Availability of Optical Coherence Tomography in Diagnosis and Classification of Choroidal Neovascularization

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The author used optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the identification and classification of choroidal neovascularization to evaluate the potential of this imaging technique for better defining choroidal neovascularization. METHODS: Optical coherence tomography was performed on 20 eyes of 20 patients with the clinical diagnosis of choroidal neovascularization. Its result was compared with fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography RESULTS: Of the 20 eyes, 6 eyes (30%) were identified as classic choroidal neovascularization on fluorescein angiography. Of the 6 eyes, 5 cases were identified as well-demarcated choroidal neovascularization on indocyanine green angiography and optical coherence tomography. One case was identified as fibrovascular pigment epithelial detachment on optical coherence tomograpphy. Of the 13 eyes identified as occult choroidal neovascularization on fluorescein angiography, 6 eyes were identified as well-demarcated choroidal neovascularization on indocyanine green angiography and 7 eyes were identified as well-demarcated choroidal neovascularization on optical coherence tomography. Of the 20 eyes identified as choroidal neovascularization on fluorescein angiography, 3 eyes were missed as choroidal neovascularization on optical coherence tomography. Optical coherence tomography was useful to identify the position and the size of choroidal neovascularization. CONCLUSIONS: OCT was able to distinguish the cross-sectional morphology of various lesions accompanying choroidal neovascularization. This study suggests that OCT may have potential in diagnosing and managing choroidal neovascularization.