A hyporeflective space between hyperreflective materials in pigment epithelial detachment and Bruch’s membrane in neovascular age-related macular degeneration

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of a hyporeflective space between hyperreflective materials in pigment epithelial detachment (PED) and Bruch’s membrane in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) or swept source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). METHODS: Among 223 patients with neovascular AMD, 227 eyes were studied retrospectively. Using SD-OCT or SS-OCT, we reviewed clinical characteristics of the space. RESULTS: Twenty-two (10%) of the 227 eyes showed a space between hyperreflective materials in PED and Bruch’s membrane. In all spaces, fibrovascular changes of the choroidal neovascularization (CNV) membrane were seen on funduscopy, with OCT images showing the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) above the space adhering tightly and continuously to the CNV membranes. Nineteen (86%) of the 22 eyes with this cleft also had serous retinal detachment or cystoid macular edema. Five eyes (23%) had an RPE tear during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: A hyporeflective space between hyperreflective materials in PED and Bruch’s membrane sometimes appears in neovascular AMD. The appearance of such a space may indicate residual activities of the hyperreflective materials.