Correlation between indocyanine green angiographic findings and histopathology of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

Abstract

Purpose: To analyze the histopathology of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and choroidal neovascularization (CNV) developing from PCV, the authors evaluated correlations between pathological findings and the findings of preoperative indocyanine green angiography (IA).

Methods: Two specimens were obtained during CNV excision associated with PCV. PCV tissue was excised with the CNV. The specimens were examined by light microscopy.

Results: In one case, IA revealed polypoidal lesions exhibiting hyperfluorescence in both the early and the late phase, and in the affected area, abnormally dilated vessels were identified histologically underneath relatively healthy retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). In the other case, the polypoidal lesions seen on IA showed early hyperfluorescence and late isofluorescence, and dilated vessels were observed under the RPE; perivascular amorphous material was present. The RPE adhered to the side of the choroid, and there was CNV under the neurosensory retina in both cases. The CNV had numerous vascular lumens, was not surrounded by the RPE, and exhibited few fibrous components.

Conclusions: IA findings vary depending on the condition of the RPE located above the PCV and the extent of amorphous material around the PCV.