Near-infrared reflectance and autofluorescence imaging characteristics of choroidal nevi

PurposeTo 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 methodsNIR-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.ResultsForty-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).ConclusionsNevi 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.