Vascular patterns in pterygium and conjunctival autografting: A pilot study using indocyanine green anterior segment angiography

Abstract

Aims - To characterise the vasculature of pterygium using indocyanine green (ICG) anterior segment angiography and to demonstrate the pattern of revascularisation following conjunctival autografting. Methods - ICG anterior segment angiography was performed on nine patients with pterygium. Angiography was repeated at 1-2 weeks and 2 months following conjunctival autografting in these patients. Results - Angiography showed a single feeder vessel originating from the anterior conjunctival circulation in six cases (66.7%). This vessel branched to form the radial vessels of the pterygium. Following conjunctival autografting, reperfusion of the vessels in the conjunctival autograft was demonstrable as early as 1 week postoperatively from the episcleral bed. At 2 months postoperatively, the graft appeared well perfused with mild leakage demonstrable at the edges of the graft. Conclusions - A single feeder vessel from the anterior conjunctival circulation branches to form the radial vessels in pterygium. Reperfusion of conjunctival autografts occurs as early as 1 week postoperatively from the episcleral bed.