Abstract
Peripapillary hyperreflective ovoid mass-like structures (PHOMS) are a recently described entity. They are a common and non-specific cause of pseudopapilloedema. We aim to determine if there is a relationship between optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements and refractive status on the presence of PHOMS.
Retrospective analysis of optic nerve head OCT scans from children seen in the suspected papilledema virtual clinic between August 2016 and March 2021 at University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff. Three assessors graded each scan for the presence of PHOMS. Numerical data on the disc morphology (disc area (DA (mm2)) and scleral canal diameter (SCD (µm)) was obtained from the OCT scans. Refractive data was obtained from the initial optometric referral where available. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the effect of age, sex, spherical equivalent, DA and SCD on the likelihood of the presence of PHOMS.
The SCD was significantly larger in eyes with PHOMS (mean diameter 1771 µm) vs no PHOMS (mean diameter 1621 µm). Odds ratio 1.0042 (1.0016 to 1.0069). The other variables were not significantly associated, but there was a tendency towards a younger age, larger disc area and the presence of a refractive error if PHOMS were present.
Anatomical and developmental differences in the size of the scleral canal and optic nerve may explain the presence of PHOMS in children. In contrast to other recently published studies, we show that a wider scleral canal diameter was significantly associated with the presence of PHOMS.
