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Impact of Arterial Hypertension on the Eye: A Review of the Pathogenesis, Diagnostic Methods, and Treatment of Hypertensive Retinopathy.
Dziedziak, J, Zaleska-Żmijewska, A, Szaflik, JP, Cudnoch-Jędrzejewska, A
Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research. 2022;:e935135
Abstract
The number of patients with arterial hypertension is continually increasing. Hypertension can cause organ complications, called hypertension-mediated organ damage (HMOD). One example is hypertensive retinopathy, in which high blood pressure (BP) damages both the retinal microcirculation and the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL). This can result in progressive and painless vision deterioration in some groups of patients. Unlike anywhere else in the human body, the microvasculature of the retina can be observed in vivo, and the progression of changes can be closely monitored. The harmful effect of increased BP on the eye is not only limited to hypertensive retinopathy, but can also lead to an exacerbation of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and to an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), and it can also trigger the formation of thromboembolic lesions. This review presents an update on the pathogenesis of hypertensive retinopathy and the use of adaptive optics (AO) combined with optical coherence tomography (OCT) to evaluate the retinal microvasculature. The latest progress and directions of research in the field of hypertensive retinopathy are also discussed.
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CATASTROPHIC ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID SYNDROME AND POSTERIOR OCULAR INVOLVEMENT: Case Series of 11 Patients and Literature Review.
Morel, N, Bonnet, C, Mehawej, H, Le Guern, V, Pérard, L, Roumier, M, Brezin, A, Godeau, B, Haroche, J, Benhamou, Y, et al
Retina (Philadelphia, Pa.). 2021;(11):2332-2341
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the posterior ophthalmic manifestations of catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome. METHODS Retrospective case series of patients presenting with catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome and posterior segment ocular manifestations. The main outcomes were the type of posterior segment manifestations at catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome diagnosis, specifically retinal vascular occlusion, vasculitis, or choroidopathy, and the final best-corrected visual acuity. RESULTS This study included 23 patients (11 cases treated by the authors and 12 published case reports); 21 (91%) of them female. Their median age at diagnosis was 28 years (range, 16-79 years). Ophthalmologic manifestations were usually bilateral (n = 19, 83%) and involved vascular occlusive retinopathy (n = 17, 74%), choroidopathy (n = 11, 48%), or retinal vasculitis (n = 1, 4%). Final best-corrected visual acuity was not significantly worse than the best-corrected visual acuity at diagnosis (P = 0.16). Retinal vascular occlusions were associated with poorer final visual acuity than choroidopathy (P = 0.002). After a median follow-up of 14 months (range, 2-132 months), nearly half the patients (n = 11, 48%) had permanent vision loss including best-corrected visual acuity of <20/400 for 4 patients. CONCLUSION Posterior ophthalmic manifestations of catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome were mainly bilateral retinal vascular occlusion, which had the worst visual prognosis, followed by choroidopathy and retinal vasculitis. Permanent visual loss was common.
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3.
Evaluation of coronary plaques and atherosclerosis using optical coherence tomography.
Shimamura, K, Kubo, T, Akasaka, T
Expert review of cardiovascular therapy. 2021;(5):379-386
Abstract
Introduction: Coronary angiography (CAG) is the standard modality for assessing coronary stenosis; however, it has limitations in assessing coronary plaque morphology. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a high-resolution (10-20 μm) light-based intravascular imaging technique that can identify more detailed coronary plaque morphology compared to other intravascular imaging modalities. OCT is remarkable for characterizing fibrous, fibrocalcific, and lipid-rich plaques. The capabilities of OCT are well suited for discriminating three types of unstable plaque morphologies underlying coronary thrombosis, such as plaque rupture, erosion, and calcified nodules. The high resolution of OCT makes it possible to identify important features of vulnerable plaques, such as thin-cap (<65 μm thick) fibroatheroma, macrophages, vasa vasorum, and cholesterol crystals.Areas covered: This review summarizes the clinical impact of OCT and its efficacy in identifying plaque components and morphological features associated with plaque vulnerability.Expertopinion: The unique properties of OCT as a tool for investigating high-risk lesions have greatly contributed to a better understanding of plaque vulnerability. Consequently, OCT has led to significant changes in medical treatment and percutaneous coronary intervention strategies for acute coronary syndrome. Further development and investigation of OCT are necessary to better predict and manage acute coronary events in the future.
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Optical coherence tomography-guided percutaneous coronary intervention: a review of current clinical applications.
Kurogi, K, Ishii, M, Yamamoto, N, Yamanaga, K, Tsujita, K
Cardiovascular intervention and therapeutics. 2021;(2):169-177
Abstract
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an emerging high-resolution intravascular imaging modality that can provide physicians with critical information, thereby enabling precise characterization of plaque morphology and luminal geometry and facilitating pre-intervention lesion assessment. As OCT has a higher sensitivity for lipid-rich plaque characterization than intravascular ultrasound, vulnerable plaque detection by OCT has thus been investigated. By evaluating both the calcium thickness and arc, OCT can be the ideal method for determining both the indication and endpoint of rotational atherectomy for calcified lesions prior to stent implantation. OCT has become applicable for the optimization of stent implantation with immediate and semi-automatic quantification of stent apposition and expansion to achieve potentially better clinical outcomes. In bifurcation lesions, OCT allows the visualization of the stent-link location overhanging the side-branch ostium and the guidewire recrossing point prior to the final kissing balloon inflation through three-dimensional reconstructed OCT images, providing us with deep insights into the mechanical optimization of stent struts. Furthermore, recent studies have reported several OCT-derived predictors of adverse clinical events. Important limitations of OCT, including the excessive contrast volume needed and observation of aorto-ostial lesions, may partially be overcome through the use of low-molecular-weight dextran and a guide extension catheter. The clinical applications of OCT have been expanding, and evidence on its clinical utility has been accumulating.
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Retinal Manifestations of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension.
Nichani, P, Micieli, JA
Ophthalmology. Retina. 2021;(5):429-437
Abstract
TOPIC This review presents a case series and systematic review to understand retinal changes in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) using fundus photography and OCT. CLINICAL RELEVANCE IIH is a condition of raised intracranial pressure of unknown cause, usually observed in young, obese women. Ophthalmologic manifestations of IIH such as papilledema and abducens nerve palsy are well recognized, but less common retinal manifestations may occur. METHODS A retrospective institutional chart review (July 2018-March 2020) was performed on consecutive IIH patients. Fundus photographs were obtained followed by neuro-ophthalmology assessment to elicit clinical characteristics and for diagnosis. Patients who met the modified Dandy criteria were included. A systematic review of observational studies was conducted using Ovid MEDLINE and EMBASE to November 17, 2019, to supplement the case series data. RESULTS Of 144 consecutive IIH clinical patients reviewed, 10 (6.9%) and over 182 patients from the literature showed retinal findings (% in case series, % in literature, respectively): subretinal fluid (SRF; 30,9), chorioretinal folds (30,68), macular exudate (ME; 20,5), choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM; 10,15), venous stasis retinopathy (VSR; 10,2), choroidal infarction (0,1), and branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO; 0,1). Eight clinical patients were women (80%), average age was 32.00 ± 13.99 years, body mass index was 40.63 ± 7.43 kg/m2, baseline visual acuity (VA) was 0.79 ± 0.30 in both eyes, and visual field (VF) results were -9.89 ± 11.52 dB in both eyes. Among clinical patients, 2 (1 with SRF, 1 with CNVM) had distinctive retina-related VF defects at presentation. Outer retinal abnormalities persisted on OCT in patients after resolution of SRF and papilledema. Surgical treatment (peritoneal shunt) was required for 2 patients (1 with VSR, 1 with SRF); others were treated with weight loss and acetazolamide alone. The patient with significant ME had hypertension that was treated. DISCUSSION Significant retinal manifestations associated with IIH include CNVM, ME, SRF, VSR, chorioretinal folds, choroidal infarction, and BRAO. These may reduce VA or cause VF defects unrelated to papilledema, emphasizing the importance of a detailed dilated fundus examination. Consultation with a retina specialist is advised in patients with peripapillary CNVM.
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Pediatric Vitreoretinal Surgery and Integrated Intraoperative Optical Coherence Tomography.
Cai, S, Therattil, A, Vajzovic, L
Developments in ophthalmology. 2021;:15-25
Abstract
Intraoperative portable handheld and microscope-integrated OCT enhance the pediatric vitreoretinal surgeon's diagnostic abilities during examination under anesthesia and surgery, particularly in children who are challenging to examine preoperatively due to young age or ocular trauma. Improved OCT-guided visualization of vitreoretinal anatomic relationships has the potential to improve surgical safety and efficiency. In retinopathy of prematurity and other pediatric retinal vascular conditions, intraoperative OCT can be critical for distinguishing between retinoschisis and retinal detachment and highlighting abnormalities of the vitreoretinal interface that may contribute to development of tractional retinal detachments. During retinal detachment repair, intraoperative OCT aids identification of subtle retinal breaks, residual subretinal fluid, retained perfluorocarbon, preretinal membranes, and residual hyaloid, among other findings. In macular surgery, intraoperative OCT has demonstrated value in confirming completion or lack thereof of epiretinal and internal limiting membrane peeling and differentiating between lamellar and full-thickness macular holes. OCT-guided subretinal bleb formation and genetic vector delivery are critical to ensuring accurate localization of subretinal gene delivery for inherited retinal degenerations. Research on development of OCT-compatible surgical instruments, real-time three-dimensional volumetric OCT imaging, and integration with intraoperative OCT angiography are anticipated to further increase the utility of intraoperative OCT in pediatric vitreoretinal surgical decision-making.
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7.
OCT imaging of rod mitochondrial respiration in vivo.
Berkowitz, BA, Qian, H
Experimental biology and medicine (Maywood, N.J.). 2021;(20):2151-2158
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Abstract
There remains a need for high spatial resolution imaging indices of mitochondrial respiration in the outer retina that probe normal physiology and measure pathogenic and reversible conditions underlying loss of vision. Mitochondria are involved in a critical, but somewhat underappreciated, support system that maintains the health of the outer retina involving stimulus-evoked changes in subretinal space hydration. The subretinal space hydration light-dark response is important because it controls the distribution of vision-critical interphotoreceptor matrix components, including anti-oxidants, pro-survival factors, ions, and metabolites. The underlying signaling pathway controlling subretinal space water management has been worked out over the past 30 years and involves cGMP/mitochondria respiration/pH/RPE water efflux. This signaling pathway has also been shown to be modified by disease-generating conditions, such as hypoxia or oxidative stress. Here, we review recent advances in MRI and commercially available OCT technologies that can measure stimulus-evoked changes in subretinal space water content based on changes in the external limiting membrane-retinal pigment epithelium region. Each step within the above signaling pathway can also be interrogated with FDA-approved pharmaceuticals. A highlight of these studies is the demonstration of first-in-kind in vivo imaging of mitochondria respiration of any cell in the body. Future examinations of subretinal space hydration are expected to be useful for diagnosing threats to sight in aging and disease, and improving the success rate when translating treatments from bench-to-bedside.
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New developments in angiography for the diagnosis and management of diabetic retinopathy.
Mustafi, D, Saraf, SS, Shang, Q, Olmos de Koo, LC
Diabetes research and clinical practice. 2020;:108361
Abstract
The most common microvascular complication of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy, the leading cause of blindness in adults of working age. Our understanding of the vascular changes in diabetic retinopathy was enhanced by the demonstration of fluorescein angiography (FA) in the human retina for the first time in 1961. It was subsequently integrated with digital fundoscopic imaging to become an invaluable technique in evaluation of the retinal vasculature. The recent development of OCT-angiography (OCT-A) has revolutionized the clinician's ability to examine the retinal vasculature without the need for injection of a contrast dye. By coupling OCT, which can provide noninvasive cross-sectional imaging of the central retina, with angiography in OCT-A, one can reveal retinal perfusion by allowing visualization of the depth-resolved retinal capillary plexus. OCT-A has allowed for more precise delineation of changes in the retinal microvasculature, specifically the alterations of retinal vasculature and loss of capillary perfusion from chronic microvascular occlusion in diabetic retinopathy.
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Trends in optical coherence tomography angiography use in university clinic and private practice setting between 2014-2018.
Wylęgała, A, Bolek, B, Wylęgała, E
Expert review of medical devices. 2020;(10):1109-1113
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim was to assess the trends in optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) use compared with fluorescein angiography (FA). METHODS A bilateral patient's exam on a single day was considered one examination. A total of 3680 and 700 OCTA examinations and 3387 and 439 FA examinations were performed between 2014 and 2018 in a university clinic and private practice, respectively. A regression analysis was completed. RESULTS The use of OCTA procedures grew 17-fold from 2015 till 2018. In a university clinic, ultrawide-field FA accounted for 2% of all FA examinations performed in 2015, and its use increased to 68% in 2018 while the number of narrow-field FA examinations dropped from 617 in 2014 to 220 in 2018. This decrease inversely correlated with the rise of diabetic retinopathy cases diagnosed with FA (R= -0.86, p= 0.02). In private practice, the increase in the use of OCTA was a primary driver of the decline of the FA use from 127 in 2015 to 27 in 2018, while the number of OCTA examinations was 344 in 2018 (R= -0.99, p= 0.06). CONCLUSION The results of the study indicate that OCTA is a valuable tool capable of replacing FA in some selected cases.
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Choroidal thickness in patients with cardiovascular disease: A review.
Yeung, SC, You, Y, Howe, KL, Yan, P
Survey of ophthalmology. 2020;(4):473-486
Abstract
The choroid is a vascular network that supplies the bulk of the retina's oxygen and nutrient supply. Prior studies have associated changes in the thickness of the choroid with the presence of various cardiovascular diseases. This is the first review that summarizes current knowledge on the relationship between choroidal thickness and cardiovascular diseases while highlighting important findings. Acute hypertension increases choroidal thickness. Chronic hypertension and heart failure may decrease choroidal thickness, but controversy exists. Both coronary artery disease and carotid artery stenosis result in decreased choroidal thickness and blood flow. Carotid endarterectomy may reverse these changes. Choroidal thickening in early stages of carotid stenosis may arise from mechanisms compensating for ischemia. Hyperlipidemia is linked to choroidal thickening, while caffeine intake is linked to choroidal thinning. The effects of smoking and exercise are mixed. Changes in choroidal thickness have been linked to cardiovascular disease. Clarity regarding these changes could lead to the use of choroidal thickness changes as a noninvasive screening or prognostic test for pathological cardiovascular changes. Future studies should also investigate the effect of cardiovascular disease treatments on the choroid.