CELLULAR IMAGING OF THE TAPETAL-LIKE REFLEX IN CARRIERS OF RPGR-ASSOCIATED RETINOPATHY. Issue 3 (March 2019) - Kalitzeos, Angelos
Abstract : Purpose: To examine the features of the tapetal-like reflex (TLR) in female carriers of RPGR -associated retinopathy by means of adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO) and spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Methods: Nine molecularly confirmed RPGR carriers and three healthy controls underwent ocular examination and the following retinal imaging modalities: color photography, near-infrared reflectance, fundus autofluorescence, spectral domain optical coherence tomography, and AOSLO. After identifying TLR areas across all imaging modalities, normalized local contrast of outer retinal bands on spectral domain optical coherence tomography was calculated and AOSLO-acquired photoreceptor mosaic analysis was performed. Results: Seven carriers had TLR areas, which colocalized with increased rod photoreceptor reflectivity on confocal AOSLO and reduced cone photoreceptor densities. Parafoveal TLR areas also exhibited reduced local contrast (i.e., increased reflectivity) of the outer retinal bands on spectral domain optical coherence tomography (inner segment ellipsoid zone and outer segment interdigitation zone). Healthy controls did not show TLR. Conclusion: The cellular resolution provided by AOSLO affords the characterization of the photoreceptor mosaic in RPGR carriers with a TLR. Features revealed include reduced cone density, increased cone inner segment diameter, and increased rod outer segment reflectivity. Abstract : Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text.Adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy affords the characterization of the photoreceptor mosaic in RPGR carriers with a tapetal-like reflex. Features revealed include reduced cone densities, increased cone inner segment diameters, and increased rod outer segment reflectivity.