· Background: Fluorescein angiography has been used in the clinical evaluation of suspected neoplastic lesions of the ocular
fundus for over 30 years. Yet, the independent diagnostic value of this photographic technique in patients with suspected
intraocular neoplasms has never been determined. · Methods: The authors evaluated color fundus photographs and fluorescein
angiograms of 50 mass lesions of the ocular fundus. The cases were chosen to reflect a broad spectrum of lesions, including
choroidal malignant melanoma, choroidal nevus, circumscribed choroidal hemangioma, metastatic carcinoma to the choroid, miscellaneous
other neoplasms, hamartomas, or choristomas, and non-neoplastic lesions simulating neoplasms. Ten experienced retinal specialists
independently reviewed the angiograms (presented in random order without the corresponding color fundus photographs) and rendered
a diagnosis. Approximately 1 month later, each retinal specialist independently reviewed the color fundus slides (presented
in a different random order without the corresponding fluorescein angiograms) and again rendered a diagnosis for each lesion.
· Results: The accuracy of angiographic diagnosis by the different reviewers ranged from 16% to 56% (average 45.4%), while
that based on review of the color fundus slides ranged from 32% to 78% (average 59.0%). This difference is statistically significant. ·
Conclusion: Fluorescein angiography alone did not appear to be a reliable method for establishing the clinical diagnosis of
neoplasms and simulating lesions of the ocular fundus.
Received: 11 May 1998 Revised version received: 28 September 1998 Accepted: 29 September 1998