Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

If there is a decrease in fluorescence during an angiogram, what is it called?

1. Hypofluorescence

2. Non-fluorescence

3. Subfluorescence

4. Afluorescence

The correct answer is: Hypofluorescence

When there is a decrease in fluorescence during an angiogram, it is referred to as hypofluorescence. This term specifically describes the phenomenon where there is less fluorescence than expected in a certain area compared to the surrounding tissues. In the context of an angiogram, hypofluorescence can indicate various conditions, such as a blockage in the retinal blood vessels, leakage, or other pathological changes that affect the vascular supply. The other terms do not accurately describe the phenomenon of decreased fluorescence. Non-fluorescence would imply that no fluorescence is observed at all, which is a distinct scenario differing from a relative decrease. Subfluorescence is not a commonly used term in this context and lacks a specific definition within ophthalmic imaging. Afluorescence, typically referring to a complete lack of fluorescence, would also not represent a decrease but rather an absence. Thus, hypofluorescence is the precise term for this observation in angiographic interpretations.