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Updated: Apr 21, 2026
Integrated Photoacoustic Ophthalmoscopy and Spectral-domain Optical Coherence Tomography
Published on: January 15, 2013
The seasick choroid: a finding on enhanced depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography of choroidal
Juan D Arias1, Nishant Kumar, Enzo A M Fulco
1*Ocular Oncology Service, Wills Eye Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania †Vitreous-Retina-Macula Consultants of New York, New York, New York.
Purpose:
To describe previously unreported imaging features of choroidal lymphoma using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (OCT).
Methods:
Enhanced depth imaging OCT was performed before and after the therapy.
Results:
A 32-year-old white man with a 4-month history of blurred vision in the right eye was found to have a macular fold. There was no visible intraocular tumor. There were no signs of anterior segment inflammation, vascular abnormalities, or infiltrative disease. Visual acuity was 20/150 in the right eye and 20/20 in the left eye. Enhanced depth imaging OCT demonstrated a macular retinal fold and marked thickening of the choroid with striking choroidal surface undulation and folds imparting an appearance similar to a "sea storm" (seasick appearance). Deep choroidal structures could not be visualized, and the sclerochoroidal interface could not be identified. Overlying subretinal fluid and intraretinal fluid was noted. Ultrasonography demonstrated diffuse, relatively smooth thickening of the choroid (4.0-mm thickness) with minor extraocular hypoechoic area. Based on these findings, choroidal lymphoid proliferation was suspected, and fine-needle aspiration biopsy confirmed B-cell lymphoma. Results of systemic evaluation were unremarkable. After external beam radiotherapy with dose of 40 Gy, visual acuity returned promptly to 20/40 and the lymphoid infiltration resolved with flattening of the macular fold and resolution of subretinal and intraretinal fluids. The enhanced depth imaging OCT returned to a more normal appearance with the resolution of the retinal fold and reduction of the choroidal mass with retinal pigment epithelial-choroidal surface features to a "calm sea" appearance.
Conclusion:
Enhanced depth imaging OCT is a useful tool for subclinical monitoring of choroidal infiltration from lymphoma before and after therapy.
