Efficacy of Suprachoroidal Triamcinolone Acetonide in Macular Edema Secondary to Retinal Vascular Disorders: An Analysis of a Cohort

Abstract

Background: Suprachoroidal triamcinolone acetonide (SCTA) is a posterior-segment corticosteroid delivery option for macular edema. This study examined short-term anatomical, functional and safety outcomes in diabetic macular edema (DME), branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) and central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).

Methods: In this prospective, single-arm interventional case series, one eye per patient received an initial SCTA injection (4 mg/0.1 mL). Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA, logMAR), central macular thickness (CMT, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography) and intraocular pressure (IOP) were assessed at baseline, 1 month and 3 months. Repeated measurements and diagnostic subgroups were compared using nonparametric tests.

Results: The 652 eyes comprised 349 DME (53.5%), 195 BRVO (29.9%) and 108 CRVO (16.6%) eyes. Mean CMT changed from 484.5 ± 118.9 µm at baseline to 326.4 ± 98.8 µm at 1 month and 359.9 ± 110.1 µm at 3 months (Friedman p < 0.001). Mean BCVA changed from 0.80 ± 0.23 to 0.67 ± 0.26 and 0.69 ± 0.27 logMAR, respectively (p < 0.001). At month 3, 475 eyes (72.9%) achieved a ≥20% CMT reduction and 156 (23.9%) gained ≥2 lines. Reinjection for persistent or recurrent edema occurred in 185 eyes (28.4%). IOP >21 mmHg occurred in 89 eyes (13.7%); 55 (8.4%) required antiglaucoma drops. No endophthalmitis or retinal detachment was reported.

Conclusion: SCTA treatment was associated with improved CMT and BCVA over 3 months, with the greatest mean improvement at 1 month. Retreatment and IOP monitoring remain clinically relevant, and the uncontrolled design precludes comparative efficacy claims.

Keywords: suprachoroidal injection; triamcinolone acetonide; diabetic macular edema; retinal vein occlusion; optical coherence tomography