Functional correlates of fundus autofluorescence abnormalities in patients with RPGR or RIMS1 mutations causing cone or cone-rod dystrophy
- Anthony G Robson (anthony.robson{at}moorfields.nhs.uk),
- Michel Michaelides (michel.michaelides{at}ucl.ac.uk),
- Vy Luong (v.luong{at}ucl.ac.uk),
- Graham E Holder (graham.holder{at}moorfields.nhs.uk),
- Alan C Bird (alan.bird{at}ucl.ac.uk),
- Andrew R Webster (andrew.webster{at}ucl.ac.uk),
- Anthony T Moore (tony.moore{at}ucl.ac.uk),
- Fred W Fitzke (f.fitzke{at}ucl.ac.uk)
- Moorfields Eye Hospital and Institute of Ophthalmology, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital and Institute of Ophthalmology, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital and Institute of Ophthalmology, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital and Institute of Ophthalmology, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital and Institute of Ophthalmology, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital and Institute of Ophthalmology, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital and Institute of Ophthalmology, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital and Institute of Ophthalmology, United Kingdom
- Published Online First 25 October 2007
Abstract
Aim: To establish the functional significance of annular macular abnormalities present on fundus autofluorescence imaging (AF) in patients with cone or cone-rod dystrophy.
Methods: Fundus AF was performed on 10 subjects (age range 18-82 years) with cone or cone-rod dystrophy consequent upon RPGR or RIMS1 mutation. International-standard full-field and pattern ERGs were performed in all cases. Photopic and scotopic fine matrix mapping (FMM) and multifocal ERG were performed on selected cases.
Results: Subjects had annuli of high density AF that bordered central areas of low density in older RPGR cases and most RIMS1 cases. The size of the AF ring correlated with age and enlarged with time in two subjects. High density rings were associated with a gradient of scotopic and photopic sensitivity loss. PERG P50 amplitude, when detectable, was inversely related to the size of the AF ring. Multifocal ERGs in two subjects showed widespread reduction with relative sparing over the foveal area, in keeping with fine matrix mapping data.
Conclusions: Some patients with cone-rod dystrophy have a parafoveal ring of increased autofluorescence that may enlarge with time. Increased autofluorescence is associated with reduced rod and cone sensitivity, rather than photoreceptor cell death, and AF imaging may help identify viable areas of retina amenable to future therapeutic intervention.
