Tractional Retinoschisis in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy Imaged With Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Diabetic Retinopathy Research
• Medical Imaging Technologies

Background:

• Tractional retinoschisis (TRS) secondary to proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) presents a diagnostic challenge, often requiring differentiation from tractional retinal detachment (TRD).
• The typically nonprogressive nature of TRS suggests a conservative management approach, contrasting with the surgical intervention often needed for TRD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) in diagnosing and monitoring tractional retinoschisis (TRS) associated with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).
• To assess the ability of SS-OCTA to distinguish between TRS and TRD in patients with PDR.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of a consecutive case series of patients diagnosed with PDR and TRS.
• Review of clinical notes, fundus photography, and SS-OCTA imaging for three patients (three eyes).
• Monitoring of visual acuity and anatomical features on SS-OCTA over a minimum follow-up period of one year.

Main Results:

• SS-OCTA imaging demonstrated stable anatomical features in all three patients over one year or more of follow-up.
• Visual acuity remained stable in the eyes studied.
• The nonprogressive course of TRS secondary to PDR was confirmed.

Conclusions:

• Tractional retinoschisis (TRS) in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is characteristically nonprogressive and may be managed conservatively without surgery.
• Swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) is a valuable, noninvasive tool for differentiating TRS from TRD and confirming anatomical stability in PDR patients.