Heidelberg spectral-domain optical coherence tomographic findings in retinal artery macroaneurysm

To describe the morphologic variables of macroaneurysms, to assess their diameter in comparison to their upstream/downstream vessel diameter as visualized on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, and to describe morphologic changes in the retina adjacent to macroaneurysm.

A retrospective case series of adult patients who were clinically diagnosed with retinal macroaneurysms and who underwent Heidelberg spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) between June 2009 and October 2010.

A total of 12 patients (age range, 31-95 years, 2 men) in whom macroaneurysms were demonstrated by spectral-domain OCT (12 eyes). All the macroaneurysms had a typical OCT appearance, and a diameter of 285.33 ± 76.98 μm. The diameter of the upstream/downstream vessel was 117.5 ± 17.13 μm (P = 0.0001 vs. the mean macroaneurysm diameter). Other related OCT findings were superficial retinal hemorrhage, intraretinal lipids, and intraretinal edema prominently involving the outer retinal layers.

Spectral-domain OCT is an effective tool for detecting retinal macroaneurysms. It also provides important supplementary clinical information that may be helpful in planning the management of macroaneurysm, without the need for ancillary tests.