scholarly journals Comparison of fundus fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography features of macular changes in Eales disease: a case series

Author(s):  
Ketaki Rajurkar ◽  
Meenakshi Thakar ◽  
Priyadarshi Gupta ◽  
Anju Rastogi

Abstract Purpose To study the macular features in Eales disease patients observed with fundus fluorescein angiography (FA), optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Methods A cross-sectional study was done on treatment naïve 31 eyes (23 patients) with Eales disease. Baseline parameters such as Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), slit-lamp bio microscopy (SLB), indirect ophthalmoscopy, FA, spectral-domain OCT {quantitative (central macular thickness [CMT]) and qualitative analysis on SD-OCT} and OCTA were performed. Any media opacity precluding the above investigations was excluded. Results Macular findings comprised of- epiretinal membrane, macular exudation, full thickness macular hole, sub internal limiting membrane bleed, cystoid macular oedema, neurosensory detachment and retinal thickening. Sixteen (51.6%) of our patients had macular changes as seen on all modalities together. SLB and indirect ophthalmoscopy missed macular findings in 50% patients and FA in 18.8% patients. OCT and OCTA diagnosed all macular findings. On comparison of mean BCVA in patients with macular involvement on FA, OCT and OCTA, compared to those without macular involvement, patients with macular involvement had lower BCVA (p 0.000, 0.01 and 0.001 respectively). Thus, FA missed many patients who had significant macular involvement and hence less vision. Conclusion Eales disease though described in literature as classically being peripheral retina disease process, also has macular involvement. OCT and OCTA are useful guides to evaluation of macular involvement in these patients. The latter seems to be superior to FA in detecting macular abnormalities in this ailment. OCTA is non-invasive and shows deep capillary plexus changes which are not shown by any other modality.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nora Alyousif ◽  
Abrar K. Alsalamah ◽  
Hassan Aldhibi

Abstract Background: Eales disease primarily affects the peripheral retina. However, posterior involvement can be seen. Macular epiretinal neovascularization is not commonly seen in Eales disease. This report highlights the morphology and origin of macular epiretinal neovascularization (ERN) using multimodal retinal imaging, including optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Results: A 35-year-old man with no history of systemic disorders presented with gradual decrease of vision in his left eye. Fundus examination of his right eye showed peripheral sclerosed blood vessels, neovascularization of the optic disc and elsewhere, and macular ERN. The view of the left fundus was limited by vitreous haemorrhage. Fluorescein angiography (FA), of the right eye showed widespread peripheral capillary nonperfusion and leakage of dye from the retinal neovascularization and macular ERN. Macular Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) of the right eye showed an epiretinal membrane and the presence of epiretinal neovascular lesions extending above the internal limiting membrane towards the vitreous. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) showed multiple tiny blood vessels at the macula that arose from the superficial retinal capillary plexuses and extended toward the vitreous. The corresponding B-scan showed flow signal through these vessels and the signal extend above the internal limiting membrane. Systemic work-up was negative except for strongly positive tuberculin skin testing giving the classic diagnosis of Eales disease. Patient was started on empirical anti-tubercular therapy and oral corticosteroids. Scatter laser photocoagulation was applied to nonperfused retinal zones. Despite adequate scatter laser ablation, the ERN failed to regress fully. Conclusions: Macular ERN can be seen in cases of classic Eales disease. The origin of macular ERN in our case was shown to be from the superficial retinal capillary plexuses. We also noted the slower regression rate of macular ERN as compared to the major neovascularizations of the optic disc and peripheral retina. Further research is needed to establish the pathogenesis of ERN and its optimal management.


Even though the diagnosis depends on clinical examination, in cases with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO), fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) provide unique data for follow-up, management and prognosis. In FFA, delay of laminar flow phase in the involved branch, hyperfluorescence due to leakage from the vessel wall in the late phases, hypofluorescence due to the blockage by hemorrhage, and soft exudates, and hyperfluorescence due to macular edema can be detected. In OCT, macular thickening, cystic spaces, serous retinal detachment, hyperreflective dots, disorganization of the outer retinal layers – particularly the photoreceptor inner and outer segments line and the external limiting membrane – can be seen. OCTA reveals non-perfusion, particularly in the deep capillary plexus.


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