Imaging features of ultra-wide field fundus autofluorescence in multiple evanescent white dot syndrome

Abstract

Objective To observe the imaging features of ultra-wide field short wave fundus autofluorescence (SW-FAF) in eyes with multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS), and analysis the correspondence to conventional images. Methods It was a retrospective case series study. Thirteen patients (14 eyes) diagnosed with MEWDS were enrolled. There were 12 females and 1 male, aged from 22 to 57 years, mean age was 34.5 years. All the eyes underwent fundus color photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and ultra-wide field autofluorescence (FAF). Simultaneous fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) were performed in 6 eyes. The characteristic changes of SW-FAF in studied eyes were observed and compared with the images of FFA and ICGA. All the eyes were followed up every 1 to 2 weeks, with an average of 16.7 weeks. The characteristic images of SW-FAF and corresponding OCT were studied during follow up. Results MEWDS presented with numerous multiple hyper-autofluorescent spots, sized from 50 - 500 μm, with a vague boundary in ultra-wide field SW-FAF. These spots located mainly at the peripapillary area and the posterior pole with a confluent pattern. The lesions extended to the mid-peripheral retina as well and became more scattered. The distribution of the hyper-autofluorescent lesions in SW-FAF corresponded roughly to that of the greyish-white spots seen in color photograph and the hyper-fluorescent spots detected by FFA. It was consistent with the distribution of hypo-fluorescent spots in late-phase ICGA as well. But the number of the spot showed in FAF is much more than that in FFA, and slightly less than that in ICGA. The OCT scans through the hyper-autofluorescent lesions in SW-FAF showed impairment of outer retina. After the recovery, the hyper-autofluorescent spots disappeared with the outer retina structure repaired completely. Conclusions MEWDS presented with numerous multiple hyper-autofluorescent spots which located mainly at the peripapillary area in ultra-wide field SW-FAF. The distribution of the hyper-autofluorescent lesions in SW-FAF corresponded roughly to color photograph, FFA and ICGA in late-phase. The OCT scans through the hyper-autofluorescent lesions in SW-FAF showed impairment of outer retina. Key words: Retinal diseases/diagnosis; Fluorescein angiography; Indocyanine green; Tomography, optical coherence; Diagnostic imaging