Abnormal fundus autofluorescence patterns in myopic choroidal neovascularisation

Abstract

Background/aims: To investigate fundus autofluorescence (FAF) findings in eyes with myopic choroidal neovascularisation (CNV).

Methods: Observational case series. Twenty-seven consecutive eyes with CNV for at least 1 year were included. FAF patterns, time after the onset of CNV seen on FAF and FAF changes were evaluated.

Results: The following patterns were observed: pattern I (n = 2), relative hypoautofluorescence around the CNV surrounded by hyperautofluorescence a mean of 17 months after CNV onset; pattern II (n = 11), small lobular or multilobular well-defined FAF defects within a relatively hypoautofluorescent region surrounded by hyperautofluorescence a mean of 35 months after onset; pattern III (n = 4), large lobular or multilobular well-defined FAF defects surrounded by hyperautofluorescence a mean of 59 months after onset; and pattern IV (n = 10), large lobular or crescent-shaped well-defined FAF defects a mean of 107 months after onset. Well-defined FAF defects corresponded to chorioretinal atrophy on colour fundus photographs. During the follow-up period, two eyes with pattern I evolved into pattern II. Lobular or multilobular well-defined FAF defects enlarged in 11 eyes (pattern II, nine eyes; pattern III, two eyes).

Conclusion: Autofluorescent changes progress over time through pattern grading. A pattern classification might be helpful to predict chorioretinal atrophy changes around myopic CNV.