Objective To observe the safety of 2-port non-vitrectomized subretinal injection (SRI) for the treatment of Bietti crystalline dystrophy (BCD). Methods A exploratory clinical study. From February to May 2023, 6 BCD patients with 6 eyes who were confirmed by examination in Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University and were treated with SRI adeno-associated virus vector transgenic drugs were included in the study. Among them, 2 males had 2 eyes and 4 females had 4 eyes. Age were 34-60 years old. The study eye underwent adeno associated virus gene therapy via 2-port non-vitrectomized SRI. Two scleral ports were created using 25G vitrectomy trocar to place the light pipe and injection cannula. Anterior chamber paracentesis was performed to lower intraocular pressure. Under the silicone oil infusion mode of the vitrectomy machine, a 38G injection cannula penetrated the retina to reach the subretinal space. The injection speed was controlled by the foot pedal of the vitrectomy machine, and the drug was slowly injected into the subretinal space to create a subretinal bleb. if intra-ocular pressure assessed by finger palpation was high at the end of injection, drainage of the aqueous humor can be made by compressing the cornea incision until the intraocular pressure was normal. Patients were followed for 9-12 months and be examined using the same equipment and methods as before. Results Retinal pigment epithelium and choroidal atrophy were observed in all 6 eyes of 6 patients were graded as stage Ⅲ by the fundus examination revealing atrophy of retinal pigmented epithelium and choroid, with or without yellow-white crystals and/or complex lipid. The range were operation time 9-14 minutes. No vitreous prolapse, retinal hemorrhage, or retinal tear was observed during surgery. After 24 hours, optical coherence tomogrophy examination showed absorption of subretinal fluid and retinal reattachment. None of the six patients showed corneal keratic precipitates, anterior chamber cells, vitreous cells, inflammation, high intraocular pressure, or retinal tear within the 9-month follow-up. Conclusion Subretinal injection without vitrectomy using two ports is a safe and feasible alternative for adult gene therapy, and it shortens the surgical time.

Citation： Luo Xiangdong, Chen Xiuju, Gong Songjian, Li Xiaoxin. Two-port subretinal injection without vitrectomy for the treatment of Bietti crystalline dystrophy. Chinese Journal of Ocular Fundus Diseases, 2024, 40(6): 429-433. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn511434-20240109-00012 Copy