Fundus autofluorescence in choroidal melanocytic lesions.
OBJECTIVE
To correlate fundus autofluorescence (FAF) patterns in choroidal melanocytic lesions with changes present on the surface of such lesions, including lipofuscin, hyperpigmentation, drusen, and fibrous metaplasia.


METHODS
Retrospective chart review for 23 consecutive patients with choroidal nevi and melanoma who underwent FAF photography. The correlation between increased FAF patterns and foci of lipofuscin, hyperpigmentation, drusen, or fibrous metaplasia was defined as complete correlation, partial correlation, or no correlation.


RESULTS
Lipofuscin was present in 13 tumors, hyperpigmentation was present in 9 tumors, drusen were present in 6 tumors, and fibrous metaplasia was present in 4 tumors. Complete correlation between increased FAF and lipofuscin was found in 8 tumors (61.5%); partial correlation, in 3 tumors (23.1%); and no correlation, in 2 tumors (15.4%). Complete correlation between hyperpigmentation and increased FAF was found in 5 tumors (55.6%); partial correlation, in 3 tumors (33.3%); and no correlation, in 1 tumor (11.1%). Partial correlation was found between drusen and increased FAF in 4 tumors. Partial correlation was found between fibrous metaplasia and increased FAF in three tumors.


CONCLUSIONS
Choroidal melanocytic lesions with overlying lipofuscin and hyperpigmentation are associated with increased FAF in approximately 90% of cases.
Gündüz
Kaan
K
Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Pulido
Jose S
JS
Bakri
Sophie J
SJ
Petit-Fond
Elisabeth
E
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002830:Choroid Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005453:Fluorescence; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006801:Humans; D008062:Lipofuscin / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D008548:Melanosis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009508:Nevus, Pigmented / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D009887:Ophthalmoscopy; D010781:Photography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence
D008062:Lipofuscin