Abstract
Purpose :
To evaluate the additional information provided by wide-field optical coherence tomography (W-OCT) compared to conventional macular volume scan OCT (M-OCT) in retinitis pigmentosa (RP).
Methods :
A consecutive series of 260 RP patients diagnosed based on either clinical or molecular genetic findings were examined at least once between 2015 and 2022. Ophthalmologic examination included clinical examination, W-OCT, M-OCT, fundus (FAF) and near-infrared autofluorescence (NIA) in wide-field and macular mode (Spectralis, Heidelberg Engineering, Germany). W-OCT was evaluated in respect to provision of additional information compared to M-OCT. Molecular genetic analysis was performed in all patients who gave informed consent.
Results :
In 126/260 patients the clinical diagnosis of RP was confirmed by molecular genetic findings. In 249/260 patients W-OCT could be evaluated in a volume scan. In 182/249 patients, the area of preserved photoreceptors (= present ellipsoid zone (EZ) layer) was completely within the field evaluated by M-OCT. Of the remaining 67 patients, the area of preserved EZ could be completely documented with W-OCT in 64/67 patients. In addition, W-OCT provided further information on mid-peripheral areas of preserved retinal layer integrity, the presence of abnormal bulbus configuration due to high myopia or posterior staphyloma. Lesions detectable on W-OCT corresponded to lesion visible in wide-field FAF and NIA.
Conclusions :
W-OCT as well as wide-field FAF and NIA are suitable methods for non-invasive evaluation of retinal structure beyond the macular area in RP patients, especially in earlier stages with more preserved retinal structures towards the mid-periphery.
This abstract was presented at the 2023 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in New Orleans, LA, April 23-27, 2023.