Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To non-invasively characterize the anatomical features of the retina, retinal pigment epithelium and choroidal complex using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with both diffuse and focal posterior pole chorioretinal atrophy. Methods: Patients with clinically diagnosed chorioretinal atrophy underwent complete eye examinations, color fundus photography, fluorescein and ICG angiography as well as OCT analysis to characterize anatomical features of the posterior pole, including thickness and structure of the retina, vitreo-retinal traction on the retina and holes in the retina. Results: In both focal posterior choroidal atrophy and the diffuse choroidal atrophy seen in choroideremia, there was diffuse thinning of the retina that varied spatially from areas with normal anatomy to areas where the retina tapered to complete atrophy. In one patient with posterior pole choroidal atrophy, prominent macular holes were clearly evident using OCT imaging, whereas no such retinal features were discernable by clinical examination. Conclusions: OCT is a useful tool not only to characterize and perhaps stage chorioretinal atrophy but also detect retinal pathology such as macular holes that are not visible using conventional biomicroscopy.
Keywords: choroid • retina • degenerations/dystrophies