Pattern Dystrophies and Choroidal Neovascularization

Pattern dystrophies are hereditary dystrophies that come from retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and are located in macula. The diagnosis is usually made around middle ages. Pigment accumulations in macula and around the macula, are seen bilaterally and symmetrical in the beginning, are sub-divided depending on pigment scattering pattern. These are adult-onset foveomacular vitelliform dystrophy, butterfly-like pattern dystrophy, reticular pattern dystrophy and fundus pulverulentus. Usually in patients with pattern dystrophy have good visual acuity, after progression central visual acuity lessens with RPE atrophy or choroidal neovascularization (CNV) development. In CNV secondary to age related macular degeneration there is no typical pigmentation in macula. On the other hand, in CNV related to pattern dystrophy, intraretinal or subretinal fluid haemorrhage and do not exist. Today CNV prognosis, which is treated with intravitreal anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (anti-VEGF) injections, is quite good. At least, one eye of the patients have a satisfactory vision. Sometimes, in especially patients with isolated pattern dystrophy, not hereditary, there may be spontaneous regression of choroidal neovascularization.