Abstract
Purpose :
Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is quick and non-invasive, and provides volumetric data with the clinical capability of specifically localizing and delineating pathology along with the ability to show both structural and blood flow information in tandem. The purpose of this study is to describe the different branching patterns of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).
Methods :
Patients with neovascular age related macular degeneration were imaged using the spectral-domain optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) AngioVue Avanti system (Optovue, Inc, Fremont, CA) between January 2013 and October 2015 at Neovista Eye Center were assessed. Characteristics and patterns of choroidal neovascularization identified by OCTA on a 2 x 2, 3 x 3 mm, 6 x 6 mm and 8 x 8 mm scan were included. Location and thickness of the each slab was manually manipulated to include full extent of the membrane on OCTA.
Results :
OCTA demonstrates capillary networks consistent with previous histological studies in AMD. Optical coherence tomography angiography provided more distinct vascular network patterns compared to fluorescein angiography in CNV. In 112 eyes, CNV was imagined on OCTA. Different branching morphologies were observed in theses cases. Tangled, medusa and seafan like patterns were the most common seen. Other patterns included were spider-like, sun-like and soft-curly were observed
Conclusions :
OCTA is a new technology that has great potential for use in the clinical setting. Compared with FA and ICGA, the current retinal angiographic gold standards, OCTA advantages are that it is non-invasive, acquires volumetric scans that can be segmented to specific depths, uses motion contrast instead of intravenous dye, can be obtained within seconds. Determining the branching pattern of neovascular membrane may help us to target the treatment. Future studies may be needed to elaborate if size and flow may play in important role in the prognosis of these cases.
This is an abstract that was submitted for the 2016 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, Wash., May 1-5, 2016.