Abstract

P 243

Fundus autofluorescence pattern as risk factor for development of geographic atrophy in patients with age-related maculopathy

Andreas Mößner1, Frank G. Holz2, Monika Fleckenstein3, Steffen Schmitz-Valckenberg3, Christian Foja1
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, Leipzig, 2GRADE Reading Center, Universitäts-Augenklinik Bonn, Bonn, 3Universitäts-Augenklinik Bonn

Objective
This subgroup analysis within the prospective multicenter natural history FAM study (Fundus Autofluorescence in age-related Macular Degeneration) investigates the tendency of different fundus autofluorescence patterns (FAF) to convert into geographic atrophy (GA). Only eyes with drusen at baseline were observed.
Methods
In addition to ophthalmologic standard examination we took FAF images using a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope (HRA, Heidelberg Engineering). FAF was classified into eight different FAF patterns according to the “international fundus autofluorescence classification group” (IFAG).
Results
123 eyes of 123 patients with drusen were observed. Incidence rate of FAF patterns was as follows: minimal change in 29 (24%), focal in 27 (22%), patchy in 26 (21%), reticular in 14 (11%), lace-like in 12 (10%), speckled in 7 (6%), focal plaque-like in 4 (3%), and linear in 4 eyes (3%). During follow-up 24 eyes (19,5%) developed GA. Initially 10 eyes showed lace-like pattern (83% of all eyes with lace-like pattern). Three eyes with focal plaque-like pattern and 3 eyes with linear pattern developed GA (75% of all eyes showing those patterns). Speckled pattern led in 3 eyes (43%) showing this pattern to GA. Four eyes with patchy pattern turned into GA (15%). One eye with focal pattern progressed to GA (4%).
Conclusions
Lace-like, linear, and focal plaque-like FAF patterns showed the highest risk for progression to GA. At the same time these patterns are relatively rare among all observed eyes with drusen. FAF as a non-invasive examination method and different FAF patterns are usable tools to give a predictive interpretation concerning the risk of a progression from drusen to GA.

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