[Analysis of changes of color Doppler flow imaging in age-related macular degeneration].

Objective: To study the specific imaging of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI).

Methods: Routine CDFI was carried out in 98 cases of AMD to observe the character of blood flow in AMD, to establish the diagnosis criteria of different types of AMD and to different the AMD from malignant choroidal melanoma, metastatic carcinoma of the choroid, choroidal nevus and macular edema.

Results: CDFI in dry form AMD did not detect changes in most patients, mildly elevated lesions presented in some cases. In wet form of AMD, CDFI showed solid lesion with irregular surface contour. The internal structure of these lesions was middle degree. Choroidal excavation was not found. Numerous blood flow signals could be found at the base of the lesion. Spot blood flow signals were present on the surface of the lesion. There was no abnormal blood flow signal in the mass. The different acoustic properties between wet form and dry form included configuration, surface and internal structure, with or without vitreous hemorrhage.

Conclusion: CDFI is a simple and reliable method in the diagnosis of AMD.