Principles and techniques; pearls and pitfalls

Abstract

SummaryThe contrast generated between static and non‐static tissue results in a vascular signal. This principle stands at the base of OCT‐Angiography (OCT‐A), a novel imaging technique that allows to visualize the retinal and choroidal perfusion in a depth‐resolved approach. Clinical investigations of OCT‐A have demonstrated its potential in a wide variety of retinal and macular diseases. Dye angiographies maintain several advantages mainly related to the larger imaging field. Moreover OCT‐Angiography needs some learning time to interpret the images, in order to distinguish new imaging features of a well know clinical entity from artifacts. Motion errors, improper software correction or shadowgraphic flow projection can lead to severe artifacts, which influence and sometime interfere with the imaging assessment.Purpose of this lecture is to highlight the role of OCT‐A in clinical practice: describing its principles, pearls and pitfalls may help the clinician to integrate this innovative approach in common patient care.