[Localization of occult choroid neovascularizations].

The purpose of this study was to investigate the localization of the choroidal neovascular membrane of 17 eyes in the disciform stage of age-related macular degeneration. Indocyanine green videoangiography could reliably define the presence of the choroidal neovascular membrane despite the failure of fluorescein angiography. Where the indocyanine green videoangiographic and fluorescein angiographic findings were compared we found that (1) in 11 out of 17 eyes, the choroidal neovascular membrane in indocyanine green videoangiography was observed in the subretina or the subretinal pigment epithelium, although this was found to be overlaid with hemorrhage or serous fluid in fluorescein angiography; (2) in 6 eyes, the choroidal neovascular membrane was demonstrated in the area without retinal pigment epithelial detachment. In fact, even though the choroidal neovascular membrane was only visible as a "window defect" due to minimal retinal pigment epithelial damage that in fluorescein angiography, in indocyanine green videoangiography the membrane was seen as early abnormal choroidal vessels and late leakage. This implies that a disciform lesion may be caused by the choroidal neovascular membrane, even when this is only minimally invading the subretinal pigment epithelial space.