Fluorescein Angiography –

Basic Angiographic Interpretation

AHPO Intermediate Level

Delegates are expected to have 12 – 18 months clinical experience of fluorescein angiography and should already have a clear understanding of fundus angiography technique, pharmacology of fluorescein sodium and the technical aspects of fluorescein angiography.

Course objective:

It is intended that the course provide the delegate with a clear understanding of angiographic principles and the anatomical concepts of fluorescein angiography; equipping them with the skills of descriptive interpretation, providing a structured method of identifying and reporting angiographic features. The delegate should be able to recognise the key angiographic features of common chorio/retinal pathologies.

Course content, learning outcomes and timetable:

8.30 – 9.10Registration & Coffee

9.10 – 9.15Introduction & Welcome

(Christopher Mody – Ophthalmic Photographer/OSP)

9.15 – 10.15Anatomical Concepts of Fluorescein Angiography

(David Clark – Consultant)

You should be able to:

  • Recognise the normal chorio/retinal anatomy.
  • Understand the normal chorio/retinal circulation and how it influences angiography.
  • Understand how normal anatomy affects the normal fluorescein angiographic appearance.
  • Appreciate how pathologies affecting macula determine FA appearance.

10.15 – 11.15Descriptive Fluorescein Interpretation

(Christopher Mody – Ophthalmic Photographer/OSP)

You will:

  • Understand and recognise causes of hypo and hyper-fluorescence.
  • Acquire necessary skills for descriptive interpretation of retinal photographic and angiographic images.
  • Through case presentations and examples practice the skills of descriptive FA interpretation.

11.15 – 11.30Coffee

11.30 – 12.30Assessment of the Angiographic Image in Retino-vascular Disease

(John Talbot – Consultant)

You should:

  • Understand the systemic causes and associated retinal circulatory changes, associated with retino-vascular disease and the angiographic appearance.
  • From the angiographic appearance identify CRVO, BRVO, CRAO, BRAO & cilio retinal AO – should be able to identify retinal haemorrhage, exudate, micro infarcts, venous beading and ischaemia.

12.30 – 1.30Lunch

1.30 – 2.30Assessment of the Angiographic Image in Diabetic Retinopathy

(Christopher Brand- Consultant)

You should:

  • Understand the mechanism and causes associated with retinalmicro-circulatory changes in NIDDM & IDDM.
  • From their angiographic appearance identify: NVD, NVE, venous beading, micro-infarcts, IRMA, MA’s, retinal haemorrhage, macula ischaemia & confluent, peripheral ischemia and laser treatment.

2.30– 3.30Assessment of the Angiographic Image in ARMD

(Mike Briggs – Consultant)

You will:

  • Recognise the pathological changes associated with ARMD and the angiographic appearance.
  • From angiographic appearance identify lesion sub-types: classic, predominantly classic, minimally classic & occult.
  • Identify the correct phase of an angiogram in which CNV can be accurately measured and what structures should be included within the measurement area.

3.30 – 3.45Coffee

3.45 - 4.30Fluorescein Angiography Quiz

(John Talbot – Consultant)

You will have the opportunity to practice the skill of fluorescein descriptive interpretation and diagnosis

  • Clinical case evaluation and assessment of the angiographic image.

4.30 – 4.45Closing comments and feedback