Fluorescein angiography in the long-term follow-up of choroidal melanoma after conservative treatment.

Three patients showed a growing choroidal melanoma, of them 2 in the only eye. The tumours were treated with Ru106/Rh106 plaques and surrounded by argon or krypton photocoagulation. The patients were followed up for 34-36 months by regular fluorescein angiography. In areas in which the radiation effect was optimal most choroidal and retinal vessels disappeared within 3-6 months. Outside this area occlusion of the vasculature as well as progressing atrophy of the tumour and the overlying retinal pigment epithelium were seen to continue for more than 12 months after treatment. Disappearance of the leaking vessels of the tumour may be the most reliable fluorescein angiographic sign of tumour regression following conservative treatment.