Near-infrared reflectance and autofluorescence imaging characteristics of choroidal nevi

Abstract

Purpose To report near-infrared reflectance (NIR-R), near-infrared autofluorescence (NIR-AF) and blue wave autofluorescence (BW-AF) appearance of choroidal nevi using a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope (cSLO). Patients and methods NIR-R, NIR-AF and BW-AF images of choroidal nevi were compared with color fundus photos (CF). Images were graded as hyperreflective if reflectance was much greater than background, hyporeflective if less than background, and isoreflective if the same as the background. Results Forty-two nevi of 39 patients were imaged. When compared with CF, nevi could be identified on 95% (40/42) NIR-R images (95% CI: 83.5-99.3). On NIR-R 71% (30/42) demonstrated hyperreflectance and 24% (10/42) were hyporeflective. Hyperreflectivity was demonstrated in 96% (23/24) of NIR-AF images (95% CI: 79.1-99.9) and 34% (14/41) of BW-AF images (95% CI: 20.0-50.5). On NIR-R, 29/40 (73%) were apparently smaller in comparison with CF and 11/40 (28%) had the same area. A correlation was found between NIR-R and NIR-AF (P = 0.02) but not with BW-AF (P = 0.15). Conclusions Nevi can be visualized well using NIR-R and NIR-AF imaging modalities, but are less frequently visible using BW-AF. These changes may be related to melanin within the choroid or chronic changes of the overlying retinal pigment epithelium.

Artificial Intelligence for Automated Overlay of Fundus Camera and Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope Images

“… 33 Indeed, choroidal Nevi may appear larger and more prominent in fundus camera based near infrared imaging than SLO short wavelength AF imaging. 34 , 35 We recognize that SLO imaging instruments are expensive but we chose to use them because it has the potential to deliver many types of useful imaging data. Furthermore, IR imaging of the retina is the standard for almost all OCT imaging instruments, including three of the four leading OCT manufacturer Heidelberg Engineering, Optovue, and Zeiss.…”

“…The output of the STN is two vessel segmentations, as shown in the figure. The Registration Network consists of the super-point network 35 for key point detection and description, the outlier rejection network 36 for reliable matching points selection, and the refinement network 18 for sub-pixel level adjustment. The super-point network determines the key points on the segmented vessel (denoted yellow points) and the corresponding descriptions.…”

Multimodal imaging including semiquantitative short-wavelength and near-infrared autofluorescence in achromatopsia

“…NIR-AF is thought to derive from melanin and melanolipofuscin granules contained in the RPE and inner choroidal layers 18 , and its topography reflects the higher concentration of these compounds in the macular area. To date, the clinical applications of NIR-AF are limited, although alterations of NIR-AF have been demonstrated in eyes with retinitis pigmentosa 35 – 37 , Stargardt disease 38 – 41 , age-related macular degeneration 42 – 44 , central serous chorioretinopathy 45 and choroidal nevi 46 – 48 , the latter confirming that melanin is the predominant source of the NIR-AF signal. The association of NIR-AF with quantitative 27 , 49 , 50 or lifetime autofluorescence techniques 51 , so far developed for SW-AF, may enhance the reproducibility and comparability of NIR-AF.…”

Confocal infrared imaging with optical coherence tomography provides superior detection of a number of common macular lesions compared to colour fundus photography

“…15 Hyperreflective areas with ill-defined edges usually without any other associated features. 16 Hyperreflective mound on the outer aspect of the RPE and choroidal shadowing. May have chronic overlaying RPE and retinal degenerative findings.…”