The use of SD-OCT in the differential diagnosis of dots, spots and other white retinal lesions

se of SD-OCT in the differential diagnosis of dots, spots and other white retinal lesions Review (4273) Total Article Views Authors: Zaharova E, Sherman J Published Date October 2011 Volume 2011:3 Pages 69 - 80 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/EB.S23208 Elena Zaharova1, Jerome Sherman1-3 1State University of New York's State College of Optometry, University Eye Center, New York, NY, USA; 2SUNY Eye Institute, New York, NY, USA; 3New York Eye Institute and Laser Center, New York, NY, USA Purpose: To demonstrate the utility of a retinal imaging technique using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) for creating a B-scan layer-by-layer analysis to aid in the differential diagnosis of various retinal dots, spots, and other white lesions. Design: Review. Methods: A retrospective review of imaging studies performed with SD-OCT (Topcon, 3DOCT-2000, Oakland, NJ) at SUNY State College of Optometry. Results: B-scan layer-by-layer analysis and unique SD-OCT reflectivity patterns of the following retinal white lesions are reviewed in the order of their retinal layer localization: myelinated nerve fiber layer, cotton wool spot, exudates, edema residues, drusen, fundus albipunctatus, Stargardt disease, Bietti crystalline dystrophy, punctate inner choroidopathy (PIC), presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (POHS), post-photocoagulation chorioretinal scarring, and osseous choristoma. Conclusion: The reviewed images demonstrate the utility of SD-OCT in the identification of the unique characteristics of the presented retinal pathologies. SD-OCT is ideal for retinal layer localization of lesions, thus enhancing the differential diagnosis of retinal dots, spots, and other white lesions. Even though true pathognomonic patterns are rare, highly suggestive findings of certain retinal abnormalities often facilitate immediate recognition and diagnosis.