Author/Authors :
Karkhaneh, Reza Farabi Eye Hospital - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , Ahmadraji, Aliasghar Farabi Eye Hospital - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , Riazi Esfahani, Mohammad Farabi Eye Hospital - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , Roohipour, Ramak Farabi Eye Hospital - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , Farahani Dastjani, Afsar Farabi Eye Hospital - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , Imani, Marjan Farabi Eye Hospital - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , Khodabande, Alireza Farabi Eye Hospital - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , Ebrahimiadib, Nazanin Farabi Eye Hospital - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , Nili Ahmadabadi, Mehdi Farabi Eye Hospital - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran
Abstract :
Purpose: To evaluate sensitivity and specificity of digital retinal image reading in the diagnosis of
referral‑warranted retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
Methods: Infants referred to the ROP clinic underwent fundus examination through indirect ophthalmoscopy.
Fundus photographs were acquired using RetCam (shuttle 2; Clarity medical systems, Pleasanton, CA, USA).
Four retinal specialists who were blind to patients’ information reviewed the RetCam fundus photographs.
By comparing the results of photographs’ readings with that of indirect ophthalmoscopy as the gold standard,
the sensitivity and specificity of telescreening was determined.
Results: A total of 147 treatment‑naïve patients met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in the study.
Mean gestational age (GA) was 28.6 ± 2.0 weeks. Digital retinal imaging had sensitivity of 85% and specificity
of 35% in detecting referral‑warranted ROP in our study. Positive predictive value of digital photography
was 80%, and negative predictive value was 43%.
Conclusion: Digital photography for diagnosis of ROP may show good potential as a screening modality in
developing countries. It can facilitate early diagnosis, prevent unnecessary referrals, and be implemented
for investigational purpose. However, the overall study result did not provide evidence to propose digital
photography as a substitute for indirect ophthalmoscopy in the diagnosis of ROP.
