Angiographic Effects of Indocyanine Green Photobleaching by the Diode Laser

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To investigate the cause of hypofluorescent spots detected by indocyanine green (ICG) videoangiography in areas subjected to ICG-enhanced transpupillary thermotherapy in pigmented rabbits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 6 eyes, two similar areas were treated with transpupillary thermotherapy. A standard dose of ICG (0.5 mg/kg) was injected intravenously before treatment of the second area. Red-free photographs without further injection of ICG (first ICG videoangiography) were then performed. The first area was re-irradiated using the same parameters. Red-free photographs and a second ICG videoangiography, still without further injection of ICG, were performed. ICG was then re-injected and a third ICG videoangiography was obtained. Finally, fluorescein angiography was performed. RESULTS: The first ICG videoangiography demonstrated hyperfluorescence of the first area and normofluorescence of the second area. The second ICG videoangiography demonstrated hypofluorescence of the first area. The third ICG videoangiography showed hyperfluorescence of both areas. CONCLUSIONS: Hypofluorescence detected after re-irradiation is probably related to ICG photobleaching.