Fingerprint sign of the Henle fibre layer in epiretinal membrane: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study

초록

Purpose To investigate the incidence and distribution of fingerprint-like microwaves in the Henle fibre layer (HFL) of the eyes with epiretinal membrane (ERM). Methods Patients with idiopathic ERM were included. The fingerprint sign was defined using en-face optical coherence tomography images of the HFL, and its extent was classified into three grades. Results At baseline, fingerprint sign was found in 70 of 83 (84.3%) eyes with ERM and was more frequently observed in eyes with a higher ERM stage (P < 0.001). Its extent increased (P < 0.001) with an increase in ERM stage or the central macular thickness (P < 0.001). Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was worse in eyes with a fingerprint sign than in those without (P = 0.024). Metamorphopsia was more common in eyes with a greater extent of fingerprint-like microwaves (P = 0.048). The fingerprint sign persisted over a mean follow-up period of 18.0 +/- 23.3 without surgery. In 45 eyes that underwent surgery, the extent of fingerprint-like microwaves decreased at 1.2 months (P = 0.001), and further decreased at 13.7 months postoperatively (P = 0.019). However, the proportion of eyes with a fingerprint sign after surgery was similar to that observed preoperatively (P = 0.912). Conclusions Fingerprint-like microwaves were commonly found in eyes with ERM and were associated with ERM severity and BCVA. The microwaves remained long after surgery, although their extent may have decreased after the ERM was resolved. These results suggest that ERM traction may cause long-lasting changes in the HFL. Key messages What is known center dot Numerous studies have investigated various optical coherence tomography (OCT) biomarkers for evaluating patients with epiretinal membrane (ERM); however, the alterations in the Henle fibre layer (HFL) and their significance remain unclear. What is new center dot Fingerprint-like microwaves in the HFL of patients with ERM were frequently observed on en-face OCT images and were associated with ERM severity and visual acuity.<br /> center dot The microwaves persisted long after surgery, although their extent may have decreased following the resolution of ERM, suggesting long-lasting changes in the HFL due to ERM traction.

키워드