LONG-TERM PRESERVATION OF VISUAL ACUITY AFTER RESORPTION OF ACQUIRED VITELLIFORM LESIONS IN AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION.

Abstract

Purpose: To report the long-term (23 years) clinical and multimodal imaging features of acquired vitelliform lesions (AVLs) associated with nonneovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Methods: Retrospective case report. Color and red-free fundus photographs, high-resolution optical coherence tomography, fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography, and optical coherence tomography-angiography were performed.

Results: A 58-year-old man presented with bilateral AVLs in the setting of nonneovascular age-related macular degeneration. At baseline, his best-corrected visual acuity was 20/30 in his right eye and 20/20 in his left eye. Red-free fundus photographs showed AVLs with cuticular drusen in both eyes corresponding to a "stars-in-the-sky" pattern on fluorescein. Indocyanine green angiography showed no evidence of macular neovascularization. Throughout the 23-year follow-up, the patient reported consuming 20 mg/day of lutein supplement. At the end of follow-up, his best-corrected visual acuity was 20/20 in both eyes. Color fundus photographs showed resorption of the AVLs in both eyes and High-Res optical coherence tomography showed relative preservation of the outer retinal bands in the fovea. Optical coherence tomography-angiography confirmed the absence of macular neovascularization.

Conclusion: In nonneovascular age-related macular degeneration, spontaneous resorption of AVLs may be associated with long-term maintenance of visual acuity and relative preservation of the outer retinal morphology.