Correlation between angiographic and pathological findings in experimental choroidal neovascular membranes after transpupillary thermotherapy.

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the correlation between angiographic and pathological findings in experimental choroidal neovascular membranes after transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT). METHODS: Experimental subretinal choroidal neovascular membranes were produced in the monkey eye macula by intense photocoagulation. TTT was delivered, targeting the choroidal neovascular membranes, using a diode laser at 810 nm. One week and 4 weeks after TTT, indocyanine green angiography (IA), fluorescein angiography (FA), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and histological examinations were performed. RESULTS: One week after TTT, indocyanine green dye leakage from choroidal neovascular membranes was reduced on IA, and FA showed staining in the late phase. Light microscopic examination showed numerous small-caliber blood vessels and persistent subretinal exudation. Four weeks after TTT, there was no indocyanine green dye leakage on IA, and FA showed staining. OCT showed a decrease in retinal detachment. Light microscopic examination showed fewer blood vessels and subretinal exudation had disappeared. Choroidal neovascular membranes were composed of fibrous tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in angiographic and OCT findings observed after TTT were inferred to be the result of accelerated fibrosis due to TTT and the disappearance of exudation.