Images in Clinical Medicine

Angioid Streaks in Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum

Edward W. Cheeseman, Jr., M.D., and Ann E. Bidwell, M.D.

N Engl J Med 1997; 337:828September 18, 1997

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Figure 1 A 22-year-old man with pseudoxanthoma elasticum and normal visual acuity was found to have bilateral angioid streaks. These vessel-like streaks (arrowheads) are breaks in Bruch's membrane beneath the retina. They can threaten vision if subretinal neovascularization develops and causes subretinal leakage of serous fluid or blood. Neovascularization can be treated with laser therapy. (Photograph by Daniel Selph.)

Edward W. Cheeseman, Jr., M.D.
Ann E. Bidwell, M.D.
Naval Hospital, Great Lakes, IL 60088