Colour Doppler imaging to evaluate the action of a drug in ocular pathology

Abstract

Colour Doppler imaging is a recent advance in ultrasonography. It allows simultaneous two-dimensional imaging of structures and evaluation of blood flow. Retinal vascular pathologies, macular degeneration, endobulbar tumours, and ischaemic vascular diseases can be analyzed by colour Doppler imaging. Moreover, it offers the possibility of evaluating the vascular effects of a drug and to monitor them in time. We have, therefore, carried out a study using colour Doppler imaging to evaluate a drug capable of acting on the vascular wall in patients with macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy. The results show that this drug, obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis of bovine factor VIII (Vueffe; Laboratory Baldacci S.p.A., Pisa, Italy), induces a significant increase in blood flow and in retinal central artery systolic speed.