Vortex Veins in Eyes With Pachychoroid Spectrum Disorders Evaluated by the Adjusted Reverse 3-Dimensional Projection Model

PURPOSE: To compare the distribution of vortex vein ampulla (VVA) between pachychoroid spectrum disorder (PSD) and controls. DESIGN: A single-center, case-control study. PARTICIPANTS: This study included 75 PSD, 35 fellow, and 65 control eyes. METHODS: We quantified VVA distribution using a 3-dimensional reverse projection model corrected for image distortion. We investigated the distribution of major drainage veins (MDV), in which macular Haller's vessels directly influx. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The mean distances from the optic disc to VVAs and the mean angles between VVAs and the fovea-disc line. RESULTS: The PSD group had significantly fewer VVA in infranasal sector (PSD, fellow, control; 1.6 ± 0.6, 1.8 ± 0.6, 1.9 ± 0.6, respectively, P = 0.026). In supralateral sector, for PSD, fellows, and controls, the mean distances from the optic disc to VVAs were 14.1 ± 1.0 mm, 14.1 ± 1.1 mm, and 13.6 ± 1.4 mm, respectively, and were significantly farther in PSD than in controls (P = 0.023). The mean angles between VVAs and the fovea-disc line were 64.8 ± 5.9°, 66.4 ± 6.4°, and 61.7 ± 6.4°, respectively, and were significantly higher in PSD and fellows than in controls (P = 0.008). The mean distances from the optic disc to MDV in supratemporal sector were 14.1 ± 1.2 and 13.7 ± 1.2 in eyes whose Haller's vessels extended beyond the fovea-disc line (asymmetry), and those that did not, respectively, with the asymmetric eyes significantly farther (P = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: The VVA position in supralateral sector was farther and higher in PSD than in controls, suggesting that the distribution of VVA may be associated with the development of PSD. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.