CURRENT VIEW OF THE SPECTRUM OF PACHYCHOROID DISEASES. A REVIEW.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Diseases
• Choroidal Disorders

Background:

• Pachychoroid, defined as choroidal thickness ≥ 300 μm, results from Haller's layer vessel dilation and thinning of Sattler's and choriocapillaris layers.
• This condition was first described in 2013 and involves abnormal thickening of the choroid.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of pachychoroid spectrum diseases.
• To clarify pathophysiological theories behind pachychoroid formation.
• To describe clinical findings in focal choroidal excavation and peripapillary pachychoroid syndrome.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on pachychoroid spectrum diseases.
• Analysis of pathophysiological theories.
• Description of clinical symptoms and objective findings for specific pachychoroid entities.

Main Results:

• Pachychoroid diseases are potentially autosomal dominant and influenced by various factors.
• The spectrum includes six clinical entities: pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathy, central serous chorioretinopathy, pachychoroid neovasculopathy, polypoid choroidal vasculopathy, focal choroidal excavation, and peripapillary pachychoroid syndrome.
• Pathophysiology involves impaired choroidal venous outflow and scleral thickening.

Conclusions:

• Pachychoroid diseases should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
• Multimodal imaging analysis is crucial for identifying characteristic choroidal changes associated with these conditions.