Temporal retinal thinning and the diagnosis of Alport syndrome and Thin basement membrane nephropathy

Abstract

Background and objectives: Alport syndrome is an inherited disease characterized by renal failure, hearing loss, and ocular abnormalities, including temporal retinal thinning. This study compared retinal thinning in Alport syndrome and other renal diseases. Methods: Alport syndrome was diagnosed on renal biopsy and genetic testing. Subjects underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT) (Spectralis OCT, Heidelberg Instruments). Retinal thinning was determined from horizontal macular OCT scans through the foveal center using the formula: Temporal thickness index (TTI) = (nasal–temporal thickness) ÷ nasal thickness × 100%, and compared with the normal range for each age group. Statistical analys..