[Acute Retinal Pigment Epitheliitis: spectral-domain optical coherence tomography findings]

Through a case presentation of Acute Retinal Pigment Epitheliitis (ARPE) we highlight the role of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in the management of this rare entity.

A 29-year-old woman presented for reduced visual acuity in the right eye occurring one week after a viral episode. Fundus examination showed zones of macular hyperpigmentation surrounded by yellowish hypopigmented haloes. Fluorescein angiography noted early hyperfluorescence of the hypopigmented lesions. ICG angiography revealed central hyperfluorescence surrounded by a hypofluorescent halo. SD-OCT showed a linear disruption between the photoreceptor inner/outer segments (IS/OS) and an accumulation of material in the photoreceptor outer segments and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Spontaneous normalization of visual acuity was noted after 10 weeks. SD-OCT revealed restored and continuous inner segment and outer segment layers and some persistent deposits in the photoreceptor layer.

SD-OCT findings suggest that the initial lesion in ARPE is located at the junction between the photoreceptor outer segments and the apical side of the RPE cells. It would correspond to an accumulation of photoreceptor outer segment debris secondary to RPE dysfunction, which can occur as a post-viral reaction.

SD-OCT provides very specific information about the topography of retinal lesions during ARPE, allowing a better understanding of its pathogenesis.