Diffuse Retinal Pigment Research Articles

Central Serous Chorioretinopathy. A Review.

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is adisease characterized by serous detachment of the neuroretina, especially in the posterior pole of the eye. It is often accompanied by serous detachment of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and associated with the leakage of fluid into the subretinal space through the defective RPE. CSC most often affects men of working age. The exact pathophysiology of the disease is not completely known. Based on indocyanine green angiography (ICG), which revealed increased permeability of choroidal vessels, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) showing increased choroidal thickness, choroidal vasculopathy is assumed to be the primary cause of CSC. In most cases, CSC has agood prognosis with spontaneous resorption of the subretinal fluid (SRF) and improvement of visual functions. However, in asmall percentage of patients the disease progresses to achronic or recurrent course, and can lead to irreversible functional and anatomical changes of the retina with afinal clinical picture of diffuse retinal pigment epitheliopathy (DRPE). The optimal treatment approach for patients with CSC remains controversial. In recent decades, myriad therapeutic approaches have been used in the treatment of chronic forms of CSC (cCSC); these included for example laser photocoagulation, pharmaceutical treatment, standard photodynamic therapy (PDT) or anti-VEGF. In recent years aless destructive method, specifically PDT in reduced dose regimens, either with areduced dose of verteporfin or the laser beam energy used, has been preferred in the treatment of cCSC. Comparable efficacy and safety has been demonstrated using reduced-dose or reduced-fluence PDT regimens in patients with cCSC, with an improvement in best-corrected visual acuity and reduction of SRF.

Central Serous Chorioretinopathy. A Review

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a disease characterized by serous detachment of the neuroretina, especially in the posterior pole of the eye. It is often accompanied by serous detachment of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and associated with the leakage of fluid into the subretinal space through the defective RPE. CSC most often affects men of working age. The exact pathophysiology of the disease is not completely known. Based on indocyanine green angiography (ICG), which revealed increased permeability of choroidal vessels, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) showing increased choroidal thickness, choroidal vasculopathy is assumed to be the primary cause of CSC. In most cases, CSC has a good prognosis with spontaneous resorption of the subretinal fluid (SRF) and improvement of visual functions. However, in a small percentage of patients the disease progresses to a chronic or recurrent course, and can lead to irreversible functional and anatomical changes of the retina with a final clinical picture of diffuse retinal pigment epitheliopathy (DRPE). The optimal treatment approach for patients with CSC remains controversial. In recent decades, myriad therapeutic approaches have been used in the treatment of chronic forms of CSC (cCSC); these included for example laser photocoagulation, pharmaceutical treatment, standard photodynamic therapy (PDT) or anti-VEGF. In recent years a less destructive method, specifically PDT in reduced dose regimens, either with a reduced dose of verteporfin or the laser beam energy used, has been preferred in the treatment of cCSC. Comparable efficacy and safety has been demonstrated using reduced-dose or reduced-fluence PDT regimens in patients with cCSC, with an improvement in best-corrected visual acuity and reduction of SRF.

Retinitis pigmentosa in Laurence-Moon-Bardet-Biedl syndrome in India: Electronic medical records driven big data analytics: Report II.

Purpose:To describe the clinical presentation and demographic distribution of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in Laurence–Moon–Bardet–Biedl (LMBB) syndrome patients.Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational hospital-based study wherein 244 patients with RP in LMBB syndrome presenting to our hospital network between March 2012 and October 2020 were included. An electronic medical record database was used for data retrieval.Results: There were 244 patients in total, with a hospital-based prevalence rate of 0.010% or 1000/100,000 population. The mean and median age of patients was 15.22 ± 7.56 and 14 (IQR: 10–18.5) years, respectively, with the majority being in the age group of 11–20 years (133/244 patients; 54.50%). Males were more commonly affected (164 patients; 67.21%), and the majority (182 patients; 74.59%) were students. All 244 patients (100%) complained of defective central vision at presentation. More than one-fourth of the patients had severe visual impairment to blindness at presentation. Prominent retinal feature at presentation was diffuse or widespread retinal pigment epithelial degeneration in all patients.Conclusion: Patients with RP in LMBB syndrome present mainly in the first to second decade of life with severe visual acuity impairment to blindness early in life. It is important to rule out LMBB syndrome in early-onset RP with central visual acuity impairment. On the contrary, all patients diagnosed or suspected with LMBB syndrome systemic features at physician clinic should also be referred for ophthalmic evaluation, low vision assessment, rehabilitation, and vice versa.

SPOAN syndrome: a novel mutation and new ocular findings; a case report

BackgroundTo report a novel mutation and new clinical findings in a case with SPOAN syndrome (spastic paraplegia, optic atrophy, neuropathy).Case presentationClinical examination, genetic testing and electroretinography were used to study a 2-year-old child who was referred to our clinic with no visual attention and documented SPOAN syndrome. Fundoscopy revealed optic atrophy, diffuse retinal pigment mottling, severe vascular attenuation, and completely non-vascularized peripheral retina in both eyes. Full-field electroretinogram (ERG) revealed flat responses.ConclusionsSevere retinopathy and flat full-field ERG responses can occur in SPOAN syndrome.

Subretinal hyperreflective material in central serous chorioretinopathy.

Purpose:To describe the the appearance and behavior of subretinal hyperreflective material (SHRM) in eyes with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR).Methods:This retrospective study included 20 eyes of 20 patients with CSCR presenting with SHRM, defined as sub-retinal deposits that appear hyper-reflective on OCT The eyes underwent either laser (15 eyes) or observation (5 eyes). Optical coherence tomography and fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) characteristics were analyzed at baseline and resolution of neurosensory detachment, which were then co-related with the visual acuity at resolution.Results:Improvement in vision was seen in 16 eyes. Ellipsoid zone damage (P = 0.03) and external limiting membrane (ELM) damage (P = 0.000) at resolution; diffuse retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) abnormalities on FFA (P = 0.04), and the presence of scar (P = 0.000), were associated with poor visual outcome in univariate analysis. ELM damage at resolution was statistically significant (P = 0.001) in multivariate analysis.Conclusion:CSCR with SHRM have a good visual prognosis. ELM damage at resolution corelates with a poor visual acuity at resolution.

Clinical spectrum of severe chronic central serous chorioretinopathy and outcome of photodynamic therapy.

PurposeTo describe a spectrum of severe chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC) cases and their response to photodynamic therapy (PDT).Patients and methodsA total of 66 patients (81 eyes) with active severe cCSC were studied, and their response to PDT was compared with a control group consisting of 35 active cCSCs (37 eyes) that did not display characteristics of severity. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and complete resolution of subretinal fluid (SRF) were considered as main outcome measures.ResultsIn severe cCSC cases, we found cumulative areas of diffuse atrophic retinal pigment epithelium alterations in 48 eyes (59%), multiple “hot spots” of leakage in 36 eyes (44%), posterior cystoid retinal degeneration in 25 eyes (31%), and 13 eyes (16%) had a diffuse leakage on fluorescein angiography. After PDT treatment, BCVA increased in both groups, from 66 to 72 Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters in the case group (P<0.001), and from 78 to 82 ETDRS letters in the control group (P<0.001). SRF had resolved completely in 87% of severe cCSC cases and 95% of controls at final follow-up visit.ConclusionA spectrum of severe cCSC exists, and PDT seems to be an effective treatment in both severe cCSC and nonsevere cCSC in terms of resolution of SRF. Final BCVA shows a significant improvement in both groups after PDT treatment.

Accordance of Indocyanine Green Angiography and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Visualization of Neovascularization Associated with Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

Purpose: to compare informativity and accordance of indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) data in visualization of neovascularization associated with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy. Patients andMethods. Twenty one eye of 21 patients (aged 51.0 ± 8.4 years old) with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSR) and assumed choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) with «double layer» sign on optical coherence tomography scans were enrolled in this study. ICGA on Spectralis HRA+OCT, (Heidelberg Engeneering, Germany) and OCT-A on RTVue XR Avanti (Optovue, USA) were performed to evaluate CNV. The assessment of obtained pictures was examined by two experts.Results. Both diagnostic methods have shown similar results. CNV has been revealed in 11 of 21 eyes by ICGA imaging while OCT-A confirmed neovascularization in 13 eyes — with no statistical difference between methods (p = 0.74, χ2). CNV has not been diagnosed in 10 cases by ICGA and in 8 cases by OCT-A (p = 0.69). However, the consistency of the two methods in CNV evaluation while pairwise comparison of angiography data has been confirmed only in 8 eyes. The absence of CNV has been confirmed in 6 eyes — mostly in patients with CSR recurrence. One third of patients (7 of 21 eyes) have not shown consistence of two methods. The OCT-A visualization of CNV could be poor because of subretinal deposits and pigment-related signal blocking. In cases of diffuse retinal pigment epithelium atrophy the neovascular network cannot been seen on ICGA images while well visualized on OCT-A.Conclusion. The informativity of ICGA and OCT-A in visualization of neovascularization associated with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy is similar. For the best data interpretation the condition of neurosensory retina and pigment retinal epitheluium should be taken into account. OCT-A is more preferable in cases of diffuse epitheliopathy, while the neovascularization activity and leakage points is better seen on ICGA.

Clinical characteristics and long-term visual outcome of severe phenotypes of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy.

PurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate disease onset and disease progression in patients with severe chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC).Patients and methodsThe medical records of 143 cCSC patients (199 eyes) were reviewed. All cases had visual complaints for >6 months and showed signs of a severe disease phenotype on optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography (FA). Clinical presentation at onset was evaluated, together with disease progression on multimodal imaging and final treatment outcome.ResultsTwenty-eight cases (14%) had a documented history of an acute episode of CSC, whereas 145 cases (73%) showed pre-existing features of chronicity already at first presentation. The first clinical presentation could not be evaluated in 13% of cases. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 70 ± 18 Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters at onset and 70 ± 22 ETDRS letters at final visit (p = 0.770). Among all studied cases, 173 eyes (87%) were treated, which resulted in complete resolution of subretinal fluid (SRF) in 76% of eyes at final visit. In eyes with fluorescein angiographic follow-up, the area of diffuse atrophic retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) abnormalities (diffuse atrophic RPE alterations [DARA]) had increased significantly in 43 eyes (68%) at final visit.ConclusionCSC encompasses a clinical spectrum that includes a range of severe phenotypes, in which retinal abnormalities tend to be progressive. Nevertheless, the long-term visual acuity may remain fairly stable with treatment. Few patients with severe chronic CSC have a history of acute CSC, which could indicate that there may be pathogenetic differences between these 2 CSC variants.

Efficacy of oral rifampicin in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy.

Objective:To evaluate the role of oral rifampicin in the management of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy.Methods:Retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (duration >3 months) and treated with oral rifampicin 600 mg daily for a maximum period of 3 months was carried out. Baseline visual acuity, fundus fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography were recorded and the patients were followed up. Resolution of subretinal fluid and improvement in visual acuity were the main outcome measures. Recurrence of subretinal fluid was noted. Any adverse reaction to the drug was monitored.Results:Nine eyes of eight patients were included in the study. The average age of the patients was 41.90 years (range 32–52 years). Mean duration of symptoms was 16 months (range 3–60 months). Mean duration of follow-up was 10.11 months (range 3–33 months). Fluorescein angiography showed four eyes with subfoveal leaks and five eyes with diffuse retinal pigment epitheliopathy. Complete resolution of subretinal fluid was achieved in four of the nine eyes – two patients at the end of 1 month, one patient each at the end of 2 and 3 months, respectively. Visual acuity improvement was noted in four of the nine eyes. Three patients had one-line improvement and one patient had a two-line visual improvement. None of the patients had severe adverse events for which the drug had to be discontinued. None of the patients had recurrence of subretinal fluid after the discontinuation of the drug.Conclusion:Oral rifampicin could provide a useful, effective, and cost-effective alternative for treatment of patients with chronic central serous choroidopathy and evidence of healthier retinal pigment epithelium, those with focal leakage. It was not effective in eyes with diffuse retinal pigment epitheliopathy.

Spinocerebellar Ataxia

A 43-year-old woman with a history of spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) presented with gradual progressive vision loss in both eyes. Visual acuity was light perception in the right eye and hand motion in the left eye. Ophthalmoscopy was notable for mild optic nerve atrophy, severely attenuated retinal vessels, and diffuse retinal pigment epithelial mottling in both eyes (Fig 1A). Fundus autofluorescence imaging demonstrated hypoautofluorescence involving the fovea and stippled autofluorescence throughout the fundus consistent with retinal pigment epithelial atrophy (Fig 1B). Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed significant cerebellar atrophy (Fig 1C). Genetic testing showed the presence of 48 CAG repeats within one ATXN7 gene (18 or less is considered normal). There is no therapy to prevent vision loss in patients with this disorder.

Spironolactone, a therapeutic alternative in the treatment of diffuse retinal pigment epitheliopathy

Abstract Case report Two cases are presented of patients with chronic diffuse epitheliopathy (CDE) that showed a favourable response when treated with spironolactone. The first patient had regions of neurosensory detachment (DNS) and the second, multiple DNS, secondary intra-retinal cysts and retinal pigment epithelium detachment. Discussion After treatment with spironolactone, both patients showed a visual acuity improvement and structural changes (reduced neurosensory retinal detachment and cystoid degeneration). Aldosterone receptor agonists (ARA) used for persistent forms of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy show encouraging results and could represent a therapeutic alternative for CDE.

Increased Choroidal Vascularity in Central Serous Chorioretinopathy Quantified Using Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography

To investigate the choroidal vascular structural changes in eyes with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) by using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). Prospective cross-sectional study. We prospectively examined 40 eyes of 34 consecutive patients with CSC. Three-dimensional choroidal images of the macular area, covering 3×3mm and 6× 6mm, were obtained with SS-OCT. En face images of the microvasculature of the inner choroid and large choroidal vessel layers were converted to binary images. Choroidal vascular areas were analyzed quantitatively using the binary images. The choroidal vascular area was larger in eyes with CSC (the microvasculature of the inner choroid: 53.4% ± 2.4%, P= .028; 3× 3-mm large choroidal vessels: 66.9% ± 7.1%, P < .001; and 6× 6-mm large choroidal vessels: 64.8% ± 7.3%, P< .001) than in age-matched normal eyes (52.2% ± 1.8%, 54.9% ± 4.4%, and 53.8% ± 4.3%, respectively). The choroidal vascular area at the microvasculature of the inner choroid level was larger in multifocal posterior pigment epitheliopathy (55.8% ± 2.2%) than in classic CSC (53.1% ± 2.1%, P=.038) and in diffuse retinal pigment epitheliopathy (52.9% ± 2.6%, P= .042). The subfoveal choroidal thickness was significantly associated with the choroidal vascular area at the level of large choroidal vessels (P < .001). Increased choroidal vascular area was observed in the whole macula area in eyes with CSC. This finding suggests that CSC may originate from a choroidal circulatory disturbance.

The hyper‐fluorescent transitional bands in ultra‐late phase of indocyanine green angiography in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy

Chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is regarded as a type of severe diffuse retinal pigment epitheliopathy. There is an atrophic tract at level of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) due to hyper-permeability of choroidal vessels, along with photoreceptor (PR) atrophy. Indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) is considered a gold standard for diagnosis. The purpose of this work is to investigate the hyper-fluorescent transitional bands (HFTB) between hypo-fluorescent and normal regions of the retina in the ultra-late phase of ICGA in CSCR. 26 chronic CSCR eyes and 12 relative normal eyes received spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and ICGA at the 24th hour after indocyanine green (ICG) intravenous injection. In the ultra-late phase, images showed homogenous fluorescence in all normal eyes. On the contrary, geographical hypofluorescent lesions with atrophy of RPE was noted in 26 chronic CSCR eyes. Moreover, HFTB with intact RPE and disrupted PR was detected in 20 out of 26 chronic CSCR eyes (76.9%). The HFTB may indicate the early damage in chronic CSCR. Ultra-late ICGA can monitor not only metabolic status by endogenous melanin, but also membrane function in RPE by exogenous ICG molecule.

MULTIMODAL IMAGING OF THE RETINA AND CHOROID IN SYSTEMIC AMYLOIDOSIS.

To present the multimodal imaging findings of four patients with systemic amyloidosis, renal failure, and chorioretinopathy. Retrospective analysis of four patients presenting to four institutions with evidence of amyloid induced chorioretinopathy. Fundus photography, autofluorescence, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography findings were studied and are presented. Four patients with biopsy-proven systemic amyloidosis demonstrated progressive chorioretinal degeneration with color fundus photography and autofluorescent imaging. With spectral domain optical coherence tomography analysis, amyloidosis-induced chorioretinopathy was characterized by a widened choriocapillaris band, choroidal infiltration, diffuse photoreceptor dysfunction, and thinning of the outer nuclear layer. Multimodal imaging including spectral domain optical coherence tomography analysis in eyes of patients with systemic amyloidosis shows deposition in the choroid. The deposition may cause a secondary toxic and or barrier effect resulting in diffuse retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptor dysfunction.

Long-term follow-up of standard photodynamic therapy with standardized small spot size for diffuse retinal pigment epitheliopathy.

To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of standard-fluence photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin using the minimum PDT spot size in patients with diffuse retinal pigment epitheliopathy (DRPE). This is a retrospective study of 67 DRPE cases treated with PDT using a standardized minimum spot size of 850 μm. Indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) was used to guide and determine the outcome of PDT treatment. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), recurrences, and adverse events were recorded and analyzed. The mean follow-up period of the study was 35.8 ± 16.6 months. There was a statistically significant difference in BCVA between baseline and the end of the follow-up (p&lt;0.001). The BCVA improved in 41 eyes (61.2%), remained stable in 20 eyes (29.9%), and deteriorated in 6 eyes (9%). Accordingly, there was a statistically significant difference in CRT between the baseline and the last follow-up visit (p&lt;0.001). The recurrence rate was 13.4% and only one eye presented a recurrence at the same site as the laser treatment. No adverse events were noted. Application of ICGA-guided standard PDT, with a laser spot size of minimum diameter, on the site of active leakage seems to be effective and safe in a long-term follow-up period, presenting improvement in BCVA, decrease in CRT, and low rate of recurrence.

Petaloid-pattern pigmentary retinopathy: a novel case report

We report the case of a 6-year-old girl with an unusual petaloid-pattern pigmentary retinopathy associated with nyctalopia and reduction of vision which had been invariably static over the past 5 years. We performed a comprehensive ophthalmic examination including fundoscopy, autofluorescent imaging, electroretinography and optical coherence tomography. There were diffuse retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) washout areas with blotches of pigment distributed in the pattern of a petal with marked chorioretinal atrophy and scar at the fovea. The arterial caliber was normal. Investigations ruled out intrauterine and neonatal infection. Systemically, she was healthy with normal intellect but with 3-month delayed milestones of development. She had used valproic acid for seizure disorder (without any organic central nervous system lesion) from 2-5 years of age. Electroretinography showed extinguished scotopic responses with slight reduction in cone responses. Optical coherence tomography showed a scar with attenuated RPE-choriocapillary complex at the macula. Her clinical profile did not fully match with any previously described pigmentary retinopathies except rod-cone dystrophy and choroidal dystrophy to a certain extent. The pigmentary retinopathy reported here is a combination of a petaloid pattern of pigmentary disturbance, stationary reduction of vision, nyctalopia, normal intellect and marginal delayed milestones. In the absence of such a description in the literature we named this disorder as petaloid-pattern pigmentary retinopathy.

Central serous chorioretinopathy case with ooze sign

Forty two-year old, male patient was presented to our clinics with complaint of blurred vision and metamorphosis in the right eye for 1 year and in the left eye for last 3 days. In his fundoscopic examination, diffuse retinal pigment epithelial atrophy in the right eye and serous detachment at macular region in the left eye were observed. In fundus fluorescent angiography and optic coherence tomography, active CSCR in the left eye and ooze sign which is compatible with atypical form of previous CSCR in the right eye were detected.

Bilateral uveitis after phakic intraocular lens implantation and management with adalimumab

A 25-year-old woman with myopia who had an AC pIOL implantation in the left eye and posterior chamber pIOL implantation in the right eye developed bilateral granulomatous panuveitis 2 months after the second surgery. Physical examination showed bilateral Koeppe and Busacca nodules. Fluorescein angiography showed diffuse vascular and retinal pigment epithelial leakage in both eyes. With assessment of sympathetic ophthalmia, treatment with a high-dose systemic steroid was started. Oral cyclosporine and azathioprine were later added. Because the uveitis was not controlled, adalimumab was added. After 6 doses of adalimumab (40 mg subcutaneously), the uveitis subsided and corticosteroid and other immunosuppressive agents were tapered. Refractive AC pIOL implantation should be added to the list of intraocular procedures that may induce sympathetic ophthalmia. Adalimumab may have a therapeutic role in its management.

Photodynamic therapy for treatment of chronic or recurrent central serous chorioretinopathy

To evaluate the effect of Spectral HRA + OCT-guided photodynamic therapy with half-dose verteporfin in the treatment of chronic or recurrent central serous chorioretinopathy. It was a retrospective case series. Twenty eyes of 18 patients with chronic or recurrent central serous chorioretinopathy were included. PDT was applied with half-dose verteporfin (3 mg/m(2)) on the site of active area shown on Spectral HRA + OCT (defined as focal or diffuse retinal pigment epithelial leakage, choroidal hyperpermeability, or pigment epithelial detachment located within the neurosensory detachment), and patients were observed to determine the anatomic and functional outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS (version 9.2). A P value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Comparisons of pre- and post-treatment best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central foveal thickness (CFT) were performed using a paired t test. The relationship between BCVA and CFT post-treatment was analyzed by linear correlation analysis. Comparisons of the BCVA of eyes with and without the integrity of photoreceptor IS-OS and/or external limiting membrane at the last follow-up visit were performed using two sample t test. The median CSC duration was 4.5 months (ranged 1 month to 2 years). The median follow-up period after PDT was 8 months (ranged 6 to 20 months). The mean BCVA before PDT was 0.35 ± 0.16 (ranged 0.05 to 0.6), at 3 months after PDT was 0.72 ± 0.32 (ranged 0.1 to 1.5) and at the last follow-up visit was 0.78 ± 0.29 (ranged 0.3 to 1.5) (t = 6.444, 6.883, P < 0.05). Fifteen eyes (75.0%) had improved vision, and 5 eyes (25.0%) had stable vision. The mean CFT was reduced from (369.0 ± 120.9) µm before PDT to (193.3 ± 30.6) µm 1 month after PDT, (194.9 ± 28.3) µm 3 month after PDT and (190.6 ± 33.7) µm at the last follow-up visit (t = -6.836, -6.826, -7.316; P < 0.05). At the last follow-up visit BCVA was not correlated with CFT (r = 0.166, P > 0.05), but BCVA of the eyes with the integrity of photoreceptor IS-OS and/or external limiting membrane was better than that of without (t = -3.53, P < 0.05). Subretinal fluid disappeared in all eyes 1 month after PDT and there was no recurrence during the follow-up. Spectral HRA + OCT-guided photodynamic therapy with half-dose of verteporfin seems effective and safe for the treatment of chronic or recurrent central serous chorioretinopathy.

The relationship between optical coherence tomography patterns, angiographic parameters and visual acuity in age-related macular degeneration

To assess the relationships between visual acuity (VA), fluorescein angiographic parameters and optical coherence tomography (OCT) patterns in exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Fifty eyes with confirmed diagnosis of new exudative AMD who underwent fluorescein angiography (FA) and OCT evaluation were reviewed retrospectively. The greatest linear diameter of lesion (GLD) by FA and central foveal thickness (CFT) by OCT were measured. The OCT scans were evaluated for the presence of diffuse retinal thickening (D), cystic spaces (C), subretinal fluid (S) and pigment epithelial detachment (P) and five OCT patterns were detected (D + S; C; C + S; P + C + S; P + D + S). Angiographic classification of choroidal neovascularizations was performed. Correlations were statistically significant for VA and CFT in all patients whereas VA and GLD correlation was statistically significant only in predominantly classic and minimal classic lesions. The lowest VA values were detected in patients with COCT pattern and/or predominantly classic lesion type by FA. The OCT and FA findings when evaluated simultaneously may provide information regarding visual function in AMD.