POSSIBLE CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION IN MACULAR TELANGIECTASIA TYPE 2

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging
• Retinal Diseases

Background:

• Macular Telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel2) is a degenerative retinal disorder.
• Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) abnormalities are characteristic of MacTel2.
• Neovascularization is a known complication in some retinal diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate sub-RPE vascular proliferation in Macular Telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel2).
• To utilize volume-rendered optical coherence tomography angiography for visualization.
• To assess vascular changes extending beyond the retinal pigment epithelium.

Main Methods:

• Studied six eyes from four MacTel2 patients with extra-RPE neovascularization.
• Employed optical coherence tomography with split-spectrum amplitude-decorrelation for flow data.
• Generated 3D volume renderings of sub-RPE vascular proliferation.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated vascular proliferation in the sub-RPE space using OCT and OCT angiography.
• Identified fibrovascular RPE detachments in all studied eyes.
• Observed distinct vessel morphology and branching patterns beneath the RPE compared to above.

Conclusions:

• Sub-RPE vascular proliferation is a potential complication of MacTel2.
• RPE abnormalities in MacTel2 may facilitate sub-RPE vessel growth.
• Choroidal contribution to this deep proliferation cannot be excluded.