Multiple vortex vein varices masquerading as choroidal secondaries.

Focal Choroidal Elevations: Localized Pigment Epithelial Contour Alterations due to Isolated Choroidal Vessels

“…Choroidal varices, chorioretinal folds, and varices of vortex vein ampullae are additional previously described posterior segment findings with some similar features to FCEs [17, 18, 23–25]. In contrast to chorioretinal folds (Figure 1), FCEs appear to be the result of individual, intermediate-sized choroidal vessels located immediately adjacent to the underlying RPE.…”

“…Common morphologic features present in patients with FCEs included a markedly thin choroid, typical feature of ARMD or pathologic myopia and the presence of CNV in fellow eyes. FCEs have a similar appearance to choroidal varices [24, 25], and the authors have recently observed a symptomatic subfoveal choroidal varix with an FCE appearance. While FCEs may be associated with additional pathologic features such as drusen, RPE atrophy, and choroidal neovascularization, the present series identified numerous patients with metamorphopsia and no overlying pathology in the context of a subfoveal FCE, indicating that the lesions may induce visual symptoms in the absence of specific additional structural pathology.…”

Diagnosis of Vortex Varix Using Optical Coherence Tomography and Scleral Indentation

“…Pressure- and gaze-dependent fluctuation in size and shape of varices have been described using several imaging modalities such as ophthalmic ultrasound Doppler as well as fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography. 3,4 Also, Siddiqui et al 5 described fluctuation of a vortex vein varix with scleral pressure using intraoperative OCT.…”

Dynamic Echography of Varix of the Vortex Vein Ampulla

“…2,3 It is often nasal, and the lesions can be unilateral, bilateral, or multiple per eye. [3][4][5] Although a benign lesion, varix of the vortex vein ampulla can mimic other more serious conditions such as choroidal melanoma, choroidal nevus, choroidal metastasis, capillary hemangioma, bullous retinoschisis, and subretinal hemorrhage. 3,4,6 Therefore, diagnosis is important.…”

“…[3][4][5] Although a benign lesion, varix of the vortex vein ampulla can mimic other more serious conditions such as choroidal melanoma, choroidal nevus, choroidal metastasis, capillary hemangioma, bullous retinoschisis, and subretinal hemorrhage. 3,4,6 Therefore, diagnosis is important. Varices of the vortex ampulla may collapse with external pressure and/or with changing gaze positions and enlarge with valsalva, head-down position, and jugular vein compression.…”