[Macular edema without fluorescein leakeage].

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Imaging
• Diagnostic Technologies

Background:

• Macular edema typically presents with fluorescein leakage on angiography.
• Unexplained macular edema necessitates investigation into alternative diagnostic features and underlying causes.

Observation:

• This study examined three patients with unexplained unilateral macular thickening identified via optical coherence tomography (OCT).
• Patients underwent OCT, angiography, and electrophysiological testing.
• No fluorescein leakage was observed during angiography.

Findings:

• OCT imaging revealed features consistent with myopic foveoschisis or X-linked retinoschisis.
• Electrophysiological tests were largely normal, with one instance of impaired electrooculogram.

Implications:

• Macular edema lacking angiographic leakage may indicate unilateral idiopathic retinoschisis.
• Atypical intraretinal fluid accumulation mechanisms should be considered in such cases.
• OCT is crucial for diagnosing these conditions when angiography is inconclusive.