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Published on: January 10, 2019
Progressive optical coherence tomography deterioration in chloroquine maculopathy
Chris Bergstrom1, Enrique Garcia-Valenzuela
1From the *Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia; and †Midwest Retina Consultants and University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, Chicago, Illinois.
Purpose:
To report optical coherence tomography (OCT) progressive changes in chloroquine maculopathy.
Design:
Observational case report.
Methods:
Both eyes of a patient with chloroquine maculopathy were examined serially with OCT.
Results:
OCT demonstrated diffuse retinal thinning involving the fovea and perifoveal area in each eye, particularly involving the outer retina, with loss of the photoreceptor outer hyperreflective lamina proximal to the lamina corresponding to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The temporal nerve fiber layer was mildly thinned. Repeat OCT showed progressive macular thinning.
Conclusions:
OCT findings are consistent with histopathologic studies that advanced chloroquine toxicity affects the nerve fiber layer and the outer retinal layers, and confirm reports that severe maculopathy may progress despite cessation of therapy. The possible use of OCT in screening of patients at risk for macular toxicity is suggested.
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