Differential Diagnosis for Yellowish Colored Subretinal Deposits in the Macula
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD): This condition is the most common cause of yellowish subretinal deposits, known as drusen, in the macula. Drusen are lipid and protein deposits that accumulate under the retina and are a hallmark of early AMD.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Basal Laminar Drusen: A condition characterized by the presence of numerous small, uniform drusen in the macula, often associated with a higher risk of choroidal neovascularization.
- Pattern Dystrophy: A group of inherited retinal disorders that can cause yellowish subretinal deposits in the macula, often with a characteristic pattern of distribution.
- Sorsby's Fundus Dystrophy: A rare inherited disorder that causes progressive vision loss, characterized by yellowish subretinal deposits and atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Choroidal Melanoma: Although rare, a choroidal melanoma can present with subretinal deposits and must be ruled out due to its potential for malignancy and metastasis.
- Metastatic Cancer: Metastatic tumors to the eye can cause subretinal deposits and are critical to diagnose due to their implications for systemic cancer treatment.
- Rare diagnoses
- Best Vitelliform Macular Dystrophy: A rare inherited disorder that causes a characteristic "egg-yolk" appearance in the macula due to yellowish subretinal deposits.
- Adult-Onset Vitelliform Macular Dystrophy: A rare condition that presents with yellowish subretinal deposits in the macula, often with a slower progression than other forms of macular dystrophy.