OCT Biomarkers as Functional Outcome Predictors in Diabetic Macular Edema Treated with Dexamethasone Implant

PURPOSE

Identification and characterization of patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) are important for individualizing treatment and optimizing outcome. We investigated OCT biomarkers for DME treated by intravitreal dexamethasone (DEX) implant.

DESIGN

Multicenter, retrospective, observational cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 299 eyes from 284 patients treated with DEX implant for DME (naïve, n = 209; refractory, n = 90). Baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was between 0.3 and 1.0 on a logarithm of minimum angle of resolution visual chart.

METHODS

The OCT scans previous to DEX implants were evaluated for submacular fluid, size and location of cystoid changes, inner segment-outer segment (IS-OS) continuity, quantity and location of hyperreflective foci (HRF), vitreomacular interface abnormalities, and epiretinal membrane. The BCVA and central macular thickness were recorded at baseline and at 1, 2, and 4 months after treatment with DEX implants. Correlations between OCT measures and visual outcome were analyzed using the generalized estimating equations procedure.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The correlation between spectral-domain (SD) OCT measures at baseline and BCVA response (mean change from baseline; categorized improvement [<5, 5-9, or ≥10; Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters] in BCVA) after treatment with a DEX implant.

RESULTS

The presence of subretinal fluid (odds ratio [OR], 1.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23-3.20; P = 0.01), absence of HRF (OR, 3.66; 95% CI, 1.40-9.62; P = 0.01), and integrity of the IS-OS layer (OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.30-3.37; P = 0.003) were all predictive of better visual outcome after treatment with DEX implants. Although eyes with naïve DME gained more vision than refractory eyes (P < 0.001), the predictive value of OCT findings did not differ according to this classification.

CONCLUSIONS

Spectral-domain OCT is useful in identifying various imaging findings in DME. Among eyes with DME, those with submacular fluid, no HRF, and a continuous IS-OS layer responded better to DEX implants than those without these features. These findings call for further study of combinations of OCT and metabolic biomarkers.

Shall we stay, or shall we switch? Continued anti-VEGF therapy versus early switch to dexamethasone implant in refractory diabetic macular edema

AIMS

To compare functional and anatomical outcomes of continued anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy versus dexamethasone (DEX) implant in eyes with refractory diabetic macular edema (DME) after three initial anti-VEGF injections in a real-world setting.

METHODS

To be included in this retrospective multicenter, case-control study, eyes were required: (1) to present with early refractory DME, as defined by visual acuity (VA) gain ≤ 5 letters or reduction in central subfield thickness (CST) ≤ 20%, after a loading phase of anti-VEGF therapy (three monthly injections) and (2) to treat further with (a) anti-VEGF therapy or (b) DEX implant. Main outcome measures were change in visual acuity (VA) and central subfield thickness (CST) at 12 months. Due to imbalanced baseline characteristics, a matched anti-VEGF group was formed by only keeping eyes with similar baseline characteristics as those in the DEX group.

RESULTS

A total of 110 eyes from 105 patients were included (anti-VEGF group: 72 eyes, DEX group: 38 eyes). Mean change in VA at 12 months was - 0.4 ± 10.8 letters (anti-VEGF group), and + 6.1 ± 10.6 letters (DEX group) (P = 0.004). Over the same period, mean change in CST was + 18.3 ± 145.9 µm (anti-VEGF group) and - 92.8 ± 173.6 µm (DEX group) (P < 0.001). Eyes in the DEX group were more likely to gain ≥ 10 letters (OR 3.71, 95% CI 1.19-11.61, P = 0.024) at month 12.

CONCLUSIONS

In a real-world setting, eyes with DME considered refractory to anti-VEGF therapy after three monthly injections which were switched to DEX implant and had better visual and anatomical outcomes at 12 months than those that continued treatment with anti-VEGF therapy.

Disorganization of Retinal Inner Layers as a Biomarker for Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane After Macular Surgery-The DREAM Study

PURPOSE

Epiretinal membrane (ERM) can cause distortion and disorganization of all inner retinal layers. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the extent of disorganization of the retinal inner layers (DRIL) and to investigate its predictive value for visual outcome in cases of idiopathic ERM that were treated by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and ERM peeling.

DESIGN

Multicenter international retrospective case series.

METHODS

In 90 eyes from 90 patients with idiopathic ERM treated by PPV and membrane peeling with 12-month follow-up, optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans previous to surgery were evaluated for presence and severity of DRIL, central foveal subfield thickness (CST), maximal retinal thickness (MRT), presence of intraretinal cystoid changes and subretinal fluid, and integrity of the inner/outer segment layer and of the interdigitation zone. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), CST, and MRT were recorded at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Correlations between baseline OCT measures (DRIL) and functional and visual outcome were analyzed. Main outcome measures are presence and severity of DRIL at baseline; anatomic and functional outcomes after 3, 6, and 12 months; and the correlation between DRIL and baseline characteristics and outcome measures.

RESULTS

Patients without and with mild DRIL had a significantly better baseline BCVA compared with patients with severe DRIL (0.61 ± 0.13, 0.56 ± 0.23, 0.73 ± 0.20 [logMAR], respectively). BCVA, CST, and MRT at baseline were statistically significantly correlated with DRIL severity (P = .003, P < .001, and P < .001, respectively). DRIL status before surgery showed a statistically significant interaction with change in BCVA, CST, and MRT over 12 months (P < .001 for all). Patients without and with mild DRIL gained a mean of 3 lines of vision after 12 months, in contrast to 1 line in patients with severe DRIL.

CONCLUSIONS

DRIL grading correlates with functional and anatomic measures in patients with idiopathic ERM and could serve as a biomarker to predict outcome after surgery. Patients with severe DRIL have limited benefits from surgery. This should be considered in the decision process whether to perform ERM peeling in this patient group.

Disorganization of retinal inner layers as a biomarker in patients with diabetic macular oedema treated with dexamethasone implant

PURPOSE

To investigate disorganization of retinal inner layers (DRIL) as a biomarker in eyes with diabetic macular oedema (DME) treated by intravitreal dexamethasone (DEX) implant.

METHODS

Multicentre, retrospective study including eyes with DME treated with DEX implant and follow-up of 12 months after the first injection. OCT scans were evaluated for the presence of DRIL and other structural features. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central subfield thickness (CST) were recorded at baseline and at 2, 4, 6 and 12 months after treatment. Correlation between DRIL at baseline and outcomes after DEX treatment and the change in DRIL were analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 177 eyes (177 patients; naïve, n = 131; refractory, n = 46) were included. Patients without DRIL at baseline gained significantly more vision and enjoyed greater reduction in CST over 12 months (both p = 0.03). DRIL at the boundary between the ganglion cell-inner plexiform complex and inner nuclear layer improved in 48/64 eyes (75%, p < 0.001), while DRIL between the inner nuclear layer and outer plexiform layer improved in 27/77 eyes (35%, p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to show that DEX implant has the potential to ameliorate DRIL. Patients without DRIL at baseline have a favourable outcome. DRIL may serve a robust biomarker in DME treated by DEX implant.

A nationwide genetic analysis of inherited retinal diseases in Israel as assessed by the Israeli inherited retinal disease consortium (IIRDC)

Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) cause visual loss due to dysfunction or progressive degeneration of photoreceptors. These diseases show marked phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity. The Israeli IRD consortium (IIRDC) was established in 2013 with the goal of performing clinical and genetic mapping of the majority of Israeli IRD patients. To date, we recruited 2,420 families including 3,413 individuals with IRDs. On the basis of our estimation, these patients represent approximately 40% of Israeli IRD patients. To the best of our knowledge, this is, by far, the largest reported IRD cohort, and one of the first studies addressing the genetic analysis of IRD patients on a nationwide scale. The most common inheritance pattern in our cohort is autosomal recessive (60% of families). The most common retinal phenotype is retinitis pigmentosa (43%), followed by Stargardt disease and cone/cone-rod dystrophy. We identified the cause of disease in 56% of the families. Overall, 605 distinct mutations were identified, of which 12% represent prevalent founder mutations. The most frequently mutated genes were ABCA4, USH2A, FAM161A, CNGA3, and EYS. The results of this study have important implications for molecular diagnosis, genetic screening, and counseling, as well as for the development of new therapeutic strategies for retinal diseases.

Clinical impact of the worldwide shortage of verteporfin (Visudyne®) on ophthalmic care

INTRODUCTION

Since July 2021, a worldwide shortage of verteporfin (Visudyne®) occurred: an essential medicine required for photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT with verteporfin has a broad range of indications in ophthalmology, including chronic central serous chorioretinopathy, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy and choroidal haemangioma. For these disorders, PDT is either the first-choice treatment or regarded as a major treatment option.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A questionnaire was sent to key opinion leaders in the field of medical retina throughout the world, to assess the role of PDT in their country and the effects of the shortage of verteporfin. In addition, information on the application of alternative treatments during shortage of verteporfin was obtained, to further assess the impact of the shortage.

RESULTS

Our questionnaire indicated that the shortage of verteporfin had a major impact on ophthalmic care worldwide and was regarded to be a serious problem by most of our respondents. However, even though there is ample evidence to support the use of PDT in several chorioretinal diseases, we found notable differences in its use in normal patient care throughout the world. Various alternative management strategies were noted during the verteporfin shortage, including lowering the dose of verteporfin per patient, the use of alternative treatment strategies and the use of a centralized system for allocating the remaining ampoules of verteporfin in some countries.

CONCLUSION

The shortage of verteporfin has had a large effect on the care of ophthalmic patients across the world and may have resulted in significant and irreversible vision loss. Mitigation strategies should be developed in consultation with all stakeholders to avoid future medication shortages of verteporfin and other unique ophthalmic medications. These strategies may include mandatory stock keeping, compulsory licensing to an alternative manufacturer or incentivizing the development of competition, for example through novel public-private partnerships.

Real-world outcomes of non-responding diabetic macular edema treated with continued anti-VEGF therapy versus early switch to dexamethasone implant: 2-year results

AIMS

To provide 2-year follow-up data on eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME) that were non-responsive after three initial anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections, comparing functional and anatomical outcomes under continued anti-VEGF therapy versus dexamethasone (DEX) implant.

METHODS

Multicenter, retrospective chart review comparing eyes with treatment-naïve DME and a suboptimal response to a loading phase of anti-VEGF therapy (3 injections given monthly) which were then treated with (a) further anti-VEGF (n = 72) or (b) initially switched to DEX implant (n = 38). Main outcome measures were change in visual acuity (VA) and central subfield thickness (CST) from the end of the loading phase to 24 months.

RESULTS

In 79% of the 12-month study population (87/110 eyes), 24-month data were available. One quarter of eyes in each group switched treatments during the second year. Eyes that were switched early to DEX implant maintained the functional and anatomical improvements at 24 months which were seen in the first year (from month 3: + 8.9 letters, - 214 µm). Eyes that were switched from anti-VEGF therapy to steroids in the second year improved VA and reduced CST at 24 months (from month 12: + 6.8 letters, p = 0.023; - 226 µm, p = 0.004). In eyes continued on anti-VEGF therapy, VA and CST were stable at 24 months (from month 3: + 2.8 letters, p = 0.254; - 24 µm, p = 0.243). Eyes that were non-responsive to anti-VEGF therapy for 12 months had similar chances to experience a VA gain from further therapy as eyes that were non-responsive for 3 months only (23.8 vs. 31.0%, p = 0.344).

CONCLUSIONS

The beneficial effect of an early switch to DEX implant in DME non-responders seen at month 12 was maintained during the second year. A later switch from anti-VEGF to steroids still provided significant improvement. Eyes continued on anti-VEGF over a period of 24 months maintained vision. A quarter of eyes, which had not improved vision at 12 months, exhibited a delayed response to treatment.

Non-neovascular age-related macular degeneration with subretinal fluid

PURPOSE

To evaluate the various patterns of subretinal fluid (SRF) in eyes with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the absence of macular neovascularisation (MNV) and to assess the long-term outcomes in these eyes.

METHODS

This retrospective study included only eyes with non-neovascular AMD and associated SRF. Eyes with evidence of MNV were excluded. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was obtained at baseline and at follow-up, and qualitative and quantitative SD-OCT analysis of macular drusen including drusenoid pigment epithelial detachment (PED) and associated SRF was performed to determine anatomic outcomes.

RESULTS

Forty-five eyes (45 patients) were included in this analysis. Mean duration of follow-up was 49.7±36.7 months. SRF exhibited three different morphologies: crest of fluid over the apex of the drusenoid PED, pocket of fluid at the angle of a large druse or in the crypt of confluent drusen or drape of low-lying fluid over confluent drusen. Twenty-seven (60%) of the 45 eyes with fluid displayed collapse of the associated druse or drusenoid PED and 24 (53%) of the 45 eyes developed evidence of complete or incomplete retinal pigment epithelial and outer retinal atrophy.

CONCLUSION

Non-neovascular AMD with SRF is an important clinical entity to recognise to avoid unnecessary anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. Clinicians should be aware that SRF can be associated with drusen or drusenoid PED in the absence of MNV and may be the result of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) decompensation and RPE pump failure.

Progression of diabetic retinopathy severity after treatment with dexamethasone implant: a 24-month cohort study the 'DR-Pro-DEX Study'

PURPOSE

Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents have been shown to reduce diabetic retinopathy (DR) progression; data on the effects of intravitreal corticosteroids on modifying disease severity are limited. This study evaluates the long-term effect of intravitreal dexamethasone implant (DEX) on the severity and progression of non-proliferative DR (NPDR).

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study. Sixty eyes from 60 consecutive patients with NPDR and diabetic macular edema (DME) treated with dexamethasone implant (DEX group) and 49 eyes from consecutive 49 patients without DME requiring observation only. Fundus angiography images from baseline and after 24 months were graded by two masked assessors into mild, moderate and severe NPDR and PDR, according to the ETDRS classification. Patients were followed up 1-3 and 4-6 months after each DEX implant. Re-treatment with DEX implant was on a pro re nata basis. Records were reviewed for performance of panretinal photocoagulation. Main outcome was as follows: change of DR ≥ 1 grade and progression to proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).

RESULTS

Three eyes (5%) in the DEX group and 43 (87.8%) eyes in the control group progressed to PDR (P < 0.0001). Twenty-five eyes (41.7%) in the DEX group but none in the control group demonstrated an improvement in DR severity (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

This study provides the first long-term evidence that DEX implant has the potential to not only delay progression of DR and PDR development, but may also improve DR severity over 24 months. Better understanding of the effects of corticosteroids will help guide its use in the treatment pathway of DR.

Biomarkers and predictors for functional and anatomic outcomes for small gauge pars plana vitrectomy and peeling of the internal limiting membrane in naïve diabetic macular edema: The VITAL Study

Purpose

We aimed to investigate biomarkers and predictive factors for visual and anatomical outcome in patients with naïve diabetic macular edema (DME) who underwent small gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling as a first line treatment.

Design

Multicenter, retrospective, interventional study.

Participants

120 eyes from 120 patients with naïve DME treated with PPV and ILM peeling with a follow up of 24 months.

Methods

Change in baseline best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central subfoveal thickness (CST) 1, 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery. Predictive value of baseline BCVA, CST, optical coherence tomography (OCT) features (presence of subretinal fluid (SRF) and photoreceptor damage), and time between DME diagnosis and surgery. Additional treatment for DME needed. Intra- and post-operative complications (cataract rate formation, increased intraocular pressure).

Main outcome measures

The correlation between baseline characteristics and BCVA response (mean change from baseline; categorized improvement ≥5 or ≥10; Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters) 12 and 24 months after surgery.

Results

Mean BCVA was 0.66 ± 0.14 logMAR, 0.52 ± 0.21 logMAR, and 0.53 ± 0.21 logMAR (p<0.001) at baseline, 12 and 24 months, respectively. Shorter time from DME diagnosis until PPV (OR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.97–0.99, p<0.001) was a predictor for good functional treatment response (area under the curve 0.828). For every day PPV is postponed, the patient’s chances to gain ≥5 letters at 24 months decrease by 1.8%.

Presence of SRF was identified as an anatomical predictor of a better visual outcome, (OR: 6.29, 95% CI: 1.16–34.08, p = 0.033). Safety profile was acceptable.

Conclusions

Our results reveal a significant functional and anatomical improvement of DME 24 months after primary PPV, without the need for additional treatment. Early surgical intervention and presence of SRF predict good visual outcome. These biomarkers should be considered when treatment is chosen.

Choroidal Anatomic Alterations After Photodynamic Therapy for Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: A Multicenter Study

PURPOSE

To study the early anatomic choroidal alterations in eyes with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) undergoing photodynamic therapy (PDT).

DESIGN

Multicenter retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

A total of 77 patients and 81 eyes with chronic CSCR treated with PDT and 64 untreated fellow eyes were evaluated. Central macular thickness (CMT) and choroidal features including subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), total choroidal area (TCA), luminal choroidal area (LCA), and stromal choroidal area (SCA) were analyzed. Choroidal vascularity index (CVI) was calculated in all study eyes at baseline and at 1- and 3-months post-PDT.

RESULTS

In eyes receiving PDT, Snellen visual acuity (VA) significantly improved at months 1 and 3 (P < .001). CMT and SFCT showed a significant reduction from baseline at months 1 and 3 (P < .001), whereas TCA and LCA showed a significant decrease only at the 1-month follow-up visit. Baseline mean TCA and LCA were 2.30 ± 1.41 mm² and 1.23 ± 0.73 mm², respectively, and decreased to 2.07 ± 1.21 mm² and 1.08 ± 0.63 mm² at the 1-month follow-up visit, respectively (P = .01). No significant changes were recorded for SCA and CVI. In the fellow eye group, VA, CMT, and all choroidal parameters showed no differences between baseline and any follow-up visits (all P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

After PDT for chronic CSCR we observed sustained reductions in CMT and SFCT, while reductions in TCA and LCA were only noted at the 1-month follow-up interval. These choroidal parameters may provide additional quantitative biomarkers to evaluate the anatomic response to therapy but await further prospective validation.

Central serous chorioretinopathy imaging biomarkers

PURPOSE

To identify the factors predicting the visual and anatomical outcomes in eyes with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) through 12 months.

METHODS

Patients with diagnosis of CSCR, either acute or chronic, were included in this multicentric, retrospective study. Demographic factors; systemic risk factors; central macular thickness (CMT), subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), linear extent of ellipsoid zone (EZ) and interdigitation zone damage on optical coherence tomography; details of leak on fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography were included as predictors of anatomical and visual outcomes. Regression analysis was performed to correlate the changes in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and resolution of disease activity.

RESULTS

A total of 231 eyes of 201 patients with a mean age (49.7±11.8 years) were analysed. A total of 97 and 134 eyes were classified as acute and chronic CSCR. BCVA (0.35±0.31 to 0.24±0.34; p<0.001), baseline optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters including CMT (p<0.001), subretinal fluid (SRF) height (p<0.001) and SFCT (p=0.05) showed a significant change through 12 months. Multivariate regression analysis showed change in CMT (p≤0.01) and SRF height at baseline (p=0.05) as factors predictive of good visual outcome. Logistic regression analysis revealed changes in both CMT (p=0.009) and SFCT (p=0.01) through 12 months to correlate with the resolution of disease.

CONCLUSION

OCT parameters such as changes in both CMT and SFCT along with subfoveal EZ damage can be predictive of disease resolution whereas changes in CMT and baseline SRF height correlate well with changes in BCVA through 12 months.

TRActional DIabetic reTInal detachment surgery with co-adjuvant intravitreal dexamethasONe implant: the TRADITION STUDY

AIM

Main failure of diabetic tractional retinal detachment (TRD) surgery is the development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), causing higher re-detachment rates. We investigated whether the use of dexamethasone (DEX) implant at the end of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with silicone oil tamponade might have an impact on these outcomes.

DESIGN

Comparative, nonrandomized, retrospective study.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 148 eyes from 148 patients that underwent PPV with silicone oil tamponade for diabetic TRD (with DEX implant, n = 52; without DEX implant, n = 96).

METHODS

Consecutive patients' records were reviewed for time between TRD diagnosis and surgery; lens status before surgery and after 6, 12, and 24 months; retina attachment rate after primary PPV; change in postoperative PVR severity; rate of re-detachment at 6, 12, and 24 months; use of IOP lowering treatment after 6, 12, and 24 months; surgery details; intra- and postoperative complications. Correlations between outcome measures, postoperative PVR severity, and re-detachment rates were analyzed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Change in postoperative PVR severity and retinal re-detachment rates with and without the adjuvant use of DEX implant.

RESULTS

Retinal re-detachment rates were significantly higher in the group of patients that did not receive DEX implant [11/96 (11.5%) vs. 0/52 (0%), p = 0.049; 11/84 (12.9%) vs. 4/52 (7.7%), p = 0.007; 14/71 (19.7%) vs. 5/52 (10%) p < 0.001 at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively]. PVR severity correlated with retinal status at 12 and 24 months (p = 0.018 and p = 0.027, respectively). The difference in PVR severity between the two groups was statistically significant at 6, 12, and 24 months (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

DEX implant at the end of PPV in patients with diabetic TRD improves PVR severity and decreases re-detachment rates. This should be considered as an option in the customized treatment of TRD.

Detection of Diabetic Retinopathy from Ultra-Widefield Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope Images: A Multicenter Deep Learning Analysis

PURPOSE

To develop a deep learning (DL) system that can detect referable diabetic retinopathy (RDR) and vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy (VTDR) from images obtained on ultra-widefield scanning laser ophthalmoscope (UWF-SLO).

DESIGN

Observational, cross-sectional study.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 9392 UWF-SLO images of 1903 eyes from 1022 subjects with diabetes from Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, India, and Argentina.

METHODS

All images were labeled according to the presence or absence of RDR and the presence or absence of VTDR. Labeling was performed by retina specialists from fundus examination, according to the International Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy Disease Severity Scale. Three convolutional neural networks (ResNet50) were trained with a transfer-learning procedure for assessing gradability and identifying VTDR and RDR. External validation was performed on 4 datasets spanning different geographical regions.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC); area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC); sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the DL system in gradability assessment; and detection of RDR and VTDR.

RESULTS

For gradability assessment, the system achieved an AUROC of 0.923 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.892-0.947), sensitivity of 86.5% (95% CI, 77.6-92.8), and specificity of 82.1% (95% CI, 77.3-86.2) for the primary validation dataset, and >0.82 AUROCs, >79.6% sensitivity, and >70.4% specificity for the geographical external validation datasets. For detecting RDR and VTDR, the AUROCs were 0.981 (95% CI, 0.977-0.984) and 0.966 (95% CI, 0.961-0.971), with sensitivities of 94.9% (95% CI, 92.3-97.9) and 87.2% (95% CI, 81.5-91.6), specificities of 95.1% (95% CI, 90.6-97.9) and 95.8% (95% CI, 93.3-97.6), and positive predictive values (PPVs) of 98.0% (95% CI, 96.1-99.0) and 91.1% (95% CI, 86.3-94.3) for the primary validation dataset, respectively. The AUROCs and accuracies for detecting both RDR and VTDR were >0.9% and >80%, respectively, for the geographical external validation datasets. The AUPRCs were >0.9, and sensitivities, specificities, and PPVs were >80% for the geographical external validation datasets for RDR and VTDR detection.

CONCLUSIONS

The excellent performance achieved with this DL system for image quality assessment and detection of RDR and VTDR in UWF-SLO images highlights its potential as an efficient and effective diabetic retinopathy screening tool.

Real-world outcomes of observation and treatment in diabetic macular edema with very good visual acuity: the OBTAIN study

AIMS

To describe and compare the functional and anatomical outcomes of untreated and treated diabetic macular edema (DME) in eyes with very good baseline visual acuity (VA) in a real-world setting.

METHODS

A 12-month, retrospective, multicenter, observational cohort study, including DME patients with baseline visual acuity (VA) ≤ 0.1 logMAR (≥ 20/25 Snellen) and central subfield thickness (CST) > 250 µm with intra- and/or subretinal fluid seen on optical coherence tomography.

RESULTS

A total of 249 eyes were included, of which 155 were treated and 94 were non-treated during follow-up. Most eyes maintained vision (VA gain or VA loss < 5 letters) at 12 months (treated: 58.1%; non-treated: 73.4%). In non-treated eyes with stable VA within the first 6 months, VA was maintained throughout the follow-up in most cases (86.3%). In non-treated eyes with VA loss ≥ 5 letters within 6 months (36.7%), further observation led to worse visual outcome than treatment (- 4.2 vs. - 7.8 letters, p = 0.013). In eyes in which treatment was initiated at baseline (n = 102), treatment with 8-12 anti-VEGF injections led to better visual outcome compared to treatment with less injections (- 0.3 ± 3.6 letters vs. - 3.8 ± 6.2 letters, p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

In a real-world setting, the majority of DME patients with very good VA maintained vision at 12 months, regardless of whether the DME was treated or not. This study supports close observation of eyes with DME and very good VA with consideration of treatment when a one line drop in vision is observed.

Increased incidence of Susac syndrome: a case series study

BACKGROUND

Susac syndrome (SuS) is a rare condition characterized by a clinical triad of sensorineural hearing loss, branch artery occlusion and encephalopathy. This study reports an increased incidence of SuS in Israel. We describe the clinical characteristics of these patients, diagnostic procedures and the use and subsequent outcomes of newly published treatment guidelines.

METHODS

This is a single center retrospective study. Patients who were diagnosed with SuS between July 2017 and August 2018 were enrolled in this study.

RESULTS

Seven patients were diagnosed with SuS according to the diagnostic criteria in a time period of 13 months. The annual incidence was recently evaluated in Austria to be 0.024/100000, therefore, our case series represent at least a 5.4- fold increase in the annual incidence of SuS expected in Israel and a 7-fold increase in the annual incidence expected in our medical center. Mean time from the onset of the symptoms to diagnosis was three weeks and follow-up time was twenty four months. Recent exposure to cytomegalovirus was serologically evident in three patients and one patient had high titer of anti-streptolysin antibody. All patients underwent brain MRI, fluorescein angiography and audiometry. All patients were treated according to the newly recommended guidelines. All patients achieved clinical and radiological stability.

CONCLUSIONS

We report of an increased incidence of SuS in Israel. Infectious serological findings may imply a post infectious mechanism. The use of the recommended diagnostic procedures reduced the time to diagnosis. Newly published treatment guidelines led to favorable clinical outcomes.

Outer retinal hyperreflective deposits (ORYD): a new OCT feature in naïve diabetic macular oedema after PPV with ILM peeling

AIMS

We aimed to investigate a novel optical coherence tomography (OCT) finding of outer retinal hyperreflective deposits (ORYDs) in patients with naïve diabetic macular oedema (DMO) seen after small gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. Furthermore, we evaluated the predictive value of ORYD for visual outcome over 24 months follow-up.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study including 111 eyes from 111 patients with naïve DMO treated by PPV and ILM peeling with a follow-up of 24 months. OCT scans were analysed for the presence of ORYD 1 week and 1, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after surgery. Change in baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central subfoveal thickness (CST) after surgery were measured over the follow-up period. Presence of ORYD was correlated with baseline characteristics and BCVA after 24 months.

RESULTS

Hundred and eleven eyes from 111 patients were included (mean age 67.5±14.8 years). ORYD was identified in the outer plexiform layer as hyperreflective deposits in 92 patients (82.8%) 7 days after surgery but it was not present before surgery. There was a significant reduction in the presence of ORYD. After 24 months ORYD disappeared in all cases (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

We describe a novel OCT feature of ORYD present in the early postoperative phase in the majority of patients after PPV with ILM peeling for naïve DMO, disappearing over the postoperative course. These deposits might be a result of sudden desinflammation and could shed new light on the process of DMO resolution after operative intervention.

Automated Cross-Sectional Measurement Method of Intracranial Dural Venous Sinuses

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

MRV is an important blood vessel imaging and diagnostic tool for the evaluation of stenosis, occlusions, or aneurysms. However, an accurate image-processing tool for vessel comparison is unavailable. The purpose of this study was to develop and test an automated technique for vessel cross-sectional analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An algorithm for vessel cross-sectional analysis was developed that included 7 main steps: 1) image registration, 2) masking, 3) segmentation, 4) skeletonization, 5) cross-sectional planes, 6) clustering, and 7) cross-sectional analysis. Phantom models were used to validate the technique. The method was also tested on a control subject and a patient with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (4 large sinuses tested: right and left transverse sinuses, superior sagittal sinus, and straight sinus). The cross-sectional area and shape measurements were evaluated before and after lumbar puncture in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

RESULTS

The vessel-analysis algorithm had a high degree of stability with <3% of cross-sections manually corrected. All investigated principal cranial blood sinuses had a significant cross-sectional area increase after lumbar puncture (P ≤ .05). The average triangularity of the transverse sinuses was increased, and the mean circularity of the sinuses was decreased by 6% ± 12% after lumbar puncture. Comparison of phantom and real data showed that all computed errors were <1 voxel unit, which confirmed that the method provided a very accurate solution.

CONCLUSIONS

In this article, we present a novel automated imaging method for cross-sectional vessels analysis. The method can provide an efficient quantitative detection of abnormalities in the dural sinuses.

Results in comparison between 30 gauge ultrathin wall and 27 gauge needle in sutureless intraocular lens flanged technique in diabetic patients: 24-month follow-up study

AIMS

Intraoperative complications in cataract surgery are more common in diabetic patients. Solving aphakia in these circumstances remains a challenge, as the scleral structure has been shown to be different in diabetes. This study aims to analyze the role of a secondary sutureless scleral intraocular lens (IOL) flanged fixation in diabetic patients without capsular support and to compare the anatomical and functional outcomes using a 30 gauge (G) ultrathin wall needle vs. a 27G needle.

METHODS

Retrospective, observational cohort study. 105 eyes (105 patients) who underwent PPV with secondary IOL fixation using a sutureless 27G (n = 51) or a 30G ultrathin wall (UTW) needle technique (n = 54) and had a 24 months postoperative follow up. Consecutive patients' records were reviewed for lens stability and centration parameters, intra- and postoperative complications at 7 days, 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. Correlations between outcome measures and needle size (27G vs. 30G UTW) were analyzed.

RESULTS

IOL displacement occurred in 30 patients (41.2%) in the 27G group and did not occur in the 30G UTW needle group (p < 0.001). Mean time until IOL displacement was 10.5 ± 7.0 months (range: 7 days-24 months). IOL centricity was significantly better in the 30G ultrathin wall needle group compared to 27 G (p = 0.001). Additional surgical interventions were necessary only in the 27G group (n = 14).

CONCLUSIONS

Sutureless IOL flanged technique using a 30G UTW needle is more predictable and has less complications in aphakic diabetic patients, compared to a 27G needle technique.

Photodynamic therapy as a treatment option for peripapillary pachychoroid syndrome: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

To investigate the anatomical and functional results in eyes with peripapillary pachychoroid syndrome (PPS) undergoing photodynamic therapy (PDT).

METHODS

A total of 25 eyes from 23 patients with PPS treated with PDT were retrospectively evaluated in this multicentric study. Main outcome measure was the proportion of eyes that achieved treatment success, defined as a decrease in both subretinal fluid (SRF) height and central subfield thickness (CST), at 3 months after PDT compared to baseline. Secondary outcomes were the change in CST, SRF, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) 3 months after treatment and predictive factors for treatment success. When available, data between 3 and 12 months were also reviewed.

RESULTS

Treatment success was achieved in 16 eyes (64%). In the total cohort, CST decreased significantly from 356 ± 118 µm at baseline to 282 ± 90 µm and 270 ± 91 µm at 1 and 3 months, respectively (p < 0.001). Maximal SRF height decreased significantly from 102 ± 83 µm at baseline to 38 ± 46 µm and 32 ± 42 µm at 1 and 3 months, respectively (p < 0.001), and remained stable at month 6 (29 ± 44 µm) and month 12 (23 ± 35 µm). BCVA improved significantly from baseline to month 3 (p = 0.021).

CONCLUSIONS

PDT can be considered an efficacious treatment option in patients with PPS. Prospective data with longer follow-up in a bigger cohort are needed in order to determine the optimal treatment algorithm in this relatively novel disease.

High-resolution ultrasound biomicroscopy as an adjunctive diagnostic tool for anterior scleral inflammatory disease

PURPOSE

To study high-resolution ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) findings in anterior scleral inflammatory disease and evaluate the efficacy of high-resolution UBM as an adjunctive diagnostic tool.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study. The medical records of 30 patients (33 eyes) with episcleritis or anterior scleritis were reviewed for clinical features and high-resolution UBM findings. Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) examination was performed using 50 MHz Aviso S (Quantel Medical, Clermont-Ferrand, France).

RESULTS

Seventeen eyes had episcleritis [nodular (12), simple (five)], and 16 eyes had anterior scleritis [nodular (14), diffuse (two)] as classified by UBM. The use of high-resolution UBM allowed high-resolution imaging of the sclera and episclera and showed characteristic patterns of episcleritis and anterior scleritis. The clinical classification matched UBM findings in 25 (76%) eyes. In the other eight eyes (24%), UBM analysis led to a change in the final classification: four eyes with suspected episcleritis were classified with scleritis, and four eyes with suspected scleritis were classified with episcleritis. Eleven patients (36.7%) had an associated systemic disease.

CONCLUSION

High-resolution UBM enabled visualization of distinct imaging findings of episcleritis and anterior scleritis, indicating its usefulness in the classification of challenging cases of anterior scleral inflammatory disease.