Localization and quantitation of blood-retinal barrier breakdown in experimental proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the contribution of the breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier (BRB) as measured with magnetic resonance imaging in the development of retinal detachment in an experimental model of proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

METHODS

Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging was used to evaluate BRB breakdown in an intravitreal cell-injection model of proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Intravitreal injection of 2.5 x 10(5) homologous dermal fibroblasts produced specific disruption of the inner, or vascular, BRB.

RESULTS

Breakdown of the BRB was greatest in the first 3 days after injection, confirming previous work using fluorescein-based methods. Injection of 1 mg of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide at the time of cell injection significantly reduced both BRB breakdown and the incidence of eventual traction retinal detachment. Eyes that did develop detachment had significantly greater leakage prior to its development than those that did not, regardless of steroid treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Quantitation and definitive localization of BRB leakage with magnetic resonance imaging provides a better understanding of the relationship between BRB compromise and the development of retinal detachment in this frequently used model.