Confocal blue reflectance imaging in type 2 idiopathic macular telangiectasia.
OBJECTIVE
To report the characteristics of confocal blue reflectance imaging in type 2 idiopathic macular telangiectasia (type 2 IMT).


METHODS
In a prospective observational cross-sectional study, both eyes of 33 patients with type 2 IMT were examined by means of fundus biomicroscopy, fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Confocal blue reflectance (CBR) imaging was performed using a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope (HRA2; Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany). To compare the results derived from different imaging modalities, an analysis was performed using image analysis software (Heidelberg Eye Explorer; Heidelberg Engineering).


RESULTS
CBR imaging revealed a parafoveal area of increased reflectance that was slightly larger than the area of hyperfluorescence in late-phase fluorescein angiography. The area usually encompassed an oval parafoveal area, but sectors could be spared. A parafoveal area of increased CBR was detected in 98% of eyes that showed angiographic evidence for type 2 IMT.


CONCLUSIONS
CBR imaging is a new, noninvasive, and sensitive method that may contribute to differentiate type 2 IMT from other diseases. Abnormalities of macular pigment distribution and Müller cell pathology may contribute to the phenomenon of increased CBR and thus the pathophysiology of type 2 IMT.
Charbel Issa
Peter
P
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
Berendschot
Tos T J M
TT
Staurenghi
Giovanni
G
Holz
Frank G
FG
Scholl
Hendrik P N
HP
D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D006801:Humans; D008266:Macula Lutea / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010781:Photography; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012171:Retinal Vessels / Q000473:pathology*; D013684:Telangiectasis / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis*; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence / Q000379:methods*