and pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) was performed on 3 eyes of three patients. All eyes operated after 6 months from the date of injury and final visual acuities were 20/200, 20/60 and 20/30. PPV is found as a safe and effective procedure for vitreous hemorrhage in TS. Delayed surgery in a young patient predicts a worse outcome.

Clinical features and visual prognostic indicators after vitrectomy for Terson syndrome

PURPOSE

To determine clinical characteristics and identify factors associated with better visual outcomes in patients who had vitrectomy for vitreous haemorrhage (VH) associated with Terson syndrome (TS).

METHODS

The records of 48 patients (54 corresponding eyes) who underwent vitrectomy for VH associated with TS from January 2008 to December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The main outcome measure was the final postoperative visual acuity.

RESULTS

At the last visit, 34 eyes (63.0%) achieved a BCVA of 0.3 or better. Eyes associated with traumatic brain injury had a better visual outcome than those with primary intracerebral haemorrhage (P = 0.042). In the primary intracerebral haemorrhage group, patients with hypertension-induced intracranial haemorrhage (IH) showed poorer final visual acuities than the ruptured intracranial aneurysm group (P = 0.023). In the delayed vitrectomy group, epiretinal membrane and peripheral retina changes were more common (P < 0.05). However, the difference in final visual acuity between the early and delayed vitrectomy groups was not significant (P = 0.69).

CONCLUSION

Most of the patients obtained visual recovery after vitrectomy for TS. VH associated with ruptured intracranial aneurysm or traumatic brain injury or eyes without retinal haemorrhage are predictive of better prognosis. Although the timing of vitrectomy was not related to the final postoperative visual outcome, early vitrectomy by three months seems to suggest less epiretinal membrane formation, retinal tears, and retinal detachments.

OUTCOMES OF VITRECTOMY IN TERSON SYNDROME: A Multicenter Canadian Perspective

PURPOSE

To characterize the presentation of Terson syndrome, the occurrence of a vitreous hemorrhage in association with intracranial hemorrhage, and report on the outcomes of vitrectomy at two major centers in Canada.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of consecutive patients with Terson syndrome undergoing vitrectomy by retina specialists over the last 10 years. Primary outcome was the change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 3 months from baseline. Secondary outcomes included the association between baseline BCVA and final BCVA, and the association between final BCVA and timing of surgery (early vs. later than 90 days).

RESULTS

A total of 14 eyes of 11 patients were included. The mean time between observation of intraocular hemorrhage and vitrectomy was 160 days. Baseline preoperative BCVA was logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution 1.57 ± 1.03 (Snellen 20/740), which improved to logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution 0.53 ± 0.82 (Snellen 20/70) at the final postoperative follow-up, P = 0.01. Baseline BCVA was not significantly correlated with final BCVA, Spearman's rho = 0.016, P = 0.957. Final BCVA did not significantly differ between those who had surgery before 90 days compared with after 90 days, P = 0.087.

CONCLUSION

Vitrectomy is safe and effective and should be considered for nonclearing vitreal bleeding due to Terson syndrome. Ocular hemorrhaging in Terson syndrome can be observed conservatively for spontaneous improvement without the risk of reduced visual potential. Ophthalmic evaluation should be considered promptly after intracranial hemorrhage.

Bedside optical coherence tomography for Terson's syndrome screening in acute subarachnoid hemorrhage: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE

Approximately 10% of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) become permanently, legally blind. The average cost of lifetime support and unpaid taxes for each blind person amounts to approximately $900,000. This study evaluates the feasibility and potential role of bedside optical coherence tomography (OCT) in Terson’s syndrome (TS) in patients with acute SAH (aSAH) and its potential role in blindness prevention.

METHODS

The authors conducted an open-label pilot study, in which 31 patients with an angiographic diagnosis of aSAH were first screened for TS with dilated funduscopy and then with OCT in the acute phase and at 6-week followup visits. Outpatient mood assessments (Patient Health Questionnaire–depression module, Hamilton Depression Scale), and quality of life general (NIH Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System) and visual scales (25-item National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire) were measured at 1 and 6 weeks after discharge. Exclusion criteria included current or previous history of severe cataracts, severe diabetic retinopathy, severe macular degeneration, or glaucoma.

RESULTS

OCT identified 7 patients with TS, i.e., a 22.6% incidence in our aSAH sample: 7 in the acute phase, including a large retinal detachment that was initially missed by funduscopy and diagnosed by OCT in follow-up clinic. Dilated retinal funduscopy significantly failed to detect TS in 4 (57.1%) of these 7 cases. Intraventricular hemorrhage was significantly more common in TS cases (85.7% vs 25%). None of the participants experienced any complications from OCT examinations. Neither decreased quality of life visual scale scores nor a depressed mood correlated with objective OCT pathological findings at the 6-week follow-up after discharge. There were no significant mood differences between TS cases and controls.

CONCLUSIONS

OCT is the gold standard in retinal disease diagnosis. This pilot study shows that bedside OCT examination is feasible in aSAH. In this series, OCT was a safe procedure that enhanced TS detection by decreasing false-negative/inconclusive funduscopic examinations. It allows early diagnosis of macular holes and severe retinal detachments, which require acute surgical therapy to prevent legal blindness. In addition, OCT aids in ruling out potential false-positive visual deficits in individuals with a depressed mood at follow-up.

Terson syndrome secondary to subarachnoid hemorrhage: a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Terson syndrome is a serious complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage includes any intraocular hemorrhage and may result in blurred vision or even blindness. However, it is often overlooked clinically.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 42-year-old man presented with coma due to rupture of a left posterior communicating artery aneurysm. A preoperative CT scan demonstrated subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and bilateral fundus hemorrhage. Visual evoked potential (VEP) and B-scan ocular ultrasound revealed vitreous hemorrhages, features consistent with Terson syndrome. Pars plana vitrectomy was performed 2 weeks after SAH with a subsequent improvement of visual acuity.

CONCLUSIONS

Early identification is important for the recovery of the patient's nervous system and ophthalmology. Neurosurgeons should be aware of the pathology and pay attention to it to maximize patient's benefit.

Terson's Syndrome - case report

Terson's Syndrome is represented by a vitreous, retrohyaloid, retinal, or subretinal hemorrhage occurring consequent to an acute intracranial hemorrhage or elevated intracranial pressure. The outcome may include a complete clearing of the blood and the restoration of VA or persistent hemorrhage. This report presents the case of a 43-year-old woman who underwent bilateral surgery for a persistent vitreous hemorrhage and a hematoma underneath the internal limiting membrane in the left eye. The event followed shortly after a subarachnoid hemorrhage due to the rupture of a posterior communicating artery aneurism. Vitrectomy was performed in both eyes, together with the peeling of the internal limiting membrane in the left eye, followed by a bilateral good outcome.

Sub-inner limiting membrane hemorrhage in a patient with Terson syndrome

PURPOSE

To report a case of bilateral Terson Syndrome with sub inner limiting membrane hemorrhage associated with a rare finding: perimacular fold.

METHODS

The patient, a 34 years old female with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and bilateral Terson syndrome was admitted to the Ophthalmology department, complaining of blurred vision. Core vitrectomy, hyaloid detachment, peeling of the ILM and aspiration of the sub inner limiting membrane hemorrhage was performed. Once the inner limiting membrane of the left eye was peeled off, we noticed a particular aspect: the perimacular fold.

RESULT

Although our patient suffered from a massive vitreous haemorrhage the postoperative outcome was favorable with a final best corrected visual acuity of 20/30.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with billateral Terson syndrome we recommend early surgery, especially if the neurological status allows it, a good visual acuity being helpful for the neurophysical rehabilitation of the patient.

25G compared with 20G vitrectomy under Resight non-contact wide-angle lenses for Terson syndrome

The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of 25G vitrectomy to standard 20G vitrectomy for treatment of Terson syndrome under Resight non-contact wide-angle lenses. This was a case-control study of 20 patients with Terson syndrome (study group) that underwent 25G vitrectomy under Resight non-contact wide-angle lenses, with those of 20 matched patients that underwent 20G vitrectomy (control group). Medical records were reviewed from between July 2011 and October 2013. Data included results of the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study examination, ophthalmology B-scan ultrasonography and fundus photography. The mean age, follow-up time, the preoperative visual acuity of LogMAR and the preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) were all comparable in the two groups (all P>0.05). There were statistically significant differences in postoperative visual acuity of LogMAR compared with preoperative visual acuity (P<0.001) in both groups, but no difference between the groups (P=0.845). However, the operative times (13.5 min in study group vs. 42 min in control group) and post-operative IOP at day 1 (13.5 vs. 20 mmHg) were significantly reduced in the study group compared to the control group (P<0.001). Therefore, the present findings suggest that 25G Vitrectomy for Terson syndrome under Resight non-contact wide-angle lenses can achieve a significantly shorter operative time and lower post-operative IOP compared with 20G Vitrectomy.

Visual Outcomes after Vitrectomy for Terson Syndrome Secondary to Traumatic Brain Injury

PURPOSE

To evaluate visual outcomes after vitrectomy for intraocular hemorrhages secondary to traumatic brain injury.

DESIGN

Retrospective, observational case series.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 28 eyes in 20 patients undergoing vitrectomy for Terson syndrome secondary to traumatic brain injury between 1997 and 2015.

METHODS

We reviewed the records of patients undergoing a standard 20-gauge or 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy for intraocular hemorrhages secondary to traumatic brain injury, and the timing of vitrectomy in relation to the inciting intracranial event was recorded.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measure was the change in the preoperative visual acuity score at postoperative month 1 and at the last noted clinic appointment.

RESULTS

A total of 28 eyes in 20 patients (all male) underwent pars plana vitrectomy for intraocular hemorrhages secondary to traumatic brain injury. The mean preoperative baseline logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) (Snellen) best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 1.81±0.56 (20/1290). At 1-month postoperative follow-up, the mean BCVA was 0.30±0.33 (20/40). At the date of the last follow-up, the mean BCVA was 0.15±0.24 (20/30) and the median BCVA was 0.00 (20/20). Although the difference between preoperative and postoperative BVCA was significantly different at 1 month and the final postoperative clinic visits (P < 0.001), there was not a correlation between preoperative visual acuity as a predictor of final postoperative visual acuity outcome (r=-0.32; P = 0.09; 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.62 - 0.06). At the date of the last follow-up, the differences in visual outcomes between the individuals undergoing vitrectomy within 3 months of the inciting event, 0.08±0.15 (20/25), were not significantly different than those undergoing surgical intervention after 3 months, 0.18±0.27 (20/30) (P = 0.28). Three cases among those undergoing vitrectomy after 3 months were complicated by retinal detachment, none of which resulted in a BCVA worse than when the patient originally presented preoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective series of patients without other ocular pathology, surgical intervention effectively provided rapid visual recovery in the majority of individuals with intraocular hemorrhages secondary to traumatic brain injury, irrespective of the timing of vitrectomy or of preoperative visual acuity.

[Macular atrophy in Terson's syndrome]

CASE REPORT

The case is presented on a 63-year-old patient with Terson's syndrome who complained of loss of visual acuity. The optical coherence tomography showed macular atrophy.

DISCUSSION

The patient developed macular atrophy probably secondary to macular hemorrhage caused by the rupture of a cerebral aneurysm.

Comparison of CT and clinical findings of Terson's syndrome in 121 patients: a 1-year prospective study

Object

Terson's syndrome (TS) is a vitreous hemorrhage in association with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Its diagnosis is often delayed, which may result in vision loss secondary to treatable conditions. Methods to hasten early diagnosis and consequent ophthalmic referral are desirable. The aims of this study were 1) to assess the specificity and sensitivity of conventional head CT for diagnosing TS in patients with aneurysmal SAH (aSAH); and 2) to determine the incidence of TS and its association with age, sex, aSAH severity, and overall mortality.

Methods

Patients admitted to Helsinki University Central Hospital who underwent surgery or endovascular treatment for a ruptured intracranial aneurysm during 2011 were participants in this prospective study. They underwent serial dilated fundoscopic examinations during a 6-month period. Two radiologists independently reviewed ocular findings suggestive of TS on conventional CT head scans obtained in all patients as a routine diagnostic procedure. Associations between TS and relevant clinical, radiological, and demographic data were analyzed with uni- and multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Of 121 participants, 13 (11%) presented with TS, and another 22 (18%) with intraretinal hemorrhages. For reviewing CT head scans, the overall observed agreement between the 2 raters was 96% (116 of 121 cases), with a substantial κ of 0.69 (95% CI 0.56–0.82). The sensitivity of the CT findings for TS was 42%, and the specificity was 97%. Associations of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) and Hunt and Hess grades on admission, the presence of intracerebral hemorrhage, female sex, and aneurysm length with TS were all statistically significant. Logistic regression demonstrated that sex and WFNS grade were independently associated with TS and provided the best fit to the data.

Conclusions

Routinely looking for TS findings in CT head scans may prove valuable in clinical practice. Terson's syndrome is associated with female sex and poor clinical condition on admission.

Late ophthalmological assessment of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage and clipping of cerebral aneurysm

PURPOSE

To estimate prospectively late ocular manifestations in patients after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) treated with aneurysm clipping.

METHODS

Forty-six patients (12 men and 34 women), 23-69 years of age, were included in this study. A conventional ophthalmological examination, visual evoked potentials (VEPs), and static perimetry were performed on all patients. The mean interval between the onset of SAH and the aforementioned examination was 1.9 ± 1.3 years (range 0.5-5 years). The following were compared between patients with affected and non-affected visual fields as well as between those with normal and abnormal VEPs: sex, age, time from SAH to surgery, Hunt and Hess scale, Glasgow Coma Scale, Glasgow Outcome Scale, grading of SAH according to the Fisher scale, and the size and site of aneurysm.

RESULTS

Visual field defects were found in 23 patients (50%). In all of these patients, both eyes were affected. The most frequent type of visual field defects were: constricted field (47.8%), multiple peripheral foci (26.1%), and superior field defect (17.4%). There was no significant relationship between the analyzed factors and the occurrence of visual field defects, although statistical significance was almost observed in respect to the Fisher scale (p = 0.055). Deterioration in VEPs was observed in nine patients (19.6%). In the group of patients with abnormal VEPs, the time from onset of SAH to surgery was 2.6 ± 1.8 days, whereas in the group of patients with normal VEPs this time amounted to 6.4 ± 2.4 days (p = 0.02). In patients with no changes in VEPs, the mean Fisher score was significantly higher than in the group with abnormal VEPs (2.8 ± 0.6 vs 2.0 ± 0.4 respectively, p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Visual field defects and VEP deterioration are frequent late ocular manifestations of SAH treated with aneurysm clipping. Damage to the visual pathway correlates with the severity of SAH and timing of aneurysmal surgery.

Terson's syndrome as a prognostic factor for mortality of spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage

PURPOSE

To evaluate the prognosis of mortality in patients with spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage associated with Terson's syndrome.

METHODS

A prospective, consecutive case series study was conducted in patients admitted to the emergency room with a diagnosis of acute subarachnoid haemorrhage. After a complete neurological examination, funduscopic examination using binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy under mydriasis was performed upon admission and at days 3, 7, 30 and 60 after the onset. In all cases, the diagnosis of intracranial bleeding was made by computerized tomography, and the clinical condition was graded according to the Hunt & Hess and Glasgow coma scales.

RESULTS

Forty-seven patients with the diagnosis of subarachnoid haemorrhage were enrolled. Forty-four cases were associated with a ruptured aneurysm and three cases with arterio-venous malformation. Fourteen patients (29%) were diagnosed with Terson's syndrome. Seven patients (50%) with Terson's syndrome died, whereas death occurred in three patients (9%) without Terson's syndrome (p = 0.002). Ocular findings in Terson's syndrome were preretinal, intraretinal, sub-retinal and vitreous haemorrhage. Associated ocular findings included third-nerve palsy, papilloedema and subconjunctival haemorrhage.

CONCLUSION

The presence of Terson's syndrome was associated with an increased mortality rate (50% versus 9%; p < 0.01). Therefore, patients with the diagnosis of intracranial haemorrhage should be submitted to a funduscopic examination, because the presence of intraocular haemorrhage is an important life-threatening prognostic factor.

Non-vitrectomizing vitreous surgery for premacular haemorrhage

PURPOSE

We report three cases illustrating an alternative treatment option for premacular haemorrhage.

METHODS

This retrospective interventional case study included three eyes in three patients with premacular haemorrhage caused by idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in the first case, trauma in the second case and retinal arterial macroaneurysm in the third case. All patients underwent non-vitrectomizing vitreous surgery. Visual acuity as well as slit-lamp and indirect ophthalmoscopic examinations were performed pre- and postoperatively to evaluate the resolution of premacular haemorrhage and changes in lenticular opacity.

RESULTS

At postoperative day 1, visual acuity had improved from counting fingers (CF) to 6/12 in case 1, from CF to 6/20 in case 2 and from CF to 3/60 in case 3. Examination of the fundus showed resolution of the premacular haemorrhage with mild vitreous haemorrhage in all cases. Final best corrected visual acuities were 6/6, 6/7.5 and 6/15, respectively. The lens remained clear in two of two phakic eyes at the last follow-up visit.

CONCLUSIONS

In these selected cases, non-vitrectomizing vitreous surgery was a useful and safe alternative for the treatment of premacular haemorrhage.

Treatments for neuro-ophthalmologic conditions

Neuro-ophthalmology covers disorders that fall between the cracks of Neurology and Ophthalmology. Neurologists see patients with neuro-ophthalmic disorders. Recognition of the diagnosis is difficult enough, but treatment can be challenging. This article reviews several common neuro-ophthalmic disorders, outlining their features and treatments, from retinal vascular disorders to eye movements and blepharospasm.