Natural evolution of fundus autofluorescence findings in multiple evanescent white dot syndrome: a long-term follow-up

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the natural evolution of fundus autofluorescence (FAF) findings in eyes with multiple evanescent white dot syndrome.

Methods: This was a retrospective, observational case series of nine eyes of eight consecutive patients with multiple evanescent white dot syndrome who underwent color fundus photographs, fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography, and FAF photography in two referral practices.

Results: The mean follow-up was 8.6 months (range, 3-14 months). In the acute/ subacute phase, FAF showed 1) hypoautofluorescent areas, ≤50 μm in size, mostly concentrated around the optic disk and posterior pole; and 2) areas of increased autofluorescence usually found in correspondence to the white dots seen ophthalmoscopically. During the follow-up period, some of the hypoautofluorescent areas faded away, others persisted; the areas originally showing increased autofluorescence variably tended to: 1) become smaller and more demarcated; 2) retract centripetally becoming small hyper-autofluorescent areas surrounded by an hypoautofluorescent halo; 3) turn into areas of decreased autofluorescence; or 4) disappear without becoming hypofluorescent.

Conclusion: Multiple evanescent white dot syndrome represents a unique model to study the natural evolution of FAF findings in chorioretinal affections, from the acute phase to resolution; FAF findings, evaluated along with fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography features, can expand our understanding about retinal pigment epithelium and retinal involvement in this rare chorioretinal disorder.