Correlation Between Angiographic and Pathological Findings in Experimental Choroidal Neovascular Membranes After Transpupillary Thermotherapy

Purpose To evaluate the correlation between angiographic and pathological findings in experimental choroidal neovascular membranes after transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT).Methods Experimental subretinal choroidal neovascular membranes were produced in the monkey eye macula by intense photocoagulation. TTT was delivered, targeting the choroidal neovascular membranes, using a diode laser at 810nm. One week and 4 weeks after TTT, indocyanine green angiography (IA), fluorescein angiography (FA), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and histological examinations were performed.Results One week after TTT, indocyanine green dye leakage from choroidal neovascular membranes was reduced on IA, and FA showed staining in the late phase. Light microscopic examination showed numerous small-caliber blood vessels and persistent subretinal exudation. Four weeks after TTT, there was no indocyanine green dye leakage on IA, and FA showed staining. OCT showed a decrease in retinal detachment. Light microscopic examination showed fewer blood vessels and subretinal exudation had disappeared. Choroidal neovascular membranes were composed of fibrous tissue.Conclusions Changes in angiographic and OCT findings observed after TTT were inferred to be the result of accelerated fibrosis due to TTT and the disappearance of exudation. Jpn J Ophthalmol 2004;48:535–541 © Japanese Ophthalmological Society 2004