PROLIFERATION OF JUXTAPAPILLARY RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIUM SIMULATING MALIGNANT MELANOMA

Four cases of pseudomelanomas of the nerve head are described; two have been studied histopathologically. All patients had in common: a) disturbance in and adjacent to the optic nerve head with ill-defined borders and a particular pattern described as mottled, mossy, or filigree; b) slight elevation of the affected tissues, but without definite tumefaction; c) fine retinal folds or striae radiating from the lesion to the macula; d) stationary or slowly progressive course; and e) enlargement of the blind spot with deterioration of vision. Only two quite similar cases could be found in the literature. © 1969 Dr. W. Junk N.V.