Choroidal neovascularization and angioid streaks in pseudoxanthoma elasticum

Aim: To report a case of pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) in a 48 year old woman that presented with bilateral blurry vision.

Methods: A case report

Results: A 48-year-old woman presented with bilateral blurry vision and right eye metamorphopsia. The patient had a history of angioid streaks in the left eye ten years ago for which she had received laser surgery and had poor residual vision. Visual acuity was 20/60 in the right eye and count fingers at 6 feet in the left. Fundus examination showed subretinal hemorrhage and macular thickening on the right and a disciform macular scar with focal atrophic pigment epithelial lesions on the left. Both eyes had angioid streaks and peau d'orange pigmentary pattern of the retina. External examination showed several, yellow skin papules and plaques on the lateral and posterior neck, as well as prominent mental creases. Pathologic examination of skin biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of PXE, showing calcium deposition and fragmented, clumped elastic fibers in the deep reticular dermis. She responded well to intravitreal bevacizumab injections and visual acuity improved to 20/25 OD. Preventative care was emphasized and the patient was referred to cardiology, gastroenterology and human genetics for counseling.

Conclusion: PXE is a multisystem disorder affecting the dermatologic, ocular, and cardiovascular systems. Ophthalmic findings of angioid streaks and choroidal neovascularization in the presence of stereotypical skin changes and prominent mental creases should prompt evaluation for PXE.