Enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography of circumscribed choroidal hemangioma in 10 consecutive cases.

PURPOSE

The purpose was to evaluate the features of circumscribed choroidal hemangioma using spectral-domain enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT).

DESIGN

Retrospective observational case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Ten patients with newly diagnosed circumscribed choroidal hemangioma.

METHODS

Spectral-domain EDI-OCT was performed with a Heidelberg Spectralis HRA + OCT (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Tumor thickness and EDI-OCT features.

RESULTS

The mean tumor diameter for all eyes was 5.4 mm and mean tumor thickness was 1187 μm by EDI-OCT compared to 2400 μm by ultrasonography. EDI-OCT imaged all tumors as smooth with a gently sloping anterior contour, gradual choroidal expansion, expansion of medium and large size choroidal vessels without compression of choriocapillaris, and intact Bruch's membrane (n = 10, 100%). The height of the medium and large choroidal vessels within the tumor compared to normal medium and large vessels was comparatively increased by a mean of 265% (medium vessels) and 576% (large vessels). Outer retinal abnormalities included subretinal fluid (n = 7, 70%), lipofuscin deposition (n = 1, 10%), irregularity and thinning of retinal pigment epithelium and absence or irregularity of the ellipsoid layer (n = 4, 40%), absent external limiting membrane (n = 2, 20%), and disruption of the outer nuclear layer and outer plexiform layer (n = 3, 30%). The inner retinal abnormalities included irregularity of inner nuclear layer and structural loss or edema of inner plexiform layer (n = 3, 30%). The ganglion cell layer and nerve fiber layer were intact (n = 10, 100%).

CONCLUSION

EDI-OCT of circumscribed choroidal hemangiomas depicts a smooth, gently sloping choroidal mass with expansion of medium and large size choroidal vessels without compression of the choriocapillaris. Structural abnormalities of outer and inner retinal layers were noted.