ObjectiveTo observe the correlation analysis between the deep-superficial flow-density ratio (DSFR) and treatment response of macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).MethodsForty-eight patients（48 eyes）with macular edema secondary to BRVO from December 2018 to December 2019 in the Department of Ophthalmology of Beijing Hospital were enrolled in this study. There were 29 males (29 eyes) and 19 females (19 eyes), with the mean age of 58.77±10.88 years. All eyes were treated with intravitreal injection of ranibizuma once a month for 3 months, and then treated as needed. According to the central retinal thickness (CRT) 12 months after treatment, the patients were divided into good response group (CRT≤250 μm) and refractory group (CRT＞250 μm). The flow density in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) of all subjects was measured by optical coherence tomography angiography. The flow density of DCP and SCP measured at 3 follow-up times was selected and DSFR was calculated. The DSFR was recorded by the Study for the Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy (ETDRS) -grid and Nine-grid. The flow density of DCP, SCP and DSFR were compared between the two groups by paired t test. At 3 months post-treatment, the efficacy of DSFR in ME treatment response was evaluated according to area under curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression were used to analyze the factors affecting the response to ME treatment.ResultsAt 12 months after treatment, there were 27 eyes in good response group and 21 eyes in refractory group. There was no statistical significance in the flow density of DCP (t=1.804, 1.064, 0.660) and SCP (t=0.581, 0.641, 0.167) and DSFR (t=0.393、－0.553、0.474) in all area of response group and refractory group using ETDRS-GRID recording method (P＞0.05). The SCP, DCP and DSFR of the most severe non-perfusion area were (27.10±5.70) %, (28.33±8.95) %, 1.35±0.54 and (27.54±6.70) %, (29.11±0.42) %, 1.01±0.40 in the response group and refractory group, respectively. There was no significant difference in the flow density of DCP and SCP between the two groups (t=－0.237, －0.340; P＞0.05). The difference of DSFR between two groups was statistically significant (t=2.288, P=0.024). Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis showed that DSFR in the most severe non-perfusion area was associated with ME response (odds ratio=0.212, 0.085; P=0.027, 0.024). The AUC was used to evaluate the efficacy of DSFR in ME treatment response, the results showed that the AUC was 0.800, P=0.001, Youden index was 1.348, sensitivity was 67.7%, and specificity was 86.7%.ConclusionsDSFR reduction is more common in BRVO secondary to ME patients. DSFR correlates with ME treatment response.
ObjectiveTo investigate macular microvascular abnormalities in eyes with subfoveal fibrotic nodules secondary to Coats' disease. MethodsA cross-sectional study. From January 1, 2018 to July 30, 2021, 45 eyes of 45 patients diagnosed with Coats' disease with or without subfoveal fibrotic nodules in Eye and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University were included in this study. There were 40 eyes in 40 males and 5 eyes in 5 females. All were under 21 years old. According to the presence or absence of subfoveal fiber nodules, the patients were divided into fibrotic group (26 cases, 26 eyes) and non-fibrotic group (19 cases, 19 eyes). Optical coherence tomography angiography was used to scan 3 mm×3 mm or 6 mm×6 mm macular area of both eyes. The software of the device automatically processed the images. The presence of FAZ edge anastomotic vascular arch ring breakage and abnormal microvascular branch (AMB) in the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) were observed. ResultsIn 26 eyes of fibrosis group, AMB originating from the parafoveal retinal capillary network was observed, which grew into and destroyed the integrity of the vascular arch ring at the edge of FAZ. AMB was crisscrossing and winding, and its curvature expands. B-scan images showed the blood flow signal in the subfoveal fiber nodule, and the blood flow signal traversed between the inner retina and the fiber nodule in 23 eyes (88.46%, 23/26). In the non-fibrosis group, all the vascular abnormalities were characterized by capillary dilation and defect, and no breakage of FAZ anastomotic vascular arch ring or AMB was observed. ConclusionsIn Coats' disease with subfoveal fiber nodules, staggered and dilated AMBs emerge from the parafoveal vascular network, grow into and destroy the integrity of the vascular arch ring at the edge of FAZ, and grow down longitudinally into the fiber nodules.
ObjectiveTo compared the macular blood flow parameters among myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV), high myopia (HM) and normal subjects.MethodsRetrospective study. Forty patients (40 eyes) diagnosed as mCNV (mCNV group) in the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University at Hangzhou from June 2016 to November 2018, age-matched, sex-matched and diopter-matched 40 HM patients (40 eyes, HM group), age-matched and sex-matched 40 healthy persons (40 eyes, normal group) were enrolled in this study. Retina superficial and deep vessel density, the area of foveal avascular zone (FAZ), a-circularity index (AI) and vessel density around the 300 μm width of the FAZ region (FD) on macular 3 mm×3 mm scan on OCTA of 3 groups were compared.ResultsThere were significant differences in the average retina superficial, deep vessel density, the area of FAZ, AI and FD among 3 groups (F=24.82, 9.18, 3.58, 7.68, 14.15; P＜0.05). The average retina superficial and deep vessel density and FD in mCNV group were lower than those in HM group (P＜0.05). The average retina superficial and deep vessel density and FD in HM group were lower than those in control group (P＜0.05). The average area of FAZ in mCNV group was smaller than that in control group (P＜0.05). The average AI in mCNV group was less than that in the other 2 groups (P＜0.05).ConclusionsThe retina superficial, deep vessel density and FD decreased, the area and the form of FAZ remained unchanged in HM subjects comparing with normal subjects. While retina superficial, deep vessel density and FD decreased more, the area of FAZ reduced, the form of FAZ tend to be irregular in mCNV.
ObjectiveTo observe the multimodal imaging characteristics of tamoxifen retinopathy. MethodsA retrospective case study. From January 2019 to December 2021, 4 patients (8 eyes) with tamoxifen retinopathy diagnosed in Tangshan Eye Hospital were included in the study. All patients were female, with sick binoculus. The age was 59.5±4.6 years. After breast cancer resection, tamoxifen 20 mg/d was taken orally consecutively, including 1, 1, and 2 cases who took tamoxifen orally for 5, 7, and ≥10 years. All eyes were examined by fundus color photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT angiography (OCTA), fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), and fundus autofluorescence (AF). The multi-mode image features of the fundus of the affected eyes were observed. ResultsThe yellow white dot crystal like material deposition in the macular area was observed in all eyes. In fundus AF examination, macular area showed patchy strong AF. FFA examination showed telangiectasia and fluorescein leakage in macular area at late stage. OCT showed that punctate strong reflexes could be seen between the neuroepithelial layers in the macular region with the formation of a space between the neuroepithelial layers, the interruption of the elliptical zone (EZ), and the formation of a hole in the outer lamella including 4, 5 and 3 eyes; The thickness of ganglion cells in macular region decreased in 7 eyes. OCTA showed that the blood flow density of the superficial retinal capillary plexus around the arch ring was decreased, and the retinal venules were dilated in 2 eyes; Deep capillary plexus (DCP) showed telangiectasia. ConclusionDeposition of yellowish white dot like crystals can be seen in the macular region of tamoxifen retinopathy; dotted strong reflex between neuroepithelial layers, cavity formation, thinning of ganglion cell layer, EZ middle fissure and outer lamellar fissure; DCP capillaries and venules around the arch were dilated; telangiectasia in macular region; flaky strong AF in macular region.
The present research aims to point out the long-existing defect of analyzing the spectrum diagram only from the perspective of haemodynamics instead of haemorheology. In the light of the theories of haemodynamics and haemorheology, the causes of spectrum diagram formation of carotid artery blood at the rapid and slow flow can be clarified completely and accurately. Four conclusions have been drawn in the end. As long as the velocity gradient is large enough, obvious red blood cells concentrate to the shaft even in the big or bigger blood vessels; the spectrum diagram is the powerful proof of the two phase flow model of blood; the spectrum diagram can be completely and accurately analyzed only by combining haemodynamics with haemorheology; and only when the red blood cells concentrate to the shaft, the big or bigger blood vessels can be regarded as haemogeneous fluid.
Objective To observe the alterations of macular vascular density and the area of foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) eyes. Methods A retrospective case-control study. Forty-five patients with unilateral BRVO and macular edema were enrolled in this study. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) was performed on the BRVO and fellow eyes. The scanning region in the macular area was 3 mm×3 mm. Macular vascular density and FAZ area in the superficial and deep retinal capillary plexi were measured in all eyes. The values of macular vascular density and FAZ area between BRVO eyes and fellow eyes, affected sector and unaffected sector were compared. Results The mean overall vascular density measured in the entire scan was lower in BRVO eyes compared with fellow eyes in both the superficial and deep capillary plexus (t=14.186, 9.468; P＜0.05). The reduce degree of vascular density in the deep capillary plexus (7.65%) was higher than that in the superficial plexus (7.27%). In the superficial plexus, the vascular density was lower in the affected sector and the unaffected sector of the BRVO eyes compared with the corresponding sector in the fellow eyes (t=15.386, 9.435; P＜0.05). The FAZ area enlarged in the BRVO eyes compared with the fellow eyes in the superficial capillary plexus and in the deep capillary plexus (t=3.216, 5.119; P＜0.05). The degree of enlargement of FAZ area in the deep capillary plexus (0.19 mm2) was higher than that in the superficial plexus (0.11 mm2). Conclusions In eyes with BRVO, quantitative OCTA measurements confirm that vascular density decreased and FAZ area enlarged in the superficial and deep capillary plexi. The reduce degree of vascular density and enlargement degree of FAZ area in the deep capillary plexus are higher than those in the superficial plexus.
In order to investigate the influence on the blood flow direction and pattern at the arterial bifurcation, the mesenteric arterioles of 19 SD rats were observed under the OLYMPUS BH2 surgical microscope. After the rats were anesthetized and the body temperature was kept at 37℃ to 38℃, the mesenteric membrane wasexposed and the pattern and direction of the blood flow of the arterioles whichbifurcated at angle of 45±5°, 90±5° and 135±5° were observed. Results showed that the deformation of RBCs made them easy to adapt to the intravascular geometry and pass by fluently without sticking. It was implied that the alteration in arterial flow direction did not cause turbulance at the bifurcation site, and this in return suggested that in end-to-side anastomosis of small arteries,the flow volume would not be reduced and the chance of thrombosis would not be increased.
Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a serious retinal vascular disease, often accompanied by systemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, the eye changes include macular edema, retinal ischemia, and even neovascularization, etc. As a common chronic disease of the fundus, it seriously affects patients' vision and quality of life. With the development of optical coherence tomography, the role of choroid in the occurrence and development of RVO has become a research hotspot. The research on the changes of the choroid layer of the eye with RVO has expanded from a simple two-dimensional thickness analysis to a more comprehensive multidimensional observation index such as three-dimensional volume, blood flow density and velocity. In addition, some cutting-edge research combines artificial intelligence algorithm techniques to improve the accuracy and depth of analysis. In the future, it is still necessary to further improve the data of the choroid layer of the eye with RVO, enhance the overall understanding of RVO, and provide new ideas for clinical prevention and treatment of RVO.
ObjectiveTo evaluate macular microvessel changes in familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) by optical coherence tomography angiography. MethodsCross-sectional clinical case-control study. From November 2019 to November 2020, 21 FEVR patients (41 eyes) from Weifang Eye Hospital were selected; 17 healthy volunteers (28 eyes) with the same age and gender as FEVR group were selected as normal control group. According to the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) 1.0 and ＜1.0, FEVR group was divided into normal visual acuity group (27 eyes) and visual acuity decreased group (14 eyes). All enrollees received BCVA and OCTA. BCVA was performed with an international standard visual acuity chart, which was converted to logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) vision. The OCTA instrument was used to scan the macular area of all the examined eyes in the range of 3 mm×3 mm, 6 mm×6 mm, and the blood vessel density (VD) and blood perfusion density (PD) within the range of 3 mm×3 mm, 6 mm×6 mm were measured and the area, circumference, and morphological index of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) within the range of 6 mm×6 mm. Quantitative data were compared between groups by independent sample t test. Statistical data were compared by χ2 test. The area under curve (AUC) of each index was determined according to receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve), and the predictive value of each index was evaluated. ResultsIn the macular area of 6 mm×6 mm, VD, PD, FAZ area and FAZ perimeter of FEVR group were all lower than those of normal control group, and the differences were statistically significant (t=−3.350, −2.387, −3.519, −3.029; P＜0.05). In macular area of 3 mm×3 mm and 6 mm×6 mm, compared with normal vision group and vision loss group, both VD and PD decreased. The differences were statistically significant (t=2.088, 2.114, 2.160, 2.545; P＜0.05). In the macular area of 6 mm×6 mm , the FAZ morphological index of the two groups was significantly different (t=2.409, P＜0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that all the indicators had low diagnostic value for FEVR (AUC＜0.5). ConclusionThere are microvascular abnormalities in macular area in FEVR patients, and the decrease of blood vessels and the change of FAZ shape may be related to the loss of visual acuity.
ObjectiveTo observe the changes of microperimeter and OCT angiography (OCTA) in idiopathic macular hole (IMH) before and after operation, and to explore the correlation between the changes and visual acuity.MethodsFrom January 2018 to January 2019, 41 patients (41 eyes) with IMH who underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with or without internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap surgery in Tianjin Eye Hospital were included in this study. Among them, 8 patients (8 eyes) were male and 33 patients (33 eyes) were female. The average age was 64.02±6.46 years. The average course of disease was 7.00±8.85 months. BCVA, microperimeter and OCTA were performed. The retinal mean sensitivity (RMS) at 10 ° and fovea 2 ° fixation rate (P1) and binary contour ellipse area (63% BCEA) were measured by macular integrity assessment instrument. The central retinal thickness (CRT), choroidal blood flow area (CFA), superficial and deep retinal blood flow density (FAVD, FDVD), foveal avascular zone (FAZ) and blood flow densitywithin the width of FAZ 300 μm (FD-300) were measured by OCTA. Twenty one and 19 eyes with or without ILM flap operation were treated with 25G standard three incision PPV. The follow-up time was more than 6 months. Paired t-test was used to compare the indexes before and after operation. Pearson correlation analysis was performed for the correlation between logMAR visual acuity and microperimeter variables and OCTA variables. Nonparametric test was performed for paired comparison between affected eyes and contralateral eyes before and after operation.ResultsAt 6 months after operation, logMAR visual acuity (t=－12.33), RMS (t=7.94), P1 (t=3.21), 63% BCEA (t=－3.98), CRT (t=－9.17), CFA (t=8.14), FSVD (t=3.75), FDVD (t=3.88) were significantly improved compared with those before operation (P＜0.001). The difference of FAZ area (t=－1.40) and FD-300 (t=1.95) before and after operation were not statistically significant (P＞0.05). The results of correlation analysis showed that logMAR visual acuity 6 months after surgery was correlated with preoperative logMAR visual acuity, MIN, RMS, P1, 63% BCEA, FSVD, FDVD and FAZ (r=0.432、0.527、－0.410、－0.383、0.349、－0.406、－0.373、0.407; P＜0.05). At 6 months after operation, the indexes of the affected eyes were significantly improved compared with those before operation, but worse than those of the contralateral eyes (P＜0.05).ConclusionsPPV for IMH can effectively improve the visual acuity, retinal function and foveal microvascular circulation. Retinal function and blood circulation changes have a significant impact on postoperative visual acuity.