OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY BIOMARKERS FOR REDUCTION OF DRUSENOID PIGMENT EPITHELIUM DETACHMENT

Abstract

Purpose: 

To identify the optical coherence tomography biomarkers that can collectively predict the probability of collapse or reduction of drusenoid pigment epithelium detachment (PED).

Methods: 

This consecutive observational case series reviewed the clinical data of 24 eyes with non-neovascular drusenoid PED. Among the study population, 17 eyes showed collapse or reduction of drusenoid PED. The mean follow-up duration was 44.8 ± 24.6 months. Optical coherence tomography–derived parameters were analyzed at baseline, at the last available visit before reduction of PED, at the first available visit after reduction of PED, and at the final visit.

Results: 

The mean subfoveal choroidal thickness showed a significant decrease after PED reduction and at the most recent visit (P = 0.015). Migration of retinal pigment epithelium cells was detected in 15 (88.2%) after PED reduction; however, there was no significance in the frequency of migration of retinal pigment epithelium cells at each time point (P = 0.392). Non-neovascular subretinal fluid was detected in 7 (41.2%) before PED reduction, 2 (11.8%) after PED reduction, and 2 (11.8%) at the final visit. Interestingly, subretinal fluid appeared more frequently just before reduction of PED (P = 0.029).

Conclusion: 

We found evidence of non-neovascular subretinal fluid and choroidal thinning before reduction in PED. This finding might be useful for detection and prediction of the progression of drusenoid PED.

In Brief

We sought to identify biomarkers on optical coherence tomography scans that could predict the probability of collapse or reduction of pigment epithelium detachment. We found evidence of non-neovascular subretinal fluid and choroidal thinning before a reduction in pigment epithelium detachment. This finding might be useful for detection and prediction of the progression of drusenoid pigment epithelium detachment.