A 65-year-old patient with postoperative cystoid macular edema undergoes fluorescein angiography. In the late phase, a petaloid pattern of hyperfluorescence is seen around the fovea. This pattern results from accumulation of dye in which anatomical space?

• A Subretinal space
• B Sub-RPE space
• C Henle fiber layer of the outer plexiform layer ✓
• D Inner nuclear layer

Explanation

The petaloid pattern in cystoid macular edema occurs because fluorescein accumulates in the radially arranged Henle fiber layer of the outer plexiform layer around the fovea, creating a flower-petal or star-shaped appearance in late frames. Subretinal accumulation causes pooling, not a petaloid pattern. Sub-RPE accumulation is seen in CSCR. Inner nuclear layer involvement does not produce this characteristic pattern.

Reference: Ryan's Retina, 6th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.