Comparison of Color Fundus Photography and Multicolor Fundus Imaging for Detection of Lesions in Diabetic Retinopathy and Retinal Vein Occlusion

PURPOSE: To evaluate the agreement between conventional fundus photography (CFP) and multicolor fundus imaging (MFI) for the detection of lesions of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and retinal vein occlusion (RVO). METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of eyes with DR or RVO who underwent CFP and MFI. All images were independently analyzed by two observers (O1 and O2), and the evaluated lesions were classified as “present” or “absent”. Then, a paired comparison between both exams of the same eye was performed, to assess which made it easier to detect the lesions. RESULTS: Considering DR, the agreement was substantial for cotton wool spots and photocoagulation scars for both observers (O1: κ=0.75 and κ=0.67; O2: κ=0.71 and κ=0.64, respectively) and for hard exudates for O1 (κ=0.80). These lesions were detected more frequently on MFI. Regarding RVO, the agreement was considered substantial for venous sheathing by O1 (κ=0.64) and moderate for optociliary shunts by O2 (κ=0.60). Optociliary shunts were detected more frequently in CPF by both observers and venous sheathing on MFI by O1. For microaneurysms, retinal hemorrhages, retinal neovascularization, and proliferative membranes, in DR, and retinal hemorrhages, venous engorgement, and retinal neovascularization in RVO, the agreement was almost perfect (κ>0.82). In the paired analysis, both observers considered that, in DR, microaneurysms and retinal hemorrhages were easier to detect on CFP and that retinal neovascularization, cotton wool spots, and photocoagulation scars were easier to identify on MFI. Regarding RVO, optocilliary shunts were easier to identify on CFP and venous engorgement on MFI. CONCLUSION: The agreement of MFI and CFP was substantial to almost perfect for most lesions. MFI seems better to detect cotton wool spots and photocoagulations scars in DR and venous sheathing in RVO. Optocilliary shunts seem easier to detect on CFP.