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 prol iferative vitreoretinopathy. Methods: Contrast-enhanced magnetic reson ance imaging was used to evaluate BRB breakdown in an intravitreal cel l-injection model of proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Intravitreal inj ection of 2.5 X 10(5) homologous dermal fibroblasts produced specific disruption of the inner, or vascular, BRB. Results: Breakdown of the B RB was greatest in the first 3 days after injection, confirming previo us work using fluorescein-based methods. Injection of 1 mg of intravit real triamcinolone acetonide at the time of cell injection significant ly reduced both BRB breakdown and the incidence of eventual traction r etinal detachment. Eyes that did develop detachment had significantly greater leakage prior to its development than those that did not, rega rdless 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 t he development of retinal detachment in this frequently used model.