Purpose:
To describe macular abnormalities assessed by fluorescein angiography (FA) and OCT in eyes with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) stage 2 and 3 with an ophthalmoscopically normal-appearing posterior pole.
Methods:
Observational case series. Retinal FA using the Retcam II (Clarity Medical Systems, Pleasanton, CA) and hand held spectral domain Optical Coherence Tomography imaging (OCT) with the iVue (Optovue, Inc, Freemont, CA) were performed in premature babies with stage 2, threshold, and prethreshold ROP. FA was performed every 3 weeks until no evidence of the disease was observed.
Results:
We included 12 patients (24 eyes), of which 6 patients (12 eyes) presented with an abnormal diffuse capillary leakage pattern in the macula despite a normal-appearing posterior pole as seen by indirect ophthalmoscopy. This leakage resolved spontaneously after 6 weeks. OCT studies showed no cystic changes or edema. There was preservation of multiple inner retinal layers within the fovea and a normal-appearing macular depression.
Conclusions:
ROP patients with macular changes seen on angiographic evaluation which resemble diffuse capillary leakage may present with no clinical or macular OCT abnormalities. This pilot study provides previously unknown and valuable information in the follow up of patients with ROP. A larger sample size and follow up are needed.
Clinical Trial:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT00346814
Keywords: retinopathy of prematurity • imaging/image analysis: clinical