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Fundus Autofluorescence Findings in Eyes With Birdshot Chorioretinitis
Christian Böni1, Jennifer E Thorne2, Richard F Spaide3
1Ocular Inflammatory Disease Center, UCLA Stein Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|August 12, 2017
Summary
Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) abnormalities are common in birdshot chorioretinitis (BSCR), indicating retinal pigment epithelium disorders. These FAF findings serve as indicators of visual dysfunction in patients with BSCR.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Medical Imaging
- Retinal Diseases
Background:
- Birdshot chorioretinitis (BSCR) is a rare inflammatory eye disease.
- Understanding the characteristic imaging findings is crucial for diagnosis and management.
- Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) provides insights into retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize fundus autofluorescence (FAF) patterns in eyes with birdshot chorioretinitis (BSCR).
- To correlate FAF findings with demographic, clinical, and visual function data.
- To assess the diagnostic and prognostic value of FAF in BSCR.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter, prospective, cross-sectional study involving 172 eyes from 86 BSCR patients.
- Standardized ophthalmic examinations and collection of demographic and medical history.
- Evaluation of FAF images for hypo- and hyperautofluorescence in macular and extramacular regions.
- Assessment of visual functions including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), contrast sensitivity (CS), and Humphrey visual field mean deviation (HVF-MD).
Main Results:
- Abnormal FAF findings were present in 79% of eyes, with macular abnormalities in 49.1%.
- Common FAF patterns included peripapillary confluent hypoautofluorescence (73.1%) and granular hypoautofluorescence (59.9% extramacular, 40.1% macular).
- Confluent hypoautofluorescence correlated with longer disease duration; macular confluent hypoautofluorescence was associated with reduced BCVA and CS.
Conclusions:
- Various FAF abnormalities are characteristic of BSCR, highlighting RPE involvement.
- Abnormal FAF patterns are significant markers of visual dysfunction in birdshot chorioretinitis.
- FAF imaging is a valuable tool for assessing disease severity and visual prognosis in BSCR.
