Predicting Visual Outcomes in Choroidal Osteoma Treated with Anti-vascular Endothelial Growth Factor

PURPOSE

To determine potential factors associated with the long-term visual prognoses in patients with choroidal osteoma undergoing anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed at tertiary high-volume hospitals between January 2000 and December 2020 were evaluated. The primary outcome measure was visual acuity at 5-year follow-up. The secondary outcome measures included factors associated with favorable vision, defined as loss of <1 line and >20/200 vision.

RESULTS

Of 38 eyes from 36 patients (22 female, 61%; mean age 38 years) with choroidal osteoma, 23 eyes (61%) received anti-VEGF treatment (bevacizumab 1.25mg/0.05 cc, monthly or treat-and-extend) and 65% completed the 5 years of follow-up. All treated eyes had associated chorioretinal comorbidities (subretinal fluid 91%; choroidal neovascularization 74%; subretinal hemorrhage 30%). Although there was significant vision loss by 5 years (P = .002), 12 eyes (44%) had favorable outcomes. Only tumor thickness was significantly associated with unfavorable visual outcomes (OR 917.1, 95% CI 1.0-5687.7; P = .049). The optimal cut-off point predictive of visual outcomes was 1.4 mm, and tumor thickness ≥ 1.4 mm was associated with unfavorable vision (OR 27.0, 95% CI 2.0-368.4; P = .013).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with choroidal osteoma undergoing anti-VEGF therapy, a particular patient subset presented with divergent outcomes with very poor vision. Tumor thickness appeared to be the differentiating factor and is thus a potential prognostic indicator for long-term visual prognoses.

The role of choriocapillaris vessel density in the pathogenesis of macular neovascularization associated with choroidal osteoma

PURPOSE

To detect the vessel density of choriocapillaris (CC) vascular network in eyes affected by choroidal osteoma and in eyes complicated by macular neovascularization (MNV), using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

METHODS

In this retrospective study, twenty-eight eyes of 28 patients were divided into three groups: group 1 including patients with calcified choroidal osteoma, group 2 including patients with decalcified choroidal osteoma, and group 3 including patients with decalcified choroidal osteoma complicated by MNV. OCTA analyzed the vessel density of CC in these lesions localized in the peripapillary region.

RESULTS

We enrolled 12 eyes with calcified choroidal osteoma, 11 eyes with decalcified choroidal osteoma, and 5 eyes with decalcified choroidal osteoma complicated by MNV. The eyes with decalcified choroidal osteoma and MNV revealed a statistically significant reduction in vessel density of the CC respect to the other groups (p < 0.001). Moreover, the vessel density of CC in decalcified choroidal osteoma was significantly reduced compared to calcified choroidal osteoma (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

OCTA allowed a quantitative evaluation of choriocapillaris vessel density in choroidal osteoma, in order to detect the changes of this vascular network, which could lead to the development of MNV. Therefore, OCTA could be a new diagnostic tool in the clinical management of the choroidal osteoma.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05342324.

Clinical Observation of Choroidal Osteoma Using Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to choroidal osteoma (CO) can cause profound visual loss, but detecting CNV and the tumor’s feeder vessels using traditional fluorescent angiography imaging is challenging. Newly developed TowardPi swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) and OCT angiography (SS-OCTA) enable ultra-high resolution, enhanced penetration with longer wavelength (1060 nm), a rapid scan rate (400 KHz), reduced loss of signal strength with increasing depth, and 120° angular widefield of fundus view, enabling a nearly histological description of the retina and choroid. We therefore used this SS-OCT and SS-OCTA platform to observe the intrinsic features of osteoma in 23 eyes of 21 patients. It was found that the borders of CO were clearly demarcated from the adjacent choroidal Sattler’s and Haller’s layers, while on a corresponding B-scan the blood flow of the CO was detected mainly within the choriocapillaries and partly within Sattler’s layer. The CNV was identified as numerous branching or radiating vessels connecting with intrinsic feeder vessels displaying various patterns including ginseng, instant noodle, growth ring, tangle, spider web, medusa, seafan, and irregular shape. Moreover, tumor-like tissues were found to grow above the disrupted Bruch’s membrane. SS-OCTA can be used to detect the tumor vasculature in CO.

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) applications in ocular oncology

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a revolutionary method in the visualization of the vascular system in different retinal and choroidal layers. During the last 4 years since the commercial availability of different OCTA devices, attempts have been made to utilize this technology in various aspects of ocular oncology from the differentiation of benign and malignant lesions to assisting in evaluation of post-treatment complications, such as radiation retinopathy. However, current OCTA technology is restricted by various artefacts and inherent limitations, some of which are more pronounced in the presence of elevated tumoural lesions. Imminent advancements in OCTA systems and image acquisition processes promise a great potential for application of OCTA in ocular oncology.

In vivo optical biopsy of choroidal osteoma: a swept source optical coherence tomography-based tumor characterization

Objective:

To study tumor characteristics of choroidal osteoma by swept source optical coherence tomography.

Methods:

A retrospective case series done at tertiary referral center in northern India. All patients diagnosed with choroidal osteoma examined on swept source optical coherence tomography were included. Swept source optical coherence tomography images were analyzed for integrity of retinal layers—intraretinal layers, outer retinal layers (photoreceptor), retinal pigment epithelium, and contour abnormalities. Choroidal changes assessed were tumor attributes such as shape, depth of choroidal involvement, tumor mass reflectivity pattern, tumor vascularity, and evolutionary structural abnormalities such as deossification, focal depressions, or choroidal neovascular membrane.

Results:

A total of 15 eyes of 11 patients were analyzed. Seven of 11 patients were females. Mean age of presentation was approximately 26 years. Tumor was large in nine cases (>7.5 mm). Deossification was seen in 12 eyes. Inner and outer retinal integrity was maintained in 7 and 2 eyes, respectively. Most common internal tumor reflectivity pattern seen was a lamellar appearance (12/15). Increased signal transmission to choroid and focal area of deep excavation was present in 11 and 4 eyes, respectively. Osteoclastic activity was noted in 12 eyes. Choroidal neovascular membrane was seen in 6 eyes. Small lesions showed lamellar pattern of tumor reflectivity with preservation of retinal pigment epithelium and overlying retina. Larger tumors were deossified with 6 irregular tumor contour, disorganization of the outer retina, increased signal transmission to choroid, and areas of osteoclastic activity.

Conclusion:

Swept source optical coherence tomography was helpful in assessing tumor attributes and predicting the different timelines in tumor evolution.

Optic Coherence Tomography Angiography Findings of Bilateral Choroidal Neovascularization Associated with Optic Disc Drusen Treated with Intravitreal Aflibercept Injection

Purpose

The purpose of this case report is to present the findings of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) of a patient with bilateral choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with optic disc drusen (ODD), who was treated with intravitreal aflibercept injection. Case presentation. A 14-year-old girl presented with a complaint of visual loss and metamorphopsia in her both eyes. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/32 and 20/25, respectively, in the right and left eyes. Intraocular pressure and anterior segment examination were normal. Dilated fundus examination revealed elevated optic discs with blurred margins in both eyes. In addition, slightly elevated yellow lesion extending from optic nerve head to the macula was observed bilaterally. The patient underwent imaging with colour fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence (FAF), fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), spectral-domain optic coherence tomography (SD-OCT), OCTA, orbital ultrasonography (USG), and computed tomography (CT). In particular, OCTA demonstrated clearly the large circular CNV complex in the right eye and the CNV structure in the left eye containing slightly activated main trunk and minimal vessel loops in the papillomacular region. CNV secondary to bilateral ODD was suspected. Intravitreal aflibercept injections were performed in 3 doses to the right eye and a single dose to the left eye. After the injections, BCVA reached its complete level in both eyes. SD-OCT revealed irregularity of RPE in the temporal region of the optic disc and complete regression of the subretinal fluid. Interestingly, the entire CNV complex including the main trunk completely disappeared in OCTA. CNV complex was not observed in OCTA during 1-year follow-up, and peripapillary and macular vascular density measurements did not show any significant change. BCVA was preserved, and no additional injections were needed.

Conclusion

It is possible that OCTA can be used for detailed evaluation of CNV associated with ODD, response to anti-VEGF treatment, and peripapillary and macular vascular density. There is a need for further studies to confirm the changes such as disappearance of CNV in OCTA after injection as we observed in our patient.

[Role of optical coherence tomography angiography in diagnostics of early choroidal melanoma and circumscribed choroidal hemangioma]

Small choroidal melanoma is a malignant tumor that is prone to early metastasis, its amelanotic form is often similar to circumscribed choroidal hemangioma. The main attribute for tumor identification is its vascularization, which is the target of various examination methods. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) has not been previously used in complex diagnostics of early choroidal melanoma and circumscribed choroidal hemangioma for detection of tumor vessels and the nature of their branching, as well as for vessel caliber comparison. Purpose to examine vascularization of early uveal melanoma and circumscribed choroidal hemangioma by optical coherence tomography angiography.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 23 patients with early choroidal melanoma (13 subjects) and circumscribed choroidal hemangioma (10 subjects) that were examined by optical coherence tomography angiography. According to ultrasound investigation, mean tumor prominence was 1.1±0.3 mm, mean base diameter - 8.1±0.6 mm.

RESULTS

Optical coherence tomography angiography in 13 patients with small choroidal melanoma revealed presence of a neovascular component localized under retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) that had marginal avascular zone corresponding to the tumor slope. The loop-like shape of tumor vessels with numerous twists and interweaving was noted under retinal vessels. A tree-shaped neovascular component with large-caliber vessels in the form of a tree trunk with multiple branches extending from it was seen under RPE in 4 cases with circumscribed choroidal hemangioma; diffuse vascularization in the form of numerous tiny tortuous vascular branches was seen in 6 patients.

CONCLUSION

Optical coherence tomography angiography allows detection of tumor`s own vessels with characteristics of their vascularization in early choroidal melanoma and circumscribed choroidal hemangioma. Increasing the frequency of detection of tumor`s own vessels will make possible early differential diagnostics of a malignant or benign tumor and will help establish adequate conserving therapy.

Quantitative Comparison of Retinal Vascular Features in Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Images From Three Different Devices

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To compare optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) images from three different devices.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a prospective, observational, cross-sectional study. All eyes (n = 24) were imaged thrice each time with swept-source OCT (DRI OCT Triton Plus; Topcon, Tokyo, Japan), spectral-domain OCTA (AngioVue; Optovue, Fremont, CA), and SD-OCT Angioplex (Cirrus HD-OCT 5000; Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany). Outcome measures were foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, vessel density, spacing between large vessels (SLV), and spacing between small vessels (SSV). They were calculated using local fractal analyses and Frangi filter.

RESULTS

The vascular parameters showed good to excellent repeatability (intraclass coefficient > 0.8) in the three devices. The FAZ area (P = .3) and vessel density of the superficial layer (P = .8) were similar between the devices. In the deep layer, vessel density was significantly higher (P = .02) with Angio-Vue images compared to those acquired using the other devices. However, SLV was significantly higher (P < .05) and SSV was significantly lower (P < .05) on Angioplex scans compared to other devices. Vessel parameters were significantly altered in Frangi-filtered images as compared to nonfiltered images.

CONCLUSIONS

Vessel density showed good repeatability among the three devices, although there were differences in vessel parameters between the devices. Also, vessel parameters changed significantly after Frangi filtering. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2018;49:488-496.].

Choroidal neovascularization due to choroidal osteoma treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy: An optical coherence tomography angiography study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the response to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy for choroidal neovascularization secondary to choroidal osteoma using optical coherence tomography angiography.

METHODS

This retrospective study included four eyes of four females with choroidal osteoma complicated by choroidal neovascularization, treated with ranibizumab. All patients underwent full ophthalmologic examination, including ocular ultrasound, retinography, fluorescein angiography, spectral-domain or swept-source optical coherence tomography, and optical coherence tomography angiography. These images were analyzed to measure choroidal osteoma and to study choroidal neovascularization changes after intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor.

RESULTS

In all cases, fluorescein angiography revealed the presence the choroidal neovascularization, as an early hyperfluorescence area increasing during the exam. Optical coherence tomography showed both the choroidal osteoma and choroidal neovascularization and intra- or subretinal fluid as activity sign. In optical coherence tomography angiography, choroidal osteoma vessels were valuable in outer retina and choroidal slabs, and were irregular and did not change after ranibizumab injection; neovascular network correlating with choroidal neovascularization showed a hyperflow tangled vessels in outer retina, decreasing in density after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy.

CONCLUSION

Optical coherence tomography angiography seems to be a useful tool in visualizing and distinguishing vascular networks of choroidal osteoma and of choroidal neovascularization secondary to choroidal osteoma better than fluorescein angiography.

Clinical applications of optical coherence tomography angiography: What we have learnt in the first 3 years

A review of the literature from 2014 to 2016 was conducted, focusing on the results of optical coherence tomography angiography in different chorioretinal diseases. In only 3 years, optical coherence tomography angiography has been shown to be an effective tool for diagnosing choroidal neovascularization complicating age-related macular degeneration, pathologic myopia, and inflammatory conditions. The technique has sometimes been considered superior to conventional multimodal imaging, for example, in choroidal neovascularization associated with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy or multifocal choroiditis. In retinal vascular diseases, optical coherence tomography angiography has helped to understand the condition described as paracentral acute middle maculopathy and has been considered highly effective for the analysis of retinal vascular macular changes secondary to retinal vein occlusion or macular telangiectasia. Changes in the foveal avascular zone, also reported in diabetic maculopathy, have been shown to occur before any angiographic signs. A reduction in capillary vascular density has been reported in the fovea of eyes with malignant melanoma, but not in eyes with choroidal nevus. However, optical coherence tomography angiography is a recent technique that probably needs refinements and further studies. Nevertheless, the first 3 years of optical coherence tomography angiography use suggest its clinical relevance and useful applications in daily clinical practice.

Nonconforming Deep Focal Choroidal Excavation in a Patient With Choroidal Osteoma: A Diagnostic Dilemma

Evolution of an osteoma may result in neurosensory detachment, deossification, and choroidal neovascularization (CNV). The authors report a rare case of choroidal osteoma with CNV associated with a deep non-conforming focal choroidal excavation. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2017;48:944-947.].

Assessment of choroidal osteoma complicating choroidal neovascularization by optical coherence tomography angiography

Purpose

Choroidal osteoma (CO) frequently leads to progressive visual loss due to complications of secondary choroidal neovascularization (CNV).We report herein the function of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in observation of CO complicating CNV.

Methods

A 25-year-old female presented to our hospital with chief complaint of sudden unilateral visual acuity decrease for one week, with metamorphopsia in the left eye. Her best corrected visual acuity was 0.12 in the left eye. Then complete ophthalmological examinations including fundus photography, B-scan ultrasound, fundus fluorescent angiography, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were performed. She was diagnosed as CO on the basis of these results. But the diagnosis could not explain the sudden visual loss and submacular hyperreflective lesion by SD-OCT. Furthermore, she underwent OCTA and indocyanine green angiography.

Results

A diagnosis of classic juxtafoveal CNV secondary to CO was made eventually. Then she was treated with an intravitreous injection of ranibizumab twice. The visual acuity got better and better during the treatment, and the efficacy was stable, giving rise to both subjective and anatomic improvement.

Conclusions

Optical coherence tomography angiography has the advantage of varying the segmentation and scrolling through the different retinal layers, and layer-specific observation of blood flow in each layer. In addition, OCTA can measure the vessel area change of CNV and provide a better appreciation of CNV, observing the efficacy more elaboratively and quantizedly. OCTA makes promising noninvasive identification of the CO-related CNV.

Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Characteristics of Fovea in Residual Subfoveal Perfluorocarbon Liquid Eye

The authors report a case of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) features of retina and choriocapillaris before and after the surgical removal of a subfoveal perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) bubble. Before the surgery, the fovea avascular zone (FAZ) of both superficial and deep inner retinal layers (SRL/DRL) dramatically enlarged. However, after the removal, the FAZ continually decreased in both layers, even becoming close to normal in size. The abnormal choriocapillaris dark areas were also undetectable. Before and after surgery, the angle of the maximum FAZ diameter constantly remained horizontal and within normal limit in the SRL, forming an oval-shaped FAZ. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2016;47:1062-1066.].