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Background The vascular anatomy of orbit is highly complex, and the main blood supply to the orbit is via the ophthalmic artery, which is a branch of the internal carotid artery. The purpose of this study was to determine the morphometry of the ophthalmic artery and its branches by superselective angiography in a large series of pediatric patients. Methods We evaluated 134 angiographies performed on children with intraocular retinoblastoma undergoing intra-arterial chemotherapy. The origin, diameter, and angiographic visibility percentages of the ophthalmic artery and its branches were examined according to age group and sex. Results The ophthalmic artery originated 97.8% from the internal carotid artery and 2.2% from the middle meningeal artery. The mean diameter of ophthalmic artery was measured 0.76 ± 0.14 mm in girls, 0.80 ± 0.15 mm in boys and 0.79 ± 0.15 mm in general. The posterior ciliary, lacrimal, inferior muscular, and anterior ethmoidal arteries had a higher angiographic visibility percentages (> 85%) than the other OA branches. Only the diameter of the dorsal nasal artery showed a significant correlation with age. The supratrochlear and posterior ciliary arteries showed statistically significant relationship with sex. Conclusions Present study will make a substantial contribution to the pediatric literature about the ophthalmic artery and its branches. A better understanding of ophthalmic artery morphology can help surgeons and neurointerventional radiologists to avoid possible severe complications during embolization, intra-arterial chemotherapy, cosmetic procedures, endonasal and orbital surgeries.

(1) Background: The normal A1 segment of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) has a supraoptic course. The proximal infraoptic course of an A1 segment leaving the internal carotid artery (ICA) near the origin of the ophthalmic artery is a rare possibility. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and detailed anatomy of infraoptic A1 segments. (2) Methods: We retrospectively studied 145 computed tomography angiograms from 92 male and 53 female cases, with ages varying from 61 to 78 y.o. (3) Results: In 21/145 cases, infraoptic or infrachiasmatic horizontal-medial courses of A1 segments that emerged distally from the ICA were found. Distal infraoptic A1 segments were bilateral in 16/145 cases and unilateral in 3/145 cases. Infrachiasmatic A1 segments were found bilaterally in 2/145 male cases. All the infraoptic/infrachiasmatic A1 segments left long ICAs with low bifurcations. In 7/34 sides with distal infraoptic or infrachiasmatic A1 segments, supracarotid courses were present. In one female, the right A1 segment had an anterior supraclinoid, supracarotid and infraoptic course. In two female cases with a bilateral distal infraoptic A1, the segment was almost contacting the respective posterior cerebral artery. (4) Conclusions: In cases with dolicho(ectatic) ICAs, the A1 segments could have infraoptic and supracarotid courses the neurosurgeons should be aware of.

Ophthalmic segment artery aneurysms (OSAs) are difficult to clip; therefore, improvement of the surgical method is of great significance to the prevention of complications, and the classification of the aneurysms is essential to formulate a reasonable surgical plan.To explore the strategies and effects of surgery for OSAs using a modified subdural Dolenc approach.The clinical data of 38 patients (12 men and 26 women, aged 48-73 years) with OSA were analyzed retrospectively. A total of 44 aneurysms were identified, 40 of which were OSAs. The 40 aneurysms were divided into types Ia1 (n = 2), Ia2 (n = 2), Ib (n = 6), IIa (n = 4), IIb (n = 4), IIIa (n = 0), IIIb (n = 4), IIIc (n = 16), and IV (n = 2) based on preoperative images. Thirty-nine OSAs were operated successfully through pterional craniotomy combined with the modified subdural Dolenc approach, and 1 aneurysm was clipped through the contralateral approach. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS).Thirty-nine OSAs were clipped, and one was wrapped. Visual dysfunction, headache, and dizziness improved after the operation in 18 patients. One patient had new visual impairment, and there were no deaths. At discharge, the GOS score was 5 in 36 cases, 4 in 1 case, and 3 in 1 case. Thirty-seven patients had a GOS score of 5, and 1 patient had a score of 3 at 6 months after the operation.The modified subdural Dolenc approach (Zheng approach) for clipping OSAs may be associated with less trauma and good postoperative outcomes.

Background Injecting soft tissue fillers into the deep plane of the forehead carries the risk of injection-related visual compromise due to the specific course of the arterial vasculature. Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the 2- and 3-dimensional location of the change of plane of the deep branch of the supratrochlear and supraorbital artery, respectively. Methods A total of 50 patients (11 males and 39 females; mean age, 49.76 [13.8] years, mean body mass index, 22.53 [2.6] kg/m2) were investigated with ultrasound imaging. The total thickness and the distance of the arteries from the skin and bone surface were measured with an 18-MHz broadband compact linear array transducer. Results The deep branch of the supraorbital artery changed plane from deep to superficial to the frontalis muscle at a mean distance of 13 mm (range, 7.0-19.0 mm) in males and at 14 mm (range, 4.0-24.0 mm) in females and for the deep branch of the supratrochlear artery at a mean distance of 14 mm in males and females (range, 10.0-19.0 in males, 4.0-27.0 in females) when measured from the superior orbital rim. Conclusions Based on the ultrasound findings in this study, it seems that the supraperiosteal plane of the upper and lower forehead could be targeted during soft tissue filler injections because the deep branches of both the supraorbital and supratrochlear arteries do not travel within this plane. The superficial plane of the lower forehead, however, should be avoided due to the unpredictability and inconsistent presence of the central and paracentral arteries. Level of Evidence: 4

Vascular dysfunctions can progress and lead to stroke and cardiovascular disease, especially in smokers. The presence of particular vascular changes according to sex has been described and they can be identified by the Doppler method. This study evaluated Doppler velocimetry parameters of the Ophthalmic Artery (OA) and the Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA) according to sex in smokers regarding a non-smoker group. This cross-sectional observational study included 178 subjects: 93 women and 85 men. Doppler parameters were assessed in OA and MCA. Student’s t-test was used, with p

Purpose To determine prospectively the efficacy and to assess potential side effects of melphalan selective ophthalmic artery chemotherapy (SOAC) as first-line treatment for unilateral retinoblastoma. Design Phase 2 nonrandomized, prospective study. Participants Patients with unilateral retinoblastoma group B, C, or D of the International Classification for Intraocular Retinoblastoma (IRC). Group D eyes with massive vitreous seeding were not eligible. Methods Melphalan SOAC associated with diode laser thermotherapy, cryotherapy, or both at 4-week intervals (3–6 cycles). For persistent vitreous seeding, intravitreal melphalan chemotherapy also was used. Main Outcome Measures The primary outcome was globe preservation rate. Secondary outcomes were tumor relapse rate, occurrence of ocular or systemic adverse events, and measurement of the dose area product (DAP). Results Between 2012 and 2017, 39 patients (39 eyes) with unilateral retinoblastoma were included prospectively. Three included patients did not receive SOAC (2 catheterization failures and 1 case of viral syndrome) and were considered failures. At diagnosis, IRC groups for the 36 treated patients were: B, n = 4 (11%); C, n = 13 (36%); and D, n = 19 (53%); median age was 21.5 months (range, 3.2–61.6 months). Median number of SOAC cycles was 3.9 (range, 1–6 cycles), and median melphalan dose was 4.9 mg/procedure. The median DAP was 1.24 Gy.cm2/procedure. Median follow-up was 63 months (range, 34–93 months). SOAC was associated with local treatments for 31 patients (86%): diode laser thermotherapy for all of them and cryotherapy or intravitreal chemotherapy for 10 (32%) and 9 patients (25%), respectively. SOAC treatment was interrupted in 5 patients because of severe ophthalmic (ptosis, n = 2; retinal ischemia, n = 2) or systemic (hypotension, n = 1) adverse events. At the cutoff date analysis, all patients were alive without metastasis. The 18-month eye preservation rate was 80% (range, 68.6%–94.6%). After a follow-up of at least 30 months, the ocular preservation rate was 69% (n = 24 preservations). Conclusions This first prospective trial demonstrated that SOAC with melphalan alone as first-line treatment for retinoblastoma is efficient and well tolerated with no metastatic events, although ocular ischemic complications were observed.

To compare the effects of testosterone on intraocular pressure (IOP), thicknesses of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell complex (GCC), macula and on ocular blood flow between female-to-male transgender (FMT) persons who use testosterone and healthy women and healthy men. The study included 39 eyes of 20 FMT(Group 1), 40 eyes of 20 healthy women (Group 2), and 42 eyes of 21 healthy men (Group 3). In all subjects, RNFL, GCC and, macular thicknesses (MT) were measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Ocular blood flow was measured by Color Doppler Ultrasonography in all subjects. IOP levels in FMT were significantly higher than men (p = 0.025). Superior (Sup), inferior (Inf) thicknesses of parafovea, and nasal thickness of perifovea in FMT were significantly higher than the Group 2 (p = 0.024, p = 0.037, p = 0.018). Sup thickness of perifovea in FMT was significantly higher than Group 3 (p = 0.011). Inf thickness of perifovea in FMT was significantly higher than Group 2 and 3 (p = 0.038, p = 0.002). Mean thickness of RNFL Inf in FMT was significantly higher than the Group 2 and 3 (p = 0.039, p = 0.032). Avg and Inf thicknesses of GCC in FMT were significantly higher than group 2 (p = 0.02, p = 0.005). In correlation test, systole/diastole ratio(S/D) in ophthalmic artery (OA) (r = 0.504, p = 0.028) and Inf thickness of perifovea (r = 0.485, p = 0.035) were positively correlated with the serum levels of testosterone in FMT. We found that the use of supraphysiologic testosterone dose increased IOP and the thicknesses of macula, RNFL, and GCC in FMT. Serum testosterone level was positively correlated with S/D ratio in the OA.

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) gene mutations are a common predisposition associated with glaucoma. Although the molecular mechanisms are largely unknown, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFA) and their CYP-derived bioactive mediators play crucial roles in the ocular system. Here, we elucidated the proteome and cell-signalling alterations attributed to the main human

To evaluate the severity of hemodynamic changes in the ocular vessels of patients recovered from COVID-19.The study included 44 patients (88 eyes) aged 28-60 years, among them 24 (54.5%) women and 20 (45.4%) men, with SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by PCR no more than 2 months prior to enrollment and with no ophthalmological complaints within 2 months before the disease, as well as 20 healthy volunteers (40 eyes). At the time of the study all patients had a negative PCR result for SARS-CoV-2. The patients were divided into 2 groups. The first group comprised 24 patients who did not take any anticoagulants during the treatment. The second group consisted of 20 patients who received anticoagulants (Rivaroxaban (Xarelto)) at a dosage of 10 mg per day for 1-1.5 months. The maximum systolic (Vs), end-diastolic (Vd) blood flow velocity, as well as resistance index (RI) in the ophthalmic artery (OA), central retinal artery (CRA) and short posterior ciliary arteries (SPCA) were measured in all study patients with the ultrasound imaging system VOLUSON E8 Expert («Kretz», USA). Additionally, the flowmetry method was used to assess the volumetric ocular blood flow (VOBF) on Ocular Blood Flow Analyzer system («Paradigm Medical Industries, Inc.», USA).In the first group, a decrease in Vs and Vd was noted amid a significant increase of RI in CRA and SPCA, as well as an increase of RI in OA compared with the age-normal values (Blood flow velocity parameters in the ocular vessels are reduced in patients recovered from COVID-19 compared to the age-normal values. There was a significant decrease in volumetric ocular blood flow parameters in COVID-19 patients who did not take any anticoagulants compared to the age-normal values. Anticoagulants intake has a positive impact on hemodynamic characteristics in the ocular vessels and volumetric ocular blood flow in patients with COVID-19.Оценка выраженности гемодинамических изменений в сосудах глаза у пациентов, перенесших COVID-19.В исследовании приняли участие 44 пациента (88 глаз) в возрасте 28—60 лет, из них 24 (54,5%) женщины и 20 (45,5%) мужчин, с инфекцией SARS-CoV-2, подтвержденной методом полимеразной цепной реакции (ПЦР), не более 2 мес назад и отсутствием офтальмологических жалоб в течение 2 мес до начала заболевания, а также 20 здоровых добровольцев (40 глаз). На момент исследования пациенты имели отрицательный результат ПЦР к SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).Все пациенты были разделены на две группы: 1-ю группу составили 24 пациента, не получавших в процессе лечения антикоагулянты, 2-ю группу — 20 пациентов, принимавших антикоагулянт: ривароксабан (Ксарелто) в дозе 10 мг/сут в течение 1—1,5 мес. Всем пациентам проводили оценку максимальной систолической (Vs), конечной диастолической (Vd) скорости кровотока, а также индекса резистентности (RI) в глазной артерии (ГА), центральной артерии сетчатки (ЦАС) и задних коротких цилиарных артериях (ЗКЦА) методом цветового допплеровского картирования на ультразвуковом диагностическом приборе VOLUSON Е8 Expert («Kretz», США) и оценку объемного глазного кровотока (ОГК) методом флоуметрии на анализаторе глазного кровотока Paradigm Blood Flow Analyzed («Medical Indastries Inc.», США).В 1-й группе отмечено снижение Vs и Vd на фоне существенного увеличения RI в ЦАС и ЗКЦА, а также увеличение RI в ГА по сравнению с возрастной нормой (У пациентов, перенесших COVID-19, отмечается снижение показателей скорости кровотока в сосудах глаза по сравнению с возрастной нормой. У пациентов с COVID-19, не принимавших антикоагулянты, отмечено существенное снижение показателей ОГК по сравнению со значениями возрастной нормы. Прием антикоагулянтов положительно влияет на показатели гемодинамики в сосудах глаза и ОГК у пациентов с COVID-19.

Objective Anterior clinoidectomy is an important and essential skill for skull base and cerebrovascular neurosurgeons. We present a 1-piece intradural anterior clinoidectomy, providing a step-by-step description of the technique, independently of anatomic variations. Methods Between 2014 and 2020, 128 patients (119 women and 9 men; average age, 54.6 years) underwent intradural anterior clinoidectomy during microsurgical clipping of carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms. Results The anterior clinoid process continues medially with the planum sphenoidale, over the optic nerve, laterally with the lesser wing of the sphenoid bone, and inferiorly with the optic strut, which is always found anteriorly to the clinoid segment of the internal carotid artery, and separates the optic canal from the superior orbital fissure. The proposed anterior clinoidectomy followed, one after the other, these 3 fixation points for the detachment of the anterior clinoid process. The main indication for intradural anterior clinoidectomy was the management of vascular lesions around paraclinoid (clinoidal and ophthalmic) segments of the internal carotid artery. Complications of the procedure included injury to the internal carotid artery or the ophthalmic artery, thermal damage to the optic nerve, and invasion of the sphenoid sinus or a pneumatized anterior clinoid process, which could lead to postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Conclusions The anterior clinoidectomy technique described here minimizes the drilling surface for detachment of the anterior clinoid process and reduces operative time as well as the amount of bone dust produced by drilling. It also precisely delineates the localization of the optic strut, preventing carotid or optic nerve damage.

We report on a 69-year-old man with locally-advanced left maxillary sinus cancer who underwent treatment with intra-arterial chemoradiotherapy. Angiography showed that the main feeding arteries were the left maxillary artery and the ophthalmic artery, arising from the internal carotid artery. Due to acute branching of the ophthalmic artery, conventional microcatheters could not be inserted. Using a steerable microcatheter, we were able to repeatedly administer chemoradiotherapy via the ophthalmic artery. The tumor has mostly disappeared after intra-arterial chemoradiotherapy, and the patient is still alive two years after treatment. A steerable microcatheter is very useful for acute-angled vascular branches.

Objectives— Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is frequently performed under locoregional anesthesia. The intraoperative clamping of the internal carotid artery (ICA) leads to cerebral hypoperfusion, which may in some patients result in the development of neurologic symptoms (NS). The objective of our study was to investigate whether there is an association between the preoperative ultrasound (US) Doppler flow in the ophthalmic artery (OA) and intracranial artery and the occurrence of these intraoperative NS. Methods— We compared 50 patients with NS and 150 patients without NS during CEA. We analyzed their preoperative blood flow characteristics by Doppler US and their clinical and demographic characteristics. Results— The contralateral ICA occlusion increased the likelihood of intraoperative NS (odds ratio [OR], 8.4 ; P < .001). Abnormal contralateral OA flow also increased the likelihood of NS (OR, 1.84 ; P < .001), whereas ipsilateral abnormal OA flow reduced it (OR, 0.73 ; P = .06). Increased flow in the ipsilateral anterior cerebral artery (ACA) increased the likelihood of NS (OR, 3.3), whereas reversed flow decreased it (OR, 0.1 ; P = .03). Inverse flow in the contralateral ACA increased the risk (OR, 5.4), whereas increased flow reduced it (OR, 0.2 ; P = .02). Male patients had a higher risk of NS (P = .09) as well as older patients (P = .05). Eight percent of the patients with NS developed a transient ischemic attack or stroke. Conclusions— Doppler US analysis of the OA and ACA in combination with analysis of ICA stenosis may be a promising predictor of NS during ICA clamping. This, in turn, may warn the patient and the surgeon of an increased risk during surgery.

Introduction Dural arteriovenous fistulae (DAVF) are vascular lesions with arteriovenous shunting that may be treated with surgical obliteration or endovascular embolization. Some DAVF, such as anterior cranial fossa DAVF (AC-DAVF) derive their arterial supply from ophthalmic artery branches in nearly all cases, and trans-arterial embolization carries a risk of vision loss. We determined the efficacy and safety of trans-ophthalmic artery embolization of DAVF. Materials and methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients with DAVF treated by trans-ophthalmic artery embolization from 2012 to 2020. Primary outcome was angiographic cure of the DAVF. Secondary outcomes included vision loss, visual impairment, orbital cranial nerve injury, stroke, modified Rankin Scale at 90-days, and mortality. Results 12 patients met inclusion criteria (9 males; 3 females). 10 patients had AC-DAVF. Patient age was 59.7 ± 9.5 (mean ± SD) years. Patients presented with intracranial hemorrhage (4 patients), headache (4 patients), amaurosis fugax (1 patients), or were incidentally discovered (2 patients). DAVF Cognard grades were: II (1 patient), III (6 patients), and IV (5 patients). DAVF were embolized with Onyx (10 patients), nBCA glue (1 patient), and a combination of coils and Onyx (1 patient). DAVF cure was achieved in 11 patients (92%). No patients experienced vision loss, death, or permanent disability. One patient experienced a minor complication of blurry vision attributed to posterior ischemic optic neuropathy. 90-day mRS was 0 (10 patients) and 1 (2 patients). Conclusions Trans-ophthalmic artery embolization is an effective and safe treatment for DAVF.

Although anastomoses between the arterial branches arising from the internal carotid artery (ICA) can develop as collateral pathways between the bilateral ICAs in cases of dysgenesis of the ICA, anastomosis of the recurrent arteries branching from the first segment of the ophthalmic artery (OphA) has not been described. Herein, we report two cases of this rare anastomosis. In a 36-year-old man with left segmental dysgenesis of the ICA, an anastomosis between the bilateral ICAs developed around the sella turcica. In a 39-year-old woman with dysgenesis of the bilateral distal ICAs, an anastomosis between the superior hypophyseal trunk and bilateral ICAs was identified. The anastomoses in both cases were also supplied by recurrent arteries branching from the first segment of the OphAs. This is the first report describing recurrent arteries from the OphAs that form the anastomosis between bilateral ICAs.

To describe a case of a possible new variant of persistent primitive olfactory artery (PPOA).A 93-year-old man with left hemiparesis and dysarthria underwent cranial magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and MR angiography using a 3-T scanner. MR imaging showed an acute infarction at the right precentral gyrus. MR angiography showed no steno-occlusive lesions, but the distal A1 segment of the left anterior cerebral artery (ACA) took an extreme anterior course and made a hairpin turn, connecting to the A2 segment, which is indicative of type 1 PPOA. In addition, there was a faintly visualized small artery arising from the hairpin turn. Subsequent computed tomography (CT) angiography showed that the hairpin turn had a mildly dilated arterial lumen, and an extremely tortuous orbitofrontal artery arose from the hairpin turn.There are five types of PPOA. Type 1 is most common, and usually no arterial branch arises from the hairpin turn, except for in type 3 PPOA, which has a branch continuing to the anterior ethmoidal artery arising from the hairpin turn. Using MR and CT angiography, we diagnosed a case of type 1 PPOA associated with the orbitofrontal artery arising from a hairpin turn. A similar previously reported case was diagnosed using catheter angiography.The present case may be a new variant (type 6) of PPOA. Because the orbitofrontal artery was relatively small in caliber and its proximal segment extremely tortuous, CT angiography had superior utility to MR angiography for demonstrating this variation.

We present a patient with separation of the arterial supply to the globe and the extra-ocular muscles. The ophthalmic artery originates from the typical adult location and supplies only the globe. Arising from the basilar artery was a branch that supplies the extra-ocular muscles. There was no apparent connection between these vessels around the optic nerve and no evidence of supply from the external carotid artery. We discuss the embryology of the ophthalmic artery from the point of view of Padget and Lasjaunias and offer our opinion on the on-going controversy. We believe this is the first case to highlight the trigeminal-primitive maxillary-stapedial anastamotic pathway.

Purpose There are three anastomoses between the ophthalmic artery (OA) and the middle meningeal artery (MMA): the anastomotic branch with MMA, the recurrent meningeal branch and the anterior falx artery. We aimed to evaluate the anastomotic branches between the OA and the MMA on superselective angiograms of pediatric patients with retinoblastoma. Materials and methods We evaluated 126 angiographies performed on children with retinoblastoma. The mean diameter and angiographic visibility percentage of the anastomotic branches between the OA and the MMA were examined according to age group and sex. Results The mean diameter of anastomotic branch with MMA was measured 0.58 ± 0.13 mm and we found this branch in 15 of 126 angiographic images (11.9%). We detected the recurrent meningeal branch in 47 of total images (37.3%). The recurrent meningeal branch arose 85.1% from the lacrimal artery, 8.5% from the anastomotic branch with MMA and 6.4% directly from the OA. The mean diameter of this artery was measured 0.21 ± 0.06 mm. Anterior falx artery was found in 86 of 126 angiographic peocedures (68.3%) and the mean diameter was measured 0.22 ± 0.06 mm. Conclusion Knowledge of the anastomoses between the OA and the MMA system are all necessary to perform safe and successful endovascular and surgical procedures involving the orbital region.

Background and Purpose: The retina, as an externally located neural tissue, offers unique advantages in investigating the effect of therapeutic intervention on the brain. In this study, we put forth a clinically relevant model of retinal ischemia and reperfusion in nonhuman primates. Methods: Acute retinal artery ischemia and reperfusion was induced by injecting an autologous clot into the ophthalmic artery of adult rhesus monkeys, and recanalization was achieved by focal thrombolysis with tPA (tissue-type plasminogen activator). Digital subtraction angiography and fluorescein angiography were used to evaluate blood flow in the retina and the choroid. Electroretinogram, optical coherence tomography, and hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to evaluate the structure and function of the retina after ischemia. Results: Digital subtraction angiography and fluorescein angiography images confirmed occlusion of the ophthalmic and central retinal arteries, as well as recanalization after tPA thrombolysis. Electroretinogram indicated retinal functional damage following ischemia, and thrombolysis partially rescued its impairment. Optical coherence tomography and hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed ischemia-induced changes in the retina, and tPA partially mitigated these damages. Conclusions: This novel acute retinal artery ischemia and reperfusion model in rhesus monkeys may closely simulate retinal ischemia/reperfusion in clinical practice and provide an optimal platform for screening neuroprotective strategies.

Background Glabellar soft tissue filler injections have been shown to be associated with a high risk of causing injection-related visual compromise. Objectives The aim of this study was to identify the course of the superficial branch of the supratrochlear and of the deep branch of the supraorbital artery in relation to the ipsilateral vertical glabellar line and to test whether an artery is located deep to this line. Methods Forty-one healthy volunteers with a mean age of 26.17 [9.6] years and a mean BMI of 23.09 [2.3] kg/m2 were analyzed. Ultrasound imaging was applied to measure the diameters, distance from skin surface, distance between the midline, distance between vertical glabella lines, and the cutaneous projection of the supratrochlear/supraorbital arteries at rest and upon frowning. Results The mean distance between the superficial branch of the supratrochlear artery and the ipsilateral vertical glabellar line was 10.59 [4.0] mm in males and 8.21 [4.0] mm in females, whereas it was 22.38 [5.5] mm for the supraorbital artery in males and 20.73 [5.6] mm in females. Upon frowning, a medial shift in supratrochlear arterial position of 1.63 mm in males and 1.84 mm in females and of 3.9 mm in supraorbital arterial position for both genders was observed. The mean depth of the supratrochlear artery was 3.34 [0.6] mm at rest, whereas the depth of the supraorbital artery was 3.54 [0.8] mm. Conclusions The hypothesis that injecting soft tissue fillers next to the vertical glabellar line is safe because the supratrochlear artery courses deep to the crease should be rejected. Additionally, the glabella and the supraorbital region should be considered as an area of mobile, rather than static, soft tissues.

BackgroundPrecise delivery of liquid embolic agents (LEAs) remains a challenge in the endovascular treatment of dural arteriovenous fistulae (dAVFs) and cerebral arteriovenous malformations (cAVMs). Despite significant advances in the past decade, LEA reflux and catheter navigability remain shortcomings of current endovascular technology, particularly in small and tortuous arteries. The Scepter Mini dual-lumen balloon microcatheter aims to address these issues by decreasing the distal catheter profile (1.6 French) while allowing for a small (2.2 mm diameter) balloon at its tip.MethodsWe report our initial experience with the Scepter Mini in two patients with anterior cranial fossa dAVFs that were treated with transophthalmic artery embolization.ResultsIn both patients, the Scepter Mini catheter was able to be safely advanced into the distal ophthalmic artery close to the fistula site, and several centimeters past the origins of the central retinal and posterior ciliary arteries. A single Onyx injection without any reflux resulted in angiographic cure of the dAVF in both cases, and neither patient suffered any vision loss.ConclusionsThese initial experiences suggest that the Scepter Mini represents a significant advance in the endovascular treatment of dAVFs and cAVMs and will allow for safer and more efficacious delivery of LEAs into smaller and more distal arteries while diminishing the risk of LEA reflux.

Background The introduction of intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) for treatment of retinoblastoma considerably changed the paradigm by which this disease is managed, with event-free survival rates being above 70%. Objective To analyze efficacy of IAC treatment using alternative approaches to ophthalmic artery catheterization (OAC), such as external carotid artery approach or balloon-assisted drug delivery. Methods This is a retrospective chart review for subjects receiving IAC for retinoblastoma. The primary approach was OAC. In cases in which selective OAC was not feasible, alternative routes including catheterization of the external carotid artery or use of a balloon-assisted drug infusion were used. Results This study included 197 consecutive patients with 207 retinoblastomas who underwent 658 IAC procedures overall. The mean age at diagnosis was 24 mo, and 54.5% of the study population was male. Success rate with IAC was 97% (639). Alternative approaches to OAC were, in total, 42 cases (6.4%)-external carotid artery catheterization and use of ICA balloon were performed in 22 (3.3%) and 20 (3%) cases, respectively. A mean of 3.1 IAC cycles were performed for each patient. In total, there were 23 technical failures of the primary OAC technique (3.4%). Periprocedural adverse events occurred in 4 procedures (0.6%). Use of an alternative technique for chemotherapy delivery other than selective OAC in at least one IAC cycle was not a predictor of enucleation. Conclusion IAC is a safe and effective treatment option for retinoblastoma. Chemotherapy delivery using alternative techniques is as effective as selective OAC.

Purpose Optic neuritis (ON) is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder of the optic nerve, which can be the first manifestation of multiple sclerosis (MS). The main goal was to assess changes in the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) and in retinal oxygen saturation [arterial (AS), venous (VS) and arterio‐venous (A‐V) difference] in the affected and unaffected eye. Methods Fifty patients with ON due to MS within 3 months of onset of symptoms were enrolled (17 males, mean age 35.3). All patients were examined at baseline (V1) and after 6 months (V2) using optical coherence tomography (OCT) to get RNFL values; automatic retinal oximetry to obtain saturation values; and ultrasound to exclude arterial stenosis, and orbital colour Doppler imaging was performed in the ophthalmic artery. Results At V1, AS was significantly increased in affected eye compared to unaffected eye (99.5% versus 98.0%, p = 0.03). Significant decrease in A‐V difference from baseline was detected in both eyes for ON eye: 32.0% versus 29.0%, p = 0.004; for fellow eye: 31.4% versus 30.0%, p = 0.04. We did not observe any changes in retinal vessel diameter. There were no changes observed in blood flow in ophthalmic artery. At V1, there were no significant differences in RNFL, and significant loss of RNFL was confirmed in the affected eye at V2 (95 μm versus 86 μm, p = 0.0002) and in comparison with the fellow eye (86 μm versus 94 μm, p = 0.0002). There were no correlations between RNFL and saturation values at V1, although at V2, there was a negative correlation between the RNFL and AS (Spearman's rho = −0.480, p = 0.003) and between the RNFL and VS (rho = −0.620, p = 0.00007). Conclusion Retinal oximetry is altered in both eyes in MS patients with unilateral ON. During the course of the disease, the retinal oxygen consumption decreases to a different degree in each eye and this change is not completely followed by changes in the RNFL thickness, suggesting either sub‐clinical ON or systemic effects in the clinically unaffected eye. Since this is the first and initial longitudinal evaluation of the saturation changes in MS patients, the clinical value of these findings needs to be deeper evaluated in the future studies.

Attention to the inclination of lamellas attached to the skull base, including the basal lamella of the middle turbinate, facilitates the intraoperative identification of each lamella without requiring the use of a navigation system. We classified the inclination between the lamella and the skull base in preoperative computed tomography (CT) images and examined the relationship between the lamellas attached to the skull base, including the basal lamella of the middle turbinate, and the position of the anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA). We aimed to develop a preoperative classification to help prevent intraoperative injury of the AEA. We retrospectively investigated the paranasal sinus sagittal section CT slices of 366 sides of 183 patients to assess the inclination of lamellas attached to the skull base and the AEA location. We also reviewed the AEA position, its correlation with the supraorbital ethmoid cell, and the lateral lamella of the cribriform plate. We classified the lamella inclination at the skull base as the anterior direction, perpendicular direction, and posterior direction types. Lamellas containing a floating AEA inclined in the anterior direction toward the skull base were observed in 68.9% of sides, inclination in the perpendicular direction was noted in 30.5% of sides, and inclination in the posterior direction was noted in 0.5% of sides. It is easier to identify the AEA intraoperatively when the lamella inclination of the skull base attachment is recognized based on preoperative CT findings. This approach could be applied to all paranasal sinus lamellas and assist in identifying the AEA and other nearby structures.

OBJECTIVES Quantitative synthetic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enables synthesis of various contrast-weighted images as well as simultaneous quantification of T1 and T2 relaxation times and proton density. However, to date, it has been challenging to generate magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) images with synthetic MRI. The purpose of this study was to develop a deep learning algorithm to generate MRA images based on 3D synthetic MRI raw data. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eleven healthy volunteers and 4 patients with intracranial aneurysms were included in this study. All participants underwent a time-of-flight (TOF) MRA sequence and a 3D-QALAS synthetic MRI sequence. The 3D-QALAS sequence acquires 5 raw images, which were used as the input for a deep learning network. The input was converted to its corresponding MRA images by a combination of a single-convolution and a U-net model with a 5-fold cross-validation, which were then compared with a simple linear combination model. Image quality was evaluated by calculating the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity index measurements (SSIMs), and high frequency error norm (HFEN). These calculations were performed for deep learning MRA (DL-MRA) and linear combination MRA (linear-MR), relative to TOF-MRA, and compared with each other using a nonparametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Overall image quality and branch visualization, each scored on a 5-point Likert scale, were blindly and independently rated by 2 board-certified radiologists. RESULTS Deep learning MRA was successfully obtained in all subjects. The mean PSNR, SSIM, and HFEN of the DL-MRA were significantly higher, higher, and lower, respectively, than those of the linear-MRA (PSNR, 35.3 ± 0.5 vs 34.0 ± 0.5, P < 0.001; SSIM, 0.93 ± 0.02 vs 0.82 ± 0.02, P < 0.001; HFEN, 0.61 ± 0.08 vs 0.86 ± 0.05, P < 0.001). The overall image quality of the DL-MRA was comparable to that of TOF-MRA (4.2 ± 0.7 vs 4.4 ± 0.7, P = 0.99), and both types of images were superior to that of linear-MRA (1.5 ± 0.6, for both P < 0.001). No significant differences were identified between DL-MRA and TOF-MRA in the branch visibility of intracranial arteries, except for ophthalmic artery (1.2 ± 0.5 vs 2.3 ± 1.2, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Magnetic resonance angiography generated by deep learning from 3D synthetic MRI data visualized major intracranial arteries as effectively as TOF-MRA, with inherently aligned quantitative maps and multiple contrast-weighted images. Our proposed algorithm may be useful as a screening tool for intracranial aneurysms without requiring additional scanning time.

Background Despite the development of anterior skull base surgery, the anatomy of the nasal bone and anterior cribriform plate remains unclear. A recent study confirmed 2 distinct foramina in the anterior part of cribriform plate: the ethmoidal slit (ES) and the cribroethmoidal foramen (CF). The aim of this study was to specify their content, their anatomic relationship to the frontal sinus and skull base, and their potential value in skull base surgery. Methods Dissections were performed on 36 cadaver heads. Macro- and microscopic examinations were carried out. Microcomputed tomography scans contrasted with osmium were performed to identify vessels and nerves. Histology with neural, meningeal, or luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone immunomarkers was performed on the content of the foramina. Finally, endonasal surgical dissections were carried out. Results The ES and the CF were observed in all cases. They measured a mean of 4.2 and 1.6 mm, respectively. The ES contained dura mater, arachnoid tissues, lymphatics, and the terminal nerve. The CF contained the anterior ethmoidal nerve and artery. This foramen continued forward with the cribroethmoidal groove, which measured a mean of 2.5 mm. This groove was under the frontal sinus and in front of the skull base. We also described a "cribroethmoidal canal" and a "nasal bone foramen." Conclusion The clinical applications of this new anatomic description concern both cribriform plate and frontal sinus surgeries. Identifying the terminal nerve passing through the ES is a step forward in understanding pheromone recognition in humans.

Embolization of middle meningeal artery (MMA) has been proposed for postoperative recurrences and primary treatment of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). This endovascular intervention is safe only when MMA originates from the internal maxillary artery. The aim of this study was to report an unusual high frequency of MMA originating from the ophthalmic artery, which prohibits this treatment. In this retrospective study, we reviewed the anatomical origin of the MMA in patients with CSDH who were referred to our center for endovascular treatment between January 2017 and May 2019 (42 patients with 58 CSDH). We compared the prevalence of this variant in a control group of 66 patients who underwent embolization for epistaxis during the same period. In CSDH group, MMA originated from the ophthalmic artery in 8 out of 58 internal carotid arteries (13.8%). In the control group, this variant was observed in only 1 case out of 131 internal carotid arteries (0.7%) (OR = 20; 95% CI 2.6 to 925.2, p = 0.0003). In this study, we report an extremely high prevalence of MMA originating from the ophthalmic artery in CSDH. In the hypothesis of prospective studies, a priori recognition of this variant will be necessary in order to exclude patients in whom endovascular treatment will not be feasible.

Background The middle meningeal artery (MMA) is an important conduit for the endovascular treatment of skull base and intracranial pathologies including, recently, subdural hematomas. A key aspect of such procedures is to perform a thorough diagnostic angiogram to detect anomalous arterial origins and “dangerous” anastomoses with branches of the internal carotid arteries. Although the most common anomaly related to the MMA is an abnormal origin from the ophthalmic artery, anomalous origin from the posterior circulation is rare. Moreover, its recognition requires a concerted effort at performing a vertebral artery angiogram irrespective of the location of the pathology (e.g., in subdural hematoma). Case Description We describe a case of anomalous origin of MMA from the basilar artery as a lateral pontine artery branch that was detected in a patient with recurrent subdural hematoma who presented for endovascular MMA embolization. Conclusions The embryologic origin of the entity is briefly discussed, along with suggestions for managing such an anomaly during endovascular embolization.

Purpose To determine whether treatment order affects ophthalmic vascular event rates after intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) for retinoblastoma. Methods Patients who received IAC as primary or secondary treatment for retinoblastoma from January 2009 to January 2018 were included. All eyes were imaged with fundus photography and fluorescein angiography. Patient characteristics and vascular event rates were compared using t-test and Fisher's exact test. Results There were 196 patients treated with 682 infusions of IAC, divided into primary (no previous therapy, 98 eyes of 98 patients, 328 infusions) and secondary (after other therapy, 105 eyes of 98 patients, 354 infusions) treatment. Overall, ophthalmic vascular events were found after 5% of infusions (17% eyes). A comparison of ophthalmic vascular events (primary vs. secondary IAC), with mean three infusions per eye (median 3, range 1-7), revealed no difference in overall percentage of eyes affected (18% vs. 15%, P = 0.57). Adverse vascular events per eye included retinal vasculature attenuation (1% vs. 0%, P = 0.99), peripheral retinal pruning (1% vs. 0%, P = 0.99), branch retinal artery occlusion (0% vs. 1%, P = 0.99), central retinal artery occlusion (0% vs. 1%, P = 0.99), macular ischemia (0% vs. 2%, P = 0.51), vitreous hemorrhage (2% vs. 3%, P = 0.92), subretinal hemorrhage (1% vs. 0%, P = 0.99), retinal pigment epithelium atrophy (6% vs. 3% P = 0.43), choroidal atrophy (4% vs. 2%, P = 0.92), optic disk pallor (1% vs. 0%, P = 0.99), and ophthalmic artery occlusion (9% vs. 6%, P = 0.35). Conclusion Ophthalmic vascular events after IAC for retinoblastoma affect only 5% of eyes per infusion (17% of treated eyes). Vascular event risk per eye is similar when using IAC as primary or secondary treatment.

Background Distal catheterization in the ophthalmic artery beyond the origin of the central retinal artery has been attempted to avoid visual complications in cases of transarterial embolization (TAE). Although avoiding visual complications is important, extraocular complications have been rarely reported and discussed. Here, we report a case of an intraorbital arteriovenous fistula (AVF) presenting with impaired extraocular movement after a provocation test and discuss the potential risks associated with TAE at the third segment of the ophthalmic artery. Case Description A 53-year-old man was referred to our hospital for a newly diagnosed vascular lesion on the left optic chiasm. A left internal carotid angiogram revealed an intraorbital AVF fed by distal branches of the left ophthalmic artery taking a recurrent course toward the proximal ophthalmic artery, and the anterior branches of the inferior lateral trunk draining into the tortuous basal vein of Rosenthal with a varix. Neither the cavernous sinus nor the superior ophthalmic vein was opacified as draining routes of this lesion. A provocation test was done for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes at the third segment of the ophthalmic artery. During the test, the patient developed a transient impaired adduction of the left eye without any visual field deficit; therefore, TAE was avoided. The patient made an uneventful recovery and was recommended a transcranial transvenous embolization for a radical treatment. Conclusions In intraorbital hypervascular lesions, occlusion of the third segment of the ophthalmic artery is associated with a potential risk of extraocular complications.

Aim: The purpose of this paper was to evaluate rare cases of anomalous origins of the ophthalmic artery (OA) according to magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) findings. Methods: This retrospective study included 80 patients diagnosed with anomalous OA origins between March 2015 and July 2018 from a sample of 16,024 patients. The patients included 47 females and 33 males with a mean age of 38.16 years (range 18–62 years). Three-dimensional time-of-flight (3D-TOF) MRA was performed for all patients. Results: Eighty (0.5%) patients had anomalous OA origins. The most common type of OA origin anomaly was the right OA originating from the middle meningeal artery (0.17%). Twelve (0.07%) patients had OAs with an extradural origin. Conclusions: Anomalous origins of the OA are rare. 3D-TOF MRA is a noninvasive imaging method that can be applied for the diagnosis of OA anomalies. Some OA variations can have a protective effect against ocular complications in vaso-occlusive events. Therefore, it is critical to know the variant anatomy of OAs.

Among variations of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA), anastomosis of its A1-A2 junction with the ophthalmic segment of the internal carotid artery is rare and described as carotid-ACA anastomosis or infraoptic course of the ACA. One common variant, an azygos ACA, demonstrates no pairing of the A2 segment. To our knowledge, association of a carotid-ACA anastomosis with an azygos ACA is not reported in the English-language literature. We report a case diagnosed by magnetic resonance angiography in which right carotid-ACA anastomosis was associated with an azygos ACA and the right ophthalmic artery originated from the middle meningeal artery.

This study investigated the visualization of the anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA) as notch, canal and sulcus, its relationship between supraorbital ethmoid cells (SOECs) and the Keros classification of the olfactory fossa on paranasal sinus computerized tomography (PNSCT).In this retrospective study, the paranasal sinus computerized tomography (PNsCT) images of 204 patients (103 males and 101 females) were analyzed. AEA canal, notch and sulcus, SOECs, the distance between AEA notch and ethmoid roof, AEA canal angle and Keros classification of the olfactory fossa were evaluated.AEA notch in all patients and AEA canal (37.6 to 45.6%) and AEA sulcus (53.5 to 61.2%) were visualized. In the AEC canal and sulcus visualized patients, the Keros classification revealed higher. AEA notch and ethmoid roof distance increased in patients with higher Keros types. The presence of SOECs was significantly higher in males (41.7%) than females (19.8%) on the left side. There was a positive correlation between SOEC presence and Keros classification. In patients with SOEC, bilateral AEA canal and sulcus visualized more; and bilateral AEA notch and ethmoid roof distance increased. On the right side, the AEA canal angle of the males was significantly higher than that of the females. In patients with SOEC, the left AEA canal angle also increased.When detected SOECs and higher Keros types, the AEA was detected away from the skull base, AEA notch-ethmoid roof distance increased; and the AEA canal angle increased. To avoid intracranial penetrations, PNSCT should be evaluated carefully during the preoperative period.

ObjectivesTo correlate computed tomography findings and endoscopic localisation of the anterior ethmoidal artery during surgery, and to analyse the intranasal landmarks and abnormalities of the artery.MethodThe anterior ethmoidal artery was studied with high-resolution computed tomography and endoscopic surgery in 30 patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery (group A), and with endoscopic dissection on 30 human cadavers (group B).ResultsThe anterior ethmoidal artery was demonstrated on computed tomography in 25 patients and intra-operatively in 12 (group A). It was identified in 26 cadavers (group B). Dehiscence of bony canal and branching was noted in 10.53 per cent of cases. The mean (± standard deviation) intranasal length of the anterior ethmoidal artery was 7.29 (± 1.21) mm, the distance of the artery from the axilla of the middle turbinate was 16.24 (± 2.75) mm, and the mean distance from the ground lamella was 8.97 (± 1.46) mm.ConclusionHigh-resolution computed tomography scanning prior to functional endoscopic sinus surgery is mandatory to identify the anterior ethmoidal artery. Endoscopically, the axilla of the middle turbinate and the ground lamella can serve as dependable reference points to identify the artery. Cadaver dissection improves understanding of anatomy.

Purpose To examine the morphological and hemodynamic changes of the ophthalmic artery (OA) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods This cross-sectional observational study included 31 patients with ACS and 10 healthy controls (HCs). The ACS subgroups were ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI; n = 10), non-STEMI (n = 10), and unstable angina (n = 11). OA three-dimensional (3D) models were reconstructed based on computed tomographic angiography, and morphological aspects of the OA were measured quantitatively. Moreover, numerical simulation by computational fluid dynamics was used to obtain hemodynamic information of the OA. Results The study reconstructed 41 OA models. Hemodynamic simulation revealed a significant decrease in OA blood velocity in patients with ACS compared with the HCs (median velocity, 0.046 vs. 0.147 m/s; P < 0.001). No differences in the morphological data for the OA were observed. Also, no differences in the mass flow ratio of OA to the ipsilateral internal carotid artery was found. Similar differences were observed between the ACS subgroups and HCs. OA blood velocity was negatively correlated with body mass index, abdominal circumference, left ventricular ejection fraction, and triacylglycerol and was positively correlated with early to late transmitral flow velocity, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, serum creatinine, and potassium. Conclusions The initial OA blood velocity was slower in patients with ACS and was associated with ACS-related clinical parameters. To our knowledge, this is the first study to analyze OA characteristics in ACS using 3D model reconstruction and hemodynamic simulation, providing new perspectives on the relationship between ischemic heart disease and ocular manifestations.

Aim: Resistive index of ophthalmic artery (RI-OA) is associated with atherosclerotic diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of RI-OA and hypertension-related vascular and kidney damage. Materials and methods: Two-hundred and eighty hypertensive patients underwent evaluation of RI-OA, carotid atherosclerosis and level of 24 h albuminuria. Results: Albuminuria and carotid atherosclerosis were positively associated with RI-OA independently of other cardiovascular risk factors. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis allowed us to calculate a cut-off value of RI-OA >0.625, which would be suspicious about the existence of atherosclerotic disease. Conclusion: The ophthalmic vascular circulation allows to study connections between macro- and microcirculation in vivo. RI-OA could be a useful marker for a better stratification of the risk of developing kidney and cardiovascular disease.

Background The continuous development of microsurgical techniques to treat lesions in and around the optic canal (OC) emphasizes the need for an accurate understanding of the microanatomy of the region. Methods Forty anatomic specimens were studied, with emphasis on the OC. The sphenoid bone and related structures were decalcified, added to animal gelatin, cut into 1-mm thick slices, and observed through a surgical microscope. The OC was considered the course that contained exclusively the optic nerve (ON) and ophthalmic artery. Results The mean distance between the medial walls of the OC was 12.2 mm, and the OC had an average length of 12.06 mm. The OC has a horizontal oval shape in the proximal (internal) segment; a round shape in the middle segment; and a vertical oval shape in the distal (external) segment at the orbital cavity. In the middle segment of the OC, the thickest wall of the OC was the lateral (average: 0.68 mm), while the medial, inferior, and superior wall measures had averages of 0.75, 0.40, and 0.39 mm, respectively. The lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus is located under the OC, and the inferior wall of the OC separates both structures. The ophthalmic artery inside the OC was always located under the ON, between the dural sheaths, and had an average diameter of 1.03 mm. Conclusions The neurovascular structures within the OC vary in size and shape. The anatomic knowledge of the OC and its variations allows better surgical results and minimizes the surgical morbidity.

To report a case of simultaneous bilateral ophthalmic artery occlusion in diagnosed giant cell arteritis (GCA).A 77-year-old male patient presented to the emergency department with simultaneous vision loss in both eyes for 3 hours. Headache at both temples and jaw claudication had been present for 3 weeks. Laboratory values demonstrated an initially increased C-reactive protein (CRP) of 202.0 mg/L and an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of 100 mm within the first 20 minutes. Duplex sonography of the right and left temporal arteries revealed a "halo sign." A case of GCA was suspected, and intravenous high-dose methylprednisolone therapy was immediately administered. The clinical examination revealed a bilateral central retinal artery occlusion and fluorescein angiography showed a hot optic disc in the right eye and patchy choroidal hypoperfusion in both eyes. Biopsy of the left temporal artery was performed, which confirmed a florid temporal arteritis with complete thrombotic occlusion of the vascular lumen. Despite a good response to the administered therapy (CRP 17.0 mg/L 1 week after initiation), the visual prognosis was significantly limited through retinal and optic nerve involvement. By the follow-up examination 8 weeks later, the near visual acuity was 20/400 in the right and left eye at a distance of 16 inches.We hereby present a simultaneous bilateral ophthalmic artery occlusion as a rare complication of GCA. The combination of central retinal artery occlusion, arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, and choroidal hypoperfusion suggests an acute inflammatory involvement of the ophthalmic artery. In cases of the slightest suspicion of giant cell arteritis, an immediate high-dose steroid therapy initiation is of utmost importance.Wir berichten über einen Patienten mit gleichzeitig aufgetretenem Verschluss beider Aa. ophthalmicae bei diagnostizierter Riesenzellarteriitis.Ein 77-jähriger männlicher Patient stellte sich in der Notaufnahme mit gleichzeitigem Sehverlust auf beiden Augen vor, der seit 3 Stunden bestehe. Kopf- und Kauschmerzen waren seit 3 Wochen vorhanden. Die Laborwerte zeigten ein initial erhöhtes C-reaktives Protein (CRP) von 202,0 mg/l und eine Erythrozytensedimentationsrate (ESR) von 100 mm innerhalb der ersten 20 Minuten. Die Duplexsonografie der rechten und linken A. temporalis zeigte ein „Halo-Zeichen“ und bei Verdacht einer Riesenzellarteriitis wurde eine sofortige intravenöse hochdosierte Methylprednisolon-Therapie eingeleitet. Die klinische Untersuchung ergab einen beidseitigen Zentralarterienverschluss und die Fluoreszenzangiografie zeigte eine Leckage der Papille des rechten Auges sowie eine choroidale Hypoperfusion an beiden Augen. Es wurde eine Biopsie der linken Temporalarterie durchgeführt, die eine floride Arteriitis temporalis mit vollständigem thrombotischem Verschluss des Gefäßlumens bestätigte. Trotz eines guten Ansprechens auf die verabreichte Therapie (CRP 17,0 mg/l 1 Woche nach Beginn) war die Sehprognose durch Netzhaut- und Sehnervenbeteiligung deutlich eingeschränkt. Bei der Nachuntersuchung 8 Wochen später lag der Nahvisus bei 1/20 bei der Lesetafel am rechten und linken Auge.Wir stellen hier einen gleichzeitigen bilateralen Verschluss der A. ophthalmica als seltene Komplikation der Riesenzellarteriitis vor. Die Kombination aus Zentralarterienverschluss, arteriitischer anteriorer ischämischer Optikusneuropathie und choroidaler Hypoperfusion lässt auf eine akute entzündliche Beteiligung der A. ophthalmica schließen. Bei dem geringsten Verdacht auf eine Riesenzellarteriitis ist die sofortige Einleitung einer hochdosierten Steroidtherapie von größter Bedeutung.

Background To determine differential diagnosis and visual outcomes of patients with no light perception (NLP) vision related to neuro-ophthalmic conditions. Methods Retrospective case series of patients seen at tertiary neuro-ophthalmology practices. Patients were included if they had NLP vision any time during their clinical course. Outcome measures were final diagnosis, treatment, and visual outcome. Results Seventy-two eyes of 65 patients were included. The average age was 57.6 (range 18-93) years, and 58% were women. The Most common diagnosis (21 patients) was compressive optic neuropathy (CON) with meningioma being the most common culprit (12). Other diagnoses included optic neuritis (ON) (11 patients), infiltrative optic neuropathies (8), posterior ischemic optic neuropathy (7), nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (4), arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (3), ophthalmic artery occlusion (3), nonorganic vision loss (3), radiation-induced optic neuropathy (2), cortical vision loss (1), retinitis pigmentosa with optic disc drusen (1), and infectious optic neuropathy (1). Ten patients recovered vision: 7 ON, 2 infiltrative optic neuropathy, and 1 CON. Corticosteroids accelerated vision recovery in 7 of the 11 patients with ON to mean 20/60 (0.48 logMAR) over 9.0 ± 8.6 follow-up months. Eleven patients deteriorated to NLP after presenting with at least LP; their diagnoses included CON (3), ophthalmic artery occlusion (2), infiltration (2), ON (1), posterior ischemic optic neuropathy (1), arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (1), and radiation-induced optic neuropathy (1). Conclusions NLP vision may occur because of various diagnoses. Vision recovery was mainly seen in patients with ON. Serious systemic conditions may present or relapse with NLP vision, which clinicians should consider as an alarming sign in patients with known malignancies.

PURPOSE Although moyamoya disease primarily affects the carotid artery in the ophthalmic artery bifurcation area, retinal vascular abnormalities in moyamoya disease have rarely been reported. The purpose of this report is to describe clinical findings of patients with retinal vascular occlusion in patients with moyamoya disease and present its clinical significance. METHODS We reviewed and analyzed patients with moyamoya disease with retinal vascular occlusions. For this, a retrospective medical chart review was performed in a tertiary medical center and a literature search was performed using PubMed and EMBASE until September 2020. RESULTS Patients with retinal artery occlusion (RAO) were significantly younger than patients with retinal vein occlusion (25.0 vs. 40.1 years, P = 0.023). Of 14 patients, retinal vascular occlusion was the presenting sign of moyamoya disease in 8 (57.1%) patients. The occlusion site at the carotid artery was proximal to the ophthalmic artery bifurcation area in 8 (57.1%) patients. Legal blindness occurred in 8 (57.1%) patients at final visits. CONCLUSION Retinal vascular occlusion is a rare but sight-threatening ocular complication in patients with moyamoya disease. Overall, younger age may be a risk factor for RAO, whereas older age for retinal vein occlusion. Retinal vascular occlusion can be an important indicator of moyamoya disease screening, especially in relatively younger and healthy patients.

A 40-year-old man presented with acute-onset painless visual loss after preoperative embolization for a large skull base meningioma through the ophthalmic artery. We describe the clinical presentation of an isolated ipsilateral afferent and efferent pupillary defect in this patient who had radiographic documentation of embolization material in the intraorbital ophthalmic artery. Although ophthalmic and retinal artery occlusions have been described previously after endovascular embolization, our patient had a unique clinicoradiologic presentation.

Objective Retinal artery occlusion (RAO) is rarely seen as a complication in patients undergoing carotid artery stenting (CAS); hence, its characteristics have not been documented in detail. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of this complication and the related risk factors, focusing on differences in ophthalmic artery (OA) supply (whether by the external or internal carotid artery [ECA or ICA]) prior to CAS procedures. Materials and methods We retrospectively examined 342 patients who underwent CAS for severe and/or symptomatic carotid artery stenosis between January 2009 and December 2017. Cumulative medical records and radiologic data were assessed. RAO was confirmed by photography and fluorescent angiography of the fundus, which were performed by an ophthalmologist. In all patients, distal filter systems of various types were applied as cerebral protection devices (CPDs) during procedures. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify the risk factors for RAO after CAS. Results Symptomatic RAO was observed in six patients (1.8%), of which five (6.8%) were ECA-dominant group members (n = 74). In a binary logistic regression analysis, OA supply by the ECA (odds ratio [OR], 9.705; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.519-62.017; p = 0.016) and older age (OR, 1.159; 95% CI, 1.005-1.336; p = 0.041) were identified as significant risk factors in patients with RAO after CAS. ECA-supplied OA was also associated with the severity of ipsilateral ICA stenosis (p = 0.001) and ulcerative plaque (p = 0.021). Conclusion In procedures performed using ICA distal filtering CPD systems, RAO as a complication of CAS (performed for severe stenosis) showed a relationship to ECA-supplied OA. For older patients, simultaneous use of ICA-ECA CPDs might help prevent such complications.

We report two pediatric retinoblastoma patients with unusual ophthalmic artery (OA) origins who were referred to our interventional neuroradiology department for intraarterial chemotherapy. The first patient had double OAs arising from the ipsilateral internal carotid artery and a central retinal artery (CRA) arising from the more cranially located artery, whereas the second patient had an OA originating from the A1 segment of the ipsilateral anterior cerebral artery. In both cases the CRA arose from the artery entering the orbit through the optic foramen. Both patients tolerated the procedures well. To the best of our knowledge, our retinoblastoma patients with unusual OA origins are the first in the literature in which detailed knowledge of the orbital vasculature and especially CRA origin carried immediate clinical implications, altering access strategies. These variations were proved both by flat-panel detector computed tomography findings and superselective injections of OAs with unusual origins. Our results show that in patients with retinoblastoma, a detailed angiographic work-up may be necessary to evaluate the orbital vasculature and possible abnormal origin of the OA. Recognition of possible variations of OA origin and its branching patterns is of the utmost importance for successful treatment and avoidance of adverse events among retinoblastoma patients.

Background Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) with perimedullary venous drainage are very rare intracranial DAVFs. Treating DAVF via an endovascular electrocoagulation technique, to the best of our knowledge, has not been reported in the literature. We therefore report the first successful case. Case Description We report a rare case of Cognard type V DAVF. The feeding arteries were the middle meningeal artery, the recurrent meningeal branch of ophthalmic artery, and the meningohypophyseal trunk. The patient presented with paresthesia and weakness in the lower limbs. T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging revealed a high signal in the medulla oblongata and upper cervical spinal cord. Our first procedure via the middle meningeal artery with Onyx 18 (ev3 Neurovascular) as the embolization agent failed to occlude the fistula. We finally occluded the fistula with the endovascular electro-coagulation technique. Two-year follow-up revealed total disappearance of the fistula and relieve of patient's symptoms. Conclusions The endovascular electrocoagulation technique is very effective in the management of complex DAVFs with perimedullary venous drainage.

It has been shown in the literature that the Valsalva manoeuvre influences ocular perfusion by changing intraocular pressure and central retinal venous pressure (CRVP). High-resistance wind instrument (HRWI) playing is a common situation resembling a Valsalva manoeuvre. The aim of this investigation was to explore the influence of amateur trumpet playing on CRVP. The left eyes of 20 healthy non-professional trumpet players (median age 26, range 19–52 years; 17 males, 3 females) were included in this investigation. Subjects, sitting at a slit lamp, were asked to play the tone b’ flat with their own mouthpiece on the same trumpet for at least 30 s with moderate loudness. The following data were obtained: intraocular pressure (IOP) by applanation tonometry before and during playing, CRVP by contact lens dynamometry before and during playing, airway pressure (AirP) using a pressure sensor during playing and blood pressure and heart rate using the common cuff method before and during playing. The results are presented as the medians before vs during playing: a calculated mean ophthalmic artery pressure of 66 vs 72 mmHg, heart rate of 76 vs 82 beats per minute, airway pressure of 0 vs 17 mmHg, IOP 12 vs 13 mmHg and CRVP of 24 vs 55 mmHg (Wilcoxon test: p = 0.00009), respectively. A correlation between the CRVP during playing and the height of the spontaneous CRVP is noted (Spearman rank correlation coefficient: ρ = 0.68). Amateur trumpet playing increases CRVP, airway pressure and IOP. The increase in CRVP is greater than that of the intraocular pressure. The increase in CRVP seems to be more important for retinal perfusion changes during trumpet playing than the increase of IOP. It can be hypothesised that high airway pressure during playing may cause a permanent increase in CRVP, at least in a subgroup of trumpet players.

The interoptic triangle (IOT) offers a key access to the contralateral carotid artery’s ophthalmic segment (oICA) and its perforating branches (PB), the ophthalmic artery (OA), and the superior hypophyseal artery (SHA). It has been previously reported that the assessment of IOT’s size is relevant when attempting approaches to the contralateral oICA. However, previous studies have overseen that, since the oICA is a paramedian structure and a lateralized contralateral approach trajectory is then required, the real access to the oICA is further limited by the approach angle adopted by the surgeon with respect to the IOT’s plane. For this reason, we determined the surgical accessibility to the contralateral oICA and its branches though the IOT by characterizing the morphometry of this triangle relative to the optimal contralateral approach angle. We defined the “relative interoptic triangle” (rIOT) as the two-dimensional projection of the IOT to the surgeon’s view, when the microscope has been positioned with a certain angle with respect to the midline to allow the maximal contralateral oICA visualization. We correlated the surface of the rIOT to the visualization of oICA, OA, SHA, and PBs on 8 cadavers and 10 clinical datasets, using for the last a 3D-virtual reality system. A larger rIOT correlated positively with the exposure of the contralateral oICA (R = 0.967, p

Objective Intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) is now the first line treatment for selected patients with retinoblastoma (Rb). Typically, IAC is infused following the selective catheterization of the ophthalmic artery (OA) on the affected side. However, in some patients, the OA alone may not provide vascular supply to the tumor, whereas in other instances the efficacy of IAC could be compromised due to the presence of prominent collateral vessels from the external carotid artery (ECA). We report our experience with catheterizing vessels other than the OA for IAC treatment for Rb. Methods After institutional review board approval, a retrospective analysis was conducted of electronic medical records and imaging of our Rb population. Results We identified 13 patients who received IAC for Rb treatment. Of these, five patients required alternative methods of chemotherapy delivery other than through the OA, totaling 17 treatments. Two patients needed balloon-assisted occlusion of the ECA, two patients required selective catheterization of the middle meningeal artery, and one patient had no internal carotid artery supply to the choroidal blush, thus the superficial temporal artery provided access for IAC. Total globe salvage rate was 76% and 80% with the alternative route subset. Conclusions Alternatives to the OA may be necessary to deliver IAC for selected cases of Rb. These routes can be safe and effective. However, thorough understanding of the orbital blood supply is essential. Whether these alternative IAC methods result in similar outcomes to OA infusions has not been established.

We aimed to investigate how orbital blood flow rates in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are affected by the active and remission phase of the disease. This prospective study included a total of 56 patients with RA (study group) and 24 control individuals (control group). All RA patients were divided into two groups, as active (Group 1) and remission (Group 2) according to the disease activity index (DAS 28) score. For each eye, retrobulbar vascular structures were evaluated [central retinal artery (CRA), posterior ciliary artery (PCA), and ophthalmic artery (OA)], respectively. The peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end-diastolic velocity (EDV) values were obtained for each artery and the vascular resistance index (RI) measurement was calculated. The median RI of the OA was 0.70 (0.57; 0.79) in the control group, 0.77 (0.55; 0.87) in group 1, and 0.73 (0.47; 0.87) in group 2. The median RI in the PCA was 0.70 (0.56; 0.82) in the control group, 0.76 (0.52; 0.88) in the group 1, and 0.74 (0.52; 0.86) in the group 2. The median RI of CRA was 0.73 (0.48; 0.81) in the control group, 0.71 (0.64; 0.81) in group 1, and 0.68 (0.61; 0.85) in group 2. The RI value was a significant difference between control and group 1 (p