Tubercular Serpiginous-like Choroiditis Research Articles

Tubercular Serpiginous-Like Choroiditis in Patients with Negative TB-Immunoreactivity Tests

ABSTRACT Background Serpiginous-like choroiditis (SLC) denotes ocular tuberculosis (TB), in the presence of positive tuberculin skin test (TST) or interferon gamma release assay (IGRA). Methods Retrospective review of SLC patients from a TB-endemic country, with negative TST and IGRA tests, but responsive to anti-TB therapy. Results Fifteen patients (13 bilateral) with active SLC were included. Eleven (73.3%) patients had received corticosteroids ± immunosuppressive therapy prior to presentation. Chest radiographic abnormalities were found in four (26.7%) patients. We treated all patients with a combination of anti-TB therapy (ATT) and corticosteroids. Paradoxical worsening was noted in nine (60%) patients, complete resolution of lesions in 12 (80%), persistent inflammation (post-ATT) in one, while two were yet to complete ATT. None had recurrence after complete resolution of lesions (median follow-up of 71 weeks [range 15–676 weeks]). Conclusions TB-SLC may present with negative TST and IGRA tests but may still have clinical appearance, and treatment response, like test-positive disease.

Prof. Amod Gupta - The leader and the legacy.

Prof. Amod Gupta - The leader and the legacy.

Choriocapillaris Flow Deficit in Tubercular Serpiginous-Like Choroiditis with and without Paradoxical Worsening

ABSTRACT Purpose The aim is to analyze automated quantification of choriocapillaris flow deficit (CCFD) on swept-source (SS)-optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in tubercular serpiginous-like choroiditis (TBSLC). Methods In this prospective study, automated CCFD calculations were performed on SS-OCTA and compared with CCFD areas on indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). Patients were divided into two groups based on the occurrence of paradoxical worsening (PW). Results Twenty-nine eyes (29 subjects; 18 males; mean age: 33±12 years) were included. The mean CCFD at baseline was 34.9 ± 4.3% on OCTA in eyes without PW and 35.4 ± 5.0% on SS-OCTA with PW (p = .77). At 4 and 12 weeks, CCFD on SS-OCTA improved to 30.6 ± 3.9% and 28.0 ± 4.2% (p < .001) without PW, respectively, and increased to 42.9 ± 4.4% and 48.8 ± 4.1% (p < .001) with PW, respectively. The SS-OCTA CCFD correlated well with ICGA (r = 0.48; p < .001). Conclusions Automated quantitative serial assessment of CCFD on SS-OCTA can serve as a useful biomarker of disease activity in eyes with TBSLC.

Optical coherence tomography angiography of intraretinal neovascularization in an eye with tubercular serpiginous-like choroiditis

We present a case of a 28-year-old male who was diagnosed with bilateral tubercular multifocal choroiditis with intraretinal neovascularization adjacent to an area of choroiditis in the left eye. We present OCTA features of the neovascular complex before and after 4 months of treatment with anti-tubercular therapy and oral steroids. We speculate that the intraretinal neovascular complex noted in our case may be due to VEGF released by the underlying ischemic choroid.

Simultaneous bilateral inflammatory choroidal neovascularization in a case of healed serpiginous-like choroiditis.

Objective: Inflammatory choroidal neovascularization (i-CNV) is an infrequent but sight-threatening complication of posterior uveitis. Although it can occur in a wide range of infectious and non-infectious uveitides, presence of simultaneous bilateral i-CNV is rare. In this report, we present a unique case of bilateral simultaneous i-CNV in a young patient of healed tubercular serpiginous-like choroiditis.Method: A 20-year-old male presented with recent worsening of vision in the right eye for one month. Fundus examination revealed bilateral multifocal healed choroiditis lesions with right eye tiny subfoveal hemorrhage raising the suspicion of an underlying choroidal neovascularization. Fundus fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography confirmed presence of choroidal neovascular membrane in both eyes.Result:Resolution of activity was noted in both eyes after bilateral sequential intravitreal bevacizumab injections.Conclusion:Inflammatory choroidal neovascularization may be seen in patients with healed tubercular serpiginous-like choroiditis, after a long period of quiescence. Simultaneous bilateral presentation is rare but possible, requiring mandatory multimodal imaging of both eyes under high index of suspicion. Early institution of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor may salvage optimum vision in such a scenario.

Retino-choroidal evaluation of the macular region in eyes with tubercular serpiginous-like choroiditis using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography.

To analyse the alterations in retino-choroidal angioarchitecture in eyes with active tubercular serpiginous-like choroiditis (TB-SLC) using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA). This prospective cross-sectional study enrolled 34 eyes diagnosed with TB-SLC and 34 age-matched healthy controls. Data acquisition with SS-OCTA using the PLEX Elite 9000 (Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc., Dublin, CA, USA) with a 6 × 6mm pattern centered on the foveal center was done. Automated retinal vessel length density (VLD) and perfusion density (PD) and foveal avascular zone architecture were obtained from the ARI hub. Choroidal vascularity index (CVI) and choriocapillaris flow deficits (CCFD) were obtained using Image J. Eyes with TB-SLC showed significantly reduced vessel indices in all retinal layers (P < 0.05), decreased CVI (P = 0.001) and increased CCFD (P = 0.001) as compared to healthy eyes. CCFD was increased significantly in the involved quadrants in eyes with TB-SLC when compared with the uninvolved quadrants and corresponding healthy quadrants in control subjects. CCFD showed a significant negative correlation with visual acuity (r = -0.46, P = 0.006). Eyes with TB-SLC manifest reduced VLD and PD, decreased CVI and increased CCFD. The CCFD alterations are non-uniform in these eyes, mainly located under the regions with disease activity.

Serial swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography changes within deeper choroid in tubercular serpiginous-like choroiditis

A 31-year-old female was diagnosed with active placoid tubercular serpiginous-like choroiditis (TB-SLC) in the right eye. Serial swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) of deeper choroid revealed unique dilated, tortuous, and disorganized tangled network of medium-sized choroidal vessels (MCV) at presentation (mimicking bag-of-worms) with increased compactness on paradoxical worsening and significant reorganization on resolution. SS-OCTA of choriocapillaris (CC) revealed extensive flow void at presentation, which increased on paradoxical worsening and its reversal with minimal CC atrophy on resolution. Visual acuity improved from 20/200 to 20/30. Serial changes from presentation till resolution provide hypothesis about unique appearance within choroid in TB-SLC lesion.

Automated lesion segmentation and quantification for prediction of paradoxical worsening in patients with tubercular serpiginous-like choroiditis

To develop and evaluate a fully automated pipeline that analyzes color fundus images in patients with tubercular serpiginous-like choroiditis (TB SLC) for prediction of paradoxical worsening (PW). In this retrospective study, patients with TB SLC with a follow-up of 9 months after initiation of anti-tubercular therapy were included. A fully automated custom-designed pipeline was developed which was initially tested using 12 baseline color fundus photographs for assessment of repeatability. After confirming reliability using Bland–Altman plots and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), the pipeline was deployed for all patients. The images were preprocessed to exclude the optic nerve from the fundus photo using a single-shot trainable WEKA segmentation algorithm. Two automatic thresholding algorithms were applied, and quantitative metrics were generated. These metrics were compared between PW + and PW- groups using non-parametric tests. A logistic regression model was used to predict probability of PW for assessing binary classification performance and receiver operator curves were generated to choose a sensitivity-optimized threshold. The study included 139 patients (139 eyes; 92 males and 47 females; mean age: 44.8 ± 11.3 years) with TB SLC. Pilot analysis of 12 images showed an excellent ICC for measuring the mean area, intensity, and integrated pixel intensity (all ICC > 0.89). The PW + group had significantly higher mean lesion area (p = 0.0152), mean pixel intensity (p = 0.0181), and integrated pixel intensity (p < 0.0001) compared to the PW- group. Using a sensitivity optimized threshold cut-off for mean pixel intensity, an area under the curve of 0.87 was achieved (sensitivity: 96.80% and specificity: 72.09%). Automated calculation of lesion metrics such as mean pixel intensity and segmented area in TB SLC is a novel approach with good repeatability in predicting PW during the follow-up.

Semi-automated quantitative analysis of the middle limiting membrane in tubercular serpiginous-like choroiditis using swept-source optical coherence tomography

To analyze the longitudinal changes in the outer plexiform layer (OPL) in patients with tubercular serpiginous-like choroiditis (TB SLC) and compare it to the healthy control population. Clinical and imaging data of subjects with TB SLC (minimum 6-month follow-up) and healthy control subjects were reviewed. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging obtained using swept-source device (DRI Triton, Topcon, Japan) from three visits (baseline, 3 months, and 6 months) were analyzed. Three OCT scans were chosen—one passing through the center of the fovea, one line above, and one line below. After random indexing to anonymize the images, they were pre-processed and fed into an automated pipeline to identify, crop, and measure the area of the OPL in the line scan. Longitudinal comparisons of OPL within the patient group were performed. The study included 32 eyes (16 patients; 11 males; mean age: 32.9 ± 7.8 years) with TB SLC. Twenty-eight eyes (14 subjects; 10 males: mean age: 31.1 ± 6.2 years) of healthy control subjects (age- and gender-matched) were also selected. The area of OPL was significantly different between the baseline and month 6 visit (6288 ± 1803 versus 5487 ± 1461; p = 0.0002) at the central scan passing through the fovea. For the scans above and below the fovea, the reduction in OPL area was significant at each visit (p < 0.0001). In comparison with healthy control subjects, OPL area values in patients with TB SLC were significantly lower at the month-3 (6116 ± 1441 versus 7136 ± 2539; p = 0.04) and the 6-month visit (5487 ± 1461 versus 7136 ± 2539; p < 0.001). The atrophied OPL at month 6 has been referred to as the “middle limiting membrane” (MLM). Subjects with TB SLC may develop progressive atrophy of the OPL resulting in formation of MLM, which is seen as a hyper-reflective line replacing the OPL. The analysis of longitudinal changes in the OPL may be useful in predicting anatomical and functional outcomes in these patients.

Fundus imaging features of purified protein derivative and T-spot positive tubercular serpiginous-like choroiditis

Objective: To summarize the clinical and fundus imaging features of purified protein derivative and T-spot positive tubercular serpiginous-like choroiditis (PTP-SLC) patients. Methods: This retrospective study consecutively enrolled 13 PTP-SLC patients (21 eyes) in Beijing Tongren Hospital from November 2015 to November 2017. There were 8 males and 5 females with an average age of (45.2±12.1) years. Medical history and results of systemic and ophthalmological examinations, such us fundus autofluorescence photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), fluorescein fundus angiography (FFA) and indocyanine green angiography, were evaluated. Results: Eight patients had binocular disease with an average interval time of (8.4±7.9) years. The average visual acuity of all patients was 0.3, and 4 patients had a clear history of exposure to tuberculosis. The active lesions in the PTP-SLC patients were homogeneous and creamish-yellow with unclear boundaries. Fundus autofluorescence showed an ill-defined, diffuse hyperautofluorescent zone. OCT showed punctate hyperreflexes between the choroidal stroma, destruction of the outer retinal structure with intraretinal edema and discrete vitreal hyper-reflective spots. FFA showed hypofluorescence in the active lesion at early stage and diffuse hyperfluorescence with leakage. Indocyanine green angiography showed persistent hypofluorescence. Conclusions: PTP-SLC fundus lesions are mainly manifested as homogeneous creamish-yellow lesions with unclear boundaries and high in autofluorescence. The involvement of the choroid and the outer layer of the retina can be observed on OCT. FFA can find more retinal vascular inflammatory changes. It is difficult to distinguish PTP-SLC from serpiginous choroiditis simply based on clinical and epidemiological characteristics. The pathogenic examination of tuberculosis is still the key to differential diagnosis (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2020, 56: 914-919).

Clinical and Imaging Factors Associated With the Outcomes of Tubercular Serpiginous-like Choroiditis

To analyze baseline clinical and imaging risk factors associated with poor outcome in patients with tubercular serpiginous-like choroiditis (TB SLC). Retrospective clinical study. Charts and fundus photographs of consecutive patients with active TB SLC seen at a single tertiary referral center with 6months follow-up after initiation of treatment were reviewed. Logistic mixed models were performed to determine the clinical and imaging factors associated with the response to therapy, including the opacity of choroiditis graded according to a 3-point scale. This study included 203 eyes of 183 patients with active TB SLC. Poor initial best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and foveal and optic disc involvement were associated with poor response to therapy at 6months (odds ratio [OR] 4.489, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.92-10.47; P = .001; OR 2.892, 95% CI: 1.23-6.81; P= .015; OR 11.633, 95% CI: 3.17-42.71; P < .001, respectively). The high opacity grades (2 and 3) were also associated with poor outcomes OR 9.541; 95% CI: 2.94-30.91; P= .001). Poor baseline BCVA and high grade of opacity of the lesions were the composite risk factors for paradoxical worsening of TB SLC (OR 7.555, 95% CI: 1.78-32.02; P= 0.006; OR 7.434, 95% CI: 1.34-41.18; P =0.021, respectively). TB SLC with higher grades of lesion opacity at baseline may be associated with greater risk of poor therapeutic response and paradoxical worsening. Grading of baseline lesion opacity may be used in future prospective studies to predict the biological behavior of the lesions and may serve as a guide to therapeutic interventions.

Collaborative Ocular Tuberculosis Study Consensus Guidelines on the Management of Tubercular Uveitis—Report 1: Guidelines for Initiating Antitubercular Therapy in Tubercular Choroiditis

An international, expert-led consensus initiative organized by the Collaborative Ocular Tuberculosis Study (COTS), along with the International Ocular Inflammation Society and the International Uveitis Study Group, systematically developed evidence- and experience-based recommendations for the treatment of tubercular choroiditis. The diagnosis and management of tubercular uveitis (TBU) pose a significant challenge. Current guidelines and literature are insufficient to guide physicians regarding the initiation of antitubercular therapy (ATT) in patients with TBU. An international expert steering subcommittee of the COTS group identified clinical questions and conducted a systematic review of the published literature on the use of ATT for tubercular choroiditis. Using an interactive online questionnaire, guided by background knowledge from published literature, 81 global experts (including ophthalmologists, pulmonologists, and infectious disease physicians) generated preliminary consensus statements for initiating ATT in tubercular choroiditis, using Oxford levels of medical evidence. In total, 162 statements were identified regarding when to initiate ATT in patients with tubercular serpiginous-like choroiditis, tuberculoma, and tubercular focal or multifocal choroiditis. The COTS group members met in November 2018 to refine these statements by a 2-step modified Delphi process. Seventy consensus statements addressed the initiation of ATT in the 3 subtypes of tubercular choroiditis, and in addition, 10 consensus statements were developed regarding the use of adjunctive therapy in tubercular choroiditis. Experts agreed on initiating ATT in tubercular choroiditis in the presence of positive results for any 1 of the positive immunologic tests along with radiologic features suggestive of tuberculosis. For tubercular serpiginous-like choroiditis and tuberculoma, positive results from even 1 positive immunologic test were considered sufficient to recommend ATT, even if there were no radiologic features suggestive of tuberculosis. Consensus guidelines were developed to guide the initiation of ATT in patients with tubercular choroiditis, based on the published literature, expert opinion, and practical experience, to bridge the gap between clinical need and available medical evidence.

Double-Layer Sign: A New OCT Finding in Active Tubercular Serpiginous-like Choroiditis to Monitor Activity

Purpose To describe a novel spectral-domain (SD) OCT finding of a double-layer sign at the site of activity in tubercular serpiginous-like choroiditis (SLC) and how this sign can be used to assess treatment response in these eyes. Design Retrospective, observational case series. Methods We retrospectively reviewed simultaneous fundus photographs and SD OCT and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) images of eyes affected with tubercular SLC from the acute stage until resolution of lesions using the Heidelberg Spectralis HRA and OCT system (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany). Main Outcome Measures Occurence of the double layer sign (DLS) during activity; reduction in the double layer sign (DLS) with resolution of choroidal and retinal inflammation; correlation of SD OCT and FAF findings. Results Five eyes of 5 patients were studied in detail. Spectral-domain OCT findings included choroidal elevation and a double-layer sign (separation of hyperreflective retinal pigment epithelium [RPE] from Bruch’s membrane, with the gap between them showing moderate reflectivity) at the site of activity. This correlated with hyperautofluorescence with indistinct borders on FAF imaging. Reduction in the double-layer sign became evident as the lesions began to resolve, and eventually this area was replaced by hyperreflective, irregular, knobbly elevations of the RPE. In eyes with severe inflammation and increased choroidal elevation on OCT, the double-layer sign was very prominent. As the choroidal elevation decreased on OCT, increased reflectance from the choroidal layers was evident. As the lesions resolved, the lesions became predominantly hypoautofluorescent on FAF and loss of RPE, ellipsoid zone, and external limiting membrane on SD OCT scan became evident. Good correlation was found between the resolution of the double-layer sign on SD OCT and FAF findings. Conclusions The double-layer sign on SD OCT may be a useful finding in monitoring the activity in tubercular SLC. The OCT changes can be correlated with FAF imaging in these eyes.

DETECTION OF TYPE 1 CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULAR MEMBRANES USING OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY IN TUBERCULAR POSTERIOR UVEITIS.

To study optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and multimodal imaging features of Type 1 inflammatory choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in tubercular serpiginous-like choroiditis and response to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. In this study, multimodal imaging was performed using OCTA, enhanced-depth imaging optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, and indocyanine green angiography. Correlation of OCTA with other imaging modalities in the detection of CNV was performed. The changes in CNV configuration after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy were assessed. In this study, nine eyes (8 patients; 5 females; mean age: 32.5 ± 11.57 years) with diagnosis of tubercular serpiginous-like choroiditis were included. All the eyes had presence of low-lying pigment epithelial detachments on enhanced-depth imaging optical coherence tomography. Using OCTA, it was possible to detect Type 1 CNV in all eyes. Type 1 CNV networks comprised fine anastomotic network of vessels, some of which had a hairpin loop configuration. After anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy, there was a decrease in branching and anastomosis. The visual acuity significantly improved from 0.49 ± 0.26 (20/60 Snellen equivalent) at baseline to 0.26 ± 0.17 (20/36 Snellen equivalent) (P = 0.03) in all eyes. Type 1 CNV can occur among patients with tubercular serpiginous-like choroiditis, leading to significant visual loss even in the healed stages of the disease. Optical coherence tomography angiography can help in the detection of Type 1 CNV where conventional multimodal imaging, including fluorescein angiography and OCT, fails to make a definitive diagnosis and thereby guide the initiation of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy.

NOVEL FINDINGS ON OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY IN PATIENTS WITH TUBERCULAR SERPIGINOUS-LIKE CHOROIDITIS.

To analyze and describe the imaging characteristics of tubercular serpiginous-like choroiditis using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and to compare these findings with multimodal imaging. In this prospective cross-sectional study, multimodal imaging was performed in subjects with tubercular serpiginous-like choroiditis using OCTA (Optovue RTVue XR Avanti), enhanced-depth imaging OCT (Heidelberg Spectralis), fundus autofluorescence, fluorescein angiography, and indocyanine green angiography. Distinct morphologic features of the retinochoroidal vasculature at the sites of choroiditis lesions were analyzed on OCTA imaging. Multimodal imaging analysis was performed to study the changes observed on OCTA. Eighteen eyes (18 subjects, 16 males) were included in the study. The en face OCTA images demonstrated discrete areas of flow void beneath the retinal pigment epithelium-Bruch membrane layer suggestive of choriocapillaris hypoperfusion that corresponded well with indocyanine green angiography, especially in the chronic phase. Additional information such as areas of preserved choriocapillaris, vascular tufts, and tangled vessels were observed using OCTA among lesions in advanced stages of healing. Compared with indocyanine green angiography, the areas of choriocapillaris atrophy appeared better defined on OCTA and correlated well with enhanced-depth imaging OCT. The OCTA images provide high-resolution structural information of the retinochoroidal vasculature in tubercular serpiginous-like choroiditis. Morphologic information obtained from OCTA images correlates well with and supplements other imaging techniques such as indocyanine green angiography and enhanced-depth imaging OCT.

Paradoxical Worsening of Tubercular Serpiginous-Like Choroiditis after Initiation of Antitubercular Therapy.

In this study, a case with tubercular choroiditis showing severe macular edema and progression of choroidal lesions following initiation of antitubercular treatment is presented and the management of posterior uveitis associated with tuberculosis is evaluated. A 40-year-old female patient was admitted with decreased vision in her right eye and her fundoscopic examination revealed serpiginous choroiditis. It was learned from her medical history that she had taken antitubercular therapy 9 years ago. Mantoux tuberculin skin test showed an area of induration measuring 15 mm and a positive interferon-gamma release assay was documented. Additionally, sequelae lesions due to previous tubercular infection were remarkable on her chest imaging. By excluding other causes of uveitis, the patient was considered presumed ocular tuberculosis and a full standard course of 4-drug antitubercular therapy was initiated. On the seventh day of the treatment existing choroidal lesions showed progression, new foci of choroiditis appeared and severe macular edema occurred. After adding systemic corticosteroid to the treatment, the macular edema resolved and choroidal lesions began to inactivate. In patients with tubercular choroiditis, continued progression may develop after initiation of antitubercular therapy. This paradoxical worsening is thought to be a hyperacute immunologic reaction occurring against antigen load released after antitubercular therapy. This phenomenon may be suppressed by the addition of systemic corticosteroids to the treatment.

A New OCT Finding in Tuberculous Serpiginous-like Choroidopathy

Purpose: To present a case of tubercular serpiginous-like choroiditis (SLC) with previously unreported choroidal findings on enhanced depth imaging OCT (EDI-OCT).Design: Case report.Methods: A 60-year-old female presented with decreased vision. Serpiginous choroidopathy was diagnosed. Laboratory workup revealed an infectious etiology. EDI-OCT revealed previously unreported choroidal findings.Results: Laboratory workup revealed nonreactive Treponema pallidum antibodies and positive QuantiFERON Gold. CT chest showed scars of prior granulomatous disease. OCT with EDI of active lesions demonstrated infiltration of the choroid, elevation of the RPE-Bruch’s membrane complex and focal increase of choroidal thickness.Conclusions: Choroidal infiltration with elevation of the RPE was demonstrated on EDI-OCT in active areas of tuberculous serpiginous-like choroiditis in this patient. This finding has not been described in imaging of patients with noninfectious serpiginous choroidopathy and may be a useful tool to differentiate serpiginous choroidopathy (SC) from serpiginous-like choroiditis (SLC). EDI-OCT may provide characterization of choroidal involvement.

Tubercular Serpiginous-Like Choroiditis Presenting as Multifocal Serpiginoid Choroiditis

To describe the clinical features, course, and outcome in tubercular serpiginous-like choroiditis. Retrospective cohort study. A total of 105 patients (141 eyes) between May 2002 and July 2010. Patients had the following inclusion criteria: (1) complete clinical records and digital fundus images at baseline and follow-up visits, (2) positive tuberculin skin test or QuantiFERON-TB Gold (Cellestis International Pty Ltd. Chadstone, Victoria, Australia) test result, (3) active serpiginous-like choroiditis in at least 1 eye, (4) all known causes of infectious (except tuberculosis) and noninfectious uveitis ruled out, and (5) a minimum of 9 months of follow-up from initiation of treatment that included antitubercular therapy (ATT) with oral corticosteroids (93 patients) or corticosteroids alone (12 patients). Clinical characteristics and evolution of choroiditis lesions from the acute to healed stage, recurrence, visual outcome, and complications. Mean age was 33 ± 9.3 years (range, 12-54 years; 75 male and 30 female patients). Serpiginous-like choroiditis was bilateral (at least 1 eye active) in 66 patients (62.9%). Of 171 affected eyes, 141 (82.45%) had active lesions at presentation. Of 141 eyes, 115 (81.56%) showed vitreous inflammation. Lesions were multifocal in 133 eyes (94.3%), were noncontiguous to optic disc in 122 eyes (86.52%), and involved the macula in 125 eyes (88.65%). Of patients receiving ATT, all showed resolution of lesions and 9 (9.7%) developed recurrences (median follow-up, 21 months). In addition, 12 patients (12.9%) showed continued progression over a median 3.5 weeks after initiation of therapy. Of 12 patients treated with corticosteroids alone, none showed progression but 9 (75%) developed recurrence (median, 26.5 months). Final visual acuity of ≥ 6/12 was achieved in 108 eyes (76.60%) versus 72 eyes (51.06%) before treatment. Fovea was spared in 95 of 125 eyes (76%) with macular involvement. Five eyes (3.5%) developed choroidal neovascular membrane. Tubercular serpiginous-like choroiditis presented as multifocal serpiginoid choroiditis affecting predominantly young to middle-aged men. It was frequently bilateral with vitreous inflammation and characterized by multifocal lesions that were noncontiguous to the optic disc and showed serpiginoid spread. Antitubercular therapy significantly reduced recurrences. Lesions responded to combined antitubercular and steroid therapy, usually spared fovea, and had a good final visual acuity.

FUNDUS AUTOFLUORESCENCE IN SERPIGINOUSLIKE CHOROIDITIS

To report the fundus autofluorescence characteristics in serpiginouslike choroiditis. Twenty-nine patients with presumed tubercular serpiginouslike choroiditis between November 2008 and January 2010 underwent fundus autofluorescence imaging during the acute stage and at regular intervals till the lesions healed. All patients received antitubercular therapy with oral corticosteroids. The autofluorescence images were compared with color fundus photography and fundus fluorescein angiography. The main outcome measure was fundus autofluorescence characteristics of lesions during the course of the disease. The pattern of fundus autofluorescence changed as the lesions evolved from the acute to the healed stage. In acute stage, the lesions showed an ill-defined halo of increased autofluorescence (hyperautofluorescence), giving it a diffuse, amorphous appearance (Stage I, acute). As the lesions began to heal, a thin rim of decreased autofluorescence (hypoautofluorescence) surrounded the lesion, defining its edges. The lesions showed predominantly hyperautofluorescence with stippled pattern (Stage II, subacute). With further healing, the hypoautofluorescence progressed and the lesion appeared predominantly hypoautofluorescent with stippled pattern (Stage III, nearly resolved). On complete healing, the lesions became uniformly hypoautofluorescent (Stage IV, completely resolved). Fundus autofluorescence highlighted the areas of disease activity and was a quick imaging tool for monitoring the course of lesions in serpiginouslike choroiditis.

High-resolution spectral domain optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence correlation in tubercular serpiginouslike choroiditis

ObjectiveThis study aims to describe changes in high-resolution spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) scans with simultaneous fundus autoflorescence (FAF) signals in tubercular serpiginouslike choroiditis (SLC).MethodsSimultaneous SD-OCT and FAF imaging of eyes affected with SLC from acute stage until resolution of lesions was obtained using Spectralis HRA+OCT system (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany).PatientsFour eyes (three patients) with SLC were prospectively followed.ResultsAcute lesions of SLC (diffusely hyperautofluorescent) corresponded to hyperreflective areas on SD-OCT involving the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), photoreceptor outer segment tips (POST), inner segment–outer segment (IS/OS) junction, external limiting membrane (ELM), and outer nuclear layer (ONL) with a minimal distortion of inner retinal layers. There was no backscattering from inner choroid. During healing, lesions became discrete with a hypoautofluorescent border and predominant hyperautofluorescence centrally. The hyperreflective fuzzy areas on SD-OCT scans disappeared, and irregular, knobbly elevations of outer retinal layers appeared. The RPE, POST, IS/OS junction, and ELM could not be distinguished. The ONL appeared normal. The choroid showed an increased reflectance. As the lesions healed further over the next 3–6 months, they became predominantly hypoautofluorescent with loss of RPE, POST, IS/OS junction, and ELM in SD-OCT scan.ConclusionThe SD-OCT provided an insight into the ultrastructural changes in the outer retina during the course of acute SLC lesions. The changes on OCT correlated with abnormal FAF findings.