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Microcystic changes in the retinal internal nuclear layer associated with optic atrophy: a prospective study
Benjamin Wolff1, Georges Azar1, Vivien Vasseur1
1Rothschild Ophthalmologic Foundation, Professor Sahel Department, 25 rue Manin, 75019 Paris, France.
Journal of Ophthalmology
|April 5, 2014
Summary
Microcystic changes in the retinal inner nuclear layer (RINL) are common in optic nerve atrophy (OA) but not specific to any single cause. Their prevalence varies by the underlying etiology of OA.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuro-ophthalmology
- Retinal Imaging
Background:
- Optic nerve atrophy (OA) is characterized by retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) defects.
- Microcystic changes in the retinal inner nuclear layer (RINL) have been observed in association with OA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of RINL microcystic perimacular changes in eyes with OA.
- To determine if these microcystic changes are specific to certain etiologies of OA.
Main Methods:
- Prospective chart review of patients with significant RNFL defects.
- Classification of patients based on the etiology of their RNFL defect.
- Retinal imaging analysis of 201 eyes from 138 patients.
Main Results:
- Microcystic RINL changes were found in 35.3% of eyes with OA.
- Prevalence varied by OA cause: 75% in hereditary OA, 50% in ischemic optic neuritis, 44.4% in compressive OA, and lower in other forms.
- Highest incidence of microcystic changes observed in genetic OA.
Conclusions:
- Microcystic changes in RINL are not pathognomonic for a specific disease causing OA.
- The incidence of these changes is dependent on the underlying etiology of OA.
- Genetic causes of OA show the highest association with RINL microcystic changes.
