Recognizable Patterns in C-Scan Images of Ocular Disease Using the OCT Ophthalmoscope

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: The OCT Opthalmoscope (OCT-SLO, UKC-OTI) provides simultaneous high resolution OCT and confocal images of the retina utilizing the concept of C-scanning. While this orientation is familiar to most observers as the standard ophthalmoscopic viewpoint, OCT slices created in this perspective have only recently become available and are challenging for most observers to interpret. The purpose of this study is to review images of normal and pathologic eyes studied with C-scan OCT and to describe repeated and potentially recognizable patterns of ocular anatomy. Methods: Images from consecutive patients studied using the OCT Ophthalmoscope were reviewed and correlated with clinical records. The standard imaging protocol employed in producing these images consisted of dual channel multi-slice sequences of C-scan OCT and corresponding confocal ophthalmoscopy with intervening selectively acquired sequences of B-scan OCT. The OCT Ophthalmoscope utilizes a single illumination source with parallel detector systems to provide point-to-point correspondence between images acquired at the retinal surface and at various depths extending into the choroid. Results: 800 eyes of 450 patients were included. An extensive array of clinic pathologies were studied including macular degeneration, central serous retinopathy(CSR), macular hole, macular pucker, cystoid macular edema(CME), diabetic maculapathy, and macular trauma. Uniquely specific and reoccurring patterns could be characterized for macular hole ("Chrysanthemum flower"), CME ("Swiss cheese wheel"), Macular Pucker ("Star"), CSR ("Target"),and RPE Detachment ("Ring of Light"),Other entities such as polypoidal choroidopathy and diabetic edema residues had easily recognizable features but were variable enough to defy specific descriptive comparison. Conclusions: C-scan OCT offers some exciting new perspectives on retinal pathologies. Since pattern recognition is an important component to interpretation of diagnostic imaging, identification such reoccurring features may prove to be useful clinically.

Keywords: imaging/image analysis: clinical • imaging methods (CT, FA, ICG, MRI, OCT, RTA, S • macula/fovea