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Published on: May 26, 2023
WEDGE-SHAPED SUBRETINAL HYPOREFLECTIVITY IN GEOGRAPHIC ATROPHY.
Giuseppe Querques1, Vittorio Capuano, Pietro Frascio
1*Department of Ophthalmology, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Creteil, University Paris Est Creteil, Creteil, France; and †Department of Ophthalmology, University Scientific Institute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.
Wedge-shaped subretinal hyporeflectivity is a new finding in geographic atrophy (GA) associated with age-related macular degeneration. These stable lesions in large GA areas do not require treatment, differentiating them from exudative signs.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Imaging
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Background:
- Geographic atrophy (GA) is an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
- Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring retinal diseases.
- Peculiar findings in GA require detailed characterization to guide clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe wedge-shaped subretinal hyporeflectivity, a novel SD-OCT finding.
- To characterize this finding in the context of geographic atrophy (GA) in atrophic age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of patients with GA between January 2012 and December 2013.
- Standardized imaging protocol including blue fundus autofluorescence and SD-OCT.
- Analysis of lesion morphology, dimensions, and changes over time.
Main Results:
- Wedge-shaped subretinal hyporeflective lesions were identified in 12 of 161 eyes (11 patients).
- These lesions were associated with larger GA areas and characterized by specific outer retinal layer changes on SD-OCT.
- Lesion dimensions remained stable over a mean follow-up of approximately 15 months.
Conclusions:
- Wedge-shaped subretinal hyporeflectivity is a previously unreported finding in GA areas of atrophic AMD.
- These lesions are delimited by the outer plexiform layer and Bruch membrane.
- Recognition of these stable lesions is important to differentiate them from exudative AMD signs, avoiding unnecessary treatment.
