Exploration of cuticular drusen: comprehensive
analysis from multi-modal imaging characteristics to
clinical diagnosis and treatment
Views:7266
DOI:10.12419/24110304
Publication Date:2025-02-28
Author(s):
ZHANG Guanghan ,ZHANG Xiongze ,JI Yuying
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Author(s):
ZHANG Guanghan ,ZHANG Xiongze ,JI Yuying
Institution/Unit:
1.State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China.
Keywords
age-related macular degeneration
cuticulardrusen
multimodal imaging
fundus imaging
Abstract
With the application of multimodal imaging techniques, a specific subtype of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), known as cuticular drusen, has been identified. This subtype is closely associated with the progression of AMD, particularly non-exudative AMD, also referred to as dry AMD. However, there is a scarcity of literature focusing on the multimodal imaging characteristics of AMD combined with cuticular drusen. Therefore, studying and elucidating the multimodal imaging features of cuticular drusen, its differential diagnosis from other AMD subtypes of drusen, pathophysiological mechanisms, and treatment methods holds significant clinical importance. Multimodal imaging reveals cuticular drusenas numerous, symmetrical, evenly sized, yellow subretinal nodules in both eyes, exhibiting a typical "stars-in-the-sky" appearance on fluorescein angiography (FFA) and zigzag elevations between the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and Bruch's membrane on optical coherence tomography (OCT). The distribution characteristics of AMD patients with cuticular drusen vary greatly among individuals and can easily be confused with drusen from other AMD subtypes, so the differentiation from hard drusen, soft drusen, large colloidal drusen, and Sorsby's fundus dystrophy (SFD) is necessary. Studies suggest that cuticular drusen have a genetic, atherosclerosis- like pathogenesis which closely related to the accumulation of large lipoprotein particles secreted by the RPE. Future therapies targeting the complement system maybe employed to delay the progression of cuticulardrusen-related lesions. This article reviews the clinical manifestations, typical multimodal imaging features, differential diagnosis, genetic basis, pathophysiological mechanisms, complications, and clinical management strategies of cuticulardrusen.
Figure 1 Typical ultrawide-field color fundus photography, short-wavelength AF and FFA manifestations of cuticulardrusen
(A、B)双眼广角彩照可见后极部无数圆形、小而均匀的黄色视网膜下结节,呈双眼对称分布于整个眼底;(C 、D)双眼广角 眼底彩照局部放大图;( E 、F)双眼短波长AF可见黄斑区散在玻璃疣。荧光信号呈点状弱荧光围绕强荧光环;( G 、H ) 双眼FFA见后极部及中周部视网膜弥漫性呈簇状分布视网膜下染色灶,累积黄斑区,造影全过程无渗漏;左眼可见颞侧、 下方、鼻下、鼻侧中周部视网膜小血管局灶性扩张渗漏。
(A, B) Presenting ultrawide-field color fundus photographs of both eyes:numerous small, uniform, round, yellow subretinal nodules are visible at the posterior pole of the retina in both eyes. These nodules are symmetrically distributed throughout the fundus of both eyes.(C, D)Enlarged partial images of the wide-angle color fundus photographs of both eyes. (E, F) Presenting AF images of both eyes, showing scattered drusen in the maculararea of both eyes. The fluorescence signal appears as dot-like hypofluorescence surrounding a ring of hyperfluorescence. (G, H) Displaying FFA images of both eyes, revealing diffuse, cluster-like subretinal staining foci in the posterior pole and mid-periphery of the retina, involving themaculararea. There was no leakage observed throughout the angiography process. In the left eye, focal dilatation and leakage were visible in the small retinal vessels of the temporal, inferior, inferonasal, and nasal mid-periphery.
图2 表皮玻璃疣的典型OCT表现
Figure 2 Typical OCT manifestations of cuticulardrusen
双眼OCT示后极部及中周部视网膜上皮层下可见多个大小不一、圆形或椭圆形的强反射团块,边界清晰。 OCT of Both Eyes, revealing multiple circular or oval hyper-reflective masses of varying sizes beneath the retinal epithelial layer at both the posterior pole and mid-periphery of the retina in both eyes, with clear boundaries.
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