ABSTRACT

To identify the morphologic features of active idiopathic submacular choroidal neovascularization (CNV) using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Using OCT we examined 14 eyes of 14 patients with idiopathic submacular CNV (5 men, 9 women; mean age, 29.2 years). All patients had active CNV documen-ted by fundus fluorescein angiography.

CNV was observed as a highly or moderately reflective mass with protruded from the retinal pigment epithelium in 8 of 14 eyes (protruding type). In remaining 6 eyes, CNV was a highly reflective fusiform mass at the level of the retinal pigment epithelium (fusiform type). Optical Cpherence Tomography identified subretinal fluid in all eyes. Intraretinal cystic changes was seen only in 1 patient with protruding type. No retinal pigment epithelium detach-ment was seen.

Our results showed that OCT is useful tool for the evaluation of idiopathic CNV. By OCT findings idiopathic CNV can be divided as fusiform or protruding type. Optical coherence tomography is also valuable for the demonstration of the precence subretinal fluid which is important findings of disease activity.