Vascular abnormalities

Abstract

Idiopathic juxtafoveolar retinal telangiectases (IJRT) were classified by Gass and Oyakawa in 1982 using biomicroscopic and fluorescein angiographic data [6]. This classification was updated by Gass and Blodi in 1993 [5], who subdivided IJRT into three groups (Table 22.1.1). Group 1 IJRT are unilateral in most cases and characterized by dilated retinal capillaries and abnormal leakage leading to an easily visible exudation. Group 2 IJRT are mostly bilateral and characterized by late staining on fluorescein angiography with minimal exudation. Later in the disease process retinal pigment epithelial proliferation or secondary subretinal neovascularization may develop. In Group 3 changes are based on bilateral capillary occlusion. These changes lead to easily visible telangiectasis, parafoveolar capillary occlusion and minimal exudation. © 2007 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.