ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is a unique form of occult choroidal neovascular membrane. The clinical presentation and angiographic findings distinguish idiopathic PCV from other known neovascular and choroidal degenerative disorders. The characteristic morphology of PCV includes the presence of a branching network of inner choroidal vessels with terminal aneurysmal dilations. Other key findings include subtle nodular protrusions, which may precede multiple serosanguineous retinal pigment epithelial detachments. If Bruch's membrane is compromised, there is an additional risk of exudative retinopathy or vitreal hemorrhage. CASE REPORTS: Three patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy are described with visual impairment secondary to irregular choroidal vascular lesions producing recurrent subretinal hemorrhages and exudative retinopathy. CONCLUSIONS: The characteristic presentation and clinical course of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy distinguish it from the typical presentation of age-related macular degeneration and other causes of hemorrhagic and exudative retinopathy. Imaging techniques such as fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, and optical coherence tomography may assist in the accurate diagnosis of PCV, so that appropriate treatment and management can be provided. In patients who manifest exudative, hemorrhagic retinopathy, with no signs of active inflammation or an anatomic predisposition to choroidal neovascularization, PCV should be considered.