Scanning laser ophthalmoscopy of choroidal neovascularisation using indocyanine green.
BACKGROUND
Choroidal neovascularisation is an important cause of visual loss in age-related macular degeneration. Visualisation of these choroidal abnormalities with fluorescein angiography may be difficult, particularly if there is haemorrhage, excessive pigment, or excessive fluorescence. We report on our experience with indocyanine green (ICG) angiography in demonstrating choroidal neovascularisation.


METHODS
Patients with suspected choroidal neovascularisation were assessed with indocyanine green angiography using the Rodenstock Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope and results recorded on a videotape. Fluorescein angiograms were also obtained in a similar fashion. The angiograms were then compared.


RESULTS
In some instances ICG angiography was able to demonstrate the margins and structure of choroidal neovascular membranes more clearly than fluorescein, particularly in the presence of haemorrphage, excessive fluorescence and blocked fluorescence. However, there were instances where it was difficult to interpret the choroidal abnormalities found. Some illustrative cases are discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that ICG angiography is a useful adjunct to fluorescein angiography in detection and delineation of choroidal neovascularisation, but that further study is needed.
Orange Eye Centre, New South Wales.
K C
KC
Tang
H A
HA
Liu
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D002829:Choroid / Q000098:blood supply*; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D006801:Humans; D007208:Indocyanine Green; D007834:Lasers; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*; D009887:Ophthalmoscopy
D007208:Indocyanine Green