Optische Koh�renztomographie bei Grubenpapille und ser�ser Makulopathie

Three-Dimensional Imaging of an Optic Disk Pit Using High Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography

Purpose

To clarify the origin of the coexisting fluid in an optic disc pit case by using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Methods

High resolution OCT (Cirrus™ prototype, Carl Zeiss Meditec) was used for image acquisition; three dimensional segmentation was performed using Food and Drug Administration–approved imaging software (3D-Doctor V4.0, Able software Corp., Lexington, MA) to demonstrate the structural changes of the optic nerve head and the retina.

Results

Using high resolution OCT, the authors demonstrated that this case of optic pit had a possible connection between the subretinal and the intraretinal space.

Conclusions

The authors assume that the intraretinal space is progressively filled with subarachnoidal fluid, leading to a tearing force within the outer neurosensory layers. A connection between the outer nuclear layer and the subretinal space may lead to a serous retinal detachment as a secondary event. Vision loss could consecutively be induced by a serous retinal detachment. High resolution OCT technology is able to visualize discrete changes of the microarchitecture of the optic nerve as well as the retina when combined with appropriate imaging software.

Optical coherence tomography applications in pediatric ophthalmology

In pediatric ophthalmology, test results may be limited by a child's ability to cooperate. Invasive and contact methods such as applanation tonometry, ultrasound biometry, and pachymetry are sometimes difficult to perform. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has become a widely used noncontact method to obtain cross-sections of various ocular structures. In this review, we describe the principles and clinical applications of OCT, with special attention to pediatric ophthalmology.

Klassifikation biomedizinischer Forschungsberichte als Grundlage evidenzbasierter Medizin in der Augenheilkunde

BACKGROUND

Evidence-based medicine requires careful appraisal of published data derived from experimental and clinical studies. Based on classification of biomedical research reports, evidence levels can be determined and recommendations for therapeutic decisions can be made.

METHODS

A classification system for clinical studies was developed. It was evaluated in classifying the reports published in Der Ophthalmologe during 2003-2004 (study design: descriptive cross-sectional study, case series).

RESULTS

In the 2-year interval, 70 longitudinal and 95 cross-sectional studies were published. The vast majority of the longitudinal studies were interventional cohort studies. Not considering case reports, 73% of the original articles were longitudinal prospective studies, 1% were retrospective (case-control) studies, and 26% were cross-sectional studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The study design of all published articles could be classified using the classification system. This classification system proves to be applicable in the context of clinical studies in ophthalmology and may be helpful in the process of critical appraisal of the literature and synthesis of clinical evidence and an evidence-based recommendation.