Comparison of fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography for imaging of choroidal neovascularization in hemorrhagic age-related macular degeneration.
OBJECTIVE
To compare fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography for imaging of choroidal neovascularization located under subretinal hemorrhage, in age-related macular degeneration.


METHODS
In a retrospective study, 30 eyes of 30 consecutive patients with hemorrhagic age-related macular degeneration were evaluated with fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography. In each eye, areas of macular hemorrhage, choroidal neovascularization, and total lesion (hemorrhage plus choroidal neovascularization) were measured, and the choroidal neovascularization was categorized as classic, occult, or mixed on fluorescein angiography, and as hot spot, plaque, or combined lesion on indocyanine green angiography. Results of the two techniques were compared for the ability to identify a laser-treatable lesion.


RESULTS
Fluorescein angiography showed fluorescence in most cases (28, 93.3%). In 23 cases (76.6%), the fluorescence pattern was compatible with occult choroidal neovascularization. Indocyanine green angiography revealed defined patterns of fluorescence in 27 cases (90%): 12 hot spots, seven plaques, and eight combined hot spots and plaques. Twenty lesions (66.6%) detected by indocyanine green angiography were considered eligible for laser therapy. Nine of them (45%) were extrafoveal.


CONCLUSIONS
Indocyanine green angiography is beneficial for imaging choroidal neovascularization located under subretinal hemorrhage. Choroidal neovascularization demonstrated on indocyanine green angiography may be considered eligible for laser treatment. Therefore, indocyanine green angiography should be considered in cases of hemorrhagic age-related macular degeneration.
Kramer
M
M
Department of Ophthalmology, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petah Tiqva, Israel.
Mimouni
K
K
Priel
E
E
Yassur
Y
Y
Weinberger
D
D
D002829:Choroid / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D006801:Humans; D007208:Indocyanine Green; D017075:Laser Coagulation; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000150:complications*; D012166:Retinal Hemorrhage / Q000150:complications*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D007208:Indocyanine Green