Hyperreflective foci (HRF) is a term coined to depict hyperreflective dots or roundish lesions within retinal layers visualized through optical coherence tomography (OCT). Histopathological correlates of HRF are not univocal, spacing from migrating retinal pigment epithelium cells, lipid‐laden macrophages, microglial cells, and extravasated proteinaceous or lipid material. Despite this, HRF can be considered OCT biomarkers for disease progression, treatment response, and prognosis in several retinal diseases, including diabetic macular edema, age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), retinal vascular occlusions, and inherited retinal dystrophies. The structural features and topographic location of HRF guide the interpretation of their significance in different pathological conditions. The presence of HRF less than 30 μ m with reflectivity comparable to the retinal nerve fiber layer in the absence of posterior shadowing in diabetic macular edema indicates an inflammatory phenotype with a better response to steroidal treatment. In AMD, HRF overlying drusen are associated with the development of macular neovascularization, while parafoveal drusen and HRF predispose to macular atrophy. Thus, HRF can be considered a key biomarker in several common retinal diseases. Their recognition and critical interpretation via multimodal imaging are vital to support clinical strategies and management.
Angioid streaks (AS) are the most common ocular manifestation in patients with pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE). The major cause of severe visual loss in patients with AS is choroidal neovascularization (CNV). We report the optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) findings of CNV in a patient with PXE and angioid streaks. A 51-year-old man with PXE presented with visual disturbance in his right eye. Best corrected visual acuity was 20/30 OD and 20/30 OS. Funduscopic examination revealed angioid streaks and type 1 NV in his right eye. Multimodal imaging including OCTA demonstrated CNV nasal to the fovea. The morphology and configuration of CNV followed the path of the AS. OCTA combined with other multimodal imaging modalities may be a useful tool for diagnosing CNV secondary to angioid streaks in patients with pseudoxanthoma elasticum. The configuration of CNV in these may follow the path of angioid streaks implicating Bruch’s membrane disruption as an important anatomical change in the pathogenesis of CNV.
Objective. To describe an unusual cluster of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) encountered within a 3-month period. Methods. This retrospective observation study is comprised of seven patients who presented with MEWDS in a 3-month period in central Israel. Data were collected from patients’ medical records on clinical, multimodal imaging, and viral serology findings. Results. Six women and one man of mean age 31.5 ± 7.2 years. Three reported a precedent viral infection. All had unilateral decreased vision. Funduscopy revealed foveal granularity. Main Imaging Findings. Hyperfluorescent spots on blue autofluorescence (BAF), hypofluorescent spots on indocyanine green angiography, dark lesions on infrared photos, and ellipsoid zone irregularities on spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Resolution of the spots on BAF correlated with anatomic (SD-OCT) and visual recovery. OCT angiography performed following the convalescence stage demonstrated intact retinal and choroidal flow. Serologic findings were inconclusive. Conclusion. We report a unique cluster of MEWDS patients presented in a short period of time. SD-OCT findings of ellipsoid zone disruption in combination with other multimodal imaging modalities are outlined meticulously. Recognizing these imaging features along with high index of clinical suspicion is important for the diagnosis of MEWDS. Serologic testing might be considered in future patients.