Hyperreflective band in the ganglion cell layer in retinitis pigmentosa.

Abstract

To describe a sign that takes the form of a continuous hyperreflective band within the thickness of the ganglion cell layer (GCL), thus dubbed the "hyperreflective ganglion cell layer band" (HGB), which we detected in a fraction of patients affected by retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) images of RP patients examined between May 2015 and June 2021 were retrospectively reviewed for the presence of HGB, epiretinal membrane (ERM), macular hole and cystoid macular edema (CME). The ellipsoid zone (EZ) width was also measured. A subgroup of patients underwent microperimetry in the central 2°,4° and 10°. One hundred forty-four eyes from 77 subjects were included in the study. HGB was present in 39 (25.3%) RP eyes. Mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.39 ± 0.05 logMAR (approximately 20/50 Snellen equivalent) and 0.18 ± 0.03 logMAR (approximately 20/32 Snellen equivalent) in eyes with and without HGB, respectively (p < 0.001). The two groups did not differ with regard to EZ width, mean 2°, 4° and 10° retinal sensitivity, and prevalence of CME, ERM and macular hole. The multivariable analysis showed the presence of HGB to be a predictor of poorer BCVA (p<0.001). HGB is an OCT finding detectable in approximately a quarter of RP eyes and is associated with a poorer visual function. In the discussion, we speculate about possible morphogenetic scenarios to explain this observation.