Laser photocoagulation of indocyanine green angiographically identified feeder vessels to idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

Am J Ophthalmol. 2004 Apr;137(4):770-3. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2003.09.059.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of laser photocoagulation of indocyanine green angiographically identified feeder vessels to idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathic lesions.

Design: Interventional case series.

Methods: Fifteen eyes of 14 consecutive patients with idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy lesions treated by laser photocoagulation of indocyanine green angiographically identified feeder vessels were investigated.

Results: In 10 of the 15 eyes, serous retinal detachment of sensory retina in the macula disappeared after photocoagulation of the feeder vessels. The best-corrected visual acuity improved by 2 or more lines in eight of the 15 eyes and worsened in two eyes during the mean follow-up period of 13.6 months.

Conclusions: Laser photocoagulation targeted exclusively to the feeder vessels supplying the idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy lesions is a safe and effective method and can improve vision in eyes in which a serous retinal detachment is present in the macula. Indocyanine green angiography-guided laser photocoagulation should be considered as an optional treatment for idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Choroid / blood supply*
  • Choroid Diseases / diagnosis
  • Choroid Diseases / surgery*
  • Coloring Agents*
  • Female
  • Fluorescein Angiography*
  • Humans
  • Indocyanine Green*
  • Laser Coagulation*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Peripheral Vascular Diseases / diagnosis
  • Peripheral Vascular Diseases / surgery*
  • Visual Acuity

Substances

  • Coloring Agents
  • Indocyanine Green