Fundus autofluorescence in serpiginous choroiditis

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging
• Retinal Diseases

Background:

• Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) is utilized for evaluating inflammatory conditions impacting the chorioretinal interface.
• This study investigates FAF characteristics in two serpiginous choroiditis (SC) patients during active phases and resolution.
• FAF findings were correlated with other imaging modalities.

Observation:

• FAF imaging captured hyperautofluorescence 2-5 days post-lesion onset, clearly defining retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) damage.
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed early photoreceptor layer hyper-reflectance in hyperautofluorescent areas.
• Indocyanine green (ICG) angiography showed a larger choriocapillaris perfusion defect compared to the RPE damage area.

Findings:

• FAF is highly sensitive for detecting RPE damage during acute SC episodes.
• A dynamic sequence of FAF changes corresponds to the progression and resolution of SC lesions.
• OCT demonstrated persistent photoreceptor layer changes in atrophic, hypoautofluorescent lesions.

Implications:

• FAF serves as a valuable tool for early detection and monitoring of RPE damage in serpiginous choroiditis.
• FAF imaging provides insights into the inflammatory and resolution phases of SC.
• Comparing FAF and OCT findings in SC with those in posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy may reveal diagnostic similarities and differences.