Torpedo maculopathy

Category(ies):

• Retina / Vitreous

Contributors: David A. Ramirez, MD; Scott A. Larson, MD

Photographer: Unknown

Posted September 17, 2020

Torpedo maculopathy is a retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) defect, typically in the temporal macula with a characteristic pointed, "torpedo" shape with one tip pointing toward the macula [1] (Figure 1). Several theories have been offered as to the etiology, including an RPE nevus, a developmental defect in the "fetal temporal bulge" (a developmental structure present during gestation), or failure of the RPE to close overlying the region near the emissary canal of the long posterior ciliary artery and nerve [1,2].

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings include outer retinal thinning and thin RPE (Figure 2). Other features may include hypoautofluorescence, hyperfluorescence on fluorescein angiography, and an absolute scotoma corresponding to the lesion location with visual field testing [1].

Figure 1. Color fundus photograph of the right eye demonstrating a "torpedo" shaped RPE defect pointing towards the macula.

Figure 2. OCT with radial raster through the lesion demonstrating thinned RPE (gold arrow), loss of the inner/outer segment of the photoreceptors (transition point labelled with red arrow).