Vitelliform changes in the central retina occurring in adults

Abstract

Introduction. Vitelliform lesions of the central retinal area in adult patients represent a heterogeneous group of diseases. This article describes different variants of vitelliform changes in adults, based on the published literature data. Materials and methods. We have analyzed and described different variants of vitelliform changes in adults, based on literature data, examples from own clinical practice using multimodal approach are included. Discussion. Vitelliform lesions of the central retinal area are can debut at various ages, occurring in mono- or multifocal way, have various stages of degradation of vitelliform material, masquerading as other lesions of the macular area and of the posterior pole. Many of these diseases appear due to mutations in determined genes, though, a fairly large proportion of cases is considered to be sporadic. Nowadays, characteristic signs of different diseases with the vitelliform material are described. But differential diagnosis with other similar diseases (some age-related macular degeneration forms and those of central serous chorioretinopathy) is fairly difficult and requires a multimodal ophthalmologic approach, and in some cases genetic studies. Conclusions. Vitelliform lesions of the central retinal area, occurring in adult patients are a group of diseases that are difficult to diagnose and masquerade themselves as other diseases of the central retina, which requires certain doctors knowledge and ability to carry out a multimodal imaging and prescribe the appropriate treatment if needed.