STRATUS optical coherence tomography in unilateral colobomatous excavation of the optic disc and secondary retinoschisis

To report the STRATUS optical coherence tomography (STRATUSOCT) findings in a patient with unilateral coloboma-like excavation of the optic disc without pit but secondary retinoschisis, as well as to discuss the possible involved pathophysiologic mechanisms. Observational case report. STRATUSOCT findings in a 66-year-old woman with a coloboma-like excavation of the optic disc without pit but secondary retinoschisis encompassing the macular region, along with evidence of a mild epiretinal membrane superonasal to the disc were evaluated. STRATUSOCT showed signs of a connection between the perineural space and the inner retinal layers on the temporal optic disc border, as well as schisis-like changes extending from the disc to the macula, with cystoid degeneration and two lamellar holes in their nasal portion. The use of third generation OCT afforded an enhanced visualization of retinal structures, revealing signs of fluid at several distinct levels, as well as deep and superficial inner breaks apart from the schisis cavity. We are unaware of such previous reports, and could find no reference to them in a computerized search using MEDLINE. In addition, our study supports a common pathomechanism for the development of macular complications in optic pits and colobomas.