Avni P. Finn

Bio: Avni P. Finn is an academic researcher from Vanderbilt University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Ophthalmology & Etiology. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 3 publications receiving 7 citations.

Retinal vessels modifications in acute and post-COVID-19.

Abstract: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 primarily affecting the respiratory system which can damage vessels walls virtually in any body district. Changes affecting retinal vessels are a good marker for systemic vascular alterations. This study investigated retinal vessels during the acute phase of COVID-19 and after patients recovery. Fifty-nine eyes from 32 COVID-19 patients and 80 eyes from 53 unexposed subjects were included. Mean arteries diameter (MAD) and mean veins diameter (MVD) were assessed through semi-automatic analysis on fundus color photos at baseline and 6 months later in patients and subjects unexposed to the virus. At baseline MAD and MVD were significantly higher in COVID-19 patients compared to unexposed subjects (p < 0.0001). Both MAD and MVD significantly decreased in COVID-19 patients at follow-up (from 97.5 ± 10.9 to 92.2 ± 11.4 µm, p < 0.0001 and from 133.1 ± 19.3 to 124.6 ± 16.1 µm, p < 0.0001, respectively). Despite this reduction vessels diameter remained significantly higher in severe COVID-19 patients compared to unexposed subjects. Transient retinal vessels dilation could serve a biomarker for systemic inflammation while long-lasting alterations seen in severe COVID-19 likely reflect irreversible structural damage to the vessels walls and should be further investigated for their possible effects on tissues perfusion and function.

Retinal and choroidal manifestations of COVID-19.

Abstract: Purpose of review The novel coronavirus disease in 2019 (COVID-19) has a wide range of systemic manifestations. Ocular manifestations are now well recognized, with conjunctivitis being the most common. Posterior segment involvement is uncommon and has mainly been described in case reports. This review provides an overview of the posterior segment involvement of COVID-19. Recent findings Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 affects the retina and the choroid through either direct entry or triggering an indirect inflammatory response. Majority of the retinal findings is a result of microvascular derangement leading to cotton wool spots, intraretinal hemorrhages, paracentral acute middle maculopathy, acute macular neuroretinopathy, or retinal vein occlusions. Rarely, inflammation involving the retina or the choroid, or reactivation of previously quiescent uveitis, can be seen. Summary It is important to recognize the possible correlation between ophthalmic conditions and COVID-19 as it can aid in diagnosis, management, and mitigation of the disease.

Central Retinal Vein Occlusion in patients with COVID-19 infection: A systematic review.

Abstract: This systematic review summarizes the evidence on patients diagnosed with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) secondary to COVID-19. We searched PubMed and Google Scholar from its inception till June 2021. From an initial 55 publications, 10 studies provided specific information on COVID-19 patients with CRVO. Studies described 10 patients, 60% were male and the mean age was 39.3 ± 11.6 years. Blurred vision (40%) and decreased vision (50%) were the most common presenting complain. Symptom onset ranged from 5 days to 6 weeks after initial complaint of fever. Laboratory results showed elevated inflammatory markers and D-dimers in 60% of patients included in our review. Common treatment options were intravitreal anti-VEGF injections, steroids, and anticoagulants. Traditional co-morbidities like diabetes mellites, hypertension, and morbid obesity (hyperlipidemia) were observed in only 3/10 patients. The prognosis was excellent as all patients saw improvement in their condition. Our findings highlight the importance of identifying CRVO as an important complication of COVID-19 infection. Thus, physicians should not overlook the likelihood of CRVO in patients with COVID-19 infection and offer prompt treatment.

Characterizing covid-19–related retinal vascular occlusions

Abstract: To describe clinical and ophthalmologic features and outcomes of patients with coronavirus disease-19 with retinal vascular occlusions.Retrospective multicenter case series and PubMed review of cases reported from March 2020 to September 2021. Outcome measures are as follows: type of occlusion, treatments, best-corrected visual acuity, and central macular thickness on optical coherence tomography.Thirty-nine patients were identified. Fifteen patients with a median age of 39 (30-67) years were included in the multicenter study. Vascular occlusions included central retinal vein occlusion (12 eyes), branch retinal vein occlusion (4 eyes), and central retinal artery occlusion (2 eyes). Three cases were bilateral. Baseline best-corrected visual acuity was 20/45 (no light perception-20/20). Baseline central macular thickness was 348.64 (±83) μm. Nine eyes received anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents, dexamethasone intravitreal implant, or both. Final best-corrected visual acuity was 20/25 (no light perception-20/20), and central macular thickness was 273.7 ± 68 μm (follow-up of 19.6 ± 6 weeks). Among the 24 cases from the literature review, retinal vein occlusion was the predominant lesion. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were similar to those found in our series.Coronavirus disease-19-associated retinal vascular occlusions tend to occur in individuals younger than 60 years. Retinal vein occlusion is the most frequent occlusive event, and outcomes are favorable in most cases.