The recognition of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy based on the pachychoroid spectrum disease

Abstract

The fundus appearance of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) often demonstrates orange-red nodular lesions. ICGA reveals terminal dilation of the polyps with or without branching vascular networks. Currently, pachychoroid spectrum disease is a series of conditions included choroidal vasodilatation and increased permeability due to choroidal ischemia, choroidal thickening, retinal pigment epitheliopathy, and secondary pigment epithelial detachment, choroidal neovascularization and polyps included uncomplicated pachychoroid, pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathy, pachychoroid neovascularization, central serous chorioretinopathy, and PCV. These entities have the similar characteristics and prognosis, suggesting that they have the similar pathology. The recognition of PCV based on the pachychoroid spectrum disease can provide new ideas for the prevention and intervention of PCV. Key words: Choroid diseases; Central serous chorioretinopathy; Choroidal neovascularization; Review