Angiographic pattern of a modified sodium fluorescein formulation after laser–induced breakdown of the blood–retinal barrier in rabbit retinas

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose:To evaluate the potential of a new sodium fluorescein formulation in reducing leakage after blood–retinal barrier breakdown in rabbit eyes. Methods:A new sodium fluorescein using a lipid polymeric emulsion was developed. Twelve pigmented rabbits were enrolled in the study. Three Green Diode laser burns of 500 µm were performed in the inferior paramedullary zone of the right eye retinas from all animals. The LASER power employed in each burn was: 150 mW (nasal burn), 250 mW (central burn) and 200 mW (temporal burn). The rabbits were the divided in 2 groups. In group I, fluorescein angiography was performed immediately after the LASER procedure using a modified sodium fluorescein and in group II conventional sodium fluorescein was used. Modified formulation was compared to normal fluorescein angiography regarding the following aspects: leakage, fluorescence pattern of the retina and choroid. A masqued retinal specialist evaluated the angiograms. Results:Fluorescein leakage was reduced in retinal burns from all intensities at group I angiograms when compared to group II angiographic documentation. Choroidal and Retinal paramedullary ray circulation had the same angiographic pattern in both groups. Conclusions:Modified sodium fluorescein had a reduced leakage after blood–retinal barrier breakdown. This result supports the idea that modified fluorescein may be more retained in the intravascular space and may improve choriocapillary definition on retinal diseases angiograms.

Keywords: imaging methods (CT, FA, ICG, MRI, OCT, RTA, SLO, ultrasound) • imaging/image analysis: non–clinical • retina