Peripheral Exudative Hemorrhagic Chorioretinopathy (PEHCR): Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Peripheral exudative hemorrhagic chorioretinopathy (PEHCR) is a peripheral retinal vascular abnormality that is likely underreported. We review the differential diagnoses, etiology, and treatment options for PEHCR. Methods: We present a case of an asymptomatic 72-year-old female referred following left eye fundus photography finding of the peripheral lesion. Results: Fundus photography demonstrated a large temporal pigment epithelial detachment (PED) with adjacent fibrovascular membrane. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) confirmed the PED with trace subretinal fluid. Fluorescein angiography (FA) demonstrated early and late hypofluorescence of the PED with late leakage of the adjacent temporal fibrovascular membrane. Observation was elected, visual acuity remained unaffected, and the PED spontaneously resolved. Conclusions: Due to the peripheral location, patients often present as asymptomatic; however, vision loss can occur due to vitreous hemorrhage or extension of subretinal fluid, hemorrhage, or exudate to the macula. Commonly, these lesions are referred with concern for choroidal melanoma due to their large, dark, elevated presentation in the peripheral retina. Multimodal testing using B-scan, FA, and OCT is important in establishing the proper diagnosis. PEHCR lesions can often be observed without treatment, though intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF is increasingly used to prevent secondary causes of vision loss.

Keywords

• choroidal neovascular membrane
• pseudomelanoma
• PEHCR
• retinal vascular peripheral lesion
• anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF)