Acute macular neuroretinopathy: anatomic localisation of the lesion with high-resolution OCT

Effect of oral contraceptive pills on the retinal microvascular structure: An optical coherence tomography angiography study

BACKGROUND

To investigate the effect of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) on foveal avascular zone (FAZ), peripapillary capillary plexus, and superficial and deep capillary plexus (SCP and DCP) measurements.

METHODS

This cross-sectionally designed study included 32 healthy female participants using OCPs (3 mg drospirenone and 0.03 mg ethinylestradiol) for at least one year for contraception and 32 healthy controls that did not use any drugs. All subjects were evaluated using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Using OCTA, the measurements of SCP, DCP, radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) vessel density; FAZ area and perimeter; acircularity index (AI); and foveal density (FD) were undertaken. Each participant's measurements were taken while they were in the follicular phase of their menstrual cycles (day 3).

RESULTS

Age and body mass index did not significantly differ between the groups (p=0.56 and p=0.15, respectively). The DCP vessel densities in all the regions were lower in the OCP group (p<0.05 for all). The vessel densities of SCP and RPC, FAZ area and perimeter, AI, and FD were similar between the two groups (p>0.05 for all).

CONCLUSION

We determined that the DCP vessel density was reduced in women using this drug. OCPs can cause changes in retinal microvascular structures. Therefore, OCTA can be used in the follow-up of healthy women using OCP.

Coincident PAMM and AMN and Insights Into a Common Pathophysiology

PURPOSE

To analyze imaging characteristics and the clinical course of patients demonstrating coincident lesions of paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) and acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) in the same eye.

DESIGN

Retrospective, observational case series.

METHODS

Lesions from patients presenting with coincident PAMM and AMN in the same eye were evaluated with multimodal imaging including optical coherence tomography (OCT). The association with ocular and systemic findings was also investigated.

RESULTS

Fifteen subjects (17 eyes) were included in the study. The mean age was 44.4 ± 15.3 years and the follow-up period ranged from 1 to 32 weeks (mean, 11.9 ± 11.4 weeks). The mean visual acuity was 0.8 ± 0.6 logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (Snellen equivalent 20/126) at baseline and 0.3 ± 0.4 logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (Snellen equivalent 20/40) at the last follow-up. PAMM and AMN lesions occurred in the setting of Purtscher's retinopathy (4 eyes, 3 patients), retinal vein occlusion (7 eyes, 7 patients), central retinal artery occlusion (1 eye, 1 patient), and idiopathic retinal vasculitis (1 eye, 1 patient). In 4 eyes (3 patients), an association with other ocular disorders was not identified as evaluated with multimodal imaging. Of the total cohort, 11 eyes (64.7%) showed extension of the AMN hyperreflective bands in Henle's fiber layer with a Z-shaped morphology on OCT B-scan.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of coincident PAMM and AMN suggests a common pathophysiologic etiology. This may be the result of retinal vein impairment and hypoperfusion at the level of the deep retinal capillary plexus possibly leading to injury to the Müller glia or photoreceptors in Henle's fiber layer.

[Acute macular neuroretinopathy: En face OCT description, case series]

Acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) is a rare disease characterized by involvement of the outer retinal layers of the macula. The diagnosis of AMN is based on multimodal imaging, combining infrared reflectance (IR) imaging and optical coherence tomography with B-scan analysis (OCT-B). The en face OCT is a tomographic image processing technique, integrating data from entire A-scans to create a frontal retinal image of the desired area. Structural en face OCT imaging appears to be effective in delineating AMN lesions, using segmentation between the outer plexiform line and the ellipsoid line. In the future, analysis of the various modalities of a single OCT acquisition may be sufficient to diagnose AMN.

Recurrence of Acute Macular Neuroretinopathy

A 31-year-old female with a 2-month history of a central scotoma was diagnosed with acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMNR). Her symptoms resolved spontaneously, only to recur 2 years later with progressively worsening visual field deficits that did not improve with a trial of oral prednisone. The authors report a case of AMNR that is distinguished from other reports by its recurrence in the same eye after complete resolution of the first episode. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2018;49:962-968.].

Classification and characterization of acute macular neuroretinopathy with spectral domain optical coherence tomography

PURPOSE

To classify and characterize AMN lesions with SD-OCT during a follow-up as long as 5 years.

METHODS

Retrospective study of 14 patients (18 eyes) with special focus on SD-OCT. We measured thickness of inner nuclear layer (INL), outer retinal layer (ONL), and hyperreflective band at baseline and during follow-up. AMN lesions were classified as type 1 and type 2.

RESULTS

Of 14 patients (six males, eight females, mean age 29.7 years), three patients (four eyes) had type 1 and nine (12 eyes) had type 2. Two patients did not meet the criteria for AMN type 1 or 2 and were therefore classified as new subtype of AMN. In all patients, statistically significant thinning of ONL and INL was observable. Mean ONL of all patients was 90.2 ± 7.81 and 72.3 ± 15.64 μm (p < 0.05) during follow-up; mean INL was 54.4 ± 10.71 and 37.5 ± 6.18 μm (p < 0.05) in the course. In the subgroup analysis in AMN type 2, the thinning of both ONL and INL was also statistically significant (mean ONL: 87.4 ± 6.02 and 71.6 ± 12.7 μm (p < 0.05); mean INL: 48.5 ± 5.04 and 38.5 ± 5.6 μm (p < 0.05)) in the course.

CONCLUSION

SD-OCT allows for classification, characterization, and further understanding of AMN lesions. Up to now, this is one of the largest AMN case series differentiating into different subtypes and following up for up to 5 years. Furthermore, we describe a new AMN subtype characterized by initially clinically visible yellowish parafoveal lesions, subtle pigmentary changes at late stage, lack of classic dark appearance on IR reflectance, involvement of RPE/Bruch's complex, and disruption of ellipsoid zone and interdigitation zone. The patients suffered from a prolonged visual impairment and paracentral scotomata. We propose the term AMN type 3 or "paracentral acute outer maculopathy."

Multicolor imaging in the diagnosis and follow up of type 2 acute macular neuroretinopathy

PurposeTo study the usefulness of multicolor imaging (MC) photographs in addition to near infrared reflectance (NIR) and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in the detection and follow up of acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN).Patients and methodsSix patients with a complaint of paracentral scotomas in at least one eye due to AMN were included. They underwent full ophthalmic examination and multimodal imaging including color fundus photographs, (SD-OCT), NIR, and MC at baseline and follow up.ResultsFour females and two males, aged 19-64 years, and eight eyes affected by AMN, were included. Acute phase SD-OCT in all patients confirmed the diagnosis of type 2 AMN with partial recovery of the outer retina in the convalescent phase. NIR and MC elicited in all cases hypo-reflective AMN lesions pointing toward the fovea. MC exhibited a higher contrast between the affected and the physiologic retina that slowly attenuated during the follow up showing a decrease in the hypo-reflectance of the lesions.ConclusionMC imaging was more detailed than fundus color photographs and as detailed as NIR in the detection of AMN. When available, MC imaging should complement SD-OCT and NIR in the diagnosis and follow up of this rare inflammatory condition that may be underdiagnosed.

A clinical case of acute (middle) macular neuroretinopathy

This study presents a case of acute (middle) macular neuroretinopathy. Acute onset of this disease corresponds with the appearance of paracentral scotomas and reddish brown lesions on the retina. The pathophysiology is unclear, but recent research suggests a microvascular etiology. Fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography usually reveal normal features. No specific treatment exists.

ACUTE MACULAR NEURORETINOPATHY WITHOUT NEAR-INFRARED REFLECTANCE-AN ATYPICAL CASE PRESENTATION

BACKGROUND

Acute macular neuroretinopathy is a rare disease that with the help of multimodal imaging is being diagnosed more frequently.

METHODS

An atypical case is presented and followed by multimodal imaging.

RESULTS

A typical acute macular neuroretinopathy lesion was seen on biomicroscopic examination and spectral domain optical coherence tomography examination. However, near-infrared imaging revealed a lack of the characteristic finding along with a relative afferent pupillary defect and a widespread depressed multifocal electroretinogram which has not been reported previously.

CONCLUSION

This patient exhibits photoreceptor and outer retinal findings commonly described in acute macular neuroretinopathy lesion without classic near-infrared findings. This case may represent a severe form of acute macular neuroretinopathy.

Acute macular neuroretinopathy associated with subclinical cytomegalovirus infection

PURPOSE

To report a case of bilateral acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) occurring in a 32-year-old woman, analyzed using the multimodal imaging technique.

CASE REPORT

A 32-year-old Caucasian woman presented with 20 days history of acute onset of blurred vision in the right eye. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.8 and 1.0 in the right and left eyes, respectively. She reported a lower urinary tract infection associated with fever, 7 days before the onset of the ocular symptoms. Serological tests demonstrated the presence of IgM specific for cytomegalovirus (CMV), while all the other laboratory tests were negative. SD-OCT exhibited the disruption of the inner segment-outer segment junction, associated with hyper-reflectivity of a thickened outer plexiform layer overlying such area associated with thinning of the outer nuclear layer. The patient was diagnosed with AMN and received a corticosteroid treatment. During all the follow-up, OCT features did not change, although BCVA improved. Four months after the first visit, we found also in the left eye a subfoveal IS/OS disruption but differently from the right eye, in which the abnormalities persisted during all the follow-up visits, in the left one they disappeared only after a month. The IgM specific for the CMV remained positive during the whole follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first patient reported with a diagnosis of AMN associated with persisting presence of IgM specific for CMV.

Acute Macular Neuroretinopathy Following Non-Ocular Trauma: A Hypothesis Regarding Pathophysiologic Mechanism

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To describe the imaging characteristics and clinical course of acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) following non-ocular trauma, and to hypothesize a pathophysiologic mechanism for this syndrome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The records of five patients who developed symptoms and findings suggestive of AMN following trauma to the face or chest were retrospectively reviewed. Optical coherence tomography (OCT), infrared reflectance, fundus autofluorescence, fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography, and multifocal electroretinography were evaluated.

RESULTS

Visual symptoms started immediately or very soon after non-ocular trauma, and scotomas persisted at last follow-up (2 weeks to 10 years after trauma). OCT imaging performed within days of the trauma demonstrated focal areas of hyper-reflectivity in the outer plexiform and outer nuclear layers with eventual thinning of the outer nuclear layer, as well as variable loss of the ellipsoid and interdigitation zones.

CONCLUSION

Acute ischemic injury caused by trauma-induced hypotension and/or catecholamine release and involving the deep retinal capillary plexus is the pathogenic mechanism that most plausibly explains trauma-associated AMN.

A UNIQUE CASE OF ACUTE MACULAR NEURORETINOPATHY ASSOCIATED WITH COTTON WOOL SPOTS AND INTRARETINAL FLUID

PURPOSE

To discuss the clinical findings in a unique case of acute macular neuroretinopathy with a focus on the pathophysiology of this rare entity.

METHODS

The patient's clinical course was documented with color fundus photography and spectral domain ocular coherence tomography registered to infrared reflectance imaging. The visual field was assessed using the Amsler grid testing and Humphrey visual field 24-2.

RESULTS

Initial fundus photography showed cotton wool spots and slight darkening of the central macula in each eye. Optical coherence tomography showed initial hyperreflective plaques at the level of the outer plexiform layer/outer nuclear layer junction with subsequent thinning of the outer nuclear layer and corresponding disruption of the ellipsoid and outer segment/retinal pigment epithelium. Infrared reflectance imaging revealed perifoveal hyporeflective lesions in each eye with corresponding visual field defects on the Amsler grid and visual field testing. The hyporeflective infrared lesions became more discreet during the ensuing weeks and remained stable beyond 11 weeks.

CONCLUSION

The authors present the case of a 15-year-old girl diagnosed with acute macular neuroretinopathy. This case is notable in that she presented with cotton wool spots and intraretinal fluid, both of which are unusual for acute macular neuroretinopathy. The authors suggest that the presence of cotton wool spots and several small foci of intraretinal fluid seen in their patient may lend support to the ischemic hypothesis described by Sarraf et al. The optical coherence tomography images obtained in this case have the typical wedge-shaped or petaloid configuration, and the authors suggest that the shape of the lesions themselves also lends support to a vascular mechanism.

Acute macular neuroretinopathy associated with systemic lupus erythematosus

Acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) is a rare disorder that presents with abrupt visual change with wedge-shaped or flower-like lesions pointing towards the fovea. Ischemic insults to the retinal capillary plexus may be important for development of this disease. While many case reports have been published on AMN, none have described AMN in association with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Here, we report a case of AMN associated with newly-diagnosed SLE. We speculate that in patients with lupus flares, immune complex-mediated vascular injury and microvascular thrombosis may disrupt the deep retinal capillary network, causing ischemic damages to the outer retina and leading to the development of AMN. AMN can develop in patients with lupus flares, and must be considered as an SLE-associated ophthalmologic complication. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of AMN associated with SLE.

Functional and high-resolution retinal imaging monitoring photoreceptor damage in acute macular neuroretinopathy

BACKGROUND

To report functional and high-resolution retinal imaging abnormalities, including adaptive optics (AO) throughout the course of acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMNR).

METHODS

Two female patients (four eyes) with a diagnosis of AMNR were observed at the Clinical Investigation Center, CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, Paris, France. The patients underwent detailed ophthalmic examination including best-corrected visual acuity, slit-lamp examination, kinetic and static perimetry, full-field and multifocal electroretinogram, infrared reflectance, autofluorescence imaging and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and AO fundus imaging at presentation and during follow-up.

RESULTS

Both cases showed concomitant loss of integrity of the outer retinal structures on SD-OCT, and marked abnormalities on AO imaging with disruption of the visibility of the cone mosaic. In the first case, photoreceptor damage was seen to progress during several weeks before healing. In both cases, there were persistent morphological abnormalities of photoreceptors 1 year after onset.

CONCLUSION

This study further highlights the value of AO fundus imaging to facilitate detection, mapping, and monitoring of damage to the cone outer segments during AMNR. In particular, residual damage to the cone mosaic can be precisely documented.

Adaptive optics imaging of cone mosaic abnormalities in acute macular neuroretinopathy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To assess the cone photoreceptor mosaic in acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) using adaptive optics (AO) imaging.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Four patients with AMN were evaluated retrospectively by near-infrared reflectance (IR) confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO), spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and a flood-illuminated retinal AO camera. Microperimetry was performed in one patient.

RESULTS

The cone photoreceptor density was decreased at the level of the AMN lesions. The cone mosaic disruption appeared heterogeneous and more widespread than the lesion detected in the IR-SLO and SD-OCT images. The areas of cone loss correlated with SD-OCT and microperimetry. After resolution of the AMN lesion on IR-SLO, there was incomplete recovery of the cone photoreceptor mosaic.

CONCLUSION

Cone photoreceptor damage and reconstitution were documented in vivo at the cellular level in AMN using AO imaging. AO imaging appeared more sensitive than combined IR-SLO and SD-OCT to detect and follow photoreceptor damage in patients with AMN.

Fundus autofluorescence imaging in a patient with rapidly developing scotoma

PURPOSE

To evaluate the findings in a case of acute macular neuroretinopathy involving sudden development of scotomas accompanied by rapid focal increases in fundus autofluorescence.

METHODS

The clinical presentation of the patient was documented by color fundus photographs, fundus autofluorescence, infrared imaging, and high-resolution spectral domain optical coherence tomography. The scotomas were assessed by Humphrey visual field 10-2 and MP-1 microperimetry.

RESULTS

Visual field defects exhibited spatial correspondence with wedge-shaped lesions demonstrable in color fundus photographs and infrared imaging. It was notable that the lesions exhibited increased intensity on autofluorescence images obtained within 3 weeks of presentation. Optical coherence tomography revealed focal loss of photoreceptor inner segment/outer segment junctions in both eyes.

CONCLUSION

This case was distinguished by the relative rapidity with which the lesions became hyperautofluorescent in fundus autofluorescence images. Given that the bisretinoids that are the source of autofluorescence form in photoreceptor cells and are transferred to retinal pigment epithelium secondarily, the rapid increase in autofluorescence is unlikely to only reflect retinal pigment epithelium status and is more likely to be indicative of photoreceptor cell dysfunctioning and loss of structural integrity.

Selective cone photoreceptor injury in acute macular neuroretinopathy

PURPOSE

To evaluate retinal structural and functional abnormalities in a patient with acute macular neuroretinopathy.

METHODS

An adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscope was used to image the photoreceptor mosaic and assess rod and cone structure. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography was used to examine retinal lamination. Microperimetry was used to assess function across the macula.

RESULTS

Microperimetry showed reduced function of localized areas within retinal lesions corresponding to subjective scotomas. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography imaging revealed attenuation of two outer retinal bands typically thought to reflect photoreceptor structure. Adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscope images of the photoreceptor mosaic revealed a heterogeneous presentation within these lesions. There were areas containing non-waveguiding cones and other areas of decreased cone density where the remaining rods had expanded to fill in the vacant space. Within these lesions, cone densities were shown to be significantly lower than eccentricity-matched areas of normal retina, as well as accepted histologic measurements. A 6-month follow-up revealed no change in rod or cone structure.

CONCLUSION

Imaging of acute macular neuroretinopathy using an adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscope shows a preferential disruption of cone photoreceptor structure within the region of decreased retinal sensitivity (as measured by microperimetry). Adaptive optics-based imaging tools provide a noninvasive way to assess photoreceptor structure at a level of detail that is not resolved by use of conventional spectral-domain optical coherence tomography or other clinical measures.

Acute macular neuroretinopathy in a 15-year-old boy: optical coherence tomography and visual acuity findings

PURPOSE

To report a case of acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) in a 15-year-old boy.

METHODS

Images were obtained with fundus photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT).

RESULTS

The patient complained of blurred vision and a small central scotoma in the left eye. Left visual acuity was 0.3. Fundus photographs revealed a small dark area in the fovea of the left eye. OCT showed attenuation of the photoreceptor inner segment (IS)/outer segment (OS) line and the OS/retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) line in the left eye. One week after the initial visit, left visual acuity had improved to 0.6, and there was partial recovery of the IS/OS line with focal thinning of the OS/RPE line. One month later, left visual acuity had improved to 0.8, and OCT showed complete restoration of the IS/OS line and the OS/RPE line.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the youngest patient reported with a diagnosis of AMN. Changes in microstructural findings and visual acuity were analogous during recovery of AMN in our patient.

Traumatic retinopathy presenting as acute macular neuroretinopathy

AIM

Traumatic retinopathy presenting as acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMNR) is an uncommon disease causing paracentral scotomas after indirect trauma.

METHODS

We report on five patients (six eyes) with AMNR with a temporary reduction of visual acuity and persistent paracentral scotomas after indirect trauma. The findings were documented using multimodal imaging and the follow-up was up to 32 months.

RESULTS

Initially, fundoscopy was unremarkable in all patients while visual acuity (Snellen equivalents) varied between 0.03 and 1.0, and a paracentral scotoma was present in all patients. During follow-up, visual acuity recovered to 1.0 in all patients while the paracentral scotomas persisted. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography revealed a disruption of the inner/outer segment junction within the macular lesion and changes in the outer nuclear layer, which slowly recovered partly during the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that indirect trauma can cause changes in the outer retina resembling those seen in AMNR, resulting in persisting paracentral scotomas.

Spectral domain optical coherence tomography evolutive features in acute macular neuroretinopathy

PURPOSE

To demonstrate the usefulness of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in investigating the evolution of the retinal outer lesions seen in acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN).

METHODS

A 32-year-old woman presented with a 1-day history of paracentral dark spot in the left eye, preceded by a flulike illness. A full ophthalmologic examination, color vision, visual field examination, and conventional imaging of the retina were done. Scanning laser ophthalmoscopic infrared imaging and SD-OCT of the macular region were performed.

RESULTS

Best-corrected visual acuity was 20/20 in both eyes. Slit-lamp examination as well as retinal photographs were unrevealing. Scanning laser ophthalmoscopic infrared examination showed a dark, sharp, oval area in the macular region that corresponded to a rounded patch drawn by the patient on an Amsler grid. The SD-OCT showed focal highly reflective lesion of outer plexiform layer (OPL) extending to the outer nuclear layer. After recovery of the OPL, follow-up SD-OCT showed an associated disruption of the external limiting membrane and the retinal pigment epithelium inner band as well as thinning of the inner segment/outer segment junction. Retinal inner layers were otherwise normal.

CONCLUSIONS

Spectral domain optical coherence tomography is of particular interest in the diagnosis of AMN. It is also very useful in featuring the chronological events happening in the outer retina. As the lesions shown are confined to the outer layers, this condition should be called acute macular outer retinopathy rather than AMN.

Microperimetry and optical coherence tomography in acute macular neuroretinopathy

PURPOSE

To report optical coherence tomography and microperimetry findings in acute macular neuroretinopathy.

METHODS

Case report.

PATIENTS

A single patient with acute macular neuroretinopathy.

CONCLUSION

Scotomata reported by a patient with acute macular neuroretinopathy correspond with findings of disruption of the photoreceptor inner segment-outer segment junction on optical coherence tomography and congruent decreased retinal function demonstrated with microperimetry.

Infrared imaging and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography findings correlate with microperimetry in acute macular neuroretinopathy: a case report

INTRODUCTION

Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography findings in a patient with acute macular neuroretinopathy, and correlation with functional defects on microperimetry, are presented.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 25-year old Caucasian woman presented with bitemporal field defects following an upper respiratory tract infection. Her visual acuity was 20/20 in both eyes and a dilated fundus examination revealed bilateral hyperpigmentary changes in the papillomacular bundle. Our patient underwent further evaluation with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, infrared and fundus autofluorescence imaging. Functional changes were assessed by microperimetry. Infrared imaging showed the classic wedge-shaped defects and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography exhibited changes at the inner segment-outer segment junction, with a thickened outer plexiform layer overlying these areas. Fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography did not demonstrate any perfusion defects or any other abnormality. Microperimetry demonstrated focal elevation in threshold correlating with the wedge-shaped defects in both eyes.

CONCLUSION

Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography findings provide new evidence of the involvement of the outer plexiform layer of the retina in acute macular neuroretinopathy.

[Acute macular neuroretinopathy]

A 24-year-old female patient presented with sudden onset of paracentral visual field defects of the right eye, which were noticed 2 months before the clinical examination. The slit lamp examination of the anterior and posterior segments showed unremarkable findings but three oval, well demarcated, hyporeflective areas were noticed in the right posterior pole in infrared fundus photographs. A similar small area was found in the left posterior pole. Optical coherence tomography (Cirrus OCT) showed a structural defect of the hyperreflective bands of the outer retina. The diagnosis of acute macular neuroretinopathy was made.

Outer retinal abnormalities in acute macular neuroretinopathy

PURPOSE

To investigate the spectral-domain optical coherence tomography findings in four cases of acute macular neuroretinopathy and identify features that may differentiate acute macular neuroretinopathy from similar conditions in the acute zonal occult outer retinopathy complex.

METHODS

Patients with acute macular neuroretinopathy underwent complete periodic examinations, including ophthalmoscopy, color photography and autofluorescence photography, visual field testing, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Abnormalities as seen by multimodal imaging were documented and evaluated during follow-up.

RESULTS

The average age of the 4 patients was 32 years (range, 28-34 years), and 2 had bilateral involvement. The follow-up ranged from 1 month to 5 months. In each patient, dark lobular areas seen by ophthalmoscopy corresponded to the measured visual field defect and what appeared to be a regional loss of outer segments of the photoreceptors. The outer segment defect resolved in two patients and improved in the other two during follow-up. All patients showed a colocalizing regional thinning of the outer nuclear layer, which did not change during the follow-up period. There were no associated abnormalities in the fundus appearance.

CONCLUSION

Acute macular neuroretinopathy causes reddish brown patches that are because of outer retinal damage as documented by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Unlike other entities in the acute zonal occult outer retinopathy complex, acute macular neuroretinopathy has no other synchronic ophthalmoscopically visible fundus abnormalities. These lesions may resolve over time, with restoration of the outermost retinal architecture, but persistent thinning of the overlying outer nuclear layer remained.

Visualization and follow-up of acute macular neuroretinopathy with the Spectralis HRA+OCT device

BACKGROUND

Acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMNR) is a rare disease entity, the diagnosis of which is frequently complicated by the subtlety of biomicroscopic findings.

METHODS

Two cases of AMNR are presented, in which the diagnosis and follow-up was enabled using the Spectralis HRA+OCT in the absence of clear biomicroscopic findings.

RESULTS

The typical lesions were visualized by hyporeflexion during infrared imaging and faded over time. With spectral domain optical coherence tomography, changes in the outer retina in the affected regions were documented, with no change over time.

CONCLUSION

The broader availability of this technology may enhance the diagnosis and follow-up of AMNR.

A comparison of multifocal ERG and frequency domain OCT changes in patients with abnormalities of the retina

To compare the ability of the multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) and frequency domain optical coherence tomography (fdOCT) to detect retinal abnormalities. A total of 198 eyes (100 patients) were referred by neuro-ophthalmologists to rule out a retinal etiology of visual impairment. All patients were evaluated with static automated perimetry (SAP) (Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer; Zeiss Meditec), mfERG (Veris, EDI) and fdOCT (3D-OCT 1000, Topcon). The mfERG was performed with 103 scaled hexagons and procedures conforming to ISCEV standards (Hood DC et al. (2008) Doc Ophthalmol 116(1):1-11). The fdOCT imaging included horizontal and vertical line scans through the fovea. Local mfERG and fdOCT abnormalities were compared to local regions of visual field sensitivity loss measured with SAP and categorized as normal/inconclusive or abnormal. 146 eyes were categorized as normal retina on both fdOCT and mfERG. The retina of 52 eyes (36 patients) was categorized as abnormal based upon mfERG and/or fdOCT. Of this group, 25 eyes (20 patients) were abnormal on both tests. However, 20 eyes (13 patients) were abnormal on mfERG, while the fdOCT was normal/inconclusive; and 7 eyes (7 patients) had normal or inconclusive mfERG, but abnormal fdOCT. Considerable disagreement exists between these two methods for detection of retinal abnormalities. The mfERG tends to miss small local abnormalities that are detectable on the fdOCT. On the other hand, the fdOCT can appear normal in the face of clearly abnormal mfERG and SAP results. While improved imaging and analysis may show fdOCT abnormalities in some cases, in others early damage may not appear on structural tests.