[Characteristics of drusen and changes in Bruch's membrane in eyes with age-related macular degeneration. Histological study].
BACKGROUND
Different types of drusen and changes in Bruch's membrane have been associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).


METHODS
We compared 51 eyes with different stages of AMD with 40 age-matched controls using light microscopy. The degree of calcification of Bruch's membrane, fragmentation of Bruch's membrane, number of different types of drusen, and basal laminar deposit (BLD) were assessed.


RESULTS
In the macular area, the presence of basal laminar deposit was most strongly associated with the presence of AMD. There was a statistically significant difference observed in the degree of calcification and fragmentation of Bruch's membrane in eyes with AMD as compared to controls. Eyes with AMD displayed significantly more soft, confluent, and large drusen as compared to controls.


CONCLUSIONS
Calcification and fragmentation of Bruch's membrane, soft, confluent, and large drusen and BLD but not hard drusen correlated strongly with the histologic presence of AMD. Calcification and fragmentation of Bruch's membrane seem to facilitate ingrowth of choroidal neovascular membranes with consecutive development of exudative AMD.
Spraul
C W
CW
Universitäts-Augenklinik, Ulm.
Lang
G E
GE
Grossniklaus
H E
HE
Lang
G K
GK
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016570:Bruch Membrane / Q000473:pathology*; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012016:Reference Values; D015593:Retinal Drusen / Q000473:pathology*