Peripapillary circle of Zinn-Haller revealed by fundus fluorescein angiography

AIMS: To observe the vascular pattern of the peripapillary circle of Zinn-Haller in humans by fundus fluorescein angiography. METHODS: 307 cases (from 212 patients) of fundus fluorescein angiograms performed in patients with myopic degeneration were evaluated to find the circle of Zinn-Haller and to observe its fundus fluorescein angiographic features. RESULTS: 15 cases (from 13 patients) with the circle of Zinn-Haller were found. It appeared as concentric or zigzag-shaped vascular fillings within the temporal crescent region. All cases were observed in pathological myopia with peripapillary atrophy and a tilted disc. Each arterial circle showed variations in location and shape. CONCLUSIONS: The temporal part of the circle of Zinn-Haller can be revealed by fundus fluorescein angiography particularly in pathological eyes with prominent peripapillary atrophy and a tilted disc. The morphological variation of this arterial circle should be considered.