Low-cost portable fluorescein angiography.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neurology
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Fundus fluorescein angiography (FA) is a valuable non-invasive tool for in vivo investigation of central nervous system (CNS) microvascular diseases.
• Current limitations include the need for bulky, expensive equipment and cooperative, seated patients, restricting its use to well-resourced settings.
• Studies on severe malaria pathogenesis are exploring FA to understand microvascular obstruction's role.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel, low-cost method for performing fundus fluorescein angiography (FA) using a portable retinal camera.
• To adapt FA for use in sick, non-ambulatory patients at the bedside.
• To expand the scope of potential studies utilizing FA in diverse clinical settings.

Main Methods:

• Development and adaptation of a portable retinal camera for fundus fluorescein angiography (FA).
• Implementation of FA at the patient's bedside for non-ambulatory individuals.
• Cost-effective modification of existing technology for broader accessibility.

Main Results:

• A novel method for bedside fundus fluorescein angiography (FA) was successfully developed and demonstrated.
• The portable system is adaptable at a very low cost, overcoming previous accessibility barriers.
• This technique significantly expands the potential applications of FA in investigating diseases affecting the central nervous system.

Conclusions:

• Bedside fundus fluorescein angiography (FA) offers a unique, non-invasive approach to study microvascular pathogenesis in CNS diseases.
• The developed portable method democratizes access to FA, enabling studies in previously inaccessible patient populations.
• This innovation holds significant promise for advancing research in neurology and infectious diseases like malaria.