Macular vascular development assessed by fluorescein angiography in premature newborn patients with retinopathy of prematurity

Abstract

 

Purpose

 

To describe the macular characteristics with fluorescein angiography (FA) in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), through the development of retinal vascularization.

 

Methods

 

Retrospective case series of infants who underwent retinal imaging and FA using a wide-angle device (RetCam-II; Clarity Medical System, Pleasanton, CA), under topical anesthesia. An intravenous injection of 10% solution of fluorescein, with total dosage 0.1ml/kg, was used.

 

Results

 

We included 23 eyes (12 patients) that were diagnosed with ROP stage 1, 2 or 3 with clinical normal macula. All the patients included presented an abnormal diffuse capillary leakage pattern upon FA. Mean gestational age at birth was 30 weeks (range 26-33). Mean postmenstrual age (PMA) at the first study was 41.42 weeks (range 33-45 weeks). Mean PMA at the last examination when the capillary leakage pattern disappears was 50.09 weeks (range 39-57 weeks). In the 23 eyes (100%) the capillary leakage pattern in the macula disappears once the retinal vasculature has reached the ora serrata.

 

Conclusions

 

Macular abnormalities in ROP eyes seen on angiographic evaluation could be explain due to parietal leakage because of vascular immaturity, related to the formation of the vessels walls. This study helps to understand the macular development. Larger studies should be performed to confirm these findings.

 

Keywords: 706 retinopathy of prematurity • 552 imaging methods (CT, FA, ICG, MRI, OCT, RTA, SLO, ultrasound)