Intraretinal hyperreflective foci: Pathophysiology, imaging features, and clinical implications across retinal...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging
• Pathology

Background:

• Intraretinal hyperreflective foci (IHRF) are a common finding on optical coherence tomography (OCT).
• IHRF are pathologically diverse and observed in numerous retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and inflammatory conditions.
• They are increasingly recognized as a hallmark of retinal disease activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize current literature on intraretinal hyperreflective foci (IHRF).
• To summarize their histopathological correlates, multimodal imaging features, molecular associations, and prognostic significance.
• To explore the potential role of IHRF as biomarkers in retinal disorders.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of studies on IHRF.
• Analysis of OCT findings and multimodal imaging correlations.
• Synthesis of histopathological, molecular, and genetic data related to IHRF.

Main Results:

• IHRF reflect diverse underlying processes like inflammation, lipid deposition, and tissue remodeling.
• Advances in OCT and multimodal imaging refine IHRF characterization.
• IHRF presence, number, distribution, and evolution correlate with structural changes, functional decline, and treatment response across diseases.

Conclusions:

• IHRF serve as crucial indicators of retinal disease activity and progression.
• They have prognostic significance, predicting outcomes in conditions like AMD and vascular retinopathies.
• IHRF hold potential as valuable biomarkers for monitoring retinal diseases and guiding treatment.