Fundus autofluorescence and spectral domain optical coherence tomography in early detection of Plaquenil maculopathy

Eur J Ophthalmol. 2010 Jul-Aug;20(4):785-8. doi: 10.1177/112067211002000423.

Abstract

Purpose: To report fundus autofluorescence (FAF) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) findings in a patient with early hydroxychloroquine maculopathy.

Methods: A 50-year-old man presented with complaints of ring-like shadows in front of his eyes. He had been on hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) 400 mg orally twice daily for 10 years (5.14 mg/kg/day). Fundus examination revealed granular hypopigmentation in an arcuate pattern in the inferior parafoveal area bilaterally. The patient underwent further evaluation with SD-OCT and FAF imaging. Functional changes were assessed by microperimetry.

Results: Hypopigmented lesions on the fundus were autofluorescent and SD-OCT corresponding to this area revealed loss of inner segment-outer segment, suggesting loss of photoreceptor layer in the affected area with underling dysfunctional retinal pigment epithelium.

Conclusions: Findings on SD-OCT and FAF imaging support the histopathologic findings described in cases of hydroxychloroquine maculopathy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antirheumatic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Early Diagnosis*
  • Fluorescein Angiography / methods*
  • Fundus Oculi
  • Humans
  • Hydroxychloroquine / adverse effects*
  • Hydroxychloroquine / therapeutic use
  • Macula Lutea / drug effects
  • Macula Lutea / pathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retinal Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Retinal Diseases / pathology
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence / methods*

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Hydroxychloroquine