Patterns of non-rhegmatogenous elevations of the retina.

The purpose of this paper is to point out the differential diagnostic value of contour and topography in distinguishing a number ofnon-rhegmatogenous elevations of the retina. The other diagnostic aspects of the disorders that are well known will be neglected for the sake of brevity. The characteristic contours of rhegmatogenous detachment were described in an earlier communication (Lincoff and Gieser, 197I). In general, rhegmatogenous detachments are progressive, become extensive, and spread from ora to disc. They develop consistent dependent shapes in relation to the position of the most superior retinal break and have regular convex borders and surfaces. Detachments from superior holes develop bullae; detachments from inferior holes do not. Pigment lines develop at stationary borders. In contrast, non-rhegmatogenous elevations of the retina tend to be confined, to be either peripheral or central, and not to extend from ora to disc. Borders are often irregular and sometimes concave. Pigment lines are exceptional. Dependent bullous shapes develop in exudative disorders but they are peculiar enough to be distinguished from rhegmatogenous detachment. The contours of non-rhegmatogenous retinal elevations are mostly distinct enough to conclude that a retinal break is not present. Non-rhegmatogenous elevations may be classified topographically as follows: