Solid-appearing retinal cysts in diabetic macular edema: a novel optical coherence tomography finding

To describe a novel finding of solid-appearing retinal cysts in patients with diabetic macular edema.

Case series of four patients with diabetic retinopathy discovered to have solid-appearing retinal cysts on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.

These cases demonstrate the presence of inner retinal hyporeflective cysts filled with an isoreflective substance on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. These solid-appearing cysts arise from previously fluid-filled cysts and are not found in relation to intraretinal hemorrhage. Treatment with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents did not seem to directly alter their natural course.

The authors report solid-appearing retinal cysts as a new optical coherence tomography finding in four patients with diabetic macular edema. The exact composition of this isoreflective material is unknown. The authors hypothesize that fibrin or other inflammatory by-products fill these spaces.