Engorgement of Vortex Vein and Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy

Abstract

This study demonstrates that engorgement of the vortex vein was observed more frequently in the eyes with PCV. Such a finding was associated with choroidal thickening and choroidal vascular hyperpermeability. These indicate that the engorgement of the vortex vein might be involved in the pathogenic mechanisms of PCV.

Genetic Factors Associated With Choroidal Vascular Hyperpermeability and Subfoveal Choroidal Thickness in Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy

“…It has been reported that eyes with PCV have a high prevalence of CVH ranging from 9.8% to 59.3%. 16,20,25,26 The prevalence of CVH in this study was within the reported range in previous reports. With regard to genetic factors, CVH in eyes with PCV is associated with the G allele of ARMS2 A69S (rs10490924) and the T allele of CFH (rs1329428), but not with CFH I62V (rs800292).…”

Pachychoroid Neovasculopathy

“…9,33 In addition, the chronicity of PCV vasculature has been proven by findings of hyalinization of these vessels found in histopathology. 28,29 The chronicity of PCV vessels and the findings of increased choroidal thickness and choroidal hyperpermeability in PCV [10][11][12][13][34][35][36] suggest links between long-standing CSC, Type 1 neovascularization, and PCV and substantiate a plausible spectrum of disease in which pachychoroid neovasculopathy could be considered as a "forme fruste" of PCV and progress into PCV eventually.…”

Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy

“…Plausibly, abnormal increases in vascular resistance at the ampulla may result in upstream choroidal congestion. Chung et al 40 also showed that engorgement of the vortex vein may be relevant to the pathogenesis of PCV. Terminal polyps in PCV may therefore signify aneurysms that form as a result of chronic choroidal venous hypertension.…”