SIGNIFICANCE: Pattern dystrophies of the retinal pigment epithelium, often misdiagnosed as other macular conditions, were once considered a rare retinal disease. However, an increasing number of cases have recently been discovered owing to advancements in multimodal imaging and increased awareness of the condition. PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to increase awareness of pattern dystrophies and to review how to accurately diagnose and manage pattern dystrophies by understanding their presentation on fundus autofluorescence, optical coherence tomography, and electrodiagnostic testing. CASE SERIES: Three cases of patients diagnosed as having pattern dystrophies are reported. In case 1, fundus autofluorescence, optical coherence tomography, and electrodiagnostic testing aid in diagnosing multifocal pattern dystrophy. The same tools are used to diagnose adult-onset foveomacular vitelliform dystrophy in case 2 and reticular pattern dystrophy in case 3. CONCLUSIONS: Fundus autofluorescence, optical coherence tomography, and electrodiagnostic testing facilitate the proper diagnosis of patients with pattern dystrophies. With increased awareness of pattern dystrophies and increased use of multimodal imaging, pattern dystrophies will likely no longer be considered rare.
SIGNIFICANCE: Pattern dystrophies of the retinal pigment epithelium, often misdiagnosed as other macular conditions, were once considered a rare retinal disease. However, an increasing number of cases have recently been discovered owing to advancements in multimodal imaging and increased awareness of the condition. PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to increase awareness of pattern dystrophies and to review how to accurately diagnose and manage pattern dystrophies by understanding their presentation on fundus autofluorescence, optical coherence tomography, and electrodiagnostic testing. CASE SERIES: Three cases of patients diagnosed as having pattern dystrophies are reported. In case 1, fundus autofluorescence, optical coherence tomography, and electrodiagnostic testing aid in diagnosing multifocal pattern dystrophy. The same tools are used to diagnose adult-onset foveomacular vitelliform dystrophy in case 2 and reticular pattern dystrophy in case 3. CONCLUSIONS: Fundus autofluorescence, optical coherence tomography, and electrodiagnostic testing facilitate the proper diagnosis of patients with pattern dystrophies. With increased awareness of pattern dystrophies and increased use of multimodal imaging, pattern dystrophies will likely no longer be considered rare.