Angiography of Choroidal melanoma shows
**Core Concept**
Choroidal melanoma is a type of primary malignant intraocular tumor that arises from the melanocytes of the choroid, a vascular layer in the eye. Angiography, particularly indocyanine green (ICG) angiography, is a diagnostic tool used to visualize the vascular structure of choroidal melanomas.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Choroidal melanomas typically show a characteristic vascular pattern on ICG angiography, often described as a "moth-eaten" or "spoke-wheel" appearance. This pattern is due to the tumor's irregular vascular structure, which consists of a mixture of large, dilated vessels and smaller, more tortuous vessels. The unique vascular pattern of choroidal melanomas is a result of the tumor's ability to induce angiogenesis, or the formation of new blood vessels, which is mediated by various growth factors and cytokines.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Choroidal melanomas typically do not show a diffuse, homogeneous vascular pattern, which is more characteristic of benign tumors such as choroidal hemangiomas.
**Option B:** While choroidal melanomas can show some degree of vascularization, they do not typically exhibit a "cystic" or "cavitary" appearance, which is more characteristic of other types of intraocular tumors.
**Option C:** Choroidal melanomas are not typically associated with a "salt-and-pepper" appearance on ICG angiography, which is more characteristic of choroidal nevi.
**Option D:** Choroidal melanomas do not typically show a "hot spot" or "area of intense fluorescence" on ICG angiography, which is more characteristic of choroidal neovascularization associated with age-related macular degeneration.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to remember that choroidal melanomas can exhibit a wide range of vascular patterns on ICG angiography, and a definitive diagnosis often requires a combination of clinical, imaging, and histopathological findings.
**Correct Answer:** C.