Three-Dimensional Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Features Of Retinal Choroidal Anastomoses

Purpose:To analyze three-dimensional (3D) features of retinal choroidal anastomoses (RCA) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Methods:This is a retrospective chart review of consecutive patients diagnosed with RCA that underwent 3D SD-OCT with CirrusTM HD-OCT (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc) in a retinal practice specializing in AMD, between July 2007 and June 2010. A correlation between 3D SD-OCT and fluorescein angiography (FA) images was performed. Results:Fifteen eyes of 12 patients were included in the analysis. In eyes showing a focal staining on FA, 3D OCT revealed small localized dome-shaped retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) elevation without evidence of intraretinal hypereflective lesions. In eyes showing a hot spot without pigment epithelium detachment (PED) on FA, 3D OCT revealed a well-demarcated prominence of RPE with steep margins, with evidence of overlying intraretinal hypereflective lesions. In eyes showing a hot spot with PED on FA, 3D OCT revealed a convex RPE prominence with a peak at the top. Conclusions:3D SD-OCT provides a map of the retina and RPE, allowing a realistic visualization of the different RCA shapes. 3D SD-OCT may also give information about the lesion’s localization.