Purpose: To investigate the retinal and choroidal features of angioid streak by fluorescein angiography (FA), indocyanine green anigography (ICG-A) and optical coherence tomography (OCT).
Methods: We analysed 46 eyes of 23 patients with angioid streaks examined at our retina section between March 1998 and June 2000. Their mean age was 42.8 years (26-61 years). After a routine ophthalmological examination, OCT and simultaneous fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography (FA/ICG-A) were done. Color fundus photographs were also taken.
Results: A peau dorange appearance and angioid streaks were more numerous and apparent with ICG-A than FA. In two eyes (4.3%), some streaks that were well visualized on FA were not visible on ICG-A. Twenty eyes (43.5%) had macular complications and 26 (56.5%) were normal. Occult choroidal neovascularization (CNV) was diagnosed by ICG-A. Nine eyes had occult, and 11 had classic CNV. Ruptures of Bruchs membrane were hypofluorescent in 20 (43.5%) and hyperfluorescent in 26 eyes (56.5%). Optic disc drusen were detected in both eyes of one patient (4.3%). Localized hyperreflectivity was thought to be due to calcium deposits.
Conclusions: Angioid streaks were visualized more clearly and in larger numbers by ICG-A than FA. However, in some cases streaks that were funduscopically and fluorescein angiogrpahically visible could not be seen by ICG-A. Occult CNV was detected by ICG-A. Some mottled areas were seen and more clearly visualized by ICG-A. Calcium deposits were observed as localized areas of hyperreflectivity on OCT. These findings indicate that fluorescein angiography, ICG-A and optical coherence tomography all provide supportive information for each other and can be used for either diagnosis or follow-up of those patients. (Eur J Ophthalmol 2002; 12: 473-81).