Abstract
The technique and applicability of macro- and micro-fluorescein angiography (Ma-FA and Mi-FA respectively) after i.v. injection of sodium fluorescein are described, in particular permeability, besides evaluation of nutritional blood perfusion.
Also, a recently developed method of “Intravital fluoescence capillary microscopy without a microscope” is reported which is achieved by ultraclose-up Ma-FA. This technical approach can give valuable information not only on blood perfusion but also on transcapillary fluorescein diffusion of separate capillaries as well as on fluorescence of the interstitium, both in the nailfolds, many other skin areas and in mucous membranes too. Certainly the technique does not reflect details in the fluorescein diffusion pattern of the capillaries so accurately as does true Mi-FA. However, it is simple, versatile, non-expensive and universally applicable to different regions of the body. The field of image as well as the depth of field is greater than in true Mi-FA. For many purposes these advantages of ultra close-up Ma-FA may become decisive in the choice of technical approach.
A preliminary report is given on a new clinico-chemical method of studying normal and abnormal microvascular permeability, as well as effective capillary surface area accessible to perfusion, by determining 6erum concentration levels in sequential blood samples after i.v. injection of the partially free, diffusible sodium fluorescein and for comparison also of the completely protein-bound, non-diffusible Evans Blue (T 1824). Main object of study is the extraction of sodium fluorescein from blood plasma to tissues, and in particular during the first circulatory phase after i.v. injection.
The use of the procedure for assessing increased microvascular permeability e.g. in diabetic microangiopathy is illustrated.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.