Autofluorescence and angiographic findings of retinal astrocytic hamartomas in tuberous sclerosis.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To describe fundus autofluorescence (AF), fluorescein angiography (FA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) in different types of retinal astrocytic hamartomas in tuberous sclerosis (Morbus Bourneville-Pringle).

METHODS:

Two eyes with 8 lesions, i.e. type 1 (n = 7) and type 3 (n = 1), were examined. AF pictures were taken prior to injection, FA and ICGA images were obtained in the early and the late phase. To achieve additional cases, a systematic literature review with exten- sive Internet and library search was performed.

RESULTS:

Strong AF was seen in type 2 and type 3 retinal astrocytic hamartomas, whereas type 1 lesions blocked the physiologic fundus AF. Fluorescence angiography of all types of lesions revealed hypofluorescence in early frames and hyperfluorescence originating from leakage in late frames. ICGA showed a subtle blockade in type 1, a total blockade in type 2 and in the central part and a partial blockade in the peripheral part in type 3 lesions.

CONCLUSIONS:

Retinal astrocytic hamartomas in tuberous sclerosis can be easily detected by angiography, especially type 1 lesions which are difficult to visualize by funduscopy. Early- and late-phase fluorescein angiography and ICGA are helpful to differentiate the three lesion types.

• Authors: Stefan Mennel, Carsten H Meyer, Fred Eggarter, Silvia Peter
• Journal: Ophthalmologica. Journal international d'ophtalmologie. International journal of ophthalmology. Zeitschrift fur Augenheilkunde (Ophthalmologica) 2005 Nov-Dec Vol. 219 Issue 6 Pg. 350-6 ISSN: 0030-3755 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 16286794 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Chemical References

• Indocyanine Green

Topics

• Astrocytes (pathology)
• Fluorescein Angiography
• Fluorescence
• Fundus Oculi
• Hamartoma (diagnosis, etiology)
• Humans
• Indocyanine Green
• Retinal Diseases (diagnosis, etiology)
• Tuberous Sclerosis (complications, diagnosis)