[Current uses and indications for indocyanine green angiography]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Indocyanine green (ICG) angiography interpretation requires understanding optical, pharmacokinetic, and biochemical aspects.
• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) management has shifted towards OCT, reducing ICG angiography's role.
• Factors like anti-VEGF therapies and the rarity of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) in Europe influence ICG use in AMD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the current and ongoing indications for indocyanine green angiography.
• To assess the diagnostic and prognostic value of ICG angiography in various retinal and choroidal conditions.
• To highlight the complementary role of ICG angiography alongside other imaging modalities.

Main Methods:

• Review of current clinical practices and literature regarding ICG angiography.
• Analysis of ICG angiography's utility in diagnosing and managing specific ocular diseases.
• Comparison of ICG angiography with other imaging techniques like OCT.

Main Results:

• ICG angiography use is decreasing for AMD due to OCT advancements and effective anti-VEGF treatments.
• ICG angiography remains crucial for diagnosing PCV, choroidal hemangiomas, and inflammatory conditions (MEWDS, Birdshot chorioretinitis).
• ICG angiography aids in identifying leakage sites in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy, offering prognostic value.

Conclusions:

• Despite declining use in AMD, ICG angiography retains significant value for specific ocular conditions.
• ICG angiography is indispensable for diagnosing and managing PCV and certain inflammatory and vascular diseases.
• ICG angiography continues to be a valuable complementary tool in chorioretinal imaging.