Peripheral exudative hemorrhagic chorioretinopathy simulating choroidal melanoma in 173 eyes.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical features and outcomes of eyes with peripheral exudative hemorrhagic chorioretinopathy (PEHCR) simulating choroidal melanoma.

DESIGN

Noncomparative case series.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 173 eyes in 146 patients.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Clinical features and outcome.

RESULTS

All cases were referred for possible choroidal melanoma. The mean patient age was 80 years, 145 (99%) were Caucasian, and 98 (67%) were female. The main lesion had a mean diameter of 10 mm and mean thickness of 3 mm. The lesion was located temporally in 103 eyes (77%), involved 1 or 2 quadrants in 123 eyes (92%), and was located between the equator and the ora serrata in 119 eyes (89%). Features included subretinal hemorrhage in 134 eyes (78%), retinal exudation in 37 eyes (21%), retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) detachment in 48 eyes (28%), and sub-RPE hemorrhage in 45 eyes (26%). Peripheral RPE alterations or drusen were found in 120 ipsilateral eyes (69%) and 73 contralateral eyes (42%). Macular RPE alterations, drusen, or choroidal neovascularization was found in 83 ipsilateral eyes (48%) and 97 contralateral eyes (56%). After observation (mean 15 months), lesion regression or stability was found in 80 eyes (89%) and progression was found in 10 eyes (11%).

CONCLUSIONS

PEHCR is a hemorrhagic retinal degenerative process that simulates choroidal melanoma.