METHODS: The patient was studied ophthalmoscopically and by
fluorescein angiography before and after
argon laser photocoagulation of
retinal angiomas. The eyes were obtained postmortem, and the central portion of the right eye, including the macula and optic nerve head, was sectioned serially for light microscopy. The pupil-optic nerve segment of the left eye was step-sectioned serially for light microscopy.
RESULTS: Histopathologic study of the right eye disclosed mild
cystoid macular edema and focal areas of exudation in the midperiphery possibly secondary to irradiation of the head. A 1.5 x 0.3-mm area of residual
angioma was present in the nasal peripapillary retina. Superotemporally, four chorioretinal
scars were present in one photocoagulated area. These
scars were composed of dense fibrous tissue with vascularization and variable retinal pigment epithelium
hyperplasia. Large, nonangiomatous vessels within each of the
scars were continuous with other retinal vessels. Inferotemporally, two chorioretinal
scars were present in one photocoagulated area. Histopathologically, these
scars were similar to the superotemporal
scars, except that no patent retinal vessels traversed the inferotemporal
scars. Neovascularization of the retina was associated with one superotemporal and one inferotemporal
scar. No residual angiomatous tissue was present in the supero- or inferotemporal areas. Histopathologic examination of the left eye disclosed extensive vitreous organization and periretinal fibrovascular proliferation, extensive
gliosis of the retina, and a 4.5 x 2-mm schisis cavity filled with fibrinous exudate. Three angiomas with variable
fibrosis were present in the left eye.
CONCLUSION: