[Optical coherence tomography in the follow up of macular edema treatment in retinitis pigmentosa]

Abstract

Macular edema is frequently responsible for loss of central vision in patients affected with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). This macular edema can be treated with acetazolamide. Our purpose was to evaluate optical coherence tomography (OCT) examination in the follow-up of macular edema in RP. In addition, we tried to evaluate the minimal efficient dose of acetazolamide, using means other than fundus examination or fluorescein angiography. We report the cases of 5 patients affected with typical retinitis pigmentosa and fundus appearance of macular edema. These patients received oral acetazolamide treatment (500 mg/d). The OCT examinations were performed before and during treatment, which allowed us to demonstrate, quantify and monitor the progression of macular edema during treatment. OCT appears to be a useful tool in the follow-up of patients affected with macular edema and RP. This noninvasive examination contributes to improving our strategy in treating patients.