Simultaneous fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography for exudative macular degeneration.
BACKGROUND
The present study investigates how often a simultaneous fluorescein and indocyanine green (ICG) angiography had therapeutic consequences and if it is useful as a clinical routine diagnostic tool.


METHODS
502 consecutive simultaneous angiographies in eyes with exudative macular degeneration were retrospectively studied.


RESULTS
A classic extra- or juxtafoveolar choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) was found in 3.5 % of the eyes. A subfoveal predominantly classic CNV was present in 19 % of the angiographies. ICG angiography showed a vascular network in 3 % of the eyes with occult CNV in fluorescein angiography. A neovascularisation supplied by retinal vessels (retinal angiomatous proliferation) was found in 9 % and a polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) in 6 %. Other plaques or hot spots were visible in 4 %. In 11 eyes with progressive exudation from PCV and threatening of the fovea, laser treatment was successfully performed.


CONCLUSIONS
Combined angiography identifies treatable PCV. Advantages of a combined procedure (easier logistics, no missing of treatable cases) and arguments for a two step procedure with ICG angiography only in selected cases (lower costs, lower rate of adverse reactions) must be weighed against each other.
Helbig
H
H
Klinik für Augenkrankheiten, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland. horst.helbig@usz.ch
Niederberger
H
H
Valmaggia
C
C
Bischoff
P
P
D000328:Adult; D004396:Coloring Agents; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007208:Indocyanine Green; D017075:Laser Coagulation; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D008875:Middle Aged; D009887:Ophthalmoscopy; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D004396:Coloring Agents; D007208:Indocyanine Green