Optical cross-sectional imaging of the macula with the retinal thickness analyzer in X-linked retinoschisis.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the morphologic characteristics of the foveal abnormality in juvenile X-linked retinoschisis using the scanning retinal thickness analyzer (RTA). This characteristic foveal abnormality is present in 83% to 100% of patients with X-linked retinoschisis and has not been demonstrated histopathologically.


METHODS
The RTA is a noncontact imaging device. The RTA scans an obliquely oriented slit laser beam across the macula to obtain a series of optical cross sections, which are digitized.


METHODS
The RTA was used to examine 7 eyes of 5 patients with X-linked retinoschisis.


RESULTS
The RTA demonstrated foveal schisis in all eyes examined. In 2 eyes of 2 patients, a single schisis cavity, with an inner leaf in a dome-shaped configuration, was present. In 4 eyes of 3 patients, a single schisis cavity containing fine strands was present. Some of these strands partially, and others completely, bridged the cavity. In 1 eye of 1 patient, 2 separate schisis cavities with bridging strands were present in the fovea.


CONCLUSIONS
Scanning RTA is a noninvasive imaging modality capable of producing optical cross sections that demonstrate the extent and structural details of the foveal schisis in X-linked retinoschisis. Scanning RTA seems to be effective in the detection, characterization, and quantification of foveal schisis.
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA.
A P
AP
Tanna
S
S
Asrani
R
R
Zeimer
S
S
Zou
M F
MF
Goldberg
D002675:Child, Preschool; D003941:Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological; D015785:Eye Diseases, Hereditary / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D005584:Fovea Centralis / Q000473:pathology; D008040:Genetic Linkage; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008266:Macula Lutea / Q000473:pathology*; D012160:Retina / Q000473:pathology; D012162:Retinal Degeneration / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D014960:X Chromosome