[Digital fluorescein angiography in follow-up of the clinical course in therapy of patients with central vein occlusion and cystoid macular edema].

BACKGROUND

Fluorescein angiography with a scanning laser ophthalmoscope allows the quantification of morphologic and dynamic changes in the retina. In two patients with central retinal vein occlusion we monitored the progression of the cystoid macular edema (CME) and changes of microcirculation with a follow up of 4 to 6 months.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two patients with central retinal vein occlusion and CME were examined by means of digital fluorescein angiography. Arteriovenous passage times and macular capillary blood velocities in combination with quantifications of the macular angioarchitecture and the extent of the CME were evaluated.

RESULTS

Hemodilution therapy improved retinal circulation, whereas macular circulation and the severity of the CME remained unchanged. With persisting CME oral acetazolamid therapy was initiated. Oral Acetazolamide led to resorption of the cystoid edema in tandem with improved macular circulation. The capillary density was altered but remained unchanged over time.

CONCLUSIONS

By means of digital analysis of fluorescein angiograms a detailed monitoring and retinal and macular dynamics, macular morphology is possible. In these two cases CME improved after Acetazolamide and moreover retinal circulation returned to normal conditions.