Which type of imaging demonstrates the vascular nature of PEDs?

Fluorescein angiography is the imaging modality that effectively demonstrates the vascular nature of pigment epithelial detachments (PEDs). This technique involves the injection of a fluorescent dye into the bloodstream, allowing for visualization of the blood vessels in the retina and choroid. The added contrast helps to reveal any abnormal leakage or accumulation of dye, which indicates the presence of neovascularization or vascular components associated with the PEDs. This feature is crucial for differentiating between types of PEDs and assessing their significance, especially in conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) where secondary changes may occur.

In contrast, while fundus photography captures general images of the retina and can show the presence of PEDs, it does not provide information about the vascular characteristics or activity associated with those detachments. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides detailed cross-sectional images of the retina and can visualize the morphology and thickness of the PEDs but does not directly demonstrate vascularity. Ultrasound imaging, although useful for assessing structural details, does not effectively characterize the vascular nature of retinal or choroidal lesions like fluorescein angiography can.