Progressive optical coherence tomography deterioration in chloroquine maculopathy.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Imaging
• Toxicology

Background:

• Chloroquine maculopathy is a known complication of long-term chloroquine use.
• Early detection and monitoring are crucial for managing chloroquine-induced retinal toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document progressive changes in chloroquine maculopathy using optical coherence tomography (OCT).
• To illustrate the utility of OCT in assessing the severity and progression of chloroquine maculopathy.

Main Methods:

• An observational case report detailing serial OCT examinations of both eyes in a patient with chloroquine maculopathy.
• High-resolution OCT imaging was employed to visualize retinal structure.

Main Results:

• OCT revealed diffuse retinal thinning, particularly in the outer retina and photoreceptor layers, affecting the fovea and perifoveal regions.
• Mild thinning of the temporal nerve fiber layer was observed.
• Serial OCT scans demonstrated progressive macular thinning over time.

Conclusions:

• OCT findings correlate with histopathological evidence of chloroquine toxicity affecting outer retinal layers and the nerve fiber layer.
• Macular damage can progress despite discontinuation of chloroquine therapy.
• OCT may serve as a valuable tool for screening patients at risk of chloroquine-induced macular toxicity.