Retromode Infrared Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease

This study examined six patients with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease using retromode infrared scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (RMI-SLO).

We conducted a single-center retrospective review of the medical records of six patients diagnosed with VKH disease. The RMI-SLO images were compared to those obtained using color fundus photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and dye-based retinal angiography.

In the acute phase of VKH disease, RMI-SLO revealed pseudo-three-dimensional (3D) regions and wavy patterns. These observations corresponded to the areas of serous retinal detachment (sRD) and choroidal folds identified on OCT. Notably, the detection of pseudo-3D regions by RMI-SLO proved to be more effective than color fundus photography in identifying sRDs. Hyper-reflective lines inside the sRDs were observed in the RMI-SLO images and were consistent with the fibrinous membranes observed in the OCT images. The hyper-reflective choroidal vasculature in RMI-SLO images was notably absent, a finding like the fuzzy pattern of large stromal choroidal vessels observed in indocyanine green angiography images. Following steroid treatment, these abnormal findings reverted to normal.

RMI-SLO imaging could serve as an alternative option for both pre- and post-treatment assessments in VKH disease. Moreover, it has the potential to reduce the need for retinal angiography.

What is known Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) are essential for the diagnosis of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease. However, it is difficult to visualize a wide area of the fundus with OCT, and ICGA carries risks of allergic reactions or shock. What is new Retromode infrared scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (RMI-SLO) can demonstrate pseudo-three-dimensional regions and wavy patterns corresponding to serous retinal detachment and choroidal folds in the acute stage of VKH disease. Hyper-reflective choroidal vasculature was absent in the acute stage of VKH disease on RMI-SLO and may correlate with choroidal thickening. RMI-SLO could be an alternative option for the assessment of VKH disease and has the potential to reduce the need for dye-based retinal angiography.