Vicente Martínez-Castillo

Prospective clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of photodynamic therapy for symptomatic circumscribed choroidal hemangioma.

PURPOSE To evaluate photodynamic therapy (PDT) for symptomatic circumscribed choroidal hemangioma (CCH). DESIGN Prospective, multicenter, nonrandomized clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS Thirty-one eyes of 31 patients with posterior pole CCH and symptoms caused by exudation into the macular area. INTERVENTION Photodynamic therapy was applied by Zeiss laser. Intravenous verteporfin at 6 mg/m(2) body surface was administered before treatment, and light emitted at 689 nm for photosensitization. The treatment spot diameter was calculated on early-phase frames of pretreatment indocyanine green angiography. Fifteen minutes after starting the verteporfin infusion, the laser beam was applied to the retina at radiant exposure 50 J/cm(2) and exposure time 83 seconds. One to 4 treatments were applied at 12-week intervals over 1 year. Standardized evaluation was performed before and at 4-week intervals after each treatment, and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. All patients were followed for >or=12 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome measure was the absence of exudative retinal detachment at the 12-month follow-up visit on ophthalmoscopy, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography. Secondary measures were the visual acuity outcome, with best-corrected visual acuity determined by the Early Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy Study chart, tumor thickness decrease on B-scan ultrasonography, and adverse events. RESULTS Among the total, 82.8% of patients required 1, 13.8% 2, and 3.4% 3 PDTs to eliminate exudative retinal detachment. Visual acuity increased from a mean of 20/60 to 20/35 (P<0.001). Sixty-nine percent of patients demonstrated visual recovery (P<0.001). Cystoid macular edema regressed in all cases and exudative macular detachment disappeared in all but 2 cases. The CCH thickness decreased in all cases from a mean of 3.0 to 1.7 mm, with the most intense effect seen after 4 weeks of treatment (P<0.001). Visual fields showed resolution of central scotomas. There were no severe adverse events. CONCLUSIONS Combining PDT with the standard age-related macular degeneration protocol is an effective treatment for CCH in terms of resolution of exudative subretinal fluid and recovery of VA. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S) The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Comparison of different techniques for purification of triamcinolone acetonide suspension for intravitreal use

Background: Intravitreal triamcinolone has increasingly been used for the treatment of oedematous and neovascular diseases and purification of triamcinolone suspension may be important in order to avoid the potential toxic effects of the vehicle. The aim was to evaluate different techniques used to reduce the solvent agent benzyl alcohol (9.9 mg/ml) from a commercially prepared triamcinolone acetonide suspension. Methods: Different techniques were used to reduce the solvent agent benzyl alcohol: filter techniques using 0.22 μm or 5 μm pore size, and non-filter techniques using sedimentation or centrifugation. Quantification of triamcinolone acetonide and benzyl alcohol was performed by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: Benzyl alcohol concentration was decreased significantly in all the techniques used compared with the original commercial suspension (p<0.05), with no significant differences among them. The reduction was approximately one tenth of its original concentration. However, triamcinolone acetonide concentration differed significantly depending on the method used. Centrifugation method showed no differences versus the original commercial solution; sedimentation technique reduced the expected dose only 25%; the filter technique using a 5 μm pore size membrane reduced the expected dose to one fourth, while the filter technique using a 0.22 μm pore size membrane reduced the expected dose to 45%. Conclusions: All the different techniques employed effectively reduced the concentration of benzyl alcohol. However, the final concentration of triamcinolone was much lower than expected using the filter techniques. The pore size membrane inversely influenced the final concentration, with part of the triamcinolone crystals probably being entrapped in the filter. Centrifugation is recommended as the best way of administering the drug.

Surgical Embolus Removal in Retinal Artery Occlusion

Aims: To evaluate the anatomical outcomes, safety and functional effectiveness of surgical embolus removal in retinal artery occlusion (RAO). Methods: Prospective study of seven patients with RAO of <36 h duration. All eyes underwent pars plana vitrectomy and a longitudinal incision of the anterior wall of the occluded arteriole in an attempt to remove the embolus. Outcome measures included visual acuity and arteriolar reperfusion, as evaluated with fluorescein angiography. Results: Surgical removal of the embolus was achieved in six of the seven (87.5%) patients, visual acuity improved from a median of 20/400 (range: hand movements 20/25) to 20/40 (range: hand movements 20/25), and reperfusion of the occluded vessel was angiographically confirmed in four of the six patients in whom the embolus was successfully removed. Conclusion: Surgical removal of retinal arterial emboli seems to be an effective and safe treatment for RAO, but a randomised and controlled clinical trial will be necessary to establish an evidence base for the role, if any, of this intervention.

Topical anesthesia: Possible risk factor for endophthalmitis after cataract extraction

PURPOSE: To assess the relationship between the risk for acute endophthalmitis after cataract extraction and whether certain factors, such as surgeon qualification, numerical order, duration of surgery, operating theater, and type of anesthesia (topical or retrobulbar), could be modified to decrease the risk. SETTING: Single‐center academic practice. METHODS: Two epidemiological studies were performed: a case‐control study and a retrospective cohort study. The surgical records of all patients with clinically diagnosed endophthalmitis within 30 days after cataract surgery performed between February 2002 and September 2003 were reviewed. The endophthalmitis cases were compared with 108 randomly selected controls (4 controls per case). The global incidence of endophthalmitis and the incidence according to type of anesthesia were calculated. RESULTS: Of 5011 cataract extractions performed, 27 cases of endophthalmitis occurred. The incidence was 5.39 per 1000 procedures. An independent statistically significant relationship was found between endophthalmitis and the use of topical anesthesia (odds ratio [OR], 11.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.4‐58.7) and surgery longer than 45 minutes (OR, 7.2; 95% CI, 1.7‐29.7) but not between the other variables. The incidence of endophthalmitis was 1.8 per 1000 cataract extractions with retrobulbar anesthesia and 6.76 per 1000 with topical anesthesia (relative risk [RR], 3.76; 95% CI, 0.89‐15.85). After the start of the study period was extended to May 2001, the incidence of endophthalmitis was 1.3 per 1000 cataract extractions with retrobulbar anesthesia and 8.7 per 1000 with topical anesthesia (RR, 6.72; 95% CI, 1.63‐27.63). CONCLUSION: Results suggest that there may be an association between topical anesthesia and endophthalmitis after cataract extraction.

Endoresection in high posterior choroidal melanomas: long-term outcome

Background: Eyes with high posterior choroidal melanomas are frequently enucleated because of the potential complications of radiotherapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoresection at long-term follow-up. Methods: Retrospective, non-randomised, interventional case series. Thirty-eight patients underwent endoresection. For primary procedures, inclusion criteria were tumour thickness ⩾8 mm, base <15 mm, tumours not exceeding the equatorial area. Endoresection was also undertaken as the salvage procedure in four patients. Main outcomes measured were metastatic disease, survival, local recurrences, visual acuity, enucleation rate, and surgical complications. Results: Follow-up time ranged from 23 to 129 months (mean 70.63 months). Preoperative visual acuity ranged from “hand-movements” to 20/20 (mean, 20/60). In primary cases, mean tumour thickness was 10.1 mm and mean base diameter 9.9 mm. At the latest visit, 92.1% patients still retained the eye. Final visual acuity ranged from “no light perception” to 20/30 (mean 20/300). Two patients experienced local recurrence before 3 years of follow-up. Melanoma metastatic disease was found in two patients at 5 years of follow-up. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis for all causes was 88.2% at 5 years. Specific survival was 90.9% at 5 years. Conclusions: At long-term follow-up, the risk of metastasis or local recurrence, and survival rates were similar to other techniques, although comparisons are difficult because of the unusual presentation of this type of melanoma. Further studies and longer follow-up are needed.

Epiretinal Membrane After Pars Plana Vitrectomy For Primary Pseudophakic Or Aphakic Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachmentincidence and outcomes

Purpose: To compare outcomes of eyes that did or did not develop an epiretinal membrane (ERM) after repair of primary pseudophakic or aphakic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment by pars plana vitrectomy alone. Methods: Interventional, prospective, consecutive case series. Of 312 consecutive eyes that underwent pars plana vitrectomy for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, 28 (8.97%) developed ERM during the postoperative period. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and fundus examinations were performed 1 month and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Results: Eyes with an ERM more often had a break at the equator (odds ratio, 3.92; 95% confidence interval, 1.3–11.2; P < 0.011). At ERM diagnosis, BCVA ranged from 20/400 to 20/25 with a mean of 20/100 (0.75 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution), and BCVA at the final visit ranged from 20/200 to 20/25 with a mean of 20/63 (0.53 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution). Of the 22 eyes that underwent surgical removal of the ERM, BCVA was ≥20/40 in 5 (22.7%) before the surgical procedure and in 13 (59%) at the final follow-up visit. Conclusion: The incidence of ERM after pars plana vitrectomy alone for the repair of primary pseudophakic or aphakic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment was similar to reported incidences after scleral buckling. Best-corrected visual acuity improved after surgical removal of ERM, although eyes with the macula detached had lower final BCVA.

Silicone posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens dislocated into the vitreous cavity.

PURPOSE To report two highly myopic patients with silicone posterior chamber phakic intraocular lenses (Phakic Refractive Lens; CIBA Vision, Duluth, Ga) that luxated into the vitreous cavity without history of ocular trauma. METHODS Two patients with posterior chamber phakic intraocular lenses (PIOLs) that luxated into the vitreous cavity of the right eye were examined. Each eye underwent pars plana vitrectomy and removal of the posterior chamber PIOL under retrobulbar anesthesia. RESULTS Both patients were treated successfully. In the first patient, the posterior chamber PIOL luxated into the anterior vitreous cavity whereas in the second patient, the posterior chamber PIOL lay on the posterior pole. No ocular complications developed postoperatively. CONCLUSION Luxation into the vitreous cavity is a rare, but potentially severe complication of posterior chamber PIOL refractive surgery in highly myopic eyes. Successful management includes pars plana vitrectomy and removal of the posterior chamber PIOL.

Pars Plana Vitrectomy Alone With Diffuse Illumination and Vitreous Dissection to Manage Primary Retinal Detachment With Unseen Breaks

OBJECTIVE To report on pars plana vitrectomy with diffuse illumination, wide-angle viewing, and meticulous vitreous dissection for identifying and managing retinal breaks when no breaks were detected before surgery for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. METHODS Prospective clinical study of 61 of 800 consecutive eyes (7.6%) (61 of 782 patients) seen at a university hospital during the 48-month study for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in whom no break could be identified preoperatively despite thorough examinations. All of the patients underwent pars plana vitrectomy alone with meticulous peripheral vitreous dissection assisted by diffuse illumination, a wide-angle viewing system, perfluorocarbon liquid, triamcinolone acetonide suspension, and balanced salt solution to identify and manage primary retinal breaks. RESULTS Retinal breaks were found intraoperatively in 60 eyes (98%). In 51 of 61 eyes (84%), balanced salt solution was left in the vitreous cavity. Best-corrected visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 25 of 61 study eyes (41%). Primary retinal reattachment was attained in 60 study eyes (98%). Final reattachment was achieved in all 61 eyes (100%). CONCLUSIONS Pars plana vitrectomy alone with diffuse illumination and extensive vitreous dissection led to identification and management of retinal breaks undetectable before surgery, achieving a high primary reattachment rate.

Macular holes after rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair: surgical management and functional outcome.

Purpose: To review the surgical management and functional outcome of macular holes (MHs) developing after rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair. Methods: Retrospective, interventional, noncomparative case series. Twenty patients with MH developing after rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair were included. Pars plana vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling and gas tamponade was performed. Macular attachment status and number of best-corrected visual acuity lines of improvement after MH repair were evaluated. Results: The fovea had been detached in all eyes at the time of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair. Six MHs developed after scleral buckling surgery and 14 MHs after vitrectomy with an encircling band. In 5 of the 20 patients, ≥2 operations had been required to achieve retinal reapplication. The mean time to MH diagnosis was 38 weeks. Preoperative best-corrected visual acuity was ≤20/100 in all but one case. Single-operation MH closure rate was 100%, with a mean of 4 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study lines of visual improvement (P < 0.001). Mean postoperative Snellen best-corrected visual acuity was 20/70 (±0.15) (P < 0.001). Conclusion: In this small retrospective study, standard surgical treatment for idiopathic MH was effective in achieving anatomical closure of these secondary MHs, but visual acuity gain was limited by the previous macula-involving rhegmatogenous retinal detachment status.

Transconjunctival Sutureless 23-gauge Vitrectomy for Diabetic Retinopathy. Review

This paper reviews the current experience and trends in 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy for diabetic retinopathy in those patients that need a surgical intervention for either vitreous hemorrhage, fibrovascular proliferation with traction retinal detachment affecting or threatening the macula, traction-rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, or refractory macular edema with taut posterior hyaloid. Since the instruments in 23-gauge vitrectomy are less flexible and perform in a more similar way to 20-gauge instruments, the vitrectomy is more thorough and for more complex manoeuvres can be done. The 23-gauge transconjuntival sutureless vitrectomy avoids some of the shortcomings of the 25-gauge systems.