Optic disc pit maculopathy: a review of diagnosis and treatment

Recent advancements in optic disc pit maculopathy management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Optic disc pit maculopathy (ODPM) is a rare yet serious condition that can lead to visual impairment. While pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) remains the gold standard for ODPM that requires treatment, there is ongoing debate regarding adjunctive surgical techniques. This review explores the latest surgical advancements and innovations in the management of ODPM from the past few years.

RECENT FINDINGS

Vitrectomy remains an effective procedure for ODPM management, achieving high success rates. Adjunctive techniques, including internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling, gas tamponade, and juxtapapillary laser photocoagulation, have demonstrated efficacy, though their roles remain debated. Novel approaches using ILM plugging, amniotic membrane grafts, and autologous platelet concentrate offer promise, especially in refractory cases. High-level evidence remains scarce, and most recent publications are relatively small case series. Therefore, it remains unclear whether the additional techniques confer additional benefit beyond vitrectomy alone, although the novel approaches can be effective options for refractory cases. Larger comparative studies are required to provide better evidence.

SUMMARY

Vitrectomy with or without additional maneuvers is an effective treatment for ODPM. Emerging adjunctive surgical techniques provide new possibilities, but further research is required to assess for comparative efficacy and optimize outcomes.

Multilayered Inverted Internal Limiting Membrane Flap Technique in Optic Disc Pit Maculopathy

Objectives

To evaluate the anatomical and visual outcomes of the multilayered inverted internal limiting membrane (ML-ILM) flap technique in the treatment of optic disc pit maculopathy (ODPM).

Materials and Methods

In this retrospective interventional case series, medical records and macular spectral-domain optical coherence tomography images of patients who underwent combined pars plana vitrectomy with ML-ILM flap surgery for ODPM were analyzed. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) at postoperative 6 months were compared with baseline findings. Intraoperative and postoperative complications, fluid resolution time, and recurrence during follow-up were recorded.

Results

Five eyes of 5 patients with ODPM were included in the study. According to the preoperative macular fluid characteristics, 2 patients had only intraretinal fluid, while 3 patients had intraretinal and subretinal fluid. The preoperative median BCVA was 1.0 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) (range, 1.0-1.3 logMAR), and the CMT was 560 μm (range, 452-667 μm). At the 6-month postoperative follow-up, the median BCVA was 0.40 logMAR (range, 0.1-0.7 logMAR), and CMT was 315 μm (range, 265-326 μm) (p=0.042 and p=0.043, respectively). During the 6-month follow-up period, no recurrence or full-thickness macular hole formation was observed.

Conclusion

The ML-ILM flap technique is a preferable surgical option to achieve both high anatomical and functional success and flap stabilization.

Corneal stromal lenticule transplantation for the treatment of congenital optic disc pit maculopathy : a case report and review

BACKGROUND

Congenital optic disc pit (ODP) is a relatively uncommon congenital anomaly of the optic disc, which seriously affects the patient's vision when combined with optic disc pit maculopathy(ODP-M). Currently, the treatment of ODP-M remains a clinical challenge and a focus of research.

CASE PRESENTATION

A boy had a pit in the inferotemporal segment of the optic disc with ODP-M. Optical Coherence Tomography(OCT) showed ODP and serous retinal detachment. He was treated with pars plana vitrectomy(PPV), followed by Corneal Stromal Lenticule (CSL) sealing and C3F8 tamponade. In the end, significant anatomical improvement was achieved, and the Best Corrected Visual Acuity(BCVA) was improved.

CONCLUSIONS

The CSL transplantation may be a viable therapeutic option for improving ODP-M with stable anatomical and functional result. However, more cases and longer follow-up are needed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of the technology.

Changes in Outcomes of Macular Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Following Surgery for Optic Disc Pit Maculopathy

PURPOSE

we aimed to report on the optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) outcomes of eight patients with optic disc pit maculopathy (ODP-M) who were treated with 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV).

METHODS

We examined sixteen eyes of eight patients-eight eyes with ODP-M and eight healthy fellow eyes. Fundus color photography, fundus autofluorescence, fundus fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and OCTA were performed. The vascular density, choriocapillaris blood flow (CCBF), and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) were analyzed using OCTA. Moreover, the correlation between the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and macular OCTA parameters was assessed.

RESULTS

Compared with the healthy fellow eyes, the eyes with ODP-M preoperatively were found to have decreased BCVA, superficial capillary plexus (SCP) vascular density (i.e., total, foveal, parafoveal, and perifoveal), deep capillary plexus (DCP) vascular density (i.e., total, parafoveal, and perifoveal), and CCBF but a significantly increased FAZ (p < 0.05). When the eyes with ODP-M were analyzed pre- and postoperatively at month 12 after surgery, the BCVA, SCP vascular density (i.e., perifoveal), and CCBF had significantly increased, and the FAZ had significantly decreased (p < 0.05). When the eyes with ODP-M were compared with the healthy fellow eyes postoperatively at month 12, the BCVA, SCP, and DCP vascular density parameters had increased, along with CCBF, and the FAZ had decreased in eyes with ODP-M, though not to the levels of the healthy fellow eyes (p < 0.05). Moreover, a positive correlation was found between the postoperative BCVA and SCP total vascular density (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The BCVA and macular OCTA parameters improved in eyes with ODP-M at month 12 following surgery. However, the BCVA and OCTA of the eyes operated on did not reach the levels of the healthy fellow eyes, possibly due to impaired choroidal blood flow (CBF) recovery and the presence of a larger FAZ. In summary, OCTA seems to be useful for assessing qualitative and quantitative perioperative microvascular changes.

Evaluation of baseline optic disc pit and optic disc coloboma maculopathy features by spectral domain optical coherence tomography

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to describe and compare the baseline demographic, ocular, and imaging characteristics of a cohort of patients with optic disc pit (ODP) or optic disc coloboma (ODC) maculopathy.

METHODS

This retrospective study included patients diagnosed with ODP or ODC on clinical examination between June 2017 and December 2022. These patients' baseline demographics, ocular characteristics, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging characteristics were analyzed.

RESULTS

Fundus examination revealed 11 eyes of 11 patients with ODP and 14 eyes of 9 patients with ODC, respectively. On OCT, maculopathy was observed more frequently in ODP (n = 10) than in ODC (n = 4) [p = 0.004] cases. Eyes with ODP were more likely to exhibit retinoschisis and/or serous macular detachment [SMD] (n = 7, 70%), communication of the retinoschisis with the optic disc (p = 0.015), whereas the SMD did not communicate with the optic disc (p = 0.005), and significant outer retinal layer thinning (p = 0.015). In contrast, eyes with ODC exhibited only SMD (p = 0.005) and no retinoschisis on the non-colobomatous retina. SMD in ODC communicated with the margin of the optic disc. In both clinical entities, hyperreflective foci were observed in the SMD.

CONCLUSION

In summary, baseline maculopathy characteristics on OCT, including its type, location, and relationship to the optic disc, are among the most distinguishing characteristics between an ODP and an ODC.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Not applicable.

Wide-Field Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography of Optic Disc Pit Maculopathy Demonstrates Connection Between Vitreous and Subretinal Fluid

The source of subretinal or intraretinal fluid in patients with optic disc pit maculopathy (ODP-M) remains unclear and is often thought to be either vitreous or cerebrospinal fluid.1 Here, we present the case of a 40-year-old man who developed ODP-M. Further imaging with wide-field swept-source optical coherence tomography demonstrated that the macular fluid was tracking from a nasal optic disc pit with superonasal communication to the vitreous. This suggests that swept-source optical coherence tomography can be a useful tool for determining the origin of macular fluid in patients with ODP-M. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2022;53:579-581.].

The use of deep learning technology for the detection of optic neuropathy

The emergence of computer graphics processing units (GPUs), improvements in mathematical models, and the availability of big data, has allowed artificial intelligence (AI) to use machine learning and deep learning (DL) technology to achieve robust performance in various fields of medicine. The DL system provides improved capabilities, especially in image recognition and image processing. Recent progress in the sorting of AI data sets has stimulated great interest in the development of DL algorithms. Compared with subjective evaluation and other traditional methods, DL algorithms can identify diseases faster and more accurately in diagnostic tests. Medical imaging is of great significance in the clinical diagnosis and individualized treatment of ophthalmic diseases. Based on the morphological data sets of millions of data points, various image-related diagnostic techniques can now impart high-resolution information on anatomical and functional changes, thereby providing unprecedented insights in ophthalmic clinical practice. As ophthalmology relies heavily on imaging examinations, it is one of the first medical fields to apply DL algorithms in clinical practice. Such algorithms can assist in the analysis of large amounts of data acquired from the examination of auxiliary images. In recent years, rapid advancements in imaging technology have facilitated the application of DL in the automatic identification and classification of pathologies that are characteristic of ophthalmic diseases, thereby providing high quality diagnostic information. This paper reviews the origins, development, and application of DL technology. The technical and clinical problems associated with building DL systems to meet clinical needs and the potential challenges of clinical application are discussed, especially in relation to the field of optic nerve diseases.

Case Report: Bilateral Cecocentral Visual Field Defect Secondary to Congenital Optic Disc Pit

SIGNIFICANCE

Congenital optic disc pits are known to cause complications, commonly maculopathy due to retinoschisis and/or neurosensory retinal detachment. Retinal nerve fiber layer defects with associated visual field defects without maculopathy are another complication and can result in decreased visual function but have rarely been reported in the literature, especially bilaterally.

PURPOSE

This case report describes a patient with bilateral cecocentral visual field defects due to congenital optic nerve pits without associated maculopathy.

CASE REPORT

A 42-year-old Black man presented with blur symptoms at near uncorrected. Of note, there was no history of substance abuse or nutritional deficiencies. Best-corrected acuities were 20/20 in the right eye and 20/30 in the left eye. Clinical examination revealed bilateral focal grayish depression of the temporal optic nerve cup with associated papillomacular retinal nerve fiber layer defects. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging revealed bilateral focal excavation of the temporal cup, temporal thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer, and correlated binasal thinning of the ganglion cell complex, in the absence of retinoschisis or neurosensory detachment. Threshold visual field testing revealed stable bilateral cecocentral visual field defects. A diagnosis of bilateral cecocentral visual field defect secondary to congenital optic disc pits was made based on the patient's history and clinical examination.

CONCLUSIONS

A cecocentral visual field defect, unrelated to maculopathy, is a less common complication of congential optic disc pits that can cause decreased visual function. This case report provides evidence of this bilateral ocular condition and reviews the reported clinical, OCT, and threshold visual field manifestations of the disease. Specifically, spectral-domain OCT ganglion cell analysis seems useful in localizing the visual field defect.

Optic Disk Pit Maculopathy Treatment Using a Human Amniotic Membrane Patch: One-Year Results

PURPOSE

To report the 1-year results of human amniotic membrane patch implantation for optic disc pit maculopathy.

DESIGN

A prospective, consecutive, interventional study.

METHODS

Eleven eyes of 11 patients affected by optic disc pit maculopathy associated with subretinal/intraretinal fluid were included in this single-institution study. A 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy was performed in all cases, with an implant of a human amniotic membrane patch into the optic disc pit and air was injected as endotamponade. The primary study outcome was the subretinal and intraretinal fluid reabsorption. Secondary outcomes were visual acuity improvement and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Mean central retinal thickness gradually diminished from 512 ± 137 µm to 243 ± 19 µm, at the 12-month follow-up. The mean visual acuity improved from 20/80 at baseline to 20/32 at the 12-month follow-up. Complete fluid resorption occurred in 9 of 11 (81.8%) eyes and there was partial resorption in 2 eyes (18%). No subretinal fluid recurrence was observed during the 12-month follow-up. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were reported during the follow-ups. The amniotic membrane patch remained detectable inside the pit for the entire follow-up time.

CONCLUSION

An amniotic membrane plug may be effective for improving optic disc pit maculopathy. All cases had an anatomical improvement and encouraging visual acuity recovery.

The characteristics of optic disc pit maculopathy and the efficacy of vitrectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the basic characteristics of optic disc pit maculopathy (ODPM) and the efficacies of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) treatment with different adjunctive strategies.

METHODS

The databases PubMed, EMBASE and Ovid up to April 2020 were searched to identify relevant studies. Statistical analyses were conducted with R software version 3.6.3.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine studies were eventually included for different aspects of statistical analyses. The pooling results suggest the general incidence of maculopathy in optic disc pit (ODP) is 51%, and the rate of serous macular detachment and retinoschisis is 49% and 58%, respectively. The incidence of sub-retinal fluid (SRF) only is 10%, intra-retinal retinal (IRF) fluid only is 14%, and SRF plus IRF is 69%. A lamellar macular hole (LMH) is present in 53% of cases, and 58% have communication between the macula with the pit. The incidence of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), vitreo-papillary traction and vitreomacular traction (VMT) is 7%, 28% and 13%, respectively. Besides, the rate of complete anatomic success and visual improvement after PPV are both around 85%. Subgroup analysis reveals the anatomic, and visual success rates of PPV alone are 89% and 100%, respectively. Gas tamponade, laser or internal limiting membrane peeling (ILMP) during vitrectomy are less promising, while PPV with ILM flap stuffing could achieve better outcomes than cases without it.

CONCLUSION

Optic disc pit-associated maculopathy has different fundus characteristics. Based on the current evidence, PPV is effective for ODPM, and the combined application of gas tamponade, laser and ILMP should be used with caution.

Partial regression of foveoschisis following vitamin B6 supplementary therapy for gyrate atrophy in a Chinese girl

BACKGROUND

To report a case of genetically confirmed gyrate atrophy (GA) of choroid and retina, who showed partial regression of foveoschisis following vitamin B6 supplementary therapy.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 6-year-old Chinese girl complained about night blindness and progressive decreased vision in both eyes. Her best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/63 OD and 20/100 OS. Fundus examination showed bilateral multiple, sharply demarcated, scallop-shaped chorioretinal atrophy areas in the midperipheral and peripheral of the fundus. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) showed increased central macular thickness (CMT) with multiple intraretinal cystic spaces in the both eyes. There was no leakage or staining in the macular area in late phase of fluorescein angiography (FA). Blood tests confirmed hyperornithinemia and genetic analysis revealed two heterozygous mutations on ornithine aminotransferase (OAT) gene. Based on clinical presentation and genetic test, the patient was diagnosed as GA of the choroid and retina and further treated with vitamin B6 supplementary for three weeks. Her serum ornithine levels did not change but CMT on SD-OCT declined with partial regression of intraretinal cystic spaces. Then, the patient discontinued the drug because of severe muscle pain, and foveoschisis increased to initial level a month later.

CONCLUSIONS

Foveoschisis is a rare complication of GA. Vitamin B6 supplementation may alleviate foveoschisis, but its effort for reducing serum ornithine level might be limited. Potential drug adverse effects should be noted in pediatric patients.

A prospective long-term follow-up study of optic disc pit maculopathy treated with pars plana vitrectomy, drainage of subretinal fluid and peeling of internal limiting membrane

PURPOSE

To describe the long-term results of surgical repair of patients with optic disc pit maculopathy (ODP-M).

METHODS

Prospective, consecutive, noncomparative follow-up study including 12 patients with ODP-M treated by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), peeling of internal limiting membrane followed by gas tamponade. Subretinal fluid (SRF) was drained in 11 eyes through a retinotomy without laser photocoagulation. Preoperatively, macular detachment with retinoschisis was seen in 9 out of 12 eyes with three eyes having only subretinal fluid in the macular area. The median age at surgery was 20 years (range 9-60 years).

RESULTS

Follow-up time from initial surgery was 63 months (median). Eight eyes were anatomically reattached after one operation without remaining SRF in the macula. Two patients required a reoperation due to leakage from the retinotomy and another two underwent a second PPV procedure due to late recurrences. Successful healing was at follow-up control observed in 11 of 12 eyes. There was no statistically significant difference in visual acuity between patients before and after surgery (p = 0.24). Central visual field defects with depressed mean deviation were detected in all treated eyes.

CONCLUSION

In this long-term study of ODP-M final outcome regarding healing was relatively efficacious, however, a relatively large proportion had complications associated to retinotomies. We conclude that drainage of SRF should likely be avoided since it appears to contribute little to the resorption rate of SRF and seems to linked to unnecessary risks.