Imaging of naive myopic choroidal neovascularization by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the tomographic features of myopic choroidal neovascularization by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.

Methods: We consecutively reviewed the charts of patients with pathologic myopia, recent visual acuity deterioration and active macular neovascularization. Specific tomographic changes were studied in 25 eyes by two authors independently.

Results: The mean age of patients eligible for the study was 63.4 (± 18.2) years. Main tomographic outcomes were the hyperreflectivity of the lesion in 88% of cases (95% CI 0.74-1.02), absence of the external limiting membrane in 88% (95% CI 0.84-1.02), and retinal thickening in 83% (95% CI 0.67-0.99). The internal plexiform layer remained discernible in 83% (95% CI 0.67-0.99) of cases, the inner nuclear layer in 62% (95% CI 0.37-0.80), the external plexiform layer in 48% (95% CI 0.27-0.69). Retinal edema was noted in 48% (95% CI 0.26-0.70) of patients.

Conclusions: Myopic choroidal neovascularization appears predominantly hyperreflective, causes thickening of the corresponding retina and mainly involves the external retinal segments. Retinal fluid is infrequent.