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Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences

Congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigmented epithelium (CHRPE) in a "bear tracks" configuration

Congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigmented epithelium (CHRPE) in a "bear tracks" configuration

Category(ies): Genetics, Retina
Contributor: Jesse M. Vislisel, MD
Posted: August 15, 2013

Congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigmented epithelium (CHRPE) lesions are typically solitary, flat, well-demarcated, hyperpigmented lesions of the retina. They can occasionally be seen in a grouped configuration resembling the footprint of an animal, or "bear tracks," as is seen in this photo. Both solitary lesions and "bear tracks" are benign. However, multiple, bilateral lesions can be associated with Gardner's syndrome, an autosomal dominant disease which invariably results in colon cancer by the fifth decade of life.