Visualization of vitreomacular tractions with en face optical coherence tomography

Abstract

Background In vitreomacular traction syndrome, an incomplete vitreous detachment with persistent vitreous traction on the macula is present. This condition may determine formation of epiretinal membranes, macular puckering, macular oedema, and traction macular detachment. Recently introduced en face optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides not only longitudinal B-scan but also coronal C-scan images of the retina. Methods Fifteen eyes of 11 non-diabetic patients presenting vitreomacular traction syndrome have been evaluated with en face OCT (OTI, Toronto, Ontario, Canada). Results In 12 eyes, cystoid macular oedema was detectable at fundus examination and was associated with a broad-based adherence of the posterior hyaloid to the macula. In three eyes, foveal detachment appeared to be associated with focal foveal vitreoretinal traction. In all eyes, the lateral extent of the hyaloidal tractions on the macula was clearly detectable at coronal C-scan. They appeared as sigmoid hyper-reflective bands in the hyporeflective vitreous chamber. Overlay of C-scans on red-free confocal images allowed the visualization of the edges of the adherences in relation to the structures of the posterior pole. Conclusions The C-scan images allowed clear visualization of the total extension of the posterior vitreomacular adherences and their relationships with the vascular arcades, the optic disc, and the fovea.

Ultrastructural Correlation of Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomographic Findings in Vitreomacular Traction Syndrome

“…1,2 Our understanding of VMT has been enhanced by the development of optical coherence tomography (OCT), a noninvasive method of imaging intraocular tissues. [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] Idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) proliferation is another vitreoretinal interface abnormality that is often considered to be distinct from VMT. 1 Astrocytes, myofibroblasts, and fibrocytes predominate in VMT 1,[11][12][13][14] while retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells are commonly found in ERMs.…”

“…1,2 Our understanding of VMT has been enhanced by the development of optical coherence tomography (OCT), a noninvasive method of imaging intraocular tissues. [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] Inquiries to Richard F. Spaide, Vitreous, Retina, Macula Consultants of New York, 460 Park Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10022; rickspaide@yahoo.com. Idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) proliferation is another vitreoretinal interface abnormality that is often considered to be distinct from VMT.…”

Evaluation of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer with Optic Nerve Tracking Optical Coherence Tomography in Thyroid-Associated Orbitopathy

“…In GO, RNFL examinations with traditional OCT are made difficult by the scarce collaboration and frequent blinking due to conjunctival inflammation. New-generation OCT models allow to track optic nerve head movements during examination, in order to avoid artifacts due to low collaboration [8]. In a previous study, optic nerve head tracking OCT (ONT-OCT) improved the consistency of RNFL thickness scan registration [9].…”

Improvement of horizontal macular contraction after surgical removal of epiretinal membranes

“…1 As the ERM gets thicker with time, 2 cellular proliferation and tractional forces at the level of the internal limiting membrane create a puckering effect, inducing the formation of retinal folds radiating outward from the macula. [1][2][3][4] The retinal topographic changes caused by distortion developing in the process of ERM formation are mostly apparent on a simple fundus examination: nerve fiber layer dragging, ectopic fovea, winding corkscrew vessels surrounding the overlying ERM, or major vessel straightening and crowding. 1 Optical coherence topography (OCT) can quantify cross-sectional morphological changes caused by ERM.…”