Morpho-Functional Correlation in Pattern Dystrophy of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium

Purpose To evaluate the morpho-functional correlations in patients affected by pattern dystrophy (PD) of the retinal pigment epithelium. Methods The design of the study is a prospective observational case series. All the consecutive patients examined from November 2008 to November 2009 who were affected by PD of the retinal pigment epithelium, were considered for the study. All the patients underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination, including ETDRS visual acuity, electroretinogram, electrooculogram, optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, and microperimetry. Results Sixty-one patients (122 eyes) with pattern dystrophy (PD) of the retinal pigment epithelium were recruited for the study. Mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.53±0.45 (logMAR±SD) and mean central macular thickness (CMT) was 158±86µm SD. Mean retinal sensitivity was 11.7±5.78, 13.09±5.47, and 15.04±4, at 4°, 8°, and 12°, respectively. A statistically significant correlation was registered between mean BCVA and retinal sensitivity at 4°, 8°, and 12°. No statistically significant correlation was found between BCVA and CMT, and between CMT and retinal sensitivity. Conclusions PD of the retinal pigment epithelium represent a heterogeneous group of diseases with variable morpho-functional responses. A more precise morpho-functional characterization among the specific PD subtypes may add information regarding the classification and the prognosis.