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Br J Ophthalmol 2009;93:771-774 doi:10.1136/bjo.2008.139576
  • Clinical science
    • Original Article

Fundus autofluorescence in subfoveal choroidal neovascularisation secondary to Pathological Myopia

  1. M Battaglia Parodi1,
  2. P Iacono2,
  3. G Ravalico1
  1. 1
    Eye Clinic, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Trieste, Trieste, Italy
  2. 2
    Fondazione GB Bietti per l’Oftalmologia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
  1. Dr M Battaglia Parodi, Eye Clinic, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Trieste, Ospedale Maggiore, 34129, Trieste, Italy; maubp{at}yahoo.it
  • Accepted 4 January 2009
  • Published Online First 30 March 2009

Abstract

Aim: To describe the fundus autofluorescence (FAF) characteristics of choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) associated with pathological myopia (PM), and their modification after photodynamic therapy (PDT).

Design: Open-label, prospective, interventional case series.

Methods: Forty-two patients affected by subfoveal CNV in PM underwent PDT with a 24-month follow-up. Each patient underwent an ophthalmological examination every 3 months, including FAF and fluorescein angiography. FAF distribution was qualitatively evaluated at the CNV site, around the CNV and outside the area affected by CNV.

Results: CNV at baseline showed a high FAF signal with uniform distribution, or with some spots of low FAF internally, in 64% and 36% of cases, respectively. At the 3-month control after PDT, the CNV retained the same response, but a round halo of increased signal extending beyond the site of the PDT application was detectable around the CNV. At the end of the follow-up, a high or a low FAF signal was detected in 40% and 60% of cases, respectively.

Conclusion: CNV secondary to PM shows a specific, high signal, FAF pattern. A round halo of increased FAF signal surrounding the CNV was detectable after PDT application, whereas a FAF signal progressive reduction was visible at and around the CNV site from the sixth month. A high FAF signal at the CNV site is associated with an improved visual acuity outcome at the 2-year follow-up. Further studies to correlate the morphological and functional features are advisable, especially by means of microperimetric analyses and with a longer-term follow-up.

Footnotes

  • Competing interests: None.

  • Ethics approval: Ethics approval was provided by Ospedale Maggiore, Trieste, Italy.

  • Patient consent: Obtained.

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