Abstract
Purpose: :
Recently we reported patterns of fundus autofluorescence (FAF) and near infrared autofluorescence (NIA) in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (Kellner et al, Eye, 2008). Functional findings (e.g. visual field) correlate to pericentral rings of increased fundus and near-infrared autofluorescence. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the retinal structure with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (sdOCT) in correlation with FAF and NIA alterations.
Methods: :
Seventeen patients with retinitis pigmentosa (diagnosed with clinical evaluation and full-field ERG recording according to ISCEV standards) underwent evaluation of FAF and NIA (Heidelberg Retina Angiograph 2, Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany) as well as sdOCT (Spectralis HRA, Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany).
Results: :
A pericentral ring of increased FAF and NIA was observed in all 17 patients on both eyes. Using sdOCT, the photoreceptor layers could be documented in the foveal area in all eyes. The photoreceptor layers gradually decreased in thickness towards the periphery. The border of the area of preserved photoreceptors in the sdOCT correlated to the area of the ring of increased FAF and NIA. The inner retinal layers showed thinning as well. Cystoid macular edema was observed in some eyes.
Conclusions: :
Rings of increased FAF and NIA correlate to preserved photoreceptors in the sdOCT. The combination of all three methods provides a detailed analysis of retinal and retinal pigment epithelial structure and allows detailed follow-up of disease progression.
Keywords: retinal degenerations: hereditary • imaging methods (CT, FA, ICG, MRI, OCT, RTA, SLO, ultrasound) • macula/fovea