Bacillary layer detachment on optical coherence tomography in exudative age-related macular degeneration

Bacillary layer detachment with malignant choroidal tumors: a case series

PURPOSE

To study the incidence and characteristics of bacillary layer detachment (BALAD) occurring with the two most common choroidal malignancies, choroidal metastasis and choroidal melanoma.

METHODS

A retrospective multicentric record analysis. Eyes with a diagnosis of choroidal melanoma or choroidal metastasis that had good-quality fundus photography and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans of the macular and tumor regions allowing for delineation of the retinal layers were included for analysis. Qualitative image evaluation was done by two independent graders for the presence, location, and OCT features of BALAD, as well as any associated intraretinal or subretinal fluid. Demographic and clinical data were also retrieved.

RESULTS

Of the 11 eyes with choroidal metastasis and 7 eyes with choroidal melanoma that were included in the final analysis, 6 (54.5%) and 1 (14.3%) had BALAD, respectively. The BALAD co-localized with the subretinal fluid in all cases and with the intraretinal fluid in 1/3 cases (33.3%), was foveal in location in 3 eyes (42.9%), was overlying the tumor in 6 eyes (85.7%), and varied in number and size. Reflectivity within the BALAD was consistently higher than the vitreous and adjacent subretinal fluid, and discernable suspended hyperreflective particles were noted in 5 eyes (71.4%).

CONCLUSION

BALAD is relatively common with choroidal metastasis. The OCT features described supplement our recognition of this new entity.

Bacillary Detachment in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Incidence, Clinical Features, and Response to Anti-VEGF Therapy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the incidence of bacillary layer detachment among patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and their response to anti-VEGF therapy.

DESIGN

Post hoc analysis of the OSPREY clinical trial, a prospective, double-masked, phase II study comparing 6-mg brolucizumab with 2-mg aflibercept over 56 weeks.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants with treatment-naive nAMD at the initiation of the trial were included in the analysis (n = 81).

METHODS

Spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT) scans were obtained at 4-week intervals throughout the OSPREY study and were segmented automatically using a proprietary, machine learning-enabled higher-order feature-extraction platform.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The presence of bacillary detachment, and in these eyes the effect of anti-VEGF therapy on change from baseline in visual acuity (VA), central subfield thickness (CST), retinal fluid volumes, subretinal hyper-reflective material (SHRM) volume, subretinal pigment epithelium (sub-RPE) fluid volume, and ellipsoid zone (EZ) integrity at week 56.

RESULTS

Bacillary detachment was identified in 7.4% (6 of 81) eyes, which had higher fluid volumes, increased CST, EZ attenuation, and increased sub-RPE volume at baseline compared with eyes without bacillary detachment. Anti-VEGF treatment resulted in the resolution of bacillary detachment in 100% of the eyes. In eyes with bacillary detachment at baseline, the anti-VEGF treatment decreased CST, fluid burden, and SHRM volumes throughout the treatment course; however, there was no significant change from baseline in VA, sub-RPE volume, or EZ integrity throughout the 56-week course of anti-VEGF treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Bacillary detachment is an OCT signature that is identifiable in a notable proportion of nAMD eyes. Anti-VEGF therapy resulted in 100% resolution of bacillary detachment and significant decreases in CST and SHRM volume; however, improvements in VA may have been limited by persistent EZ attenuation.

Bacillary Layer Detachment in a Korean Cohort with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration

PURPOSE

To evaluate the incidence and characteristics of bacillary layer detachment (BALAD) in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

METHODS

This retrospective study was performed at Kim's Eye Hospital in South Korea. Patients who were diagnosed with neovascular AMD between January 2017 and December 2017 were included. The incidence of BALAD was compared among different types of macular neovascularization. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) at diagnosis were compared between patients showing BALAD at diagnosis and those who did not.

RESULTS

Among the 442 patients included, BALAD was observed in 20 patients(4.5%). There was a significant difference in the incidence of BALAD between type 1 MNV(2.7%), type 2 MNV(12.5%), and type 3 MNV (0%)(P<0.001). The BCVA was significantly worse (mean 1.26±0.79 vs 0.62±0.50, P=0.001), and the CRT was significantly greater (mean 648.2±211.1 µm vs 464.0±175.5 µm, P<0.001) in patients with BALAD than in those without it. After anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy, all BALADs resolved.

CONCLUSIONS

This study first reported the incidence of the BALAD in neovascular AMD in Korean population. The incidence of BALAD was the highest in type 2 MNVs. BALAD generally develops in eyes with great macular thickness and poor visual acuity.

Bridge arch-shaped subretinal fluid in neovascular age-related macular degeneration - evolution and outcomes

PURPOSE

To study factors leading to bridge arch-shaped subretinal fluid (SRF) on optical coherence tomography (OCT) in wet age-related macular degeneration and evaluate its anatomical and functional outcomes.

METHODS

In this single-center, retrospective study, patients with bridge arch-shaped SRF and choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) were included.

RESULTS

We identified 623 eyes in 431 patients with chronic CNVM and 24 (4%) eyes in 21 patients showed bridge arch-shaped SRF. Mean age of patients was 69.19 ± 12.0 years. Type 1 CNVM was noted in 79% cases before development of bridge arch-shaped SRF. Mean ETDRS letters visual acuity was 53.93 ± 32.19. Time interval to develop bridge arch-shaped SRF was 21.9 ± 30.63 months. Mean number of intravitreal anti-VEGF injections given before developing bridge arch-shaped SRF was 6.5 ± 7.09. During development of bridge arch-shaped SRF, visual acuity reduced by -20.57 ± 31.13 letters (p=0.033) and fibrotic type 2 CNVM (n=18, 75%) was noted. RPE tear was noted in 8 (33%) eyes. At final visit, further reduction in visual acuity of -7.136 ± 13.73 ETDRS letters (p=0.011) after developing bridge arch-shaped SRF was seen. Mean number of injections given after developing bridge arch shaped SRF was 4.76 ± 3.76.

CONCLUSION

Bridge arch-shaped SRF is an uncommon finding seen in eyes with type 2 chronic CNVMs. Presence of RPE breach and tear and non-aggressive treatment regimen with intravitreal anti-VEGF injections could be responsible for its pathogenesis. It is a marker of fibrotic enlargement, leading to poor visual outcomes despite showing favourable therapeutic response.