[Pigment epithelium detachments in AMD (age-associated macular degeneration) and "polypoid choroidal vasculopathy". A fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography study].

AIMS: A prospective analysis to differentiate the angiographic appearance of pigment epithelial detachments (PED) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was performed. The aim was to verify if characteristics of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) can be observed in elderly patients with Central European background.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography was performed in 101 consecutive patients (53-87 years, 63 females, 38 males) with clinical signs of PED and drusen.

RESULTS

Different types of PED could be differentiated: PCV-associated PED in 14 patients (13.9%), vascularized PED in 72 patients (71.2%), and nonvascularized PED in 15 patients (14.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical diagnosis of PED in AMD can be differentiated by angiography into PCV-associated PED, vascularized PED, and nonvascularized PED. This differentiation is important because PCV-associated PED may have a pathogenetic and genetic background other than age-related changes in Bruch's membrane. These patients also may share a natural course and treatment options different from PED in AMD.