Autofluorescence of congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the autofluorescence features of CHRPE.

Design: Noncomparative case series.

Participants: Thirteen consecutive eyes with CHRPE.

Methods: : CHRPE was studied with fundus photography and autofluorescence. Autofluorescence was judged relative to the surrounding retinal pigment epithelium.

Main outcome measure: Autofluorescence features of CHRPE.

Results: The mean CHRPE basal dimension was 4.75 mm and the tumor location was between the macular and equator (n = 10) or equator and ora serrata (n = 3). Overall, CHRPE show hypoautofluorescence in every case and was classified as trace (n = 1), moderate (n = 6), or marked (n = 6) hypoautofluorescence. Compared to the central portion of CHRPE, the margin showed isoautofluorescence (n = 8) or trace hyperautofluorescence (n = 5). There were eight lesions with lacunae and this feature generally showed trace to moderate hyperautofluorescence (n = 6). A nonpigmented halo was present surrounding six lesions, generally showing trace hyperautofluorescence (n = 3). A pigmented halo was present surrounding eight lesions, usually showing isoautofluorescence (n = 6).

Conclusions: CHRPE shows striking hypoautofluorescence and this correlates with known histopathologic evidence of lack of lipofuscin in the retinal pigment epithelium of CHRPE. The lacunae showed general mild hyperautofluorescence that might correlate with scleral autofluorescence.