Relationship between lymphocytes and idiopathic macular hole

BACKGROUND

An idiopathic macular hole (IMH) is a full-thickness anatomic defect extending from the internal limiting membrane to the photoreceptor layer of the macula without any known cause. Recently, clinical laboratory markers of systemic inflammatory status derived from complete blood counts have been evaluated in ocular diseases. This study aimed to explore whether they could predict the development and progression of IMHs.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 36 patients with IMH and 36 sex-and-age-matched patients with cataracts was conducted. We collected complete blood counts of all participating individuals and calculated systemic immunoinflammatory indicators. The maximum base diameter of the IMH (BD), minimum diameter of the IMH (MIN), height of the IMH (H), area of the intraretinal cyst (IRC), and curve lengths of the detached photoreceptor arms were measured on optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. We used these values to calculate the macular hole index (MHI), tractional hole index (THI), diameter hole index (DHI), hole form factor (HFF), and macular hole closure index (MHCI). We performed a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of 30 patients with IMH who were followed up 1 month after surgery.

RESULTS

Lymphocyte counts were significantly higher in the IMH group. No other significant differences were observed between the IMH and control groups. Lymphocyte counts in the IMH group were significantly negatively correlated with MIN and BD and were significantly positively correlated with MHI, THI, and MHCI. However, lymphocyte counts were not significantly correlated with H, IRC, DHI, and HFF. In the ROC analysis, BD, MIN, MHI, THI, and MHCI were significant predictors of anatomical outcomes. According to the cut-off points of the ROC analysis, lymphocyte counts were compared between the above-cut-off and below-cut-off groups. Lymphocyte counts were significantly higher in the MIN ≤ 499.61 μm, MHI ≥ 0.47, THI ≥ 1.2, and MHCI ≥ 0.81 groups. There were no significant differences between the above-cut-off and below-cut-off BD groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Although inflammation may not be an initiating factor, it may be involved in IMH formation. Lymphocytes may play a relatively important role in tissue repair during the developmental and postoperative recovery phases of IMH.

Short-term results of surgical treatment in large idiopathic macular hole cases

PURPOSE

To evaluate results of the surgical treatment for large stage (Stage 3 and 4) idiopathic macular hole cases with and without ILM flap technique.

METHODS

Sixty eyes of 60 patients diagnosed with idiopathic macular hole (MH) were included in the study. Complete ophthalmologic examination and SD-OCT examination were performed in all eyes. MH stages, MH base diameter, height and closest distance were measured quantitatively. Postoperative and 3 months visits were evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean age of the cases was 65.0 ± 8.0 (range 30-84) years, there were 31 (51.7%) female and 29 (48.3%) male patients with a mean follow-up period of 18.1 ± 16.7 (range 3-63) months. The mean best corrected visual acuity recorded at preoperative and third month control visits were 0.89 ± 0.40(preoperative) logMAR, 0.82 ± 0.60(3 month) logMAR (p < 0.05). The mean MH index was 0.48 ± 0.16, the closest hole distance was 517.86 ± 210.89 µm and mean basal diameter of holes was 947.78 ± 361.90 µm and the average height was 448.93 ± 79.80 microns. There was no statistically significant difference between anatomic results of macular hole surgery with (n = 22) and without (n = 38) flap in terms of hole closure (86.4% vs. 92.1% p > 0.05). In 90% (54 cases) of the cases, closure was observed after the first surgery. Two eyes that failed macular hole surgery were reoperated. In one of these eyes, anatomical success was obtained with macular hole massage and mechanical cytumulation. However, anatomical success could not be achieved in the other eye. CONCLUSıON: In the treatment of large macular holes, pars plana vitrectomy, internal limiting membrane peeling with/without flap and gas tamponade demonstrated high anatomical and functional success.

Analysis of the progression rate of idiopathic macular holes and the optimal cut-off for baseline minimum linear diameter and base diameter

PURPOSE

To determine the cut-off points of minimum linear diameter (MLD) and base diameter (BD) at which the progression rate of idiopathic full-thickness macular holes (MHs) decreases before vitrectomy.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective study.

METHODS

We investigated the differences in MLD and BD between baseline and operation days in patients with stages 2, 3, and 4 MHs using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Each difference in OCT parameters was divided by the time interval to calculate the MH progression rates and the cut-off points of MLD and BD.

RESULTS

Overall, 269 patients (282 eyes) were included. It took an average of 36.02 ± 24.69 (7-197) days from baseline to operation. MLD and BD progressed faster in stages 2 and 3 without posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) than in stage 4 with PVD (MLD: p < 0.001 and p = 0.007; BD: p < 0.001 and p = 0.019, respectively). Simple linear regression showed the relationship between baseline MLD and BD, and the progression rate; the progression rate decreased as baseline MLD (p = 0.004) and BD increased ( p < 0.001). For baseline MLD and BD, the cut-off points where the progression rate decreased were 306.0 and 470.0 μm, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The group without PVD progressed faster than the group with PVD. Moreover, the progression rates were faster in MHs with MLD < 306.0 μm and BD < 470.0 μm. In these patients, vitrectomy without delay is expected to improve the visual prognosis.

Closure Grading and Visual Outcome in Patients with Large Idiopathic Macular Holes: A Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Observation

INTRODUCTION

So far, there has been no closure grade system synthesizing morphological and microstructural features for large idiopathic macular holes (IMHs) treated by vitrectomy and internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. This study aimed to propose a concise one and explore its relevance with visual acuity and the related preoperative factors.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with large IMHs (minimum diameter >400 μm), undergoing vitrectomy and ILM peeling, obtaining primary closure and regularly followed-up were enrolled. Preoperative clinical charts and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) parameters were reviewed. SD-OCT images and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were assessed at 1, 4, and 10 months postoperatively. SD-OCT features at last visit were categorized by BCVA significance, and preoperative risk factors were analyzed.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight eyes from 64 patients were enrolled. The 10-month postoperative SD-OCT images were categorized into closure grade 1, 2, and 3 with successively decreased BCVA (p < 0.001). During early follow-up, part of grades 2 and 3 could evolve into the upper grade, respectively, but grade 3 could never evolve into grade 1 and exhibited the least satisfactory long-term BCVA. Binary logistic regression showed that large minimum linear diameter (MLD) was a risk factor for grade 3 occurrence (p < 0.001), with a cutoff value of 625.5 μm from the receiver operating characteristic curve for MLD predicting grade 3 occurrence (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Long-term closure status of large IMHs could be categorized into three grades with BCVA significance. Large horizontal MLD is a risk factor for occurrence of grade 3 closure with unsatisfactory visual recovery.

Internal limiting membrane peeling combined with mouse nerve growth factor injection for idiopathic macular hole

BACKGROUND

The study was intended to confirm whether Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) with Internal Limiting Membrane (ILM) peeling and intravitreal injection mouse Nerve Growth Factor(mNGF) was effective for the treatment of Idiopathic Macular Hole(IMH) by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography(OCTA) and microperimetry.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed in adults' patients. A total of 44 eyes (March 2021-October 2021) with IMH who received surgical treatment in the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University in Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province were selected. The subjects were treated using PPV combined with ILM peeling and intravitreal mNGF (combined group) or PPV combined with ILM peeling (placebo group). The Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA), Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) and MP-3 microperimetry were carried out and observed at baseline, 1 week(1W), 1,3 and 6 months (1 M,3 M,6 M) postoperatively.

RESULTS

The minimum diameter of MH were (568.650 ± 215.862)μm and (533.348 ± 228.836)μm in the Placebo and Combine group pre-operative. During the observation, the macular hole closure rate in the placebo group and combined group were 90% and 95.8% respectively and the difference was not statistically significant(p = 0.583). Compared to pre-surgery, the perimeter and circularity of Foveal Avascular Zone (FAZ) in the placebo group decreased at 1,3,6 M (p = 0.001, < 0.001, < 0.001) and 1W,1,6 M (p = 0.045,0.010, < 0.001) post-surgery respectively. And the perimeter and circularity of FAZ showed significant reduction in the combined group at 1,3,6 M (p = 0.005,0.004, < 0.001) and at each follow-up time point (all values of p < 0.001). The vascular density of SCP increased at 1W(p = 0.031) and 6 M(p = 0.007), the perfusion density of SCP was significantly improved at each follow-up time point (p = 0.028, 0.011, 0.046, 0.004) in the combined group. The BCVA in the combined group was more obvious than that in the placebo group at 1 M, 3 M and 6 M after operation (t₁ = 2.248, p₁ = 0.030; t₃ = 3.546, p₃ = 0.001; t₆ = 3.054, p₆ = 0.004). The changes of BCVA in the combined group was more conspicuous than that in the placebo group at each follow-up time point, and the difference was statistically significant (t₁ = 2.206,p₁ = 0.033;t₂ = 2.54,p₂ = 0.015;t₃ = 3.546,p₃ = 0.001;t₆ = 3.124,p₆ = 0.003).At 1 M, 3 M and 6 M, the MRS of 2° and 4° in the combined group was better than that in the placebo group(t = -2.429,-2.650,-3.510,-2.134,-2.820,-3.099 p = 0.020,0.011,0.001,0.039,0.007,0.004). During various time points, the MRS of 12°in the combined group was better than that in the placebo group, the difference was statistically significant (t = -3.151, -3.912, -4.521, -4.948, p₁ = 0.003, < 0.001, < 0.001 < 0.001). The integrity of External Limiting Membrane (ELM) in combination group was better than that in placebo group at 6 M postoperative(p = 0.022) and that of Ellipsoid Zone(EZ) was preferable in the combined group at 3 M and 6 M after surgery(p = 0.012,0.004). Correlation analysis showed that the integrity of EZ was correlated with 12°MRS at 1 M, 3 M and 6 M after surgery(r = -0.318, -0.343,-0.322;p = 0.023,0.033, < 0.001). There was no correlation between postoperative ELM integrity and postoperative BCVA and 12°MRS(p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results manifested that PPV combined with ILM peeling and intravitreal injection mNGF might be more effective for initial IMH. This method increased the blood flow, MRS and promoted the recovery of ELM and EZ in the macular and might improve the visual function of patients postoperatively.

Comparison of the morphological characteristics of the choroidal sublayer between idiopathic macular holes and epiretinal membranes with automatic analysis

PURPOSE

To compare the choroidal sublayer morphologic features between idiopathic macular hole (IMH) and idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) on spectral-domain optical coherent tomography (SD-OCT) using an automatic segmentation model.

METHODS

Thirty-three patients with idiopathic IMHs and 44 with iERMs who underwent vitrectomies were involved. The enhanced depth imaging mode of SD-OCT was used to obtain the B-scan image after single line scanning of the macular fovea. The choroidal sublayer automatic analysis model divides the choroidal into the choroidal large vessel layer, the middle vessel layer and the small vessel layer (LVCL, MVCL and SVCL, respectively) and calculates the choroidal thickness (overall, LVCL, MVCL and SVCL) and vascular index (overall, LVCL, MVCL and SVCL). The morphological characteristics of the choroidal sublayer in the ERM eyes and the IMH eyes were compared.

RESULTS

The mean choroidal thickness in the macular centre of the IMH eyes was significantly thinner than that of the ERM eyes (206.35 ± 81.72 vs. 273.33 ± 82.31 μm; P < 0.001). The analysis of the choroidal sublayer showed that the MVCL and SVCL macular centres and 0.5-1.5 mm of the nasal and temporal macula were significantly thinner in the IMH eyes than in the ERM eyes (P < 0.05), and there was a difference in the macular centre of the LVCL between the two groups (P < 0.05). In contrast, the choroidal vascular index of the macular centre in the IMH eyes was significantly higher than that in iERM eyes (0.2480 ± 0.0536 vs. 0.2120 ± 0.0616; P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the CVI of other parts of the macula, the LVCL or MVCL between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

The choroidal thickness of the IMH eyes was significantly thinner than that of the iERM eyes, which was mainly observed in 3 mm of the macular centre and the MVCL and SVCL layers of the choroid. The choroidal vascular index of the IMH eyes was higher than that of the iERM eyes. These findings suggest that the choroid may be involved in the pathogenesis of IMH and iERM.

Microstructural and microperimetric comparison of internal limiting membrane peeling and insertion in large idiopathic macular hole

BACKGROUND

The internal limiting membrane (ILM) insertion technique was widely used to treat large macular hole (MH) for the high closure rate. However, the prognosis of closed MH after ILM insertion compared to ILM peeling remains controversial. This study aimed to compare foveal microstructure and microperimeter in large idiopathic MH surgically closed by ILM peeling and ILM insertion.

METHODS

This retrospective, non-randomized, comparative study included patients with idiopathic MH (minimum diameter ≥ 650 μm) who underwent primary pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with ILM peeling or ILM insertion. The initial closure rate was recorded. Patients with initially closed MHs were divided into two groups according to the surgery methods. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), optical coherence tomography (OCT) and microperimeter-3 (MP-3) outcomes of two groups were compared at baseline, 1 and 4 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

For idiopathic MH (minimum diameter ≥ 650 μm), ILM insertion had a significantly higher initial closure rate than ILM peeling (71.19% vs. 97.62%, P = 0.001). Among 39 patients with initially closed MHs who were on regular follow-up, twenty-one were assigned to the ILM peeling group and 18 to the ILM insertion group. Postoperative BCVA improved significantly in both groups. The final BCVA (logMAR) (0.40 vs. 0.88, P < 0.001), macular hole sensitivity (19.66 dB vs. 14.14 dB, P < 0.001), peripheral sensitivity of macular hole (24.63 dB vs. 21.95 dB, P = 0.005), and fixation stability (FS) within 2 degrees (82.42% vs. 70.57%, P = 0.031) were significantly better and external limiting membrane (ELM) defect (330.14 μm vs. 788.28 μm, P < 0.001) and ellipsoid zone (EZ) defect (746.95 μm vs. 1105.11 μm, P = 0.010) were significantly smaller in the ILM peeling group than in the ILM insertion group.

CONCLUSION

For initially closed MHs (minimum diameter ≥ 650 μm), both ILM peeling and ILM insertion significantly improved the microstructure and microperimeter in the fovea. However, ILM insertion was less efficient at microstructural and functional recovery after surgery.

Stage or size? The identity of anatomical and visual outcomes in stage 3 and stage 4 idiopathic macular holes after vitrectomy

BACKGROUND

Several previous reports suggested that stage 4 idiopathic macular holes (IMHs) may exhibit lower rate of anatomical success and poorer functional results comparing with stage 3 IMHs, while some others showed no differences. Actually, few studies focused on comparison of prognosis between stage 3 and stage 4 IMHs. Our previous study found that IMHs of these two stages demonstrate similar preoperative characteristics, and this study aims to compare anatomical and visual outcomes of IMHs between stage 3 and stage 4, and tries to figure out the outcome-associated factors.

METHODS

This retrospective consecutive case series reviewed 317 eyes with IMHs of stage 3 and stage 4 from 296 patients who underwent vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling. Preoperative characteristics like age, gender, and hole size, and intraoperative interventions such as combined cataract surgery were evaluated. Outcome measures included the primary closure rate (type 1), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), foveal retinal thickness (FRT) and prevalence of outer retinal defect (ORD) at the last visit. The pre-, intra-, and post-operative information were respectively compared between stage 3 and stage 4.

RESULTS

The preoperative characteristics and intraoperative interventions exhibited no significant differences between stages. With comparable follow-up durations (6.6 vs. 6.7 months, P = 0.79), IMHs of the two stages exhibited similar primary closure rate (91.2% vs. 91.8%, P = 0.85), BCVA (0.51 ± 0.12 vs. 0.53 ± 0.11, P = 0.78), FRT (134.8 ± 55.5 μm vs. 138.8 ± 60.7 μm, P = 0.58), and prevalence of ORD (55.1% vs. 52.6%, P = 0.39). IMHs, either < 650 μm or larger, exhibited no significant difference in outcomes between the two stages. However, smaller IMHs (< 650 μm) demonstrated higher rate of primary closure (97.6% vs. 80.8%, P < 0.001), better postoperative BCVA (0.58 ± 0.26 vs. 0.37 ± 0.24, P < 0.001), and thicker postoperative FRT (150.2 ± 54.0 vs. 104.3 ± 52.0, P < 0.001) comparing with larger ones regardless of stage.

CONCLUSION

IMHs of stage 3 and stage 4 exhibited considerable identity of anatomical and visual outcomes. In large IMHs, the hole size, instead of stage, may be more important for prediction of surgical outcomes and choice of surgical techniques.

Changes in choriocapillaris structure occurring in idiopathic macular hole before and after vitrectomy

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to analyze the anatomical choroidal vascular layers and the changes in idiopathic macular hole (IMH) eyes over time after vitrectomy.

METHODS

This is a retrospective observational case-control study. Fifteen eyes from 15 patients who received vitrectomy for IMH and age-matched 15 eyes from 15 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Retinal and choroidal structures were quantitatively analyzed before vitrectomy and 1 and 2 months after surgery using spectral domain-optical coherence tomography. Each choroidal vascular layer was divided into the choriocapillaris, Sattler's layer, and Haller's layer, and then, the choroidal area (CA), luminal area (LA), stromal area (SA), and central choroidal thickness (CCT) were calculated using binarization techniques. The ratio of LA to CA was defined as the L/C ratio.

RESULTS

The CA, LA, and L/C ratios were 36.9 ± 6.2, 23.4 ± 5.0, and 63.1 ± 7.2 in the choriocapillaris of IMH and were 47.3 ± 6.6, 38.3 ± 5.6, and 80.9 ± 4.1 in that of control eyes, respectively. Those values were significantly lower in IMH eyes than in control eyes (each P < 0.01), whereas there was no significant difference in total choroid, Sattler's layer, and Haller's layer or CCT. The ellipsoid zone defect length showed a significant negative correlation with the L/C ratio in total choroid and with CA and LA in the choriocapillaris of IMH (R =  - 0.61, P < 0.05, R =  - 0.77, P < 0.01, and R =  - 0.71, P < 0.01, respectively). In the choriocapillaris, the LA were 23.4 ± 5.0, 27.7 ± 3.8, and 30.9 ± 4.4, and the L/C ratios were 63.1 ± 7.2, 74.3 ± 6.4, and 76.6 ± 5.4 at baseline, 1 month, and 2 months after vitrectomy, respectively. Those values showed a significant increase over time after surgery (each P < 0.05), whereas the other choroidal layers did not alter consistently with respect to changes in choroidal structure.

CONCLUSIONS

The current OCT-based study demonstrated that the choriocapillaris was exclusively disrupted between choroidal vascular structures in IMH, which may correlate with the ellipsoid zone defect. Furthermore, the L/C ratio of choriocapillaris recovered after IMH repair, suggesting an improved balance between supply and demand of oxygen that has collapsed due to temporary loss of central retinal function by IMH.

Spontaneous closure of an idiopathic macular hole after epiretinal membrane development

Purpose

To report non-operative closure of an idiopathic full thickness macular hole (FTMH) spontaneous secondary to the development of a macular epiretinal membrane (ERM).

Observations

A 68-year-old woman, with no relevant medical history, and a 6-month history of decreased visual acuity in her right eye was diagnosed to have an idiopathic FTMH. The patient refused surgery and the FTMH was followed-up for seven years. The spectral domain optical coherent tomography follow-up showed the evolution of the FTMH and its spontaneous closure after development of an ERM. In the presence of an ERM with vitreo-papillary detachment, it is possible that the centripetal forces involved helped bring together the edges of the macular hole resulting in a possible spontaneous closure. Additionally and separately, the presence of an ERM may act as scaffolding for Muller cell migration and consequent macular hole closure.

Conclusions and importance

Development of an ERM was followed by non-operative FTMH closure in this specific case. It is important to note, that this is an extraordinary situation in which the patient had a favorable anatomical evolution despite having rejected conventional surgical intervention. Studies aimed at determining the mechanisms and situations in which these cases occur could provide answers that help us make more appropriate decisions. To our knowledge, the present case is the first in the literature to report a spontaneous closure of a FTMH secondary to the appearance and progression of a previously non-existent ERM.

Choriocapillary regional characteristics in idiopathic macular holes using optical coherence tomography angiography

PURPOSE

To evaluate the characteristics of vascular density (VD) of the retinal capillary plexuses in idiopathic macular hole (IMH), the fellow eye, and healthy control eyes by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

METHODS

A retrospective cases series study involving 20 unilateral eyes (20 patients) with IMH, the unaffected fellow eyes (n = 20) and 20 health controls, with age- and sex-matched, was conducted in Shanxi Eye Hospital from January 2019 to December 2021. VD of the retinal capillary plexuses measurements were obtained by OCTA.

RESULTS

Four quadrants of superficial capillary plexuses (SCP) in IMH eyes were not significant compared with that in the unaffected fellow eyes (all P > 0.05). The four quadrants of deep capillary plexuses (DCP) in IMH eyes were lower than that in the unaffected fellow eyes (all P < 0.05). Different regions retinal thickness in the IMH eyes was higher than that in the unaffected fellow eyes (all P < 0.05). a significant negative correlation between deep vessel density and retinal thickness in different quadrants among IMH eyes (all P < 0.05). Additionally, the correlation between the vascular density of SCP and retinal thickness was significant in macular fovea area (= 0.519, P = 0.019). <0.001.

CONCLUSIONS

The morphology of retina and choroid in idiopathic macular hole is different from that in fellow eye. The thickness of choroid in the fovea area of the unaffected eye also showed a decreasing trend. Taken together, the mechanism of macular hole may be further understood, that is, the decrease of choroid thickness may occur before the macular hole formation. It was verified again that the choroidal blood flow area in macular fovea of IMH patients was significantly lower than that in fellow eyes and healthy eyes.

Outer retinal microstructure and visual function after macular hole surgery with and without Brilliant Blue G

PURPOSE

To evaluate the outer retinal microstructure and visual function after idiopathic macular hole (MH) surgery using internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling with and without Brilliant Blue G (BBG) staining.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective, consecutive case series.

METHODS

A total of 49 eyes of 47 patients were enrolled: 23 eyes of 23 patients with MH who underwent ILM peeling without dyes (control group) and 26 eyes of 26 patients who underwent BBG staining (BBG group). The lengths of defects of the photoreceptor ellipsoid zone (EZ), external limiting membrane (ELM), and interdigitation zone (IZ) were measured.

RESULTS

The rate of MH closure after initial surgery was 95.6% (22/23 eyes) for the control group versus 100% (26/26 eyes) for the BBG group. In the 48 eyes with MH closure, the recovery rate of ELM deficiency and change in IZ deficiency showed no difference between the groups. The changes in EZ deficiency at 1 and 12 months were greater in the BBG group than in the control group. (P = 0.047 and 0.031). Visual acuity was better in the BBG group than in the control group during 12 months postoperatively (P < 0.001-0.038).

CONCLUSION

Eyes undergoing BBG-assisted MH surgery achieved faster recovery of the outer retinal structures and greater visual improvement than those of eyes without BBG.

Spontaneous closure of a chronic full-thickness idiopathic macular hole after Irvine-Gass syndrome resolution

Background

Full-thickness idiopathic macular hole (IMH) usually causes serious visual deformities and visual acuity loss. Pseudophakic cystic macular edema, also known as Irvine-Gass syndrome, is another entity that causes visual disturbances, and occurs mainly after cataract extraction. We present a case report of a patient that was diagnosed with a full-thickness macular hole that spontaneously closed after the resolution of an Irvine-Gass syndrome, which occurred after an uneventful cataract extraction.

Case presentation

A 75 years-old female presented with the complaints of decreased visual acuity and color contrast sensitivity on both eyes (OU) and central visual field deformations on her left eye (LE). She was diagnosed with a full-thickness IMH on her LE, and cataract on OU. After an uneventful cataract extraction via phacoemulsification, she developed an Irvine-Gass syndrome at her LE, which was treated topically. The IMH closed spontaneously after the resolution of the Irvine-Gass syndrome, and the patient is being followed with no further complaints.

Conclusion

The exact mechanism for spontaneous closure of full-thickness idiopathic macular holes is still not completely understood. In this case, we hypothesize that the coalesced intraretinal cysts caused by the Irvine-Gass syndrome formed a bridge-like structure connecting the inner walls of the macular hole, thus connecting the remnants of the Muller cells which enabled the full recovery of the normal foveal structure.

Retinal displacement and intraretinal structural changes after idiopathic macular hole surgery

PURPOSE

To investigate the correlations of thickness of three retinal layers with retinal displacement after idiopathic macular hole surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective, consecutive, case series.

METHODS

42 eyes of 42 patients undergoing macular hole surgery with internal limiting membrane peeling were studied. Retinal distance was measured with near-infrared images between the optic nerve and the intersection of retinal vessels at four quadrants. Retinal thicknesses of inner retinal layer, inner nuclear layer and outer retinal layer were measured 1000 μm away from the central fovea using Spectralis.

RESULTS

Retinal distances other than the nasal quadrant decreased postoperatively (p < 0.001). Retinal displacement (%) correlated significantly with the change in inner nuclear layer thickness in the temporal sector at 1, 3, and 6 months, in the superior sector at 2 weeks, 1, and 6 months, and in the inferior sector at 3 and 6 months postoperatively (r = 0.319-0.570, p < 0.001-0.040), but not in the inner or outer retinal layers.

CONCLUSION

Internal limiting membrane peeling for macular hole enhances retinal displacement toward the optic disc, whose distances correlate with the changes in inner nuclear layer thickness.

PUMCH experience and strategy for the management of idiopathic macular hole: a retrospective cohort study

PURPOSE

To introduce and evaluate a modified therapeutic strategy for idiopathic macular holes (IMH).

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients with diagnosis of IMH from July 2016 to January 2020 at Peking Union Medical College Hospital. These patients were managed strictly according to our therapeutic strategy. Their comprehensive clinical data were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

209 eyes suffering stage II to IV IMH were identified. For stage II IMH, the spontaneous closure rate was 8.9%, the initial success rate of intravitreal injections (IVI) of expansile gas and pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) + internal limiting membrane peeling (ILMP) + air tamponade was 84.2% and 100%, respectively. The initial success rate of PPV + ILMP + air tamponade for stage III and stage IV IMH was 89.8% and 86.4%, respectively. Following our intervention strategy, stage II IMH achieved a final IMH closure rate of 100%, stage III of 99% and stage IV of 97%. The final best corrected visual acuity was significantly improved (P < 0.05). Sitting position air-fluid (A-F) exchange alone successfully induced IMH closure in 7/19 eyes that did not achieve IMH closure by initial PPV. For three refractory cases that failed additional PPV + ILM stuffing, intraoperative OCT assisted PPV + sub-retinal BSS injection successfully induced the IMH closure. As the remaining three unclosed IMH cases were dry and stable, no more interventions were conducted.

CONCLUSION

The general IMH closure rate based on our therapeutic strategy was satisfactory with a favorable prognosis. IVI expansile gas and sitting position A-F exchange were effective and highly cost-effective under certain circumstances.

Anatomical and Functional Outcomes in Eyes with Idiopathic Macular Holes that Underwent Surgery Using the Inverted Internal Limiting Membrane (ILM) Flap Technique Versus the Conventional ILM Peeling Technique

INTRODUCTION

To evaluate the anatomical and functional outcomes of the inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap technique (IFT) in macular holes (MHs), especially in MHs with a macular hole index (MHI) < 0.5.

METHODS

This was a retrospective comparative study. Patients with idiopathic MHs who underwent either the IFT or conventional ILM peeling (CP) were investigated. The main outcomes included the MH closure rate, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and recovery rates of the external limiting membrane (ELM) and ellipsoid zone (EZ) at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Forty-eight eyes of 48 patients who underwent the IFT (n = 29, Group A) or CP (n = 19, Group B) were included. The mean minimal diameter was 522.00 ± 208.08 µm. The closure rate was 100.0% in Group A and 94.7% in Group B (P = 0.396). The mean BCVA and EZ and ELM recovery rates improved significantly in both groups postoperatively. No significant differences in BCVA or the EZ or ELM recovery rates were found between the two groups. Of the 39 eyes whose MHI was < 0.5, 25 underwent the IFT, and 14 underwent CP. Comparing the results of the closure rate, BCVA and recovery rates of the EZ and ELM between groups were similar to those in 48 eyes.

CONCLUSION

Both the IFT and CP can achieve a high closure rate, with no significant difference in ordinary idiopathic MHs. The IFT does not seem to achieve better anatomical and functional outcomes than CP. The IFT should be used conservatively in ordinary non-refractory MH surgery.

Efficacy of different doses of dye-assisted internal limiting membrane peeling in idiopathic macular hole: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Pars plana vitrectomy is the gold standard for the treatment of idiopathic macular hole. Several chromovitrectomy dyes have been used to improve the visualization of the internal limiting membrane (ILM), including indocyanine green, trypan blue (TB), brilliant blue G (BBG), and triamcinolone acetonide (TA). We conducted a network meta-analysis (NMA) to establish the optimum concentration of chromovitrectomy dye-assisted ILM peeling for IMH.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for relevant studies before January 2020. We performed a random-effects NMA using STATA version 15.1 to assess mean difference and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

We identified twelve retrospective trails and five randomized controlled trials (RCTs), comprising 1 492 patients of IMH on stage II-IV for ILM peeling. The results of IMH closure rate show that the effect of ILM peeling without dye was better than 0.25% ICG, the effects of ILM peeling with 0.5% ICG or TA were better than without dye, and the effects of ILM peeling with 0.05% BBG, 0.15% TB, 0.5% ICG or 0.05% ICG were better than 0.25% ICG. Ranking probability analysis shows that the rates of IMH closure after ILM peeling with 0.15% TB or 0.05% BBG were better than nine other concentrations of chromovitrectomy dyes.

CONCLUSION

The 0.15% TB and 0.05% BBG were recommended as the better efficient treatment-assisted ILM peeling for IMH closure. For retina specialists who prefer to use ICG to assist ILM peeling, 0.05% ICG may be a good choice. However, high-quality large-scale RCTs are recommended to confirm the NMA results.

Surgical treatment of macular holes with and without the use of autologous platelet-rich plasma

PURPOSE

To compare the results of treatment of idiopathic full-thickness macular holes (MHs) with and without the use of autologous platelet-rich plasma (APRP).

METHODS

This partially retrospective study included 152 patients (152 eyes) with MHs operated in the years 2010-2014 using conventional technology with internal limiting membrane peeling (control group) and 62 patients (62 eyes), operated by the same surgeons in 2015-2017 with additional application of APRP on MH (platelet group). Pre and postoperative best-corrected visual acuities (BCVA) were recorded, and retinal microstructure was studied using optical coherence tomography. Thirty-seven patients in the platelet group and 80 controls were followed for at least 12 months (for visual outcomes 15 controls were followed for 15-24 months). The data of 72 controls (72 eyes) were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

The minimum diameter of the MH in the platelet group was larger than in controls: 454 ± 186 vsersus 381 ± 148 μm (P = 0.003). Despite this, all MHs in the platelet group were closed, while in the control group 11 holes (7.2%) remained open (P = 0.036). The final mean BCVA, standardized by the minimum diameter of the macular hole, was higher in the platelet group by 3.9 ETDRS letters (P = 0.012). After surgery with APRP, foveal hyperreflective lesion (presumably glial proliferation) was found, which persisted in most large MHs, but gradually disappeared in small and most medium MHs.

CONCLUSION

The use of APRP significantly improves the anatomical and functional results of treatment of idiopathic MHs. In very large MHs, APRP presumably enhances glial proliferation, which ensures their closure.

The Association between Foveal Floor Measurements and Macular Hole Size

PURPOSE

Determining which factors influence idiopathic macular hole (MH) size is important because it is a major prognostic indicator of treatment success. Foveal pit morphologic features are highly symmetrical within individuals and may influence idiopathic MH size. Using a series of patients with unilateral idiopathic MHs, we examined the foveal floor size of the fellow eye to evaluate its relationship with idiopathic MH size and postoperative outcomes.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational study.

PARTICIPANTS

Two hundred forty-one participants with a unilateral idiopathic MH treated with surgery and a fellow eye with no ocular pathologic features.

METHODS

Both eyes underwent spectral-domain (SD) OCT imaging at the time of surgery. Minimum linear diameter (MLD) and base diameter (BD) defined idiopathic MH size. Foveal floor width (FFW) and minimal foveal thickness defined foveal pit morphologic features of the fellow eye.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Baseline characteristics, SD OCT measurements, and preoperative variables were compared to determine their relationship with idiopathic MH size and postoperative visual acuity (VA) in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution units.

RESULTS

Foveal floor width was correlated with MLD (r = 0.36; P ≤ 0.001) and BD (r = 0.30; P ≤ 0.001), but not postoperative VA. Minimum linear diameter correlated with preoperative VA (r = 0.49; P ≤ 0.0001) and postoperative VA (r = 0.54; P ≤ 0.0001). A 2-stage regression model was developed to predict postoperative VA (r² = 0.28): preoperative VA (β = 0.36; P = 0.002) explained 13% of variability and MLD (β = 0.29; P = 0.002), and idiopathic MH duration (β = 0.23; P = 0.004) explained a further 16%.

CONCLUSIONS

Foveal floor width of the fellow eye in patients with a unilateral idiopathic MH was correlated significantly with idiopathic MH size and may explain some of the variability in idiopathic MH size observed between individuals. However, FFW could not predict postoperative vision.

Outcomes of Vitrectomy Under Air for Idiopathic Macular Hole

Objectives

To evaluate the outcomes of 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) under air compared with standard PPV for idiopathic macular hole (MH).

Materials and Methods

In this prospective, comparative, interventional case series, 42 eyes of 42 patients with idiopathic MH were enrolled. Twenty-one eyes had vitrectomy with an air-infused technique and 21 eyes underwent vitrectomy with a traditional balanced salt solution-infused technique as a control group. Effective vitrectomy time, total surgery time, microperimetry (MP1), and anatomical and functional results were evaluated.

Results

The mean effective vitrectomy time was significantly lower in the air group than in the control group (7.5±0.3 min and 13.3±0.5 min, respectively, P<0.001). The mean total surgery time was significantly lower in the air group than the control group (21.8±2.0 min and 25.9±1.1 min, respectively, P<0.001). There were no statistically significant changes between preoperative and 3-month postoperative retinal sensitivity values evaluated by MP1 in either group. Anatomical success at 3 months was 100% in both groups. Intraoperative complications noted during the air-infused vitrectomy were retinal touch (10%) and sudden hypotony (10%); in the two pseudophakic eyes, migration of air into the anterior chamber occurred in one (50%) and fogging of the intraocular lens in one eye (50%).

Conclusion

Vitrectomy under air infusion for idiopathic MH showed some advantages over a traditional vitrectomy technique in terms of vitreous visualization, effective vitrectomy time, and total surgery duration, without significantly increasing intraoperative and postoperative complication rates. Postoperative microperimetry results indicated no specific damage to the retina or optic nerve related to the continuous air infusion.

Pre- and post-operative differences between genders in idiopathic macular holes

BACKGROUND

To compare idiopathic macular holes (IMHs) between male and female before and after surgery.

METHODS

Patients with IMHs of stage 3 and stage 4 who underwent 23-gauge vitrectomy were retrospectively enrolled. Pre-operative clinical features like age of onset, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were reviewed. Optical coherence tomography parameters including minimum linear diameter (MLD), central macular thickness and some other indexes were measured and calculated. Main surgical outcomes included the primary closure rate, the highest BCVA during follow-up, and the recovery duration. All the metrics mentioned above were compared between genders with appropriate statistical methods.

RESULTS

A total of 298 eyes from 280 patients (male: 51; female: 229) were enrolled. Compared with men, women demonstrated a significantly higher ratio of stage3/stage4 (P = 0.045), larger horizontal MLD (P = 0.009), but similar surgical outcomes except for a relatively longer recovery duration (P = 0.024). For stage 3 IMHs, women exhibited significantly younger age of onset (P = 0.023), larger MLD (P = 0.003), and smaller height of the hole (P = 0.029). However, for stage 4 IMHs, all the pre- and post-operative metrics showed no differences between genders.

CONCLUSIONS

Female IMHs seem to demonstrate an earlier age of onset and larger size of hole, especially in IMHs of stage 3. However, these differences, which may owe to normal gender-related variations, have limited influence on the surgical outcomes.

Hole diameter ratio for prediction of anatomical outcomes in stage III or IV idiopathic macular holes

BACKGROUND

To determine whether preoperative hole diameter ratio (HDR) is a predictive factor for postoperative anatomical outcome for stage III or IV idiopathic macular holes (IMHs).

METHODS

One-hundred and one eyes with stage III or IV IMH were included in this retrospective case series study. All cases were treated with vitrectomy combined with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling and room air tamponade. The macular hole (MH) minimum and maximum diameter was measured on preoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. The HDR was defined as the minimum to maximum diameter ratio.

RESULTS

Eighty-one eyes (80.2%) got a Type I closure after surgery (group A). Postoperative unclosed MHs were found in 20 eyes (19.8%) (group B). The preoperative minimal diameter (703.6 ± 116.1 μm vs. 597.6 ± 120.1 μm, P < 0.01) and HDR (0.6 ± 0.1 vs. 0.5 ± 0.1, P = 0.01) were both significantly smaller in postoperative closed eyes. The closure rate of IMHs with HDR < 0.6 was significantly higher than those with HDR ≥ 0.6 (90.2% vs. 65.0%P = 0.002) .

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative HDR < 0.6 is predictive for a good postoperative anatomical outcome in stage III or IV IMHs.

Functional evaluation with microperimetry in large idiopathic macular holes treated by a free internal limiting membrane flap tamponade technique

Background

Free internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap tamponade technique is an alternative choice for treating large idiopathic macular holes (IMHs). However, the functional recovery related to this surgical approach is not well-characterized. This study aimed to evaluate morphological and microperimetric outcomes 6 months after free ILM flap tamponade technique for large IMHs.

Methods

Twenty-two patients (22 eyes) with large IMHs (minimal diameter > 400 μm) were retrospectively enrolled in this study. All patients underwent 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy with ILM peeling and free ILM flap tamponade procedures. Snellen best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and MP-1 microperimetry were measured at baseline and 6 months after surgery. Associations of postoperative BCVA with retinal sensitivity were detected.

Results

Macular hole closure was achieved in 21 eyes (95.5%). Dislodgement of free ILM flap was found in non-closed eye. Mean logMAR BCVA improved from 1.10 ± 0.33 at baseline to 0.67 ± 0.32 at 6 months postoperatively (P < 0.001). The mean overall macular sensitivity and foveal fixation stability increased respectively from 8.58 ± 3.05 dB and 65.64 ± 17.28% before surgery to 11.55 ± 2.72 dB and 78.59 ± 13.00% at 6 months after surgery (P < 0.001). The mean change in foveal sensitivity (within 2°) was significantly greater than the change achieved for peri-foveal sensitivity (2° to 10°) by 1.50 ± 2.62 dB (P = 0.014). Linear regression analysis showed that postoperative logMAR BCVA was significantly associated with duration of symptom (B = 0.063, P = 0.001), preoperative logMAR BCVA (B = 0.770, P = 0.000), preoperative peri-foveal (B = − 0.065, P = 0.000) and foveal sensitivity (B = − 0.129, P = 0.000). Moreover, multiple regression model revealed that preoperative foveal sensitivity was independently associated with postoperative logMAR BCVA (B = − 0.430, P = 0.040).

Conclusions

Vitrectomy combined with ILM peeling and free ILM flap tamponade technique results in effective morphological and functional recovery for large IMHs. Preoperative foveal sensitivity might be a prognostic indicator for postoperative BCVA.

Evolution and visual outcomes of outer foveolar lucency after surgery for large idiopathic macular hole

PURPOSE

To explore the evolution of outer foveolar lucency (OFL) after vitrectomy and the correlation between OFL and visual acuity (VA) outcome in eyes with large idiopathic macular hole (IMH).

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 244 eyes of 233 subjects with large IMH (diameter > 400 μm), who underwent vitrectomy, were included. Preoperative clinical data, postoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT) images, and VA at 1-, 4-, and 10-month visits were documented. The prevalence, incidence, and width of OFL and their correlation with postoperative VA were analyzed.

RESULTS

The prevalence of OFL was 10.4% (24/231) at 1 month and significantly increased to 30.4% (55/181) at 4 months (P < 0.001) and 34.2% (25/73) at 10 months (P < 0.001). The incidence was 26.1% (40/153) and 22.0% (9/41) at 4 and 10 months, respectively. OFL appeared at 1 month while disappeared at 4 or 10 months in 8 eyes (50.0%). The presence of OFL at 1 month was negatively associated with IMH diameter (Nagelkerke R² = 0.06; P = 0.02). Eyes with OFL at 4 months had better VA at their 4-month visit than eyes without OFL (P = 0.02). Eyes with early-developed OFLs had better VA at 10 months than those with later-developed ones (P = 0.02). Width of OFL was not associated with postoperative VA at any point.

CONCLUSIONS

OFL is not rare in eyes with large IMH after surgery. It can occur gradually and remain during the 10-month follow-up. The presence of OFL appears to have no negative impact on the postoperative VA and it may represent the remodeling of foveal photoreceptors.

Reorganization of the perifoveal microvasculature after macular hole closure assessed via optical coherence tomography angiography

PURPOSE

To quantify short-term microvascular changes after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling in patients with idiopathic macular hole (IMH) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

DESIGN

Cohort Study.

PARTICIPANTS

This study included patients with IMH. Affected eyes were compared with fellow eyes.

METHODS

6 × 6 mm OCTA (Zeiss Angioplex, Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA, USA) images of the study eye and fellow eye were acquired one day before surgery, 4 weeks and 12 weeks after surgery. Microvascular alterations in the superficial and deep capillary plexus were assessed by measuring vessel density and the shortest distance to the surrounding vessels of all intercapillary pixels. Only vessels enclosed by an ETDRS Grid centered on the fovea were analyzed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Change of vessel density and vessel distance to baseline.

RESULTS

OCTA images of the 15 study and 15 fellow eyes of 15 included patients (mean ± SD of age: 67.89 ± 5.2 years) were analyzed and revealed a significant increase in vessel density and decrease in vessel distance of the deep capillary plexus in study eyes 4 weeks after surgery compared to baseline. Our superficial capillary plexus findings were the inverse, namely a significant decrease in vessel density and increase in vessel distance. Postoperative microvascular changes proved to be closely associated with the extent of retinal thickness reduction in the perifoveal deep capillary plexus.

CONCLUSIONS

IMH closure after PPV and ILM peeling caused a significantly improved microvasculature in the deep capillary plexus, which may represent reorganized perifoveal microvasculature due to the regression of cystoid spaces.

Risk factors for glial cell proliferation after idiopathic macular hole repair with internal limiting membrane flap

BACKGROUND

To study the influencing factors for different healing patterns of patients with idiopathic macular holes (IMH) after vitrectomy surgery performed with the internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap technique.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective, consecutive, observational case series study. We recruited 52 IMH patients who underwent vitrectomy with the ILM flap technique. The participants were divided into 2 groups: group A (25 patients), without significant glial cell proliferation in the macular area on postoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT); and group B (27 patients), with significant glial cell proliferation. The postoperative visual acuity (VA), external limiting membrane (ELM) and ellipsoid zone (EZ) recovery characteristics were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

There were statistically significant differences in minimum linear diameter (MLD) of the macular hole and postoperative VA (p = 0.02, 2.81 E-4 respectively) between the two groups. Compared with patients in group A, patients in group B had poorer VA and EZ recovery in the first 12 months after surgery, and a longer ELM recovery period. The OCT results showed that patients in group B had more extensive ILM filling in the macular area after surgery than patients in group A.

CONCLUSION

The presence of aberrant glial cell proliferation was related to a larger MLD of the IMH, and the filling approach for the ILM during the operation was related to the postoperative healing pattern and vision acuity.

Vitrectomy for Idiopathic Macular Hole in Patients Aged 80 Years or Older: Efficacy and Safety

Purpose: To assess the efficacy and safety of idiopathic macular hole (MH) surgery in elderly patients (≥ 80 years of age).Methods: Prospective study enrolled consecutive patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling under retrobulbar anesthesia between February 2016 and May 2018. Twenty-eight eyes of 28 patients aged 80 years or older were classified into the elderly group, a matched group of 56 eyes from 56 younger patients as the control group. The main outcome measures included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and intraoperative and postoperative complications.Results: Statistically, there was no significant difference in visual acuity improvement and incidences of complications between the elderly group and the control group (p = .784 and p = .712, respectively). No operation in either group was postponed or canceled due to complications associated with retrobulbar anesthesia, or physical discomfort before and during the operation. Moreover, no case suffered from myocardial infarction, stroke or death during the perioperative period. Except for one case of retinal detachment postoperatively in the control group, no case required a secondary surgery. All complications were successfully resolved or managed.Conclusions: The results from our study indicate the efficacy and safety of vitrectomy for idiopathic macular hole in patients aged 80 years or older, and idiopathic MH surgery should not be denied on basis of patient age alone.

Closure of stage 2 macular hole with a low-dose intravitreal injection of perfluoropropane

Background

Idiopathic macular holes (IMH) are common and affect central vision. We demonstrate the effectiveness of 0.2 ml intravitreal perfluoropropane (C3F8) in Stage-2 IMH.

Case

A 61-year-old woman presented with blurred vision OD. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/125 OD and 20/20 OS. Biomicroscopy of OD evidenced a Stage-2 IMH. Intravitreal C3F8 was injected and postural measures prescribed. Optical coherence tomography 1 week after revealed posterior vitreous detachment and vitreomacular traction resolution. Full anatomical and functional recovery was achieved at week 4 and remained stable during a 6-month follow-up (BCVA 20/20 OD).

Conclusion

Intravitreal C3F8 as initial therapy for Stage 2 IMH represents a good alternative to vitrectomy for patients with IMH.

Efficacy of inverted internal limiting membrane flap for large idiopathic macular holes

Objective:

To evaluate the effectiveness of inverted internal limiting membrane flap in large idiopathic macular holes.

Methods:

Twelve patients diagnosed with idiopathic macular holes larger than 400um underwent 23 gauge Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) with inverted internal limiting flap and gas tamponade at Al-Ehsan Eye Welfare Eye Hospital, Lahore from February 2017 to February 2018. All cases were diagnosed on Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) and were followed up for 6 months. At every follow-up, best corrected visual acuity and SD-OCT was done.

Results:

We achieved macular hole closure in 91.6% (11/12) patients with idiopathic macular holes larger than 400um. Five out of 12 patients underwent combined phacoemulsification and PPV. One patient has flat hole closure which was considered failure. One patient was excluded from the study due to per-operative flap loss. This patient was not included in final data analysis of 12 patients. There was statistically significant gain in best corrected visual acuity after successful macular hole closure. We did not report any untoward events during or in the post-operative period.

Conclusion:

Inverted internal limiting flap is an effective method for repairing large macular holes.

[Prognostic factors for idiopathic macular hole surgery: Report of 107 eyes (Approach by univariate statistical analysis)]

PURPOSE

To identify prognostic factors influencing the success of idiopathic macular hole surgery, including initial visual acuity, hole size and stage, and type of gas used for tamponade.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective single-center descriptive analysis of all patients with an idiopathic macular hole operated by the same surgeon, treated in the ophthalmology department of Mulhouse hospital, between January 2004 and July 2014. Patients whose functional and anatomical results could be confounded by the coexistence of other ocular pathologies and patients with secondary macular holes were excluded.

RESULTS

We included and followed 107 eyes of 104 patients for at least 6 months. Initial closure after the first surgery was obtained in 92 eyes (85.98 %), allowing 2 groups to be defined, the cases of success and failure. Initial visual acuity, hole size, stage according to Gass, Gaudric and IVTS classifications, and presence or absence of a PVD, were statistically significant prognostic factors (P<0.05) CONCLUSION: Our univariate statistical analysis identified multiple prognostic factors. These factors may predict success and the choice of surgical technique, including whether to peel the internal limiting membrane, the choice of gas for tamponade, and postoperative positioning.

Spontaneous closure of a chronic full thickness macular hole after failed surgery

Purpose

To describe an unusual case of spontaneous closure of a chronic, large, idiopathic, stage 4 macular hole after failed surgery.

Observations

A 75-year-old female presented with a history of a chronic, full thickness macular hole after failed surgery in the right eye. Two years after onset, she developed a fibrotic scar, which closed the macular hole and unexpectedly improved her vision. At her 4 year follow up exam, optical coherence tomography demonstrated a stable, closed macular hole with continued improvement in her visual acuity despite lack of surgical and medical intervention.

Conclusions and importance

The spontaneous closure of an idiopathic full thickness macular hole is an unusual event. When it occurs, it is typically in an acute setting and is attributed to bridging retinal tissue, vitreofoveal separation, and a small diameter size. In this report, we show that a chronic, large break, that failed prior surgical intervention, can spontaneously close. The formation of an underlying fibrotic scar from type 1 neovascularization bridged the macular hole and improved her visual acuity.

Clinical and morphological comparisons of idiopathic macular holes between stage 3 and stage 4

PURPOSE

To compare clinical and morphological differences in idiopathic macular holes (IMHs) between stage 3 and stage 4.

METHODS

In this retrospective cross-sectional observational study, patients with stage 3 and stage 4 IMHs based on Gass's classification in 1988 were enrolled. Horizontally and vertically, optical coherence tomography (OCT)-based parameters including minimum linear diameter (MLD), basal diameter (BD), and macular hole height (H) were measured; fluid cuff (FC), diameter hole index (DHI), macular hole index (MHI), traction hole index (THI), and hole form factor (HFF) were calculated. Afterwards, stage 3 IMHs smaller than 400 μm were excluded according to Gass's classification in 1995. Clinical features, such as age, duration of symptoms, and baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and OCT parameters were compared respectively between two stages based on both classifications.

RESULTS

Given classification of 1988, stage 3 IMHs had significantly shorter duration of symptoms (P = 0.020) and smaller horizontal BD (P = 0.041). Horizontally and vertically, MLD (P = 0.001, 0.004 respectively), DHI (P = 0.032, 0.021 respectively), and HFF (P = 0.032, 0.017 respectively) were significantly smaller and THI (P = 0.011, 0.020 respectively) was significantly larger in stage 3 holes. Clinical features like age and baseline BCVA showed no significant differences. When staged by classification of 1995, IMHs of the two stages shared similar features.

CONCLUSIONS

Stage 3 IMHs, instead of owning shorter duration of symptoms and smaller diameters, share similar clinical and morphological features with stage 4 IMHs according to Gass's classification in 1995, which excludes IMHs smaller than 400 μm from stage 3 compared to his 1988 version.

Autologous neurosensory retinal free patch transplantation for persistent full-thickness macular hole

PURPOSE

To evaluate anatomical and functional outcomes after autologous neurosensory retinal free patch (ANRFP) transplantation for persistent idiopathic full-thickness macular hole (iFTMH).

METHODS

A 65-year-old woman with persistent macular hole in her right eye after previous 27-gauge pars plana vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling and long-acting gas tamponade underwent ANRFP transplantation. Before surgery, best corrected visual acuity in her right eye was 20/800. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed a 715-micron-diameter FTMH. To treat the persistent FTMH, a small autologous neurosensory retinal patch was transplanted and placed inside the macular hole under perfluorocarbon liquids (PFCL). PFCL-air exchange was performed, and long-acting gas tamponade was carried out. Clinical features of the macular area, visual acuity (VA), fundus autofluorescence, microperimetry and OCT were recorded during the 10-month follow-up.

RESULTS

The macular hole appeared successfully closed with retinal patch stable and well plugged into the hole during the whole follow-up. VA improved to 20/100 and microperimetry revealed an increase in mean retinal sensitivity from 14.7 dB at 1 month to 15.6 dB at 10 months postoperatively. OCT showed a well-distinguishable retinal patch into the hole 1 month after surgery and a completely integrated retinal patch between the retinal layers 10 months postoperatively. No intra- and postoperative complications were noticed.

CONCLUSIONS

ANRFP transplantation may represent an innovative technique for persistent iFTMH treatment.

Foveal microvasculature features of surgically closed macular hole using optical coherence tomography angiography

Background

To describe the features of foveal microvasculature using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and to determine the related clinical factors in eyes with surgically closed macular hole (MH).

Methods

A retrospective case series of 18 patients with unilateral MH was reviewed. The patients maintained complete hole closure after vitrectomy with inner limiting membrane (ILM) peeling for at least 12 months. The healthy fellow eyes were studied as controls. The foveal microvasculature of both eyes was examined by OCTA. The area of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) and the vascular density (VD) ratio in the superficial and deep capillary plexuses (SCP and DCP) were determined after surgery. Several clinical factors including age, stage and dimensions of MH, papillofoveal distance, the extent of nasal displacement of the fovea after surgery, postoperative central foveal thickness, and outer-retina integrity were evaluated to determine any relationships with the OCTA parameters.

Results

The mean FAZ area in both the SCP and DCP (0.29 ± 0.11 mm² and 0.39 ± 0.14 mm²) was significantly smaller than those of the controls (0.45 ± 0.14 mm² and 0.62 ± 0.22 mm²) (p = 0.001 and <0.001, respectively). The mean VD ratio in the SCP (0.270 ± 0.349) was similar to that of the controls (0.321 ± 0.189) (p = 0.231); however, that in the DCP (0.321 ± 0.189) was significantly lower than that of the controls (0.331 ± 0.119) (p = 0.025). Only the extent of nasal displacement of the fovea was correlated with the DCP FAZ-area difference values between the study group and the controls (correlation coefficient = 0.577; p = 0.012).

Conclusions

After successful MH surgery, the FAZ area in both the SCP and DCP was smaller and the VD ratio of the DCP was lower, suggesting a possible DCP vulnerability to tractional stress. As the FAZ area of the DCP in closed-MH eyes became smaller than that in the controls, the fovea was less displaced toward the optic disc, possibly reflecting a lack of retinal redundancy caused by horizontal stretching accompanied by foveal displacement.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12886-017-0607-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A proteomic approach to understanding the pathogenesis of idiopathic macular hole formation

Idiopathic macular holes (IMH) are full-thickness defects of retinal tissue that cause severe vision loss due to disruption of the anatomic fovea. Abnormal vitreous traction is involved in the formation of macular holes. Both glial cells and hyalocytes contribute to epiretinal membrane formation in IMH. In order to gain further insight into the pathophysiology of IMH, we conducted a discovery phase investigation of the vitreous proteome in four patients with macular holes and six controls using one-dimensional gel fractionation and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analyses on an Orbitrap Elite mass spectrometer. Of a total of 5912 vitreous proteins, 32 proteins had increased and 39 proteins had decreased expression in IMH compared with controls, using a false discovery rate approach with p value < 0.001 and q value < 0.05. IMH was associated with increased expression of proteins in the complement pathway, α-2-macroglobulin, a major inducer of Müller glial cell migration, fibrinogen, and extracellular matrix proteins, and decreased expression of proteins involved in protein folding and actin filament binding. A proteomic approach revealed proteins and biological pathways that may be involved in the pathogenesis of IMH and could be targeted for future studies.

Reduction of foveal bulges and other anatomical changes in fellow eyes of patients with unilateral idiopathic macular hole without vitreomacular pathologic changes

PURPOSE

To compare the foveal characteristics in fellow eyes (FE) of patients with unilateral idiopathic macular hole without vitreomacular pathologic changes with eyes of healthy controls.

METHODS

Forty-seven FE and 52 eyes of 52 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were studied. Quantitative assessment of the dome-shaped appearance of the hyperreflective lines that represent external limiting membrane (ELM_bulge) and inner outer segment junctions (IS/OS_bulge) were made by optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. Inner retinal complex thickness (IRCT) was quantitatively assessed at 1000 and 2000 μm of the foveal center in nasal and temporal quadrants. Presence of alterations in the inner retinal outer layers and central foveal thickness (CFT) were also analyzed.

RESULTS

Significantly lower ELM_bulge (p < 0.0001; Mann-Whitney test) and IS/OS_bulge (p < 0.001; student t test) and higher cases with COST alterations, expressed as a diffuse line (p < 0.006; Chi² test) were found in FE than control eyes. IRCT were significantly reduced in FE at all the studied locations when comparing to control eyes (p < 0.05; student t test), maintaining anatomical proportionality among locations.

CONCLUSION

FE without pathologic vitreomacular interactions seems to present some central cone alterations that may be related to other causes than vitreomacular traction.

OCT angiography quantifying choriocapillary circulation in idiopathic macular hole before and after surgery

PURPOSE

To investigate the choriocapillary circulation in the macular area for eyes with unilateral idiopathic macular hole (IMH) before and after vitrectomy using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

METHODS

A prospective study of 25 patients with unilateral IMH who underwent vitrectomy and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited. Choriocapillary circulation was measured by OCTA to obtain two measurements: flow area and parafovea vessel density.

RESULTS

Flow area and parafovea vessel density of choriocapillaris in the macular area were significantly smaller and lower in IMH eyes than unaffected fellow eyes and healthy control eyes (p < 0.001), while no difference was found between unaffected fellow eyes and the healthy control eyes. One month after vitrectomy, the choriocapillary flow area and parafovea vessel density of IMH eyes significantly increased compared to the peroperative measurements (p < 0.001). Association analysis found that choriocapillary circulation measurements were negatively correlated with macular hole diameters in IMH eyes (p < 0.001), but was independent with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).

CONCLUSIONS

The macular choriocapillary flow area and parafovea vessel density in IMH eyes were lower than those of normal controls. In addition, the choriocapillary circulation was negatively correlated with macular hole diameter. Our findings suggested that choroidal circulation in the macular area might be affected by the intact structure of the fovea.

Choroidal thickness in idiopathic macular hole

PURPOSE

To measure the submacular choroidal thickness in eyes with idiopathic macular hole (IMH) compared with unaffected fellow eyes and normal control eyes.

METHODS

In this single institutional retrospective comparative case-control study, 34 consecutive patients with IMH were included and compared with 30 normal age- and sex-matched eyes that were planned to have cataract surgery. The included eyes were divided into 4 groups: 41 eyes with IMH (A), 23 unaffected fellow eyes (B), 30 normal eyes (C), and 12 vitrectomized IMH eyes (D).

RESULTS

The choroidal thickness was significantly lower in all measured points in IMH eyes versus normal control eyes (subfoveal choroidal thickness [SFCT]: 215.76 ± 66.7 vs. 288.53 ± 72.0, P < 0.001) and at most locations in comparison between group B and C (SFCT: 231.79 ± 68.6 vs. 288.53 ± 72.0, P = 0.018). No significant difference was found in choroidal thickness between both eyes of patients with unilateral IMH (P = 0.81). The choroidal thickness was not altered after vitrectomy in the mean 6 months follow-up period. A negative correlation between the apical diameter and basal diameter of IMH and SFCT (P = 0.05) (P value of 0.034 and 0.05) and preoperative best-corrected visual acuity and apical and basal diameter of IMH (P = 0.006 and P = 0.029, respectively) was observed.

CONCLUSION

Choroidal thickness is reduced in both eyes of patients with IMH compared with normal age- and sex-matched control eyes.

Asymmetrical steepening of the foveal contour after macular hole surgery with internal limiting membrane peeling

PURPOSE

We have previously shown that the thickness of the parafoveal retina was asymmetrical in spectral-domain optical coherence tomographic (SD-OCT) images after idiopathic macular hole (MH) closure by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. The aim of this study was to determine whether the foveal slopes around the closed MH were also asymmetrical.

METHODS

Forty-three eyes with an MH treated with PPV with ILM peeling at Matsumoto Dental University Hospital were studied. The foveal slope was determined with ImageJ software in both the horizontal and vertical images obtained by SD-OCT at 6 months after the surgery. The possible related factors were also compared.

RESULTS

The mean angles of the foveal slopes of the nasal, superior, inferior, and temporal sectors were 31.4° ± 6.2°, 31.2° ± 5.4°, 31.6° ± 7.4°, and 29.9° ± 6.6°, respectively, in the fellow eyes. The corresponding values in the operated eyes were significantly steeper at 50.4° ± 9.1°, 46.9° ± 11.3°, 48.6° ± 11.3°, and 41.3° ± 11.2°, respectively (P < 0.00001). Both the nasal and inferior slopes were significantly steeper than the temporal slopes of the same operated eye (P = 0.002 and P = 0.023, respectively). There was no significant correlation between each slope and the visual acuity, MH size, area of peeled ILM, postoperative parafoveal retinal thickness, defect of the retinal outer layers, disc-foveal distance, stage, and use of dye for ILM peeling.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the postoperative foveal contour was markedly changed asymmetrically, the significance of the change was not determined.

A new method to predict anatomical outcome after idiopathic macular hole surgery

PURPOSE

To investigate whether a new macular hole closure index (MHCI) could predict anatomic outcome of macular hole surgery.

METHODS

A vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling, air-fluid exchange, and gas tamponade were performed on all patients. The postoperative anatomic status of the macular hole was defined by spectral-domain OCT. MHCI was calculated as (M+N)/BASE based on the preoperative OCT status. M and N were the curve lengths of the detached photoreceptor arms, and BASE was the length of the retinal pigment epithelial layer (RPE layer) detaching from the photoreceptors. Postoperative anatomical outcomes were divided into three grades: A (bridge-like closure), B (good closure), and C (poor closure or no closure). Correlation analysis was performed between anatomical outcomes and MHCI. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were derived for MHCI, indicating good model discrimination. ROC curves were also assessed by the area under the curve, and cut-offs were calculated. Other predictive parameters reported previously, which included the MH minimum, the MH height, the macular hole index (MHI), the diameter hole index (DHI), and the tractional hole index (THI) had been compared as well.

RESULTS

MHCI correlated significantly with postoperative anatomical outcomes (r = 0.543, p = 0.000), but other predictive parameters did not. The areas under the curves indicated that MHCI could be used as an effective predictor of anatomical outcome. Cut-off values of 0.7 and 1.0 were obtained for MHCI from ROC curve analysis. MHCI demonstrated a better predictive effect than other parameters, both in the correlation analysis and ROC analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

MHCI could be an easily measured and accurate predictive index for postoperative anatomical outcomes.

Comparison of outcomes between 20, 23 and 25 gauge vitrectomy for idiopathic macular hole

Purpose

To compare the results of 20, 23, 25 gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with two different gas tamponades for idiopathic macular hole (MH) in a multi-surgeon vitroretinal practice.

Methods

In this comparative, retrospective, interventional case series, the medical charts of 142 eyes/130 patients were reviewed. Patients who matched our inclusion criteria: eye with stage 2, 3, or 4 MH that underwent 20, 23, or 25 gauge PPV, internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling, and fluid-gas exchange from January, 2005 to May, 2012 and had at least 6 months follow-up. The best current corrected visual acuity (VA) and anatomical status of the MH were assessed by optical coherent tomography (OCT) at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after vitrectomy.

Results

The MH closed successfully after primary vitrectomy in 86.5 % (20 gauge), 96.4 % (23 gauge), and 92 % (25 gauge). Preoperative VA median were 20\126 (20 gauge), 20\100 (23 gauge), and 20\80 (25 gauge). At 6 months and 2 years postoperative VA did not differ significantly between the 3 groups (p = 0.570, and 0.054 respectively). However, at 12 months postoperative VA median 20\60 (20 gauge), 20\69 (23 gauge), and 20\40 (25 gauge) differ significantly (p = 0.005) likely due to cataract changes. The final median postoperative VA (at 2 years) in 25 gauge PPV group was 20/40 which was better than final visual outcomes for 20, and 23 gauge PPV groups (20/50, and 20/55 respectively). The different was not a statistically significant. MH closed successfully in 96 % (C3F8), and 88.1 % (SF6) (p = 0.063). Preoperative median VA was 20/100 in both groups of gas. At 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperative median VAs did not differ significant between the 2 groups (p = 0.076, 0.343, and 0.309 respectively). MH closed successfully in (96.9 %) 12-14 % C3F8, and (95.3 %) 15-16 % C3F8 (p = 0.611). MH closed in (82.1 %) 18-20 % SF6, and (96.4 %) 22-26 % SF6 (p=0.053).

Conclusion

Based on the results of this study, 20, 23, and 25 gauge of PPV have similar MH closure rates and VA outcomes. SF6 at 22-26 % or C3F8 at 12-14 % achieved maximum closure rates.

Full Thickness Macular Hole Closure after Exchanging Silicone-Oil Tamponade with C(3)F(8) without Posturing

Purpose

To report a case of macular hole closure after the exchange of a silicone-oil tamponade with gas C₃F₈ 14%.

Method

A 64-year-old female patient with a stage IV macular hole underwent a three-port pars-plana vitrectomy and internal limiting membrane peeling. Due to the patient's chronic illness (respiratory problems), a silicone-oil tamponade was preferred. However, the macula hole was still flat opened four months postoperatively. Therefore, the patient underwent an exchange of silicone oil with gas C₃F₈ 14%. No face-down position was advised postoperatively due to her health problems.

Results

Macular hole closure was confirmed with optical coherence tomography six weeks after exchanging the silicone oil with gas.

Conclusions

Macular hole surgery using a silicone-oil tamponade has been proposed as treatment of choice for patients unable to posture. In our case, the use of a long-acting gas (C₃F₈ 14%), even without posturing, proved to be more effective.