Indocyanine green angiography in the diagnosis of small choroidal tumours

Ophthalmologica. 2002 Sep-Oct;216(5):316-9. doi: 10.1159/000066177.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate indocyanine green (ICG) angiography in the diagnosis of small choroidal tumours.

Methods: We studied 40 patients with small choroidal tumours, 22 males and 18 females. The tumour thickness on ultrasonography ranged from 2.2 to 4.3 mm.

Results: Nineteen pigmented tumours showed early and late diffuse hypofluorescence, consistent with naevi. Eight non-pigmented tumours showed normal choroidal vessels in calibre, configuration, and branching, typical of non-pigmented naevi. The early frame of ICG angiography showed in 13 cases pathological, intrinsic vascularization, suggestive of melanomas.

Conclusion: This preliminary study suggests that ICG angiography may be helpful in differentiating choroidal naevi from small melanomas.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Blood Vessels / pathology
  • Choroid / blood supply
  • Choroid Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Coloring Agents*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Indocyanine Green*
  • Male
  • Melanoma / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Nevus / pathology
  • Nevus, Pigmented / pathology
  • Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared*

Substances

  • Coloring Agents
  • Indocyanine Green