Three-dimensional characteristics of macular pseudoholes using confocal laser tomography.

BACKGROUND

Epiretinal membranes with macular pseudoholes are sometimes confused with full-thickness macular holes. Because both the natural course and clinical management of the two differ, an accurate differential diagnosis is needed.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We obtained three-dimensional images of macular pseudoholes in 12 eyes using the Heidelberg retina tomograph (HRT). Another 15 eyes with a full-thickness macular hole were also studied. In addition, we measured the area and the maximum depth of both types of holes.

RESULTS

Irregular rippling undulations were frequently observed on the three-dimensional topographic maps around the pseudoholes, whereas elevated cuffs were observed around the full-thickness holes. The maximum depth of the macular pseudoholes (mean, 57 microm) was significantly shallower than that of the full-thickness macular holes (mean, 156 microm; P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Three-dimensional images obtained by the HRT and the measurement of the maximum depth may be useful in differentiating macular pseudoholes from full-thickness macular holes.