Angioid streaks

This uncommon condition is characterised by breaks in Bruch's membrane which resemble blood vessels. They are frequently associated with pseudoxanthoma elasticum; less often, with sickle cell disease and Paget's disease. They may cause disciform macular degeneration (exudative).

Other associations include:

• hyperphosphataemia
• Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
• lead poisoning
• trauma
• pituitary disorders and other intracranial disorders

Reference:

• Lebwohl M et al (1993).Brief report: occult pseudoxanthoma elasticum in patients with premature cardiovascular disease. NEJM, 339(17), 1237-53.