Abstract
Purpose::
To correlate fundus autofluorescence (FAF) patterns in choroidal melanocytic lesions with changes present on the surface of such lesions including lipofuscin, hyperpigmentation, drusen, and fibrous metaplasia.
Methods::
Retrospective chart review of 23 consecutive patients with choroidal nevi and melanoma who underwent fundus autofluorescence photography. The correlation between increased FAF patterns and foci of lipofuscin, hyperpigmentation, drusen, or fibrous metaplasia was defined as a complete correlation, partial correlation or no correlation.
Results::
Lipofuscin was present in 13 tumors, hyperpigmentation in 9 tumors, drusen in 4 tumors and fibrous metaplasia in 3 tumors. A complete correlation between increased FAF and lipofuscin was found in 8 tumors (61.5%), a partial correlation in 3 tumors (23.1%), and no correlation in 2 tumors (15.4%). A complete correlation between hyperpigmentation and increased FAF was found in 5 tumors (55.6%); a partial correlation in 3 tumors (33.3%), and no correlation in one tumor (11.1%). A partial correlation was found between drusen and increased FAF in 4 tumors. A partial correlation was found between fibrous metaplasia and increased FAF in 3 tumors.
Conclusions::
Choroidal melanocytic lesions with overlying lipofuscin and hyperpigmentation are associated with increased FAF in about 90% of cases.
Keywords: melanoma • imaging/image analysis: clinical • choroid