Autofluorescence of choroidal nevus in 64 cases.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the autofluorescence features of choroidal nevi.


METHODS
Noncomparative case series.


METHODS
Sixty-four consecutive patients.


METHODS
Correlation of fundus photography with autofluorescence photography.


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


RESULTS
The mean patient age was 62 years. The choroidal nevus was a mean of 5 mm from the optic disk and foveola. The mean tumor basal dimension was 5.0 mm and mean tumor thickness was 1.0 mm. The choroidal nevus showed hypoautofluorescence in 56%, isoautofluorescence in 19%, and hyperautofluorescence in 25%. The autofluorescence features appeared unaffected by tumor thickness, but increasing tumor base and disrupted overlying RPE appeared to produce slightly brighter autofluorescence. Nevi located in the macular region showed darker hypoautofluorescence than those outside the macular region. Overlying RPE hyperplasia, atrophy, and fibrous metaplasia were generally hypoautofluorescent. Drusen, subretinal fluid, and orange pigment were generally hyperautofluorescent. The brightest hyperautofluorescence was found with orange pigment.


CONCLUSIONS
Choroidal nevus shows little intrinsic autofluorescence. Overlying RPE alterations show dramatic autofluorescence ranging from dark hypoautofluorescence of RPE atrophy to bright hyperautofluorescence of orange pigment.
Shields
Carol L
CL
Ocular Oncology Service, Wills Eye Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA. carol.shields@shieldsoncology.com
Pirondini
Cesare
C
Bianciotto
Carlos
C
Materin
Miguel A
MA
Harmon
Sarah A
SA
Shields
Jerry A
JA
D000293:Adolescent; 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; D008875:Middle Aged; D009506:Nevus / Q000175:diagnosis*; D009508:Nevus, Pigmented / Q000473:pathology; D010781:Photography; D012160:Retina / Q000473:pathology; D055213:Retinal Pigment Epithelium / Q000473:pathology; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence; D055815:Young Adult