The Fundoscopic Features for Differentiation between Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy and Choroidal Neovascularization from Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Atchara Ampornpruet MD*, Paisan Ruamviboonsuk MD*, Sittika Kokekhuntod MD*
Affiliation : * Department of Ophthalmology, Rajavithi Hospital, Bangkok
Objectives : To evaluate the fundus features that can differentiate polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV)
from choroidal neovascularization (CNV) due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Design : Retrospective, case-control study.
Materials and Methods : The fundoscopic features of AMD-related CNV and PCV were compared for evaluation
of relative risks for PCV. The odds ratio, sensitivity and specificity of each feature were also calculated.
Results : A total of 30 patients, 15 PCV and 15 age-matched non-PCV cases, approved by indocyanine green
angiography (ICG), were enrolled. The odds ratio is highest for subretinal polyp-like structure and lowest in
scar formation (28 and 0, respectively) and these ratios are statistically significant differences (p = 0.001 and
0.032 respectively). The ratio for either circinate exudates, or larger than 4-disc area of subretinal fluid, or
retinal pigment epithelial detachment is 1.75. The ratio for peripapillary location is 1.63. Subretinal mem-
brane has a ratio of 1 while subretinal hemorrhage and subretinal fibrin have less than 1; they are 0.31 and
0.23 respectively. All these ratios are not statistically significant differences (p > 0.05).
Conclusion : The orange polyp-like structures beneath retina are hallmarks for diagnosis of PCV. The
çserosanguineous retinopathyé, described as serous retinal deatchment or retinal pigment epithelial detach-
ment with circinate exudates with or without subretinal hemorrhage at the posterior pole or peripapillary
region, may also suggest the condition.
Keywords : Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, PCV, Age-related macular degeneration, AMD, Choroidal neovascularization, CNV
