[Angioid streaks. Pathogenesis and the clinical picture]

Angioid streaks were first described by Doyne in 1889. Since that time histopathology and diagnostic methods have been greatly improved. Angioid streaks of the fundus are not apparent at birth. The earliest form is known as "peau d'orange". The end stage is disciform macular degeneration, helicoid peripapillary atrophy or diffuse choroidal sclerosis. Moreover, macular hemorrhage and precipitation of angioid streaks have frequently been noted after trauma. Angioid streaks have been described in a diverse group of diseases including pseudoxanthoma elasticum, Paget's disease, hemoglobinopathies such as sickle cell anemia and beta-thalassemia.