SLO Fundus Imaging Is the Most Sensitive Modality of Multimodal Imaging for Macular Microembolisms with Subtle Signs.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Imaging
• Vascular Neurology

Background:

• Microemboli causing macular infarction are challenging to diagnose.
• Subtle signs of inner retinal infarction require advanced imaging techniques.

Observation:

• Two cases of suspected inner retinal infarction were analyzed using multimodal imaging.
• Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy (SLO) revealed subtle signs not visible with other methods like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).

Findings:

• SLO imaging demonstrated a higher contrast and resolution, precisely delineating inner retinal infarction.
• In one case, SLO detected subtle infarction invisible to OCT, which resolved with visual improvement.
• In the second case, SLO clearly outlined extensive infarction correlating with OCT findings.

Implications:

• SLO is a sensitive tool for diagnosing macular ischemia due to microemboli.
• SLO can identify subclinical inner retinal infarctions causing unexplained visual loss.
• Advanced imaging like SLO improves the understanding and diagnosis of retinal vascular events.