Retromode Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy for Choroidal Nevi: A Preliminary Study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging
• Oncology

Background:

• Choroidal nevi are common benign tumors of the eye.
• Accurate detection and monitoring are crucial for differentiating nevi from melanoma.
• Advanced imaging techniques are needed to improve diagnostic capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document pathological findings of choroidal nevi using retromode imaging.
• To evaluate the diagnostic validity of retromode scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (RM-SLO).
• To compare RM-SLO with other fundus imaging modalities.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Nidek Mirante confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope (cSLO).
• Included 41 patients with choroidal nevi.
• Performed multicolor fundus (mCF), infrared reflectance (IR), fundus autofluorescence (FAF), dark-field (DF), retromode (RM), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging.

Main Results:

• RM-SLO detected 100% of choroidal nevi with a characteristic "hypo-retro-reflective" pattern.
• RM-SLO identified lesions not visible on mCF, IR, and FAF.
• RM-SLO delineated lesion margins with superior sharpness and accuracy compared to other methods.

Conclusions:

• RM-SLO is a highly effective tool for detecting choroidal nevi.
• The imaging modality offers a fast, reliable, and non-invasive method for diagnosis and follow-up.
• RM-SLO enhances the ability to differentiate choroidal nevi from other pathologies.