2008, B, 209-218, DOI: 10.1007/978-3-540-33862-8_19

Surgical Treatment of Retinal Vasculitis with Occlusion, Neovascularization or Traction

Jose M. Ruiz-Moreno and Javier A. Montero

View Related Documents

Abstract

■ Fluorescein angiography should be performed in any case of retinal vasculitis as soon as the media are transparent enough to allow it.
■ The affected area revealed by fluorescein angiography is usually greater than what is suspected by ophthalmoscopy.
■ We must pay special attention to the retina distal to the area affected by vasculitis: this will frequently be affected by ischemia.
■ Treatment should be started as soon as possible in ischemic cases in order to prevent neovascularization.
■ Concomitant steroidal therapy and adequate dosage are of utmost importance in order to control vasculitis.
■ The ischemic area should be treated by laser ablation under topical anesthesia in order to prevent neovascularization or to reduce it.
■ Posterior three-port vitrectomy should be performed in case of recurrent or persistent vitreous hemorrhage, vitreoretinal traction with macular distortion, or tractional retinal detachment.
■ Posterior three-port vitrectomy is useful to remove hemorrhages, perform resection of new vessels and associated traction and perform endophotocoagulation.
■ New technology such as 25-gauge vitrectomy should be considered in order to reduce surgical trauma.
■ The development of new antiangiogenic drugs (anti- VEGF) may offer a new therapeutic alternative to these cases.

Fulltext Preview

Image of the first page of the fulltext document