[Optical coherence tomography in eyes with senile retinoschisis : SD-OCT versus ultrasound examinations and assessment of the vitreoretinal interface].

BACKGROUND

In addition to ocular ultrasonography (US), spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) is available in order to diagnose senile retinoschisis (sRS). SD-OCT also allows for classification of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) in healthy eyes.

OBJECTIVES

Reevaluation of the value and additional benefit of both imaging procedures. SD-OCT-based evaluation of PVD stages in sRS patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Diagnostic results of 33 eyes in 26 patients with clinical suspicion of sRS were retrospectively analysed. All patients received a SD-OCT and a 10 MHz US examination of the region of interest (RoI). In 32 eyes the PVD stage was classified by SD-OCT using the description by Uchino et al. The vitreous position in peripheral SD-OCT scans with sRS was reviewed.

RESULTS

SD-OCT confirmed sRS in 29 eyes. US examination identified sRS in 26 eyes. In 11 eyes, the examination results of the two methods differed. In 7 eyes sRS was identified by SD-OCT but not by US examination. US examination confirmed sRS in 4 eyes for which SD-OCT scans were not useful. Most cases of sRS were detected in temporal located retinal lesions. There was no significant difference between the results of both imaging procedures regarding the RoI (p = 0.64). SD-OCT provided additional information in 27 eyes. Four eyes did not present PVD. Early and intermediate stages of PVD were detected in 9 eyes, while 19 eyes showed complete PVD. In most cases, the vitreous could not be identified in the SD-OCT scans of the periphery.

CONCLUSIONS

In clinical practice, neither SD-OCT nor US ensure an explicit finding of sRS in each eye with sRS. However, both methods positively complement one another and together they improve image-based diagnosis. All stages of PVD may be found in eyes with sRS. The contribution of the vitreous to the pathogenesis of sRS remains uncertain.