Autofluorescence of choroidal melanoma in 51 cases.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the autofluorescence features of choroidal melanoma.


METHODS
Non-comparative case series.


METHODS
51 consecutive patients.


METHODS
Standard fundus photography and autofluorescence photography (580 nm excitation, 695 nm barrier filter) were performed on all patients. Clinical features were correlated with autofluorescence features.


METHODS
Autofluorescence features of choroidal melanoma and overlying retinal pigment epithelium (RPE).


RESULTS
The mean patient age was 59 years. The choroidal melanoma was a mean of 3.6 mm from the optic disc and 2.6 mm from the foveola. The mean tumour basal dimension was 11 mm and the mean tumour thickness was 4 mm. The choroidal melanoma showed intrinsic hypoautofluorescence (39%), isoautofluorescence (6%) and hyperautofluorescence (55%). Slightly increased hyperautofluorescence of the melanoma was found in pigmented tumours (versus non-pigmented), those with greater thickness and basal dimensions, and those with overlying disrupted RPE. Related RPE hyperplasia and atrophy showed hypoautofluorescence, drusen, RPE detachment and subretinal fluid showed slight hyperautofluorescence, and orange pigment displayed the brightest hyperautofluorescence.


CONCLUSIONS
Choroidal melanoma generally shows slight intrinsic hyperautofluorescence and the brightness increases with pigmented tumours, larger tumours, and those associated with disrupted RPE. Overlying orange pigment shows remarkably bright hyperautofluorescence.
Shields
C L
CL
Ocular Oncology Service, Suite 1440, Wills Eye Institute, 840 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. carol.shields@shieldsoncology.com
Bianciotto
C
C
Pirondini
C
C
Materin
M A
MA
Harmon
S A
SA
Shields
J A
JA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002830:Choroid Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D005453:Fluorescence; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009887:Ophthalmoscopy / Q000379:methods; D010857:Pigment Epithelium of Eye / Q000473:pathology