Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 16, 2026
04:44
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
21.2K
Clinical and imaging features of SMACH
Jehwi Jeon1,2, Jay Jiyong Kwak2, Hyo Jin Seoung2
1Department of Ophthalmology, Yongin Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yongin, Republic of Korea.
BMC Ophthalmology
|April 14, 2026
Summary
Stellate multiform amelanotic choroidopathy (SMACH) presents with characteristic angiomatous vessels on fluorescein angiography and filling defects on indocyanine green angiography. Imaging features aid differentiation, and SMACH shows a favorable prognosis with good visual acuity recovery.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Medical Imaging
- Choroidal Diseases
Background:
- Stellate multiform amelanotic choroidopathy (SMACH) is a rare choroidal lesion.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management and differentiation from other ocular tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical and multimodal imaging features of patients diagnosed with SMACH.
- To aid in the differentiation of SMACH from other choroidal pathologies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective multicenter study.
- Inclusion of patients diagnosed with SMACH from January 2005 to October 2024.
- Analysis of clinical data and multimodal imaging (FA, ICGA, NIR).
Main Results:
- 8 patients (8 eyes) with a mean age of 30.48 years were included.
- Fluorescein angiography (FA) showed angiomatous vessels with mild leakage.
- Indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) revealed choroidal filling defects and near-infrared reflectance imaging highlighted stellate lesions.
- Subretinal fluid (SRF) was present in 3/8 patients and resolved with visual acuity recovery.
- Most patients maintained good visual acuity (>0.1 logMAR).
Conclusions:
- Typical FA and ICGA findings are presented to facilitate SMACH differentiation.
- Understanding SMACH's characteristics and favorable prognosis aids clinicians in distinguishing it from other tumor diseases.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
502
Mitral stenosis is a heart condition in which the mitral valve, which allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, becomes narrowed or stenotic. This narrowing hinders blood flow and leads to clinical symptoms requiring specific medical evaluations and management strategies. The following overview outlines the clinical symptoms, assessments, diagnostic findings, prevention methods, and treatments for mitral stenosis.Clinical ManifestationsDyspnea (shortness of breath): This...
502
01:29Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
793
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
793
01:19Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
802
The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
802
01:21Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
554
Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
554
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction
1.8K
Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) encompasses a spectrum of heart conditions caused by sudden obstruction of coronary arteries, typically resulting from the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and subsequent thrombus (blood clot) formation. This obstruction can lead to partial or complete blockage of blood flow, causing varying degrees of myocardial ischemia or infarction.ACS includes the following clinical entities:Unstable Angina (UA)Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)ST-Elevation...
1.8K
01:29Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
909
Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare heart muscle disease characterized by impaired ventricular filling due to stiffened ventricular walls, leading to significant diastolic dysfunction.EtiologyRestrictive cardiomyopathy can arise from both inherited and acquired diseases, many of which are systemic. It is categorized into four main types: infiltrative, storage, non-infiltrative, and endomyocardial diseases.Infiltrative diseases, such as amyloidosis, lead to RCM by depositing amyloid...
909