Abstract
Purpose:
To explore the possible benefits of wide field fluorescein angiography (WFFA) over conventional indirect ophthalmoscopy in the screening, management and understanding of ROP
Methods:
Ninety six consecutive patients were recruited for a nonrandomized, investigational trial. At least three sessions for each patient of fundus fluorescein angiography were performed as part of ROP screening utilizing the Retcam II (Clarity Medical Systems, Pleasanton, CA) imaging under topical anesthesia and injecting fluorescein 10% solution at a doses of 0.1ml/kg to evaluate the disease and guide the treatment.
Results:
Wide field fluorescein angiography enabled visualization of the retinal vasculature and helped to identify early flat neovascularization, capillary free zones, non perfusion areas, vascular shunts, detect previously missed areas of active retinopathy of prematurity in the peripheral retina. There were no side effects related to sodium fluorescein or the procedure. The vascular abnormalities were not noted during the clinical exploration with indirect ophthalmoscope.
Conclusions:
Wide field fluorescein angiography is crucial in the evaluation of vascular abnormalities missed in the clinical exam, facilitates diagnosis of multiple vascular abnormalities in the periphery of the retina, allows a more objective assessment of the disease stage and zone. WFFA in ROP is essential not only for diagnosis and management, but to further our understanding of the pathology and new emerging treatments.
Keywords: 706 retinopathy of prematurity •
552 imaging methods (CT, FA, ICG, MRI, OCT, RTA, SLO, ultrasound) •
688 retina