Fluorescein angiography of a patient with dry age-related macular degeneration shows multiple small round hyperfluorescent spots that appear early, increase in intensity through the study, but do not increase in size. This pattern represents:

• A Leakage from occult choroidal neovascularization
• B Pooling of dye in subretinal space
• C Blocked fluorescence by subretinal hemorrhage
• D Window defect through drusen ✓

Explanation

Drusen produce a window defect: atrophic or displaced overlying RPE allows earlier and greater visibility of background choroidal fluorescence. The defining feature is hyperfluorescence that appears with dye arrival, increases in intensity, yet never expands in area, distinguishing it from leakage, which grows in both size and intensity over time. Pooling fills a well-defined anatomical space such as a serous PED. Blocked fluorescence would appear hypofluorescent throughout the study.

Reference: Ryan's Retina, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.