bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment of neovascular AMD by Aflibercept (Eylea) with proreactive protocol
Authors: GONZALEZ C 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose To evaluate the functional, anatomical, vascular flow, effects of intravitreal Aflibercept injections(IVT) for subretinal neovascularisation complicating AMD, done with Proreactive protocol, and the recurrences frequency at 1 year follow‐upMethods 42 eyes of 38 patients, 12 men, 26 women, with subretinal neovascularisation complicating AMD. 38 eyes were switch cases, 4 naïve cases. Patients received intravitreous Eylea, 3 times, every 4 weeks in an inductive treatment. The next injections depended on the follow‐up results, and were done by series of 3 IVT, IVT done every 1 ½ months. First exam, 2 months, and then 3 months’ interval follow‐up exam included ETDRS visual acuity (VA), complete ophthalmic examination, optical coherence tomography (OCT), fluorescein and infracyanine (ICG) angiography.VA and OCT were done before each IVT. We want to evaluate the incidence of this protocol on the functional results and frequency of recurrences so on the number of IVT neededResults VA improved in 44% cases, more than 10 letters in 22% cases. Diffuse edema was 30% reduced in 88% , pigment epithelial detachment was flattened and less dense in all cases, by OCT. Angiographic leakage reduced about 70% in 65% cases, 30% in 96% cases. At ICG, vascular flow, vessel’s diameter were 2/3 time less in 68% cases,1/3 in 97% cases. Most of patients had good functional, anatomical, vascular flow, results, with less IVT needed. Inductive treatment was sufficient in 12 cases, needed added IVT in 30 cases. This protocol was compared, discussedConclusion The results,improved visual function, reduction of exudation, leakage, low neovascularisation’s flow at OCT , AF and ICG, less recurrences, suggest Proreactive Eylea protocol seems effective, less restrictive and appears attractive
The functional effects and expression of HGF and FGF in the choroid
Authors: STEWART EA , AMOAKU WM 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose Age‐related macular degeneration is the most common cause of irreversible visual loss in the increasingly ageing population of the western world. Most current treatments focus on sequestering excess vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) produced in response to inflammation and ischaemia. However, compensation by other angiogenic growth factors such as hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) may occur.Methods Expression of HGF and FGF and their receptors MET and FGFR2 was investigated in vivo and in vitro in choroidal endothelial cells (CEC) using immunostaining, western blotting and ELISA. The in vitro response of CEC to these factors was assessed using proliferation and angiogenesis assays. Real time PCR was used to quantify signalling responses through gene expression of key signalling molecules such as HIF and expression of VEGF.Results Expression of HGF, FGF and their receptors was found in human choroid and cultured CEC. Both growth factors increased proliferation and angiogenesis independent of, and additive with VEGF. VEGF and HIF gene expression were altered dependent on growth factor concentration and time.Conclusion Although much research and treatment focuses on VEGF, other growth factors which may compensate for the loss of VEGF signalling have significant stimulatory effects on angiogenesis. This study supports recent clinical advances into combination therapies.
Commercial interest
Risk of ocular complications in persistent non‐infectious non‐anterior uveitis
Authors: DICK A , TUNDIA N , SKUP M , SORG R , ZHAO C , BAO Y , CHAO J 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose To assess risk of developing ocular complications in privately insured US patients with persistent non‐anterior NIU compared to matched controls without uveitis.Methods Adults 18–64 years old with ≥2 NIU ICD‐9‐CM claims for intermediate‐, posterior‐ or pan‐NIU were identified (OptumHealth, 01/01/1998–31/03/2012), and those with ≥90 days of corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and/or biologics use were defined as persistent cases. Cases were matched 1:1 by sex, age, region, company, employment status, and index date to controls. Risks of developing ocular complications were compared using unadjusted Kaplan‐Meier survival (risk of and time to complications) and adjusted Cox regression (hazard ratios) analyses.Results During the follow‐up period, persistent cases (N=302) had significantly higher risk of any ocular complication vs their matched controls (P<.001); the 1‐, 5‐ and 10‐year risks were 55% vs 5%, 83% vs 27%, and 88% vs 49%, respectively. Five‐year risks of specific complications for cases vs controls were glaucoma (31% vs 10%), cataract (57% vs 14%), visual disturbance (41% vs 9%), blindness/low vision (4% vs 2%), retinal detachment (13% vs 1%), and retinal disorder (42% vs 3%). Adjusted analysis showed persistent cases had hazard rates that were 8.9, 8.1, 6.2, and 4.2 times higher than controls for any complication, visual disturbance, cataract, and glaucoma, respectively.Conclusion Patients with persistent non‐anterior NIU are at high risk of ocular complications, which suggests high unmet need for an optimal treatment.
Commercial interest
Bilateral ocular involvement in a patient with tertiary syphilis
Authors: ZOZOLOU M , MINAKAKIS P , KANELLAS D , XIROU T , KABANAROU S , VAIKOUSIS E 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose To report a case of a 46‐year‐old man with bilateral neuroretinitis due to tertiary syphilis.Methods The patient presented at the clinic with a history of blurred vision. He was agitated and was looking unwell. Snellen Visual acuity (VA) was 0.2 in the right eye and 0.1 in the left eye. Pupillary reflexes to light were sluggish but normally reactive to accommodation. Fundoscopy showed bilateral optic disc oedema and fluorescein angiography revealed active neuroretinitis. Visual fields (VF) were abnormal in both eyes. Laboratory blood tests, cardiological investigations and a brain MRI were performed. Mantoux test was negative and IV treatment with corticosteroids was initiated.Results Treatment with steroids was discontinued due to the appearance of a maculopapular rash on the head and neck. Laboratory results showed: RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin)/FTA: positive, TPPA of serum and CSF (IgG, IgM): positive. Virological tests were negative. Based on these findings the diagnosis of neurosyphilis was made. Cardiological investigation was normal and brain MRI did not show any major abnormalities. Patient was started on IV crystalline penicillin, 3‐4 million units q 4h for two weeks. Three months after treatment VA was 0.6 in the right eye and 0.4 in the left. There was an improvement on the VF mainly in the right eye. Electro‐encephalogram showed no significant pathology. ISCEV standard full field and pattern electroretinography were affected bilaterally.Conclusion Bilateral neuroretinitis due to tertiary syphilis affects vision and complete visual recovery may not occur despite adequate treatment.
Reactivation of oxoplasmic retinochoroiditis after macula hole surgery
Authors: HALFELD FURTADO DE MENDONCA R , DE OLIVEIRA MAIA JR O 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose To describe a very interesting case of reactivation of ocular toxoplasmosis after macula hole surgery. Setting : Toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis is the most frequently cause of posterior uveitis worldwide and reactivation is unpredictable.Methods A 53 year old high myopic man complained of blurred vision in his left eye over the past 3 months. He underwent cataract surgery with IOL in both eyes one year ago with success. Visual acuity in the right eye was 20/20 and in the left eye 20/400. The intraocular pressure was 12 mmHg in both eyes. Fundus examination of the right eye was normal. Fundus examination of the left eye showed a macular hole and a small inactive toxoplasmosis scar.Results The patient underwent vitrectomy to relieve traction on the edge of the hole. At 20‐days follow‐up, the visual acuity in the left eye was 20/100. Fundus examination showed a complete resolution of the macular hole. Two months later, the patient had a reactivation of the toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis and the visual acuity dropped to counting fingers at 2 meters. After a specific treatment for Toxoplasmosis, the visual acuity improved to 20/80 (two months later).Conclusion Toxoplasmosis reactivation may develop after vitrectomy. More studies are necessary to confirm if, in the presence of preoperative toxoplasmic chorioretinitis scars, the prophylactic treatment with antiparasitic drugs is necessary.
Ocular manifestations in Korean patients with transbronchial lung biopsy‐proven sarcoidosis
Authors: SHIN J , YUNG Y 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose To evaluate the characteristic ocular signs and systemic examination findings in patients with transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB)‐proven sarcoidosis.Methods A total of 28 patients with TBLB‐proven sarcoidosis were evaluated between January 2011 and December 2012. The medical records of patients were retrospectively reviewed. We evaluated the following five characteristic ocular signs that are suggestive for the diagnosis of sarcoidosis: (1) mutton‐fat keratic precipitates and iris nodules; (2) nodules at the trabecular meshwork and tent‐shaped peripheral anterior synechia; (3) snowball or string‐of‐pearls vitreous opacities; (4) nodular periphlebitis; (5) multiple chorioretinal lesions. The results of systemic examination, including serum angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) assay, chest radiography or computed tomography of the chest, pulmonary function tests (PFT), tuberculin skin test and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), were considered for each patient.Results Eighteen patients (64.2%) showed ocular signs, which are suggestive of ocular sarcoidosis. Thirteen (72.2%) of these 18 patients presented with ocular signs as the initial manifestation of the disease. The typical findings of chest CT, such as bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy (BHL), were observed in all of the 28 patients.Conclusion It can be suggested that intraocular lesions could be the sole clinical manifestation of the disease. Therefore, it is important to perform pulmonary examination including chest CT in patients with suspicious ocular sarcoidosis.
Bilateral multifocal chorioretinitis and optic neuritis due to epstein‐barr virus; a case report.
Authors: CHATZIRALLI I , PARIKAKIS E , PEPONIS V , DRAKOS E , MITROPOULOS P 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose Only few cases of Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) involving the retina or the optic nerve have been reported. Our purpose was to report a case of bilateral chorioretinitis and optic neuritis due to EBV.Methods A 67‐year‐old man with no previous ocular history presented with decreased vision in both eyes since two months. The patient underwent a thorough ophthalmological examination, including visual acuity measurement by means of Snellen charts, slit‐lamp examination, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement and dilated fundoscopy. His past medical history included EBV encephalopathy, which was confirmed serologically, few months before.Results At presentation, his best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 6/60 in the right eye and hand movement in the left eye. The anterior segment was totally normal and IOP was normal in both eyes as well. Dilated fundoscopy revealed multiple, well‐demarcated, gray to white areas of retinal atrophy involving predominantly the periphery in the right eye and the macula in the left eye. Of note, all lesions were on the pathway of retinal vessels. Bilateral chorioretinitis and optic neuritis were confirmed by fluorescein angiography as well as electrophysiological tests and presumed to be due to EBV.Conclusion It is very important to include EBV in the differential diagnosis of chorioretinal atrophic lesions. Clinicians should be aware of ocular manifestations of EBV, in order to suggest ophthalmological examination and start treatment promptly before irreversible damage of the optic nerve or retina.
Rare ocular involvement due to leukocidin “panton valentine” (pvl) positive staphylococcus aureus after bacterial endocarditis
Authors: ZOZOLOU M , MINAKAKIS P , PASCHALIDIS T , XIROU T , KABANAROU S , VAIKOUSIS E 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose To present an unusual case of a 38‐year‐old man with pituitary apoplexy, bacterial endocarditis, and chorioretinitis due to leukocidin “PVL” positive staphylococcus aureus, not reported in the current literature.Methods He presented with a history of sudden loss of vision, headache and high fever. Visual acuity (VA) was Hand Movements in both eyes with sluggish pupillary reflexes. Fundoscopy revealed bilateral yellowish focal retinal lesions and Roth’s spots in right eye, indicative of active chorioretinitis. Fluorescein angiography (FA) showed active chorioretinal lesions. Visual fields and OCT were normal. Brain MRI showed a pituitary adenoma. The diagnosis of pituitary apoplexy was made based on clinical history, systemic findings and MRI imaging. He was treated with high doses of IV steroids. Snellen Visual acuity (VA) was improved to 0.8 in the right eye and 0.9 in the left eye. Three days later he presented Osler΄s nodes and septic emboli on palms and soles, characteristics of bacterial endocarditis. Blood culture showed leukocidin “PVL” positive staphylococcus aureus. Transesophageal echocardiogram demonstrated prolapse and degenerative alterations of the mitral valve. A quadruple IV antibiotic treatment was initiated for eight weeks. An operation to remove the pituitary adenoma in two months was also scheduled.Results One year later his VA was 10/10 bilaterally. FA showed inactive chorioretinal scars. ISCEV standard full field ERG was affected bilaterally.Conclusion Ocular complications may follow pituitary apoplexy and bacterial endocarditis due to “PVL” (+) Staphylococcus aureus. Early diagnosis is important for an effective treatment.
Efficacy of dexamethasone intravitreal implants in macular oedema excluding venous occlusions : results about 80 patients
Authors: DEGOUMOIS A , AKESBI J , LAURENS C , RODALLEC T , ADAM R , BLUMEN‐OHANA E , LAPLACE O , VIREVIALLE C , LE DÛ B , GUYADER V , NORDMANN JP 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose The dexamethasone intravitreal implant has shown efficacy in the treatment of macular edema (ME) of non‐infectious uveitis and retinal venous occlusions. The aim was to evaluate the efficacy of this implant in the treatment of other diffuse macular edemas with an inflammatory mechanism.Methods Retrospective cohort study over 2 years : from January 2012 to December 2013, including all patients who received at least one injection of intravitreal dexamethasone implant, excluding venous occlusions and non‐infectious uveitis. The primary endpoint was the change in visual acuity.Results 80 patients were included. The indications of treatment were : diabetic ME when anti‐VEGF were ineffective (53%), ME after retinal detachment(RD)(22%), ME of Irvine Gass syndrome(16%), ME after endophtalmitis(4%), macular telangiectasia(4%), ME of retinitis pigmentosa(1%). The mean ETDRS visual acuity was 53.7 letters before injection, 62.3 letters after injection (p<0.001). The average gain in visual acuity was 6.7 letters [4.5;8.8](p<0.001) in patients treated for diabetic ME, 9.6 letters[6.1;13.1] (p<0.001) for ME after RD, and 15.2 letters[10.2;20.2] (p<0.001) for Irvine Gass syndrome. The mean duration of efficiency was 4.6 months, with a median of 3.8 months.Conclusion The intravitreal implant of dexamethasone appears to be an effective second‐line treatment even in patients with diabetic ME after failure of anti‐VEGF. It is also effective and well tolerated in patients with ME after RD, and Irvine Gass syndrome.
Clinical review of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in Korea – Does seasonal variation exist in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment?
Authors: JIN H , LIM HS , LEE KH 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose We investigated demographic and clinical features including seasonal variation of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in Suwon, South Korea.Methods We reviewed medical records of 778 patients who were diagnosed with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment at Ajou university hospital located in Suwon City (Gyeuonggi‐do, South Korea) from February 1995 to December 2013. Incidence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment was counted by months and seasons. Demographic and clinical features were also analyzed.Results Total 778 eyes of 778 patients (778 patients; 418 men and 360 women; the mean age, 46.6 ± 17.3 years; range, 10‐85 years) were included in the study. 86.1% (670 eyes) of eyes were phakic and high myopic eyes accounted for 11.6% (90 eyes) of the cases. The cases with single retinal break were 47.9% (373 eyes) and the average count of retinal break was 1.46. 65.8% (512 eyes) of the cases were treated successfully with sclera buckling. Incidence of retinal detachment was not different according to months (p=0.385) and seasons (p=0.090). Comparing the results of warm seasons (spring and summer) and cold seasons (autumn and winter), incidence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment did not differ (p=0.071).Conclusion Unlike previous reports in Japan, Middle East and Europe, our study has no correlation with seasons. Previous studies suggested the higher incidence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in warm seasons is due to ambient temperature and increased outdoor activity, but summer in Korea is highly humid and hot. Also, it includes long rainy season, so it is not a good season for outdoor activity as other regions. These features may influence the result of our study.
Significant visual improvement after spontaneous resolution of longstanding macular detachment due to optic disc pit
Authors: PARIKAKIS E , CHATZIRALLI I , STRATOS E , PEPONIS V , KARAGIANNIS D , TSIOTRA V , MITROPOULOS P 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose To report a case of spontaneous resolution of a longstanding serous macular detachment associated with an optic disc pit, leading to significant visual improvement.Methods A 63‐year‐old female presented with blurred vision and micropsia in her left eye since six months. Her best‐corrected visual acuity was 6/24 in the left eye and fundoscopy revealed serous macular detachment associated with optic disc pit, confirmed by optical coherence tomography.Results The patient was offered the treatment alternative of vitrectomy, but she preferred to be reviewed conservatively. Three years after initial presentation, neither macular detachment nor subretinal fluid was evident in optical coherence tomography, while inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) junction line was intact. Her visual acuity was improved from 6/24 to 6/12 in her left eye, remaining stable at the 6‐month follow‐up after resolution.Conclusion This is a case of spontaneous resolution of longstanding optic disc pit associated macular detachment with significant visual improvement, postulating that the integrity of IS/OS junction line may be a prognostic factor for final visual acuity and suggesting optical coherence tomography as an indicator of visual prognosis and probable necessity of surgical management.
Vitreoretinal complications in hematology patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: PARK YH , YOO YS , SHIN JA , LEE J 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose To identify vitreoretinal complications in patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).Methods Patients with hematologic diagnosis after HSCT were enrolled this study at St. Mary’s Hospital, Korea from 2009 to 2012. Among them, we included the patients who have survived more than 2 years at least since they transplanted. The frequency and subgroup analysis of patients with vitreoretinal complications were done. From the medical records, we confirmed the prognosis of them. As a factor associated with vitreoretinal complications, the occurrence of ocular graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) was also analyzed.Results Total 635 patients were included in this study. There were 207 patients with CMV viremia, 16 (2.52 %) patients was diagnosed as CMV retinitis among them. 24 (3.78 %) patients was diagnosed as retinal hemorrhage. In addition, there were 5 (0.79 %) patients with uveitis, 2 (0.31 %) patients with non‐proliferative diabetic retinopathy, 1 (0.16 %) patients with optic neuropathy, 1 (0.16 %) patients with retinal detachment, 1 (0.16 %) patient with central serous chorioretinopathy, 1 (0.16 %) patient with central retinal vein occlusion, 1 (0.16 %) patient with age‐related macular degeneration, and 1 (0.16 %) patient with endophthalmitis. Most of them had regular follow‐up without ocular treatments for retinal complications. In subgroup analysis, there was no significant difference in the incidence of ocular GVHD between groups which had vitreoretinal complications or not.Conclusion The vitreoretinal complications is not usual event in patients who received HSCT. Most of them had good prognosis for retinal complications. The occurrence of vitreoretinal complications was not associated with ocular GVHD.
Mapping angiogenesis on choroidal membranes of a murine laser‐induced CNV model
Authors: TUNIK S , ARONSSON M , KVANTA A , ANDRE H 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurpose We investigated the expression and distribution of neoangiogenic molecules during the development of choroid neovascular (CNV) lesions in a laser‐induced mouse model of neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), with particular focus on the choroid of these lesions.Methods Lesions were induced on C57BL/6 mice using laser photocoagulation. Animals were sacrificed and eye‐cups were dissected from enucleated eyes, and the choroids were shortly fixed. Choroids were immunostained for NG2 (pericytes), VEGFR2 (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2; sprouting endothelial cells(ECs)), or VEGF with co‐staining for CD31 (vascular ECs). lmages of the choroidal membranes were obtained by microscopy. Vascular permeability was also determined.Results CNV lesions displayed positive staining for the four angiogenic markers studied. The distributions of the angiogenic markers were determined in comparison to the area of neovascularization, as observed by increased CD31 staining. Both NG2 and VEGFR2 displayed a radial progression, while VEGF displayed a uniform distribution across the choroidal membranes of the lesions in the studied times. Vascular permeability showed an increase concomitant with the increase in vascularization observed by immunostaining throughout the time‐course.Conclusion Our data shows that the choroidal membranes of CNV lesions recover through a canonical sprouting angiogenesis pathway, in response to a VEGF‐mediated signal. ln addition, these membranes display an increasing radial endothelial sprouting with concomitant pericyte recruitment from the laser injury to the exterior of the lesions, in a time‐dependent. These results may have implications for the clinical understanding of CNV in patients with wet AMD.