Abstract
Purpose :
The pathology behind Optic Nerve Head Drusen (ONHD) is a proceeding calcification of the optic nerve. In comparison to the previous imaging techniques like ophthalmoscopy, fundus autofluorescence (FAF) and B scan ultrasound we investigated the diagnostic and clinical significance and the sensitivity of noninvasive imaging with Transverse Section Enhanced Depth Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography (TSV-EDI-OCT). Primary endpoint of this clinical study was to describe the valuable detectability of ONHD with and without EDI mode in comparison to B scan ultrasound.
Methods :
21 eyes of 11 patients (mean age 64 years, 5 women, 6 men) with diagnosed ONHD were included in this clinical trial. Beside TSV-EDI-OCT volume scan (Heidelberg Spectralis OCT, Software V 6.1) through the optic nerve, a complete ophthalmological examination, perimetry (Octopus, Haag-Streit), standardized B scan ultrasound (Aviso) and FAF (Heidelberg Spectralis OCT) were performed.
Results :
Of the 21 eyes 18 (86%) showed characteristic signs of ONHD in ophthalmoscopy. 20 eyes (95%) of the collective presented a clear signal in fundus autofluorescence and 21 eyes (100%) in ultrasound examination. In 20 eyes (95%) drusen were located and detected in EDI-OCT. Using only EDI-OCT 19 eyes (90%) showed superficial and 18 eyes (86%) buried drusen. Furthermore in 5 eyes buried drusen were detected which were not visible in FAF.
Conclusions :
Using EDI-OCT in patients with diagnosed ONHD and comparing the images of the autofluorescence, a clear identification of drusen in the optic disc is possible. EDI-OCT offers the possibility, in comparison to SD-OCT, of reliable detections of ONHD concerning to a higher resolutions and depth of penetration. In addition, TVS-EDI-OCT may permit a more sensitive proof of buried drusen than FAF.
This is an abstract that was submitted for the 2017 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Baltimore, MD, May 7-11, 2017.