Pigment epithelial detachments with retinal vascular anomalous complex in age-related macular degeneration

Purpose:To analyze and compare the angiographic features of retinal vascular anomalous complex (RVAC) in patients with a vascularized pigment epithelial detachment (PED) secondary to age-related macular degeneration. Methods: Retrospective evaluation of fluorescein and indocyanine green angiographies of 180 patients with occult choroidal neovascularization and PED. Results: On indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), RVAC demonstrated as a focal hyperfluorescence in connection with retinal choroidal anastomosis was identified in 12 of the 180 eyes (6.7%) with a vascularized PED. In comparison, fluorescein angiography revealed RVAC in 6 of the 12 eyes. Associated clinical and angiographic features were intraretinal hemorrhage in all 12 eyes, cystoid macular edema in 6 eyes and preretinal hemorrhage in 4 eyes. Conclusions: RVAC is better delineated on ICGA than on fluorescein angiography. In clinically suspected cases with a vascularized PED in connection with intraretinal hemorrhage and/or cystoid macular edema, ICGA should be performed to enhance management considerations. Copyright (C) 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel.