Optical coherence tomography and electrophysiological findings in torpedo maculopathy

To describe the morphofunctional findings in a 6-year-old child with a unilateral lesion of the temporal macula called "torpedo maculopathy" throughout a 1-year follow-up. Evaluation of retinal morphology and function was assessed by means of spectral-domain OCT scans, best-corrected visual acuity, full-field flash electroretinogram (ERG), multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) and pattern visual evoked potentials (VEP). Patient was examined every 4 months for a 1-year follow-up time. Torpedo maculopathy consisted in a sharply demarcated hypopigmented oval iuxta-macular lesion (1.5 DD wide x 0.7 DD high). The baseline visual acuity of the affected eye was 20/25. OCT showed a sensorial retinal detachment in correspondence with the torpedo lesion. Pattern VEPs revealed a reduced response in left eye, as compared to contralateral eye. Full-field flash ERGs amplitude was normal in both eyes. Multifocal ERG response was reduced at all sites, more significantly at the site of the lesion in the eye with torpedo maculopathy and normal in fellow eye. Visual acuity, fundoscopic evaluation, OCT scans and electrophysiological tests showed no changes from baseline throughout the follow-up time. Torpedo maculopathy, although known as benign, may affect visual function if macular involvement is associated with neuroretinal detachment.