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Patchy hyperautofluorescence as a predictive factor for the recurrence of punctate inner choroidopathy
Yuhong Gan1, Yongyue Su1, Yuxin Zhang1
1State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, 54 South Xianlie Road, Guangzhou, China.
Purpose:
To investigate baseline clinical and imaging factors that may correlate with risk of recurrence of punctate inner choroidopathy (PIC).
Methods:
In this retrospective observational study, charts and multimodal imaging of forty-five patients diagnosed with PIC during the active inflammatory phase were reviewed. MMI examinations, including fundus photography, shortwave fundus autofluorescence(SW-FAF), fluorescein angiography(FFA), indocyanine green angiography(ICGA), and spectral domain optical coherence tomography(SD-OCT_), were conducted to diagnose PIC, and MMI parameters at baseline were assessed as potential biomarkers indicating the recurrence of inflammation. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the clinical and imaging factors associated with recurrence of PIC.
Results:
Among the 45 recruited patients, 18 (40 %) had at least one episode of recurrence during a mean follow-up period of 23.66 ± 12.65 months (range, 12-50 months). Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at the final visit during the follow-up was significantly different between the recurrence and nonrecurrence groups. Patchy hyperautofluorescence at baseline appeared in 77.78 % of the patients with recurrence, and the incidence of patchy hyperautofluorescence was significantly different between the patients with recurrence and those without recurrence (P＜0.001).
Conclusions:
Recurrence is not rare among PIC patients and leads to a worse visual acuity outcome. Patchy hyperautofluorescence at baseline is a risk factor for recurrence of PIC. Patchy hyperautofluorescent areas in PIC patients may indicate a need for close follow-up even though PIC-related inflammation regresses.
Insights
Recurrence of punctate inner choroidopathy (PIC) is common and linked to poorer vision. Baseline patchy hyperautofluorescence on imaging indicates a higher risk of PIC recurrence, suggesting closer monitoring is needed.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Medical Imaging
- Retinal Diseases
Background:
- Punctate inner choroidopathy (PIC) is an inflammatory eye condition.
- Understanding factors predicting PIC recurrence is crucial for patient management.
- Recurrence can negatively impact visual outcomes in PIC patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify baseline clinical and imaging predictors of punctate inner choroidopathy (PIC) recurrence.
- To assess the correlation between initial diagnostic findings and subsequent inflammatory episodes in PIC.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective observational study of 45 patients with active PIC.
- Multimodal imaging (MMI) including SD-OCT, FAF, FFA, and ICGA analyzed at baseline.
- Statistical analysis to correlate clinical and MMI parameters with PIC recurrence.
Main Results:
- 40% of patients experienced PIC recurrence during follow-up (mean 23.66 months).
- Recurrence was associated with significantly different final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).
- Patchy hyperautofluorescence at baseline was significantly more prevalent in patients with recurrence (P<0.001).
Conclusions:
- Recurrence of PIC is frequent and associated with worse visual acuity.
- Baseline patchy hyperautofluorescence is a significant risk factor for PIC recurrence.
- Patients with patchy hyperautofluorescence may require vigilant follow-up despite initial inflammation resolution.
