Evaluation of non-exudative microcystoid macular abnormalities secondary to retinal vein occlusion

Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2021 Dec;259(12):3579-3588. doi: 10.1007/s00417-021-05250-9. Epub 2021 Jun 22.

Abstract

Purpose: We aimed to investigate non-exudative microcystoid macular abnormalities for visual and anatomical outcome in patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO) with and without glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON).

Methods: Medical records of 124 eyes (105 patients) with RVO were reviewed and analyzed. Eyes demonstrating microcystoid macular abnormalities were divided into 2 groups, those with evidence of glaucoma (group A) and those without glaucoma (group B). Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), the prevalence and number of microcystoid macular abnormalities, and number of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections were compared at baseline and follow-up.

Results: Seventy-one out of 105 eyes (67.6%) with RVO displayed microcystoid macular abnormalities. Thirty-eight out of 71 eyes (53.5%) presented with concomitant glaucoma (group A), while the remaining 33 eyes (42.6%) had no history of glaucoma (group B). At the end of the follow-up period, mean BCVA was worse in group A versus group B (20/80 versus 20/40, respectively; p = .003). The mean number of anti-VEGF injections was 10.1 ± 9.2 in group A versus 5.9 ± 6.9 in group B (p = .03).

Conclusion: Eyes with RVO and concomitant glaucoma exhibited a significantly higher number of microcystoid macular abnormalities and worse BCVA versus eyes with RVO without glaucoma.

Keywords: Branch retinal vein occlusion; Central retinal vein occlusion; Glaucoma; Inner nuclear layer; Microcystoid degeneration; Microcystoid macular abnormalities; Microcystoid macular changes; Microcysts; Optic neuropathy; Optical coherence tomography; Retinal vein occlusion.

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Intravitreal Injections
  • Macular Edema* / drug therapy
  • Retina
  • Retinal Vein Occlusion* / complications
  • Retinal Vein Occlusion* / diagnosis
  • Retinal Vein Occlusion* / drug therapy
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Visual Acuity

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors