Mauricio Arango-Hurtado, Karol Quintero-Lizcano, Javier Andres Díaz-Vargas, Sara Turizo Mejía, Sarita Restrepo Velásquez
This case enhances our understanding of SMACH and underscores the value of multimodal imaging in identifying this rare condition, providing key insights into its diagnostic approach and natural course.
OBJECTIVE: To report a case of a Stellate Multiform Amelanotic Choroidopathy (SMACH). A newly recognized, rare retinal disorder that remains largely underreported in the literature.
METHODS: Case report and review of literature.
RESULTS: We present the case of a 67-year-old asymptomatic woman with a nasal parafoveal hypopigmented lesion. Multimodal imaging, including Optical Coherence Tomography, Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography, and fluorescein angiography, revealed hyperreflective choroidal thickening, minimal subretinal fluid, and a digitiform pattern, with no signs of neovascularization.
DISCUSSION: SMACH is a rare, benign choroidal disorder whose variable clinical presentation can complicate accurate diagnosis. Understanding its non-progressive natural history is critical for differentiating it from vision-threatening pathologies, such as choroidal tumors, macular neovascularization, or pachychoroid spectrum diseases, reducing the risk of misdiagnosis and unnecessary therapeutic intervention.
CONCLUSIONS: This case enhances our understanding of SMACH and underscores the value of multimodal imaging in identifying this rare condition, providing key insights into its diagnostic approach and natural course.