Oral fluorescein angiography: reassessment of its relative safety and evaluation of optimum conditions with use of capsules

Abstract

Injection of fluorescein intravenously for fundal angiography is associated with a high incidence of minor adverse effects (21%) but a very low incidence of serious (life threatening) reactions (0.05%). A serious reaction may occur without warning in a patient with no history of atopy. There are no reports of oral fluorescein causing a serious reaction, and minor adverse effects are uncommon. A study was undertaken to determine optimum conditions for oral fluorescein angiography. Capsules proved more convenient than a solution for ingestion of fluorescein. A dose of 25 mg/kg body weight produced good quality angiograms in 75% of the patients. The best pictures were obtained by photographing the fundus after 40 and 60 minutes.