[Evaluation of the efficacy of intravitreal gas injection for submacular hemorrhages].

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal gas injection for submacular hemorrhages(SMH).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

The records of 29 patients with SMH, who were treated by pneumatic displacement with expansile gas, were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULT:

In observable cases, SMH had started moving within five days after the procedure. After 6 months visual acuity had been improved 2 or more lines in 23 eyes(79%). The causes of SMH were age-related macular degeneration (17 eyes) and microaneurysm (12 eyes). The larger the size of SMH, had the greater the risk of developing vitreous hemorrhage. Twelve eyes of the 29 eyes required vitrectomy owing to vitreous hemorrhage, insufficient removal of SMH, etc. but this pneumatic procedure often eliminated the need for vitrectomy. The visual acuity of the patients with additional vitrectomy was improved with only pneumatic displacement. None of the patients had serious complications with this pneumatic procedure and the vitrectomy.

CONCLUSION:

The first choice for SMH is intravitreal gas injection which saves foveal function, and improves the prognosis for better vision.

• Authors: Kosaku Sawada, Toshihide Ikeda, Tomohito Oyagi, Takahide Okita, Daisaku Kashimoto, Hajime Bando, Shinichi Morita, Nagakazu Matsumura, Kenji Sawada, Eriko Toyoda, Chikako Ueno, Kazuyuki Emi
• Journal: Nippon Ganka Gakkai zasshi (Nippon Ganka Gakkai Zasshi) Vol. 112 Issue 4 Pg. 382-8 (Apr 2008) ISSN: 0029-0203 [Print] Japan
• PMID: 18444418 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Gases
• Sulfur Hexafluoride

Topics

• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Female
• Gases (administration & dosage)
• Humans
• Injections
• Macula Lutea
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Retinal Hemorrhage (therapy)
• Retrospective Studies
• Sulfur Hexafluoride (administration & dosage)
• Vitreous Body