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Biomedical subjects

Rogério A Costa

Publications and source records attributed to Rogério A Costa.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) associated with the regression of subretinal neovascularization in idiopathic juxtafoveolar retinal telangiectasis.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical, angiographic, and optical coherence tomography findings of a patient with subretinal neovascularization (SRN) in idiopathic juxtafoveolar retinal telangiectasis (IJRT) treated with intravitreal bevacizumab injection. METHODS: In the setting of a tertiary referral center, a patient with bilateral acquired IJRT, complicated with juxtafoveal SRN in one eye, was treated with a single intravitreal injection of 1.5 mg of bevacizumab and then prospectively followed for 24 weeks. RESULTS: Vision improved from 20/40(-1) to 20/20(-2) by 24 weeks of follow-up. Fluorescein angiography demonstrated the absence of leakage from a previously active SRN. Optical coherence tomography revealed gradual neovascular lesion contraction and the resolution of subretinal fluid over the 24-week follow-up period. No obvious adverse events were noted. CONCLUSIONS: In the short-term, intravitreal bevacizumab treatment resulted in partial restoration of the macular architecture and vision improvement by means of neovascular lesion regression and the resolution of associated serohemorrhagic complications.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors↗

Vitreoretinal morphology in active ocular toxoplasmosis: a prospective study by optical coherence tomography.

AIM: To investigate the third generation optical coherence tomography (OCT3) findings in patients with active ocular toxoplasmosis. METHODS: A prospective observational case series, including 15 patients with active ocular toxoplasmosis in at least one eye evaluated at a single centre. Vitreoretinal morphological features at baseline and changes within a 24-week follow-up interval on OCT3 were evaluated. RESULTS: The active ocular toxoplasmosis lesion was classified clinically as punctate (n = 6), focal (n = 6) or satellite (n = 3). Retinal layers were hyper-reflective at the active lesion site, and some degree of retinal pigment epithelium-choriocapillaris/choroidal optical shadowing was seen in all patients. In general, the retina was thinned at the active lesion site in eyes with punctate lesions and thickened in eyes with focal and satellite lesions. When detected by OCT3, the posterior hyaloid appeared thickened. While focally detached over punctate lesions, the posterior hyaloid was partially detached, but still attached to the lesion in focal and satellite lesions. Additional findings (not detected on clinical examination) include diffuse macular oedema (n = 6), vitreomacular traction (n = 3) and maculoschisis (n = 1). During follow-up, a decrease in retinal thickness and focal choriocapillaris/choroidal relative hyper-reflectivity were observed at the former lesion site, and posterior vitreous detachment progressed/occurred in all patients. CONCLUSION: OCT3 enabled identification of morphological features underestimated on clinical examination in patients with ocular toxoplasmosis, which may expand the clinical spectrum of the disease. Further studies are needed to verify the relevance of OCT3 in assisting with the diagnosis and management of ocular toxoplasmosis.

Acute Disease↗

Retinal assessment using optical coherence tomography.

Over the 15 years since the original description, optical coherence tomography (OCT) has become one of the key diagnostic technologies in the ophthalmic subspecialty areas of retinal diseases and glaucoma. The reason for the widespread adoption of this technology originates from at least two properties of the OCT results: on the one hand, the results are accessible to the non-specialist where microscopic retinal abnormalities are grossly and easily noticeable; on the other hand, results are reproducible and exceedingly quantitative in the hands of the specialist. However, as in any other imaging technique in ophthalmology, some artifacts are expected to occur. Understanding of the basic principles of image acquisition and data processing as well as recognition of OCT limitations are crucial issues to using this equipment with cleverness. Herein, we took a brief look in the past of OCT and have explained the key basic physical principles of this imaging technology. In addition, each of the several steps encompassing a third generation OCT evaluation of retinal tissues has been addressed in details. A comprehensive explanation about next generation OCT systems has also been provided and, to conclude, we have commented on the future directions of this exceptional technique.

Anatomy, Cross-Sectional↗

Third-generation optical coherence tomography findings in punctate retinal toxoplasmosis.

PURPOSE: To investigate optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings in patients with punctate retinal toxoplasmosis (PRT). DESIGN: Observational case series. METHODS SETTING: Tertiary ophthalmic referral center. STUDY POPULATION: Four patients with PRT consecutively evaluated between July 2004 and June 2005. OBSERVATION PROCEDURES: Clinical examination and OCT. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Morphologic features at baseline and changes within a 24-week follow-up interval. RESULTS: Retinal layers were abnormally hyperreflective at the active lesion site and associated with some degree of retinal pigment epithelium-choriocapillaris/choroidal optical shadowing in all patients. The posterior hyaloid was thickened and focally detached (over the lesion). Additional findings include tractional maculopathy (n = 2) and diffuse macular edema (n = 1). During follow-up, focal choriocapillaris/choroidal relative hyperreflectivity was observed at the former lesion site, and posterior vitreous detachment progressed in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that OCT may enable identification of subtle morphologic features previously underappreciated in patients with PRT, which may provide new insights about the disease pathophysiologic mechanisms.

Antiprotozoal Agents↗

Optical coherence tomography evaluation of idiopathic macular hole treatment by gas-assisted posterior vitreous detachment.

PURPOSE: To report a series of patients with Stage II macular hole (MH) treated by gas-assisted posterior vitreous detachment (GAPVD). DESIGN: Interventional case series. METHODS: Six patients (six eyes) with Stage II MH were submitted to a 0.4 ml perfluoropropane (C(3)F(8)) intravitreal injection. Comprehensive ophthalmic examination including best-corrected visual acuity, fundus photography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed at baseline and one, three, and six months after the procedure. RESULTS: Preoperative OCT revealed Stage II MH in all cases. In five cases, improvement in visual acuity and closure of the macular hole on OCT was observed at one, three, and six months after GAPVD. In one case, although vitreofoveal traction was released, MH closure was not achieved; a full-thickness retinal defect persisted and final visual acuity was 20/100. CONCLUSION: GAPVD may be a viable alternative treatment for Stage II MH.

Fluorocarbons↗

Twofold illumination photodynamic therapy scheme for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization in pathologic myopia: results from a randomized pilot study.

PURPOSE: To compare the short-term efficacy and safety of standard verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) to modified PDT regimen using a twofold illumination scheme for treating choroidal neovascularization in pathologic myopia. METHODS: Randomized active-controlled clinical trial including 16 patients with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization caused by pathologic myopia and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/320 or better. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to standard PDT regimen (50 J/cm; n=8) or twofold illumination PDT scheme (50+50 J/cm; n=8). Comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation including fluorescein angiography was performed at baseline and at weeks 1, 12+/-2, and 24+/-2 following treatment. At week 12 follow-up examination, an additional treatment session with either standard or modified PDT regimens (as assigned at baseline) was applied to areas of fluorescein leakage if present. Changes in BCVA, retreatment rate, and incidence of adverse events were evaluated. RESULTS: All patients completed the 24-week study period. Baseline median BCVA was 20/100 and 20/100 for patients assigned to standard and modified PDT regimens, respectively. At week 24, median improvement in BCVA was significantly greater in patients submitted to twofold illumination PDT scheme (P=0.005; Mann-Whitney U test). Median change from baseline in BCVA (ETDRS lines) was +1.8 (P<0.05; Wilcoxon signed-rank test), +0.4, and +0.5 lines for patients submitted to standard PDT regimen, and +1.8 (P<0.05; Wilcoxon signed-rank test), +1.9 (P<0.05; Wilcoxon signed-rank test), and +2.4 (P<0.05; Wilcoxon signed-rank test) lines for patients submitted to twofold illumination PDT scheme at week 1, 12, and 24 follow-up examinations, respectively. An additional PDT session was performed in 7/8 patients assigned to standard PDT regimen, and in 4/8 patients assigned to modified PDT (P=0.28; Fisher exact test). No PDT-related complications were observed. CONCLUSION: Although the number of patients and length of follow-up in this study was limited, a better visual outcome and diminished retreatment rate were observed in patients assigned to twofold illumination PDT scheme in comparison to those submitted to standard PDT regimen. Larger studies with longer follow-up to look at twofold illumination PDT scheme versus standard one to confirm our preliminary results are warranted.

Adult↗

Intravitreal bevacizumab for choroidal neovascularization caused by AMD (IBeNA Study): results of a phase 1 dose-escalation study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety of three dose regimens of intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin; Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA) for the management of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: This was a prospective, nonrandomized open-label study of 45 patients with AMD and subfoveal CNV. A standardized ophthalmic evaluation was performed at baseline and at weeks 1, 6, and 12 (+/-1) after a single intravitreous injection (1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 mg) of bevacizumab. Main outcomes measures include clinical evidence of toxicity and complications. Changes in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and lesion characteristics-macular morphology were also evaluated. RESULTS: The most common adverse events were conjunctival hyperemia and subconjunctival hemorrhage at the injection site. Mean BCVA improved from baseline throughout the study (P < 0.001; ANOVA with Geisser-Greenhouse correction). Compared with baseline, BCVA was improved at week 1 (P = 0.001), week 6 (P < 0.001), and week 12 (P = 0.001; Dunnett test). At week 12, the lesion area and CNV area were stable or decreased in 79.1% (34/43) and in 74.4% (32/43) of patients, respectively, with no deterioration of macular architecture observed in 83.7% (36/43). A dose-related change in BCVA (in Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study [ETDRS] lines) was observed at week 12 (1.0 mg [+0.3 line]; 1.5 mg [+0.6 line]; and 2.0 mg [+1.0 line]; P = 0.02; nonparametric test for ordered groups). CONCLUSIONS: A single intravitreal bevacizumab injection was well tolerated and, except for minor transient local adverse events, no other adverse events were observed. In the short-term, treatment was associated with vision stabilization or improvement and no unfavorable neovascular lesion-macular changes in most patients.

Aged↗

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy: angiographic characterization of the network vascular elements and a new treatment paradigm.

Macular exudative manifestations secondary to choroidal neovascular lesions remain the leading cause of definitive visual impairment and legal blindness in the elderly. During the past decade, advances in ophthalmic imaging systems have enabled the recognition of presumed new distinct choroidal neovascular lesions that share some unique clinical and angiographic peculiarities as well as better comprehension of the pathophysiologic mechanisms related to such entities. Amongst presumed newer exudative maculopathies, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, which has been described as a distinct choroidal abnormality characterized by inner choroidal vascular network of vessels ending in polyp-like structures only identified on indocyanine green angiography and mostly affecting African-American and Asian descendents, has gained special interest from the ophthalmic community particularly because of its growing recognition among patients with clinical appearance of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Thus far, however, the exact nature of the vascular structure of the polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy lesion remains unclear and data from recent studies have conflicted with the initial concept of a benign exudative maculopathy with long-term preservation of good vision. All together, such factors make difficult the establishment of an appropriate treatment, if any, for the entity. Herein, by using a modified technique of conventional indocyanine green angiography, we demonstrate new information about the morphologic characteristics, and to some extent the blood flow dynamics perfusion, of the polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy lesion. Our results suggest that the PCV lesion should be considered a variety of choroidal neovascularization rather than a distinct clinical entity, characterized by one single large neovascular complex presenting well-defined arterial neovascular vessels arising from one major "ingrowth site" and draining vessels that present aneurysm-like dilations corresponding to the polyp-like structures typically described for the entity. Finally, the visual acuity and angiographic findings observed after selective ingrowth site photothrombosis corroborate the existence of one major "ingrowth site" for the PCV neovascular complex and point toward a new treatment paradigm for this variety of choroidal neovascularization.

Angiography↗

Occult chorioretinal anastomosis in age-related macular degeneration: a prospective study by optical coherence tomography.

PURPOSE: To investigate macular optical coherence tomography (OCT) features in patients with chorioretinal anastomosis (CRA) and drusen, as well as their correlation with the Gass occult-CRA hypothesis. DESIGN: Prospective observational case series. METHODS: setting: Tertiary ophthalmic referral center. study population: All patients with biomicroscopic evidence of CRA and drusen consecutively evaluated between February 2003 and March 2004. observation procedures: Third-generation OCT evaluation and stereoscopic angiographic studies. main outcome measures: Macular morphologic features at baseline and at 12 weeks. RESULTS: Twenty eyes with CRA and drusen were identified in 11 patients, seven women (63.6%) and four men (36.4%) ranging in age from 69 to 82 years (median, 79 years). Focal elevation of the retinal pigment epithelium was seen in eyes with stage 1 (pre-clinical) CRA. Small hyperreflective signals at the level of the elevated retinal pigment epithelium were seen in stage 2 CRA. In stage 3 CRA, a hyperreflective "mound" at the level of the elevated retinal pigment epithelium was seen in association with a thickened retina. In stage 4 CRA sub-retinal pigment epithelium fluid accumulation was present, and complete disorganization of the macular region was observed in stage 5 CRA. Macular changes were observed in eight eyes (40%) at follow-up, with all but one CRA lesion progressing one stage. CONCLUSION: Morphologic features and changes demonstrated by OCT suggest that fibrovascular detachment of the retinal pigment epithelium followed by development of occult CRA are the initial events occurring in eyes with CRA in age-related macular degeneration. Our findings may support the evolutionary CRA staging system proposed by Gass.

Aged↗

Comparison of intravitreal versus posterior sub-Tenon's capsule injection of triamcinolone acetonide for diffuse diabetic macular edema.

PURPOSE: To compare the safety and efficacy of intravitreal versus posterior Sub-Tenon's capsule injection of triamcinolone acetonide for diffuse diabetic macular edema. DESIGN: Prospective, double-masked, randomized controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS: Twelve patients (24 eyes) with bilateral diffuse diabetic macular edema. INTERVENTION: One eye of each patient was randomly assigned to receive a single 4-mg triamcinolone acetonide intravitreal injection and the fellow eye to receive a 40-mg triamcinolone acetonide posterior Sub-Tenon's capsule injection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in visual acuity and central macular thickness obtained using optical coherence tomography were measured during a 6-month follow-up. Potential treatment complications were monitored, including increases in intraocular pressure (IOP) and cataract progression. RESULTS: Both intravitreal and Sub-Tenon's capsule injections of triamcinolone acetonide resulted in significant but transient improvements in central macular thickness. The mean (+/-standard deviation [SD]) central macular thickness in eyes with intravitreal injection was significantly thinner than in the Sub-Tenon's capsule-injected eyes at 1 month (226.8+/-41.7 microm and 431.5+/-165.8 microm, respectively; P = 0.002) and 3 months (242.3 +/- 93.9 microm and 364.7+/-78.2 microm, respectively; P = 0.005) after triamcinolone acetonide injection. The mean visual acuity (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) in the intravitreally injected eyes was significantly better than in the Sub-Tenon's capsule-injected eyes at 3 months post injection (0.832+/-0.293 and 1.107+/-0.339, respectively; P = 0.004). Intraocular pressure did not show any significant difference between the 2 forms of triamcinolone acetonide delivery at any follow-up visit, and no eyes had IOPs >25 mmHg. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from our study neither advocate nor support the use of corticosteroids for the treatment of diabetic macular edema, but do imply that both intravitreal and Sub-Tenon's capsule injections of triamcinolone acetonide may be equally tolerated, with short-term performance clearly favoring the intravitreal (4 mg) more than the SBT capsule (40 mg) route for the anatomic and functional aspects of improvement tested in this investigation.

Adult↗

Intravitreal injection versus sub-Tenon's infusion of triamcinolone acetonide for refractory diabetic macular edema: a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of posterior sub-Tenon's infusion (STi) and intravitreal injection (IVI) of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) for treatment of refractory diffuse diabetic macular edema. METHODS: Thirty-six phakic diabetic patients with refractory diffuse diabetic macular edema were prospectively enrolled. Patients randomly received either 40 mg STi or 4 mg IVI of TA. Comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation was performed at baseline and 1, 2, 4, 8 +/- 1, 12 +/- 2 and 24 +/- 2 weeks after treatment. Macular morphologic changes detected by optical coherence tomography and visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and lens status were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients (28 eyes) completed the 24-week study. Central macular thickness was significantly reduced in the IVI group when compared with the STi group at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks after treatment (P < 0.01). Mean visual acuities (in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]) at week-4, -8, and -12 follow-up examinations were significantly higher in the IVI group (0.74, 0.75, and 0.82, respectively) when compared with the STi group (0.88, 0.88, and 0.90, respectively; P < 0.01). A significant change from baseline in mean intraocular pressure (mm Hg) was seen at weeks 4 (+/-3.21) and 8 (+/-3.35) in STi the group (P < 0.01), and at week 8 (+/-2.78) in the IVI group (P < 0.05). No patient had cataract progression during the study. CONCLUSIONS: Although the number of patients and length of follow-up in this preliminary study were limited, the changes in central macular thickness and visual acuity observed after treatment suggest that IVI TA may be more effective than STi for the management of refractory diffuse diabetic macular edema. Further studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.

Connective Tissue↗

Optical coherence tomography findings in patients with late solar retinopathy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the morphologic appearance on optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the macula in patients with late solar retinopathy and its association with visual acuity. DESIGN: Observational case series. METHODS: All patients with solar retinopathy evaluated between 1998 and 2003 at one institution were invited to participate in an ophthalmic evaluation. RESULTS: In all four affected eyes of four patients, OCT demonstrated abnormal reflectivity at the outer foveal retina, such as fragmentation or interruption of the inner high reflective layer corresponding to the junction between the photoreceptor inner and outer segments. Involvement of the entire photoreceptor reflective layer at the fovea was observed in the patient with decreased visual acuity (20/60). CONCLUSIONS: Optical coherence tomography demonstrated abnormalities in the outer foveal retina. The OCT findings suggest that decreased visual acuity may be associated with full-thickness involvement of the photoreceptors.

Adolescent↗

A single intraoperative sub-Tenon's capsule triamcinolone acetonide injection for the treatment of post-cataract surgery inflammation.

PURPOSE: To compare a single intraoperative sub-Tenon's capsule triamcinolone acetonide injection with steroid drops in the treatment of ocular inflammation after cataract surgery. DESIGN: Randomized, double-masked controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 100 patients were randomized prospectively into 2 groups: 50 patients treated with 1% prednisolone eyedrops (control group A) and 50 patients treated with sub-Tenon's capsule triamcinolone (treatment group B). METHODS: All patients underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular posterior lens implantation. After surgery, patients were randomized to receive either (group B) an intraoperative 40 mg triamcinolone acetonide sub-Tenon's capsule injection or (group A) 1% prednisolone acetate eyedrops, according to the following schedule: 1 drop 4 times daily (week 1), 3 times daily (week 2), 2 times daily (week 3), once daily (week 4). To mask the study, group B received vehicle drops administered on a similar schedule, and group A received an intraoperative sub-Tenon's capsule injection of a 1 ml balanced salt solution. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measures included inflammation (cell, flare, ciliary flush), intraocular pressure, and lack of response. RESULTS: Triamcinolone was shown to have anti-inflammatory efficacy clinically equivalent to conventional 1% prednisolone eyedrops in reducing intraocular inflammation, as measured by clinical methods. Triamcinolone was found to be as safe as the prednisolone in terms of adverse effects, changes in visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and biomicroscopic and ophthalmoscopic variables. On the third, seventh, fourteenth, and twenty-eighth postoperative days, a significantly lower intraocular pressure (P<0.01) was noted in the triamcinolone group than in the prednisolone group. CONCLUSIONS: A single intraoperative 40-mg triamcinolone acetonide sub-Tenon's capsule injection demonstrated a clinically equivalent therapeutic response and ocular tolerance compared with 1% prednisolone drops in controlling postoperative inflammation after uncomplicated cataract surgery and merits further investigation.

Aged↗

Optical coherence tomography 3: Automatic delineation of the outer neural retinal boundary and its influence on retinal thickness measurements.

PURPOSE: To investigate the automatic delineation of the outer limits of the macular neural retina, by using the optical coherence tomography (OCT)-3 built-in software, and to determine its influence in assessing retinal thickness in the normal macula. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the OCT3 data at a tertiary-care referral center was performed to study the automatic delineation of the outer neural retina boundary generated by the OCT built-in software. In parallel, a cross-sectional study was designed to compare retinal thickness measurements obtained at specific macular regions of nine normal eyes by the automatic measurement tool with those obtained using a manual-caliper-assisted technique. RESULTS: OCT data from 121 eyes were evaluated. Two parallel, linear highly reflective layers (HRL) were visible at the level of the outer retinal boundary in normal macular regions. Disappearance of the inner and maintenance of the outer HRL was noted in the presence of eye conditions affecting the external retinal layers. The automated software delineation for the outer retinal border was primarily guided by the presence of the inner HRL, whereas the correlation of the OCT findings with the expected clinical and angiographic features on eyes presenting specific macular conditions pointed toward a deeper retinal pigment epithelium-retina interface occurring at the level of the outer HRL. There was a statistically significant difference between the retinal thickness in specific normal macular regions obtained by the automatic measurement tool and the caliper-assisted technique in which the outer retinal border delineation was based on the outer HRL (P = 0.008, Wilcoxon signed rank test). CONCLUSIONS: Incorrect delineation of the outer neural retina boundary is occurring with the automated retinal thickness measurement tool of the OCT3 software. At specific regions of the normal macula, retinal thicknesses were significantly underestimated due to such misalignment.

Adolescent↗