Spectrum of pachychoroid diseases.

PURPOSE: To perform a systematic review of the literature examining about the pachychoroid diseases spectrum.

METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed using the Medline database. A total of four studies directly relevant to our search are reviewed here.

RESULTS: A structurally and functionally intact choroid tissue is vitally important for the retina function. While central retinal artery is responsible to supply the 2/3, internal part of the retina, choroidal vein network is responsible for the remaining 1/3 external part. Abnormal choroidal blood flow leads to photoreceptor dysfunction and photoreceptor death in the retina. The methods used in the visualization of the choroid are ICG angiography (indocyanine green angiography), OCT (optic coherence tomography) devices which are often used nowadays, and its advanced version, OCT angiography. Pachychoroid diseases are a spectrum of 4 different disease groups. These groups are essentially the stages of the disease itself, as the increased severity in the previous group leads the patient to the next group of disease.

CONCLUSION: The spectrum comprises the following 4 disease groups: Pachychoroid Pigment Epitheliopathy, Central Serous Chorioretinopathy, Pachychoroid Neovasculopathy, Polipoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy. Common Characteristics: Increased choroidal thickening, pathologically dilated veins in the Haller's layer (pachy-veins), thinning in Sattler's and choriocapilleris layers.