Choroidal Varix

This patient has a vortex vein varix, a benign dilatation that can simulate a choroidal tumor.

The diagnosis is clinched when gentle digital pressure on the globe collapses the varix, making it temporarily disappear.

Learning Points:
The vortex veins provide the major venous outflow for the choroid, subsequently draining into the superior and inferior ophthalmic veins. The vortex ampullae are visible at the equator, usually in each quadrant.

The ampullae can sometimes dilate into a nodular, orange-brown varicosity that can simulate a choroidal tumor. They are usually isolated lesions, but can be multiple or bilateral.