Abstract
Purpose::
To assess intraretinal changes after autologous retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) transplantation using ultrahigh resolution optical coherence tomography (UHR OCT) and to describe correlations with standard-resolution OCT (Stratus OCT 3000) and visual outcome.
Methods::
Patients with visual loss due to exsudative AMD were treated with CNV removal combined with autologous RPE-choroid sheet transplantation. UHR OCT images were correlated with standard-resolution OCT images, best corrected distance and near visual acuity (BCDVA, BCNVA) as well as with fluorescein and ICG angiography findings.
Results::
We present our first seven patients after autologous RPE-choroid sheet transplantation, who completed the twelve months follow up examination. BCDVA improved in 2 patients and decreased in one patient. BCNVA increased in one patient and decreased in another patient. The remaining patients showed a stable (within 1 or 2 lines) final BCDVA and BCNVA. While a stable transplant with a smooth and homogenous appearance was found in the standard-resolution OCT, irregularities within the transplant, such as dissociation, disruption, areas with small atrophies and cavities, were seen in the UHR OCT images. Angiography proved perfusion in all transplants.
Conclusions::
Irregularities and subtle damage of the retinal layers after autologous RPE transplantation can be visualized with the UHR OCT. These changes may attribute to the limited visual outcome despite the good OCT and angiographic findings. The UHR OCT is superior to the standard-resolution OCT in the visualization of intraretinal architectural morphology allowing a more accurate evaluation of the postoperative course after RPE transplantation.
Clinical Trial::
www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT00401713
Keywords: transplantation • retinal neovascularization • imaging/image analysis: clinical