Focal choroidal excavation and pitchfork sign in choroidal neovascularisation associated with choroidal osteoma

To describe a complex case of choroidal osteoma complicated by choroidal neovascularisation and focal choroidal excavation and presence of pitchfork sign.

A young female patient with confirmed diagnosis of choroidal osteoma was followed up for 5 years. Multimodal imaging including optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography (Spectralis HRA + OCT; Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany) was performed.

Optical coherence tomography showed the presence of a unilateral choroidal osteoma in the first visit which was later followed by the appearance of focal choroidal excavation. After 3 years, choroidal neovascularisation developed in choroidal osteoma area, with subretinal fluid, subretinal hyper-reflective material, hyper-reflective foci and pitchfork sign. Decalcification of the tumour was not noted in this patient. Treatment with one intravitreal injection of Aflibercept resulted in complete disappearance of subretinal fluid, subretinal hyper-reflective material, pitchfork sign and decreased hyper-reflective foci.

Inflammatory response can be a propulsive element in the development of focal choroidal excavation and choroidal neovascularisation in choroidal osteoma patients.