Oral fluorescein angiography in patients with choroidal neovascularization and macular degeneration.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate image quality of oral fluorescein angiography in patients with age-related macular degeneration and choroidal neovascularization.


METHODS
Twenty four patients with proven choroidal neovascularization were examined in a prospective observational case series. Confocal oral and intravenous fluorescein angiography were performed using the Heidelberg Retina Angiograph. Oral and intravenous image quality were compared in a masked fashion.


RESULTS
Choroidal neovascularization could be diagnosed in all patients using intravenous angiograms. Oral fluorescein angiography accurately detected the presence or absence of choroidal neovascularization in all patients and could determine the classification of choroidal neovascularization, location, and extent and borders in 20 (83.3%) of 24 patients. Early, mid, and late phases of oral angiograms occurred at 8, 15, and 26 minutes, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Oral fluorescein angiography using the confocal Heidelberg Retina Angiograph allowed detection of choroidal neovascularization in all patients in this study. Visualization of extent and type of choroidal neovascularization was possible in most eyes with choroidal neovascularization. These findings suggest oral angiography is an excellent screening tool for choroidal neovascularization and allows guidance of treatment in the majority of cases.
Bartsch
Dirk-Uwe
DU
Shiley Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, 9415 Campus Point Dr, Rm SEC 215, La Jolla 92093-0946, California, USA.
Elmusharaf
Abbas
A
El-Bradey
Mohamed
M
Freeman
William R
WR
D000284:Administration, Oral; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D019793:Fluorescein / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007834:Lasers; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009887:Ophthalmoscopy; D011446:Prospective Studies
D019793:Fluorescein