Correlation between focal macular electroretinograms and angiographic findings after photodynamic therapy

PURPOSE: It is known that the amplitudes of the multifocal electroretinograms are generally reduced soon after photodynamic therapy (PDT). The purpose of this study was to determine whether this amplitude reduction correlates with the changes in macular thickness or with changes in choroidal circulation. METHODS: Thirty-seven eyes that were successfully treated by PDT were studied. Focal macular electroretinograms (fmERGs) and optical coherence tomography were performed before and 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after PDT. Indocyanine green angiography was performed before and 3 months after PDT. The indocyanine green angiographic findings were classified into two groups: group A, with indistinct hypofluorescence at the site of the PDT, and group B, with well-defined hypofluorescence borders coinciding with the site of the PDT. RESULTS: The mean amplitudes of the fmERGs were significantly reduced at 1 week after PDT (P < 0.05). The correlations between the changes in the amplitude of the fmERG and the changes in macular thickness were not significant. Sixteen (43%) of the study eyes were classified into group A and 21 (57%) into group B by indocyanine green angiography. The mean ratio of the fmERG b-wave 1 week after PDT to that before PDT was 1.14 +/- 0.62 in group A and 0.65 +/- 0.29 in group B. This difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: One of the possibilities that could explain the reduction in the amplitude of the fmERGs soon after PDT is the reduction in choroidal circulation caused by the PDT.