Confocal blue reflectance imaging in type 2 idiopathic macular telangiectasia

Peter Charbel Issa, Tos T.J.M. Berendschot, Giovanni Staurenghi, Frank G. Hoiz, Hendrik P.N. Scholl

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

77 Scopus citations

Abstract

PURPOSE. To report the characteristics of confocal blue reflectance imaging in type 2 idiopathic macular telangiectasia (type 2 IMT). METHODS. In a prospective observational cross-sectional study, both eyes of 33 patients with type 2 IMT were examined by means of fundus biomicroscopy, fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Confocal blue reflectance (CBR) imaging was performed using a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope (HRA2; Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany). To compare the results derived from different imaging modalities, an analysis was performed using image analysis software (Heidelberg Eye Explorer; Heidelberg Engineering). RESULTS. CBR imaging revealed a parafoveal area of increased reflectance that was slightly larger than the area of hyperfluorescence in late-phase fluorescein angiography. The area usually encompassed an oval parafoveal area, but sectors could be spared. A parafoveal area of increased CBR was detected in 98% of eyes that showed angiographic evidence for type 2IMT. CONCLUSIONS. CBR imaging is a new, noninvasive, and sensitive method that may contribute to differentiate type 2 IMT from other diseases. Abnormalities of macular pigment distribution and Miiller cell pathology may contribute to the phenomenon of increased CBR and thus the pathophysiology of type 2 IMT.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1172-1177
Number of pages6
JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science
Volume49
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2008
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ophthalmology
  • Sensory Systems
  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

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