Confocal blue reflectance imaging in type 2 idiopathic macular telangiectasia

P. Charbel Issa, T.T. Berendschot, G. Staurenghi, F.G. Holz, H.P. Scholl*

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    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 2 IMT. 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 Muller cell pathology may contribute to the phenomenon of increased CBR and thus the pathophysiology of type 2 IMT.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)1172-7
    JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
    Volume49
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2008

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