Swept-Source OCT Angiography of the Anomalous Foveal Avascular Zone

Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2018 Nov 1;49(11):852-858. doi: 10.3928/23258160-20181101-06.

Abstract

Background and objective: To gain insight into clinical presentations associated with anomalous foveal avascular zone (FAZ) architecture and foveal pit morphology.

Patients and methods: Twenty-two eyes with anomalous (vascularized) FAZs were identified from 14 patients using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). The FAZ was evaluated in three vascular layers of the retina: the superficial capillary plexus (SCP), the deep capillary plexus (DCP), and the degree of foveal pit hypoplasia was graded.

Results: The FAZ was absent in 21 out of 22 eyes at the SCP and in eight out of 22 eyes at the DCP. Foveal pit hypoplasia was more severe in patients where the FAZ was fully vascularized in both the SCP and DCP. The absence of the FAZ did not affect visual acuity.

Conclusion: Anomalies of the FAZ and foveal pit can present with varying degrees of severity in patients with a wide range of ages and diagnoses. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2018;49:852-858.].

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Child
  • Female
  • Fluorescein Angiography / methods*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fovea Centralis / abnormalities
  • Fovea Centralis / blood supply
  • Fovea Centralis / pathology*
  • Fundus Oculi
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retinal Diseases / congenital
  • Retinal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Retinal Vessels / pathology*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence / methods*
  • Visual Acuity
  • Young Adult