Subtype lesions of neovascular age-related macular degeneration in Chinese patients

Purpose To identify the subtype frequency and clinical features of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in Chinese patients. Methods From January 2003 to August 2006, we investigated prospectively 155 newly diagnosed patients with presumed neovascular AMD. Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) were performed in both eyes of all patients. Subtype frequency and clinical features were recorded according to their angiograms. Results Three subtypes of lesion were noted, which were polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) and mixed lesions. Of the 155 patients, 105 (67.7%) had choroidal neovascularization (CNV) of the typical type seen in AMD, 38 (24.5%) had PCV and seven (4.5%) had RAP. In five (3.2%) additional cases, mixed lesions were noted. In 38 cases (47 eyes) with PCV, the rates of subfoveal, juxtafoveal and extrafoveal lesion were respectively 29.8% (14 eyes), 8.5% (four eyes), and 61.7% (29 eyes), compared with 75.6%, 14.6% and 9.8% for CNV lesion (P < 0.01). The percentage of subfoveal lesion in PCV group was significantly lower than that in the CNV group (P < 0.01). The location of the RAP lesion was subfoveal in two (28.6%) eyes, juxtafoveal in three (42.9%) eyes and extrafoveal in two (28.6%) eyes. The five eyes with mixed lesions were all PCV coexisting with CNV at the same eye, and in all of the five cases, CNV was subfoveal while PCV was extrafoveal. Conclusions In this hospital-based study, PCV accounts for 24.5% of neovascular AMD and is the most common subtype, RAP is less frequent (4.5%), and mixed lesions are much less common in Chinese patients. PCV is least likely to involve the fovea in neovascular AMD. The authors have no proprietary interest. This study was supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province (grant no. 04009333) and the Research Fund of Guangdong Bureau of Chinese Medicine (grant no.20030086).     

Retinal pigment epithelium tears following ranibizumab for exudative age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE: To report two cases of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) tears following intravitreous ranibizumab injection for age-related macular degeneration (AMD)-associated serous pigment epithelium detachment (PED). DESIGN: Noncomparative case series. METHODS: The charts of two patients who received intravitreous ranibizumab for AMD-associated PED and developed RPE tears were reviewed. Fundus photography, fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography performed prior to injection and upon follow-up confirmed the diagnosis. RESULTS: Two patients with serous PED and occult choroidal neovascularization associated with AMD developed RPE tears within four weeks of injection with ranibizumab. CONCLUSIONS: RPE tears may complicate ranibizumab intravitreous injection for the treatment of AMD-associated PEDs. Further studies need be undertaken to determine whether this complication may also occur when treating choroidal neovascular membranes not associated with PED and whether certain angiographic subtypes are more susceptible to this complication.     

Pigment epithelial detachments in age-related macular degeneration -- classification,differentiation and prognosis

BACKGROUND: A pigment epithelial detachment (PED) is an exudative manifestation of late age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Its long-term unfavourable prognosis is influenced by the association of a neovascular membrane. Seemingly identical PEDs in ophthalmoscopy can be further differentiated by fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography. The purpose of this prospective follow-up study was to determine the most reliable angiographic classification to distinguish PEDs in AMD and to evaluate their outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 73 eyes of 68 patients with a PED in AMD were examined with simultaneous angiography with fluorescein and indocyanine green. 34 eyes were additionally scanned by retinatomography. Fluorescein angiographic classification comprises 4 types: 1. early hyperfluorescent type, 2. late hyperfluorescent type, 3. drusen type, 4. irregular fluorescent type. Indocyanine green angiographic classification consists of the following three groups: 1. angiographically no vascularisation, 2. associated choroidal neovascularisation, 3. associated polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy. RESULTS: Both classifications show statistically significant correlation with visual acuity (fluorescein classification: P = 0.0112, ICG-classification: P = 0.0004) and area of the PEDs (fluorescein classification: P = 0.0002, ICG-classification: P < 0.0001). ICG-classification additionally is significantly associated with the volume (P = 0.0008). Both classifications correlate (P = 0.0001). Factors influencing visual acuity are: age (P = 0.0044), associated neovascular membrane (P = 0.0004), area (P < 0.0001), volume (P = 0.0077) and height (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: PEDs in AMD can best be classified by indocyanine green angiography on the basis of an associated prognostically important neovascular membrane, which can only be further distinguished into choroidal neovascularisation or polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy by indocyanine green angiography. Statistical analysis shows qualitatively and quantitatively more significant results for the indocyanine green angiographic classification.     

年龄相关性黄斑变性中视网膜色素上皮脱离的临床观察

目的　探讨年龄相关性黄斑病变（age-related macular degeneration,AMD）中不同病变类型视网膜色素上皮脱离（pigment epithelial detachment,PED）的特征,以期为AMD不同类型的诊断及预后评估提供参考依据。方法　通过影像学检查将96例（124眼）患者分为视网膜血管瘤样增生（retinal angiomatous proliferation,RAP）、息肉样脉络膜血管病变（polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy,PCV）、脉络膜新生血管（choroidal neovascularization,CNV）。通过光学相干断层扫描（optical coherence tomography,OCT）结合眼底彩色照相、眼底荧光素血管造影、眼底自发荧光等检查方法对以上几类病变中PED大小、形态、病变性质、预后等重要特征进行回顾分析并对比总结。结果　96例患者中RAP-PED为10例（10.42%）、PCV-PED为32例（43.75%）、CNV-PED为54例（45.83%）。RAP-PED多为浆液性、双眼发病。PCV-PED多为多灶性、出血性,且多为单眼发病。CNV-PED的数量形态表现多样,大小不等相连,形成“波浪样”外观。结论　加深对各类型AMD中PED发生的几率、类型、合并症以及预后等的认识,有助于更为精确指导诊断治疗及预后分析。     

The nature of focal areas of hyperfluorescence or hot spots imaged with indocyanine green angiography

PURPOSE: To clarify the frequency and nature of ICG angiographic "hot spots" seen in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). METHODS: A consecutive series of newly diagnosed patients with neovascular ARMD and fluorescein angiographic evidence of occult choroidal neovascularization (occult CNV) was imaged with ICG angiography. Eyes with ICG angiographic "hot spots" were identified and further classified. A hot spot was defined as any area of abnormal hyperfluorescence, in the mid to late stages of ICG angiography, measuring less than 1 disk area in size. RESULTS: From a total of 190 patients (220 eyes) with neovascular ARMD, 30 patients and 34 eyes (16%) with hot spots were identified. Hot spots were noted to be of three distinct patterns: polypoidal choroidal neovascularization (polypoidal CNV) in 21 of 34 eyes, or 62%; retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) in 11 of 34 eyes, or 30%; and focal occult CNV in 2 of 34 eyes, or 8%. CONCLUSIONS: A focal area of intense hyperfluorescence or so-called hot spot seen on ICG angiography in neovascular ARMD is due to one of three possible forms of neovascularization: most frequently polypoidal CNV, less commonly RAP, and infrequently nonspecific, focal occult CNV. Since neovascular ARMD may be caused by different types of neovascularization, each with distinct clinical manifestations, natural course, visual prognosis, and response to treatment, it is important to identify the precise nature of hot spots to establish an accurate diagnosis and, when appropriate, a specific form of management.     

Neovascular ingrowth site photothrombosis in choroidal neovascularization associated with retinal pigment epithelial detachment

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical, angiographic and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings of patients with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with retinal pigment epithelial detachment (PED) who were treated by neovascular ingrowth site photothrombosis. METHODS: Interventional case reports. After identification of the CNV feeder vessels, two patients had focal photothrombosis of the neovascular ingrowth site using continuous 810-nm laser application after intravenous indocyanine green (ICG) injection and were prospectively followed with fluorescein and ICG angiography as well as OCT. RESULTS: Both patients presented an increase of 3 or more ETDRS lines in visual acuity by 12 months of follow-up. Fluorescein and ICG angiography demonstrated reduced lesion perfusion and regression of the PEDs; accordingly, OCT disclosed decrease in retinal thickness and elevation caused by rapid fluid resolution. There were no significant complications related to the procedure. CONCLUSION: Photothrombosis using 810-nm light to direct laser energy continuously at the neovascular ingrowth site after intravenous ICG infusion is effective in restoring macular architecture and improving vision in patients with CNV complicated by PEDs by means of substantial decrease in the lesion perfusion and resolution of exudative manifestations.     

Angiographic and flow patterns of retinal choroidal anastomoses in age-related macular degeneration with occult choroidal neovascularization

OBJECTIVE: To identify the angiographic features of retinal choroidal anastomoses (RCAs) in patients with newly diagnosed occult choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in the setting of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and to determine the sequence of flow between the RCA and the CNV. DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: The angiograms of 205 eyes of 153 consecutive patients with occult CNV on fluorescein angiography (FA) and focal hot spots on indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) were evaluated retrospectively. METHODS OF TESTING: Red-free photographs and sequential digital fluorescein and indocyanine green angiograms obtained by confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope (the Heidelberg Retina Angiograph; Heidelberg Engineering GmbH, Dossenheim, Germany). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The angiograms were evaluated for the presence of RCA. The following angiographic characteristics were recorded: number and type of anastomoses, location, distance from fovea, area of CNV, presence of pigment epithelium detachment (PED), cystoid macular edema on FA, and intraretinal leakage on ICGA. The direction of flow between the RCA and the CNV was identified by analyzing high-speed angiograms. RESULTS: Retinal choroidal anastomoses were identified in 57 eyes (28%), in 49 of 154 eyes with PED (32%), and in 8 of 51 eyes without PED (16%). Of 109 anastomoses, 70% were venous and 30% were arterial. Ninety-six percent of the eyes had at least one venous anastomosis, 49% of the eyes had an arterial anastomosis, and 46% of the eyes had both. Cystoid macular edema was seen on FA in 37 eyes (65%), and intraretinal indocyanine green leakage was noted in 52 eyes (91%). Twenty-two eyes that underwent high-speed ICGA were analyzed for the direction of flow. All 15 eyes having arterial and venous anastomoses demonstrated a filling pattern from the retinal arteriole to the CNV, followed by the retinal venule. Seven eyes with venous RCA showed flow sequence from the CNV to the collecting retinal venule. CONCLUSIONS: Our study supports the presence of RCA in the early stages of acute exudative AMD with occult CNV, mainly with serous PED. High-speed angiography helps to identify the filling sequence of the RCA and the CNV, and therefore may guide the clinician in planning treatment strategies.     

50岁以上患者视网膜色素上皮脱离的眼底特征分析

目的 探讨50岁以上患者视网膜色素上皮脱离（PED）的眼底改变特征。 方法 回顾分析2001年10月至2004年8月经荧光素眼底血管造影（FFA）确诊为PED的31例（34只眼）50岁以上连续性病例，眼底改变的特征，患者均进行眼底彩色照相、FFA及吲哚青绿血管造影（ICGA）检查。 结果 31例34只PED患眼中，FFA显示浆液性PED18只眼，占52.9%，血液性PED8只眼，占23.5%，浆液血液性PED 8只眼，占23.5%。ICGA结果显示，12只眼（35.3%）伴发脉络膜新生血管（CNV）,17只眼（50.0%）伴发息肉状脉络膜血管病变（PCV），1只眼（2.9%）同时伴发CNV及PCV，4只眼（11.8%）不伴有脉络膜血管性病变。 结论 50岁以上患者PED可发生于CNV、PCV及无脉络膜血管性病变患眼，其中PCV患眼最常见。 (中华眼底病杂志, 2006, 22:224-227)     

息肉状脉络膜血管病变与老年黄斑变性对比分析

目的探讨息肉状脉络膜血管病变(PCV)与湿性老年黄斑变性(AMD)临床特征的区别与联系,以指导临床。方法回顾分析已确诊的PCV及湿性AMD的眼底彩照,荧光素血管造影(FFA),吲哚青绿血管造影(ICGA),光学相干断层扫描(OCT)结果及临床资料。结果PCV15例,年龄48-70岁,平均62.3岁;湿性AMD38例,年龄50-80岁,平均65.8岁。PCV患者眼底视网膜出血、脂质渗出、桔红色结节样病灶分别为11只眼(73.3%)、6只眼(40%)、4只眼(26.7%);AMD患者45只眼中视网膜出血、脂质渗出、青灰色病灶、瘢痕形成分别为25只眼(55.6%)、18只眼(40.0%)、20只眼(44.4%)、3只眼(6.77%)。FFA显示PCV患眼脉络膜息肉状结构、出血性色素上皮脱离(PED)、浆液性PED分别为1只眼(6.7%)、7只眼(46.7%)、2只眼(13.3%),ICGA均可见息肉状扩张病灶(100%);FFA显示AMD患眼典型脉络膜新生血管(CNV)、PED分别为5只眼(11.1%)、14只眼(31.1%),ICGA显示CNV23只眼(51.1%),均未见息肉状结构。PCV的OCT表现为视网膜色素上皮及脉络膜内层呈穹窿状向视网膜神经上皮隆起,其下见结节状改变;AMD则显示视网膜色素上皮和脉络膜毛细血管层呈局部梭形或不规则强反射带。结论PCV与湿性AMD不尽相同,可能是AMD的另一种特殊类型,治疗可能应有所不同,有待于进一步研究。     

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy coexisting with exudative age-related macular degeneration

Purpose To report two cases that had polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) coexisting with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) of exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods Both of the patients underwent color photographs, fluorescein and indocyanine green (ICG) angiography. Results On fundus examination, a grayish lesion in the foveal area, reddish-orange lesions and hemorrhagic retinal pigment epithelial detachments (PED) in the inferotemporal vascular arch were disclosed in the left eye of a patient, and macular scarring was observed in the fellow eye. ICG angiography revealed a typical branching vascular network and polyp-like aneurysmal dilations at terminals of branches in the inferotemporal vascular arcade and a well-demarcated hyperfluorescent area of CNV in the fovea in the left eye, and staining of macular scarring was present in the fellow eye. On fundus examination of the right eye of the other patient a gray–yellow lesion at the fovea, reddish-orange lesions in the extramacula were noted, and diffuse drusens were present in the fellow eye. ICG angiography revealed scattered polyp-like aneurysmal dilations without identifiable continuous branching vascular network in the extramacula, and a well-demarcated hyperfluorescence area of CNV in the fovea. Conclusions PCV can coexist with exudative AMD in some patients and the polypoidal lesions may less involve in the fovea than CNV. Evidence of AMD are present meanwhile in the fellow eyes these patients.     

Characteristic Findings of Optical Coherence Tomography in Retinal Angiomatous Proliferation

Purpose

To identify the unique pathologic findings of retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) in optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Methods

Retrospectively, 29 eyes of 25 patients with age-related macular degeneration and complicated RAP were analyzed. All 29 eyes had choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in the area of pigment epithelial detachment (PED) or adjacent to it, which was visible with fluorescein angiography or indocyanine green angiography. Cross-sectional images were obtained by OCT scanning through the CNV lesions.

Results

Six distinctive findings of OCT included drusen (100%), inner retinal cyst (80%), outer retinal cyst (68%), fibrovascular PED (84%), serous retinal detachment (40%), and PED (68%).

Conclusions

Through analysis of OCT findings, we revealed six different types of lesions distinctive of RAP which may provide helpful diagnostic information for subsequent treatment and predicting the prognosis of RAP.     

High resolution Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography of retinal angiomatous proliferation

PURPOSE: To study the anatomic details of retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using high-resolution Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (Fd-OCT) and its three-dimensional reconstructions. METHODS: A Fd-OCT instrument was used to image five patients clinically diagnosed with RAP. A series of 100 raster-scanned B-scans centered over the macula was registered and rendered as a three-dimensional volume. These retinal structures were analyzed for anatomic details of the RAP lesions. RESULTS: The RAP lesion could be identified within the retina on Fd-OCT in all five cases. Fd-OCT images of the first four cases revealed areas of intraretinal neovascularization (IRN) in the deep retina adjacent to a pigment epithelial detachment (PED). There was neovascular proliferation anteriorly and posteriorly through a break in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). In three of the four cases, Bruch membrane remained intact. There was no identifiable choroidal neovascularization (CNV). The fifth case had both subretinal and sub-RPE neovascular membranes without a PED. CONCLUSION: Fd-OCT provides unprecedented in vivo detail of the anatomy of RAP lesions that nearly resembles histologic specimens. This study suggests that the initial neovascular process in RAP can originate either within the retina or in the sub-RPE space.     

Characteristics of Indocyanine Green Angiography in Exudative Age—related Macular Degeneration

Objective: To observe the characteristics of indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) in exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD).Methods: Thirty-one cases (39 eyes) were diagnosed as exudative AMD by ocular examination, fundus color photography, fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and ICGA. Their ages ranged from 50 to 82 years and visual acuities from FC/30cm to 0. 7. We analyzed and compared the characteristics of ICGA and FFA in these patients. Results: Of 26 eyes with occult choroidal neovascularization (CNV) by FFA, 15 (57. 7% ) had classic CNV by ICGA. Of 4 eyes with serous retinal pigment epithelial detachment (FED) without CNV by FFA, 1 had serous FED with classic CNV by ICGA. The hyperfluorescence of the scar staining was detecfed by ICGA. Conclusion ? ICGA adds clinically useful information and is an important adjunct in the evaluation, classification, and laser treatment of patients with occult CNV in AMD. Eye Science 1999; 15: 156 - 161.     

Knobby-like choroidal neovascularization accompanied with retinal pigment epithelial detachment]

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical features of knobby choroidal neovascularization (CNV) which was detected using indocyanine green (ICG) angiography and the association between knobby CNV and idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (IPCV). METHOD: We studied 164 eyes with retinal pigment epithelial detachment (PED) accompanied with CNV. These patients were older than 50 years. We detected knobby CNV in 96 eyes of 164 PED eyes (58.5%). Knobby CNV was defined as follows: knobbed blood vessels were observed from the early phase and remained hyperfluorescent through the ICG angiography. We classified 3 groups on the basis of the types of vessels with knobby CNV: group I, multiple isolated knobby CNVs without continuous vessels (24 eyes); group II, knobby dilatations in some parts of CNV (45 eyes); group III, network vessels ending in multiple aneurysmal swelling as in IPCV (27 eyes). RESULT: We found knobby CNV in only 20% of eyes with serous PED, but about 70% in neovascular, serosanguineous, and hemorrhagic PED. The ratio of each group showed no distinction statistically. Knobby CNV mostly appeared in macular areas, and was frequently accompanied with subretinal or subpigment epithelial hemorrhage. Subretinal reddishorange lesions were seen in 50% of group I, 60% of group II, and 89% of group III. Knobby CNV showed occult CNV in fluorescein angiography. In late phase ICG angiography, knobby CNV leaked ICG. New lesions occurred in all groups. CONCLUSION: We think that knobby CNV is a common finding in subpigment epithelial neovascularization, and that IPCV vascular lesion is one type of subpigment epithelial neovascularization.     

Eligibility for treatment and angiographic features at the early stage of exudative age related macular degeneration

AIMS: To determine the eligibility for laser photocoagulation treatment or for photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin in eyes at the earliest stage (first month of symptoms) of exudative age related macular degeneration (AMD) based on fluorescein angiographic (FA) features; to evaluate the potential contribution of indocyanine green angiography (ICG-A) for occult choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) at this stage. METHODS: Retrospective review of 252 consecutive patients (269 eyes) examined within the first month of symptoms of exudative AMD. RESULTS: On FA, 97 eyes (36%) had classic CNV alone. Occult CNV associated with fibrovascular retinal pigment epithelium detachments (PEDs) was observed in 71 eyes (26%) and without fibrovascular PED in 101 eyes (38%). 91 eyes (34%) met the Macular Photocoagulation Study criteria for laser photocoagulation. 53 eyes (20%) met the Verteporfin In PDT (VIP) or Treatment of AMD with PDT (TAP) studies criteria. By ICG-A, occult CNV was visualised as focal spots in 49% of eyes examined within 15 days v 32% of eyes examined between 16 and 30 days after the onset of symptoms (p=0.07). 8.5% of late staining plaques disclosed in eyes examined within 15 days were combined with focal spots v 36% in eyes examined between 16 and 30 days (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Early examination of eyes with exudative AMD would allow the treatment of 47% of eyes. 60% of eyes with subfoveal CNV would be eligible for PDT with verteporfin. Up to half of eyes with occult CNV would be converted by ICG-A into well delineated focal spots.     

Correlation of optical coherence tomography with angiography in retinal pigment epithelial detachment associated with age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE: To correlate optical coherence tomography (OCT) with angiographic signs of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in retinal pigment epithelial detachment (PED) associated with age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). METHODS: Prospectively, the authors performed OCT in 35 eyes of 35 patients (30 men and 5 women with a mean age of 71.6 years [range, 56-76 years]) with ARMD. All 35 eyes had CNV in the area of PED or adjacent to it, which was shown by fluorescein or indocyanine green angiography. Cross-sectional images were obtained by the OCT scanning line through the CNV and PED. RESULTS: In 10 (56%) of 18 eyes in which the CNV was at the margin of the PED, a small PED was adjacent to the central, dome-shaped PED. There was a notch between the central and small mounds of PED. In 13 (76%) of 17 eyes in which the CNV was within the PED, a notch was seen in the dome-shaped PED, resulting in a contour with 2 mounds. One of the 2 mounds contained a highly reflective mass immediately beneath the detached retinal pigment epithelium in 8 (62%) of the 13 eyes. CONCLUSION: A tomographic notch in the PED may be diagnostically important as an indication of CNV beneath the detached retinal pigment epithelium in eyes with ARMD.     

Retinal angiomatous proliferation in age-related macular degeneration

BACKGROUND: It is known that choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) may erode through the retinal pigment epithelium, infiltrate the neurosensory retina, and communicate with the retinal circulation in what has been referred to as a retinal-choroidal anastomosis (RCA). This is extremely common in the end stage of disciform disease. In recent years, the reverse also seems to be possible, as angiomatous proliferation originates from the retina and extends posteriorly into the subretinal space, eventually communicating in some cases with choroidal new vessels. This form of neovascular ARMD, termed retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) in this article, can be confused with CNV. PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is 1) to review the clinical and angiographic characteristics of a series of patients with RAP and 2) to propose a theoretical sequence of events that accounts for the neovascularized process. METHODS: In this retrospective clinical and angiographic analysis, 143 eyes with RAP (108 patients) were reviewed and classified based on their vasogenic nature and course. Clinical biomicroscopic examination, fluorescein angiography, and indocyanine green angiography were used to evaluate patients. RESULTS: The results of this series suggest that angiomatous proliferation within the retina is the first manifestation of the vasogenic process in this form of neovascular ARMD. Dilated retinal vessels and pre-, intra-, and subretinal hemorrhages and exudate evolve, surrounding the angiomatous proliferation as the process extends into the deep retina and subretinal space. One or more dilated compensatory retinal vessels perfuse and drain the neovascularization, sometimes forming a retinal-retinal anastomosis. Fluorescein angiography in these patients usually revealed indistinct staining simulating occult CNV. Indocyanine green angiography was useful to make an accurate diagnosis in most cases. It revealed a focal area of intense hyperfluorescence corresponding to the neovascularization ("hot spot") and other characteristic findings. Based on understanding of the nature and progression of the neovascularized process, patients with RAP were classified into three vasogenic stages. Stage I involved proliferation of intraretinal capillaries originating from the deep retinal complex (intraretinal neovascularization [IRN]). Stage II was determined by growth of the retinal vessels into the subretinal space (subretinal neovascularization [SRN]). Stage III occurred when CNV could clearly be determined clinically or angiographically. A vascularized pigment epithelial detachment and RCA were inconsistent features of this stage. CONCLUSIONS: Retinal angiomatous proliferation appears to be a distinct subgroup of neovascular ARMD. It may present in one of three vasogenic stages: IRN, SRN, or CNV. Whereas ICG angiography is helpful in diagnosing RAP and in documenting the stage of the neovascularized process, it is frequently difficult to determine the precise nature and location of the new vessel formation. It is important for clinicians to recognize the vasogenic potential and the associated manifestations of this peculiar form of neovascular ARMD so that a proper diagnosis can be made, and when possible, an appropriate management administered.     

Digital indocyanine green videoangiography and choroidal neovascularization.

This report describes a new system for digital indocyanine green videoangiography (ICGV) that provides enhanced imaging of the choroidal circulation. This newly assembled system was used to study a consecutive series of 129 patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and ill-defined or occult choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Overall, 39% of the patients in this study with occult CNV could be reclassified as having well-delineated or so-called classic CNV by virtue of the additional findings provided by ICGV. In this series, ICGV was particularly useful in identifying occult CNV in eyes with a large, serous pigment epithelial detachment (PED) and in eyes with recurrent CNV after previous laser photocoagulation treatment. Some of these patients were selected for laser photocoagulation of the abnormal choroidal vessels in order to evaluate the feasibility of this form of treatment on the basis of combined clinical, fluorescein angiographic, and ICGV findings. The results of this study suggest that ICGV is an important adjunct in the evaluation, classification, and laser treatment of patients with occult CNV secondary to AMD.     

Digital indocyanine green videoangiography and choroidal neovascularization. 1992

This report describes a new system for digital indocyanine green videoangiography (ICGV) that provides enhanced imaging of the choroidal circulation. This newly assembled system was used to study a consecutive series of 129 patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and ill-defined or occult choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Overall, 39% of the patients in this study with occult CNV could be reclassified as having well-delineated or so-called classic CNV by virtue of the additional findings provided by ICGV. In this series, ICGV was particularly useful in identifying occult CNV in eyes with a large, serous pigment epithelial detachment (PED) and in eyes with recurrent CNV after previous laser photocoagulation treatment. Some of these patients were selected for laser photocoagulation of the abnormal choroidal vessels in order to evaluate the feasibility of this form of treatment on the basis of combined clinical, fluorescein angiographic, and ICGV findings. The results of this study suggest that ICGV is an important adjunct in the evaluation, classification, and laser treatment of patients with occult CNV secondary to AMD.