[Topographic, 3D and Quantitative analysis of autofluorescence in dry, age-related macular degeneration].
OBJECTIVE
Autofluorescence of the retina allows one to quantify and follow the extent and progression of dry, age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) changes. The objective of this study was to compare different analysis methods for displaying autofluorescence images.


METHODS
In a consecutive series of 15 patients with mild dry AMD and 15 patients without retinal pathologies, one 30 degrees autofluorescence image was obtained with the Heidelberg retina angiograph (HRA). Evaluation was performed by observers masked to the clinical group for each of the three analysis displays: topographic map in false colours (similar to height lines in maps), 3D display of optical density and quantitative, standardised evaluation of optical density values.


RESULTS
For the 30 eyes included, grading of ARMD versus normal yielded a sensitivity of 83 -92 % for the topographic map, 58 - 83 % for the 3D and 75 - 83 % for quantitative optical density display. The corresponding specificity was 87 - 93 % for the topographic map, 53 - 60 % for the 3D and 67 - 80 % for the quantitative optical density display.


CONCLUSIONS
Analysis by topographic mapping is suitable to supply quantitative information of optical density for evaluating autofluorescence images. In spite of being illustrative, a 3D display of optical density does not offer sufficient properties for analysis.
Strauss
R W
RW
Augenklinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München.
Kampik
A
A
Neubauer
A S
AS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012016:Reference Values; D012160:Retina / Q000473:pathology*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity