Retinal angiomatous proliferation and pachychoroid
J L Sánchez-Vicente1, E M Gámez-Jiménez1, J C Fernández-Fontán1
1Servicio de Oftalmología, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, Spain.
Archivos De La Sociedad Espanola De Oftalmologia
|May 23, 2025
Summary
Retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP), a type 3 choroidal neovascular membrane (CNV), is rarely associated with pachychoroidopathy. This case report explores this rare association and its potential ischemic cause.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Diseases
- Choroidal Neovascularization
Background:
- Pachychoroidopathy is characterized by a thickened choroid with dilated choroidal vessels (pachyvessels).
- Retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP), also known as type 3 choroidal neovascularization (CNV), involves neovascularization originating from the retinal pigment epithelium or choroid.
Observation:
- The association between pachychoroidopathy and RAP/type 3 CNV is infrequently documented.
- A case of RAP occurring in the context of pachychoroidopathy is presented.
Findings:
- The proposed mechanism for RAP in pachychoroidopathy involves ischemia.
- This ischemia is hypothesized to result from choriocapillaris loss due to compression of pachyvessels.
Implications:
- Understanding this association may refine diagnostic criteria for pachychoroid spectrum disorders.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the pathophysiology and clinical significance of RAP in pachychoroidopathy.
